15th November 2015 by Nigerian Tribune

nigeria’s most informative newspaper no 2,020

SUNday, 15 november, 2015

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HID Awolowo’s homeward journey begins today

PARIS TERROR ATTACK

Death toll rises to 127, 300 injured

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•ISIS claims responsibility •French president vows brutal response •Buhari, Ban ki-Moon condemn attack

Nigerian Tribune

• Lying-in-state in Ibadan tomorrow •Ajimobi assures Oyo residents, visitors of adequate security From left, former vice-president and founder of American University of Nigeria (AUN), Yola and keynote speaker, Atiku Abubakar; his wife, Amina Abubakar; chairman, BoT, Mr Akin Kekere-Ekun and vice chairman, BoT, Professor William Bertrand, at the varsity’s Founder’s Day in Yola, Adamawa State, on Saturday.

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REVEALED

Why APC wants Rivers, A/Ibom govs removed

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Boko Haram not pg planning attack on South-West — DHQ

•As DSS arrests another terror kingpin

SCENE OF TERROR...The site of the most sustained killing was the Bataclan theatre on Boulevard Voltaire, where at least 80 people died. PHOTO: AFP

•Registrar defends Umar

pg 46

Remove Umar, CCT boss, now, group tells AGF

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

news

15 November, 2015

CHIEF (MRS) HID AWOLOWO (1915 - 2015)

PHOTOS: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

HID Awolowo’s burial: Ajimobi assures visitors, residents of security

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2 1. From left, Mrs Victory David, Reverend (Dr) Kayode Odubela; Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran; Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu; chairman, Master Meat Agro Production Shoprite, Ikenne, Mr John Adeleke and Dr Deon Johanu Cinradle, at the Awolowo’s residence at Ikenne, on Saturday. 2. Cross section of ministers of God at Ikenne, on Saturday.

Sunday Tribune

he governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has assured that there would be adequate security for dignitaries and indigenes of the state expected to attend the final burial rites of Chief HID Awolowo, scheduled to continue in Ibadan on Monday, calling on the citizens of the state to be part of history by turning out in large numbers to witness the activities. The governor, in a statement by the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, said: “I use this opportunity to welcome visitors to Ibadan and assured them of adequate security. I call on the hardworking security agencies in Oyo State to step up their surveillance to ensure crime-free ceremonies. I also enjoin men of the Federal Road Safety Commission to brace for the traffic challenge.”

He maintained that the matriarch of the dynasty of the late Premier of Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, deserved a burial befitting of heroines, noting that as a mark of respect, the government has ordered a temporary closure of the popular Agbeni market, on Monday, due to its contiguous location to the Methodist Church, Agbeni, where a commendation service would be held for the deceased by 9am. The statement explained that the closure became necessary to prevent avoidable gridlock and the attendant pains it could cause traders and commuters plying the area. The governor appealed to the general public to join hands with the state government to fully partake in the burial rites from 7am on Monday when the corpse arrives in Ibadan, from where the procession moves to the Oke Ado resi-

dence of the Awolowos for lying in state by 8am. After the commendation service, the statement said that another lying-in-state would be held at the Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan, between 11am and 1pm. “Let us turn out en masse on Monday to give our dear Mama a burial rite befitting of a heroine, which she was. Since her passage, several accolades and encomiums have been showered on her, I want the people of Oyo State to go a step further by partaking in all activities scheduled for her burial. “This is the best opportunity for us to again show our love for our highly venerated late sage Chief Awolowo for his sacrifices for this country. Since his passage Mama had held the fort to the admiration of the Yoruba and the country at large. Her memories will live with us forever,” the governor said.

news

Paris attacks: Death toll rises to 127

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

•Ban Ki-Moon, Buhari condemn attacks By Abiodun Awolaja with Agency Report

HE death toll in the Paris terror attacks has risen to 127, with about 300 people injured. This is just as the terror group, Islamic State, otherwise known as ISIS, on Saturday claimed responsibility for the attacks and issued fresh threats, listing Nigeria as one of its targeted countries. According to an online report credited to the terror group, Rome and the United Kingdom are two other targets in the group’s hit list. In two separate statements, which the terror group allegedly issued to claim responsibility for Friday night’s terror attacks in Paris which claimed about 127 lives, the terror group vowed to resist the ongoing counter-terrorism operation of the Nigerian military in the “interior Nigeria,” a reference to the North-East states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. It will be noted that the Nigerian military had, in recent times, pushed the Boko Haram terrorists out

of Sambisa forest in Borno State, as well as reclaimed many towns hitherto occupied by the terror group in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, rescuing hundreds of captured women and children. In a Twitter rant entitled “They kill and they killed” quoted by the anti-terrorism website, Tracterrorism, one Mujahid Shaykh al Abu Muhammad said the terror group carried out the callous attacks in the French capital following the country’s deployment of anti-terrorism forces in Saladin, France. He frowned on the attempt to confront the terror group in the Middle East, saying it further wanted Rome, the Italian capital, Paris and Andalusia, a region in Spain, under its control. Referring to Western governments as an army of crusaders, he said: “When you deploy forces in order to control the city Saladin and dreaming (sic) of Mosul, Sinjar, Haul, Tikrit or Huwaijah or dreaming Mayadin or Jarablus or Karmah or Tel Abyad or Al Qaim or Darnah or dream to reclaim the wilderness

in the interior Nigeria (sic) or master ‘Asy’ asy Sinai desert sand, then surely WE just want ROME and PARIS Insyaallah before ANDALUSIA.” Mayadin, Jarablus and Tel Abyad are all towns in Syria, an ISIS stronghold; Al qaim, Mosul, and Tikrit are Iraqi towns, while Darna is a town in Libya. In another statement quoted by Longwar Journal and entitled “A Statement on the Blessed Onslaught in Paris against the Crusader Nation of France,” ISIS claimed that its members who attacked the city it branded the capital of prostitution, vice and European Christianity, were dedicated believers who were aided by Allah in their criminal onslaught. On Friday, eight attackers wearing suicide vests had stormed the Bataclan theater, where a band was performing, the Stade de France where a football match was being played between France and Germany, and restaurants and other targets, shooting sporadically. Celebrating the callous killings, the terror group

said: “Eight brothers equipped with explosive belts and assault rifles attacked precisely chosen targets in the center of the capital of France.” It boasted that the city was shaken beneath the crusaders’ feet, and claimed that the attacks resulted in the deaths of no less than 200 crusaders and the wounding of even more. The statement warned France and allied nations to expect more attacks, vowing that “the scent of death will not leave their nostrils as long as they partake in the crusader campaign, as long as they dare to curse our Prophet (blessings and peace be upon him), and as long as they boast about their war against Islam in France and their strikes against Muslims in the lands of the Caliphate with their jets, which were of no avail to them in the filthy streets and alleys of Paris.” Responding to the attacks, French President, François Hollande blamed the attacks on the organisation in a televised address on Saturday.

“It’s an act of war perpetrated by a terrorist army, Daesh [ISIS], against France, against a free country,” he said. “These attacks were prepared, planned from the outside, with internal complicity,” he said. Mr Hollande declared a national state of emergency in France, deploying the military around Paris and imposing border controls. He also proclaimed three days of national mourning. The killings are the second major attack in Paris this year, following the terrorist assaults that hit the French capital in January, when three Islamist extremists killed 17 people in a series of attacks at the offices of weekly magazine Charlie Hebdo and a Jewish supermarket. It is the deadliest terrorist attack in western Europe since the Madrid train bombings in 2004. Officers were hunting for accomplices but all the attackers were believed dead, said Michel Cadot, the city’s police chief. A spokeswoman for the prosecutor told the Associated Press that eight

attackers had been killed, seven in suicide bombings. Ban Ki-Moon, Buhari condemn attacks The United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon and Nigeria’s president, Muhammadu Buhari, have described the attacks various locations in and around Paris on Friday as despicable. In a statement issued in New York on Saturday, Ki-Moon condemned the attacks in which 127 people were killed and many others injured. He expressed optimism that the French authorities would do all in their powers to bring the perpetrators to justice quickly. The secretary-general extended his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for those injured. Buhari, in his response to the attacks, expressed shock. The president, in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Continues pg46

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

life&living

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

‘She was supremely intelligent’ Words will suffice to describe how sorely Mama will be missed. The memory of Mama’s legacy, her national service without a title, and the pride of her life’s work will build bridges of comfort for the entire family.” In his tribute, the All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, described the transition of the Yeye Oodua as a moment of glory. He noted : “When Papa passed away over 20 years ago, we thought that was it, but mama, given the strength of character that she had, after her period of mourning, knew that there was a job to be done. She knew that what the good old chief stood for must be propagated, must be continued; that the torch that he handed over must not be allowed to be extinguished. And so with courage, with forthrightness, she continued what, today, we can only refer to as the legend of the Awolowo family.” Foremost industrialist, Otunba Subomi Balogun, said: “We’ve lost a mother, an angelic mother and a mother in Israel. We’ve lost someone who has left indelible footprints in our hearts. I know the whole nation is mourning her, but I have come to express the joy of my family and I as to what mama had been to us specially.” The tributes from across political and cultural tendencies were endless. The significance of her passing Apart from uniting political opponents, the Yeye Oodua’s transition has no doubt demonstrated genuine feelings from the high and mighty, underscored in part by the huge vacuum it has created and in view of the positive impact she made, directly or indirectly, during her life time. As the tributes from political divides in the country have come to indicate, the Yeye Oodua indeed wielded enormous political influence and, what is more, she was a very kind person, guided by her passion to ensure that Nigeria enjoys unity in terms of cultural affinity and affiliation, political understanding. The tributes have also showed that she was a detribalised person, a fact also signposted her political involvement, as, since the passing of the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1987, she never openly canvassed votes for anybody. Instead, her home was a melting pot for all and sundry, particularly when she co-founded the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), an umbrella body for all Yoruba sons and daughters geared towards fostering the unity and progress of the Yoruba nation.

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mantra of Life More Abundant during and after the life time of the great sage,” he noted, while the Lagos State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, said: “She was the matriarch of the Awolowo family, a well respected dynasty in the history of Nigeria. Mama’s demise at this time is painful, especially coming at a period when Nigeria is gradually enjoying democratic bliss, which her late husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, fought for till his death”. His Osun counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, described the translation of the matriarch as the end of an era.“We believe there will be a celestial celebration of reunion of a couple that exemplified harmony and true wedlock. There is no doubt that she was a jewel of inestimable value as Papa described her. She demonstrated this by standing behind her husband during his political trial. She never wavered for once during Papa’s incarceration. Rather she was committed to upholding what Papa stood for. The Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, said Nigeria had lost a role model of distinction, a highly disciplined and principled woman, a trustworthy ally and dependable politician who equally made her mark in the business world.” The Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, noted: “Mama H.I.D was a pillar of Christian propriety and fountain of humanism, always eager to dispense goodwill to all who came to her. However, much as we mourn her, we believe that she deserves to be celebrated in deserved tribute to her laudable life as a mother, devout Christian and an exemplary Nigerian. Again, the immediate past Senate President, David Mark, enthused: “Our mama was always there for us. At several challenging times, she never denied or shied away from of-

fering tangible advice . Her counsel always saved our nation from the precipice. Unarguably, we shall miss her wise counsel, honesty, unwavering commitment to the ideals of nation hood, sense of wisdom and humour. She has left a big shoe that would be difficult to fill.” The pan Yoruba group, Afenifere said “the the woman stood by her husband when he was alive, she never wavered and remained the pillar of the family after the death of her husband. How can we forget mama? It is impossible. She was kind and good,” while foremost nationalist, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife, noted that “Mama was a blessing to Nigeria in her lifetime as wife of one if founding fathers of Nigeria. She will remain great even in death. Rest in peace.” Former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, spoke the minds of many Nigerians when he noted that “No

Perhaps because she was a princess, HID’s death should herald no less fanfare. But she truly earned the current celebrations.

A royal week Thus, apart from the Interdenominational Service at Park Lane, Apapa, Lagos, there will be a lying-in-state at the Okebola, Ibadan residence of the Awolowos tomorrow (Monday), followed by a commendation service at Agbeni Methodist Church, Ibadan, where she spent many invaluable years as a dedicated church woman. Another commendation service by the Liyangu ruling house is slated for the HID Awolowo Church, Sagamu, Ogun State, while the Tribune House, Imalefalafia, Ibadan will play host to dignitaries from across the country for yet another lying-instate ceremony, before the body will be moved to Efunyela Hall, Ikenne, for the final Monday service. On Tuesday, a lying-in-state ceremony in Ikenne, where the pan Yoruba groups, Afenifere, Yoruba Council of Elders, Oodua Foundation, USA; Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) and members of the National Youth Service Corps will deliver orations, will be capped by a ministration by renowned critic and nationalist, Pastor Tunde Bakare. In the same vein, on Wednesday, the much anticipated biography of the Yeye Oodua authored by Professor Wale Adebanwi, will be launched in Ikenne, followed by a Service of Songs by the Anglican Church of Nigeria Diocese of Remo Women’s group. Thursday and Friday are taken up by the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Oodua Foundation and universities, Muslim prayers, tributes by different families and chiefdoms, including the prestigious Ife Council of Chiefs, while the revered Ogunde Theatre Group will storm Ikenne on Saturday, before yet another Service of Songs by different churches. All this, in just one week. Perhaps because she was a princess, HID’s death should herald no less fanfare. But she truly earned the current celebrations. The Bard of Avon, true to his calling, wrote centuries ago: “Death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.” But he added a caveat: “When beggars die, there are no comets seen. The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.” We refer here to Julius Caesar, the same text where the English poet penned the two enduring lines. The Bard did not tell the full story: greater than comets are seen at the funerals of royals who lifted up the downtrodden.

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

life&living As the programmes heralding the interment of the Yeye Oodua and princess of the Liyangu ruling house of Ikenne Remo, Ogun State, Chief Mrs HID Awolowo, begin today, ABIODUN AWOLAJA takes a retrospective look at some of the comments of notable Nigerians across political divides and highlights the symbolism of her transition.

ince she joined her ancestors on September 19 to date, the Yeye Oodua, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, has continued to inspire heartfelt appreciations from Nigerians from all walks of life. Almost two months since her passage, her Ikenne Remo, Ogun State residence has continued to witness a deluge of visitors on a daily basis. Only on Thursday, a human rights activist and Executive Chairman, Centre for Human Rights and Social Justice (CHRSJ),Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman, described the late HID Awolowo as an epitome of good governance and motherhood on the African continent, saying she would continue be remembered for being the pillar of true support to her husband, the late sage and first Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo. Indeed, no Nigerian of note has failed to express different aspects of the HID essence since September 20, and it is no coincidence that, as she begins her final journey today, dignitaries from all walks of life will converge on Park Lane, Apapa, Lagos, for a Christian Interdenominational Service. According to observers, HID’s burial programmes have turned out to be a national carnival, as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ogun State, Mr Taiwo Adeoluwa, indicated that President Muhammadu Buhari and the 36 state governors in the country are all expected at her funeral, with the Nigeria Police Force alone deploying 10,000 personnel for the exercise. And just as 60 Anglican bishops will attend to the spiritual side of the service, on the cultural side, two of Nigeria’s finest music legends, King Sunny Ade and Chief Ebenezer Obey, will mount the stage to give the Yeye Oodua a befitting final salute. Indeed, as the nation received the news of her transition, tributes poured in, in torrents. To President Muhammadu Buhari, with HID’s death, Nigeria lost “a Jewel of inestimable value who will be long remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage. Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, pointed out that: “Mama Awolowo truly distinguished herself among her contemporaries and not only because she lived longer but because she served God and humanity to the end. Even as a nonagenarian, she kept on hosting different fora and contributing to ideas on the unity of the Yoruba people in particular and Nigeria in general.” Saraki’s deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, said the late matriarch represented everything a mother and leader should stand for. His words: “Mama HID Awolowo was an uncommon matriarch and pivot of unity. History and posterity will always be kind to her for co-building the Awolowo brand and sustaining the unity, dignity and political ideologies of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo dynasty.” Speaking in the same vein, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, said HID was a mother to the nation “who left a huge vacuum in our lives. She will continue to be remembered for her humanitarian and philanthropic deeds and said she lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.” In his own tribute, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Mama had lived a life that most of us will envy. It doesn’t matter how long our loved ones live, we will still want them to remain with us. Mama’s life had been a joy to many as the matriarch of the Yoruba race, having been the First Lady of the Western Region. There must not be a vacuum. Mama’s shoes are too big; what all of us will have to do is to make our feet bigger so as to enter her shoes.” To former President Goodluck Jonathan, “My wife and I are not mourning because mama has passed on. Indeed we believe that it is a rare privilege to add extra 29 years to the Biblical three scores and ten. “She was a mother to all

As HID’s homeward journey begins today... of us, a mother whose milk of kindness we still need. Her milk of encouragement, we still need; her milk of advice we still need. God brought her for all of us; she just had to be the biological mother of a few.” Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, was not left out in the tributes train. He stated: “The passing of Mama Hannah Awolowo so close to her 100th birthday is an epochal event. It marks the end of a historical phase in the evolution of our country, Nigeria. Mama Awolowo was not only the partner of one of Nigeria’s most illustrious founding fathers, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, but also remained a huge source of inspira-

tion to many national political leaders who endeavoured to follow in the footsteps of the Sage.” Needless to say, HID’s death was celebrated by all the governors in the country. Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, one of the most notable disciples of the Awolowo school, said the Yeye Oodua was a supremely intelligent, kind-hearted, loving and caring mother of the Yoruba nation. “As the mother of the Yoruba nation, Mama made invaluable contributions to the Awolowo School of progressive politics encapsulated in the social democratic Continues pg7

news

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Report on B/Haram planned attack on S/West baseless —DHQ Another Boko Haram kingpin nabbed

Chris Agbambu-Abuja

he Defence Headquarters has described the recent report spreading across the nation that Boko Haram was planning to attack the South-West as baseless and misleading. This was contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director Defence Information, Colonel Rabe Abubakar. According to the statement, “the attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to the above caption published by some sections of the media, claiming impending attacks by Boko Haram terrorists in some south-western states of the country. “This story is not only baseless but lacks substance in its entirety, hence should be disregarded. More worrisome is the claim that the terrorists had infiltrated the SouthWest states.” The statement further stated “while the military and other security agencies have made tremendous successes in degrading and decimating the terrorists who are now in disarray having lost their centre of gravity, camps and their

source of logistics, it would be unthinkable to raise these unfounded rumours of Boko Haram terrorists planning attacks, not only in the South-West but any other part of the country for that matter. “The coordination and synergy between the military and other security services which led to the arrest of some ring leaders

of the terrorists in some states is instructive, pointing to their incapability to wage any coordinated attack.” The DHQ urged the general public to always be wary of suspicious individuals or groups in their localities and to report such to security agencies for prompt action, as the war is one between Nige-

ria and Boko Haram terrorists, which required the collective contribution of all Nigerians to end the terrorism in time. “The Armed Forces are using this medium to appeal to the good citizens of Nigeria, particularly in the western part of the country, not to lose sleep over the unfounded and fictitious reports and to go

about their normal and legitimate businesses, as the DHQ and other security agencies are monitoring the situation with all seriousness,” the statement added. Meanwhile, following the release of the poster containing photographs of 100 suspected Boko Haram terrorists, security agencies and the public have

Mr Niyi Sijuade of ANN Plc and his wife, Olasunbo, during their wedding ceremony held at Shammah Hall, Olusanya, Ring Road, Ibadan, on Saturday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU

Book presentation on HID holds Nov 18 By Olakunle Taiwo The committee organising a befitting burial for the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Hannah Idowu Dideolu, has slated Wednesday, November 18, 2015, for the book presentation on the Yeye Oodua, who passed away on September 19. HID’s biography, written by Professor Wale Adebanwi, is entitled “In the Radiance of the Sage: Life and Times of HID Awolowo”. A part of the book read: “The crowd roared ‘Awo! Awo!’… If the Premier of the Western Region (Akintola) was sufficiently confident of his popularity, she was challenging him to ‘undertake a political tour’ of Ondo province with her ‘to test our popularity…’ Hannah Awolowo completed her campaign that day by urging the crowd to vote for the AG/NCNC alliance, that is, United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA), in the approaching elections to end ‘the present chaos and state of economic stagnation in the region.” The book will be launched at the Awolowo’s

residence, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, at 10.am. On the occasion, the chief presenter will be a former vice president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (GCON) while

a former Deputy ViceChancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Adigun Agbaje, will be the book reviewer. The chief host is the

governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (FCA), while host governors are Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti); Rauf Areg-

besola (Osun); Dr Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo); Mr Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos); Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta) and Mr Adams Oshiomhole (Edo).

intensified the search for them. The renewed zeal has been yielding the desired result, as the Borno State Command of the Department of State Services (DSS), on Saturday, arrested another suspected high profile Boko Haram terrorist, Danladi Abdullahi, at the Moduganari area of Maiduguri metropolis. Although he is still being investigated, it has been established that he is suspect number 26 on the list of the declared suspected terrorists issued by the Nigerian Army last month. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, commended the DSS, especially the Borno State Command, for this singular act, resilience and continued support and cooperation in the fight against terrorism and insurgency. The DSS, he said, had over time proven to be a dependable partner in the quest for a secure Nigeria. A statement by the Defence Headquarters noted: “We would also like to reiterate that the fight against this security menace is a collective responsibility. Therefore, we shall continue to solicit the public’s support, cooperation and understanding as we finally quench the remaining dying embers of the Boko Haram terrorists in our country. “We should all be more vigilant and security conscious to enable us all to enjoy a better and more secure Nigeria.”

Sharp practices: DPR says marketers risk N2m fine, licence revocation Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has warned petroleum products marketers to stop engaging in sharp practices, or face sanctions which includes a N2 million fine and licence revocation. The DPR Director, Mordecai Ladan, gave the warning while speaking against the backdrop of the resurgence of fuel scarcity in some parts of the country. He said that any petroleum products marketer who engaged in the act of diversion, hoarding or under-dispensing would be prosecuted and treated like an economic saboteur. He warned petroleum products depots and filling stations owners to desist from products diversion, hoarding, pump manipulation as well as selling prod-

ucts above government approved prices. According to him “marketers caught diverting or hoarding products for profiteering shall be sanctioned

with a fine of N2 million, in addition to having their operating license revoked and prosecuted for national economic sabotage.” The DPR boss linked the

resurgence of fuel queues in some states in the northern part of the country to the nefarious activities of unscrupulous marketers who are in the habit of di-

version of petroleum products to other sources, apart from dispensing pumps at filling station at the appropriate price of N87 per litre.

Mimiko builds 50 mega schools, pays N2bn bursary The Dr Olusegun Mimiko -led government of Ondo state has so far built 50 Caring Heart Mega Schools since it assumed office in 2009. The schools, built and equipped with modern facilities, were constructed by the Mimiko government to meet the standards of child-friendly schools as well as provide quality education for students in the state. Kayode Akinmade, the state’s Commissioner for Information, speaking with newsmen in Akure at the weekend, said the

aim of the schools was to enhance social integration among school children. He said: “The major objective is to close the gap between the rich and the poor in the society,” submitting further that the concept would make the beneficiaries of the schools to compete favourably with their counterparts outside the shores of the country. He said the state government had also embarked on the renovation of 97 primary and 240 secondary schools across the 18 local government areas of the state.

He added that the sum of N200 million was released for the State Library Board to purchase modern and relevant textbooks in core subjects to improve and encourage the reading culture among the students. “Recently, teachers of core subjects were trained and retrained so as to be able to acquire new skills and approaches on how to teach their students for better performance. “Teachers in private schools participated in the training on Ebola kits usage and prevention of the deadly disease,” he said.

In addition, he noted that no fewer than 16,875 teachers and 223 nonteaching staff had been promoted across the state. The usage of free school shuttle bus was flagged-off on June 12, 2012 to reduce the burden of extra spending by parents who might find it difficult to send their children to school due to expenses on bus fare, and to also reduce the trekking distance by students which could have negative effect on their studies, he said. To this end, Akinmade said 90 free shuttle buses were available across the state.

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

KOGI...SAI WADA

2015

His Excellency,

Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada, Executive Governor, Kogi State

PEOPLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DEMOCRATIC PARTY Kogi State welcomes the National Chairman, Members of the National Working Committee, Chairman and Members of National Campaign Council, State Governors and Party Chieftains to

The Grand Finale of PDP Governorship Campaign Rally Date: Monday, 16th November, 2015. Venue: Con uence Stadium Lokoja Time: 10.00am.

Come and witness the mother of all rallies.

Announcer Senator Tunde Ogbeha

DG, Wada/Awoniyi Campaign Organization

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

ENTLEMEN, the pleasant duty of introducing the Action Group has been entrusted to me. On the 21st March, this year, the Action Group was introduced to the public through the Press, and its aims and objects were clearly set out. Since then, the Action Group has been unfolding itself and fulfilling its aims and objects more by action than by words. The most eloquent tribute to the growing strength of this young organisation is that all those who are gathered here this morning - accredited representatives of the entire Western Region - are members of the Action Group. The aims and objects of the Action Group have not only been published as I said, but are contained in the Draft Constitution, copies of which have been forwarded to you. I will not, therefore, take your time by repeating them. There are, however, two items in the aims and objects which I should like to emphasise, since they are the very basis of the Action Group. I refer to items (I) and (3). The two are complementary and they read as follows: To bring and organise within its fold all nationalists in the Western Region, so that they may work together as a united group, and submit themselves to party loyalty and discipline. To prepare and present to the public programmes for all Departments of Government, and to strive faithfully to ensure the effectuation of such programmes through those of its members that are elected into the Western House of Assembly and the Federal Legislature. The attainment of these two aims implies identity of adherence to basic principles, and identify of methods in the application of the principles. If any group of people fails to agree as to basic principles and as to the methods to be adopted in applying those principles, it is impossible for them to work within the same fold, and to submit themselves to party loyalty and discipline. The basic principles which have brought the members of the Action Group together are summarised in the following motto: Life more abundant Freedom for all It is our belief that the people of Western Nigeria in particular, and of Nigeria in general would have life more abundant when they enjoy. i) Freedom from British Rule ii) Freedom from Ignorance

Awoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thoughts VOICE OF REASON

Freedom for all First Presidential Address at Owo, on 28th April, 1951. iii) Freedom from Disease and iv) Freedom from Want. In our view, the rule of one nation by another is unnatural and unjust. It is maintained either by might or by the complete subordination, through crafty means, or the will and self-respect of the subject people to the political self-aggradisement of the tutelary power. There can be no satisfactory substitute for self-rule. Therefore,

The total abolition of want in our society by means of any economic policy which is both expedient and effective

Sunday Tribune

British tutelage is to be denounced without any reservation. In principles, it is indefensible. In practice, it has been characterised by extreme planlessness and disregard for the vital interests of the people. After almost 100 years of British Rule, our land is still riddled with unspeakable ignorance, disease, and want. An ignorant and povertystricken people are the easiest preys to political enslavement and economic exploitation. Diseases of all kinds follow in the wake of ignorance and want. The basic principles which, therefore, have brought us together within the fold of the Action Group may be stated in the following words. The immediate termination of British Rule in every phase of our political life: The education of all children of school-going age, and the general enlightenment of all illiterate adults and all illiterate children above the school-going age. The provision of health and general welfare for all our people. The total abolition of want in our society by means of any economic policy which is both expedient and effective. Having agreed on these basic principles, it becomes necessary to take the next step, namely: to agree as to common methods in the application of those principles. This is a very important step; because, even though people may agree as to principles, if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t agree as to methods of application it would not be possible for them to work together. It is in order to evolve these common methods of applications it would not be possible for them to work together. It is in order to evolve these common methods that some members of the Action Group have been commissioned to prepare papers not only on Government Department subjects but also on the organisation problems of the Action Group. It will be our duty at this Conference to declare our irrevocable adherence to the principles already enunciated and to fashion out from the papers which are already submitted on various subjects what our common methods of applications shall be. Once we have succeeded in doing these two things, the fulfilment of our aims and objects is well-nigh achieved. All that we would need in addition would be persistence and consistency in the pursuit of our principles, and resolution and discipline in the execution of our common methods of application.

