20th November 2016

NO 2,073

SUNDAY, 20 NOVEMBER, 2016

SPECIAL TREAT

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Nigerian Tribune

Polity The

pg8

AHEAD ONDO GOV ELECTION:

APC, PDP in disarray pg4

•Tinubu, Akande, 3 APC govs absent at APC mega rally; Buhari sure of victory •Makarfi, Sheriff clash over election date

pg19

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Conduits of corruption?

There is nothing like

new Nollywood —Bimbo Akintola

No Sharia bill before NASS pg41 —Dogara Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, welcoming President Muhammadu Buhari to Ondo State on Saturday.

Italian police pg8 arrest 20 Nigerian Black Axe cultists •As police nab 28 students in Delta over cultism

Candidate of the Makarfi faction of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Muhammadu Buhari (3rd right), presenting the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the November 26 Ondo State governorship election, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, to party faithful at the grand finale of Dr Eyitayo Jegede, acknowledging cheers from party supporters at Isua Akoko on his arrival in Ondo from Abuja, on Saturday. the APC campaign rally held in Akure, while other party leaders watch, on Saturday.

Address cry of marginalisation now pg4

•Atiku tells FG, says Boko Haram still deadly

Abductors of 42 traders demand 400 cows pg5

•As soldiers shoot dead suicide bomber heading for IDP camp

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

life&living

Lucrative s**t!

How some individual profit from lack of toilets On the occasion of 2016 World Toilet Day, NEWTON-RAY UKWUOMA and TUNDE ALAO undertook a tour of Lagos, Nigeria’s most populous city, reporting that though many Nigerians lack access to toilets (UNICEF puts the figure at 120 million), some individuals are turning the ‘dirty business’ into clean money.

The Late Isaac Durojaiye, Otunba Gadaffi, pioneer mobile toilet operator, with his mobile toilets

C

ALL it human waste or whatever you like. You may even suggest that it is of no value, but those who are in the business of it knows that it fetches cool money that does not smell. Welcome to the world of those who make money from disposing what is normally called human waste or shit, if you like.

Yesterday was World Toilet Day, an annual event celebrated worldwide to draw attention to sanitation and the more than 2.5 billion people globally who do not have access to toilets. In fact it is said that more people all over the world have access to mobile phones than toilets.

The effects of this is that millions of people engage in open defecation, thus setting in motion a series of activities which often lead to diseases and even death, as it has been discovered that in countries where this activity abound infant mortality is always very high.

Coincidentally, this year’s celebration is ‘Toilets and jobs.’ Therefore, for those whose job it is to manage human waste disposal, coupled with the statistics on those who lack proper sanitation, complaints about lack of jobs are not likely to feature on their card.

In time past disposal of human waste used to be cumbersome and the personnel often work ‘incognito,’ working mostly at night, especially because of the stigma attached to the job. In the South-West part of the country, they were called agbepo (night soil men) and it was a job which was the exclusive preserve of people from a certain part of the country.

Unlike those days, human waste disposal is today a big business and gone were the stigma attached to the job.

These days the practitioners are proud of their business as they are making lots of money from it. They even engage in poverty alleviation by reaching out to the poor, underprivileged and widows whom they set up in the business.

The man often regarded as a pacesetter in the ‘shit business’ though now late, was Isaac Durojaiye, popularly known as Otunba Gaddafi. Starting off in Lagos and gradually expanding the business across the country and the West African sub-region, Otunba Gadaffi gave new meaning to the business nobody wanted to associate with.

He had named the business Dignified Mobile Toilets (DMT) to underscore the dignity which he had hoped to bring into it. While comparing the business with what used to be, especially concerning the ignoble nature of it, Otunba Gadaffi during his lifetime said: “But all that is changing now. There is nothing to be ashamed of about human waste, it is a reality — we all have to answer the call of nature... I named it ‘dignified’ to show the world that there is dignity in the business.”

Otunba Gadaffi started the business in 1992 after observing that there were only about 500 functional public toilets in Nigeria, a country with a population of more than 130 million people then.

His mobile toilets which were made of high quality plastic materials were available for sale, rent and for leasing.

DMT maintained the toilets while its specialised trucks evacuated the human waste twice a week from each toilet.

The business still in existence has since inspired several other ‘investors’ who now operate under different brands. The clientele of mobile toilet operators include

churches, individuals who organise social events and even governments at different levels.

An operator, Michael Adetunji, who works at Palm Grove area of Lagos, told Sunday Tribune that: “Our clients include churches, especially, when they have open-air crusades, wedding events, government and many others.

“Apart from the above, we have our spots in public places like the garages and market places where we registered with the concerned local governments and we pay our taxes regularly.”

According to him, charges are determined by the number of toilet facilities requested for and number of days.

Another operator, who would not like his name in print over what he described as fear over taxation by local and state governments said: “We charge between N5,000 to N10,000 per hour depending on the status of the client.

But for religious organisations, charges are on a daily basis, with rebate, if the programme or event uses tankers more than one day. This also depends on the status of such organisation. There is no fixed price.”

Another Lagos-based operator who specialised in evacuation of waste, Mr. Timothy Ajani, confirmed that the job is highly rewarding.

“Indeed I am always happy to receive a call from people living in either Ikoyi, Ikeja, Magodo, even Surulere, because though they may need one’s service maybe once in a year, but surely, it’s not difficult for them to pay as much as Continues

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life&living

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘I’m always excited to receive calls to evacuate shit’

Statistics on sanitation by UNICEF Continued from

pg 2

N100,000,. Densely populated areas that may pay just N40,000, or a little more is always problematic. However, patronage in the densely populated areas is higher than the low density areas,” he disclosed.

According to the Lagos Bureau of Statistics, there are currently 310 public toilets constructed by local governments in the state. Apapa/Iganmu Local Government Area has the highest number, 83 toilets and the lowest is in Yaba Local Government, which has just one. There are 16 local governments which has none at all.

The few public toilets are usually sublet to private operators who pay a stipulated sum to the local government every month. But this arrangement has not worked seamlessly as investigations revealed that many of the toilets are often dirty, even while users are mandated to pay a stipulated sum for their use.

Sunday Tribune visited some settlements in the Lagos metropolis particularly areas such as Ajegunle, Badia, Ijora Oloye, Otto-Iddo, Agege, Bariga and some market locations, where toilet facilities are abysmally inadequate, and in some places, barely existing.

A visit to some market places like Ojuwoye in Mushin, Itafaji and Sandgrouse the Island and Oyingbo, also revealed a shocking development.

In these places, drainage facilities are blocked with human wastes, while black cellophanes bags wrapped with the same substance dotted the surface, adding to other wastes blocking the free flow of water.

A security man at Oyingbo market, who provided information, revealed that though, there are toilet facilities within the market areas, “immediately we close for the day’s businesses, miscreants whose place of rest is the market do come and they are the ones messing up the drainage.

Even, open places are not excluded.”

But aside from market places, many neighbourhoods in Amukoko, Badia, Aje-

No fewer than 120 million people in Nigeria lack access to improved sanitation facilities, 14,000 Nigerian communities have attained open defecation free status within eight years.

Ekiti has the highest number of residents, among Nigerian states, who defecate openly. gunle and so on, lack modern toilet facilities, relying solely on pit toilets.

“For instance, here at Baale Street (Badia), what we are doing is to ensure that we dig a deep pit, covered with planks where people can ease themselves without any fear of epidemic,” said Chief Kareem Alade, a community leader, who volunteered information on how the residents are coping, toilet-wise.

The above scenario is not different from other communities who are still making use of pit latrine for their conveniences.

But the case is different with residents of places like Makoko, Ilaje and other neighbourhoods whose houses are on top of the lagoon. To this set of people, the lagoon has provided a veritable opportunity.

“What we do here is to construct a room-like structure covered with either planks or corrugated iron sheets, create a hole in the middle where people will squat and do their things. We have no problem at all,” said Adaka Sumuri, a fisherman resident of Makoko.

But where the situation would appear daunting for the authority is the number of homeless ones in the metropolis with hundreds of them taking refuse in the garages, bus stops, uncompleted buildings, among others. This set of people includes miscreants, beggars, destitute, among others.

Two in three Ekiti residents engage in open defecation.

Of Ekiti’s 2.7 million population, 1.8 million engage in the unhygienic practice representing 60.8% of Nigerians who defecate openly.

In Ogun, over one million residents of the state engage in open defecation.

Government intervention However, investigation vealed that La- g o s S t a t e

re-

government is not oblivious of the deplorable condition of toilet facilities in many parts of the state, especially, public places, hence the launch of a Master Plan that would address the situation.

Lagos State Ministry of Environment recently said that it had concluded work on a master plan for the provision of public toilets in parts of Lagos.

The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, in a recent interaction with the media said the master plan was already receiving government’s attention.

According to Adejare, there is need to provide public toilets all over Lagos and not just within the parks and gardens alone.

He stated that the document contains locations for toilets facilities within and around the metropolis.

“The ministry will also encourage market traders and shop owners to provide mobile toilets for use by themselves and their customers,” he said.

The commissioner stated that his recent tour around the state revealed that many houses, especially in Lagos Central, piped their sewage direct into the drainage system.

“My findings revealed that some houses, particularly in Lagos Mainland and Lagos Island, have toilets, but no septic tanks, thereby forcing the ministry to demolish some illegal houses where sewage was piped into the drainage,” he revealed, adding that for the structures that were officially approved, they have given them a time frame within which to provide septic tanks.

Besides, the commissioner vowed that it is no more business as usual in the state, warning home owners to comply with environmental laws.

He further explained that an amendment to the law which would include the ministry’s intentions in that regard would soon be presented to the state House of Assembly.

But again these many communities without decent toilet facilities are ready market for the operators of mobile or static toilets waiting to be explored for clean smelling cash.

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news

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Ondo 2016: APC, PDP in disarray

Tinubu, Akande, 3 South-West governors absent at APC mega rally HakeemGbadamosi-Akure

B

ARELY a week to the Ondo State governorship election, indications emerged on Saturday that all was not well within the ranks of the two leading political parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The signs of disunity, which reared its head in the APC shortly after the governorship primary that produced the party’s governorship candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu, became obvious on Saturday, as former Lagos State governor, Senator Bola Tinubu; former Governor Bisi Akande and three serving governors of the party in the South-West geopolitical, again, shunned the party’s mega rally.

Attendance by President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President Bukola Saraki, members of the party’s national working committee and some state governors failed to sway members of the faction of the party.

At the rally, President Muhammadu Buhari assured the people of the state that the APC would win the governorship election in the state.

Buhari also assured indigenes of the state capital that his government would consider them for federal appointments.

But the major highlight of the rally was the absence of several key figures in the party, including SouthWest governors; Governors Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu

Dogara; Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila and other serving senators of the party in the region were also absent at the

rally.

No reasons were given for the absence of Tinubu.

But Buhari, who attended the rally with governors of

produced Akeredolu was free, fair and transparent enough, saying the turnout of the people at the rally gave him the assurance

Makarfi’s PDP calls for poll postponement Sheriff insists poll must hold next Saturday JacobSegunOlatunjiand Leon Usigbe - Abuja FRESH controversy, on Saturday, hit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the November 26 governorship election in ondo State, as the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee and the Senator Ali Modu Sheriff-led faction of the party bickered over the date of the election.

The Makarfi faction had, on Saturday, canvassed for the postponement of the governorship election slated for next Saturday, pending the determination of the suit before the Supreme Court.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party stated that the call became necessary against the backdrop of the fact that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) “is a party to the suit before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court and is well aware of the steps taken by certain parties to the suit to frustrate the course of justice.”

But the factional national chairman of the party, Senator Sheriff, kicked against the call for the postponement of the election, saying the “socalled National Caretaker Committee of the PDP is malicious, short-sighted, offensive and irresponsible.”

In a statement signed by Dr Cairo Ojougboh, Sheriff urged INEC, the judiciary and members of the public to discontinuance the call

by Adeyeye, declaring that the PDP under his [Sheriff] leadership was fully ready for Saturday’s and was confident that the party’s governorship candidate, Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, would win the election.

The Makarfi faction had, in its statement, maintained that it made the call for postponement against the backdrop of the fact that “INEC postponed the Edo State gubernatorial election and recently postponed the Rivers rerun elections without any cogent or visible reason.”

The Sheriff faction, however, countered that position, describing the statement

ary with Edo State.

Chanting his name as well as singing several solidarity songs, the people restated their support for Jegede ahead of next Saturday’s election, not minding the ongoing litigation.

Addressing the people, Jegede said he was always encouraged by the reception and solidarity, assuring that collectively, they will soon triumph over all the negative forces.

“My driving force to forge ahead has been God and the unprecedented solidarity from you my people in spite of all adversaries that we contend with every day.

Very soon, we shall triumph because we are unstoppable,” he said.

Jegede advised the people

that called for postponement as malicious, short-sighted, offensive and irresponsible.

“The Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the entire judiciary and, indeed, members of the public in general should discountenance of the statement on the Ondo State poll completely” Sheriff said.

The former Borno State governor further called on the Makarfi faction, which it accused of hatching plans to “kill the PDP and bury it,” to leave the party since it had said it would form a new party next year.

“We hereby state categorically that PDP is beyond destruction. We are calling on them to leave PDP alone and allow us to face the task of rebuilding the party. We are restating here again and

Ondo gives free food in 18 LGs, lauds beneficiaries THE Ondo State government has distributed free food items in 17 of the 18 local government areas in the state so far, even as the second phase of its food palliative scheme otherwise known as Eto Igbe-Ayo rounds off in Akure South on Tuesday.

The second phase of the free food distribution designed for the 18 local government areas in the state kicked off in Okitipupa Local Government penultimate Friday, with the food dis-

Jegede arrives in Ondo amid cheers THE governorship candidate of the Senator Ahmed Makarfi faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) on Saturday, arrived Akure, the Ondo State capital, to the cheers and excitement of a crowd after weeks of being in Abuja to reclaim his mandate at the Appeal Court.

Though Justice Ibrahim Salauw- led panel had deferred its judgment on Jegede’s appeal challenging his substitution by INEC till when the Supreme Court rules on Tuesday on a motion against the panel by the Ali Modu Sheriff-led PDP, Jegede was received by hundreds of supporters, party members and residents of Akoko, who welcomed him at the Isua junction bound-

Imo, Plateau, Kano, Ogun, Jigawa, Kano and Edo states as well as the Senate President Saraki, said the primary election that

to keep intact their permanent voter cards to enable them to vote for him during the election, as he expressed optimism that the case in court will be resolved this week.

“They keep asking us what makes us confident that we will contest in this election.

We say we have God who rules in the affairs of men.

By early next week, the Pharaoh we see today, we will see them no more,” Jegede declared.