To be continued

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15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

law

you&the

Barrister Ikechukwu Ikeji Esq, is a senior constitutional lawyer with years of experience. In this interview with YEJIDE GBENGAOGUNDARE, he speaks on staged walk out by Saraki”s lawyer, disrespect from the bar to the bench and sundry issues. Excerpts:

with Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

m:08116706853 e:o_yejide@yahoo.com

Arrest of bloggers will hinder freedom of speech — Ikeji Some people say defense lawyers are the reason many criminals get away with crime especially in cases of fraud and corruption. Do you agree with this? This is true to an extent. It is true to the extent that there are also other causative factors why criminals get away with their crimes. Defense lawyers exploit the extant fundamental rights provisions of Section 36 on fair hearing to bring all sorts of applications to frustrate criminal proceedings. It was in response to this worrisome tendency that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 (ACJA) was recently enacted. Section 305 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act puts a check on frivolous attempts to delay criminal proceedings. Other factors that aid the poor prosecution of criminals include poor and shoddy investigation, poor prosecution, compromised prosecution, the judicial system and failure of some judges to take charge and control of their courts.

O you believe the opinion of indiscipline in the legal profession from the bar to the bench especially from senior advocates? Senior Advocates of Nigeria are a group of respected senior lawyers who have been given the special privilege of being given preferential treatment in the law profession. By virtue of the privileges they are entitled to, some of them seem to allow it get into their heads, which makes them exhibit indecorous attitudes. They get to easily socialize with judges and get too familiar with the judges. Some judges are also classmates and close friends with the Senior Advocates with the Senior Advocates knowing the secrets of the judges, a situation that leads to the Senior Advocates more or less holding the judges in low esteem. Truly, there is a lot of indiscipline in the legal profession mainly due to the arrogance of the Senior Advocates.

From the legal perspective, is it right for Saraki's lawyers to walk out on the CCT during proceeding leaving their client behind? A lawyer has every right to withdraw from representing a client by withdrawing his service and appearance in a case in so far as he does not insult anybody or use words that denigrate a judge or his colleagues. Saraki's lawyers may have withdrawn in protest against the methods adopted by the Code of Conduct Tribunal. It may be a wrong or an unfair use of words to say that the lawyers walked out on the Tribunal. It may be more appropriate to say that they withdrew their services and having withdrawn their services, they became functus officio as far as the proceedings of the tribunal are concerned. Having become functus officio, having nothing else to do with regards to the proceedings, it became only natural for them to leave the court. In point of fact, one would expect that Saraki's lawyers should apply that the Tribunal Chairman disqualifies himself from the case. The Saraki case raises a lot of issues amongst which is whether the Code of Conduct Tribunal is a court strictly so speaking or whether the proceedings against Saraki is a criminal trial. Different lawyers hold different views but

Sunday Tribune

Barrister Ikeji (Esq) a close and scrutinous look at the combined provisions of Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, Section 18 (3) and (6) of the Fifth Schedule Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution (which is in pari materia with Section 23 (3) and (6) of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act 2004), Sections 1 and 494 (definition section defining "court") of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 may reveal that indeed the Code of Conduct Tribunal may not be a criminal court as to be depending on the provisions of ACJA upon which the tribunal relied to refuse to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court on the issue of its jurisdiction. It is my view that the Tribunal ought to have exercised restraint and put a temporary hold on its proceedings to wait for the decision of the Supreme Court. The question is, why the hurry? Why wait for thirteen (13) years and suddenly start wearing the cloak of urgency when it can still wait a few more weeks? The conduct of the tribunal may indeed bother on impunity and that is my humble view.

In recent times, bloggers are being sent to jail, this was not the system in the past. Don't you think this will hinder freedom of speech and information? It is quite sad and disheartening to hear of stories of arrest and harassment of bloggers and social media activists. This tendency will surely hinder freedom of speech. It is point of fact contrary to the clear provisions of Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, as amended. The section provides as follows: "39. (1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) of this section, every person shall be entitled to own, establish and operate any medium for the dissemination of information, ideas and opinions: Provided that no person, other than the Government of the Federation or of a State or any other person or body authorized by the President on the fulfillment of conditions laid down by an Act of the National Assembly, shall own, establish or operate a television or wireless broadcasting station for, any purpose whatsoever.

DO YOU KNOW?

You can sue your landlord IN Nigeria, the relationship between many landlords and their tenants could be likened to that of the cartoon characters, Tom and Jerry. Most often than not, they have a love-hate relationship and one party ends up victimizing the other especially when they live in the same compound. The Nigerian constitution in order to create a peaceful environment and cohesive tenant-landlord contract made adequate provisions as guide. Most people do not know that the tenancy law in Nigeria is more in favor of the tenant and they cannot be easily thrown out by their landlords even when they default in rent payment. No landlord can eject his tenant forcefully except with the support of the law after what is usually a long court process. Before anyone can be ejected by his landlord, there must have been a valid quit notice which is not only written but which the landlord must ensure is served on the tenant else he denies getting a quit notice. A tenant that pays rent yearly gets a notice of six months to look for alternate accommodation while a tenant that pays monthly gets a month notice.

It should be noted however that when a tenant defaults in rent for three months or over, the landlord may forgo quit notice but even in this situation, he has to follow the law and give seven days notice of his intention to recover the premises. He can’t just jump on the tenant to send him packing. This seven days notice usually comes after the expiration of a valid quit notice; it is invalid if served during or before a valid quit notice. The seven days notice is to be calculated from the day after the service of the notice and a tenant who still maintains a property after the expiration of a valid “Notice to Quit on him will be said to be holding it against the rights of the landlord. Yet, the law still does not permit the landlord to forcefully evict the tenant without proceeding to court to procure an order. At this point, the tenant maintain the property as a tenant of the law and not the landlord, though he can be forced by the court to pay rent accumulated during this period and this doesn’t happen in all situations. No court ejects a tenant without hearing from him. And

to help the case of the tenant, he has the right to sue a landlord that refuses to heed the law and throw him out. A tenant can sue the landlord for trespass while occupying a property, also, tenants have the right to notify the Landlord of structural or substantial damage in the premises and landlords have a right to inspect their properties if adequate notice is given to the tenants. And the landlord may indicate that the tenant would not occupy his house with more people than the house can sustain, in order to stop damage to his property Landlords have however gotten wise and created ways of beating the law. They insist that tenants sign agreements that they can be ejected without notices. And since the law respects agreement between parties, agreement between tenants and landlords are binding. In fact, a tenant cannot claim that he never understood the terms of the agreement as ignorance is no excuse in law. (igonrantio legis no excuse). Therefore, before signing any agreement with a landlord, a tenant needs to carefully read and understand the tenancy agreement and weigh all the options for unplanned situations.

15 November, 2015

N this era of everything and anything of the immediate past administration undergoing “change”, I had to double-check that Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, a suspected product of Governor Ayo Fayose’s whirlwind romance with former President Goodluck Jonathan, is still a federal property, not just only in name. By convention, federal institutions are always cheaper fee-wise, given the capacity of the owner for heavier subventions and subsidy. I doubt if that has changed. The relativity in fees also explains applicant traffic. State-owned higher learning platforms are understandably more in expense, for the other side of the reasons that make federal’s, economically-attractive. Since none is now immune to the bug of strike action, with the exception of private institutions, it is also understandable why federal is always first-choice desire for applicants. It is also why getting admitted has been tougher than the rich making heaven which in turn, by Jesus assessment, is still tougher than an impossible situation of a camel passing through the eye of a needle. If for the Omniscient Lord, an impossible situation has a better chance than those who grab money everywhere ever coming close to His kingdom, then I doubt if anyone in the management of Oye-Ekiti varsity is thinking heaven. Yes, Nigeria’s CEO, President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed the nation is broke, though some crazy TSA commission to a doing-nothing REMITA won’t match that claim. Varsity subventions are also likely to be affected by the claimed cash crunch, but nothing should justify the rip-off of odds and ends fees for new intake of Oye-Ekiti varsity, with all being deemed compulsory. I will attempt a listing. From N30,000 acceptance fee to Administrative charge of N5,000, Examination fee; N5,000, Identity Card; N1,000, Library; N7,500, Matriculation fee; N8,000, Medical fee; N5,000, Student Handbook; N2,500, Sports; N3,000, ICT Registration; N5,000, University Calendar; N5,000, Laboratory/Workshop fee; N10,000, Field Trip; N5,000, Caution fee; N5,000, Result Verification; N3,500, Departmental charges; N500, Faculty charges; N1,000, Hostel fee; N30,000 et al. Haba! Every Initial Gra Gra (IGG) now is about increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in every expenditure system which no one should quarrel with, considering that there are needs to be met to keep the system running. But daylight robbery should not replace efforts at shoring revenue base. In an interview with the Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Professor Rahmon Bello about a year ago, my last question

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s idea of organising a retreat for his ministers ahead of their assumption of office came across as a very good move. Apart from being an opportunity for bonding and building team spirit among members of the Federal Executive Council, it was also an occasion for the president to share his vision for the new administration with the men and women he had invited to join him in delivering democracy dividends to Nigerians. The president, in his speech at the retreat, told the ministers of his plans to lift as many Nigerians as possible out of poverty. He also intimated them with the plan of his government to diversify the nation’s economy. According to him, “We will intervene in mining and agriculture and upgrade the country’s physical and social infrastructure, which will broaden our revenue base and significantly improve the level of employment, especially among the youth. Our economic focus will be policies that will ensure inclusive growth and we will count our achievements based on the number of Nigerians we move out of poverty.” When a leader casts a vision, it becomes the mission of his subordinates, and for the mission to become realisable, there must be a plan that can be translated into measurable actions. President Buhari has cast his vision and this ought to become the ministers’ mission. Therefore, at the next FEC meeting, each of the cabinet members should present the plan for actualising the vision of the president as it affects his or her ministry, which would be discussed by all members and this would become a blueprint for the ministry. The president spoke of his expectations in broad terms at the retreat but the transformation of the expectations into reality is the function of the individual minister. For instance, when the president spoke about intervening in mining, agriculture, social infrastructure and the creation of employment opportunities, what the president did was just to let us (Nigerians) into what he wants for the country. The onus is now on the minister in charge of the respective ministries to work out how this will be translated into what the president really wants. This can best be achieved if each minister will take

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

Oye-Ekiti varsity, watzup?

to him was if university education was cheap in Nigeria. I demanded a decisive Yes or No. He hesitated before saying it was cheap, particularly federally-owned, relative to others beyond our shores. He also thought the “cheap” learning might not be sustainable. While hesitating, I encouraged him with my opinion that a realistic more should be paid. But Oye-Ekiti varsity fee-charging notorious ingenuity is far beyond my projected raise. Why should using a library which is very much likely to be bereft of useful, useable and readable references, cost N7,500? What if the student would never use it? Is the compulsory fee in anticipation of students mishandling the stock? What then would be the purpose of N5,000

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Ministers, your POAs, please

it upon him or herself to come up with a Plan of Action (POA), which will show steps that will be taken and actions that will be executed week after week, month after month, year by year to ensure that we get what we really want so that the next administration after this will not be talking again about the same issues. Each minister will have to indicate in the POA the deliverables. For instance, the Education Minister needs to tell the country how he intends to tackle the issue of out of school children and give us steps he would take to reduce the number of this category of children yearly. He also needs to tell us how he

Sunday Tribune

Caution fee? Do the authorities realize that this kind of official robbery could get students robbing the said library in frustration of “being charged for nothing” and in justification of “at least I have paid for it”? The N8,000 Matriculation fee, I suspect, would include feeding the matriculants’ guests. Yeah, it is sarcastic kidding but what else am I supposed to think? For matriculation gown? Lord, have mercy. N5,000 ICT fee? A replica of Opon Imo? I hope this would be without Eji Ogbe incantation. N5,000 Medical fee? Every discerning parent would know better than relying on this payment for commensurate medical attention if his ward is under the weather. Of all these nebulous fees, none riles like N5,000 University Calendar fee. Will this cover the new intake entire stay in the university? Pardon my rhetorical question. We all know it will not. Whoever got the printing contract? Direct job or contracted out? What is the quality of this “expensive” calendar? What if a parent doesn’t desire one for his ward? The “useless” calendar is even five times costlier than “useful” ID Card. There could be a defence of many private primary and secondary being more expensive than Oye Varsity. Absolutely correct. But there is a demarcation; public and private. Government, regardless of how irresponsible it has become, still has responsibilities to the citizenry. One of such, is education. Reality will support a half of the education space being conceded to Shylock entrepreneurs but what is left as platform for government/ citizenry melting point, should not get into greedy competition with the investors on the other side. Indigent admission seekers should also have hope. Struggling parents deserve affordable platform for their wards to turn out better than them, especially in a society that celebrates paper qualifications. While the varsity must survive, parents and guardian must too. Hope of a better tomorrow must not be dashed on the altar of survival instinct. I see being clever by half in the fee listing. In fact, the authority could claim that the institution is running a free education, because there is no where school fee is directly mentioned, save for N5,000 examination fee. Making all the fees payable before commencing registration smacks of a rip-off. A couple of the fee should be optional. Someone should come out and say it was a mistake listing all as compulsory. It would be gladdening if the listed fee on the university website is another hacking incident by the same crooks who succeeded in planting a fake bank account on the said website, ripping off many intakes who had to pay the N30,000 administrative charge twice, first to hackers and then the university authorities. But in the real sense, is there much difference between the two sides?

is going to align the skills acquired by our undergraduates to the realities in the marketplace as a way of scaling down unemployment among the youth. The Labour and Employment Minister needs to come up with creative ways to tackle the high level of youth unemployment and show in measurable ways the number of people that would be taken out of unemployment quarterly. The same goes for other ministers. The plans for the realization of the president’s programme raised in the POA will later be discussed and critiqued at FEC with input from all members. Once it is ratified, it becomes a government policy. The success or otherwise of the minister will be easy to determine by looking at the implementation of the POA. The president can effectively assess any of his ministers, and, by extension, his administration, by comparing what has been accomplished by the ministry with the POA approved by the FEC. He can decide in the spate of a few minutes whether his administration is meeting the expectations of Nigerians or frustrating them. The president has good intentions but there is a saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. The import of this is that good intentions are not enough to effect a positive change. The president has promised a change for the nation but that will only happen, as observed by the president himself at the retreat, if there is a paradigm shift. The shift that is required now is from governance by proposals, as we had in the past, to purposeful governance. I am told that in the past, ministers as well as some governors relied on proposals by contractors to determine a direction for their ministries and states. Any wonder then that development has been haphazard in the country? Good governance is never by happenstance; it is a product of deliberate efforts to make it happen. The first step to ensuring good governance by the president is to insist that his ministers should come up with their POAs, which will be made public so that all Nigerians will know whether a minister deserves the office or is just wasting space and resources. Unless that is done, our ballroom dance of one step forward and two backwards may continue for the next four years.

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Why I can’t wear bum shorts outside —Mary Etta

I wear

what I like ’cos... —Toby Grey

N500m copyright fine:

Justice is sweet —KSA

I’m not dating Seun Egbegbe

—Toyin Aimahku

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Tade Makinde tademt2@yahoo.com 08055001753

I’m getting married soon —Flavour

Set to follow in the step of his comedian friend, Akpoporo, Flavour is also ready to settle down soon. The musician, already a father of two children from two beauty queens, Sandra Okagbue and Anna Banner, said on HIP TV recently. Flavour’s comment, however, is a surprise to many as he had sometime in October, admitted that marriage was a “very difficult and a tough decision to make.” According to him, “marriage is a serious thing. It’s a decision that once made, you are in it or you are not. So, you can’t afford to get it wrong. That’s the most important thing. “If you want to marry just for the sake of it, then it doesn’t make sense. Because of the kind of job I do, I hardly stay at home. Where am I going to have the time to give my family? So it is very difficult,” he said last month. Less than a month after he made that statement, he has now made up his mind to walk the aisle as he told the cable network that: “I’m getting married soon”.

Movie on Lotto set for release Controversial movie, My Bet, will be released this week. The online version of the movie, which was released two months ago, generated uncontrollable controversy when it first got uploaded. The movie which puts on display the rise of the now modernized betting system in Nigeria, Lotto, first had copies of its DVD released, but after much consideration by the producers, copies will be made available in Nigeria. “If not for the request we got, we would have been satisfied with the online and DVD distribution,” the producer, Chima Ewurum, said. The movie stars Chiwetalu Agu, Chinyere Nwabueze, Harry B, Osinachi Dike – Egbeigwe Apama, Jazzy Okey among others.

40 years copyright battle: Justice is sweet —KSA

By Tade Makinde

ing Sunny Ade has expressed satisfaction with the judgement that was finally delivered after his 40 years legal battle with Take Your Choice (TYC) on copyright infringement. Judgement on the case between KSA and the record company, African Songs, and its subsidiary TYC, was pronounced on Thursday as a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos ordered the two companies to pay Sunny the sum of N500 million as damages for infringing on his works with additional cost N3million for prosecuting the suit. KSA told R on Friday that the favourable judgement was all that mattered as he never for once doubted getting justice at the end. It took a long time, but it was worth the wait. Justice is sweet. I am grateful to God that it has finally happened. It is worth more

Adeola Omo Ologo set to drop video Female gospel singer and songwriter, Adeola Ifeoluwa, a.k.a Omo Ologo, is set to drop her new video, Owo Olorun. After taking a break from music for sometime, Adeola will return with launching of her video. Adeola has teamed up with Excellent Badmus Production to relaunch her career in style even as she said her decision to work with Badmus Production was borne out of her passion to give her music career a face lift. The new video will be launched on November 29, at Restoration Garden, Aba Iya Gani, Ile Ife, Osun State. Expressing her gratitude to God for the success of the new work, she observed that she would not have completed the work but for God’s grace, adding that “I believe the album will do well. I strongly believe that it will touch lives and many people will be richly blessed”, she said.

than N500m to me as God has done things in my life that is worth more than that,” he said. Also reacting, Mr Clement Ige, KSA’s business associate, said the landmark judgement has set a precedence in the entertainment industry. He urged artistes to be steadfast while seeking legal judgement against copyright infringement. In a statement of claim before the court by Felix Fagbohungbe, SAN, in 1975, a contract dispute arose between Sunny Ade and the two companies culminating to a judgement delivered by Justice Dosumu. The court ordered the companies to return the master tapes of the original musical works produced by Sunny Ade and his Green Spot for the label back to him, but before the master tapes could be returned, Chief Bolarinwa Abioro, the chairman of the two companies, died. However, in a bid to retrieve the tapes, KSA dragged the two companies before a federal high court in Lagos in 1997. Joined as co-defendants were; Lati Alagbada, Record Manufacturing Nigeria limited,Ibukunola Printers, Alhaja Awawu Ade Amodu and M.O. Alagbada, whom were alleged to have been using the master tapes of about 22 works to produce inferior qualities of his works and sell, thereby depriving him of his means of livelihood. KSA demanded for damages in the sum of N1 billion jointly and severally, and prayed the court to order the two companies to return to him his master tapes, as well as restraining the defendants from infringing on his musical works. In a defence and counter claim filed by the two companies,they claimed that since Sunny Ade has been paid royalties by the companies he cannot lay claim to the tapes again. According to them, the contract he signed with the two companies does not include returning of the master tapes to him. Consequently, they urged the court to award N5million against Suny Ade and in their favour. In his judgement, Justice James Tsoho, while dismissing the counter claim of the two companies for lack of merit, ordered the two companies to pay Sunny Ade and his band the sum of N500 million. He also ordered that the master tapes should be return to Sunny since it has been proved beyond reasonable doubt that he is the owner of the copyright. Justice Tsoho also awarded N3 million cost against the two companies.

4real Eze returns with ‘Power’ By Seyi Sokoya

Kaduna State-born Eze Franklin Chekwube a.k.a 4real Eze, is back with a new single entitled ‘Power’. The song, produced by Don Maeratte, is expected to further showcase 4real’s versatility. Speaking about the latest song, 4real said “Power is a song to motivate and remind music lovers about scriptural passage:‘He has given us power to tread upon serpents and scorpions...’. The song is also for the bad people who think others cannot be successful in life,” he quipped. He also told R that his record deal with Don Maseratte Entertainment is still intact, just as the record label gave the musician an SUV as part of his deal with the label’s boss, Don Maseratte.

UNILAG honours Wale Adenuga Wale Adenuga MFR, Chairman, Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) Ltd., was honoured at the UNILAG Distinguished Alumni Award & Dinner which took place at the University of Lagos on Friday. Adenuga, who graduated from UNILAG in 1974, received this honour alongside other alumni of the institution such as Dr Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, Governor of Gombe State; Professor Nimi D. Briggs, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Dr Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (Posthumous), Physician and Endocrinologist, Prince Tony Momoh, former Minister of Information; Professor Victor Segun Awonusi, Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Education, Kano; Chidi Onyeukwu Ajaegbu; Bola Temowo, Past President/ Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Insurance of Nigeria; and Seni Adetu, immediate past CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc.

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Why marriages are collapsing —CB

Dance With Peter features music legends By Rotimi Ige Music of the 1970s and 1980s was the focus on Dance with Peter on Thursday. Before the performances, however, ambivalence filled the air when three house mates were sent packing from the dance academy as a result of the votes cast by viewers. Six dancers, Amazing Amy, Bobby B, Octopus, SoCrazy Cool, Weezy and MOD, who had been nominated for eviction last week, were in high hopes of remaining in the academy. Unfortunately, So Crazy Cool, Weezy and MOD were sent packing after recording the lowest votes, while Amazing Amy, Bobby B and Octopus were saved and returned to the house. Omawumi, who made a guest appearance, and the judges, Peter Okoye of P-Square, dance queen, Kaffy, choreographer and Don

Flexx, praised the evictees for having come thus far and advised them to remain steadfast in pursuing their dreams. The eviction of the three dancers leaves 15 house mates in the academy who were given the task of performing the dance steps of any music legend of their choice. The focus in this week’s edition was “Legendary Throwback”. The dancers, who had earlier been briefed, were to perform solo with creativity and careful adaptation of their preferred music legends as had been advised by the judges. Messiah performed Bonny M’s “Daddy Cool”, Paullete performed Cindy Luper’s “Just Wanna Have Fun”, Nekky performed Angelique Kidjo’s “Agolo”, while G-Xtreme performed Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It”. Globacom, sponsor of the show, encouraged viewers to

Don Jazzy ready to work with D’banj

Michael Collins Ajereh, a.k.a Don Jazzy, has expressed desire to work with erstwhile partner, D’banj. It would be recalled that at 2Face Idibia’s 40th birthday in September, the African Queen crooner appealed to the two to sheat their swords and work together again as they were both good together. Speaking during the official unveiling of the ‘Access Mavin Concert’ billed to hold on December 23, 2015, Don Jazzy said a reunion between him and D’banj was pos-

sible if only they both agreed to it. “It is possible. We will do it when we both settle down and agree we want to do it. He is busy and I am also busy, but we live in the same vicinity. By the time we sit down and plan it, we would create something. We would probably work again. As long as there is life, there is nothing impossible,” he said. Don Jazzy plans to stage his first ever concert tagged ‘Access Mavin Concert’ at a press briefing on Wednesday.

vote for their favorite contestants. “Voters stand a chance of winning fantastic prizes including Iphone 5 handsets, Glo internet wifi and modems as well as Glo recharge cards”. The statement added that those who missed the show on Africa Magic Urban on Saturday night could look forward to it on African Independent Television (AIT) 5 p.m. on Sunday to see the contestants replicate the thrilling dance steps of music legends. Other contestants who performed were Teejay who did Brenda Fassie’s Vuhndlela,TRubber who did Brenda Fassie’s Nguanoma, Julius Fakta, Miracle, Yemi and Kelvin.

As Nigerians have lost focus of the essence of marriage, it should be expected that the institution will continue to collapse, says Charly Boy, who recently marked his 30th wedding anniversary to his wife, Diane. CB, who said he shocked his son by insisting that he spent his own money on his marriage so that he could learn the art of discipline, told R that he was more concerned that his son understood the sacredness of the oldest institution on earth. “Months ago, my last son came to me to talk about his impending marriage. He wanted a high society wedding at my expense, but I told the young lad that it was what he could save for his wedding that would be the budget for it as nobody paid for mine. He has to be disciplined enough to raise the money he needed for it. “As a showbiz personality, it is easy to surmise that I will like large occasions as shown by my late father’s burial, which was a carnival of sort, but I still think that most of what we spend on such events are unnecessary. In modern days, wedding ceremonies have become more important than marriage itself, which is why we find the fragile institution collapsing. “Elaborate functions are not always a bad idea itself, especially when the person hosting it is

spending money as a result of their hard work and not stolen or borrowed money, but we need to understand that money is not what keeps a marriage going, it is love. We Africans are generally boisterous people. We love events and for us, everything is a large party and the larger the party, the more successful an occasion is interpreted to be. Naming ceremonies, weddings, even funerals have become one big jamboree and my personal opinion is that we are losing the significance of this occasions which are meant to be solemn by the noisy chaos we have around it, especially weddings by my brothers from the west.

I’m not dating Seun Egbegbe —Toyin Aimahku By Segun Adebayo

oyin Aimakhu has not found love again. At least not for now. After her alleged break up with her husband, Johnson over infidelity allegation, Toyin has said that she would like to keep her marital issues private. Despite her husband’s public apology weeks after it emerged that the marriage was heading for the rocks, Toyin did not budge as her husband’s plea fell on her deaf ears. Days back, Toyin was reported to be having an affair with Seun Egbegbe, the CEO of Ebony Films, after a picture of the two cuddling each other surfaced on the internet. Some of her fans were quick to conclude that it was too early for the actress to start having an affair again. Reacting to the news, Toyin said Egbegbe is just a friend. “Seun Egbegbe has been my friend for over 12 years now and I confide in him a great deal. If people want to judge by the pictures they see, they would be misled. Everyone knows I’m a playful person by nature. And I take very suggestive pictures even more with Afeez Eniola than anyone else.” Toyin also denied reports that she was living with him, saying he’s one of the people who stood by her during her marriage troubles. “Contrary to speculations that I live with Seun, he stays in Ikeja and I live on the Island. I cannot deny that I come to see him occasionally. What most people did not realise was that when I had my trauma, I had just very true people that stood by me. Seun Egbegbe was one of them”, she said.

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

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

After breaking into the industry with the cover of Kiss Daniel’s Woju, Toby Grey has shown no sign of slowing down. She has continued to prove that her coming into the industry is no fluke and this is evident in the songs and visuals she has been dropping. The graduate of French from the University of Lagos was recently engaged by SEGUN ADEBAYO and SEYI SOKOYA, where she talked about her steady rise in the music industry.

I wear what I like ’cos...

—Toby Grey

OU broke into the industry with the cover of Kiss Daniel’s Woju, was it deliberate? It was not deliberate. I keep trying to tell people every time that it was not deliberate. I remember going to the studio with my producer to record another song entirely. Sometimes, we like to listen to songs before recording. On this particular song, we came across the song and my producer was like, let’s do something about it and I said okay. It was just a playful thing, it wasn’t something intended. I was shocked when I realised that the song had gone viral. Did you listen to that particular song before then? I listened to it once. But then, I later met Kiss Daniel at the meeting of Nigerian Association of DJs where I got his CD, which was also the first time I listened to his song until I recorded it. Did you inform him before creating another version of his song? Before releasing the song, I talked to someone on his record label, who at that time was his manager, but the person was actually the C E O of G Wordwide. I met him at a get-together organised by Nigerian DJs. I told him I recorded a song, a cover of kiss Daniel’s song, what did you think? The man said I should go ahead, and then I released the song. After recording the song, I sent a broadcast message and everybody liked it. It was not something serious, but it turned out to be a blessing. Did that change your focus in music? It wasn’t what I planned out to do. If I had not recorded the song, I would have recorded other songs. It didn’t change my focus; it only made things to be more interesting, because it wasn’t something I was expecting would happen. It has been a busy year for you, how do you feel? I feel good. I am currently feeling like a huge load has just been lifted off my back. I have been combining school and music for over the years, but now that I am done with school, I am ready to give my music career all it takes. I have been busy in the studio with my team working on a whole lot of stuff that will be released soon. I am planning to drop one more song before the end of the year and one more video. Talking about school and music, which one came first? Music came before school, but school was more serious than music. I joined the choir in the year 2011, where I got introduced to music or let me just say singing. Before then, I loved to dance, that was my first love actually, but when I gained admission into the University of Lagos in 2012, I started falling in love with music and it finally became something that I really wanted to do, and the journey has been good. You have been in the industry for about three years now, do you really think you are in line with the vision you had before you joined? Trust me, I had no prior knowledge before I became known in the industry. All I wanted was to sing and be famous, I remember when I dropped my first song, that Continues on pg22

22 glitz

15 November, 2015

Your style and fashion is different, what motivates you? My kind of style is comfort. I try as much as possible to set my trends so maybe that is why I’m different. The normal thing is that everybody likes to follow trend, I try as much as possible to set my trends.

Continues from pg21

was around the time Wizkid dropped Holla at Your Boy. So I was like, by this time next year, both of us would have become famous. You can imagine that kind of scenario, but the next thing I know, Wizkid started receiving awards all over the country and I’m still on the same spot. So, I discovered that I had to go back to my drawing board to understudy the industry very well. I realised that things have to come before certain things could happen. I am still in the process and I am sure that one day, I will get to the peak of my career.

You seem to like wearing revealing clothes, what inspires this? We live in a world where these things are nothing to so many people. Anyway, one chooses to live his or her own life is their business. You know the repercussion of your action and you should be ready to take responsibility for it. If tomorrow, I decide to wear revealing outfits, and I feel like the consequence of wearing the revealing clothes is okay by me, I don’t care about what people will say. I am always ready to take responsibility for my actions.

Looking at the music industry and how the male musicians are giving their female counterparts the run for their money, what are your chances of survival? My parents always tell me that the sky is large enough for all birds to fly, no matter the number of the birds; they will fly conveniently in the sky. That may sound symbolic, but the truth is that we all have our space, so I try as much as possible not to let the fact that I have competition gets to me. The only thing I do is to compete with myself and tell myself that you have to work harder. For me, I feel no pressure, challenges and competition are motivation for me to move up.

Where did the Grey come from? I was racking my head about how to get names. Before then, it was just Toby. One day, I sat with someone who is like a mentor to me and I said see, I don’t know what to say again; I don’t know what name to settle down with. I’d tried all kinds of names. So, we started mentioning Tobi and objects and I said I can’t be called with an object, so he said okay let’s try colours, and after we mentioned different colours, I came up with Grey. Is Grey your favourite colour? Grey isn’t my favourite colour. We decided to give Grey a meaning and we realised that Grey is an intermediate between black and white, and white for me is foreign music while black is local music. So, my music cuts across borders and I was like that is a great name out there.

What stands you out among your peers in the industry? I am very real; I don’t know about anyone else. I try to be myself every time. I don’t care who is watching or who is listening. I studied French in the University of Lagos and I keep telling people that I will inculcate that in my songs. As a matter of fact, I have a song that I sang in French. I will be dropping it very soon. The good thing about life is that you have to keep working hard, no matter what you do. The moment you feel you don’t have to work hard anymore, you are already preparing for your fall. Everything motivates me.

For some artistes, they prefer to pursue their career to a very reasonable extent before going back to school, but that is not the same in your case. Would you have graduated should fame had come earlier than now? There is no way to sugar-quote it; music would have affected my education. When I was in school, I always had to make a decision between school or music, and eighty per cent of the time it was school and nothing. But sometimes, school had to suffer, but I tried to make sure that it didn’t suffer much. I’d set my priority right from day one; when it is school time, nothing changes my plans for school and when it is music time, it’s music time.

What kind of music are you trying to sell to the people? I’m trying to sell to people the kind of music you hear that gives you tingling sensation in your belly, because that is how I view music. Anytime I hear sounds, no matter how bad, it gives me a very strong feeling but the sensations are different. Good sound makes me feel happy. So, that is what I’m trying to communicate to my audience; that is why I’m trying to break into the industry with the sounds they are familiar with. Along the line, I will introduce them to my sound without being scared. It is just a risk I want to take.

What are you working on right now; are you dropping an album? I’m working on dropping a video for my latest single Laleyi, and a couple of collaborations with some established artistes. Who are they? Let me just say two, Ayo Jay and Emma Nyra. Why Emma Nyra? I decided finally that it has to be a powerful female collaboration. The song is fired by the way and I’m sure that people will like the song.

How many songs do you have out there? I don’t know how many songs I have; but I have about five to six official songs that I have dropped. The responses have been more positive than negative, which is something I’m very thankful to God. Now you are out with your own songs, Gbona and Gbalowo e, what inspired the songs? Gbona is a love song, and I dropped it on Valentine’s Day, for lovers and it’s still trending. I dropped it for all the ‘boos’ all around the world because everyone is my boo. ‘Gbalowo e’ was produced by Antras. I featured Razor, an upcoming artiste,and we shot the video at Music Africa Studio, Surulere. Mo’fame Works directed it. With your fast rise in the game, are you already seeing yourself as a celebrity? I don’t see myself as a celebrity, because I don’t even understand what the word celebrity means. Maybe in English, it means someone who is famous, but I don’t really see it that way. I’m just like every normal person and the only thing that stands me out is the fact that I’m showcasing my talent and everyone is seeing it.

Sunday Tribune

You are young and beautiful, it won’t be out of place to ask how you have been coping with male admirers who keep pestering you for one thing or the other, how do you cope with them? I have been coping fine. I don’t have any problem with male admirers.

‘No one can decide for me

when I’ll settle down’

So you don’t see them as a kind of distraction like some of your colleagues will say? It only becomes a distraction if I let it to be a distraction. Obviously, you are still single, what are your plans to settle down? I am still single. That’s how much I can tell you for now. Single and not searching? I’m not searching. But if I eventually find, I may consider it. It is not like I’m not searching or I am searching. It is just that I don’t want to rush into anything. Whatever happens, I will leave everything to God. Are your parents not disturbing you? Ever since I’m little, they have been making the decisions for me, but this time around, I will make them understand this is my decision and I have to determine what I want this time.

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

After Saro, BAP Productions returns with Wakaa! It promises to be a great yuletide for theatre lovers with Wakaa! The Musical, another quality offering from Bolanle Austen-Peters Production

FTER wowing Nigerians with ‘Saro the Musical’ and ‘Saro the Musical 2’ Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) Productions has something fresh for theatre lovers this yuletide. It’s another Broadway style musical titled ‘Wakaa!’ Written by celebrated scriptwriter, Tunde Babalola and directed by AustenPeters herself, ‘Wakaa! The Musical’ is another world class piece that will further enhance BAP Productions’ reputation as a game changer in Nigerian theatre. Aside designer Deola Sagoe and the University of Southern Illinois, US designing the costumes for ‘Wakaa!’ popular musician, Brymo, is producing original soundtracks for the musical that will run twice daily at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos from December 30 to January 3, 2016. With MTN, Africa Magic and Dorman Long as the main sponsors ‘Wakaa! The Musical’ is about the trials, successes and experiences of six young graduates, Tosan, Kike, Ngozi, Ahmed, Rex and Alero with varied background. A wager between them after graduation has a twist when the realities of life and the folly of their choices hit them. Eventually they reunite, coming full circle. Speaking after a sneak preview of some scenes from the two-hour family-orientated extravaganza of drama, comedy, live music and dance at Terra Kulture, Victoria Island, Lagos last week, Austen-Peters explained her preference for musicals which are 10 times more expensive to produce than drama. She said, “Nigerians love music, they love dance. We’ve noticed that somehow musicals appeal more than straight cut drama to Nigerians. I guess as a group we love to sing and dance. What we do is we put the drama itself in music; immerse it in music so there’s always a story. We‘ll now build music around it and get a fuller package.” Asked if she’s not afraid of directing ‘Waaka!’ herself, Austen-Peters disclosed that apart from having produced the critically acclaimed ‘Saro’ and ‘Saro the Musical 2’ she has undergone training in directing. “I’ve been doing this now for about three years and I went to directing school at the University of Southern Illinois, US. I do things seriously when I want to do it and what I realized was that it’s my vision that is being interpreted so it takes longer but now that there’s no middleman anymore, I’m directly responsible for it. It makes it slightly cheaper and faster.” She added that though she conceived the musical and is directing it, she will be very objective in her approach. “I’ll get critics to come in before then to look at it so that it’s

Some cast members of ‘Wakaa!’ not just about me,” Austen-Peters added. Apart from entertaining Nigerians, creating jobs and boosting tourism, the beauty of what Austen-Peters is doing is providing

a platform for young Nigerians to express themselves. A significant number of the over 60-person cast of ‘Wakaa!’ have no background in Theatre Arts but are none-

theless talented actors, singers and dancers. They include graduates of Chemistry, Electronics/Electrical Engineering, Law and French among others. “Nigeria is now becoming more sophisticated to the extent that people can follow their passion and it’s because we created this platform,” she began on the development “When we started not up to three years now, nobody believed in it. Today, it is changing. ‘Saro’ changed the game for everyone and it can only get bigger. All of a sudden, we are fusing music; we are fusing costume with stage. It’s never happened in the history of Nigeria. So what we are doing essentially, we are creating a mini-revolution but people have not realised it. And you will be amazed at the number of jobs that we are doing now in relation to drama; that we get to do from different organizations. Imagine how it would be in 10 years. People are now able to come home and say, we’ve worked on Broadway, off Broadway and we want to act. What we are doing here, it’s a revolution. By the time we have a proper stage; it will be a completely different thing. So what we are doing is building capacity now.”

Osundare, El-Rufai, 81 other writers for 3rd Ake Arts Festival It’s a full package of literature, drama, movies and visual arts at the 2016 Ake Arts and Book Festival which begins on Tuesday EIGHT book chats, three art exhibitions, one play, two in-depth interviews, school visits, 18 stimulating panel discussions, three documentary screenings, two film screenings and a poetry performance event are billed for the third Ake Arts and Book Festival starting on Tuesday. With ‘Engaging the Fringe’ as its theme, the festival happening at its traditional venue, June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta will run till November 21 and feature 83 writers from across the world. Professor Niyi Osundare, Chris Abani, Helon Habila, Imani Da Silva, Inua Ellams, Jibrin Ibrahim, Kinna Likimani, Molara Wood, Mehul Gohil, Nnimmo Bassey and Pius Adesanmi are among writers that will be at the festival. Others include Remi Raji, Siphiwo Mahala, Jean-Christophe Rampal, Kolade Arogundade, Taiye Selasi, Toni Kan, Uzor Maxim Uzoatu, Wana Udobang and Vamba Sherif. Speaking at a meeting with the press on Tuesday, founder of the Book Buzz Foundation which organises the festival, Lola Shoneyin, explained that the theme was specifically chosen to focus on “genres and creative endeavour that do not get the same attention as art forms considered as mainstream.” She added that the festival will also explore “topics about African life and living in Africa in an honest, open and constructive way.” During the festival, Professor Osundare will sit in conversation with author and editor, Kunle Ajibade while Dr. Olaokun Soy-

Prof Niyi Osundare inka will sit with Angolan writer and TV host, Imanni Da Sylva. Managing Editor of the rested NEXT newspapers, Kadaria Ahmed will moderate a panel where Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai will talk about ‘Minding the Business of Africa’ with Howard French of the New York Times. Some of the books that will be discussed at the book chats include Pius Adesanmi’s ‘Naija No Dey Carry Last’, Igoni Barret’s ‘Black Ass’, Mona Elthahawy’s ‘Head Scarves and Hymens’, Maaza Mengiste’s ‘Beneath the Lions Gaze’ and Ekow Duker’s ‘White Wahala’ The three documentaries that will be screened at the festival are ‘Behind the Veil’ focussing on diversity issues in Nigeria, ‘No Where to Run to: Climate Change and Nigeria’s Environmental Crisis’ and ‘Rolling Dollar: A Legend Unplugged.” The three shows billed for the festival are a commemorative exhibition in memory of the

late Ken Saro-Wiwa titled ‘Ken Saro-Wiwa: 20 Years On’ ; Andrew Eseibo’s photography exhibition titled ‘Margin and Marginalization’ and Tyna Adebowale’s ‘Shadows and Dreams’. Aside the documentaries, the festival films are ‘The Man Who Mends Women’ and ‘Ramata’. The first film is based on Dr. Denis Mukwege who treated thousands of women after they were raped and brutalised during the 20-year conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The screening will be followed by an interactive session with the writer, Colette Braeckman and the director, Thierry Michel. Though he wouldn’t be in Nigeria for the screening, Dr. Mukwege will interact with the audience via skype. Courtesy Etisalat Nigeria, Ifeoma Fafunwa’s ‘Hear Word’ featuring Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Omonor, Elvina Ibru and others will be staged in Abeokuta while Helon Habila, Taiye Selasi and Nnedi Okoroafor will interact with 20 budding writers at a fiction writing workshop. Students are not left out of the festival as the Lagos State Government is sponsoring 100 undergraduates to the festival. They will be given book tokens worth N20, 000 to buy books at the Ake Arts and Book Festival bookstore. Shoneyin who disclosed that funding has been a major issue for her foundation expressed gratitude to partners of the festival including the European Union, Annoying Log, the Ogun State Government and Etisalat Nigeria for their continuous support. She equally thanked sponsors including Goethe Institut, Peugeot, LafargeHolcim, NNPC/Chevron, Miles Morland Foundation, British Council, Bank of Industry and CocaCola amongst others.

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

glamour

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 0805 472 7801

able. That is why I prefer gowns. Opinion on provocative dressing That I don’t like it does not mean others will not like it. I can even model a bikini but so far, I haven’t done that. How I handle advances from my male fans. I won’t say I’m popular right now so I don’t have a lot of them but you know they are only trying to appreciate you so I appreciate them back. For instance, if someone hails me, I wave back at them. My opinion on toning I will never change my skin colour for anything. That is bleaching because you are trying to change the look of your skin. I like the way I am. What I will like to change about myself There is nothing except for my hot temperament? I know I’m not beautiful but I cannot go for plastic surgery. Parting word to my fan We are humans and we all have destinies but when you discover your destiny, you will definitely make it even if it is carpentry.

Mary Etta is a Nollywood actress, a model and an undergraduate of Psychology at the Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State. She speaks with TAYO ILIASU and VICTORIA ILARI on how she has been combining acting with her academics, her fashion preferences and how she handles advances from the men folk. Excerpts:

Growing up was actually born on Christmas Day. I am the last born of eight children; five boys, three girls.

Challenges faced as an upcoming actress and model When I started modelling and acting at the age of sixteen, my mum was against it because she was of the belief that actresses were wayward but I think it is something that has to do with your self esteem. I’m of the opinion that a good person can grow up in the midst of bad people. My dad is a retired soldier; who was transferred a lot of times, so he was exposed to a lot of things and he didn’t object to my acting. My mum wasn’t too supportive but my dad was okay with it and likewise my siblings, they were okay with it and also supportive. My first experience on stage It was scary at first. I had stage fright when I started but people were friendly and supportive. I’ve featured in movies like Student in Love (2009), Secret Sword, Fathers, Pledge, and My King (2015), which is the latest. Academics don’t allow me to act often. Even before I gained admission; I was working as a secretary with Customs, in Lagos, so, I didn’t have enough time to go to auditions and locations. Role models in the industry Mercy Johnson and Genevieve. I like them a lot though I’ve not had the opportunity to work with them, I like them and wish to be like them in the nearest future. They are positive people who don’t allow all the critics and gossips to get to them. They are straightforward people who just love doing what they like doing. In the movie industry, there are lots of people who are living false lives, I can’t mention names but there are lots of them. How I have been able to combine acting with my career For now, I only go for jobs during the holidays because of my studies. That is because I can’t leave school to stay at locations for two, three months. I’ve slowed down on that. You can’t leave school for acting. For now, school is the best, at least because certificate speaks a lot about you. I’m studying Psychology because I want to gain that knowledge but I want to make a career of acting. Combining acting with school has been smooth because I don’t let them interfere with each other.

Definition of style Style is life. This is the twenty first century. If you are talking about fashion; if you open my wardrobe there is nothing that is in vogue that I don’t have or wear. I like looking good. Looking good is good business and that is why you see women buying clothes every day. If I have to choose between acting and modelling They are both interesting but it is modelling that I have passion for. Sometimes, I reject many scripts not because they are not good but because of what is required of me, so, I will choose modelling. Modelling makes me happy because I know that other women love fashion too so I derive a lot of joy from modelling. Beauty Regimen I do a lot of sports just to keep fit because I don’t want to be fat. If you are not slim, you can’t be a beauty queen. I do spa once in a month. Favourite designers I don’t keep names of designers because I work with different people and they have different designers but the lady that makes my clothes for photo shoot is Grace Nwaokey. Whenever I want to sew, I give her my designs and she gives me what I want. I would have gone into fashion designing but my course is very demanding. When I’m through, I will like to go into fashion designing and make-up artistry. Favourite colours White and pink because I like bright colours, I don’t like black because I’m dark in complexion and it makes me look like a devil.

Why I can’t wear bum shorts outside

— Mary Etta

Favourite perfumes I like Marc Jacobs perfumes. Description of self People see me as a mean person because I am straight forward, hot tempered and I hate lies. I don’t need to tell you that I am intelligent, because, when you praise yourself it does not make sense but I believe that I am intelligent at least that is why I am in the university if I am not, I wouldn’t have passed my WAEC. I’m also smart.

Choice of accessories I don’t have lots of shoes and bags but I like them, I prefer dresses. I have a lot of gowns in my wardrobe. If you give me a wrist watch, I will collect it but I don’t buy it.

What I can’t be caught dead wearing I can wear bum shorts as an underwear but I can’t wear it out because it makes people look at you somehow. I can’t wear clothes that will make me uncomfort-

aspire

15 November, 2015

Your Life Counts

BY OLAIDE SOKOYA 0807 449 7425 (sms only)

BB pin: 55CBFA49

Entrepreneurship is key to national development — Squeaky boss Adeyemi Agbaje is the brain behind Squeaky Laundry and Dry-cleaning Services. A company which started as a joke now seems to be the bride of many laundry goers. The student of Accountancy at the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, speaks with TIJANI YETUNDE on how he started, challenges and how the lives of youths can be improved. Excerpts:

WHAT is Squeaky Laundry and Dry-cleaning all about? Squeaky is all about laundry and drycleaning. We are all about rendering service at people's convenience. How did it even start? It started like a joke. I used to wash my dad’s clothes and iron them neatly. So, I sat down and thought deeply that I could do business with this and I started it gradually. How is life as an entrepreneur? Being an entrepreneur has not been easy at all, but I believe being an entrepreneur is the only way out in this our troubled economy. There have been ups and downs but thank God for being there. Now that the economy is unstable, what is the level of patronage? Although the troubled economy has affected the business but the patronage is still there, maybe because our business is service-oriented and it deals with daily chores. Apart from that, we have also been able to study the mood of the economy to suit our business. This is austerity period, it is hard for people to drop cash anyhow, even to wash their clothes, but we have the secret of making them see the need to find us. How do you cope with hot competitors around?

Well, we have put some things in place to tackle competition. In fact competition has made us more creative in our business. I wake up everyday with new ideas that my competitors will find difficult to come by. Until recently, people have seen that laundry business is good, but not withstanding, quality service delivery has also made us firm and relevant amidst fierce competition. What really makes your company different? What makes us different is the quality of service we deliver and this has been our utmost priority since the business started. The belief is that we must make a difference in the laundry and dry-cleaning world, and our level of creativity has really made that possible. We don’t offer services like other laundry companies do. Why, it is because we want to be different. How would you advice potential youths who are eyeing this business? My advice to youths eyeing the business is that they should set high standards for themselves so that it can distinguish them from other competitors. Also, they should not expect a free ride but in the end it will be worth it. What is your advice for the current administration on youth policies? I think the government should make policies that encourage and support entrepreneurship, because tending towards this direction will greatly help the country in this our troubled times. Like I have said, entrepreneurship is key in national development and only youths have the needed strength and can grow with it.

The government should make policies that encourage and support entrepreneurship, because tending towards this direction will greatly help the country in this our troubled times.

Sunday Tribune

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

The timeaforthought change is now (I) Just (1) INMany our country today thethat common slogan is change. times, the things really make a difference Change is small an inevitable part of insignificant life. Change but is not in life are and seemingly alsoa political slogan but a fact of life so to resist change is free. Three of such things that come to mind are time, to court trouble. air and thoughts. All these three things are free and “He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The every person on earth has an equal portion of it. only human institution which rejects progress is the How we use these three things will determine how cemetery.” Harold Wilson we will turn in life.denominator If we waste in our time do Change is a out common life – weand either not maximize our ability to think we are simply wastchange or we get changed. To succeed we must be reing the air breathe. For our lives to count we must sponsive towe change. learn to maximize these things. willsurvive, have a “It is not the strongest of the Today specieswethat brief look at thoughts. nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive beginning point and source of our output in life toThe change.” Author unknown isNot our responding thoughts. Everything wetosee life is the prodto change is ourinperil. uct of athe thought. great people invention started the “It's most Every unhappy who mostin fear realm of Mignon thoughts. Every outstanding achievement change.” McLaughlin started out as a thought. Great institu“The man who never alters his buildings opinion is and like standing tions were birthed fromof thoughts. water, and breeds reptiles the mind.” William Blake Thoughts are so important fashion We must not parrot changethat butthey we have to how consciously effort to ensure weresult engineer our livesmake will be. Our lives are the of thethe wayright we change. have related with our thoughts. We to thinketh put our thinking caps so onis and roll up “As need a man in his heart he”also Proverbs our 23:7sleeves so we can make the change we truly desire toThoughts be a reality. Changeand does nothave come wishing or are potent they theby power to set shouting by making and developin motionbut certain course concrete of actionsplans in our lives. “Sow ing an appropriate. a thought and you reap an action; sow an act and you “A question never and answered. It isanot a bolt to reapgood a habit; sow ais habit you reap character; be tightened into place but a seed to be planted and to sow a character and you reap a destiny.” Ralph Waldo bear more seed toward the hope of greening the landEmerson scape idea.” John Our of thoughts haveCiardi a way of shaping our lives and Change must be a conscious activity notcareful left to determining our emotions so we needand to be chance. the kinds of thoughts we allow into our minds. “Man's “Things alter for the worse spontaneously, if they be greatness lies in his power of thought.” Blaise Pascal not altered for the better designedly.” Francis Bacon If we think defeated thoughts we open ourselves up We must avoid spending too much time on rhetoric to defeat in life. Thoughts of impossibility, failure, and get down to action. Change comes with a price. weakness and expect depression will weaken our lives. we “Those who moments of change to be If comthink great positive thoughts we position ourselves fortable and free of conflict have not learned their hisfor success. Combining tory.” Joan Wallach Scottpositive and negative thinking is a way of polluting for of greatness. Many times we make our theability mistake spending so “One of the new things people began to find time out much time on talking about change not realizing in against the last that thoughts—just mere is us.century We mustwas make time our friend else the thoughts—are aswill powerful as electric batteries—as change we desire elude us. good for the onecradle as sunlight is, orWisdom as bad for onebefore as poi“Time, of hope.... walks it, son. To let a sad thought or a bad one get into opportunity with it, and repentance behind it: heyour that mind is asitdangerous a scarlet fever germ has made his friend as willletting have little to fear from his get into your body. youmade let it it stay after has enemies, but he thatIfhas histhere enemy willithave got intoyou may never get over itCharles as longCaleb as you live... little hope from his friends.” Colton We are not getting and we must make surprising things can younger happen to anyone who, whenthe a best of whatever time we have. The only time into we have disagreeable or discouraged thought comes his is ‘now’just so we must moment. mind, has themaximize sense to the remember in Time, time they and say, one. The tomorrow wedeterminedly talked about pushwaits it outfor byno putting in an agreeable yesterday has come gonecannot . . . time just flies. The courageous one. Twoand things be in one place.” time to roll up our sleeves Frances Hugdson Burnettand get to work is right now. Change will result in success in lifethoughts demands inWhen that we dwell too much on negative they telligent hard work and we must put to work all the rebecome strongholds in our mind that will hinder our sources our disposal to movewe ussee to effect the change success.atWhen that happens, ourselves arguwe ingdesire. more in favour of impossibility and failure more Change startsofwith having aand right perspective. than in favour possibilities success. We will We be need to see the wood from the trees so we can make maneuvered to thinking we are disadvantaged and right choices and decisions. One crucial thing that will cannot make headway in life. When we get to this help us a great deal is having a right understanding of stage people will write us off as impossible. “If you the operations of the three main time frames - past, realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would present and future. Not knowing how to navigate never think a negative thought.” Pilgrim through these time frames andPeace not understanding how to prepare for each time frame can be the difference between success and failure. It can be the difference between being having our desired change or not. The past is dead and gone but we are all products of the past. We need to learn from the past and move on. “What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.” Author Unknown For enquiries/comments enquiries/comments please please send send email email For to charismokola@yahoo.com to charismokola@yahoo.com

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

thepolity Cabinet: And Buhari’s men, women took oath of office

Deputy Editor, LEON USIGBE, examines Wednesday’s swearing-in of members of the Federal Executive Council ((FEC) and points out that many of the ministers will be happy that President Muhammadu Buhari changed his mind on leaving out some of them on portfolio allocation.

President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, with new ministers

ARBA Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the president on media and publicity put it the way it is - this is the day the whole world has been waiting for. He was the master of ceremony at the inauguration of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last Wednesday nearly six months after President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn into office. Anxiety had preceded the day with rumours initially suggesting that Buhari was not interested in having ministers, fueled by his statement which described ministers as noise makers. Subsequently, his remarks that many of his ministers would not have substantive appointments complicated the issue. His argument was that the nation was broke and could not afford to pay 36 ministers. Therefore, when it was time to swear in the ministers on Wednesday, the nation waited with bated breath to see who would be assigned portfolios and who would merely sit in council without specific posts. But in the end, the president reversed himself on this by allotting portfolios to all including himself in an exercise that turned out to be a bit of an anti-climax. He wrong-footed most analysts in his choice of portfolios for many of the ministers. Apart from Audu Ogbe who pundits guessed correctly that would become agriculture minister and perhaps, Kemi Adeosun and Lai Mohammed for finance and information, respectively, most of the speculation was wide off the mark. For instance, former governor Rotimi Amaechi did not get the Niger Delta ministry. He ended up in transportation. It was taken for granted that Kayode Fayemi, who had recently

represented the president in some foreign assignments, would clinch the foreign affairs portfolio. It did not quite materialize. Rather, the post went to Geoffrey Onyeama while Buhari assigned the former Ekiti state governor to the solid mineral post to confound observers. Fayemi’s situation can probably be explained by the intention of Buhari to turn around the solid mineral sector as an alternative to the increasingly unreliable petroleum sector as the nation’s major source of revenue. Otherwise, questions would have be raised as to what he has got to do with a sector where his natural talent could hardly manifest. In the same way, Buhari bypassed General Abdulrahman Danbazau for the defence portfolio which landed on the laps of Monsur Dan-Ali. Danbazau, who had been consistently linked with different posts including the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Chief of Staff, ended up with the Interior ministry portfolio. The greatest beneficiary of the swearing in ceremony was arguably former Lagos state governor, Babatunde Fashola, who had three foremost ministries collapsed under his superintendence. He is now in charge of works, power and housing, all of them huge ministries on their own. There is no doubt that while many of the new ministers relish their new assignments, others would hope that they had been better utilized elsewhere. For the administration though, this is not about personal gain but how to salvage the dwindling fortunes of Nigeria and Nigerians who had waited for nearly six months to see a cabinet in place. The Aso Chamber of the Presidential Villa barely ac-

commodated all those who came to witness the swearing-in despite the fact that each of the minister-designate had been restricted to just two guests for the ceremony. Almost all bigwigs of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) was in attendance except its national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who was conspicuous by his absence. Some observers read this as a deepening of his disillusionment with President Buhari. However, such was the huge interest in the occasion because it took so long in coming that apart from local reporters, swarm of foreign news outlets struggled to gain entry into the hall. No wonder Shehu succinctly summed it up as the day the whole world had waited for. Before they took their oath of office, uncertainty clearly etched on the faces of most of the ministers-designate as they were unsure at the time what would be their fate in terms of allotment of ministries. Administering the oath on the ministers was a longdrawn out process of four persons at a time in nine batches, lasting over two hours. When eventually the president began to read his address moments after administering the oath, the hall was tense and quiet and it was possible to hear a pin drop. The utter silence was however broken intermittently as some of the observers cheered the names announced for some ministries. There were some murmurs where the president absolutely took people by surprise. But it was the president’s prerogative to deploy them as it pleased him. Many may not all have got what they hoped for but they will be relived that they will not l have to sit in council without an office.

thepolity

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Goodluck Jonathan: A peacemaker gets his due Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA, reviews the recent appointment of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the Head of Commonwealth Election Mission to Tanzania, concluding that international honours might have started pouring in for his disposition to peace.