Jegede was also at Akungba, Ikare, Oke Agbe, Owo and other towns in the northern senatorial district of the state where he advised members to continue with their campaigns to enable him to emerge victorious on Saturday.

tribution team successfully operating so far, in 17 local governments.

Speaking with newsmen in Akure, the Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade, said the response of the people towards the scheme have been overwhelming, adding that there are indications that government may exceed its 70,000 people target for the second tranche.

Akinmade, who lauded the people’s comportment while the distribution lasted, said the peaceful way the exercise has been conducted in the 17 local government areas visited so far was very encouraging, adding that people’s reception to the palliative showed that the government gesture is appreciated.

According to him, the palliative scheme has achieved its purpose, stressing that the main reason for the initiative by the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, was to cushion the effect of the current harsh economic climate on the people so that it would have less impact on the families in the state.

Akinmade said there were testimonies from homes since the first phase of the programe where over 100,000 women benefited, adding that with the people of Idanre and Ondo west benefiting yesterday, the distributing team will also be in Akure South come Tuesday.

again that we are ready for the Ondo poll; there is no cogent reason for INEC to do otherwise,” Sheriff averred.

The Court of Appeal panel led by Justice Ibrahim Salauwa set up to determine the appeals of Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Mr. Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) against the judgment given by Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja had, on Friday, adjourned all proceedings sine die.

Justice Salauwa had stated that the decision to adjourn was taken in the face of a petition written against the panel to the Chief Justice of the Federation (CJN) and chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), alleging acts of corruption, bias and breach of oaths of office, among others.

He added that the respondents had also filed a motion at the Supreme Court in which the justices of Court of Appeal panel were named as co-respondents in their personal capacities.

But responding to the development, the PDP maintained that “the indefinite adjournment is a consequence of the latest of several mischievous actions taken

by Messrs Biyi Poroye, Jimoh Ibrahim and their legal team led by Mr. Ben Nwofor (SAN).

“These actions, ranging from unsubstantiated allegations of corruption to outright disrespect and disregard for the justices of the Court of Appeal to disruption of court proceedings and flagrant abuse of court processes, are all designed to achieve one aim, to stall proceedings and ensure that the legitimate candidate of the party is prevented from contesting the November 26th, 2016 gubernatorial election in Ondo State “This outright bullying and intimidation of justices of the Court of Appeal is enabled by the recent invasion of the homes of justices of the Supreme Court, and the arrests and harassment of several judges by men of the Directorate of State Services (DSS).

“These actions are achieving the desired effect as judges are now compelled to refrain from furthering the course of justice by unsubstantiated allegations of corruption,” the party said.

that the state would be delivered to the APC in the election.

The president, while responding to a call by the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladettoyinbo Aladelusi, to extend appointments to indigenes of the state in federal ministries and parastatal-agencies, during a visit to the palace, said: “Not giving federal appointment to any indigene from this kingdom is not deliberate.

“I came here for your votes which I got, so, there is no reason why indigenes of this state should not enjoy equal benefit as indigenes of other states.

“You have raised a serious observation that needs urgent attention,” he said.

Senate President Bukola Saraki appealed to the people of the state to join the moving train of change, urging the people not to “make mistakes of making the wrong choice this time round.”

Massive crowd welcomes Buhari to Ondo SCORES of Akure residents trooped out on Saturday to receive President Muhammadu Buhari at the mega rally in Ondo State.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that scores of people were eager to see Buhari, in company with other leaders of the party, including the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, at the rally.

The popular Oba Adesida road was devoid of its usual human and vehicular congestion.

Speaking with NAN, Mrs Esther Omodara, a retiree from the state civil service, said that the city was standing still for the president “because he is a man of the people.”

Omodara said that Buhari had deep passion for the entire people, adding that his visit would prove the public support for the APC candidate, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Also speaking, Mr Femi Okunjemiruwa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, said that Buhari’s visit was a sign of positive and good things for the APC governorship candidate and the state at large.

Okunjemiruwa, who told NAN that he would be defecting from the PDP to the APC, said that all hands must be on deck to support the president to rescue Nigeria from decadence.

The Democracy Park, venue of the campaign rally, was lively with music from Fuji musician, Abass Obesere.

news Kidnappers of 42 traders demand for 400 cows 5

20 November, 2016

500 soldiers deployed to free traders Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

S

USPECTED cattle rustlers, who kidnapped 42 traders in Zamfara State, have written to Governor Abdulaziz Yari, demanding the release of their 400 cattle as a condition to free the 42 hostages.

It was gathered that the 400 cattle were seized by security operatives, who stormed a forest at Bindi in Dansadau emirate of the state, on Thursday and also allegedly killed seven suspected bandits.

A reliable source told the Sunday Tribune that the abductors gave the governor a seven-day ultimatum to release the cattle.

As of the time of filing this report, the source revealed that about 500 soldiers had been deployed to the area to search for and rescue the traders.

It was learnt that the spate of kidnapping in the state in recent times had increased.

Last week, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a Wanke Ward, Gusau Local Government Area of the state, Malam Ibrahim Makeri, was kidnapped by gunmen who threatened to kill him within seven days and also demanded N1. 5 million as ransom .

It will be recalled that two weeks ago, the vice chairman of Anka Local Government Area and one councillor were abducted by some gunmen who demanded N10 million before they were released.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Shehu Muhammad, said the police, in conjunction with other security agencies, were working round the clock to free the victims.

In a similar development, Governor Yari has condemned the spate of attacks and kidnapping in the state.

A statement made available to the Sunday Tribune, on Saturday and signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Ibrahim Dosara, described the activities of

bandits as inhuman and barbaric.

The governor equally expressed sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives as well as the families of the kid-

He urged the people of the state to remain calm and law-abiding as all efforts were being made by the government to tackle the security situation in the state.

Remains of the suicide bomber heading for the IDP camp in Maiduguri, Borno State, being packed by NEMA officials, on Saturday.

Suicide bomber heading for IDP camp shot dead Segun Adebayo with Agency Report A suspected suicide bomber was, on Saturday morning, shot dead by security operatives after he tried to enter the Custom House Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp along MaiduguriGamboru/ Ngala road.

This came a day after two suspected suicide bombers were shot dead, while another one was arrested in Maiduguri, in multiple attacks in the city.

Sunday Tribune gathered that the suspected bomber was intercepted by security operatives while he was attempting to detonate an explosive

device strapped to his body.

Troops at the entrance of the camp became suspicious of the behaviour of the bomber when he refused to stop at the transit camp for checking.

Spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, Mr Victor Isuku, stated that “a suicide bomber trying to infiltrate Custom House IDP camp along MaiduguriGamboru/ Ngala road was intercepted and gunned down by troops when he refused to stop for a routine check.”

He added that the Improvised Explosive Devise (IED) strapped to his body exploded, but no casualty was recorded.

Borno govt donates N10m to family of army officer killed by Boko Haram THE Borno State government, on Saturday, donated N10 million to the family of the late Lieutenant Colonel Abu Ali, who died while fighting the Boko Haram terrorists in the state on November 4.

The late Ali was killed in Malam-fatori, headquarters of Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

napped victims.

According to the statement, Yari has already ordered immediate investigation into the remote causes of increased insecurity situation in the state.

Governor Kashim Shettima made the donation when he visited the widow of the deceased in Kaduna, Kaduna State.

Malam Isa Gusau, the Special Adviser to Shettima on Communication and Strategy, stated this in a statement in Maiduguri.

According to the statement, the governor presented a N10 million

cheque to Samira, the widow of the army officer.

Shettima described the late officer as a hero who sacrificed his life for peace to reign not only in Borno, but also in the entire North-East and the country at large.

He prayed for the repose of his soul and the strength for the family to bear the irreparable loss.

The spokesperson of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in the North-East, Mr

Ibrahim Abdulkadir, confirmed that the mangled body of the suicide bomber had been evacuated.

Ogun college of health to begin degree courses —Provost

THE Provost, Ogun State College of Health Technology, Dr Abiodun Oladunjoye, has said arrangements have been concluded with the Kwara State University to run Bachelors Degree in science and other courses in the college.

Oladunjoye made this disclosure at the 40th anniversary lecture and award ceremony of the College, held at the college premises in Ilese-Ijebu.

He said it was imperative to run degree courses as there had been increase in the number of students intending to bag degree in some courses.

He listed courses to be degree-awarding to include Environmental Health, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Health Information Management, among others.

Speaking earlier, the state Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs. Modupe Mujota, said the success story and the achieve-

ments being recorded by the college for four decades could not be overemphasised.

She said the theme of the lecture “Achieving Cleaner, more Sustainable and Healthier Future” was apt putting into consideration the climate change experience in the country and the world at large.

The guest lecturer and Director, Primary Health, Ikenne Local Government Area, Dr Ademola Talabi, noted that change in the greenhouse effect added to the amount of heat retained by earth’s atmosphere.

“To achieve a cleaner and healthier environment in the nearest future, there must be an urgent need for the growing health community to support the growing movement for a cleaner, more sustainable and healthier future, which everyone must abide with to mitigate climate change,” he said.

Sunday Tribune

Buhari orders arrest, trial of people with unlicensed arms Isaac Shobayo - Jos

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has directed that whoever is found with firearms without licence should be arrested and prosecuted, saying bearing unlicensed firearms is illegal.

The president, represented by Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo at the graduation ceremony of Senior Executive Course 38 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State, said that there was nothing noble about banditry and criminal violence which, he said, must be stopped.

The president condemned the vandalisation of pipelines going on in the Niger Delta area, lamenting that the act had caused the nation billions of dollars and had far-reaching consequences on the economy.

“The huge degradation of the environment and the total neglect of region (Niger Delta) due to corruption and continuous vandalism of facilities has led to poverty and violence,” he stated.

The president said the theme of SEC 38, which centred on poverty reduction, was apt, adding that the he had been briefed about the challenges faced by the institute which would be addressed by government based on the available resources.

Buhari said insurgents in the North-East had been degraded, while remnants of Boko Haram were clutching at straw to remain relevant by bombing any soft spot, adding that over 20 million people had been displaced in the region and are currently in the internally displaced camps.

On the clashes between the herdsmen and farmers, he said there had been evidence of infiltration of the herdsmen by militants involved in civil conflicts in Libya and Mali running away with proliferation of small arms in large proportion.

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

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tribute

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Jonathan: An exceptional statesman at 59

By Ikechukwu Eze

F

ORMER President Goodluck Jonathan turns 59 today, 20 November, 2016.

Going by his vast leadership experience and record of landmark achievements, he appears to have flown so high, in so short a time, way ahead of his years.

It is to the glory of God that, while some politicians at that age may still be struggling to get into their first public office, Jonathan has exceptionally checked the boxes for Deputy Governor, Acting Governor, Governor, Vice-President, Acting President and President; the only African, dead or living, to have navigated such an astonishing political trajectory. Add to this the fact that, at 59, he is relatively young, compared to the average age of Africa’s surviving ex-heads of state.

Today, he remains the most loved, decorated and recognisable face of all African statesmen, not only because of his development strides in office but also because of his simplicity and unflinching commitment to his belief that Africa will become great, if the people are truly given the opportunity to choose their leaders and realise their full potential.

Jonathan came into politics with a master-class outlook that redefined love for nation, selflessness, inclusion and nonviolence. For him, the famous declaration that “my ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian,” was not just a creative catchphrase or rousing rhetoric, it was an article of faith that epitomised his craft.

In a clime where a leading politician described politics as “do-or-die,” Jonathan chose to be different, by putting peace and progress of country above self. He set about implementing his vision for a credible electoral system by first appointing Professor Attahiru Jega as head of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), strictly on his own merit, without having ever met him.

Under Jonathan’s Presidency, elections were evidently free and fair because of government’s policy of non-interference.

INEC’s independence became so prioritised that the ruling party lost major elections, even at great pains to Jonathan and his party men.

Those who make light of Jonathan’s historic telephone call to concede the 2015 presidential election to his rival, President Muhammadu Buhari, even while the votes were still been counted, fail to realise the import of that gesture, in a clime where the roots of democracy are still very fragile.

In the first place, it takes great courage to concede like Jonathan did in the face of beckoning opportunities for contestation, especially when his second term bid and legacies were at stake. Even in advanced democracies, it is a tough choice. The best way to fully appreciate how Jonathan saved Nigeria from a consuming fire is to closely look at the situation in Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, South Sudan, Burundi, Syria, Iraq and Libya.

Last year, just before Tanzania’s presidential election, The Guardian of Lusaka wrote a perceptive editorial, advising local politicians not to go below the standards already set in Nigeria. It 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 Africa to hand over

Dr Goodluck Jonathan power to winning opposition parties.”

The only measurable and sustainable mileages recorded so far in the current administration came through the public financial management reform measures introduced by Jonathan. These included Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, which has so far eliminated over 50,000 ghost workers in the public service and saved hundreds of billions; the biometric verification of bank customers (BVN), which made it difficult for people to hide their loot within the banking system; as well as the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a unified structure of government bank accounts, which Jonathan introduced to keep a watchful eye on federal revenue.

The sad thing about the well-conceived TSA is that it is, unfortunately, being misapplied. It is instructive that government has now buckled under public pressure to take the blame for the crippling recession unleashed on the land by poor economic choices, rather than continue to blame Jonathan. However, it appears to be an admittance undertaken reluctantly, particularly as “the responsibility dodgers”

are now changing the narrative, by seeking to give credit for the phenomenal economic growth recorded under Jonathan, to high crude prices.

At an average GDP growth rate of 7 per cent, the Transformation Agenda recorded tremendous progress in key areas of the economy by tackling the challenge of youth employment and entrepreneurship, transforming agriculture, enhancing ICT development, growing Nollywood and the entertainment industry; the Jonathan administration drew a road map for the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan, which it backed up with an executive bill on Development Planning and Project Continuity. Unfortunately, this initiative, designed to irreversibly return the nation to long-term development planning, has been abandoned.

In Zambia, while tension was rising over a recently-concluded contentious presidential election, the heads of the various observer missions looked up to Jonathan for direction. His iconic admonition in Lusaka that “If Africa can’t yet send men to the moon, we should at least organise elections that are free and fair, of which

the whole world will be proud,” has continued to plague the conscience of all dishonest politicians on the continent.

Like the previous year, this birthday will probably come as one of Jonathan’s best in recent times, because it will afford him the opportunity of quiet reflection, without the distraction from self-seeking politicians and rent seekers had he still been in power.

Last year, Jonathan’s first birthday out of the presidential chair, coincided with the time he was leading the Commonwealth negotiations for the resolution of the political crisis in Zanzibar, shortly after he had led the international body’s election observer team to the general elections in Tanzania.

This year’s anniversary has also come at a time the former President is fully engaged, honouring international speaking engagements, working on his memoirs and attending to programmes of the nascent Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.

I join millions of other Nigerians to wish His Excellency a happy birthday.

• Eze is media aide to former President Jonathan.

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news

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

TODAY’S SPECIAL: Top secrets for long life

By Bayo Alade, with Agency Reports THE booming anti-ageing supplement industry has always been trying to be on top of its game coming out with products to keep everyone looking younger.

Everybody is also interested in wanting to know the secrets of a long and healthy life.

Fortunately, the secrets are all around us and within our reach. In fact, a recent research published in the medical journal BMJ reports that light-intensity physical activity every day leads to less disability in old age and thus, a longer, healthier life.

These are some of the other discoveries made by scientists.

1. Your personality affects how long you’ll live.

In The Longevity Project, one of the largest studies that spanned eight decades, Stanford University, United States, researchers, Howard S. Friedman and Leslie R. Martin, found that conscientiousness beat out all other personality type when it comes to life expectancy.

“The qualities of a prudent, persistent, well-organised person, like a scientistprofessor — somewhat obsessive and not at all carefree” are the qualities that help lead to a long life.

“Many of us assume that more relaxed people live longer, but it’s not necessarily the case.” Why? Conscientious behaviour influences other behaviours. Conscientious people tend to make healthier choic-

es, including who they marry, where they work, and the likelihood they’ll smoke, drive too fast, or follow doctors’ orders.

2. Your diet matters Many studies looking at the lives of centenarians focused on what they eat. Considering many people who live into their hundreds reside in the Mediterranean, that diet — which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and healthy fats like olive oil — gets a lot of attention. The diet has been linked to a healthier older age, lower risk for heart disease and even protection against memory loss.

Friedman and Martin also discovered that lifestyle factors like diet play a role.

Of course, genetics are a factor too. If your parents had long lives, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will too, but there are likely some biological factors at play.

Recently, researchers studying the body of a 115-year-old woman found that stem cell exhaustion may be one of the causes of death for healthy people who live into their hundreds. That means cells get exhausted and literally expire. Similarly, other research suggests that some people may be prone to fewer diseases, or may have varying levels of chemicals in the brain, like serotonin or dopamine, that may be giving them an edge by regulating body functions.

3. Staying in school will add a few years Education is correlated with a longer life. A 2012 report from the United States’ CDC’s National Centre for Health Statis-

tics found that people with a bachelor’s degree or higher live about nine years longer than people who don’t graduate from high school. James Smith, a health economist at the RAND Corporation, is also a proponent of the argument for staying in school for better life expectancy. His findings show education may be an even bigger factor than race and income. Educated people are more likely to land better jobs, plan for their future, and make healthier lifestyle choices.

4. Hard work Being a hard worker doesn’t necessarily mean job-stress will harm you. The longevity study found that plenty of hard workers lived long lives. “Skeptics may wonder if hard workers really are enjoying life. We found that productive, hardworking people (even in old age) are not stressed and miserable, but tend to be happier, healthier, and more socially connected than their less productive peers,” the researchers wrote.

5. It helps to be mindful There are some findings to suggest that being mindful can actually have effects on lifespan. One such studies looked at people attending a three-month stay at a meditation retreat and found that after the three months the meditators had on average about 30 per cent more activity of the enzyme telomerase than the controls did, which is related to ageing. The findings are very preliminary, but they suggest that the mind does have influence on the

body.

6. Pleasant disposition While a constantly pleasant disposition seems like it would put people at a lower stress level (and therefore make them healthier) the Longevity Study researchers say that “thinking positive” isn’t necessarily healthy. “If you’re … very optimistic, especially in the face of illness and recovery, if you don’t consider the possibility that you might have setbacks, then those setbacks are harder to deal with,” Dr. Martin told the New York Times.

7. Being social is critical Having a strong social group is associated with a longer life. Women tend to have stronger social networks, and that may be part of the reason women tend to live longer than men. We often turn to friends and family for support, and taking care of the people that matter to us may help us take better care of ourselves, some evidence shows. Some research even suggests that immune function is improved when we are around our friends, and that they help with stress regulation.

8. Don’t sit, move around Sitting a lot is probably the worst thing you can do. Research shows that sitting for long bouts of time put people at risk for shorter lifespan and other health risks.

A 2011 study found that each hour people spent sitting down and watching TV after age 25 was linked to a deduction of 22 minutes from their overall life expectancy.

JSS1, JSS3, other secondary school students arrested over cultism Their group called ‘Future Trigger Boys’

T

HE Delta State Police Command has arrested 28 suspected teenage cultists operating in some public secondary schools in Asaba, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported.

The state Police Commissioner, Zanna Ibrahim, disclosed this on Saturday in Asaba, the state capital.

He said that the teenage secret cult group was known as the “Future Trigger Boys (FTB).”

Ibrahim said that of the 28 suspects, 10 were students of Osadenis Gram-

mar School, Asaba.

The CP said the suspected cultists were arrested during school hours following intelligence reports from members of the public.

“These are children who were sent to school to study but regrettably, they formed cult group to terrorise their fellow students and the entire school.

“They call themselves the ‘Future Trigger Boys.’ We were able to arrest these ones while many others are still on the run.

“Since we arrested them, many of their parents have

been on our neck,” Ibrahim said.

The police boss urged members of the public to continuously avail the command with information that would help the police checkmate all forms of crimes in the society.

In an interview with NAN, one of the suspected cultists, who is a JSS 1 student of Osadenis Grammar School, confessed his membership of the group.

“All of us are cultists. We are members of the Future Trigger Boys. I was introduced into the group in 2014 by my friend.

20 Nigerian Black Axe cultists arrested in Italy MORE than 20 alleged members of a feared Nigerian gang, called the Black Axe, have been rounded up during raids in Italy.

The suspects are accused of being involved in a catalogue of criminal activities, from prostitution and protection rackets, through to drug dealing and human trafficking.

The nationwide operation was coordinated by the anti-mafia squad in Palermo, Sicily.

The arrests come after a

member of the Black Axe turned informer revealed the workings of the secretive criminal network, including the identifies of senior members. Among those detained in the latest raids was the head of the group’s Italian operation in Padua.

In recent months, there have also been arrests in Torino and Milan.

The rise of the Black Axe has been linked to the wave of migrants making the crossing from North Africa.

It has been reported that the criminal syndicate has forged links with the Italian mafia, the Cosa Nostra.

According to the authorities, the Italian gangsters import drugs, which are then distributed by the Nigerians.

However, as part of the subordinate relationship, it is understood the Nigerian gang are banned by their Italian counterparts from carrying guns and so settle their differences using axes and machetes.

“Our leader is one Ibrahim, he is currently at large,” the suspect said.

He, however, said that he had left the group and had not been participating in its activities anymore.

The suspect alleged that when the police arrested some of them, they named him as a member.

Another member of the

group, a 14-year-old JSS 3 student of the same school, also said that he had left the group.

“I joined the FTB last year when one of my friends introduced me to the group.

“We have members in various schools here in Asaba. We do not use any weapon, we only fight with our hands.

“Early this year, I told my

friends that I do not want to belong to the group anymore because I was afraid of some of the bigger boys, especially Ibrahim,” the suspect said.

The CP said the police were still investigating the activities of the group and assured that the ringleaders who were currently on the run would be apprehended.

El-Rufai, Kano emir pay condolence visit to Sultan Dasuki’s home Muhammad Sabiu -Kaduna GOVERNOR Nasir elRufai of Kaduna State and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II,on Saturday, paid condolence visit to the family of late former Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki.

Speaking with journalists shortly after a prayer session for the repose of late Sultan’s soul, el-Rufai said, Nigeria has lost an illustrious son whose contributions to national development could not be overemphasised.

According to him: “we are all very sad that Nigeria has lost an illustrious son, a very wise man, someone

we considered our father for a very long time.

“The late Dasuki was a father and mentor to all of us. May his soul rest in peace.

“My contact with the late sultan was personal. He was a very close friend of mine. So, I have been a member of the family.

The legacies of Sultan Dasuki were many. Is it his career in the public service? Is it his role as the Sultan of Sokoto or his contributions to the development of Islam and peace in Nigeria?,” he asked.

Asked about his opinion on the agitation for constitutional role for the traditional institution, el-Rufai said, “I

don’t have any view on the constitutional role for the traditional institution, it is left for the people to decide.

As a governor, I have found the traditional institution as vital to maintaining peace and security in our various communities, in addition to being custodians of our culture. So, I think, giving constitutional role to our traditional rulers is something we need to discuss at length” he said.

Other dignitaries who were at the home of the late Sultan in, Kaduna, included former Speaker of House of Representative, Hon Ghali Na’abba and Professor Ibrahim Gambari, among others.

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

feature FUTA crisis:

Why staff want VC out

FUTA main gate Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

For several weeks, the crisis that has engulfed the Federal University of Technology, Akure, has defied solution.

HAKEEM GBADAMOSI traces the genesis of the crisis in this report.

F

OR over a month, activities had been at standstill at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) with the non-academic staff of the university demanding for the removal of the vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Adebiyi Daramola, over some issues that the management

and the three unions in the institution had failed to reach a compromise.

The genesis of the frosty relationship FUTA staff and the vice chancellor dates back to the first week of January 2016, when workers of the institution threatened a showdown over the sack of some teachers of the institution’s Staff School, which the workers termed as

‘abnormal.’

The cold war between both sides lasted until early October when men of the anti-graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) invited Professor Daramola to its Ibadan, Oyo State, office over an allegation of fraud and mismanagement of the insti-

The VC honoured the invitation and he cooperated with the commission by providing needed clarification

tution’s fund.

Daramola was not alone during his visit to the EFCC. He was accompanied by the institution’s Bursar, Emmanuel Oresegun, who was also mentioned in the petition along with the vice chancellor.

In the petition, the VC allegedly received furniture allowance annually, as opposed to once every four years approved by the Senate, while he was also accused of paying himself housing allowance while living in the VC’s quarters, among other allegations.

The duo’s visit to the EFCC did not last long and this emerged especially, the non-academic staff , who protested the immediate release of the two principal officers, calling for the removal of continues

pg 12

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

feature Overrun by GARBAGE!

Communities under threat of epidemic outbreak Residents of Adaba, Akowo communities in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State are in danger of contracting respiratory and other diseases if nothing is done to manage the waste being dumped in their communities. SEYI SOKOYA was in the communities, reporting that the road network there also needs government attention.

A major road linking Akowo, Liforte and Awotan in a very bad condition. Photos: Seyi Sokoya

Excited students at their graduation ceremony

T

HE Ijokodo, Apete, Awotan, Adaba, Akowo aarea of Ibadan represents an important section of the city around which other parts of the city have developed. Awotan, for instance, is believed to be the source or foundation of Ibadan, the now thriving city, one of the largest in West Africa.

But the area is, perhaps, the most neglected in the state.

Apart from the terrible road linking the communities , which the state government is now reconstructing, residents are also facing environmental problems which could be injurious to their health. The persistent stench, smoke and deplorable condition of the roads in the area have forced the populace to cry out to government.

According to Sunday Tribune investigation, life has not been rosy for both visitors and residents in these communities owing to what they suffer on a daily basis, especially the road network which is yet to be completed four years after the 2011 flood incident that ransacked almost the whole of Ibadan and its environs.

Sunday Tribune learnt that some people who could no longer bear the challenges have relocated to other places, while those who don’t have alternatives have adapted to the condition and hazards they go through on a daily basis.

At present, the current challenges of people in many communities in this area, especially that of Adaba, Akowo, Cooperative Adaba, Idi Osan, Agunrege, Idi Ope, NISER, among others, have been multiplied. To the residents of the communities, what they encounter now is a bigger problem which is said to be injurious to their health as a result of the health hazards a dump site owned by the state government, popularly called Asunle, unleashes on passersby and the entire communities.

The large expanse of land allocated by the government for depositing collected refuse from the city and its environs has become life-threatening to the communities around the sites as the stench and toxic water it produces are affecting them while also polluting streams, wells and boreholes all over the communities.

Some of the most affected communities, especially Akowo, Adaba, among others, have cried out to the government on the need to take swift action before the situation gets out of hand. Sunday Tribune also learnt that some members of the communities have also restrained the refuse conveners from further depositing refuse on the site.

Sunday Tribune’s recent visit to the area revealed that aside the bad state of the road, about 50 communi-

ties in the area are in danger of contracting deadly diseases.

Workers who restricted Sunday Tribune from taking pictures of the site also refused to make comments.

It was, however, gathered that a private waste management company called Western Africa Waste Management (WAWM), which recently took over waste management in the state, recently visited the site and had promised to take necessary steps.

Sunday Tribune sighted trucks coming one after the other to offload refuse very close to the main gate of the site due to the bad state of the road on the site, which has no gate with a low fence that has become an eyesore.

While speaking with Sunday Tribune the Chairman Akowo community, Mr Olusoji Ogundiran, lamented that the community and the neighbouring ones still face challenges despite several complaints to the Ministry of Environment and Waste Management at Agodi, Gate, Ibadan, adding that, “the reason we decided to cry out again was to intensify effort for a lasting solution and prevent cholera outbreak in this part of Oyo State.

“We are appealing to Governor Abiola Ajimobi to save Continues

pg 11

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feature

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

When the government came calling…

Honourable Wahab Oladejo, Caretaker Chairman, Ido Local Government

Mr Olusoji Ogundiran

Mr Adeoti

The dump site

Continued from

pg 10

people from contracting cholera, typhoid and related diseases. The smell and air pollution, especially when garbage is burnt is unbearable and injurious to health.

All the communities, mostly those close to the site suffer greatly from the smokes we inhale and horrible smell that comes out of the site. We are pleading with the government to come to our aid and take necessary action, for us to enjoy life once again.”

Ogundiran also lamented that the trucks conveying refuse to the site have contributed to the bad state of the road.

“Though the government is trying its best to restore life back to the area, especially with the fixing of Apete bridge, we urge him (Governor Ajimobi) to make it a priority to complete the road and address the issue of Asunle in no time,” he said One Mr Adeoti, a resident also pleaded with the government that the communities would be glad to be free from health hazards and unforeseen crimes in the site, adding that: “The site could be an avenue to harbour crimes and other ungodly acts. We have noticed some people entering the site at night and one could imagine what anyone could be doing in such place at night. We don’t pray for another Ajaale (kidnapper’s den) in our community.

This is why we are calling on the government, especially on how the drivers dump refuse on the edges, of the site which is much closer to the main road.”

Pa Emmanuel Awoyemi, one of the community elders told Sunday Tribune that people have contracted various health problems from the dumping site, especially

through polluted waters.