“M

Y political ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian.” That is the usual line the former Nigerian President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, treated his countrymen to throughout the presidential campaign seasons of 2011 and 2015. The former Nigerian leader wanted all to see him as a man of peace and he demonstrated that during the first campaign for presidency in 2011, which he won. When the campaign season dawned again in 2014/2015, Jonathan did not change his lines. Even when the opposition coalition, the All Progressives Congress (APC) was breathing down the neck of his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with a barrage of attacks in the media, the former president kept to his lines, maintaining that politics should not herald violence and letting of blood of Nigerians. It was instructive that the former President presented a picture of a dove all through the campaign season and at every opportunity. The attitude was instructive in view of the drums of war being beaten by some of his supporters and some leaders of the opposition party. He was seen to have allowed what some persons called complete democratisation of the system to the extent that many Nigerians detested the barrage of personal abused directed at the former president which made some Nigerians to refer to him as the most abused president in recent times. But that situation did not inform a change of attitude from the Otuoke born leader. He refused to order a security crackdown on any of his known opponents and the opposition and eventually became the first Nigerian leader to concede defeat in a democratic dispensation. He conceded defeat many hours ahead of the conclusion of votes tally for the election. His attitude to power immediately ranked him among the rare political breeds in Africa as an uncommon Nigerian politician. The National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State General Abdusalami Abubakar hailed the peaceful disposition of Dr Jonathan and asked the nation to be thankful to him for engendering peace and helping to deepen democratic culture. The former president’s disposition was seen as having saved Nigeria of unimaginable political violence that would have occasioned if he had rejected the results of the election. Ahead of the election, there were concerns of a widening North/South divide over the election, with the oil producing south-southern part of the country decrying the plot to railroad one of its own out of power. The region that produces the oil that accounts of some 85 per cent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings has never occupied the number one office in the most populous black nation in the world. The passion and emotions were there across the North and the South. The zones were equally poised for war to win and retain power. While the Northern political establishment has become power hungry because of the belief that the region has been kept out of power for long, the South-South believed

equally that if its oil is good to power Nigerian economy, its politicians should also be found worthy of leading the nation. The situation only needed a scratch of the match box to produce a spark whether in the North or the South. And the election coming on the heels of the prediction of American Study group that Nigeria would disintegrate in year 2015 also made the whole scenario attractive to the international audience. Something must give, and Jonathan offered to be the sacrificial lamb. Some five months after he left power, recognition appears to be coming Jonathan’s way as the Commonwealth of Nations in October announced him as the head of a 33-nation observer mission to the Tanzania election. The Tanzanian election, held on Sunday, October 25, 2015, had similar characteristics with the Nigerian election of March 2015. It was seen as the closest and the most keenly contested election in the history of the East African nation. The candidate of the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), John Magufuli, is facing fierce competition from Edward Lowassa of the leading opposition party CHADEMA. While announcing Jonathan as Head

of the Election Monitoring Group, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Yahya Simba said in Dar es Salaam, the Tanzanian capital that the observers will come from Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Pacific. He further said that while Jonathan will lead the Commonwealth observer team, former Mozambican President, Armando Guebuza will lead the African Union (AU) observer team. Simba told the media that more than 600 observers from across the world, including from the African Union, will monitor the elections. Some 23 million out of a population of about 46 million Tanzanians voted in the October 25 polls where they elected a new president, members of parliament and councillors. Simba said: “Tanzania is pleased to note that the Post-2015 Development Agenda, inter alia, has taken on board the unfinished business of the MDGs, focusing on transformative change, and endeavouring to eradicate poverty in all its forms by 2030.” The United Nation’s Resident Coordinator for Tanzania, Alvaro Rodriguez, who also spoke at the media conference

by Simba said: “Men and women in Tanzania look forward to peaceful and credible general elections and their voices to be heard on October 25, the date of the elections. “They view the future with optimism and continue to rely extensively on community radios, local administration, the media fraternity and civil society organisations for information on political events and changes facing the nation.” “Tanzanians are more aware than ever before about the MDGs and the upcoming transition to the SDGs, while the details of the goals are the targets may be unclear, they know there is a concerted attempt to assists in ending child stunting, ending discrimination and enhancing the overall quality of social services. “The 70 years’ anniversary of the United Nations is a call for a reflection on lessons learnt over the decades and focus on how to eradicate extreme poverty in Tanzania and the world at large.” Reports in Tanzania ahead of the election also indicated that the citizens were happy at the involvement of Jonathan and other high-profile individuals in the election. They were said to be particularly happy about Jonathan’s involvement, following his exemplary feat of conceding defeat even before the end of the electoral process in Nigeria and subsequently handing over power to the opposition party. Editorial opinions in major Tanzanian newspapers heralded Jonathan as the “Hero of democracy in Africa” as they believe that his involvement would ensure a transparent and peaceful election process. Paying tribute to Jonathan in an editorial before the elections, The Daily News of Tanzania commended the former president for taking his defeat in the last presidential election “in all magnanimity,” adding: “Jonathan may very well have averted bloodshed that is characteristic of incumbent leaders who cling to power tooth and nail, fang and claw! What lesson is there in this for us in Tanzania, pray?” In another Editorial entitled: “Salutary lessons for Tanzania from Nigeria’s latest elections,” the paper further added: “It is generally admitted that the election in Nigeria was unprecedentedly free, fair and transparent, whereby the opposition candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, won the Presidency. What is more remarkable is that the incumbent president who sought re-election, Goodluck Jonathan, … most graciously accepted the results promptly! “Oh, I don’t know beyond the fact that Tanzania could tragically do worse if it fails to dedicatedly take a leaf out of Nigeria’s newest book on elections!” The Guardian of Tanzania also praised Jonathan for his feat in Nigeria describing him as “a democrat who has pointed the way forward for the rest of Africa.” In the Editorial entitled “High profile figures among observers will add credibility to poll process, results’, The Guardian said: “Jonathan’s voluntary handover of power to the opposition wrote a new chapter for Nigeria’s democracy, given the fact that it is rare for sitting presidents in Continued from

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thepolity

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

How we can defeat Boko Haram —Bankole

Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole, during the week, in Lagos, met with a group of young Nigerian professionals who studied abroad and are now back home to work for greater Nigeria. He speaks on various national issues with BOLA BADMUS.

OU have interacted with the young professional Nigerians who studied abroad and they told you that they wanted to change the country, and going by the nature of questions they asked you, are you impressed or satisfied? Well, this organisation, I believe, was formed four years ago by young Nigerians, male and female who are concerned by developments in Nigeria. So, the fact that they have started is a plus, of course. They have decided to come up and take the bull by the horn and are now looking for solutions to the problems beyond their personal benefits, because they care about the country. They are thinking about the public sector and they should be encouraged to do so for they are smart and are part of the best we have at this stage. Looking at the fact that quite a number of people see you as a young man who held high political office before and they want to believe that the youth have a role to play. Specifically, what are the roles you think the youth can play in this current administration? I think the younger generation should realise one thing, nobody is ever going to give them power, never. Power is never given. You have to take it. The fact that these gentlemen and women have gotten themselves together, looking at the system, looking at how they are going to participate, how they can participate, is commendable. Yes, they are interested in taking power to make change for their communities, for their states and for Nigeria. So this is a good way to go about it. Can you give an assessment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s five months in office? Too early. We have ministers that have just been sworn in. What are the specific areas you want them to tackle concerning problems facing Nigeria? Every particular sector in Nigeria has issues. The Buhari government, just like all government before, has to settle those issues. They would have to look at some areas in which they can get quick gains for Nigerians and also look at short and long term as well. I cannot decide for them, but there are enough problems for them to solve. I can assure you. The National Assembly is in turmoil now, particularly on the issue of sharing of committee positions. What do you have to say? Well, it’s just politics. I am sure we would pass that as well. We would get through that. What should you expect from the youth in this circumstance? Well, I would keep on engaging the young Nigerians and encouraging them to be of strong character in getting involved in the affairs of the country. We have a lot of challenges in Nigeria. Looking at the global picture, do you see Nigeria coming out of these problems? I think the dependency ratio is still in favour of Nigeria for the next 30 years and, therefore, we have the opportunity to correct our inefficiency so to speak. I think this government headed by Buhari has a chance, just like all the governments before it, and Nigerians always give government a chance. I hope they get to move as soon as possible. I do believe that we cannot afford to be this inefficient 30 years from now, because the dependency ratio would change and then we would find ourselves in a place

Honourable Dimeji Bankole

we really don’t want to be. The PDP was in power for 16 years. It lost out to the APC; what do you think accounted for such? Well, the PDP could have done better, no doubt. Nigerians decided they wanted something else, and they have got it and I wish this government the best and be rest assured that if Nigerians are not satisfied with them, they would change them as well. If you were to set agenda for the new ministers, what sort of agenda would you set? I don’t think that is very fair question right now. I think they would have done their research to decide which policies need to be changed and what agenda need to be set. They are in, better position to do so, I just can’t, out of my head, begin to talk about agenda without proper research with the figures of what has happened in the last five years. As I said to you, there are enough problems for them to solve. Somebody said Nigeria appears not to be moving forward. He said when the country takes one

step forward, it takes two steps backwards, saying it has to do with problem of leadership. In your own view, what do you think is the problem facing leadership in this country? That is not rocket science. We haven’t really done well. There has been a change of leadership in the last six months. Nigerians did that. It’s part of democracy. We are going to give this government a chance and see what happens. You said it is too early to assess this government. Boko Haram has killed 4,000 people this year. They’ve killed 2,000 people since Buhari came into power; 2.3 million people have been displaced, 50,000 people are in Minawo Camp in Cameroon. Do you think the government is really doing the right thing or do you think we are serious about the fight against insurgency? Exactly. I have said it is too early. I am not quite sure what you mean by these questions. I think we are being sincere with ourselves here. Boko Haram is a major problem for us. And we need to think as Nigerians first before thinking as members of this government and members Continued from

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thepolity

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Who wins the battle on the confluence?

The governorship election in Kogi State is seven days away, YINKA OLADOYINBO, in this report, looks at the issues that may determine the poll and the chances of the major parties participating in the election..

Governor Idris Wada, Kogi State

HE Kogi State governorship election is no doubt going to be a battle of the old political foes and the new ones. Apart from this, the election means different things to different political parties, particularly the two main rivals in the political scene of Nigeria, that is, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The election, which is the first major one to be held after the general election of 2015 is an opportunity for the parties to make fresh political statements. While the APC will attempt to use the election to tell the whole world that its victory in the presidential and National Assembly elections was not a fluke, the PDP on the other hand will want the people to know that the results of the state Assembly election were the real reflections of the strength of the parties in the state. Besides the political parties, the candidates, most importantly those of the major parties, are also out to make statements with the election. The candidate of the PDP, who is also the sitting governor, Capt Idris Wada, will want to repeat the feat acheived by his predecessor in office, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris by winning a second term. On the other hand, his counterpart in the APC, Prince Abubakar Audu, will want to let the people know that it is possible to come back as governor over 12 years after leaving the office. He will also make history by becoming the first person to be elected into the office of the governor of the state three times. However, the political arena in the state has been full of activities in the last three months that the parties started picking their candidates. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had said that 22 political parties are fielding candidates for the election. Notable among the candidates are Wada, Audu, Dr Phillips Salawu of the Labour Party (LP), Enesi Ozigi of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), Godwin Hussein of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) among others. It is, however, clear that there are contenders and pretenders among the candidates as it is certain that the election will be a straight fight between the known major

Abubakar Audu

political parties in the country. Among the 22 parties jostling for the governorship seat, only the PDP, APC, PPA and LP appeared to be involved in campaign activities aimed at wooing the electorates to their sides. The remaining only exists on the record books of INEC as they are not known by the people of the state. Issues in the election But the election in the state has thrown up many issues, which are believed to be the likely determinants of the direction the pendulum will swing on November 21, when the people across the 21 local government areas of the state will file out to chose their governor for another fouryear term. Some of the issues are infrastructural development, performance in office, workers welfare, integrity of the candidates, personal attributes of the candidates and power rotation/shift. The two major candidates that are also from the Igala extraction in the Eastern Senatorial district of the state flagged off their campaigns in the same town of Anyigba in Dekina Local Government Area of the state and this has taken them round the state talking to the people, making use of the issues at stake to lure the voters to their sides. The campaign organisations of the two contenders have always seized any available opportunity to pick the issues thrown up by the election one after the other to canvass for votes among the people. The candidates The PDP in the state has always hammered on the personality of Wada, who has been described as a humble and complete gentleman. To the party, one of the qualities of a good leader is the ability to bring himself to the level of those being led and still being able to assert one’s authority. The party said it has a good candidacy in the governor, who cannot be compared with others, particularly Audu. To many discerning minds, Wada is seen as a man that is not cut out for the kind of politics being practiced in the country, because of his perceived gentleman posture.

Speaking about the governor, the director general of the Wada/Awoniyi Campaign Organisation, Senator Tunde Ogbeha said: “The difference is very clear, for me I don’t see the basis for comparing them. Idris Wada is humble, God fearing, not arrogant, not wicked and he has promoted peace in the state. He has tried to eliminate cultism and thuggery. Above all, he has been prudent with the state’s finances. He is not a focus for investigation by the EFCC, ICPC or Code of Conduct Bureau. But you cannot say the same for other candidates and I know that leopard doesn’t change its skin, there is no re-branding that can change the others, we know Audu and people believe he is coming back for vengeance but government is not like that, government is not to settle scores. You might be there and continue to settle scores and by the time you finish you won’t be able to do anything”. In the same vein, a chieftain of the PDP in the state, Prince Sola Akanmode, said the party was confident of victory, because it had a good product in its candidate and it was ready to market the good candidate to the people of the state. However, to the APC, Audu was the best thing to have happened to the state. The party was of the opinion that the noise being made about the humility of Wada was a ruse and an attempt to cajole the people of the state. Performance in office Apart from the personality of the governor, the party has also been playing up the capacity of the governor to run the state despite the paucity of fund available to it. It is of the belief that the present administration had been prudent enough in steering the ship of the state, despite that almost all the revenue accruing to it are being used to pay salaries of workers. The PDP leaders and members are quick to point to some of the developmental projects embarked upon by the Wada administration amidst tight financial situation. The APC believed this is an area where you cannot beat Continues

pg 35

thepolity

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Kogi 2015: The die is cast Continued from

pg 34

its candidate. The party was ready to reel out the performance of its candidate when it comes to the infrastructural and physical development of the state during his first and second stints as the governor of the confluence state. The state secretary of the APC, Salaam Adejo, said the achievements of Audu is unrivaled in the state. He said, “His antecedents, his performance in office, there is a lot to write about him, there is a lot to write about what he has done when he was in office. Nothing has happened since he left office, all the things that are here in Kogi State are his handiwork, they didn’t even build where he stopped, that is why we have the decay today, if they had built on where he stopped we would have gone very far by now”. Workers’ welfare Another issue in the election is the welfare of workers in the state. The PDP said the state pays one of the highest minimum wage in the country, while its workers are not being owed their entitlement, while the dignity of the workers has never been rubbished by the administration. But the APC is of the view that the government was only being economical with the truth when talking about workers welfare. The party said when Audu was at the helms of affairs in the state, no worker was owed salary but that local government workers are wallowing in abject poverty because many of them had not received salary for years, while those that got salary are paid between 10 to 30 percent of their salaries. Power rotation However, the issue of power rotation has taken the centre stage in the political discourses towards the election. On the side of the PDP, the party said it is the only one that is committed to the implementation of power shift from the Eastern senatorial district to others zones in the state. The party made it a serious campaign issue, particularly when talking to voters in the Ebira speaking Central senatorial zone and the Yoruba speaking Western senatorial district if the state. On the issue, the governor said the party had already set up a committee to work out the modalities for the rotation of power among the three zones of the state. Also on the issue, Ogbeha said, “It is because of this power rotation that I took on the challenge to be the director general of this campaign because am convinced that Wada and PDP in Kogi are the best committed set that can ensure it, Wada is committed to it, he is not paying lip service and as a party we have resolved to ensure power rotation. “We have set up a committee to work out the modalities for power shift in the state, that is how far we have gone and when that report is out we have the next four years to try and implement. I am not sure APC is interested in power rotation even though they have been forced to talk about it, but if you look at the recent defection of Alhaji Jubrin Isa, known as Echocho, it goes to buttress the fact that there is a hidden agenda between Abubakar Audu and Echocho and it only vindicated the position some of us held.” In the same vein, Audu has never minced words about his desire to ensure that other zones I the state have a sense of belonging by making power to rotate to their areas. Speaking in Kabba, headquarters of Kogi West, the APC candidate said he would ensure that power rotation starts with him. Audu said this would not be achieved by fighting and by causing crisis, saying it could only be made to happen through dialogue. According to him, the people of Igala, Okun and Ebira had been living together for over 75 years, adding that he would be ready to spearhead the processes that would lead to power shift after his tenure. Politics of bailout fund One other issue that may affect the decision of the people at the poll is the controversies surrounding the non release of the bailout fund to the state by the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The CBN had released the name of Kogi state as one of those to benefit from the bailout approved by President Muhammadu Buhari, for states to settle their debts, particularly outstanding salaries of workers. N51 billion was said to have been approved for the state with about N46 billion said to be for the payment of backlog of salary owe the local government workers and

John Odigie-Oyegun, APC Chairman

Prince Uche Secondus, Acting National Chairman, PDP

teachers, while the balance is for the workers of the state government. But after many other states were paid, Kogi is yet to access the fund, thereby leading to insinuation that the release of the money was being politicised and accusing fingers being pointed to the leaders of the APC. The ruling party in the state accused Audu and others of plotting against the workers of the state by blocking the avenue through which government wanted to bring succour to their plight. The development got to climax when the workers openly came out to complain and shut the government offices for one day in protest against what they termed anti labour activities of politicians. But the APC introduced a new twist into the issue when the party accused Wada of deception, saying the state government never applied for the bailout. The head of the media/publicity of the Prince Abubakar Audu Campaign Organisation, Dr Tom Ohikere, said the people of the state, particularly the civil servants should not expect the bailout because Wada never applied for the fund, accusing the governor of misleading the people of the state that it was Audu who advised the federal government not to grant the loan. However, the workers immediately replied the party that the state government actually applied for the fund and was listed by the CBN as one of those to benefit from the gesture. The chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Onuh Ekoka said, “Kogi state government cannot be here and in the widest imagination of CBN allocate N50.8 billion to the state as a bond, if there is no application, there wont be allocation, if you dont apply for something you cannot sit down as CBN and publish the name of Kogi State on the internet also on pages of newspaper. “Anynody that says the state government has not applied should bring out the evidences from CBN, either in terms of circular that the Kogi state government did not apply or from the presidency. The workers here cannot be derailed, we know that politicians are playing antics because of bailout. “Kogi state government applied for bailout, the state government applied for N45 billion naira for local government and teachers and the remaining balance for the civil servants, so how can somebody come out and say Kogi state government has not applied, to the best of our knowledge, the CBN opened a window and Kogi state is part of the states that applied, the name of Kogi state was published on the pages of newspapers as the state that got the highest amount”.

tunately for them, the Eastern senatorial district, where they hail from has the highest number of local government areas and the largest voting population. It is the belief that both candidates will slug it out in the area. Both of them are strong in the area and the pendulum can swing eigher way depending on the ability to mobilise people for the election.

How they stand Kogi East The governorship candidates of the two major political parties are from the same senatorial district. Unfor-

Kogi West The PDP had always having the upper hand in Kogi west, particularly the Yoruba speaking part of the area. It is also believe that the presence of many stalwarts of the party from the area will further help it to coast home to victory in the area. However, the coming of the deputy governorship candidate of the APC, Honourable Abiodun Faleke, from Ijumu seems to have positively changed the fortune of the party in the area. Ijumu and Kabba have the largest number of voters in the zone. But the party has to effectively manage the perceived cold war between the camps Faleke and that of the senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaiye. In the samd vein, the presence of Senator Smart Adeyemi in Ijumu is an added advantage for the PDP as he was said to have declared his support for the return of Wada. Also the two local government areas thag are none Yoruba speaking that is Lokoja and Koton-Kaffi are known strongholds of the APC. Kogi Central This is likely to be the area that will determine the final result of the election. The people of the central, who are mainly Ebira have nothing seriously at stake as far as the candidates are concerned. However, the people have always given bloc vote to whoever they want to support. But the APC will have to go extra mile to win the majority of the votes in this zone because many people in the area, even those that are not card carrying members of political parties believe Audu scuttled their chance of producing the next governor on the platform of the APC. An allegation that the campaign organisation of Audu has denied on many occasions. Apart from this, some advertorial have been published in national dailies, suggesting that all is not well bewteen the senatorial district and Audu’s camp. One other factor is the fact that the people of the Central have concluded that the drafting of Faleke into the political scene in the state was an attempt to rob them of benefitting from shift power shift in 2019 as they believed that Faleke is strategically placed to take over power fro Audu after four years. There are five local government nareas in the zone and it has the second largest voting population. If the PDP also work very well, it may benefit from the mistrust bewteen Audu and the Central senatorial district.

15 November, 2015

ON THE

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday Ministers who will make or break Buhari

OD did not create all the fingers to be equal; in His wisdom that is infinite, He has created them in different sizes and shapes and has bestowed upon them different functions and responsibilities. Some fingers, however, are more important than the others. The thumb, I think, is more important than the other fingers. Bible records that the thumbs and great toes hold pre-eminence. It is like in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” where all animals were equal but some still found a way to be more equal than the others. Little wonder, then, the grumblings that some were given “juicy” Ministries while others were not! In the time of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, they were labelled “Grade A”, Grade B” or “Grade C” Ministries. In the National Assembly, the commotion over “juicy” and “not juicy” committees is still festering among lawmakers. Truth be told, some Ministries are more “loaded” than others; there are Ministries that command hefty budgets and have many important agencies under their beck and call e.g. Defence, Interior, Education, Transportation, Petroleum Resources. My focus here today is, however, on those Ministries that I consider indispensable to effectively drive the CHANGE agenda of the All Progressives Congress-led Muhammadu Buhari administration if, truly, they mean the change they have trumpeted. Last Wednesday, the long-awaited Cabinet was inaugurated by Buhari. There are 36 Ministers in all, in fulfilment of Constitutional provisions. But there are a handful of the Ministers who, in my own reckoning, must bend over backward to perform since they will make or mar this administration. They are nine in number and as I name them, I offer my reasons. The first is Audu Ogbeh, the Minister of Agriculture. Agriculture used to be the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy until crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity and we abandoned the land and became a “rentier state” which depends on the collection of rents\royalties from foreign oil exploring multinational companies. That unsavoury state of affairs began in the late 1950s and has continued till date. Hence, Nigeria’s economy is described as monocultural (i.e. depending solely on just one commodity or raw material, which is crude oil, for survival). Reliable figures are hard to come by here but by and large, crude oil is our major foreign exchange earner and accounts for not less than 80 percent of all monies accruing into the Federation Account. Successive governments have spoken of the need to diversify the economy (that is, promote other sources of income) but it had been all lip service. Thus, we have been at the mercy of volatile crude oil pricing in the international market. Besides, crude oil is a wasting\perishing asset; if we fail to make hay while it shines, it shall be dire for us when this cheap source of stupendous wealth dries up. If this government votes enough money into agriculture and pursues policies that will restore agriculture to its pre-1960 place of pride, then, it would not only have succeeded where others failed but also would have laid a solid foundation for our future prosperity.

The second is Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Solid Minerals. Nigeria is most blessed in terms of solid minerals deposits – but they have remained largely untapped for the same reasons that agriculture has been neglected. Yet, this sector, together with agriculture, holds the key to Nigeria’s greatness. We have always known this; we parrot it; but, again like in the case of agriculture, it ends there. I expect this government to vigorously pursue the exploitation of the country’s bountiful solid minerals resources to the benefit of present and future generations. We can never become an industrialised nation and Vision 20- 2020 (remember?) will remain a mirage if appropriate policies and funding are not put in place to turn our potentials in the solid minerals sector into actual realities. Using the analogy of a football team made up of 11 players, I consider Ogbeh and Fayemi as the two main “strikers” of Team Buhari; nay, Team Nigeria. Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, has been described as the “superMinister” of this administration; technically, that may be right judging by the three big ministries that were collapsed into one and entrusted in his care. Power, especially, is crucial; since without regular power supply, not much can be achieved. Provision of infrastructure, especially road network, is also critical for national development. Therefore, there is no denying the fact that Fashola is a very important Minister; but I see his role as that of a “support striker” or as someone supplying the ball for the two main strikers upfront. A support striker can score goals on his own but the major task is to provide the enabling environment for the main strikers to turn in the goals. Where the main strikers are cut off or the support strikers unnecessarily compete with them for relevance, unity, coherence, and coordination may fail and the whole team suffers for it. The job of Fashola is to provide the enabling environment for Ogbeh and Fayemi to shine upfront for the whole team. Three other Ministers Kemi Adeosun (Finance); Udoma Udo Udoma (Budget

and National Planning); and Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu (Minister of State, Petroleum Resources) are the engine room (midfield) of the team. Adeosun is to effectively manage our resources and makes funds available for Ogbeh, Fayemi, and Fashola. While Kachikwu is to bring in the funds, Udoma is to ensure that we put our money where our mouth is. Right from the point of budgeting, it shall be known whether or not this government is serious about diversifying the economy. I consider three Ministers as the central defenders of Team Nigeria; they are Dan Ali (Defence); Abdulrahman Danbazzau (Interior); and Abubakar Malami (Justice and Federal Attorney-General). No matter how good the strikers are; if a team’s defence is porous, much damage will be done. We have seen the effects of a porous defence with the Boko Haram insurgency; which continues to drain huge resources needed for meaningful development activities. The festering MASSOB campaign must be put in check (by the Minister of the Interior) and corruption\impunity curbed in the agencies under his watch. Corruption is, without doubt, the greatest leaking hole whacking this country; and we were all witnesses to how former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Adoke, did not help matters in this regard. Malami must be sold out to the anti-graft war; and he must realise that the average Nigerian believes that the Judiciary, the oft-touted “last hope of the common man”, is opaque and has to be straightened out. Although technically not a Minister, I consider Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo the “Sweeper” of Team Nigeria. Apart from being the stand-in for Mr. President, he is said to play a coordinating role on the economy. So we may not be far from the truth if we see Osinbajo as the Buhari administration’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala or Coordinating Minister of the Economy. And the economy, as we all know, is the main issue. What escapes the central defenders must not escape Osinbajo. Finally, I station Buhari in goal and give

him the Captain’s arm band. Do not forget that he is also the de facto Minister of Petroleum Resources and Czar of the anti-graft war. From his very central position as goalkeeper, he can arrange his defence as well as bark out orders to his strikers and midfielders upfront. To make up my full list, I have the following on the bench (that is, substitutes): Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (Transportation); Adamu Adamu (Education); Adebayo Shittu (Communications); Okechukwu Enelamah (Industry, Trade, and Investment); Chris Ngige (Labour & Productivity); and Usani Uguru (Niger Delta Ministry). Amaechi will assist in the provision of critical infrastructure\shoring up the dwindling resources of the State; Adamu will ward off ASUU and other strikes in our institutions of higher learning\return the Ivory Tower to its glory days; Shittu has set himself the task of making his Ministry the country’s new cash cow. I cannot wait to see the funds tumbling in! Enemelah should bring in direct foreign investment; Ngige (who I would have loved to see in my 1st Eleven) should keep NLC, TUC, PENGASSAN etc. off the streets. Without industrial peace and harmony, not much will be achieved. Uguru’s task is to keep ex-militants off the creeks; our hands are full already with Boko Haram and restive MASSOB. Without discountenancing the other Ministers , I dare to say that if the above-listed Ministers succeed in their assignments, and the VP and President also succeed in providing effective leadership; reading out the Riots Act when necessary, then, the government will live up to the expectations of Nigerians. Otherwise, it will be “Not Yet Uhuru”; another “Paradise Lost”; and hope deferred! Gov. Ambode versus ‘The Economist’ Why was the otherwise highly respected “The Economist” so mercilessly critical of Lagos governor, Akinwunmi Ambode? Why was a publication famous and revered for its professionalism so irreverent and why did it throw all caution to the winds? Reading between the lines, it does appear as if “The Economist” had an axe to grind with Ambode. The paper’s criticism was vitriolic and it dripped with malice. Were the two-some fighting before? Otherwise, the matter at hand was not serious enough for “The Economist” to have so abrasively dismissed Ambode as a failure. After how many months in office – and while the governor had just inaugurated his cabinet! Certainly, there must be more to the magazine’s tirade than ordinarily meets the eye. There is nothing wrong in drawing Ambode’s attention to the issues at hand and the anxieties of Lagosians; we had also done so in this column as a “wake up” call; but it is damn too early to give up on Ambode and his government. And I can observe Ambode already rising to the challenge: Potholes on the roads are being mended; more presence of policemen everywhere is noticeable; and LASTMA is now more alive to its responsibilities. Last week, the newspapers showed Ambode, like Fashola before him, arresting an errant driver. That is the kind of “action” that Lagosians treasure. Let Ambode keep the new spirit up! Eko o ni baje o! .