“We have also been battling with flies too because they have taken over the community as a result of stench. We have lodged complaints many times and nothing was done about it. We just can’t wait for the government to evacuate the garbage and make the environment hygienic, because this wasn’t what they planned to do with the land in 1985. We were told that it was initially allocated for an airport, but we were shocked when it later turned into a dumping site,” he said.

Sunday Tribune also spoke with a patent medicine retailer, whose shop is very close to the site on her expe-

We are concerned about this and we have many technologies to control the odour. I want to assure people that we will be having regular air pollution control on monthly basis

Pa Emmanuel Awoyemi

rience. “This is what we face here and I don’t have any choice but to come and sell to support the family. In fact, I have stopped my children from coming to the shop because of the hazards of the water and the smell. You could see that I am the only one here; other occupants of the other shops have left. I will be glad if the government can quickly do something about it because it has discouraged people from patronising me.”

Another resident, Mr Adewale Oluwatosin disclosed that the site has caused the community enormous damage. “The situation is really pathetic, especially when rain falls. The entire community will be covered in thick odour.”

Sunday Tribune also witnessed the visit of the representatives of the government led by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Recourses, Mr Isaac Isola, alongside the Permanent Secretary, Water Recourses, Mr Soji Oguntola and the Ido Local Government Caretaker Chairman, Honourable Wahab Oladejo, among others, to the site penultimate week as members of the communities trooped out to express their dissatisfaction, but the commissioner pleaded with them and assured that necessary steps would be taken in due course.

Sunday Tribune also noticed during the visit that the wastes by the gate had been pushed further inside and also created channels to enable trucks to dump refuse at the deeper end of the site.

Speaking with Sunday Tribune, Mr Isola urged people in the area to exercise patience, while assuring that a drastic step would be taken in no time. According the commissioner: “We have listened to their complaints and we have come to the site to see things for ourselves. But I want the communities to exercise more patience because we have to take the report to the authorities. I assure them that the government will address the issues in no time.

“I have discovered that government needs to do more for communities here, especially in ameliorating environmental problems. I am aware water is no more drinkable.

I have asked experts to examine the degree of the pollution in order to provide boreholes. I have also noticed that the road network is not passable, probably because of the heaviness of trucks. In view of this, the ministry and the local government will deliberate to provide a lasting solution to the issue of road,” he said.

Ishola also noted that the intention of the government was to convert all the waste into wealth, saying “this was why the government is open to public/private partnership in converting the huge waste to wealth. The recent studies we got showed that the waste we generate in Ibadan alone is up to 80 kilowatt of power which is believed to be enough to serve Ibadan and its environs I have informed the communities that this dump site is one of the sites that is likely to host the conversion programme and the communities stand to gain a lot from this venture, especially in the area of employment and social responsibilities. One of the duties of the ministry of environment is to control pollution. We are concerned about this and we have many technologies to control the odour. I want to assure people that we will be having regular air pollution control on monthly basis.”

The caretaker chairman, Oladejo, also urged people of the communities to be calm, assuring them that he is confident that government will provide a lasting solution to the problem.

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feature

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘When two elephants fight, the grass suffers’ continues from

pg 9

the Vc whose five-year tenure is coming to an end in April next year.

Daramola’s travails is coming barely a week after members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), FUTA chapter, accused him of highhandedness, insensitivity and gross misconduct over the sack of 44 staffers of the staff school on January 4, 2016, and also the closure of the school.

Three of the unions within the institution, the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) Senior Staff Association of Nigerian University (SSANU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) decided to down tools, thus grounding all activities within the school. Though the workers had been reporting to the school on a daily basis, it had not been to their various offices. They assemble everyday at the Senate building, vowing not to resume in their offices until the VC was forced out of office.

Not satisfied with the outcome of the EFCC invitation, the three unions called a congress where it was agreed that a seven-day protest be embarked upon to press for the VC’s exit. However, the protest took another dimension after one week when all the main gates leading to the institution were removed overnight by unknown people. While the union pointed fingers at the VC and management of the institution over the removal of the gate, the management kept silent over the development.

Speaking on the invitation of the two principal officers by EFCC, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Adebanjo Adegbenro, said that the two officers have no skeleton in their cupboards, and as such there was nothing to worry about. He added that “the VC was not arrested, but invited by the commission to provide information over issues relating to his stewardship as the Chief Executive of the institution.

“As part of its statutory responsibilities, the EFCC invited the vice chancellor to provide clarification over issues relating to his stewardship in the university over a period of time.

“The vice chancellor duly honoured the invitation and he cooperated with the commission by providing needed clarification. He was allowed to return to Akure the same day,”he said.

But this did not placate the adamant workers who marched round the institution, converged on the Senate building every day, and insisted that they would not allow Daramola into the institution.

Speaking on behalf of the three unions, the chairman of SSANU, Comrade Dele Durojaiye, said the “protest is premised on the arrest of the vice chancellor by the EFCC. “EFCC arrested him and a majority of the allegations against him are true.

So, he cannot be under investigation by EFCC and continue to stay in office using the university resources. He needs to vacate the office pending the investigation and this is why the workers are protesting.

“He has been running this university like an emperor and like his personal properties. You can imagine a situation where a government official living in government quarters is still collecting housing allowance.

“This VC has travelled more than the

Comrade Dele Durojaiye SSANU Chairman president of this country in the last four years. He doesn’t stay on campus We want to put an end to this and that’s why the union in the school said the man must go,” Comrade Durojaiye alleged.

However in a move to allow peace to reign on the campus, the management said it would welcome any visitation panel set up by the Federal Government to investigate the allegation of fraud against the VC. Breaking his silence over the strike embarked by the protesting staff, the VC said the industrial action was borne out of failure to embrace reality, explaining that all efforts to find a homegrown solution to the problems were being frustrated by some union members in the university.

“The Federal Government brought out a circular. It was actually an old circular brought up as a fresh circular, that come January 2016, the salaries of primary and secondary school teachers in the university system will no longer be part of the personnel grant of the university. The implication of this is that every school will have to stay on its own. Government was only interested in financing the personnel grants of universities alone.

“When that circular came early in the year, around April, I went for the end of the year programme of the primary school. and I told the primary school teachers that we received that circular and that they needed to work with their national office to persuade the government to reverse the decision.

“At the level of committee of vice chancellors, we also wrote to government, reminding it of the agreements with the unions, especially ASUU, in 2009. In the agreement, there was the clause that government would finance free education for the children of the university staff members. We never got a response from government on that,” Proffessor Daramola explained, the genesis of the crisis. in touch with the university’s Governing Council then, worked out an arrangement to disengage the primary school teachers, privatise the school and ask the teachers to re-apply for their jobs, but that

Comrade Adebayo Aladerotohun, NASU Chiarman they rebuffed the effort and failed to reapply.

Technically and legally speaking, the agreement to fund the universities’ primary schools, reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities in 2009, lapsed in 2012 and has not been renewed ever since,” he stated.

Daramola said stakeholders, such as Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyin Ogunladebo Akure monarch, the Anglican Bishop of Akure and Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, had waded in to the crisis to no avail.

He also said it was in the process that some of the union leaders petitioned the EFCC, but he was exonerated by the anti-graft body after thorough investigations. He appealed to the workers to back down and allow the ongoing peace moves to prevail, in the interest of innocent university students who are the direct victims of the ongoing strike.

Speaking during a press conference recently, FUTA Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics), Professor Olatunde Arayela, believed the protesting workers should avoid being a judge in their own case, advising them not to castigate the VC until there is an outcome of the investigation by the anti-graft agency.

Explaining that men of the EFCC had invited Daramola to its headquarters in Ibadan where he gave statements on the allegations against him, Arayela fin-

Professor Olatunde Arayela believes the protesting workers should avoid being a judge in their own case, advising them not to castigate the VC

gered two non-teaching staff unions as the brains behind the invitation of the VC by EFCC, noting that most of the allegations are spurious, lacking necessary evidence to back them up.

Rising in support of the VC, the Student Union Government (SUG) through its President, Segun Ogunsina, condemned the action and agitations of the workers, describing it as “an action against the collective and progressive interest of the development in FUTA.” The students noted that “the VC has been able to turn around the institution in the last four years with massive developmental projects aesthetically littering the landscape of FUTA. This is unprecedented in the annals of our institution.”

However the union leaders accused the VC of speaking from the two side of his mouth. The NASU chairman, Mr. Adebayo Aladerotohun, saids the three unions had been dragged before the Industrial Court sitting in Akure over the protest.

Aladerotohun explained that the VC approached the industrial court seeking an interim injunction to stop the ongoing protest by the workers. He said that the union had attended two court sessions over the matter, while the court adjourned the suit on both occasions.

He accused the VC of not treading the path of peace over the matter, disclosing that the salaries of the workers of the three unions that participated in the protest had not been paid, while members of ASUU had been paid their October salaries, insting that “Daramola must go to pave the way for peace.”

Meanwhile the crisis in the school is taking its toll on the students, especially graduating students who are supposed to be mobilised for the next batch of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) programme, but were not mobilised due to the crisis.

One of the students who spoke with our correspondent, Toyin Aluko, said “when two elephants fight, the grass suffers. We are the ones suffering the outcome of the crisis now.” He appealed to all the warring sides to sheathe their swords in the interest of peace.

13

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20 November, 2016

have two claims to Abeokuta; it is the home of my maternal ancestress; it is also the place where I successfully pursued the last three years of my primary education.

On 20 April, 1921, I arrived in Abeokuta in quest of education. My schooling career here was chequered. Since my father’s death a year before, Fate itself appeared determined to deny me opportunity for education. Though a lad of only twelve years of age, I was also resolute that Fate should not have its way; and so, I went all out to do every kind of legitimate labour to earn my school fees.

Outside Lagos at that time, Abeokuta was, to my knowledge, the only place where there were avenues for young people to earn some money, before and after school hours, and during holidays. At the end of my primaryschool pupilage, I became a Pupil Teacher at Imo Wesleyan (now Methodist) School, Abeokuta in 1926; and, after a year’s spell at Wesley College, Ibadan, I became a Provisional Teacher at Ogbe Wesleyan (now Methodist) School, Abeokuta in 1928 and 1929.

I grew up here. I am proud of and fondly cherish my maternal-ancestral and scholastic connections with this historic city which is the capital of the great Egba people, and the capital of Ogun State. Abeokuta is also the cradle of Western education, and Western civilization, in Nigeria.

It is, therefore, with profound joy and gratitude that I seize the unique opportunity which is afforded me today to address this Hon House of Assembly of Ogun State.

My joy and gratitude are all the more profound because the occasion is the twenty-fifth anniversary of the introduction of Free Universal Primary Education in the old Western Region out of which Ogun State was carved.

The speaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly rightly observed that we are all, young and old, beneficiaries — some direct and the rest indirect beneficiaries — of the Free Universal Primary Education introduced here in 1955. We all, therefore, have cause to rejoice on this historic occasion and to celebrate the anniversary of the advent, twenty-five years ago, of the free primary education.

Indeed we should all rejoice because the twenty-fifth anniversary marks the beginning of a new and momentous educational era - the introduction and pursuit of Free Education at all levels here in Ogun State, and in the other UPN-controlled States - Oyo, Ondo, Bendel and Lagos.

It is with all my heart that I congratulate all of you - the Governor of Ogun State, Chief Bisi Onabanjo, his Deputy, Chief Olusesan Soluade, the Commissioners, the Speaker and Hon. Members of this House of Assembly, all other government functionaries, and the entire people of Ogun State, especially the children and adolescents who are the current direct beneficiaries of Free Education at all levels.

In the continuous implementation of this gargantuan educational scheme, difficulty of one kind or another is sure to arise. It may be physical, administrative, or financial. Whichever it is, I am sure that if we all contin-

Awo’s thoughts PATH TO NIGERIAN GREATNESS Under The New Dispensation

Thefourcardinal programmesoftheUPN* *Address delivered to Ogun State House of Assembly, Abeokuta on Monday 21st January, 1980.

ue, as we now do, to cooperate wholeheartedly with the Government and to give our unalloyed loyalty to it at all times and in every circumstances, any obstacle that appears will not only be overcome, but will also become a stimulus and a stepping stone to greater endeavours and achievements.

In this connection, it will be recalled that the scheme, the Silver Jubilee of which we are celebrating today, was greeted at birth with hostility designed to kill it and wipe its traces out of existence. But with the loyalty and cooperation of the majority of our people at the time, the scheme survived the initial as well as subsequent difficulties. However it is reassuring that, for the new scheme on which we have now wisely embarked, the circumstances are certainly much more favourable and auspicious; and I am confident that, God being our Helper, we shall succeed in this bolder and greater venture more gloriously than we had done with its predecessor.

Before the detailed arrangements for these Silver Jubilee Celebrations were communicated to me, you, Mr. Speaker, Sir, had been good enough to convey to me the resolution of this Hon. House inviting me to visit the House and address its Hon. Members on the four cardinal programmes of the Unity Party of Nigeria. As education is central to our cardinal programmes, I decided in

Sunday Tribune

response to your invitation, that my address to this Hon. House on the occasion should cover a brief discussion and a restatement of our four cardinal programmes and their underlying principles.

We hold certain principles to be true, indefeasible over time, and not negotiable. Some of them are stated as follows: 1. Man has natural and inalienable rights.

2. Some of these rights are: the right of life, to education, to health, to work, to live a decent life befitting his dignity, as the monarch of earth.

2. Every citizen of a country has a right to enjoy all fundamental human rights on the basis of equality with his fellow citizens, regardless of the circumstances of his birth.

3. Man is the sole creative and purposive dynamic in nature: all the other resources of nature - mineral, agricultural, forest, marine, and lower animal - are passive.

4. The economic, social and political development of a society is a function of the aggregate efforts of the entire members of the society.

6. It follows that the more of the members of the society that are developed, the greater the development of the society itself.

7. A country is underdeveloped because its people are underdeveloped; and as a corollary, the pre-condition of a country’s development is the development of its people.

Having refreshed the memories of Hon. Members of this august House of some of the underlying principles, we shall now have a quick look at some of the arguments in support of the four cardinal programmes.

Nigeria is among the poorest and the most underdeveloped countries in the world. Underdeveloped economies have common characteristics which have been empirically demonstrated.

The rate of illiteracy for those aged ten years and above ranges between 32 per cent in Sri Lanka and 92 per cent in Indonesia. The average for Africa is 84 per cent (thanks·to Africa’s white population) and the estimate for Nigeria is about 87 per cent. As against this, the average rate of illiteracy in developed economies is below 5 per cent. As much as between 67 per cent and 80 per cent of the people in underdeveloped economies engage in subsistence farming. Again in Nigeria, the estimate is appropriately 80 per cent. As against this, in developed economies, only between 5 and 19 per cent of the people engage in what can be described as lucrative agriculture.

Furthermore it is estimated that the productivity of one farmer in a developed economy is equal to that of between twenty farmers in underdeveloped economies and hence in Nigeria.

To be continued

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Skilled but blind: Beads professional appeals for help

By Oluwatoyosi Omisore and Feyikemi Ogunleye

A

S Mr Dele Johnson was led to a seat, he hesitated a bit. But when he eventually sat down, he was full of apologies for the trouble he thought he had caused. However, he was quickly told he had nopt been a bother, so he relaxed a bit.

Before the incident that changed his life six years ago, Johnson had a different life. He was good with his hands, he had a family, and by some standards, life was good. Nothing could have prepared him for the fact that at the age of 35, he would lose the function of both eyes.

With a set face, he rummaged through his bag and brought out his certificate, as well as samples of his colourful bead products. His ears picked the slightest whisper and each time that happened, he adjusted his position. He looked down, and looked up again and he began his story.

Born in Akunpopo, Oyo State on October 20, 1975, Johnson, a vulcaniser, had been married before he lost his sights. “The incident occurred on February 11, 2010. I was pumping the tyre of an articulated vehicle that day and as I moved closer to check if the tyre wasn’t leaking, it burst. That was how I lost my eyesight completely. I was supposed to pump the tyre to 120 but at 90, when I checked, the tyre just burst. Only God can explain what happened. This happened three days after I participated in the sharing of my father’s land in Ife. Not long after, I lost my sight, my wife left me. “Af-

ter the incident, because I didn’t want to be a beggar or be idle, I decided to learn some skill. I started at the Blind Centre at Ogbomoso in Oyo State and later moved to Oshodi, Lagos. Then I went to a craft centre in Ikeja where I earned a certificate.

“While learning the skill, I met the woman who is presently my wife. She also has challenges with her sight, but she stays with her mother for now.

I make key holders and sekere with beads. I also make earrings and necklaces with beads.

“After my graduation, I went to various places and many people have been making promises.

What I’m really here for is to plead with Nigerians to assist myself and my wife so I can get some money to invest in the business. I am be interested in supplying my works to people and I’m also open to discussion with those who would be interested in investing in the business.

“I have experienced some challenges as a result of my blindness, include getting accommodation, because let’s face it, not many people would want a blind man for a tenant. There have also been challenges with getting certain jobs because of my fingers. I have three fingers and one thumb as a result of a childhood illness. I am also an orphan,” Johnson stated.

For those who also found themselves with similar predicament, Johnson advised them to “learn a skill, rather than staying idle and begging on the streets.”

Donors should contact Editor, Sunday Tribune.

interview It’s too late for me to be a politician —Gbadamosi Alhaji Gbadamosi Ambaliu Adewoga, an entrepreneur, ex-naval officer and philanthropist in this interview with BAYO ALADE speaks on the nation’s economy, the administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his philanthropic gestures.

I

N less than a year after this government came into office Nigerian officially went into recession. As a business man and entrepreneur, this must have been affecting business and there is no end in sight. What do you think could be done to turn things around?

Government is a continuum. Even if ex president Goodluck Jonathan had not left office, there would still be recession as the economy had not been well-planned.

The bane of our development as a country is corruption, which the present government is fighting. It is an act of selfishness for a person to accumulate wealth that is enough for a country to survive on. Corrupt Nigerians don’t know when to stop accumulating wealth. Even after accumulating such wealth, they don’t invest it in the country to benefit the economy. I believe the anti-corruption war should be pursued to tame corrupt politicians, to serve as deterrent to others with such evil potentials.

Duplication of political offices should also be discouraged. This is evident in the clamour in several quarters for the creation of new states. This is not what we need, when existing governments cannot even settle their bills. Government should find a way of generally cutting down on expenses. This will curb wastes and such money sowed can be ploughed back into the economy. Also we should not rely on imported products, but patronise home-made goods.

Government must also fix our refineries in order to refine our crude locally. If we do this, it would go a long way to turn things around and create wealth.

You are an indigene of Ogun State. Though the recession is affecting all states of the federation, what is your impression about the state looking back a few years and going forward?

I am not a politician and sincerely to the best of my knowledge, the present administration is trying its best in the area of infrastructure. I have to be factual here. Despite that, the whole community of Ilisan is still in dire

Alhaji Gbadamosi Adewoga

need of basic infrastructure. I want to call on Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led government to come to our aid in Ilisan, especially the road that links us with Ago-Iwoye.

This will open up the community in terms of agriculture and also its boost economy in tandem with other communities. The initiative of the Amosun led government to flag off model schools is commendable. Public Schools should be well-structured in such a way to compete with the private ones so that a maximum level of literacy would be achieved. When teachers work without strike, nobody will think of going to private schools, talk less of private universities.

As a philanthropist, you recently built and donated a Doctors’ Quarters to the community Hospital in Ilisan Remo. What was the reason behind it?

I give thanks to God for all the achievements I have recorded in my life. As a good muslim, I believe one must help the needy, the poor and by extension, give back to the community. I am not the richest man in Ilisan, I am only privileged to be part of them. No matter what I do anywhere else, it cannot be more than the one I do for my town, Ilisan Remo; it is my base. I grew up there and all my life preparation originated from there. I regard it as the best, because, I think whatever I become is just a payback to Ilisan. my root.

At 66, I don’t think I want to have any political ambition. My military orientation does not allow for any political ambition. I face what I believe in. I tell the truth all the time and I hate exploitation and I don’t want to start what I cannot finish. In a nutshell, I am doing this only for the good of the community. I don’t have any political ambition; it is rather too late for me to do so. If I was interested, I would have started years back.

Sincerely, I will continue in my own little way to pay back to my community. This is what I was brought up to do. All my life, people helped me in one way or the other to become what I am today. I have a priority and obligation to do as much as I can for my community so that the society can improve.

I have been involved in building a crèche and maternity ward before the new Doctors Quarters. Due to inadequate number of doctors and the need to create a facility that will attract them to this community, that’s why I decided to embark on building the quarters. I have done this in the hope that when others that are more endowed see the gesture, they can also join and do bigger and better projects than I have done. I am also grateful for the recognitions that have come my way for the little contributions I have made to the development of the community.

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20 November, 2016

For Nollywood actress, Bimbo Akintola, her job comes before any other thing and with over a decade experience in the movie industry, her love and understanding of her career has earned her a handful of accolades within and outside the country. Her role in the yetto-be released Ebola movie, 93 Days, wormed her even further into the minds of many people even as she revealed that the movie remains the toughest of her jobs. She speaks with SEGUN ADEBAYO in this interactive session.

B

Sunday Tribune

There is nothing like

new Nollywood —Bimbo Akintola

IMBO Akintola has remained a recurring factor in the movie industry and you have remained relevant even after these years, how do you feel to have come this far?

I feel grateful and I actually feel proud that I am doing what I am most passionate about. I cannot imagine a time when I felt I couldn’t do this for whatever reasons. If you ask me how I have stayed long on this job, I will tell you I don’t have any secret. I just do my job to the best of my ability.

Now that what is believed to be the new Nollywood is fast emerging, where exactly do you belong in this new movement?

I don’t see any movement. I see myself as I have always seen myself. I see myself as an actor, who believes strongly in the message she preaches. I believe in the message I am preaching through any story that I am re-enacting.

Continued on pg16

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘I have no strategy for staying relevant’

A scene from ‘93 Days’ Continued on pg16

What exactly do you make out of the development and transformation that has enveloped the movie industry in the last few years?

The only thing that is constant in life is change. There was no doubt that the industry would evolve. It is obvious that the change we see around now has been more positive than negative, better technical work, more independent producers, and better quality in our films. That is what we should be looking at and that is the positive I am seeing about Nollywood.

Which do you belong to, the new or old Nollywood?

As far as I am concerned, Nollywood is Nollywood.

How easy was it for you to pick up from where you stopped when you made your come back and what took you away before then?

The truth of it all is that I work when I’m excited about the story I am reading. Beyond that, our films are not just meant for entertainment but also information and education. For me, it is always a matter of finding the right stories I wanted to tell.

Whether in the Yoruba or English language movies, when the story is right, I will be willing to be part of the job. Any script that tells an important story is what I look out for, no matter what language it is.

What is that thing that has kept you on this job for years?

As I always tell people that I have no special strategy. I’m just grateful that I can tell stories and hopefully affect one life.

How did you manage to find your way into acting and what was the first attraction for you?

I got my first television job with Lola Fani Kayode. It was a series named ‘Family Ties’.

Acting is what I love doing the most. So I went to the University of Ibadan and studied Theatre Arts.

You starred in the movie, ‘93 Days’ recently and you seem to have wormed your way back into the minds of many people, how challenging was the role?

The movie ‘93 days’ was a huge challenge

for me. It’s not a make-believe story but it is more about real people and real events.

It was most important that my portrayal of Dr Stella Adadevoh be as true to her as possible. I had to play the role as though she was the one in the movie. I listened to everyone that had something to tell me about her.

With every story, I met this amazing woman who sacrificed so much for us. She was a true heroine. It was an amazing honour to be her for a short while. I feel very proud to have played that role.

What was the first thing you considered when you were approached with the job?

I think the first thing I thought about was how important it is for us to tell our own stories. After reading the script, I was moved beyond words by the heroic act of the doctors at First Consultants Hospital. What they did was amazing and beyond what we could really explain.

So money was never a factor?

The truth is that money is important but telling this amazing story and recording a significant part of our history was more important to me than any other thing the job could have offered me.

Would you consider it as one of the toughest jobs you have ever done?

It remains the toughest for me, definitely.

It was important to tell the story and tell it right. It was a time in the history of Nigeria, when everything was done right and with

For me, it is always a matter of finding the right stories I wanted to tell.

Whether in the Yoruba or English language movies, when the story is right, I will be willing to be part of the job.

such cooperation. It was not the usual negative story in the foreign press. It was also most important to honour the heroes of that period, especially those who lost their lives.

So, the job remains the toughest for me.

What next project are you working on?

I’m looking forward to the release of Coma, a film produced by Fabian Olojede.

I bet many people would love it when it is released.

You are one woman who has hands in different pies, how do you juggle all that you are involved in without any hitch?

I am focused, no matter what it is I’m working on. I always want to put my all in any project I am involved in.

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20 November, 2016

KSA, Dangote, Fashola, others to be honoured at AWNO 2016

By Segun Adebayo

T

HE centre of excellence, Lagos State, is about to witness another edition of “All White Nite Out”.

This year’s edition is tagged “Exclusive”, making it the

fourth of its kind since 2013.

The award event is an initiative of ace journalist, Soji Omotayo, and usually packaged in conjunction with City People Media Group, to celebrate outstanding persons in politics, movie and music industry, business,

humanitarian services, among others. The gathering also affords celebrants the opportunity to network and generate viable ideas that can move the country forward.

Speaking to R, the head of the organising committee, Soji Omotayo, said this year’s event will showcase the likes of the chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote,” Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola; wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs Olufunsho Amosun; King Sunny Ade; chairman of Adesun Motors, Sunday Adeyemo,

popularly known as Sunday Igboho, Otunba Deji Afolabi Ojo and Primate Elijah Ayodele.

Others include, Prince Kazeem Odibo, Abass Akande Obesere, Alabi Pasuma, Reminisce, 9ice, Odunlade Adekola, Oritsefemi, Mercy Aigbe, Ewaade Omotayo, Sup/Evangelist G. Adomeh, Femi Branch, Queen Ayotunde Balogun, Lanre Teriba, Doris Simeon, among many more.

The event is slated to hold on Thursday, December 15, 2016, at Glass House Events and Suites, No 33, Olayiwola Street, New Oko-Oba, Agege, Lagos State.

Sunday Tribune

Victoria Oladapo releases debut album ‘He Reigns’

By Seyi Sokoya GOSPEL singer, Victoria Oladapo has finally released her first album entitled ‘He Reigns’.

The singer who started her music career during her university days and later joined a vibrant choir at Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has a potpourri of soul lifting songs of ten different tracks.

Some of the songs include Beauty For Ashes, Mo ya dupe, Power of your love, Grace found me, Restore My Glory and He reigns.

Produced by Sydel Atlantic Ltd all song were written and composed by her except the Yoruba choruses.

He Reigns album is one that lovers of gospel music would love to have among their collections.

“I realised I could minister in songs to bless souls. The inspiration for the album came early this year when

I felt the leading to put my body of works together and here it is to the glory of God. The songs are being loved by many as I minister in different churches, “ says Victoria who hails from Ijare in Ondo State.

Victoria Madesola Oladapo, a graduate of Fisheries and Wildlife from FUTA, is married to Rev. Joshua Oladapo and blessed with children.

Beauty queen, Zainab Amoo, condemns domestic violence, donates to destitute

By Seyi Sokoya FIRST runner up in the prestigious Mr and Miss Nigeria Int’l (MMNI) beauty pageant 2016, Ms Zainab Amoo, whose pet project centres on fashion, agric development and youth empowerment has condemned the rampant domestic violence ravaging

the society, describing it as weird, not proper, unmanly, and what must not be encouraged in the society.

Amooo stated this when she celebrated her birthday with the underprivileged at the Okobaba Destitute Home, Ebute-Meta in Lagos State as she donated gifts including noddles,

Mo Abudu, Stephanie Okereke-Linus shine at Dubai Tourism Lagos Soiree

By Segun Adebayo IT was a gathering of stars as Dubai Tourism brought a taste of the Middle East region to Lagos State at a colourful social event to wind down its participation at the 2016 edition of Akwaaba African Travel Market.

In a move which underscores Nigeria’s strategic place in Dubai’s overall destination marketing efforts, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), popularly known as Dubai Tourism, had a strong delegation at the event led by Stella Obinwa, the Regional Director for Africa.

According to Obinwa,“Dubai Tourism was delighted to have a second outing at the Akwaaba, which is Africa’s largest travel fair. This year, we arrived with 10 tour operators and Destination Management Companies (DMCs) which included airlines, hotels, tour

agencies and the world’s largest indoor theme park, the IMG Worlds of Adventure. The whole point was to create a platform where suppliers and buyers get to meet, to improve their businesses.”

Speaking further, Obinwa said there is a misconception that Dubai is expensive or that it is only for shopping. “Yes, it is a luxury destination but it is very affordable, and there are

thousands more places to visit beyond the Burj Khalifa and Desert Safari. Also, our partners came along to the Akwaaba to give incentives to help travel businesses grow. Of course, luxury shopping is a given in Dubai and at phenomenal market value. Shoppers may be happy to know that the next Dubai Shopping Festival starts early by December 26 until January 2017. Discounts will

be extremely attractive for visitors, with about 600 incredible giveaways to shoppers,” Obinwa said.