opinion

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Ondo PDP and the race to succeed Mimiko By Ali Bademosi

HE race to succeed the incumbent governor of Ondo state, Dr Olusegun Mimiko as the election of his successor holds in October next year, is beginning to gather momentum, especially as members of his ruling People›s Democratic Party (PDP) have come out in droves to indicate their interest in party’s ticket to contest the state›s number one seat. The competition to succeed the popular governor appears more intense among members of his executive council who have directly or indirectly been projecting the interest to pick the party›s ticket to represent it in the October 2016 election. Analysts have argued that members of the Mimiko cabinet may have developed the courage to gun for the ticket, because of the popular belief in the state that only the PDP can rub itself off the governorship seat as the opposition in the state is adjudged unpopular and not formidable enough to wrestle power from the ruling party in the state. Though there is an unwritten understanding in the state that the next governor should emerge from either the Northern or Southern Senatorial districts of the state, however, aspirants have emerged from the three Senatorial districts of the state. Those who have signified their interest to succeed Dr Mimiko from the PDP include the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Aderotimi Adelola who is from Araromi -Obu, Odigbo Local Government Area in the Southern Senatorial District. Highly respected for his administrative prowess and ability to carry people along, the SSG is often referred to as the stabiliser is believed to be a major factor in the success story of the Mimiko administration. The Commissioner for Environment and Physical planning, Mr Sola Ebiseni is another member of the state›s executive who is eyeing the PDP ticket from the Southern Senatorial District. An experienced member of the cabinet, Ebiseni who is from Ilaje local government area of the state is a respected voice within the state who has functioned in govern-

ment in various capacities. Also making spirited efforts to clinch the ticket from the same District is the former Special Adviser to exPresident Goodluck Jonathan on Niger Delta, Honourable Kingsley Kuku. He is from Ese-Odo local government considered to be a minority in the state. But the former member of the state House of Assembly is making the best of his youthfulness by concentrating his campaign on the youths in the party. Commissioner for local government and chieftaincy matters, Dr Bamidele Dada, who is popularly known as BAM is from the Northern Senatorial District who has demonstrated great confidence in his new pursuit by openly coming out with the ambition to get the PDP gubernatorial ticket. What is going on for him, sources said, is the fact that he is from the Northern Senatorial District favoured to produce the next governor. Akogun Tokunboh Modupe, (a.k.a) TPT, is another name from the Northern Senatorial district that has remained on people›s lips as a strong contender for the PDP gubernatorial ticket in Ondo. Though reputed more as a businessman than a politician, Modupe’s ambition, if genuine, could not be wished away as sources within his Ute, Ose local government area said the Public Relations expert is very close to the grassroots. Former Speaker in the state and ex-TESCOM chairman, Batista Bello, from Akoko is also an aspirant from

the District, ditto for former National Sports Commission Chairman, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye. Dr Pius Osunyikanmi, a former Commissioner in the state and at Present the Head National Technical Aide Corps is believed to be nursing the same ambition of clinching the party›s ticket. But Osunyikanmi›s ambition, those who are in the know have mentioned, may not see the light of day for obvious reasons. He is from Ile Oluji which is considered to be ‹same› with Ondo where the incumbent governor hailed from. Besides, the former aide to the incumbent governor›s loyalty to the ruling party is said to be questionable as well as his loyalty to his political father, Mimiko whom he has in recent time publicly derided. His alterations and body language of late are said to have sent tongue wagging as they are believed to be inimical to the promotion of the party in the state. Some have suggested also that he may be tilting towards the ruling government at the centre to sustain his present office being a federal appointment. The surprise and latest inclusion on the list of those eying the PDP ticket is the serving Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of the state, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN). His interest in the exalted office came as a surprise to many, because according to voices within the party, the unassuming legal luminary is not a politician. In fact, sources close to the seat of power in the state mentioned that it was a herculean task for Governor Mimiko to make him serve with him for a second term as he was said to have indicated his interest to opt out of the cabinet to face his law profession before the end of the governor’s first term in office. Why his sudden interest in the governorship of the state has become an issue is that, many within the party feared his ambition may pitch his Central Senatorial District against the remaining two districts in the state if the unwritten existing zoning formula for the governorship of the state is anything to go by. • Bademosi wrote from Akure, Ondo state.

thepolity Goodluck Jonathan: A peacemaker gets his due Continued from

pg 32

Africa to hand over powers to winning opposition parties.” While in Tanzania, Jonathan was on record to have handled his first international assignment with decorum and gaiety required. While speaking to leaders of the rival political parties ahead of the election, Jonathan was quoted as telling them to emulate his example in Nigeria and accept defeat whenever it occurred. The former president was also quoted as calling for free and fair election in Tanzania, while urging for concession of defeat by the loser. He was said to have used his accep-

tance of defeat in the March 28 Presidential election in Nigeria as example and warned that politicians should always put the citizens first. He stated that any attempt to reject the will of the people will lead to chaos and loss of lives. He was quoted as saying: “If you lose, accept defeat. I was concerned about allowing my personal ambition to scuttle a democratic system I had helped to nurture. “In any election, there are winners and losers. The presidential candidate who loses on Sunday should gracefully concede the election to avert a political crisis. “If all parties, including the national electoral commission, political parties, and police force will play

their role, nothing will stop Tanzania to record a free and fair election this year. “Successful elections will depend on how each stakeholder plays his or her role to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and transparent electoral process…I’m confident Tanzanians will achieve this.” The turnout of the Tanzanian election, however, clearly indicated the Jonathan did not fail in his first international engagement as the election went on peacefully without incidents. Just like in Nigeria, the tense moments that pervaded the pre-election days immediately disappeared as the election was won and lost.

interview Dimeji Bankole: ‘PDP could have done better, but Nigerians decided they wanted APC’ Continued from

pg 33

of this political party. I would encourage you to do whatever you can do as well in joining this government in making sure that the problem of Boko Haram is solved. I would also plead with you, as much as I can, to look beyond whatever happens to you personally and look at those families of those daughters taken away, and those who had their sons killed and look at it from that angle. Then ensure you continue to do your best that whoever is

in government does the right thing. Don’t ever stop. We would all continue to do so, but I can assure you, I don’t believe that this government or any past government likes the citizens being killed by anybody. I don’t think so. We might have problems of inefficiency, problems of misunderstanding, but the fact of the matter is that we are all in it together now and we have to make sure we give them support to make sure they solve it. I think it is too early to judge this government on any issue. I really don’t think so. Even Boko Haram or any

issue. But I believe that we should continue to impress upon them and remind them of these figures you are talking about to make sure that they move fast and get things done and I support you in that. But I am not in agreement with us making this a political issue or making it a party issue. For now, we should be all concerned about all those young people that are being killed, old men and women that are being blown up and see the best thing we can do to make sure this thing comes to a stop.

URING the week, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) went to town with its rebranding project. The opposition party organised a national conference which attempted to rejuvenate its sagging influence and repackage it for the tasks ahead. Though the PDP conference was aimed refurbishing the dreams of its founding fathers and it was expected to feature quite a number of them in attendance, none of the founding fathers made the headlines on the day. The man who made all the headlines was actually little known in the party’s leadership hierarchy. The man, Dr Raymond Dokpesi, who acted as the Chairman, National Planning Committee of the conference is well known as the owner of the broadcast giant, Daar Communications PLc, owners of Raypower Radio and Africa Independent Television (AIT). He oscillates between being a PDP enthusiast and a businessman. But the Edo High Chief got things muddled when he attempted to play the role of PDP national leader by tendering an apology on behalf of the party. While he might have correctly diagnosed some symptoms he recognized as the “mistakes” that bedeviled the PDP ahead of the 2015 election, Dokpesi got it wrong when he apologised for the party’s decision to field former President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate for the 2015 Presidential election. Hear him: “We are aware that there were errors we made. We admit that we made mistakes and we have not met the expectation of Nigerians and we tender unreserved apologies for these mistakes. “You must have seen the Ike Ekweremadu report on why we are apologizing. There was no internal democracy, there was impunity within the party and there was no level-playing ground for members of the party. “Zoning principles of the party were abandoned and a gamut of all other issues, which will come out during the conference and for all these and the people who have been offended, for people whose toes were stepped upon, we also tender unreserved apology. “These are the reasons why we are begging and apologising. We want to assure every founding member of the party that we deviated from their visions, and that’s why we are going to have all our founding fathers like Adamu Ciroma, Dr Alex Ekwueme and

THE mental picture your write up on the above subject painted, beats my imagination, I continue wondering the psychological pains the affected students will be undergoing presently. Kano State Ministry of Education should ensure that the investigation it started is carried out thoroughly with the findings made known to Nigerians. Whichever student or staff is indicted should be brought to book. This is another social vice among our future leaders, moral instructions should be part of school curriculum, and boarding schools should put in place adequate security measures for the safety of students in their hostels. Yomi Agboola, Afote, Saki, Oyo State 08024350296 It is barbaric, inhuman and disheartening. Where are the evil perpetrators, are they invisible or above the law? An adage says that ‘’If one of the monkeys destroying a farmland has not been killed by the farmer and shown to the rest, they will not be afraid’’ If one of the bandits or scourge in our society has not been arrested by the security agents and face the full wrath of the law, the rest also will not be afraid. My father also is a proprietor in my town and he always caters for the welfare of his students because he knows the implication. The lacklustre attitude and inane character of the staff of the school in question has contributed immensely to the calamity. This is an insult on all proprietors, parents the students all over the country. Taiwo Sangotikun, Iseyin, Oyo State.08056309372 Sodomy is a terrible sin and is even against the wish of God! If there is no law there is no sin the government has to be blamed for most of these crimes because they failed to apply proper sanctions, penalties or punishments on the perpetrators when caught. Had this been done, it would have reduced the level of crimes to the barest minimum in our society. The preponderance of godfatherism, bigmanism, capitalism and other political factors further hinders this reduction of crime and it is not helping the situations. Having said this, gov-

15 November, 2015

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046 taiadisbabatj@gmail.com

Dokpesi’s misplaced apologies

other members of the G34, to come and talk to us at the conference. “For every and any mistake we have made, I therefore say, we tender our unreserved apologies. The party in 2010 and 2011, made the first round of mistake of not allowing the North to complete its term. “That was when the party gave a special favour for the then President who came to compete the term of Yar’Adua to be allowed one term to finish. “The same small leaders of the party came forward in 2015 to state again and refused to return the party to allow the North to field the party’s presidential candidate, they manipulated the party to do the same.”

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

RE: This is heartless ernment at all levels .have to wake up and promptly address these problems. Lekan Oladeji, Ilora 08098288345 The Commission of Enquiry set up by the State Government should conduct its investigations without fear or favour. Let the Principal, V. Principal, Hostel Master, and students talk to the Panel members. The Police officers, who were reported to, should also talk. The whole thing borders on indiscipline and the reluctance to discipline wrongdoers in the society no matter their status in the society. This rape/sodomy issue shouldn’t occupy too much of our time; and we can only overcome the menace once we get one or two, show them on national televisions, prosecute and jail them. Lanre Oseni 07064181043 This heartless act of homosexual in Kano is an indication that satan is set to destroy the progress of Kano city! This devilish act dates back to centuries in the ancient city rumoured to be a means of getting wealth, but shouldn’t these people be mindful of the repercussions on their young victims? The Emir of Kano must call for general prayers from both Muslims and Christians to ask for God’s Mercy. Sesan Oyende, Somolu, Lagos 08085441411

Sunday Tribune

Although PDP spokesman, Olisa Metuh, had promptly responded by telling Dokpesi and Nigerians it wasn’t a mistake the party fielded Jonathan in 2015, it needed to be said that the apology was not only misplaced but an affront on millions of Nigerians who risked their lives in the North and South to vote for the party in the last election. Besides, the issues surrounding the emergence of Jonathan as President are not to be trivialised no matter the efforts aimed at rewriting the facts for political expediency. It has to be stated that the former President emerged in line with constitutional provisions as contained in Section146 of the 1999 Constitution. When it happens that the Vice President takes over from a late or incapacitated President, the Constitution fails to bar such persons from contesting any future election. And so, after his emergence as President in place of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Jonathan went ahead to contest the 2011 election. Some persons shouted zoning to the rooftops; they tested the question in the courts and failed to get any declaration that bar the former President from seeking office. Having settled that, it would look awkward for Dokpesi, a common face in the presidential villa under Jonathan to come around and talk about “small leaders” in a bid to rewrite history. Where was he when the decision to field Jonathan was made by the PDP in 2011 and 2015? Was it on record that he counseled against that idea? In any case, the PDP does not need to feel sorry for losing the 2015 election especially as it, in the process earned the credit of organizing an election that is free, fair and credible. Whatever the party lost in 2015, it has gained more by helping to deepen democracy in the most populous black nation. It is right to apologise when mistakes are made, but it fouls the air to begin an apology on crooked legs. Dokpesi’s apology in respect of Jonathan offends the more than 12 million Nigerians who voted for the party on March 28. It also runs contrary to the succession lines as recognized in the Nigerian Constitution. The mistake the PDP made ahead 2015 was failing to communicate the activities of its government in a coordinated manner and rewrite the barrage of opposition’s propaganda. It wasn’t a mistake it fielded Jonathan.

We are in for ‘shocks’ if serious attention is not paid to proper education of our children. What these ‘heartless’ situations portray is partly lack of attention and vigilance from the school authority. If a school established by a Professor experiences such atrocities, then it is terrible. That reveals that many of our institutions are only interested in the money they get from parents without providing appropriate, adequate and commensurate care for their wards. There is a need for sanitation in our institutions of learning. Segun Olujimi, Saki, Oyo state 08059844764 Sexually abusing minors is not only heartless, it is a crime against God. The trauma these hapless children would experience is better imagined than experienced. Nonetheless, Nigeria as a nation has virtually lost its values and ethos. Capital punishment should be in operation in Nigeria because most of the crimes being committed deserve the death penalty, or at least life imprisonment. One reason for meting out punishment is to deter would-be culprits. Unfortunately, we cannot operate capital punishment because our leaders too are lawbreakers as is evident in the on-going corrupt cases, which involve some of them. Most would have been executed if they were in China, but this is Nigeria. Nigerian laws have to be strengthened and made effective, without sparing sacred cows, if we were to curb such acts as sodomy, rape, murder, ritual killings, kidnapping, and other criminal acts which portray our nation as primitive. Can our leaders approve capital punishment to operate in Nigeria? The answer is capital NO. Adewuyi Adegbite 07013065440 These indeed are odd times and truly a season of anomie. The world is gradually descending to a land of no tomorrow. And our learned Prof claims that someone is out there to rubbish the image of his school. The economist (Prof) is being economical with truth and reality. Dayo Oladeji, Saki, Oke Ogun 08027278748

thepolity

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Kogi gov election, litmus test of Buhari’s democratic credentials —Yusuf

Honourable Tajudeen Yusuf, representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, Kogi State, is the newly appointed Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market and other institutions. He speaks with KOLAWOLE DANIEL on a number of issues. Excerpts:

HAT is your take on the composition of House committees by the Speaker? Committee headship and membership are prerogatives of the Speaker. By the privilege of being the Speaker, the rule gives him that privilege to assign members into committees so as to help out in the work and that is exactly what he has done. But there are some members who are aggrieved about the composition of the committees; some of them even alleged that the distribution of the committees is not fair enough? We have 96 committees heads and deputies to be shared among 360 members, fair is subjective to those who did not get what they thought they will get and in the history of the House, there is no time committees sharing will be done and people will not complain. That is normal, because everybody came here as a ‘General’ from his own constituency. But the truth of the matter is that everybody cannot get committee chairmanship. We have some members who have resigned their appointments in protest that they were not carried along in the sharing of the committee? The sharing of the committees is the prerogative of the Speaker and that does not guarantee what you want as a member. I think people should be more matured and come to realise that we should thank God and give glory to him for the privilege of being chosen out of 170 million people. We are just 360 members. We are very fortunate people and if truly we are elected to serve, I think when you are given the committee you think it is not your desire, you should put in your best and make a statement. If we are to pick people to come to the House of Representatives based on qualification, 80 per cent of us will not be here. It is because God chose to have us here, and we must understand that. We are not voted for to become committee chairmen; we are voted for as legislators. So, if anybody has turned down his/her appointment, because he has an expectation that is different from what is given, fine, but I know all of them lobbied to get committees chairmen. Al of them, quote me, lobbied. For some, their governors lobbied for them to get it. Just as they were turning it down others are lobbying to get it. The first person that resigned his appointment as committee chairman from his state, immediately members from his state bring in another person to fill in the position. So we are not short of capable hands. It is so unfortunate that in this era of change, we have such tendencies by the change mantras. You have been given the responsibility to chair the House committee on Capital Market and other institutions; what are you bringing to the table? Sincerity of purpose, uncommon desire to give a new face to the capital market. I am privileged to be an economist and I know that for genuine development to take place, capital market is the surest place

Honourable Tajudeen Yusuf

to source for money. There is no country that can genuinely build its infrastructure without going to the capital market. So, with God and sincerity of those who are in that sector, I will join hands with such people to make the capital market a hub of our infrastructural development. It is so germane and important to me to see us turning to that sector to raise fund. And more importantly, I want to see how we can bring the fallowing pension fund into that sector. No county in the world leaves the pension fund idle. The idea of pension fund primarily is to make sure pensioners get access to their resources and the best way to succeed is to reinvest it in certain sector that are limited to risk, such as roads, airport and other infrastructure. In the last House, the committee on capital markets and other institutions experienced crisis. In this 8th Assembly what should we be expecting? The people should not expect more that robust deliberations and positive and impactful outcome. However, the last House overcame the crisis. It is natural to have conflict in human engagements. There is an adage that says the tongue and the teeth quarrel, but they settle. The important thing is how do we advance the cause of development in the country and that should be constant. All other things are variables and I am sure the sector is already waiting for such input in that direction. Looking at the country, will you say the country is moving in the right direction? In the right direction is relative, for now. We cannot say we have taken off for now. The government is trying to settle down, and I feel the government is taking too much time to settle down. People might not agree with me, but I think it shouldn’t take five months to settle down. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo came into power

after about 20 years of military rule. On the day he was sworn in, he announced the Secretary to the government of the Federation. That political adviser came on board and National Assembly liaison officers. That very day the NDDC bill and anti-corruption bill came on board. So by implication between election and swearing-in, he has been working, but let’s give the present government the benefit of doubt and believe that this government will live up to expectation. A lot of hope is placed on this government and it is in our interest that they should not fail us. Even if they want to fail, we will make sure that they don’t fail. Election will be coming up in Kogi State very soon. What are the chances of the PDP retaining that state? PDP remains the party to beat and I want to use this opportunity to appeal to men of conscience, that if truly we want to grow our democracy the will of the people must be allowed in Kogi. The idea of using coercive measure to force election in one direction must not be encouraged. Take it or leave it, former President Goodluck Jonathan had laid a foundation on the fact that democracy can be deepened if those at the centre genuinely commit themselves to diplomatic norms. You saw Edo State election how fair he was. We saw the Osun State election and other elections. Kogi election is litmus test of his democratic credentials. He has told the whole world that he is a converted democrat. As a democrat, you must not win all elections. I have seen some level of desperation all over and I have seen attempt to use security forces to achieve certain aims. The Abuja-Lokoja road and that of Obajana are still in bad shape. As a federal lawmaker, what are you doing to ensure that the problems of those roads are addressed? There is collaborative effort between myself and other members from my state to ensure that the roads are attended to. We did not just push through legislative lob-

bying. We went to the ministry of works to see the permanent secretary. We made sure money was voted for it. As you are aware since this government came in, there has been lull in execution of ongoing projects of the last administration and that has been the bane of our development as a nation. I see no reason why that project should not go on. Unfortunately it is taking a lot of time. The Kabba-Obajana road is an eyesore. It is a disgraceful thing. I want to use this medium to call on those that are involved to as a matter of urgency, repair that road. Abuja-Lokoja road is ongoing. I also want to, appeal to the Federal Government not to allow that project to suffer. Your party, PDP, recently alleged that President Muhammadu Buhari is de-marketing the country by consistently saying that there is corruption in the country and, as such, making investors to run away? Yes. It is a simple logic. Unfortunately, such statements are made at the international forum and such statements will surely scare away potential investors. Inasmuch as I agree with the president, that corruption must be tackle head on, I think the approach should change. We should allow the law to speak. Anybody found wanting, the law should take its full course. One thing I have come to realise is that the easiest way of curbing corruption is to make sure offenders are punished, I appeal to Mr President to activate and give support to the anti-corruption agencies to do their work effectively. How do you think we should attract investors? By making sure we match what we say with what we do, by making sure that we activate the economic indices positively. A lot of things are dormant, investors are looking at indicator they want to make sure they put their money into where they are sure it will come back. The government should make sure there is no policy summersault.

15 November, 2015

language&style A harvest of errors! (IV)

OR the fourth week running we offer for scrutiny the excerpt tagged ‘A Harvest of Errors’, so labeled because of the embarrassing burden of errors it bears. There are too many faults, we have noted, betraying a lack of knowledge of elementary grammar, not to mention style in its basic form. Apart from the high density of errors, the blunders are of the sort that could ruin an enlightened reader’s interest in the discourse. So far, we have taken the errors one by one, analyzed them and offered practical suggestions as to how to correct them. That of course is the approach readers are already familiar with in this place. We should be able to put the remaining issues behind us today. The excerpt serves as our first sample. Sample 1: “After taken the oath of office in 29th of May, 2015, after his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won a landslide victory at the polls, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State in his determination to take Kebbi State out of the woods, set up various machineries that will galvanized and transform the state to comply with current trend of civilization and globalization…In the power sector, Governor Bagudu is of the strong belief that for any state economy to be develop, there must be steady power supply to people both the small, medium and large scale businesses…In addition, he released money for the purchase of two 11.7kva transformers and 50 units 7.5kva subtransformers that would transmit power from the 11.7kva to various parts of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital. This is now in force… Shocked by the meager amount of money he met in government covers on assumption of office, Governor Bagudu set up a 25 man committee headed by his deputy, Suma’ila Dabai Yombe, to look into the finances of the state government under former Governor Saidu Usman Dakingari…The giant Flour Mills Plc aim to establish a full fledges Flour Mills Company in the State, because of the abundance rice cultivation and production which cut across 17 out of the 21 local government areas of the State…Governor Atiku Bagudu’s administration set up a committee to verify the Local Government finances and also to establish the accurate figure of staffs in each of the local government council areas. In the area of sanitation, a committee headed by a retired Navy Captain was mandated to clear and get rid of the heaps of refuse that dotted every nook and crannies of the state capital. Further, the clearing of drainages and seaways for easy passage of erosion has drastically prevented flooding which has been the bane of the metropolis in the past…The governor also used the opportunity of the visit to advocate for strong economic ties between Kebbi and Benin Republic…” (Atiku Bagudu’s 100 Days: The Story so Far, The Nation On Sunday, September 27, 2015) In fulfilment of the promise we made last week, we now turn to the assignment given to the young learners. Here are the error sentences we asked readers to consider and correct: *1) Every members of the community are to contribute a sum of ten thousand naira. *2) Every candidates are advised to write their names and numbers on the front page of their answer booklets. *3) Every choristers are singing with passion. *4) Every vehicles are moving away from the naval base. *5) Almost every men are weak when alone with their wives. *6) Every professions have their own codes conduct. *7) Every churches we visited were interested in what was happening at the headquarters. *8) Every lawyers are thoroughly familiar or rather should be thoroughly familiar with their clients’ cases. *9) Every ladies are passionate about their appearance. *10) Every nations are searching for solutions to their peculiar problems. *11) Is it true that every streams take their sources from hills? *12) Every mothers want every children of theirs to succeed in life. The correct sentences are as follows:1) Every member of the community is to contribute a sum of ten thousand naira. 2) Every candidate is advised to write his name and number on the front page of his answer booklet. 3) Every chorister is singing with passion. 4) Every vehicle is moving away from the naval base. 5) Almost every man is weak when alone with his wife. 6) Every profession has its own code conduct. 7) Every church we visited was interested in what was happening at the headquarters. 8) Every lawyer is thoroughly familiar or rather should be thoroughly familiar with his clients’ cases. 9) Every lady is passionate about her appearance. 10) Every nation is searching for solutions to its peculiar problems. 11) Is it true that every stream takes it source from hills? 12) Every mother wants every child of hers to succeed in life. Readers, I am sure, have noticed the change in the grammatical details of each sentence. The word every, we noted last week,

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

is used to modify singular nouns. It follows, therefore, that the noun so modified should take a singular form of the verb. For example in sentence (1), the noun phrase ‘every member’ being singular is followed by the singular form of the verb: is. The same is true of sentence (4) in which the singular noun phrase ‘every vehicle’ is followed by a singular form of the verb: is. Sentences (2) and (8) require special attention. The following versions are given as the correct forms of those sentences: (2a) Every candidate is advised to write his name and number on the front page of his answer booklet. 8a) Every lawyer is thoroughly familiar or rather should be thoroughly familiar with his clients’ cases. In addition to treating each of the noun phrases (every candidate and every lawyer) as singular by attaching the singular verb-form (is) to it, we have changed the plural possessive adjective (their) to a singular form(his) in each case. No doubt, his is in its singular form but readers would immediately recognize it as belonging to the masculine gender. The question that arises is: Is a male individual the only person capable of functioning in the context provided by each of these contexts? Certainly not. In point of fact, gender-sensitive people would be unhappy with this choice on the ground that it is genderbiased. It is often argued, quite convincingly, that language is one of the chief means through which gender inequality and oppression are perpetuated. Language is a vehicle through which culture and ideology are transmitted and perpetuated. How do we solve the problem arising from the choice of the word his? This issue is traditionally resolved by this choice: his or her (or: him or her). We would then have the following versions of the sentences:(2b)Every candidate is advised to write his or her name and number on the front page of his or her answer booklet. 8b) Every lawyer is thoroughly familiar or rather should be thoroughly familiar with his or her clients’ cases. However, in spite of its solving the problem of gender bias, this style is considered cumbersome by modern writers. Instead of the his- or- her option, some users would prefer the word their. Consider the following sentences: 1a)Everybody knows his or her fate tomorrow. 1b) Everybody knows their fate tomorrow. 2a) Everyone is planning his or her escape. 2b) Everyone is planning their escape. 3a) Everyone is dreaming about his or her future. 3b) Everyone is dreaming about their future. 4a) Every parent is passionate about his or her children’s success. 4b) Every parent is passionate about their children’s success. 5a) Every person is entitled to his or her opinion. 5b) Every person is entitled to their opinion. 6a) Every public servant must declare his or her assets. 6b)Every public servant must declare their assets. As we have noted, many modern writers would prefer the (b) option in each of those sentences because it is gender-neutral. However, useful as the style illustrated by the (b) option is, it is generally regarded as informal and therefore to be restricted to speech. In the light of our discussion so far, the sentences (2) and (8) should read: (2b) Every candidate is advised to write their names and numbers on the front page of their answer booklets. 8b) Every lawyer is thoroughly familiar or rather should be thoroughly familiar with their clients’ cases. Next, we consider the expression advocate for which occurs in the following context: “The governor also used the opportunity of the visit to advocate for strong economic ties between Kebbi and Benin Republic…” We note in particular the preposition for in the expression: advocate for. The habit of introducing a particle in collocation with the verb advocate is common among many Nigerian users. It’s important to realize, however, that verb advocate does not take any particle at all. Read the following sentences: 1) Lawyers have been advocating reforms in our judicial system. 2) At their last conference, language experts advocated the use of the indigenous languages at home and in the primary school. 3) The retired Head of Service advocated continuous training for civil servants as a way of enhancing their productivity. 4) A reputable economist has advocated re-introduction of the Structural Adjustment Programme to the current economic agenda of government. 5) Activists have advocated gender sensitivity and balance in our public appointments. 6) It is a strange development that even some church leaders are advocating the legal recognition of same sex marriage. Readers should note that we have not allowed the particle for to collocate with the verb advocate in each of those sentences. That particle should be eliminated from the context under review. We conclude the discussion next week by God’s grace.