Ebonylife TV founder, Mo Abudu, comedian Chigul, and actress Stephanie Okereke-Linus were among the close to 50 partners, clients and other guests at the soiree.

The peak of the evening was a surprise presentation of various destination tickets to eight guests.

cooking oil, salt, fruits and some cash, among other items, while the chairman of the grossly-indigent community, Ado na Amadu, appreciated her, saying ‘the gesture was to give back to the society.’

She also promised that while her reign lasts, she will continue to seek ways of enriching the lives of those around her, especially the

vulnerable and indigent, just as she revealed that preparation towards her pet projects set to take off early next year are in the top gear.

Despite the glamour of her position as Miss Nigeria Int’l Africa 2016, the beauty queen who picked up her diadem last month showed there is more to her role as queen than wearing the crown.

Biyi Samuel thrills guests at ‘Adura’ concert

By Seyi Sokoya INSPIRATIONAL Singer, Biyi Samuel has expressed full gratitude to God as he held another successful musical concert tagged: “Adura”.

The event which was held at Bamboo Hall, Omole, Ikeja, in Lagos also attracted notable faces in the music and entertainment industry including Tope Alabi, St Janet, Mike Abdul, Aduke Gold, Bisola Testimony, Omo Jesu, alongside others who also thrilled the guests.

The host, Biyi Samuel, famous for the movie soundtrack entitled, ‘Igi Aruwe’, with his band, The

June 20 Crew also performed to the admiration of all the guests.

The concert also marked the official launch of his new album entitled “Adura” which was released from the stable of Moyinnet Entertainment.

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

Lagos get ready!

Olamide’s OLIC3 will shut down your city

By Segun Adebayo IT has been an eventful year for YBNL boss, Olamide but the Shakitibobo crooner has hinted that he has one more surprise for his fans to wind up the year in style. Come December 26, Olamide and his YBNL gang will storm Lagos for the third edition with what he called Olamide Live in Concert (OLIC3).

The concert which started in 2014 has become a yearly event that puts Olaimde out in his truest element and this year will not be an exception even as he plans to give back to his fans for their support over the years.

The news of the much-anticipated event was revealed by Olamide on Thursday just as he confirmed that this year’s event would be a step bigger than the two previous editions.

Olamide who welcomed another rapper, Eminidavolee, to his record label days back insisted that he would con-

tinue to use his wealth and platform to support the up-and-coming rappers, who may not have had the opportunity to make it to the big stage.

From sold out concerts in the UK and Canada to international nominations and awards, Olamide has proved he has fianlly mastered the game. Even singles like Orobo, Abule Sowo, Owo Blow, Konkobility, among others that have continued to top music charts locally and internationally.

According to a statement from the rapper’s management, “It has been an amazing year for Olamide. To crown the many successes of 2016 and give back to his loyal fans, Olamide has announced the third edition of Olamide Live in Concert. By all standards, OLIC 1 and 2 shut down Lagos, Nigeria but OLIC3 would be another history-making event as Olamide and his gang will bring a concert like never seen before in the history of concerts in Nigeria.”

I would have been a footballer —Solidstar STILL basking in the euphoria of his new album, Weed, which was released a few weeks ago, Nigerian singer and songwriter, Solidstar has opened up on his love for football even as he added that he would have been a great footballer but for his love for music. “I would have been a footballer if the love of music was not a bit higher than the love for football.”

Solidstar who began his music career as a drummer for a local church in his hometown in Delta State, disclosed this on Friday during the promo tour of his new album, which has been rated by music lovers as one of the best albums so far this year.

According to Solidstar, football was one thing that he truly loved when he was growing up, saying that he could not pursue it further because of his passion for music. “Music took the better part of me though I was a good footballer. I still remain the lover of the game but for now, it is music all the way.”

who love, and care for her.

According to her, “with the help of God, adequate care and love, I have been able to suppress the effect of sickle cell in my life. Because of this victory, God laid it in my heart to reach out to orphaned sickle cell children who never had the opportunity to experience the same parental love and care I had and also to ensure I do everything within my power to give this love to them.

“Sickle cell patients generally grow up with a very low self-esteem, feeling

FUMAN, Obey felicitate with Tribune at 67

By Seyi Sokoya

—Banky W

By Segun Adebayo

N

Don Moen, Frank Edwards, Tope Alabi, others for Experience 11

By Seyi Sokoya THE much-anticipated annual gospel concert of the House on the Rock Church tagged: “The Experience” is currently gathering momentum again as this year’s event which will mark the 11th edition is scheduled to hold on December 2 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The free concert which has grown to become the largest gospel music event in Africa among Christians and non-Christians alike as it heralds the festive vibes of Christmas yearly, according to many, is the mother of all gospel concerts that converges both gospel ministers and worshipers to lift the hands of God with praises.

The ‘Experience 11’ with the theme “Revealing Jesus” will feature both international and indigenous gospel artistes such as Don Moen,

TIE Foundation donates food item to orphanages THE Inspired Excellency (TIE) Foundation, a non-governmental organisation set up to raise and equip orphaned sickle cell anemic children donated bags of rice, tubers of yam, cartons of spaghetti and noodles to Rosarian Voice Community Inc, Oyiza Orphanage Home and Dorcas Adunola Oyediji, recently.

The founder of TIE Foundation, Ms Ware-ebi Yebide, while speaking at the presentation said she was born with the condition but was fortunate to be surrounded by parents, siblings

Seyi Sokoya seyi_sky@yahoo.com 08075166585

Shaydee is most underrated vocalist in Africa IGERIAN R and B singer and founder of Empire Mates Entertainment, Olubankole Wellington otherwise known as Banky W, has declared that his artiste, Shaydee, is the most underrated yet most gifted vocalist to have come out of the African continent.

Banky W who said Shaydee has gone through some low moments in his career in the last few years, added that the singer is ready to blow the minds of many music lovers in the country with his new album, RythmAndLife, which would be released next week Friday.

Shaydee’s career has witnessed a lull under Banky W’s Empire Mates and many people have questioned his music talent in recent time, with some people even urging him to walk away from the label in order to improve his musical potential.

In a statement released on his Instagram account on Friday, Mr Capable as he’s fondly called responded to the criticisms that have trailed Shaydee’s career and declared that his artiste is ready to take the music industry by storm before the end of the year.

“Sometimes, it does not happen overnight but that does not mean it won’t happen. You have to work harder for it and keep pushing despite all obstacles. But when it finally happens, you will cherish it more and won’t take it for granted.

“I am proud of the work he has done and I can tell you that this album is the best you will hear this year,” he said.

of inadequacy and poor self-worth.

TIE Foundation will also address these challenges by giving them a reason to believe in themselves and make them realise that sickle cell dis-

ease doesn’t make them lesser beings but strong people who despite their health challenges can still rise up to become masters (kings) in their chosen field of endeavour.’

31

Frank Edwards, Travis Greene, Tope Alabi, Micah Stampley, Cece Winans and Donnie Mcclurkin. Also ministering are Gabriel Eziaschi, Eno Michaels, Chioma Jesus, Nwando, Tim Godfrey, Midnight Crew, Smokey Norful and Samsong, among others.

According to the Senior Pastor, House on the Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, “the purpose of this year’s edition is to further reach the world with the message of the gospel of Christ, in a fashion so simple, yet effective”. He further emphasised that it is time Christians stopped sitting in their corners, but take centre the stage to spread the gospel of Jesus by truly ‘Revealing Jesus’.”

Adefarasin has also reemphasized that everybody regardless of race, culture and religions from all walks of life are invited to experience God in an incredible style at the event.

FUJI Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), has congratulated ANN Plc, the publishers of the Tribune titles on her 67th anniversary which was marked this week.

In a goodwill message, National General Secretary of the music body, Iyanda Ganiyu Composer, said: “Tribune has been there for us since our inception way back 1999 when we held our inaugural convention at D’Rovans Hotel, Ring Road, Ibadan. Since then, you have not stopped giving us the coverage that has helped to build the brand. We appreciate and felicitate with you on your anniversary. We shall be here for you when you mark 70 in three years.”

For the unalloyed support that the oldest survivng newspaper has been giving Fuji musicians generally, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, a.k.a K1 De Ultimate, is set to host a management team of the ANN Plc on November 29 at his Ojushaagbola mansion in Ijebu Igbo. Composer, who said K1 has been an ardent fan of Tribune since the days of Mr Ademowo as Entertainment Editor, is delighted with the prospect of hosting the organisation and that he looked forward to it.

“Alhaji is hosting all Fuji musicians same day. We are holding a unity forum and it will be a full house. We want to meet on how to consolidate the unity and peace that has come

By Seyi Sokoya FUJI Music artiste, Alhaji Sulaimon Alao, popularly known as Malaika, has picked November 28 for the release of his new album, ‘Original’.

In a statement released by Malaika’s management, the audio songs will be released by Babalaje Music.

Speaking on the content of the album, Malaika revealed that the album talked about current happenings in the country.

brating the monarch.

Sodade who is the immediate Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget hinted that the social club which is made up of eminent personalities in Egbaland would also intervene in areas of provision and rehabilitation of sports facilities in Ogun State which is in line with the RCE’s vision and transformation of Ogun State.

Prince Sodade recently led a pow-

erful delegation of RCE on a courtesy visit to former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at his Presidential Hilltop residence in Abeokuta where an award of invaluable contribution was presented to the elderly statesman.

The RCE President at the event, referred to Chief Obasanjo as the ‘nation’s number one squash enthusiast’ while the former President confessed his addiction to squash which he claimed he plays thrice in a week.

...with Lalacious

Another actress’s marriage crashes SHE is a popular actress in the Yoruba sector of Nollywood. She is a light-complexioned lady and she has featured in a number of movies but she was better known for some scandals that had trailed her.

Last year, this lady did what some people called ‘secret wedding.’ She got married to a popular leader of the road transport union in Ambode’s state. The man was noted for dating actresses and his affair with another actress then was the talk of the town until the actress had to run for her dear life after she was discovered to be suffering from a ‘strange illness.’

Well, the gist we are hearing is that this actress, who also has the same first name with the actress that developed ‘strange illness’ when she was with the guy, is in trouble currently as her said ‘secret marriage’ has packed up.

According to Olofofos, the road transport guy found out that his wife, who they said was the sixth, was notorious for playing ‘away matches.’ We hear that when he got to know about this, he was said to have beaten the lady mercilessly before throwing her out of his house.

Actor, actress return to roforofo fight

Malaika launches ‘Original’ album November 28

Bayo Sodade’s RCE celebrates Oba Gbadebo SEQUEL to the success of the first Alake of Egbaland National Junior Squash Tournament organised last year by the Royalty Club of Egbaland, to commemorate the 10th coronation anniversary of the paramount ruler, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo with the Ajisewa Egba Foundation as its main sponsor, Prince Bayo Sodade, the President of RCE has disclosed the plans of the club to henceforth organise every tournament directed at cele-

among our members. We know things can only get better. The FUMAN Unity Forum will be a platform for all members, old and young, to make their contributions to the success of the association.”

In the same vein, music legend, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, also felicitated with the management and staff of the company, adding that, “I am glad that the sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, indeed, achieved his aim with the Nigerian Tribune in order to fight the cause of the masses. It is to my delight that the family, especially Mama HID Awolowo upheld the legacy.

I also want to congratulate the current management led by the Chairman, Reverend (Mrs) Tola Oyediran, co-chairman, Dr (Mrs) Olatokunbo Dosumu and the MD\EIC, Mr Edward Dickson, for the great success the company has recorded so far as the oldest newspaper in Nigeria. To me, this company has become an institution, and I am proud to identify myself with the print media. I wish the company happy celebration at 67 and pray for more successful years.”

Nosey Parker

“The album has three tracks which talked about happenstances within our society. It dwelt more on Yoruba culture and how music fans should re-discover their identity. Original will blow your minds when it eventually hits the music shelves”, Malaika said.

It is recalled that the album was launched at 304-306 Bensham Lane Thornton Heath CR7 7EQ, London, United Kingdom last month.

Industry night will be hosting Malaika on Wednesday 23rd November 2016 at an undisclosed hall in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Malaika’s last effort, Superstar was released in September 2014.

THIS actress is angry and very angry indeed over the way her former husband who is also an actor is going about on social media over the collapse of their marriage.

What pained the actress most is that her ex-husband, who dumped her not quite long ago, is boasting about how she was a useless wife and the fact that he impregnated one of her ‘apprentices’ in Nollywood.

The actress, who is from the state where the new oga patapata took over recently and who bears a Yoruba first name, is so annoyed that she too took to the social media to abuse the ex-husband by writing nasty stories about what actually led to the collapse of the marriage.

She even rained curses on the young man, who has an English surname, saying what pained her most about the ‘childish behaviour’ of the actor was the fact the guy went to the extent of posting his picture with the pregnant actress on the social media.

For now, Olofofos said they are waiting for what the reaction of the ex-husband will be as the two of them have made it a duty to slug it out on the social media.

Actress causes commotion at airport

THIS ‘actress’ is more popular with her chest region rather than what she can do in movies. In fact, many can count the number of movies she has featured in. Some time ago, she also tried her hand on music but that ended in a total failure. Well, let us just call her an ‘actress.’

The lady recently caused confusion and made mouths to drawl at one of the country’s airports when she claimed that she was on her way for vacation in Obama’s country.

According to Olofofos, as the lady, who is notorious for wearing clothes that expose those massive chest regions, arrived at the airport, there was confusion as virtually all eyes were drawn to her usual display.

It was gathered that many airport officials, including those who were to check her and others in, stopped work in order to catch a glimpse of those massive things while many passengers also joined to see the ‘free show.’

In fact, Olofofos at the airport said many of the passengers were delayed unnecessarily because of this.

Polity The

20 November, 2016

The Lynx Eye

COLUMNS

19

APC must own its govt —p28

Sunday Tribune

From The NASS

How not to treat our —p30 heroes past and present

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Conduits of corruption?

Kunle Oderemi and Dare Adekanmbi

L

OCAL government councils in Nigeria depict the picture of a captured territory with the army of occupation engaged in mindless

sleaze. They are like a castrated horse that is not conscious of having lost its soul. A tour of a local government areas usually leaves observers with a painful tale and experience of how and what governance should not be in the country 56 years

Why Buhari can’t fight corruption to standstill —pp24,25 —Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium

after independence from the colonial lords.

Though closest to the grassroots, a local council in the country is far away from the lives of the rural dwellers. It provokes the bile in their system each time it crosses the minds of such people that they are under the jurisdiction of a local government.