Sunday Tribune

line

life with

Niyi Osundare

Random Blues I got rhythm, Baby Who can ask for more? Say, got rhythm, Baby Who can ask for more? My song heals the world And routs its ugliest sore

I sing to the sky The sky parts the cloud Yes, I sing to the sky The sky parts the cloud Awoko* has a million songs To make the ears proud

I sing to the night The night lets off its stars Say, I sing to the night The night lets off its stars Every stem, every stanza, a paean To a world that’s rid of scars

Winter rakes the snow And Autumn drops its leaves Yes, snow rakes the snow Autumn drops its leaves But the sun looms in the sky above Grand Master of the pageant below

Truth hurts so much But the lie is not a cure Say, Truth hurts so much But the lie is not a cure Think twice before you ditch the mask The not-so-true has its own allure

*Songbird

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

tribunechurch Clerics give verdict on Buhari’s new cabinet

With the constitution of the federal cabinet by the swearing in of ministers on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, RITA OKONOBOH reports the views of Christian leaders across the country on the assessment of the ministers, the justification for the delay and if the government is still in line with its change agenda as promised.

fter over five months since the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari took power, on 11 November, 2015, ministers of the federation were sworn in, and it seems all is now set for the process of governance to take full action. Before the final selection, there had been predictions, allegations and counter arguments on the persons expected to make the list. Some had even paraded the notion that the list would just be a way of paying back those who worked tirelessly to ensure the electoral victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, while others had simply trusted that President Buhari will stay true to his change mantra and work instead to see that only the best people get the jobs. A cross section of clerics from across Nigeria spoke to TribuneChurch on their assessment of the entire process and the candidates that emerged. It is a decisive step in governance —Methodist Prelate The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Samuel C.K. Uche, in his contribution noted that “President Buhari has taken a decisive step towards governance and it is only hoped that the ministers will do the same. Many things are taken into account in governance, such as previous experience. By the attitude and personal idiosyncrasy of President Buhari, there is now a new way of looking at things. You cannot work under him and make the mistake of involving yourself in any act of corruption because you know you will find your way out of government. I think everyone is mindful of the fact that he has zero tolerance for corruption and everybody will sit up. “In Nigeria, a politician is a politician, and cross-carpeting

and the likes of Fashola and Amaechi, whom God has chosen as part of the cabinet, will ensure that things are better. However, we need to be careful with the economy. What the past government did not get right, I believe with these people, Buhari will get them right.”

is common. In fact, of all the ministers, I think it is only Ogbonnaya Onu who has remained a decent politician and a man of principle in the political arena of this nation. Others in politics have been mostly chameleonic. However, whoever falls out of the line of the ethics of governance will be shown the way out. And for the first time, he may withdraw a minister so people should sit up. Also, they should be paid enough salary and made comfortable but if they go for extra, they should face justice.” Buhari has put the right people there —Primate Ayodele The Spiritual Father of INRI Evangelical Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, in his contribution, noted that “Buhari must be assured that Fashola and Amaechi are his counterparts. I’m happy about that he is bringing in Fashola and Amaechi which will help us and I can assure you that they will never disappoint Nigeria. They will help to stabilise Buhari’s government. Buhari has put the right people there and these people will make a lot of difference

For the first time in history, I have faith in Nigeria’s future —Adelaja The Nigerian-born Founder and Senior Pastor of The Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations, headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, Pastor Sunday Adelaja, in his contribution noted that he had followed closely the process of selecting the minsters even in Europe and “For the first time in the history of my cognitive life, I will say this team of our future government has succeeded in instilling in me a high level of goodwill and faith in the common future of our great country Nigeria.” Giving kudos to the team that helped President Buhari pick these exceptional individuals Adelaja noted that “I have heard a number of people complain that President Buhari is simply recycling old cadets, but even the people that could be referred to as old politicians, gave very good account of themselves during the screening. They have enough potential to turn around the Nigerian economy and the fate of Nigeria for the better. It is going to be an exciting ride for the nation of Nigeria. All credit goes to President Buhari for taking his time to meticulously pick some of the best Nigerians to run the affairs of this great country. I cannot but express my great appreciation and goodwill to each and every one of them that have willingly agreed to leave their comfort zone to serve our Continues on pg44

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15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Biafra: Igbos should forget secession

—Uche, Methodist Prelate

ethodist Church Nigeria is very significant in the evolution of Nigeria. As the Prelate, how would you assess the performance of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari? When President Buhari started, I had a different feeling from what I have now. He saw a lot of decay in governance and that many things were not the way it should be and I believe he is taking his time to correct those things. I believe also that his taking a decisive step on the date, 11th November, 2015, regarding the ministers, the government is now set to work. We can now begin to assess the level of achievements. So, would you say you are satisfied that President Buhari is running an all-inclusive government? There is party patronage. It takes a man with a very large heart to take someone from another party. APC is a merger of many parties, including APGA, Labour Party and even the PDP, so it is all-inclusive. To come home now, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra has been involved in massive protests in various states of the country. Are you not worried with the current trend? I am so worried because I believe in Nigeria. The Civil War that took place between 1967 and 1970 was an aberration and it set us back. I believe that General Gowon’s statement, “No victor, no vanquished,” should be in vogue. Our people

His Eminence, Dr Samuel C.K. Uche is the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria. He shares with RITA OKONOBOH, his views on President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet and style of governance, the current Biafra protests, the role of the church in the fight against corruption, among other issues. Excerpts: should be patient and not take up arms against the government. We want to move Nigeria forward. We don’t want any distraction. I would like to tell those who think that Biafra will come again to forget it. I will be against anybody who wants a divided Nigeria; it will not work. If they feel they are deprived, they should channel their grievances through the right channels. I don’t believe in a divided, fragmented, disintegrated Nigeria. We should move forward as one united, virile and forward-looking nation. We should avoid religious, ethnic, tribal divisions. I believe in the song, “Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand. I like what I’m seeing now. There is an increase in the trend of inter-tribal marriages and Nigeria is becoming one by that. In fact, I want Nigeria’s citizenship to be liberalised so that anyone can live where he chooses to be and still be a citizen of Nigeria in peace.

opponents. There must be justice and equity no matter whose ox is gored and there should not be selected punishment for suspected enemies or opponents. Nobody should be a sacred cow. If we mean to fight corruption, we will be able to win. My recommendation for fighting corruption is the way Jesus won Zacchaeus. You know Jesus told him he would dine in his house and Zacchaeus promised half his belongings to the poor. He also stated that if he had defrauded anybody, he would pay it four-fold. He didn’t go to prison, rather Jesus used salvation. I believe that if for instance, someone has stolen N1billion, let’s ask him to pay back the money, inclusive of all profits made from that money. We must recover to the last method what the person has taken. That’s what I would advise; we should get the person, torture him and recover all our money and make sure the money is used for the masses.

With the recent revelation regarding the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, among other corrupt practices by those in government, what are your fears concerning the fight against corruption? The fight against corruption must be seen to be just and really achieving the results it is supposed to. It must not be lopsided or be a tool for witch-hunting

What is the church’s role in the fight against corruption? We have been praying and advocating that anyone who engages in any dubious act should face the music. Corruption is not only about stealing funds. When you give a job to someone who doesn’t have the correct qualifications and deny someone who has better qualifications, it is corruption. Arriving late to the office is also corruption. When there is a selec-

tion interview and jobs are shared on the basis of family ties, it is corruption. So, we should fight corruption in all its shapes and forms. Earlier, the president gave a deadline that by December 2015, insurgency would have been conquered. However, General Theophilus Danjuma was quoted as saying that the terrorists’ intelligence gathering is better than that of the military. Are you not worried that the fight against Boko Haram is taking longer than it should? I suspect that terrorists extend beyond those we know and they are even in the military, in government and other sectors and that the network is sophisticated. After all, it is not written on the face. If Nigerians can repent and stop fighting against their own nation, terrorism will be a thing of the past. Most of those fighting the cause of Biafra are unemployed youths. If they were working, nobody will have time to come out and protest. There are dubious elements who hire them to cause confusion. When you are satisfied, you can’t allow yourself to be used. Same goes for Boko Haram members. Many of them are those who feel deprived and they see themselves as enemies of the government in power because they have nothing doing. So, their leaders, the power blocs, pay them pittance to cause confusion and disrupt the polity.

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews

I regret not meeting HID in person —Primate Ayodele By Rita Okonoboh The Founder, INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has expressed his condolences to African Newspapers of Nigeria, publishers of Tribune titles, and the entire

Awolowo family, on the pssing of Chief (Mrs) Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, just as he commended Mama’s virtues while regretting that he didn’t meet her in person. Primate Ayodele, who visited Tribune House, Ibadan, on Friday, noted

that “it is quite unfortunate that I never met Mama Awolowo in person but we are an important part of Tribune. Mama was a mother. She was very close to the late Ooni of Ife and Ooni was also part of our family. Extolling the virtues of

Mama Awolowo, Primate Ayodele, who commended her uprightness and exemplary actions, described her as a positive role model and a woman who exemplified discipline, honesty and fair judgment. In his the remarks, the

ECWA condemns homosexual relations Biola Azeez-Ilorin THE Provost, Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Reverend Stephen Oluwarotimi Baba, has kicked against homosexuality, saying that it is unbiblical, as well as an aberration. Speaking at the 51st graduation ceremony and commissioning of doctoral and alumni guest house/hostels at Chapel of Truth, ECWA Theological Seminary, Igbaja, Kwara State at the weekend, Rev. Bada said the culture of gay relations was totally condemned in the bible, adding that even dogs and goats would not do it. Talking on the ceremony themed: Legislation on Homosexual Marriage and the future of the Church in Africa, the cleric said that the Bible is all sufficient, as it assumes finality of all inspiration. “We as Evangelical Seminary in Nigeria make the following pronouncement: We will not bow down to the deception of the inclusiveness of same sex marriage.

We will not bow down nor will we be silent. We do not need to re-define what God Himself has defined already,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Governing Board of the seminary, Elder Dr. Samson Ameh Opaluwa, said the board of governors was con-

vinced that “with the training, learning and spiritual exercise that had been undertaken by the graduates, their lives and testimonies

Managing Director/Editor in Chief, African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Mr Edward Dickson, who noted that Primate Ayodele was the first cleric to visit Tribune on the event of Mama Awolowo’s passing, thanked the cleric for his thoughtful-

out there would bring honour and glory to Christ as He uses them as channels to reach a world in need of salvation.”

The Managing Editor/Editor-in-Chief, African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Mr Edward Dickson (right) presenting the Tribune maiden edition to the Founder, INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele (left), during the Primate’s visit to Tribune House, Ibadan, on Friday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE.

C&S tasks Christians on gratitude Jacon Segun Olatunji-Abuja A cleric with the Cherubim & Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Dakibiyu District Headquarters, Dakiniyu, has called on Nigerians to always show gratitude to God no matter the situation. This was contained in a statement from the church’s harvest committee, as part of events marking the 25th Harvest Anniversary Thanksgiving service, which will take place today, with the theme, “Harvest of Positive Impact.” According to the statement, the thanksgiving service which will begin by 12p.m., under the chairmanship of the Most Reverend (Dr) S.A. Abidoye will create the opportunity for peopl to thank God for His grace upon their lives.

From right, Head, Mobile Money Financial Business, Globacom, Mr. Esaie Diei, presenting Glo pack to the Bishop of Lagos West Diocese, Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Dr. James Odedeji, while the Director, Legal Services, Globacom and Chairperson, Archbishop Vinning Memorial Cathedral 2015 Harvest Planning Committee Chairperson, Mrs. Gladys Talabi, during the Glo Mobile Money Activation at AVMCC, Ikeja during the church’s 2015 Harvest Thanksgiving Service and Agape event, held last Sunday in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

‘DLBC’s planned crusade will liberate Osun’ Oluwole Ige-Osogbo THE Osun State Overseer of the Deeper Life Ministry, Pastor J. Abiola Adeniran, has said the proposed crusade of the General Superintendent, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi scheduled to hold

between November 17 and 29, 2015 would liberate Osun economically. Adeniran, who spoke at a press briefing announcing the crusade said the second coming of the great preacher was informed by desire to set Osun free from econom-

ic hardship. Explaining that the crusade would bring total liberation, he recalled that God performed miracles, healing and deliverance at the September 2014 crusade. Tagged “Season of Total Liberation for Osun State,”

Adeniran said Pastor Kumuyi was “personally concerned about the harsh financial situation Osun is going through and had decided to devote substantial part of the time to intercede for economic liberation for the state.”

ness. According to Mr Dickson, “We thank you for sympathising with us. You have shown that you are part of us and we will continue to support us. You have made critical interventions towards ensuring the Nigeria of our dreams and have always been a part of us. when you make interventions, people are forced to read the Tribune newspaper. “This is a time to celebrate Mama. She was integrity personified and the church should celebrate her as well.” Other officials of Tribune management who received Primate Ayodele include the Editor, Sunday Tribune, Mr Sina Oladeinde; the Editor, Saturday Tribune, Mr Lasisi Olagunju; the Manager, Human Resources, Mrs Bukola Ezeamaka; the Associate Editor, Sunday Tribune, Mr Wole Efunnuga, and the Features Editor, Nigerian Tribune, Mr Kehinde Oyetimi.

Nigerians charged to pray against instability By Remi Anifowose NIGERIANS have been urged to continue to pray against the forces behind political and economic instability in the nation. Prophet Funmilayo Akinloye of Christ Zion Prayer Ministry, Ogbomoso, gave this revelaton while addressing journalists in Ogbomoso, at the weekend . According to her, “the country needs serious prayers against the agents of political and economic instability that has been affecting the growth of the nation. Some forces are against the stability of Nigeria and we must all pray to reject them by fire by force.” While commenting on the annual one week crusade of the church which is scheduled to start on Monday, November 16, the cleric noted that the annual event will feature special intervention prayers for the country and Oyo State . Ministers expected at the event include Bab Olowere, Bukola Akinade (Senwele Jesu), Evangelist Bola Are, and other anointed minster of God.

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15 November, 2015

Christians must shun craze for materialism

Clerics have no business amassing wealth —Bishop Odeleye

—Apostle Afolabi

Bishop Isaiah Olatunji Odeleye, the General Overseer of All Nations Evangelical Church worldwide (ANEC), with headquarters at Felele, Ibadan, speaks with OLAKUNLE TAIWO on the church’s 25 years experience of spreading the gospel and how churches can tackle moral decadence, among others. Excerpts:

t is 25 years now that you have engaged in ministering the gospel of Christ. How did it all begin? I became a minister of God in 1986 and thereafter, God told me to move forward but I didn’t want to leave my former church. Also, my primate at the time didn’t want me to leave too, because I was so precious in his hands. But when it got to a stage, one of the senior pastors told me that it was my time to leave. God had been showing me many revelations about establishing a church and he already gave me the name of the church, but I refused to yield. However, on November 2, 1990, I went to my primate with my wife to tell him what God had revealed to me. When I told him, he wasn’t too happy and still wanted me to stay. Even when God had told you to leave? I was a pastor and evangelist in the church and I think because of the gifts of God he noticed in my life. But that same year 1990, God specifically told me that my time was up in that church, so I had to leave. And on November 15, 1990, we started the first service. With whom? The church started with myself and my family and some other people but we were not much. I think about 12 or 13 people. Where did you hold your first service? My house. God told me specifically to start from the house. I didn’t have anything. No job, no helper, nothing, and that created fear in me but God told me that if I was faithful to Him and be diligent, I wouldn’t have any problem because I had many things to cater for; the children were there growing up and some other vital things. And I thank God that I didn’t have any problem because God has been ever faithful to His word. So, what were the challenges you faced so far? We got to our main church in 1997 and started to build the bigger church but when we discovered that it was too big for us, we abandoned it to start the small one. After we completed the small one, we started worshipping here but by 1998, the big one had got to the roofing stage, but a great wind came and blew everything away and it collapsed. I wasn’t around them, I was in the UK then when I got the news. We moved forward after we all sat down to map out what to do. We used another material during construction the second time to avoid wind-related disasters. However, when it got to roofing stage again, everything collapsed due to the negligence of the workers. In fact, people were worshipping that day, but we thank God that there were no casualties. We spent millions to purchase some materials back and about five years ago, after it got to the roofing stage again, even with the best materials, a strong wind again blew everything up the third time.

Apostle (Dr) Johnson Afolabi is the founder and general overseer of The Joyous Miracle Gospel Church and Ministries, Ogbomoso, Osun State. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on how the present administration can succeed, how religious organisations can cope with worldly desires and what God has in stock for Nigerians next year. Excerpts:

Apostle Afolabi

AS a cleric, what do think is wrong in the body of Christ? Different churches have been formed all over the country and beyond. Many churches have lost the glory of God but the salt of establishing the church is still there. We still have true pastors that preach the pure gospel of God and divine healing now takes place in the church

Bishop Odeleye

Did you consider abandoning the project? The thought came to mind, but we had no choice; we had to do God’s work. We sat down again, prayed and moved forward. We started again and God helped us to build it. What are the plans for the future of ANEC? We are for evangelism. Although we have some branches, by the grace of God we will continue to spread the gospel to other states of the federation and even outside the country. Also, there are plans by the church to establish ANEC Theological College in Ibadan. You are active in spreading the church across the world. How would you address the seeming imbalance in church proliferation and moral decadence? The problem we have is that people, especially ministers of God, are afraid to speak the truth. We are afraid to speak the truth and the truth remains the truth as nobody can alter the truth. Men of God who are supposed to be in charge are the real cause of the problem because they have failed to tell the truth to the people. They are hoarding the truth. Why is that? It is because they don’t want people to go away from their churches. For any church to survive, the truth, which is the word of God will serve as the root of the church, and must be strictly upheld. If there is no word of God, a member can derail, but where there is unadulterated word of God, you will know what you believe, who you believe, where you are going or where the man of God is taking you to. What solutions would you proffer for moral decadence in the society? We have to keep praying and telling the truth. No matter how the society is, it is the word of God that can change it, whether people accept or not, but at least we must tell it first.

Sunday Tribune

What do you think the present administration can do to be successful? Nigeria is yet to get to the promised land. The government is trying but it is also our duty to continue praying for them to succeed. We should pray for peace and that it should be well with us. True men of faith should also continue to pray for the nation so that the present security challenges the country is facing will be a thing of the past soonest. Security personnel also need divine assistance. It is only God Almighty that can solve the security problems as divine intervention can only come through God. We need to be patient with President Muhammadu Buhari because the rot in the country has eaten deep, but God can still cause a positive turn-around in all sectors such as our economy, education, security, among others. What has God revealed to you about Nigeria concerning the coming year? The Lord told me that next year is going to be a year of peace and prosperity. The pump price of oil will be reduced and prices of building materials will be reduced in the country. Those who are involved in questionable activities should sheath

their swords. By next year, everyone needs to rededicate themselves to God, in order to bring God’s blessings and favour upon the country and their homes because the country will flow with milk and honey. The world is now in perilous times, as a result of global events such as terrorism, wars, kidnapping, and the like. That is why we should go back to God and live according to the scripture. With the current trend in gay marriages, some of which are sanctioned in certain religious circles, how would you assess the situation? Gay marriage is not biblical; even the Christian Association of Nigeria condemned it with totality and no genuine Christian should practise it. All nations that practice gay marriage shall see the wrath of God and they shall be consumed by fire. Those who embrace it are the followers of Satan, the devil and they are his agents. What are your advice to Nigerians? Our president should be steadfast, and remain focused in restoring the country. We praying for God to set Nigeria free from satanic bondage and all that are parading themselves as negative influences in the nation. Unless we move closer to God, our problems cannot be solved. To religious leaders, they should stop preaching prosperity, wealth and breakthrough but to keep on preaching salvation through Jesus Christ. All the Christians should stop pressing for the acquisition of material prosperity but remain focused on God’s kingdom.

‘For the first time in history, I have faith in Nigeria’s future’ Continued from pg41

motherland.” The masses will be given value for their votes —Abidoye The Spiritual Father of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, His Grace, The Most Reverend Dr. Samuel Adefila Abidoye, in his view stated that the pedigree of those appointed as ministers proves that “President Buhari is determined to move the country forward. He took his time to select candidates that he believes in and who understand his vision. There are certain insinuations that some of those selected are corrupt and corruptible, but every new government should be given the benefit of the doubt to perform before being assessed. President Buhari is known to be very strict and intolerant of corruption, so I believe he will deal with anyone working with him that is found to be corrupt. He is dogged and committed to a purpose. He will make sure that his ministers do not waste the votes of Nigerians. With God’s help and

with the people’s patience, Buhari will give the public value for their votes.”

Let us give them the benefit of the doubt —Badejo

The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, in his view, stated that “There are diverse opinions about whether the outcome has justified the wait. My reaction is that we leave all that behind. What is done is done. Now we know who they are and what tasks they have been given to do. I say that we all give government and the ministers the benefit of doubt that they mean well and seek to cooperate with them. I wish all the ministers well and advice to imbibe a new culture to be true servants of progress, with honesty and humility which is what essentially ‘minister’ translates into.” As the current administration finally gets the wheels of governance moving in full force, it is hoped that the faith Nigerians have in them, in line with the change agenda the citizens believe in, will come to pass and Nigeria will shine again.

45 tribunechurch with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa

with Bishop Emmanuel Badejo, fradebadejo@yahoo.com

Harvest of new songs

Insights from a world congress

The World Congress of Families Perhaps the most important of such initiatives is the World Congress of Families, WCF, the 9th edition of which took place in Salt Lake City, Utah in the USA from 27th till 31st October 2015. Going by the website of the WCF, it is “the premier gathering of parents, youths, lawmakers, scholars, religious leaders and advocates united to affirm, celebrate and encourage the natural family.” Given the privilege of participating in the event, I simply wondered if there could really be a bigger, better, or more comprehensive forum for the defined purpose. There were participants of diverse status, religions, denominations, races or ages, standing up for what the entire world used to cherish and benefit from, but which now stands threatened by powerful modern, misleading movements of fancy. Many superb speakers addressed different aspects of the general theme: “Family; the Promise begins with me.” One of the spectacular speakers was Francisco Tatad, former Majority leader for the Philippines senate, who ably demonstrated what it means for a non-clergyman to be co-responsible for the Church’s mission in the world. Demonstrating total faith conviction, he declared to the 5,000 strong hall: “The global attack on human dignity, on the integrity of the human person and the family, is ultimately an attack on God. The war of religions is over, but the war on religion has only just begun

Sunday Tribune

dawnofanewera

firmfaith:rightreason

Around the world Catholics all over the world could be forgiven for thinking that only the Catholic Church and the Pope have emphasized marriage and family life in the whole world in the last 12 months. This is because since the “advance” Synod on the Family held in the Vatican in October 2014, there have been countless seminars, activities and ceremonies within dioceses, nations and even international catholic organisations on the subject. Pope Francis himself has also addressed the issue on many occasions, not least at the World Meeting of Families held in Philadelphia, USA just before the “second” apex Synod on the Family of October 2015. Just before that Synod, Pope Francis issued another landmark document entitled “Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus” (The Lord Jesus, Clement Judge). That document brought greater clarity and simplicity to hitherto cumbersome and complex processes of marriage annulment to the benefit of married Catholics. The Pope’s initiative has been welcomed by many in the spirit of the “Year of Mercy” declared for the Church by the Pope and it underlines the Church’s desire to alleviate the burden of married people and families. In truth, many other initiatives are going on all over the world in defence of marriage and the natural family and those initiatives are happily driven largely by married people and secular organisations who believe in the two universal human phenomena.

15 November, 2015

and the target is no longer any individual religion in particular, but God. He has become the arch enemy. Many things have been invoked to justify or explain it. Science is one; reason is another. Yet some of the most eminent men of science and learning have testified that there is no conflict between faith and science, between reason and faith”. Tatad’s eloquence really did engender a longing in me to see more lay Christians stand up and speak up in a similar way for faith and values in Nigeria. Does God have rights? Most of the participants expressed anxiety about how, in modern times, just about any kind of human behaviour or tendency is conferred with the status of rights in clear exaggeration and abuse of the term. Ironically, God, the only one who is the source and origin of all rights, does not seem to share in this modern largesse of modern man’s. Tatad lamented this modernist relativism, already correctly highlighted by Pope Benedict XVI, whereby the crude and vulgar liberalist mantra: “I have a right to my own body” demands to be treated as a serious philosophy. He said: “They hate the fact that they have to reckon with a Transcendent Being, unimaginably more immense and powerful than themselves. In a world that zealously protects everyone’s intellectual property to their crudest inventions, God alone is denied his intellectual property rights to his own creation”. This absurdity of modern reality which can tempt anyone to ask whether God has any rights can only be correctly confronted by people of faith. If there is a kingdom of God to be established on earth, it can only mean that there is a king who makes the rules and everyone else is subject to those rules in his kingdom. Bring God back into His world The Bible supports that methodology. God is the one who established man and not vice-versa and he did so according to very clear terms. “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground. God created man in his image; in the divine image he created him; male and female he created them” (Gen 1: 26-27). Man’s departure from this scheme is bound to cause a storm, which, according to Tatad, leaves in its path “a debris of withered lives, shrivelled families, shrunken cultures and a woeful caricature of creation.” It is into this universal chaos that it is necessary to bring God back, right into that space where men and women have sought to abolish his existence. The World Congress of Families was undoubtedly a great platform for achieving that. It is certainly a legitimate desire that such an event be replicated in various nations across the world not least in Nigeria.

Continued from last week Compare the person who is running on a rock with the person who is running on beach sand. One is likely to move faster. What that means is that God did not only bring us out of trouble and delay; he also created for us a platform to make quick progress. He did not just deliver us from all that held us back; he also set us up for speedy accomplishments. He established our goings. David then said that God has put a new song in his mouth. Of course, when your story changes, when your level changes, your song also changes. You know, Nigerians love to sing a lot. And our songs can so mirror our situations! When a Nigerian sings: I am tired of the valley I am tired of the valley Lord, take me from the miry clay Set my feet on the solid rock Lord, take me from the miry clay Set my feet on the solid rock You know that he or she is passing through tough times. When he sings, I have a reason to praise the Lord . . ./4ce You know that something good has happened to him. So, as our story changes, our song changes accordingly. And that is why the Psalmist acknowledged that God had put

a new song in his mouth. What type of song? He said, “even praise unto our God”. Today, shall we bring to the Lord new songs that reflect our new status in Christ? Shall we bring him songs of praise in place of songs of petition that we sang yesterday? Shall we tell of his good works in our lives and bless his holy name? The Psalmist says, Psalms 149:1-4 Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. When God blesses you, and you show appreciation, you put yourself in position to receive more from Him. That is what we see in story of the ten lepers in Luke chapter 17. Our Lord was approached by ten lepers, desiring him to heal them of their condition. The Lord asked them to go and show themselves to the priests. As they went, they found out on the way that they had actually been healed. .In their excitement, nine of them hurried on, while only one turned back to thank the Lord. The Bible records that the Lord made a proclamation to the single leper who showed appreciation: To be continued next week

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

Accessing Heaven’s order of financial fortune! (3) Welcome to another exciting week. We have been exploring our heritage in heaven’s order of financial fortune. In the last two editions, we learnt that David and Solomon walked in the realm of financial fortune because they loved God and His Kingdom. However, we understand that it is not enough to say that we love God and His Kingdom; we must proof it by our actions. That is why in this week’s edition, we shall be examining the topic: What are the Proofs of our Love for God? If we love God, we will love people: Our love for God naturally finds expression in our love for people. As it is written: If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also (1 John 4:20-21). If we love God, we will naturally love people, their well-being and like to be part of their joy. Moreover, we will love to see them rescued, delivered and blessed. Therefore, if we don’t love people, then we don’t love God (Galatians 6:10; 1 John 3:17-18). If we love God, we will pursue after souls for their salvation, deliverance, breakthroughs and restoration: Obeying

God’s commandments is the biblical proof of our love for God. It is written: For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous (1 John 5:3; see also John 14:21). One of God’s commandments to us is commitment to soul-winning. We must understand that one of the proofs of our love for God is passion to see souls saved, established in the faith and begin to live a new life in Christ. Jesus said: Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you (John 15:16; see also John 21:15-17). When we are not bothered about the salvation of souls, our love for God becomes questionable; particularly when we have the two-way opportunity of praying for souls to be saved and also reaching out to them. However, when we commit to seeing souls saved, we commit God to release His blessings on our lives and secure speedy answers to our prayers. Also, when we engage in soul- winning, we have committed God to manifest Himself to us. Thus, obeying the commandment of soul-winning is a proof of our love for God (John 14:21).

46 news Why APC wants Rivers, Akwa Ibom govs replaced ...intensifies takeover plans for Kogi, Bayelsa too Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

t emerged on Saturday in Abuja that the plans by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to take over SouthSouth states and others controlled by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) are targeted at stabilising the party ahead of 2019. The indications emerged following the release of a strategy paper to that effect by a committee of the ruling party, which proffered the way forward for the APC. Sources close to the party confirmed to Sunday Tribune that the APC needed new “frontiers” to stabilise it ahead of 2019. A source stated that while Lagos State was able to provide the needed cover for the party in the build-up to the 2015 elections, suspicions are rife that the state would not provide such solid backing going into 2019. It was gathered that key leaders of the APC are already wary of the possible cold shoulders from Lagos State, following feelings that the government of President Muhammadu Buhari had marginalised key leaders of the state. Sources further confirmed that some chieftains of the party believed that with the anti-corruption mantra of the Federal Government, it was resolved that the party could only remain “solid and solvent” if it opens new frontiers in the South-South. “Luckily enough, there is the opportunity to take over

three South-South states through rerun elections and the governorship election in Bayelsa. The two other states including Rivers and Akwa Ibom are to be taken over through rerun elections. With that, the party is assured of strong foothold in the SouthSouth, while it is already on the verge of securing Ebonyi in the South-East as well,” a

Femi Adesina, “on behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Buhari conveys his heart-felt sympathy to President Francois Hollande and the people of France,’’ said Adesina in the statement. The president also extended sincere condolences to the families, relatives and friends of the unfortunate victims of the callous attacks. President Buhari condemned the barbaric attacks which he said constituted an unacceptable affront to all human values and civilized norms. According to him, as a country which has borne the terrible human cost of terrorist attacks, Nigeria stands in full solidarity

APC is also set to unfold the plan to poach as many PDP governors as possible by carefully de-marketing the former ruling party and branding it a haven of corruption. Sources further confirmed that the APC was already set to take over Kogi State in the November 21 governorship election, having concluded that the time to make a

clean sweep of the NorthCentral is now. “Of the six states in the North-Central, only Kogi is standing out as a PDP state, that is very discomforting to the ruling party and the decision has been reached that Kogi must be added to the list of progressive states,” a source said on Saturday. The strategy document

Sunday Tribune

of the APC had itemised some steps to be taken in the takeover bid of critical states by the party, with the document also asking the party to ensure that the ruling at the courts continue to favour its takeover bid for Bayelsa, while it should do everything to supplant the PDP in the planned rerun elections in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states.

Remove CCT chairman now, group petitions new AGF

Your allegations baseless, aimed at scuttling trials—CCT Registrar By Moses Alao The controversies surrounding the now embattled chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, Mr Yakubu Danladi Umar, has taken a fresh turn, with a group under the aegis of the Save Nigeria Group (SNG) writing to the new Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN to remove him from office. The group, in a petition signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Benedict Ezeagu, which was submitted to the AGF’s office, called on him to justify one of the reasons why President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him, by cleaning up the administration of justice, beginning with the prosecution of Danladi Umar over alleged bribery, corruption and abuse of office. But the CCT chairman, reacting through the Chief

Paris attacks: Death toll rises to 127 Continued from pg4

source said. The source further disclosed that in view of the paucity of funds at the federal level, supports to be provided by buoyant states, including Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom, would be very handy going forward in 2019. It was gathered that besides the plot to take over the South-South, the

15 November, 2015

with the government and people of France as they mourn those who have lost their lives in the attacks on Paris. President Buhari called on all peace-loving nations of the world, to intensify ongoing multilateral cooperation and collaborative actions aimed at tackling the problem of international terrorism. In a related development, members of the Security Council have said that they “condemned in the strongest terms the barbaric and cowardly terrorist attacks.’’ The members expressed their sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government of France. They underscored the need to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice.

Registrar of the Tribunal, Mr Shaibu Abdulmalik, told Sunday Tribune that the calls for the chairman’s removal were not based on sound reasoning or concrete evidence, but unsubstantiated allegations by personalities hell-bent on scuttling the ongoing trials before the tribunal. He said that the allegations raised against Umar were not new and that the faceless group behind the petition “is not well-informed about all the surrounding facts and is only seeking to scuttle trial of cases currently before the CCT.” The group, in a three-page petition submitted to the AGF’s office last Friday, November 13, 2015, which receipt was acknowledged and referenced as SNG/011/AGF-01, called on Malami to begin the clearing of the Augean stable in the judiciary by revisiting a reported recommendation of his immediate predecessor, Mr Mohammed Adoke (SAN), for the prosecution of Umar by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged complicity and unethical practices leading to the demand and payment of N1.8 million from one Mr. Rasheed Taiwo, a Customs officer standing trial in his tribunal. The group also urged Malami to ensure that President Buhari initiates the process of removing Umar as advised by the National Judicial Council on 26 May, 2014 in a letter to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) signed by the then Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar. It further called for the suspension of the CCT chairman pending the completion of his removal process, advising the AGF to request the president to “suspend all prosecutions before the CCT as long as Danladi Umar remains the

chairman due to the cloud of allegation of corruption hanging over him so as not to taint all decisions of the tribunal.” The SNG stated that its demands were in compliance with the recommendations of relevant authorities, including the former AG, the ex-CJN in her capacity as chairman of the National Judicial Council and immediate past SGF, on the matter. But Abdulmalik said most of the letters referenced in the petition, including the ones by the AGF was before the EFCC’s report came out. He noted that the immediate past AGF was aware of the report before he left office, because the last SGF forwarded it to him. “He who asserts must prove; that is a cardinal legal principle. So EFCC could not prosecute because of lack of evidence and the commission has come out to state that. That’s why they are instead prosecuting his PA. “I am aware that EFCC had investigated the issues raised and could not get sufficient evidence to prosecute. This report was recently made public in the last few days by EFCC. The faceless group is not wellinformed about all the facts surrounding the issue and is only seek to scuttle trial of cases currently before CCT,” he said. The SNG’s petition to the AGF, a copy of which was obtained by Sunday Tribune, narrated how one Mr. Rasheed Taiwo, a retired customs officer standing trial before the Tribunal had allegedly held a private meeting with Umar in chambers while the trial was going on and how the latter demanded a bribe of N10 million to quash the case. The group further stated in the petition that “thereafter, Mr Umar started pestering him (Taiwo) and instead of giving him any amount in cash or dollars as

demanded, Mr. Taiwo hid under the cashless policy and requested to transfer (money) to an account. “Mr Umar then used his telephone number 08074455022 to text the Zenith Bank account details of his Personal Assistant, Ali Gambo Abdullahi to Mr. Tai who’s on 08033367814. On 12/12/12, Mr. Taiwo then paid the sum of N1.8 million, which was withdrawn the same day by the PA, Mr. Abdullahi. When Mr. Umar

would not stop pestering him for the balance, Mr. Taiwo then petitioned EFCC on 20th June, 2013. On 29th March, 2014, the EFCC interviewed Mr. Danladi Umar and granted him bail,” the petition read in part. The group further noted that Abdullahi had since been under prosecution by the EFCC, while Umar, who was alleged of complicity in the case has been left to continue as CCT chairman.

Oshiomhole should explain how he spent N1 trillion in seven years —Igbinedion Taiwo Adisa -Abuja Former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion has asked Governor Adams Ishiomhole to explain to Edo people how he spent over N1trillion of allocations and internally-generated revenue in seven years instead of persecuting him. Igbinedion, in a statement in Abuja on Saturday, said that the incumbent governor of Edo State should desist from attempts to persecute him and show accountability to the people. In the statement he personally signed, and made public in Abuja, Igbinedion said that Oshiomhole needed to channel his energy in explaining to the people of Edo State how he has wasted N1, 000,000,000,000: 00 (One trillion naira) he collected as federal allocations and InternallyGenerated Revenue in the last seven years. The former governor said: “I have made it very clear time without numbers that the files of my tenure are there for everybody who cares to check. I do not intend to dignify Adams Oshiomhole any longer by joining issue with him. He should explain to the people of Edo State how he spent the federal allocations and internallygenerated revenues running

into trillions of Naira in seven years. ‘’He should tell the people of Edo how much he is paying as land tax for his house at Iyamho worth over N10 billion and other properties he has acquired in the last seven years in Dubai, Cape Town in South Africa, San Francisco in the United States of America, and a High Rise apartment in Atlanta also in America and in London.” He said that Oshiomhole was trying to divert attention to him following the heat turned on him by the people of Edo State who believed that he had mismanaged their resources in the last seven years, Igbinedion further said: “Oshiomhole has failed; the people of Edo State now know him better. Oshiomhole is the least qualified person to talk about corruption in the country today, because his actions and programmes in the last seven years in Edo State epitomise corruption. ‘’He has called everybody in Nigeria a thief; he called former President Olusegun Obasanjo a thief, called former President Goodluck Jonathan a thief, called Ngozi Okojo-Iweala and others thieves. Yet, he cannot prove his cases. I don’t think he knows the meaning of a thief.’’

feature

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Three hours of hell: How ISIS terrorists brought death, fear to the streets of Paris As attacks left 127 people dead, 300 injured

Victims: French special forces escort wounded concert goers from the venue in the wake of the attacks

ETAILS emerged Saturday of seven successive attacks in Paris - the first of which hit Stade de France at 9:20pm Two more bombs went off within half an hour, while gunmen started killing spree in eastern Paris nightlife area Five separate shootings struck bars and restaurants just minutes apart, leaving at least 50 people dead By 9:49, four gunmen had stormed the Bataclan theatre, where they murdered at least 80 hostages Stand-off at the music venue continued until past midnight, when police stormed the building The ISIS murder spree in Paris started with seven attacks in quick succession and lasted at least three hours, leaving a minimum of 127 people dead. A more detailed timeline of the coordinated attacks emerged Saturday as authorities began totting up the carnage of the previous night. The first was an explosion at the Stade de France, which hit at 9:20pm local time. Within 40 minutes, six more locations across Paris had been struck in a slew of shootings and bomb attacks. Police sources briefed French newspapers Le Journal du Dimanche and Le Monde with precise timings for each attack, which hit across the capital within minutes of one another. While fans were still reeling from the first explosion at the Stade de France, a spree of restaurant shootings began on the Rue Alibert, around four miles away. Gunmen opened fire at Le Carillon and Le Petit Cambodge restaurants at 9:25pm. The establishments are opposite one another in a bustling nightlife district of the city. At least 14 deaths were reported from those attacks. Four minutes later, at 9:29pm, police say there was a shooting around the Avenue de la Republique area, less than half a mile away. Attacks were reported there at the Casa Nostra pizzeria and La Bonne Bierre cafe, with four deaths Nine minutes later, at 9:38pm, a fresh shooting began at La Belle Equipe bar on the Rue de Charonne, around a mile and a half away. Nineteen deaths were reported from the restaurant. It is not clear whether some of the attackers were the same men moving from place to place. A Isis statement claiming responsibility for the attacks said there were eight gunmen in total. Within five minutes, at 9:43pm, a suicide bomber killed himself outside the Comptoir Voltaire, a mile and a half from the previous attack. He is believed to be the only casualty. Six more minutes passed before the most brutal attack of the evening began at the Bataclan theatre on the Boulevard Voltaire, roughly half way between the previous shootings. Four gunmen stormed the venue while the Eagles of Death Metal rock band were on stage. Witnesses said gunmen started methodically killing

members of the 1,500-strong crowd, many of whom they were holding as hostages. As the murder spree in the Bataclan continued, a third bomb was detonated at the Stade de France. As many as six people - including the three bombers - are thought to have died. The final separate incident of the evening, an attack on Boulevard Beaumarchais, was reported around 10pm. Four people are believed to have died at that attack. Meanwhile the deaths were continuing at the Bataclan, where at least 80 people were killed in total. At 11pm, spectator Benjamin Cazenoves wrote that the hostagetakers were ‘slaughtering everyone’. In a post to his Facebook page, he said: ‘I’m still at the Bataclan. First floor. Badly hurt... there are survivors inside. ‘They are slaughtering everybody. One by one. First floor - quickly!’ Police had gathered outside the venue but did not head inside straight away. However, after it became clear the attackers were killing their hostages, they stormed the theater. All but one of the attackers inside are thought to have blown themselves up when police stormed in at around twenty past midnight. One is said to have been shot by police before he got the chance.

In all, the carnage lasted a total of three hours - though authorities have warned that more gunmen could be on the loose. ISIS claim responsibility ISIS has claimed responsibility for the worst violence witnessed in France since World War II, a volley of nearly simultaneous terror attacks that the French President called “an act of war.” In an online statement distributed by supporters Saturday, ISIS said eight militants wearing explosive belts and armed with machine guns attacked precisely selected areas in the French capital. The raids took place in three homes in MolenbeekSaint-Jean, according to the source, who is in contact with French and Belgian intelligence services. One raid is connected to the Paris attacks, and the others to individuals known to Belgium intelligence, the source said. Some of the Paris attackers are also known to Belgium intelligence, the source added. In the Paris attacks on Friday night, the assailants targeted six sites, the deadliest being a massacre at a concert hall where at least 80 people were killed. Source: DailyMail.co.uk

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

children’sarena Famous invention

Mortar and pestle

gredients prior to preparing an extemporaneous prescription. The mortar and pestle, with the Rod of Asclepius, the Orange Cross, and others, is one of the most pervasive symbols of pharmacology, along with the show globe. For pharmaceutical use,

of C th hil ew d ee k

mortar and pestle are device used since ancient times to prepare ingredients or substances by crushing and grinding them into a fine paste or powder. The mortar is a bowl, typically made of hard wood, ceramic or stone. The pestle is a heavy and blunt club-shaped object, the end of which is used for crushing and grinding. The substance to be ground is placed in the mortar and ground, crushed or mixed using a pestle.

Earliest found mortars and pestles date back to around 35,000 years B.C Mortars and pestles were traditionally used in pharmacies to crush various in-

the mortar and the head of the pestle are usually made of porcelain, while the handle of the pestle is made of wood. This is known as a Wedgwood mortar and pestle and originated in 1779. Today the act of mixing ingredients or reducing the particle size is known as trituration.

proverb ‘A hippopotamus can be made invisible in dark water’. –African Proverb Meaning: Ignorance can lead to potential danger. It is important to be informed and alert.

Abigael Ogunrinu clocked

recently.

Sparrow Sparrow is a brown, chunky bird that is about 15 cm long and very common in human- occupied habitats. A small bird has a stout body, rounded wings and broad head. • Sparrows are loosely monogamous. Both the female and the male take care of the young ones, though the female does most of the brooding. • These birds are aggressive and social, which increases their ability to compete with most native birds. • They can swim to escape from predators, although they are not considered to be water birds. •

Wishing her long life and prosperity.

The difference between

a male and a female sparrow is that the former has a reddish back and a black bib, whereas the female has brown back with eye stripe. • Sparrow’s nests are bulky, roofed affairs. They are haphazardly built and without good workmanship, unlike what is displayed by other weaver finches. • The nest building is initiated by an unmated male, who begins the construction while displaying it to the females. The females do assist in nest building, but are less active than the male. • In cool season, sparrows build specially created roost nests or roost in streetlights, to avoid losing heat during the winter.

Words from the kids I will never forget day my uncle died in a motor accident

Adewole Temiloluwa Rachel, 8yrs I will never forget the day my uncle died in a motor accident. The incident occured on May 28, 2013. Personally, I felt the pain; his death also weighed us down most especially my grandmother. She cried from morning till night all day. I can never forget that day in my life, because I liked him so much.

My last holiday was the day I will never forget

Adediji Funmilayo, Pry 5, 9 yrs The day I will never forget was my last holiday. The experience was fun; I went to a lot of places such as FoodCo, Shoprite etc. My family and I went out to have a nice time; we ate, drank and had fun which I can never forget easily.

I will never forget the day I fainted

I will never forget the day I witnessed an accident that led to the death of a boy

Akinwale Blossom Pry 5, 9 yrs

—Ajayi Omobolaji Omolola, Pry 5, 10 yrs

The day I will never forget was the day I fainted. That day, my parents took me to the hospital where I collected drips and injections. My brothers cared and felt sorry for me. Two days later, I was discharged from the hospital. The following week, I fell sick again due to loss of appetite but I took some drugs and felt better.

All students are from Treasure Land Nur/Pry School, Ibadan

Every 22nd of May 2014 is a day I will always remember. I witnessed an accident involving a boy who wanted to cross to the other side of the road to meet his mother. Unfortunately, a motorcycle was coming, before he knew it, the motorcycle hit him. As the mother was about to rescue him, an oncoming car also hit her and the car ran away. Immediately, they took them to a nearby hospital but before they reached the hospital, the boy had died.

news

15 November, 2015

Why Buhari’s govt is slow —Dogara Jacob Segun Olatunji And Kolawole Daniel-Abuja

HE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on Saturday, explained the perceived slow nature of President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, saying that the President was only trying to lay a good foundation for the country. While acknowledging the need for the government to hit the ground running, the Speaker said, “the only thing that has killed leadership in Nigeria in the past is that we had people who were unable to envision how their states and the nation would be in the next five, 10 years and even more”, he stated The Speaker, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs,

Mr. Turaki Hassan, at a thanksgiving service of Hon. Austine Chukwukere. The Speaker said, “I have interacted with leaders

under the APC at all levels and I have no doubt in my mind as to their commitment to delivering the promised change and

transform this country to greatness. “I urge Nigerians not to despair but to be patient

with us, be patient with the APC as we are committed to the change agenda we promised the people.”

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who was also a former National Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Mr Dele Adesina, has said the return of Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, to office exactly eight years after his first tenure, was abruptly cut short, is divine. This is just as the President of the Igbimo Ure Ekiti, former Minister of Health, Prince Julius Adeluyi, said leading a state like Ekiti is quite challenging. Adesina also called for support for the governor, saying whoever is antagonising the governor is working against God’s will. Adesina, on Friday, spoke in Ado-Ekiti at a dinner held by the group to mark the 55th birthday of the governor. In a statement in AdoEkiti yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the former NBA scribe urged the people of the state to rally round the governor in the effort to develop the state. Adesina, said: “the second coming of the governor is divine just like he has said on many occasions. God does not make mistakes and I believe that there is no coincidence in the issues of God. So, the second coming of the governor is divine. Anyone who does not wish to stand against the will of God must support the governor. In his remarks, the Presi-

“From the president down to leaders at all levels, everybody is talking about the people and not our personal interest. You can see the sincerity and the commitment of our leaders,” Dogara said. The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who was also at the occasion said that, time of politics was over and now governance must take the centre stage. He commended the Speaker for uniting the House of Representatives as, Nigerians are always worried when they hear of disagreements and bickering amongst lawmakers.

Delta: 2,000 PDP members defect to APC Ebenezer Adruokiya-Warri

Chairperson Idia Hall, Daphne Ekpe; Assistant Hall Warden, Idia Hall, Dr. Monica Odinko; newly crowned Miss Idia; Mr Primus and Miss Phantabulous; Kehinde Anthony; Uwaobasi Ikanna and Udemba Blessing Chidinma; the Students Union Government President, Oladimeji Olateju and Mellanby Hall Chairman, Abiola Victor at the 2015 Ivory King and Queens Night sponsored by Globacom as part of the University of Ibadan Students Union week.

Fayose’s second coming is divine —Former NBA scribe Sam Nwaoko Ado Ekiti

Sunday Tribune

dent of IUE, Prince Julius Adeluyi, said being a leader in a state like Ekiti with many brilliant minds was challenging. He, however, expressed satisfaction that Fayose is a second term governor with lots of experience. “This is to give honour to whom it is due. We are representatives of all constituencies that make up

the state. Members have something in common and that is the Ekiti project and how it will be better. The governor came to us in the morning and has come again tonight. Governance in Nigeria is a big challenge at all levels especially in Ekiti with brilliant people. “Our members were really impressed with your presentation in the morn-

ing and you have removed a lot of doubt from their minds. We need a platform like this to exchange ideas and rub minds. May the will of the Lord be fulfilled in your life,” he said. Fayose, while responding, thanked members of the group for being passionate about the Ekiti project. He noted that despite

their advanced ages, members still felt they must come back home and be part of the effort to take the state to greater height. Fayose added that he was open to correction by members of the group, and appealed to them to use their various contacts to attract developmental projects to the state.

PSquare, DI’ja, Reekado Banks dazzle Unibadan students PSQUARE, Reekado Banks and Di’ja, recenlty, added, sublime quality to the 2015 Ivory King and Queen Night organised by students of University of Ibadan to mark the institution’s student week. PSquare turned the show into a the party with melodious rendition of their popular tracks. Most of the 4,000 students who attended the show brought out their camera phones to capture the magical moment during Psquare’s electrifying performance. Mavin Record star, Di’ja was the first major act to perform at the show. Set the mood for the event with her sonorous voice and stagecraft. Reekado Banks wasted no time in climbing the stage and they jointly rendered Lukuluku to the delight of the crowd who screamed and sang every line with them. The anchor of the show, Bash supported by DJ

Xgee, serenaded the students with wisecracks and sundry music that made the evening one that would not be forgotten for a long time by the attendees. Commenting on the show, the President of the University of Ibadan Students Union , Oladimeji Olateju, thanked Globacom for supporting the show and the beauty

pageant which he said is designed to give students well rounded education. He expressed delight that Globacom brought PSquare to a university campus for the first time in eight years, adding that the pageant was different from the others as it was designed to task the creativity and intellect of the contestants rather than

their looks. In the view of the Assistant Hall Warden of Idia Hall, Dr. Monica Odinko, Globacom supported the show because it is a youth centric organization which students love, adding that the company should continue to support the youth to grow up to be responsible citizens.

Oil theft: Navy gets tough with buyers of illegally refined products Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri THE Nigerian Navy has vowed to go after buyers of crude oil and illegally refined petroleum products in Delta State and environs in its bid to further checkmate the menace. Commander of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA), Commodore Raimi Muhammed, dropped this hint in Warri over the weekend after his men destroyed some illegal refineries and locally refined products dotting some

parts of the state. “We shall soon begin to arrest buyers of illegally refined petroleum products because we have realised that the great demand for these products makes these people to steal crude oil and refine it illegally. “We will trace the perpetrators from the waters to where they deliver their products on land and arrest the sales points or individuals encouraging them to subsists on the economic sabotage,” Muhammed vowed.

He said his men, over the weekend, discovered and destroyed 55 drums of which 39 contain suspected kerosene and 16 drums of illegally refined diesel at Kosiagbene in Burutu Local Government Area of the state. According to Commodore Muhammed, five storage pits filled with crude oil amounting to about four to five trucks were destroyed at Iteghele Phase Two in Warri South Local Government Area.

THE ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, at the weekend in Bomadi, lost over 2,000 members to the opposition, All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors were, before Friday, card-carrying members of the PDP, cutting across the three Senatorial Districts of Delta State. They were received by chairman of APC in the state, Prophet Jones Erue, other executive members, as well as Chief Paulinus Akpeki who also joined the party some weeks ago. Among the defectors were Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan Col. Edwin Agbegha (retd), Chief Augustine Seibi, Chief Godwin Ewarekuko and Madam Julie Cassidy, among others. Leader of the defectors, Pastor Aginighan, said his expectations and those of his supporters were dashed in the past 16 years of PDP’s reign. “I joined the PDP with the expectation that the legitimate yearnings of our people, particularly the Delta Ijaw, for better living conditions would be met. Years after, I have come to the painful conclusion that there is no tangible improvement in the lot of our people. In all the 16 years PDP government in Delta State, the Bomadi Bridge as the only legacy project of the state government in entire Delta Ijaw territory,” he noted. He promised to join forces with existing members APC to dislodged the PDP from the state in future elections.

kogi/bayelsa2015

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Dickson ends SILGA tour, seeks community support Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa

OVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has concluded tour of communities in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (SILGA), and called on the people to support the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the December 5 governorship election to spur government to do more for their communities. At Oporoma, Dickson commissioned the Izon ibe Micro-finance Bank at Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw local government. The governor had earlier in the day visited Opuama, Enewari, Acuobiri and other communities in the area before the mega rally that was held in Oporoma. The bank, according to the governor, would boost commerce in the area, as people in the area majority of who are fishermen and traders would have access to loan facilities. He added that the estab-

lishment of the financial institution was in line with his administration’s economic policy of self reliance and diversification of the local economy. Dickson said the interest

rate would be minimal as it was aimed at assisting the people in the area, adding that “There is no better way of empowering the people than to teach them how to fish rather than give them

fish. “The Izon Ibe Micro-finance bank will provide soft loan facilities to empower the people, especially the youth and women. The prospective beneficiaries must

make judicious use of the loans. Continuing, Dckson stated that “This is your government, the government of the people and we will not renege on our promise

Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson (left) accompanied by his Deputy, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah rtd,( second left) on arrival at Opuama Kingdom, during the governor’s Community to Community Meet the People Campaign Tour in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state. PHOTO: AUSTIN EBIPADE

NUP denies endorsing Sylva, as APC indicts Dickson Austin Ebipade-Yenagoa AGAINST the false claimed endorsement of the All Progressives Congress

(APC) governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, the National Union of Pensioners (NUP) has said it is a non aligned body and, as

such, cannot endorse anyone for political office. This, the Assistant General Secretary of the NUP, Bunmi Ogunkolade, said

APC support groups sue for violence-free election in Kogi THE North-Central Zone Coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups, on Saturday, sued for violence free conduct of the Kogi governorship election on November 21. Mr Musa Otigba, National Leader of the coalition, made the call at a news conference in Lokoja. He urged supporters and other members to eschew violence before, during and after the election. “We say no to violence and hereby urge our members and supporters to ensure violence-free election across the state’’, he said. The group urged the electorate to take critical look and evaluate the four-year tenure of Audu and the 12 years of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) governance of the state and make an objective and informed choice come November 21. It also decried the insinuation by the PDP-led state government that local government workers were owed arrears of salaries from 2001 to date. He said Audu as governor from 1999 to 2003 paid 100

per cent of salaries and was up-to-date till the time he left office. On the coalition, Otigba said after the party primaries, the various groups came together subsuming all their individual interests to ensure success of the party at the polls. “This is the time to face reality and that reality is that we must work together for the collective interest of our party,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the coalition also inaugurated the state committee on ‘“Operation Deliver APC in the November 21, 2015 Governorship Election in Kogi.” The committee has Mr Baron Okwoli as Chairman while Mr Abdulazeez Salawu of the Broom Platform was inaugurated as Secretary.

in a chat with newsmen in Yenagoa. The group reiterated that contrary to the baseless claim, the body never endorsed the APC governorship candidate, Sylva, and urged their campaign team to stop blackmailing the body. Accordingly, Ogunkolade averred that the national headquarters of the NUP has always maintained a non-partisan posture and would not delve into such frivolities, as endorsing any governorship candidate in Bayelsa State. The body however called on the public to disregard the falsehood called endorsement, because the NUP is non partisan.