Billions of naira that are reeled off as budgets annually and meant to bring positive changes to the lives of the citizens develop wings through the conspiracy of a few elite and internal collaborators.

The people are swindled through phony contracts, manipulation of documents and all manner of inducements being perpetrated by the ruling political elite and bureaucrats.

Although mouth-watering

figures are announced in the name of fiscal appropriations, the basic things of life like motorable roads, potable water, electricity, education, health care and others are almost non-existent or had become decrepit. Nonetheless, more than 70 per cent of the 170 million Nigerian population live in rural communities spread across 774 local government areas in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Deprived of even the minimal comfort of life and inflicted by poverty, the people are confronted with double jeopardy because of the failure of local government

continues on pg 20

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

NASS’s initiatives to free the local governments

Stakeholders have since 1999 discovered the constitutional impediments to smooth running of the local governments but few are ready to tackle the challenge, Group Politics Editor, TAIWO ADISA writes on the moves by the National Assembly to right the wrongs.

S

ECTION 7 of the 1999 Constitution provides that the system of democratically elected local government shall be guaranteed. The constitution, however, gives out what looks like a clear authority with the left hand by further providing that the government of each state shall ensure the existence of the local governments.

The constitution says: “The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the government of every state shall, subject to Section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and function of such councils.”

The constitution goes further to state that the person authorised to prescribe will also have power to define the area of jurisdiction with clear attention paid to the common interest of the communities within the area, traditional association of the people and administrative convenience.

The above has been the cog in the wheel of progress of the local governments since the inception of the Fourth Republic.

Whereas the constitution guarantees that local governments are to be run by democratically elected authorities, it also in another breath denies the councils the main live wire, the financial capacity that will enable them to function. The constitution further ties the councils to the apron strings of the states by approving the composition of the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), the agency authorised to conduct elections to the councils. The commission is strictly composed by the governor after confirmation by the State Assembly.

Section 162(5),(6),(7) and (8) of the 1999 Constitution completely domiciled the financial outlay of the local governments in the hands of the states, with the creation of the State and Local Government Account in Section 6 and subsequent mandate that empowers the states to practically toy with the lives of the states. Though the drafters of the constitution had envisaged that the creation of joint state andlocal government account would enhance the payment of 10 percent ofthe states’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to the credit of thecouncils, the provision has been more of a burden.

The sections read: (3) “Any amount standing to the credit of theFederation Account shall be distributed among the Federal and StateGovernments and the Local Government Councils in each state on suchterms and in such manner as may be prescribed by the NationalAssembly.

(5) “The amount standing to the credit of Local Government Councils inthe Federation Account shall also be allocated to the State for thebenefit of their Local Government Councils on such terms and in suchmanner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.

(6)“Each State shall maintain a special account to be called “StateJoint Local Government Account” into which shall be paid allallocations to the Local Government Councils of the State from theFederation Account and from the Government of the State.

(7)“Each State shall pay to Local Government Councils in its area ofjurisdiction such proportion of its total revenue on such terms and insuch manner as may be prescribed by the National Assembly.

(8)“The amount standing to the credit of Local Government Councils ofa State shall be distributed among the Local Government Councils ofthat State on such terms and in such manner as may be prescribed bythe House of Assembly of the State.

Saraki

Dogara

With the clear provisions above, it becomes more of a dream to see the councils operate “democratically” without financial autonomy. It also became clear that the state Assemblies which share the control of the councils with the governors are also virtually

in the pockets of the states’ chief executives.

It did not take long before the National Assembly spotted the crisiscalled local government management in the current republic.

The constitutionamendment efforts in the early part of the republic

targeted the perceived anomaly but it was the 2006 effort that got very close tosetting the local governments free. The National Assembly in that effort attempted to create a level playing field for the councils by ensuring direct allocation of federal funds to the third tier ofgovernment.

It immediately degenerated into a war between the Abuja forces and thestates as the governors took offence and insisted on maintainingcontrol of the councils.

There are two sides to the arguments on the local government debaclethough. Some lawmakers in the National Assembly who have future ambition of contesting governorship seats are sympathetic to the cause of the states and are advancing arguments in favour of the retention of status quo. The existing situationensures that the councils operate as departments of the states whilefunds allocated to the councils are turned to pocket money of thegovernors. The other side of the argument is that incumbent governorsbelieve that some members of the National Assembly only get to Abuja to constitute themselves into opposition to their home states. But a majority of the National Assembly members tend to push through the need for amendments to the local government situation each amendment session. continues on pg 27

Nigeria’s local government system and its global corruption continued from

pg 19

system and inertia of concerned authorities who ought to do the needful. This has necessitated a number of teasers such as: what is really responsible for the apparent tragedy of a people in relation to the activities of the closet rung of leadership to the citizens? How did it get to such level of deterioration and neglect? What solution can be proffered to address the problems?

In the views of many observers, the predicament of local government in the country is a double-edged sword. It is partly self-inflicted problem on the one hand and institutional on the other. Its weak structure are as a result of ambivalence of the governed, coupled with lack of capacity and acumen by those saddled with the process meant to galvanise, harness and deploy the latent and huge human, material and natural resources in the local councils.

Local government reforms: From 1914 to date In the beginning was the idea of a political division close to the people at the grass roots conceived. During the colonial era, particularly after the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914, a political arrangement with the task of catering for the needs of the grassroot people was constituted under the nomenclature of the Native Authority or Administrative System.

The arrangement made use of traditional institutions in accordance with the Indirect Rule system as the political governance philosophy of the British colonialists. The British overlords did not want to disrupt the extant structure at the local level because of the huge financial consequences that would have followed. Thus, the traditional rulers and their chiefs constituted were constituted into an administrative block and supervised

by the colonialists.

A combination of factors such as lack of Western education on the part of the traditional rulers and chiefs in the Native Authority and their inability to enforce tax levy on their subjects the revenue from which was meant to pay their salaries, among others, led to the collapse of the system.

As FataiOlasupo and Dr (Mrs) I.O Fayomi of the Department of Local Government Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, noted, one of the strong points of the system was its success in whittling down the autocratic hold of the traditional rulers and their chiefs on their subjects.

They, however, queried why the Native Authority arrangement should be called a local government system given the way it was operated by the British. “It is fraudulent to call it [a] local government [system] because there was nothing governmental about it to warrant that nomenclature. If it was not democratic, legislative (it had no legislative power at all) or clientele service delivery system, what then is governmental about it?... the operators of this Native Authority system could neither be described as executives, legislators nor administrators because they executed, legislated or administered nothing.”

A slight modification of the nomenclature to Sole Native Authority later done with a view to correcting some of the noticeable defects in the system did not solve any of the identified problems. Rather, it led to the marginalisation of women and the elite decried their exclusion from the running of the system. According to Olasupo and Fayomi, the shortcomings noticed prompted a colonial officer to recommend the democratisation of the local administration arrangement. “…the last colonial Secretary of State, Lord Creech-Jones…had argued that: ‘The key to resolving the problems of African administration lay in the development

of an efficient and democratic system of local government. I wish to emphasise the words: efficient, democratic and local. Local because the system of government must be the words: efficient, democratic and local.

Local because the system of government must be close to the common people (the poor in particular) and their problems, efficient because it must be capable of managing local services in a way which will help to raise the standard of living, and democratic because it must not only find a place for the growing class of educated men, but at the same time command the respect and support of the mass of the people.”

Under the regional government, following the adoption of Richards Constitution of 1946 which led to the creation of three regions, public administration at the grass roots took on a multi-tier nature as opposed to the single-tier model in the Native Authority. Olasupo and Fayomi explain: “This multi-tier system was a concentric circle of variety of three local government systems: e.g. the county, district and local council or provincial, divisional councils.

The service types they rendered to the rural people made the distinctions among these three layers.

“To alleviate the suffering the poor, county or provincial councils were assigned with services related to education, maintenance of roads and bridges. The districts or divisional councils were in charge of markets, dispensaries and sanitary services while local or district councils, the smallest of them all, were responsible for the maintenance of streams and footpaths,” they said.

Although there had been various reforms of the local government system since its beginning during the colonial rule, it was not until 1976 that a radical reform of the system was done during the military junta continues on pg 21

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Why LGs must be liberated from states —National Publicity Secretary, NULGE

Comrade Emmanuel Fashe is the National Publicity Secretary of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE). He speaks with MOSES ALAO on the agitation for political and financial autonomy for local governments and the imperative of such decision for governance in the country.

N

IGERIANS have continued to decry the overbearing influence wielded by the states on local governments in the country, despite the fact that it is recognised as a third tier of government.

At the level of your union, how do you see this situation and what is your stand?

We have been at the vanguard of agitation for local government autonomy from state governments. We have been at it for over 10 years now. The autonomy we are looking for

is political and financial autonomy as well.

You said Nigerians decry the overbearing influence of states on the local governments.

Sincerely that influence is uncalled for. Local governments are supposed to be in charge of administration at the grass roots and they should affect governance and development, but these have not been so because of the influence of state governments. NULGE as an organised union has been agitating for local government autonomy so that the local governments can have an enabling environment to serve the people, which, of course, is the

as a result of the 1976 reforms featured in the deliberations of the subsequently inaugurated constituent assembly which gave birth to the 1979 Constitution. Among other recommendations, the reforms state that each local government to have a population ranging between 150,000 and 800,000. hat constitution specifically spelt out the running of the local government councils by democratically elected administrators.

But the fortunes of the councils took a dip during the Shehu Shagari administration.

Shagari took over government on October 1, 1979, as a civilian president in the Second Republic after long years of military interregnum. Rather than conduct election into the councils or at least set machinery in motion towards ensuring that democratically elected officials run the councils, the Shagari government reversed the gains of the councils by appointing sole administrators to run the 301 local government councils created in the 1976 reforms.

When the military junta of Muhammadu Buhari seized power in a putsch, terminating Shagari’s second term of office, the military leader continued that sole administratorship model he inherited. But the Ibrahim Babangida military government, which ousted Buhari, continued with the tradition but, according to Igbuzor, carried out a couple of reforms. “During Babangida regime, there were certain reforms aimed at ensuring local government autonomy.

These included the abolition of the Ministry of Local Government; establishment of

executive and legislative arms in local councils; and direct allocation to local government without passing through state government.

“The regime also increased local government statutory allocation from 15 percent to 20 percent with effect from 1992. It is important to point out that the intergovernmental relations between the federal, state and local government has been characterised by both co-operation and conflict; but it is conflict that has predominated state-local government relations. Some state governments have been known to have hijacked and diverted Federal Government’s allocation to local governments. This is why one of the features of the reform during Babangida’s regime was to make allocations directly to local governments without going through state government,” he said.

However, some observers claim that the advent of the Fourth Republic brought a lot of misfortunes for the local governments.

Following outcry from local government officials, the Obasanjo administration took some steps aimed at addressing the issues, one of which was the huge salary arrears of primary school teachers. One of the fresh impetuses was the direct payment of the salary of teachers by the Federal Government. The system has since changed.

Local govt and the advent of three-year tenure Although efforts to achieve meaningful reforms in the local government system

Local government councils as cesspool of corruption continued from

pg 20

of Olusegun Obasanjo/Shehu Yar’Adua in 1976. The military government of the duo decreed a uniform local government system across the country with a view to stabilising and rationalising government at the local level. Yar’Adua, in his remark prefacing the guidelines for the uniform council system said, “This must of necessity entail the decentralisation of some significant functions of state governments to local levels in order to harness local resources for rapid development.”

Speaking on the 1976 reform and how it was different from others, the Executive Director of African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development, Dr OtiveIgbuzor, said, “the 1976 reformsconceptualised local government as the third tier of government operating within a common institutional framework with defined functions and responsibilities. As the third tier of government, the local government gets statutory grants from federal and state governments, and is expected to serve as agent of development, especially in rural areas.

“75 percent of members of the council are to be elected through the secret ballot on a no-party basis under the direct and indirect systems of election. The remaining 25 percent are to be nominated by the state government. Following the reform, the Federal Government in 1977, allocated five percent of federally collected revenue to local government,” he said.

The roles assigned to the local government

continues pg22

reason they are set up in the first instance.

One of the basic points of reference of states-local government relationship is the issue of State-Local Government Joint Account and Allocation Committee (JAAC). As a union of workers at the local government level, which is supposed to champion the cause for their welfare and well-being, how has JAAC been affecting you?

JAAC is constitutional anyway, but then, its operation in most of the states in the country leaves much to be desired. What is published in the papers as accruing to the local governments from the federation account is very handsome, but what eventually goes to the local governments after the JAAC is so small that some local government councils will hardly be able to pay their workers.

When they cannot pay workers, how can they even talk of delivering the services for which they were created? The workers of these local governments are members of NULGE, so the issue is affecting us negatively. So, I can tell you without mincing words that the operation of this JAAC is affecting local government workers and governance at the grass roots negatively. That is why we are saying that local governments should be funded directly like other tiers of government, so that the local governments will not only be able to pay workers’ salaries but also be enabled to deliver on services and bring about development to the grass roots.

There is the insinuation that going by the level of corruption in the country, if local governments are funded directly, it will be another avenue for corruption to thrive. In fact, some states are using this view as the basis for the influence on local governments. What is your take on this?

My brother, you cannot run away from funding local governments because of corruption. Of course, states are being funded directly, what happens there? Are they not corrupt? You cannot treat local governments as less important because of that flimsy excuse. Anti-corruption mechanisms are in place to check corruption and if government so desires, it can put in more measures. The continues pg22

LG creation is political expediency not economic viability —Shonibare Chief Supo Shonibare is a legal practitioner and leader of Afenifere and he speaks on what can be done to make the local government viable.

‘AS a nation we have been battling the centrifugal forces and those convinced of the need for devolution of powers to a more devolved entity, which, in effect, means the people.

Most of the local government reforms have attempted to consolidate the contraption of centrifugal forces. They use fictitious population count to justify local government creation and even produced an incurably defective constitution, which in an attempt to pay homage to centrifugal forces, after rightly conferring the powers to create local government to the states, then in the same breadth requires the National Assembly to make inconsequential returns to make

the act complete.

So, states in effect can only commence the act, but the act will be inchoate until the National Assembly makes consequential returns. The fact that local government creation at the moment is a function of political expediency rather than economic viability itself encourages corruption. When the creation of local government is devolved and not on the National Legislative List, then we will begin to have more functional, catchment representative government at the local government level.

The unions have also not been helpful in always agitating for a uniform local government in a federal entity. We

need to have a united front with Labour on the issue of devolution and not have Labour championing centrifugal forces’ agenda. With regard to corruption at local government level, if the state was alive to its watchdog functions in that regard, then the exercise of its prosecution functions will address instances of corruption at the local government level. Corruption only thrives at this level because of the connivance of state apparatus with the local government area governments. Local government must be autonomous of the state governments in exercising legislative and executive functions within its enumerated list. State governments much act as watchdogs only with regard to state prosecutorial agencies carrying out its investigative and prosecutorial duties in combating corrupt practices.