...As APC urges INEC to follow election rules THE Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation (SICO) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to follow laid down rules in the accreditation of election monitors and observers for the December 5 gubernatorial election. This is coming on the heels of the purported public endorsement of Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), for another term by over 400 non-governmental organisations in the state. A statement signed by the

Director, Media and Publicity, Sylva-Igiri Campaign Organisation, Chief Nathan Egba, urged INEC to be wary of such NGOs that had become political and publicly identify with a particular candidate in the election. The statement noted that the APC had obtained the comprehensive list of the NGOs and called on INEC not to make mistake in considering applications from any of their members to serve as either monitors or observers in the December 5 election. “While our campaign organisation is irrevoca-

bly committed to ensuring peaceful and credible poll, the electoral body must also purge some of its staff and personnel who are believed to be showing sympathy to the ruling party in the state. “We have been inundated with calls and reports about a particular senior member of the commission in the state headquarters who is a PDP agent because of the role he played in the last presidential, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections working closely with appointees of Dickson,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Sylva/ Igiri Campaign Organisation (SICO) has called on the incumbent governor, Seriake Dickson, to leave government house with his punitive policies and multiple tax laws that have impoverished the people of the state. Speaking with newsmen, Director, Media and Publicity, Chief Nathan Egba, regretted that Dickson, in the last three years introduced unpopular initiatives deliberately in line with his inaugural speech in 2012 to inflict pains on the citizen. He noted that private businesses were crippled to forestall opposition to challenge him at the poll, while civil servants are the worst hit by multiple taxation, as well as non promotion premised on paucity of funds to pay when civil servants get to the next salary grade. Egba posited that Sylva has promised to pay all outstanding owed pensioners, as well as the bursary that Dickson refused to pay foreign students and those tertiary institutions in the country since 2012 when he assumed office. He, however, called on Bayelsans to rise and resist attempt by the Dickson government to seek loan when it is clear that it’s winding up soon.

of developing the state and make it envy of other states in the country. “This, we cannot do alone, we need your support. This is our state, the Jerusalem of the Ijaw nation and all hands must be on deck to make it a commercial nerve centre of the country.” At Angiama, Hon. Dickson approved the purchase of 1000KVA electricity generating plant for the community and voted funds for the repairs of the Aguobiri power plant. Expressing their delight over the visit and the location of the Bank in Oporoma, the people of Southern Ijaw communities said the governor has demonstrated his love for the people in the area. According to them, this will be the first time since the state was created in 1996 that a sitting governor would visit all the communities in the area.

Lawmaker praises Toruebeni people for rejecting Sylva A retired Colonel and member representing Sagbama Constituency 2 in Bayelsa State House of Assembly has commended the people of Toruebeni in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State for rejecting the APC and its governorship candidate in the December 5 polls, Chief Timipre Sylva. According to reports, the people conveyed their displeasure with the party last week when Sylva went to Toruebeni to seek support and the people accused Sylva of neglecting Toruebeni in his five-year mal-administration as governor. The angry youths shouted Sylva down, booed and jeered at him, forcing Sylva and members of his campaign team to abruptly end their tour and return to Yenagoa in shame. Speaking on the development, retired Col. Bernard Kenebai, member representing Sagbama Constituency 2, said what happened to Sylva was a dose of democracy in action. He said gone were the days when the electorate were deceived and thanks his constituents for being politically conscious. While assuring the people of Turuebeni of more dividends of democracy if they re-elect Dickson on December 5, the lawmaker commended the people for their steadfast support for PDP and Governor Dickson.

news

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

Ondo 2016: ‘Why an Akure man must succeed Mimiko’ B y Moses Alao

From left, Staff of Ministry of Education, Mrs Deborah Dosunmu; resource person on the occasion,Dr (Mrs) Lara Ogunsola; Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education, Mrs Aderonke Makanjuola; Education specialist, UNICEF B-field office, Lagos, Mrs Justina Onifade and her counterpart from Abuja, Dr Rose Mary Nwangwu at the two-day sensitisation meeting organised for education stakeholders in the state on state education strategic operational planning by the state and UNICEF, held recently.

Ambode sends N25bn Employment Trust Fund bill to Lagos Assembly Bola Badmus - Lagos

AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has forwarded to the Lagos State House of Assembly for passage into law a bill titled, N25bn Employment Trust Fund (ETF) Bill, even as he proposes a five-year single tenure for the State University, LASU Vice Chancellor through another bill titled, Lagos State University (Amendment) Bill 2015. The ETF Bill is aimed at radically transforming employment creation in the state with the proposed N25bn to be spent over four years as a support scheme for young entrepreneurs and small businesses, while the bill on LASU among other things, proposes. a single term of five years for the vice-chancellor of the institution. The two bills were sent to the House as Executive Bills. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, made this known on Saturday in a statement made available

to newsmen, saying that the draft of the bills had earlier been approved by the State Executive Council during its meeting on Wednesday. Ayorinde said the LASU (Amendment) Bill 2015 was meant to serve as an improvement over the two previous amendments in 1990 and 1992 with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the challenges that had plagued the state-owned institution in recent years.

Ayorinde said the bill was proposing to amend certain sections of the law to meet current realities in line with best practices, adding that, “it seeks to review the exercise of general supervision over discipline in the university imposed on the ViceChancellor and to propose a single term of five years for the institution’s Vice-Chancellor.” According to him, the bill also seeks an amendment

Expected learning outcomes, function of shared vision, planning —UNICEF By Kehinde Adio AN education specialist from the United Nations International Education fund (UNICEF), Dr. Rosemary Nwangwu, has said that planning is the standard practice for setting clear targets in order to commit to improved learning outcomes, which is the end product of the education system. According to her, the creation of sound

and evidence-based education sector plan with the collective desire for quality education can be captured, prioritised and budgeted to achieve the objective set. Based on this globally acceptable established concept for effective education management process, Oyo State government, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children Fund (UNICEF), has considered it impera-

Rep urges FG to pay attention to rural development THE Chairman House Committee on Rural Development, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has urged the Federal Government to pay adequate attention to rural development in Nigeria. He said particular attention should be paid to the National Special Programme for Food Security, the Rural Finance Institution Building Programme and Fadama Programmes. He stated that these initiatives when implemented would undoubtedly uplift the lives of rural populace

that will make the appointment of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council the prerogative of the Visitor in line with standard practice. “Yet, it seeks an amendment to Section 36(1) and (2) of the Law which deals with admission policy to place the responsibility of determining the minimum admission requirement on the Senate of the university,” he said.

and Nigerians in general. He also expressed the need for Federal Government to pay attention to agencies established to support agriculture namely, the Department of Co-operatives, Bankof Agriculture and The Nigeria Agriculture Insurance Cooperation. He pledged his commitment to the supervision of the activities of the various agencies within the purview of the committee, while ensuring proper monitoring and implementation of donor-support programmes.

He also assured that the committee would attend to all matters referred to it in the rural development sector. Hon. Adebutu noted the limitation and difficulties of past effort in rural development such as inadequate budgetary provisions and non-release of counterpart funds in the case of donorfunded projects. He, however, said that all effort would be made to address this and ensure adequate funding was given to rural development.

tive to converge education stakeholders in the state for a sensitisation meeting to review and develop the state education strategic plans and its operational plan. The Oyo State ministry of education officials led by the permanent secretary, Mrs. Aderonke Makanjuola with UNICEF B- Field office, recently met in Lagos with some selected educators in the state, drawn from various institutions and educational agencies including market women and community leaders to rub minds together to ensure an inclusive and equitable quality education that will promote life-long learning opportunities for all. The participants were made to realise that education is no longer the sole responsibility of the government, rather every hand must be on deck from planning to execution and monitoring level. It was resolved at the meeting to harmonise public thoughts in order to translate the shared vision for education into concrete plan.

A businessman and chairman of Jojein Hotels and Resorts, Akure, Chief Folorunso Sunday Idowu, has stated that Akure must produce the next governor of the state in the interest of equity and justice, noting that the state capital had been marginalised in the power equation for a long time. Idowu, who made this statement during a visit to him by members of the Akure Youth Council from Iju, ObaIle, Ijare and Ilara towns, led by Mr Tuyi Adekanbi, maintained that though Akure has the highest number of voters and is the state capital, it has never produced the governor of the state in its 40 years history. “I have said this before and I will repeat it here; it is high time all well-meaning indigenes of Akure rose up to fight the marginalisation of Akure by supporting one of our own to become the next governor of the state. It is funny how Akure, the state capital which has the highest number of voters has never produced the state governor; I think we must be the only example in the country and this must stop. Any political party that does not field an Akure indigene as governor should not get out votes,” Idowu stated.

50th remembrance anniversary: Oodua GMD, Lekan Balogun laud late Akintola By Remi Anifowose THE Group Managing director of Oodua group of companies, Mr Adewale Raji and a second Republic Senator, Chief Lekan Balogun, has described the late premier of the Western region, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, as one of the great people who laid the foundation for a better Nigeria. The duo made this known during a courtesy visit in Ibadan, while planning for the 50 years commemorative lecture in remembrance of the late premier of the Western region. Mr Raji said Akintola during his lifetime, was able to put in place some of the things, “we now enjoy today in the south-West and Nigeria at large. We have record of his great achievements, part of which we are in today and if by then he could be thinking towards this direction, one cannot imagine what could have been achieved if he had served the nation more.” “At Oodua, we live to sustain and build on the legacies they put in place and we have been trying to ensure that the South-West of his dream in terms of employment generation, self sustainability and empowerment of the youth with entrepreneurship skills and economic dependency is achieved.

EKSU alumni seek diaspora members’ support for varsity’s development Sam Nwaoko - Ado-Ekiti THE Alumni Association of Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado Ekiti has called on its members in the Diaspora to contribute their quota to the growth and development of the university. The National President of the Association, Professor Adedeji Ayeni, who gave the charge in a statement, said the Diaspora members, especially the United Kingdom (UK) branch must desist from “staying away and remain busy in shooting missiles to the school.” Prof Ayeni in a statement entitled: “EKSU is Rising, EKSU is Moving” held that bottlenecks in the issuance of certificates and transcripts were things of the past in the institution, saying “the university is not inherently impervious to change. The truth is that computerisation of results and online processing of results is a gradual process unlike what is happening in the UK.” The EKSU Alumni president was reacting to a publication credited to the head of the UK branch of the body, Mr Tunde Owoseni, which alleged that there were irregularities in the collection of certificates and transcripts in the institution.

sport

15 November, 2015

By Amobi Ezeaku

HEN the seasons shift, even the subtle beginning, the scent of a promised change, I feel something stir inside me. Hopefulness? Gratitude? Openness? Whatever it is, it’s welcome”. – Kristin Armstrong The above quote from Kristin Armstrong, a professional road bicycle racer and two-time Olympic gold medallist, the winner of the women’s individual time trial in 2008 and 2012 seems to be a true reflection of my candid feelings, notions and thoughts towards the Nigeria Professional Football League 2014/2015 League season which ends today. On March 8, 2015, the league kicked off across the country, the stakes were high because the League Management Company (LMC), the organisers of the Globacom Premier League had introduced a lot of innovations that left critics and onlookers anxious to see how the league will eventually unfold. A detailed framework and rules were introduced for the 2014/2015 season wherein the LMC stated its role in managing the NPFL was to provide a national membership organisation structure for professional football through which the LMC can facilitate financial success, stability and development of professional football clubs, administer and regulated the professional game and promote the values and contribution of the professional game to our national life. In fulfilling the above role, the LMC promised to continue to – represent the interest of its members including the participating clubs; maximize the income generated collectively to support a healthy and sustainable level of professional football throughout the country; regulated and administer the game to protect the reputation, credibility and image of professional football; promote an understanding of the sporting and business needs of its members; provide leadership in delivering new initiatives and responding to external changes which affect the future direction of professional football; represent the NPFL on developments in football, sports generally and other issues which have a potential impact on the professional game; enhance and promote the place of football in our national heritage and culture, and in pursuit of sporting, economic and civic values. In the words of Mr Shehu Dikko (Chairman, LMC and vice president, Nigeria Football Federation), “the LMC is absolutely committed to run the NPFL to the highest possible standards and with integrity. In achieving this, we will ensure that our participating clubs, behave with the utmost good faith and honesty to each other, do not unjustly criticise or disparage one another and maintain confidence; will comply with the laws of the game and follow the NPFL and NFF rules not only to the letter but also in their spirit, and will ensure that our clubs and officials are fully aware of such rules and that we have effec“

A player of Enyimba (right) dazzles during their Globacom Premier league match against Rangers in Enugu. The 2015 season ends today.

An appraisal of 2015 Glo Premier League season tive procedures to implement the same; will respect the contractual obligations and responsibilities of each other’s employees and not seek to breach these or to make illegal approaches; will discharge their financial responsibilities promptly and fully and not seek to avoid them and will seek to resolve differences between each other without recourse to law.” The rules were avowed as objective, realistic and fair in their entirety and had been conceived for the good of the game. The preservation, protection and application of the rules thus were accorded an enviable sense of integrity. The week one of the 2014/2015 league season saw Lobi Stars grab a point from Bayelsa United, the Dolphins versus Kwara United; Enyimba versus Akwa United; Giwa FC verus Abia Warriors and Sharks versus Sunshine Stars fixtures all ended in goalless. Home teams won the remaining fixtures on the opening day. Indeed, the results excited a lot of sports fans and Nigeria football league followers because it was a massive departure from the earlier trend that all games must be won by the home teams, thus the notion that the away team is always at the mercy of the home team crawled away from the consciousness of the Nigerian populace. To even buttress the point that the league’s transparency, fairness, impartiality and balance are on the positive side, during the match day two of the season, Taraba United defeated Akwa United in Uyo and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) lost 1-2 at home to Heartland of Owerri. The week two games generated a lot of accolades to the league organisers. And so it happened that unpre-

dictability of games that’s always the case in the top leagues in the world came upon us here in Nigeria, courtesy of the structure laid down by the LMC. The 2014/2015 season also saw the undefeated defending champions, Kano Pillars lose at home for the first time, before their ever-supportive fans to Nasarawa United FC to bring an end to over a decade of positive home runs. Now, for the records, Enyimba of Aba are the league champions this season even ahead of today’s last away game against Sunshine Stars which will be played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos and expectedly the aforementioned provisions apply to them. Going by the rules and framework also, Enyimba shall enjoy the distinction of wearing for the duration of the succeeding league season the logo of the league set on a gold background or trimmed with gold. (See: Section A. 9.6 of the NPFL framework and rules 2014/2015 season). Youth development is of paramount consideration all over the world and this could have warranted the LMC to make provisions for learning/youth development. Arguably, it is this consideration that prompted the LMC to boldly include in its framework and rules that the LMC shall have a learning department that shall undertake the following functions: to prepare stakeholders, for the training of players, maintenance of the standard of the game, and league and continuous training of coaches and other support staff of the clubs; to develop standard criteria for licensing and participation as a referee, coach or player in conjunction with NFF; to develop and

encourage continued professional education and qualification; to ensure that the clubs maintain periodic training programmes and also maintain standards by monitoring and keeping them abreast of innovations and techniques available; to train media staff, grounds’ men, stewards and security personnel; to monitor the training of players by the learning department and youth development programs of the club; to encourage corporate social responsibility programmes and enlighten stakeholders of the need to support their local communities; to ensure that each club shall maintain a learning department and finally, the LMC shall develop awareness programmes for the education of children and the general public, as to the benefits of the game for academic and

Sunday Tribune

social development literacy, employment, prevention of disease and healthy lifestyles. Sadly, as innovative as the above may seem, clubs and club managements do not consider the implementation of any of these. I stand on this mountain to say that no club in the NPFL maintains a learning department. The training of media officers in the 2014/2015 league season was applauded and indeed the training yielded much dividends as the good image of the League was projected from all around the country by mostly club’s media officer. The promotion of the league through the use of social media like facebook, twitter, instagram etc by these media officers actually rekindled my hope and dream in our league and we expect to see more next season. The training of grounds’ men and stewards are highly questionable as some of the grasses and turfs on some match venues were in bad shapes and colours on the one hand, while the recorded chaos and crisis could have been halted by the stewards if trained on the other hand. It is important to state here also that the LMC in the 2014/2015 season did not implement the provision that states that “the club shall provide the player each year with copies of all the rules which affect the player and of the terms and conditions of any policy of insurance in respect of or in relation to the player with which the player is expected to comply with.” One quickly wonders if the clubs in the league really have insurance covers for the players. I must state here that the welfare of Nigerian professional players is still on the back seat and in a very deplorable state. We enjoin the LMC to also support the NFF Players’ Status/Arbitration Committee in ensuring that the decisions of the committee passed in favour of the players and coaches in the past seasons and the season under review are enforced to its fullest. Finally, as the league ends today, we all should be on the look out to forestall and prevent any act of match fixing. Ezeaku, is the legal adviser, Nigeria Players’ Union.

Globacom League Wk 37 Table 1. Enyimba 2. Warri Wolves 3. Giwa FC 4. Sunshine Stars 5. Nasarawa United 6. Wikki Tourists 7. Kano Pillars 8. Heartland FC 9. Shooting Stars 10. IfeanyiUbah 11. Abia Warriors 12. El-Kanemi 13. Lobi Stars 14. Rangers 15. Sharks FC 16. Dolphins FC 17. Akwa United 18. Kwara United 19. Taraba FC 20. Bayelsa United

P 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37 37

W 19 18 17 18 17 17 16 16 15 14 15 14 11 12 11 11 12 11 09 07

D 12 09 12 06 09 09 07 05 07 08 05 07 14 10 12 11 08 06 10 13

L 06 10 08 13 11 11 14 16 15 15 17 16 12 15 14 15 17 20 18 17

GF 48 57 44 58 44 43 45 44 37 37 38 37 34 43 28 36 32 30 29 27

GA 27 28 39 38 35 36 37 39 37 38 43 54 38 50 38 38 43 46 42 45

PTS 69 63 63 60 60 60 55 53 52 50 50 49 47 46 45 44 44 39 37 34

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

15 November, 2015

Sunday Tribune

55 sport

15 November, 2015

Glo league: Sharks, Dolphins, Akwa in last ditch effort to escape relegation By Ganiyu Salman

UNSHINE Stars will have to put everything into the game today at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, in the last fixture of the 2015 Globacom Premier League season against Enyimba of Aba, to claim a continental ticket. A win for Sunshine banished from Akure to Lagos, by the League Management Company (LMC), could be good enough to earn them a ticket to the 2016 Confederation Cup as third best team this season, with 60 points already in their kitty provided Giwa FC of Jos already with 63 points lose to Nasarawa United in Lafia, as the Akure gunners have better goal advantage of plus 20. However, to Enyimba, today’s clash is a mere formality as they have already, with 69 points claimed a record seventh title in the Glo Premier League, as well as the 2016 CAF Champions League slot. A loss to Sunshine means little or nothing to the People’s Elephant, who would be presented the league trophy after the game by the LMC irrespective of the outcome of the match. Sunshine Stars’ hitman, Tunde Adeniji who is leading the goal chart with 16 strikes will be looking forward to getting at least one more goal that would enable him to claim the Rashidi Yekini Golden Boot for the highest goal scorer of the season. Warri Wolves who are second on the table with 63 points perhaps on paper could chalk up three additional points against the relegation-bound FC Taraba at the Warri Township Stadium, to seal their CAF Champions League ticket alongside Enyimba. The match also provides a great opportunity for Gbolahan Salami with 15 goals to look for more goals to displace Adeniji. Perhaps, Salami would go on the rampage right from the blast

of whistle today to make his dream of becoming the 2015 Glo Premier League season’s goal king a reality. Also, Esosa Igbinoba of Nasarawa United is in the race for the Yekini Golden Boot with 15 goals in his kitty and playing at home against Giwa FC provides him an opportunity to look for at least two goals to displace the Sunshine man provided Salami fails to hit the back of the net against Taraba today. A win for Nasarawa United will earn the Solid Miners 63 points, but they could as well miss the continental ticket on goal difference if Sunshine wins in Lagos. Another team which stands a chance to get a continental slot is Wikki Tourists already with 60 points. The Tourists today in Bauchi need to score at least five unreplied goals at the expense of Kano Pillars which will earn them 63 points and plus 12 goal advantage, but they have to pray for Sunshine to lose as well as Giwa FC, provided Nasarawa United did not score more

than two goals to end in plus 11 goal difference. Interestingly, three teams, Kwara United, FC Taraba and Bayelsa United have confirmed their relegation from the elite cadre as today’s matches regardless of results will make no difference. However, the last team to join them in the lower league will either be Sharks, Dolphins or Akwa United. Sharks with 45 points need a win at away against Abia Warriors to sail through on 48 points. A draw will earn Sharks 46 points, which is not safe if Akwa United at home beat Lobi Stars and move to 47 points also with Lobi. Sharks will then have to pray as a win for Dolphins will take them to 47 points too, a result that will mean end of the road for the Blue Angels. Akwa too may be relegated even if they beat Lobi Stars today as a result of its weak goal difference of minus 11 except Dolphins did not win in Ibadan.

Swaziland arrives today THE delegation of Sihlangu Somnikati of Swaziland to Tuesday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Super Eagles is due to arrive in Lagos this morning and will stay at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Port Harcourt for the match. Chief Executive Officer of the National Football Association of Swaziland, Frederick Mngomezulu, disclosed that the Sihlangu delegation would depart from Swaziland

on Saturday, and travel via ARIK Air from Johannesburg on Saturday night, to arrive in Lagos on Sunday morning. The delegation will then fly to Port Harcourt this morning aboard another ARIK Air flight from Lagos. NFF officials and the Rivers State government have reserved rooms for the delegation at the Golden Tulip Hotel, while the Super Eagles are staying at the Hotel Presidential.

... As Erico okays Eagles’ away result FORMER Super Eagles assistant coach, Joe Erico has described the goalless draw against the Sihlangu Semnikati of Swaziland as a blessing in disguise. Erico said the result will serve as the tonic the three-time African champions needed to overpower the Swazis in the reverse fixture clash billed for Port Harcourt on Tuesday. “I’m happy with the goal-

less draw as it’s certain to step up our commitment towards the return leg. “The draw will make the side work harder as well as serve as a morale booster for the next game in Port Harcourt. “Thank God we did not lose the game to Swaziland as the draw gives the Eagles the advantage going into the reverse clash.”

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On assumption of duties on Friday, Dan Ali, Nigeria’s new Defence Minister, descended heavily on the Nigerian Army for what he called its role in the president’s O-Level certificate scandal ahead of the 2015 general election. But what exactly is the relationship between a pre-election matter and Ali’s Defence portfolio?

Let’s save Nigeria (I)

WO parallel emotions are sweeping through Nigeria at this moment. On the one hand, most Nigerians are expectant of good changes from the new Buhari presidency. In spite of Buhari’s serious misstep in filling non-ministerial positions in his presidency almost entirely with his Arewa kinsmen (according to him, the persons known to him), a lot of Nigerians still hope that his message of “CHANGE” could translate to many good things for Nigeria. On the other hand, many significant sections of Nigeria are being shaken by anxiety – anxiety resulting mostly from the fundamental disorder of the Nigerian federation. Because of decades of relentlessly concentrating all of Nigeria’s real power and resource control in the hands of the Federal Government, regional, state and local initiatives have more or less perished and deep-seated feelings of helplessness reign, in all parts of Nigeria. The result is profound hopelessness and a degreeof poverty that should be alien to this well-endowed country. Poignant manifestations of this anxiety are present in most parts of Nigeria. First, we now have almost daily protest demonstrations by youths of the Igbo nation in the Southeast, in parts of the South-south, and at Nigerian embassies in many countries across the globe – all in the name of “Biafra”. In various influential quarters all over the world, the Biafra noise appears to be attracting attention and sympathy. Secondly, we have the stubborn youth revolt in the Northeast, which has chosen Islamic fundamentalism and terrorism as

its banner. In spite of frequent optimistic reports from the Nigerian military, Boko Haram remains a big problem. Its support base in parts of the Northeast does not appear to be eroding or weakening – and that is probably because Kanuri nationalism is one of its motivating factors and

polls, he reluctantly decided to convene a National Conference. But he really had no interest in change, and he therefore did nothing to guide the National Conference. Since his departure from the scene, the terrorist groups in the South-south have been returning to business.

diranapata@yahoo.com

pillars of strength. Military commanders have repeatedly had reasons to warn important civic leaders in the Northeast to desist from helping Boko Haram. Thirdly, there is the old revolt in the South-south, which has spawned various terrorist organizations over the years. When Dr. Goodluck Jonathan became president, there arose big hopes that very important changes would happen under him. Such hopes slowed down the more negative, and secessionist, tendencies in these organizations. Unfortunately, Jonathan just settled indulgently into enjoying the Federal Government’s unrestrained powers and limitless resource-control. When,at last, it became obvious to him that Nigerians might reject him at the

Fourthly, we may forget (but we must not forget) that many educated youths of the Arewa North have beenexpressing outrage on behalf of their Region. In mid2014, large numbers of youths belonging to the Arewa Youth Development Forum held demonstrations during which they decried the poverty in their Region and what they described as discrimination by the Federal Government against the North. Speaking through their Chairman, Aliyu Usman, and their Secretary, Alfred Solomon, they issued a call “on all Northerners to rise and support agitations for a peaceful dissolution of this union called Nigeria”. They then warned all Southerners resident in the North “to relocate to their respective states to make room

for Northerners who would be returning home”. Nor has the voice of these youths been an isolated voice from the North. Even eminent citizens (such as Prof. Ango Abdullahi) have said almost exactly what these youths have said. Finally, we must not forget that there are several “self-determination” groups among the Yoruba nation of the Southwest, with total membership numbering probably in the hundreds of thousands. For most of these for now, the fervent desire is akin to what this writer has repeatedlyurged – namely, to have the Nigerian federation properly restructured so thateach region of Nigeria may develop and prosper in its own way and make its own kind of contribution to the overall prosperity of Nigeria. . Heavily educated and equipped to move their communities forward, the masses of the Yoruba self-determination groups havefrequentlylamented in their statements the fact that excessive federal power and resource control constrictslocal development energy. They blame their unemployment and poverty on the unreasonable distortion that has been gradually imposed on the Nigerian Federation since independence.How powerful they really are can be seen in the fact that some three years ago, they held large demonstrations simultaneously in all six state capitals of the Southwest on one single day. Their demand, emblazoned on large banners in those demonstrations, was “GIVE US OUR REGIONAL AUTONOMY BACK”. Nobody should think that the Yoruba are different from other Nigerian peoples over the issue of membership in Nigeria.

Siasia invites Osimhen, Nwakali for Senegal 2015 By Ahmed Pele

Osimhen at the just-ended Chile 2015

HEAD Coach of Nigeria’s Dream Team VI, Samson Siasia has invited the Golden Eaglets goal merchant, Victor Osimhen, captain Kelechi Nwakali and two other members of the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup - winning squad to the camp in preparation for this month’s Africa U-23 Cup of Nations in Senegal. Osimhen, it will be recalled, won the adidas Golden Boot at the just-ended cadet World Cup in Chile, with a record 10 goals, while he also won the adidas Silver Boot as the second best player of the tournament. Nwakali, at Chile 2015 won the adidas Golden Shoe as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, while he also finished with three goals to win the adidas Bronze Boot. Siasia also extended call ups to two defenders who were instrumental in the success of the Golden Eaglets which defeated the Les Aiglonnets of Mali 2-0 in the final to win the biennial cadet World Cup for a record fifth time. According to Siasia, he has already se-

cured the approval of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the invitation of the youngsters to the U-23 camp. “I have been monitoring the progress of these boys while the team was being built by my brother, Emmanuel Amunike. Don’t forget we were in the same hotel and used the same pitch to train and I have been impressed with what I saw them do in Chile, so I think what I just did was rewarding them for a job well done,” Siasia said on thenff.com while defending the invitation of the foursome. The former Super Eagles handler noted that the invited players would inspire other young players to aspire to greater heights. “Their invitation is only to tell other players that they too can progress to the senior cadre if they are level headed and keep working on their game. For me age is not a factor; if they can give me what I want, then they will be part of my team to Senegal. But they must justify their invitation for no player in my team has automatic shirt,” Siasia said.

Meanwhile, the coach has given the four invited players one week to rest with their families before joining up with the rest of the squad in the Gambia, where the team will be putting finishing touches to its preparations for Senegal 2015.

GLOBACOM PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES WK 38 Heartland

El-Kanemi

Shooting Stars

Dolphins

Nasarawa Utd

Giwa FC

Kwara United

FC Ifeanyiubah

Abia Warriors vs

Sharks

Warri Wolves vs

FC Taraba

Sunshine Stars vs

Enyimba

Rangers

Bayelsa Utd

Akwa United vs

Lobi Stars

Wikki Tourists vs

Kano Pillars

POOLS RESULTS: 4, 10, 13, 15, 22, 23, 26, 46. Today’s matches: 16, 21.

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. 15/11/2015 MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON EDITOR: SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712.