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20 November, 2016

LGs are accountable to governors instead of citizens —Sani

Anthony Sani is the national publicity secretary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and spokesperson for the northern delegates to the 2014 national conference. He speaks on local government administration in the country.

W

HAT is your view of the state of local government in the country?

The state of administration of local government in Nigeria is a reflection of what happens in Nigeria. There has been national malaise that transcends tiers of government, arms of government and institutions, be they public or private.

As to the local governments, there are predisposing factors. The overbearing influence of state government on local governments has tended to detract from their autonomy and effective management practices for performance. As a result, instead of being accountable to the people, local governments are accountable to the state governments.

There is also paucity of funds which has made it almost impossible for the councils to access capital budgets needed for development. As a result, local councils have been reduced to paying only salaries to the staff.

And when regard is paid to the fact that the salaries are paid for doing nothing, then the effects on the relevance of local governments to real ordinary people can best be imagined.

What are the core challenges?

The core challenge to local governments is the dearth of democratic practices in the way they are administered. For example, the constitution provides for elected local government councils expected to be accountable to the people. But the state governments do not allow democracy at that level to thrive, preferring instead to appoint caretaker committees whose loyalty is not to the people but the appointing state governments. That has been counter-productive.

The second challenge is paucity of funds which reduced the council’s responsibility to payment of salaries of staff who do nothing, not for fault of theirs but due to dearth of funds. The offshoot is that local governments have ended up contributing nothing in terms of assuming real responsibility of real issues of real concern to real development.

Rather, they are now a drain on the resources used exclusively for payment of salaries. There is no way a system can develop by existing to pay salaries and do nothing else.

What went wrong with local government reforms in the past?

The reforms in the past were intended to aid development. This worked under military which gave the local governments some autonomy needed for creativity and innovations. But politics has made state government not to allow that to continue, since they want the council chairmen to be surrogates. And that explains why no opposition party ever wins local government elections.

Why? It is for political reasons, of course. Consider how state governments multiply local government councils by way of Development Centres which are mere multiplication of efforts centres without development, despite knowing that additional development centres do not come with increase

subventions for local governments. And when you consider the additional burden of paying traditional rulers that are multiplied by the day with sinecure personnel, then it is not hard to appreciate challenges of local governments. The state electoral commissions have become instrument for states to dominate local governments in the event that they are compelled to hold elections.

What is the way out?

Let the State Electoral Commissions be expunged from the constitution and Independent National Electoral Commission be allowed to conduct local government elections.

That way, state governments’ influence on the tenure and composition of the councils will ebb substantially and enable democracy to grow at that level. Similarly, there should be a mechanism on how best the Joint Account can be managed for enhanced performance.

How serious is the issue of corruption in the councils?

Corruption is as prevalent in local government as it is at federal and state levels. The three tiers of government are all corrupt, reflective of the collapsed national ideals and societal values. That of the local governments seems unbridled because it is encouraged by the state governments and anti-grafts agencies do not seem to bother to look at corruption in administration of the councils.

Sunday Tribune

Why LGs must be liberated from states—National Publicity Secretary, NULGE continued from pg 21 same measures it is using to check the states should also be applied to the local governments. If states are saying that they are controlling local governments to prevent local government administrators from being corrupt, it is like a pot calling a kettle black. It is like saying pickpockets should be punished while armed robbers should walk free, because the corruption at the local level is a child’s play compared to what is happening in other tiers.

You said JAAC is constitutional, which means that for the local governments to get the desired financial autonomy there must be a wholesale review of the constitution to take local governments away from the states. Won’t this take long to achieve?

Of course, we have been at the vanguard of this agitation for a long time. For the avoidance of doubt, what NULGE is clamouring for as a stakeholder in the local government project is for the local governments to be totally liberated from the claws of the states. We want the abolition of joint account and the electoral system that leaves local governments at the whims and caprices of governors because elections are conducted by State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) should be abolished too. The same body that conducts election in federal and state political offices should be the same that conduct elections for local governments’ offices too. So, we are not only after financial autonomy; we want political autonomy too. We are not saying that local governments should be independent isalnds, inter-governmental relations should continue and there are mechanisms to ensure this and check excesses of all tiers of government. The Federal Government can put mechanism in place to check excesses at the local governments, but they should be lib-

erated from the states to deliver services to the people.

Do you see yourself succeeding, because whatever review the National Assembly does on the constitution would have to go to state Houses of Assembly, where governors have succeeded in killing such past efforts?

We are optimistic and hopeful that we will succeed. If you follow the trend of this agitation, some years back when this issue was sent to state assemblies, we could not must more than five or six states to support local government autonomy. In 2014, when the National Assembly passed the bill into law sent it to state Assemblies, we were able to get 14 states where the legislators voted in support of local government autonomy. This time round, with proper enlightenment, we are hopeful that the effort will succeed. Presently, that bill has passed second reading at the National Assembly and we believe that this time, when it gets to the state legislators, they will support local government autonomy, because the lawmakers are representing their people and what those people want is that local governments should be liberated and given autonomy.

But there has been the claim that the quality of personnel at the local government level is poor. Don’t you think it would portend great danger for the country to leave an autonomous third tier of government in the hands of poor and incompetent personnel?

That claim is untrue. If you look at the personnel in the local governments today, you will find out that we have qualified and quality manpower at the local governments.

In fact, the quality of manpower at the local governments even surpasses what you find in some states and federal civil service. We attend the same polytechnics, colleges of education and universities, so the fact that we serve at the local governments does not make our learning inferior to those in state or federal civil service.

Local government councils as cesspool of corruption continued from pg21 have failed largely in the past, that did not stop system operators from making further attempts. The current Fourth Republic was ushered in with local government election. The election, which was held on December 5, 1998 and conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been adjudged to be the best council election in the history of the country. This has made stakeholders to renew clamour for the conduct of council polls by INEC. According to Igbuzor, the military decree upon which the local government election of 1998 was held stipulated a three years tenure for them. “The electoral law under which the officials of the local government were elected was the Basic Constitutional and Transitional Provisions Decree No. 36 of 1998, which provided for tenure of three years. This means that their tenure was supposed to end by May, 2002. But the local government officials desired to have their tenure extended by one year to be at par with all other political leaders in other tiers of government.

“They found ready support in the National Assembly where many of the leading officials are engaged in struggle for political power with the State Governors. The National Assembly then extended the tenure of local government officials by legislation.

In any case, the matter was settled by the Supreme Court, which held that ‘no law

by the National Assembly can increase or alter the tenure of elected officers of local government.’

The reintroduction of caretaker system After the expiration of their tenure in 2002, since they were sworn in on May 29, 1999, election into the 774 councils was slated for May 18, 2012 by the States Independent Electoral Commission (SIECs), which is constitutionally empowered to do the election. However, INEC updating voter register rested with INEC. INEC dragged its

feet on the assignment and the governors then appointed caretaker committees to serve for 3 months.

A new date was chosen to be August 10, 2002. The new date was not to be because INEC new parties that were registered then clamoured to participate in the election and asked for a shift to give them time to participate in the polls.

When a new date was fixed for December of the same year, 24 additional parties had been registered and this gave room to suspicion that some forces were behind the moves. Focus on the 2003 election shifted attention from the councils to the states and central government, leaving the governors to continue to recycle caretaker committees, first from three months, to six and now one year. After the 2003 elections were concluded, the Forum of State Independent Electoral Commissions (FOSIECOM) agreed on 21 June, 2003 for the council election. Buton 17 June 2003, the 36 governors met and resolved to push for constitutional amendment to empower to empower them to appoint council chairmen and councilors. The governors met with President Obasanjo on the matter and the outcome of the meeting was to a Technical Committee on the Review of the Structure of Local government Councils in Nigeria headed Alhaji UmaruNdayako.

The report of the committee never saw the light of day. continues pg 27

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man in the

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

news

Yakubu’s high neck

By Dare Adekanmbi

I

N modern global society, a high premium is placed on democratic practices of which election is an integral part. Election is so crucial because it serves as a means of recruiting leaders into the various offices.

In appreciation of the role of election in a democracy and the need to protect the sanctity of the citizens’ will, electoral bodies are set up to draw up frameworks for the elections, administer and oversight same.

For Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the task of election conduct is herculean, given the nature of the country’s political ecology. The political class has a murderous desire to win election at all costs as a result of which the electoral process is now more heavily monetised. Political parties, irrespective of the creed they profess, include INEC staff and security operatives in their budget. Do INEC staff, ad hoc or permanent, actually get these sumptuous votes from parties? Your guess.

Since its creation in 1998, INEC has come under biting criticisms from within and outside the country and the manner it has been carrying out its constitutionally assigned responsibility. A number of chairmen considered ignoble have presided over its affairs. Of all the politicians who got into office through the tactical support of crooked INEC heads and staff, only the late President Umaru Yar’Adua was honest enough to admit that the election which brought him into office was heavily flawed and consequently began a process of electoral reforms. It is still argued in some quarters that Yar’Adua would have seen it to a logical end had he not died.

After a long outcry that probably jarred on his nerves, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Professor Mahmud Yakubu as a substantive INEC chairman to replace Mrs Amina Zakari, INEC’s perceived iron lady, whose appointment in acting capacity had been largely condemned on account of her alleged closeness to President Buhari.

Yakubu’s appointment came with a considerable amount of burden. President Buhari, while swearing in the new INEC head last year, charged him thus: “Unless our system stops covering up all forms of electoral malpractices, we can hardly get it right. No system endures with impunity.”

The INEC boss knows he cannot afford to perform below the benchmark set by the Jega era and consequently spelt out in his mission statement: “my principal responsibility is to consolidate on the gains of 2015. I don’t think we have time for needless experimentation. If something worked in 2015, it is our responsibility to deepen it. And to do so, we have to continue to use and deploy technology. One of the major achievements of 2015 was actually the deployment of technology and so we need to deploy and deepen that. We shall not fail the nation.”

The INEC boss is adjudged to have done well with the conduct of the governorship elections in Kogi and Bayelsa states. One novel thing INEC has recorded under him is the introduction of simultaneous accreditation and voting which experts had clamoured for as part of strategy to reduce the time spent on voting on the country.

But regarding the Edo State governorship election and the rerun election in Rivers State, tongues have continued to wag about the likelihood of the electoral umpire

relapsing to those dark days. INEC has been pilloried for the manner the Edo election was postponed and the reason advanced for it. Those who poured out on the streets to protest the outcome of the election have given accounts which seem to detract from the credibility hitherto enjoyed by INEC.

At the exit of Jega, the beard of suspicion against INEC, which was considerably and commendably shorn under him, appears to have regrettably begun to grow and even in an uglier fashion

The manner INEC has handled the rerun election in Rivers is considered most disturbing by stakeholders.

Granted, the current INEC head inherited as many as 137 cases of elections that had to be re-done and this comes with a big challenge for a man just acclimatising so to say.

“Unfortunately, this is a commission that had no honeymoon: we were sworn in on 9th of November, 2015 and less than two weeks later, we were faced with the Kogi election. The commission has conducted 137 elections. It is election virtually every weekend since we assumed duties. We have virtually conducted all of them, except for the following: 22 in Rivers…This is the highest number of elections conducted by any new commission in the history of our democracy.”

The rerun was called by the Appellate Court as a result of the litigation arising from the 2015 general election and was slated for March, 2016. Involved in the exercise are the three Senate seats, nine House of Representatives seats and 10 or more state House of Assembly seats from the state. But the election could not largely be concluded as a result of the desperation of the politicians from both parties which made the exercise to be characterised by violence, maiming, killing, ballot box snatching and other vices. In areas with minimal or no incident of violence, the results declared by INEC showed that the PDP won 10 House of Assembly seats, while APC won one.

Consequently, INEC called off the rerun and rightly blamed the development on politicians. What got stakeholders curious was its slating the conclusion of the rerun for July, for months later. What god was INEC trying to please with this decision? After a series of complaints about the issue, the stakeholders took it in their stride, resolved to go to the polls whenever INEC was ready for them.

July came and Mahmood’s high neck was not forthcoming in its promise to conduct the election at the appointed month. Speaking with stakeholders in Rivers politics a month later, Hajiya Zakari said INEC was looking at October as the new date for conclusion of the election. She, however, declared ex-cathedra that nothing would happen on the new date, saying “If there is continuous violence, there cannot be elections.”

The Senate two weeks ago threatened to go on strike over the undue delay in concluding the rerun. The questions many perceptive Nigerians have asked is: why did Mahmood’s INEC wait till the Senate issued a threat to suspend plenary before it announced its intention to conclude the election in Rivers? Could the scale of insecurity in Rivers be compared to the threat to security in insurgency-ravaged states in the North-East where elections were held in 2015? What happened to the people of Rivers who have been denied the opportunity to be represented at the National and State assemblies? What happened to the lawmakers whose tenure will not be extended as a result of the delay?

At the exit of Jega, the beard of suspicion against INEC, which was considerably and commendably shorn under him, appears to have regrettably begun to grow and even in an uglier fashion under Professor Mahmood’s INEC. Or is it the case that there is a de facto INEC boss within or outside the INEC apart from Professor Mahmood Yakubu? Whatever the answer is, Mahmood needs to bring his academic credential to play in his handling of the affairs of the commission, especially as the country inches towards another general election. Mahmood is a professor of political history and international studies. He is an expert in guerrilla warfare, terrorism and counter-terrorism. Shouldn’t INEC, in concert with the security operatives and the political stakeholders and benefiting from its chairman’s background, have devised an ingenious means of beating violence entrepreneurs at their own game?

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Sunday Tribune

ENULTIMATE week, the United States of America elected its president in an election that shocked the world, as many people had thought that Hillary Clinton would be the clear winner. As a professor of Politics and International Relations, what do you think went wrong?

Nothing went wrong; only that those who were looking at events in the US were looking at various factors without asking the proper questions. They also did not take into consideration some issues and so they missed the road as it were and made major errors in terms of their predictions.

In the first instance, the mainstream media, CBS, NBC, ABC, CNN were all rooting for Hillary Clinton as if the election was going to be a coronation and not a competitive election. They were only prepared to see what they thought was right in terms of what the woman had done. If it was another person in the US that faced a subpoena to submit documents and he destroyed 33,000, that person would be in jail. But because it was Clinton, they covered it up and the media helped to cover up what was a criminal offence; that was why Trump told her during the debate that it was good she was not in charge of the legal system and that she would be in jail, because people who did less than that are in jail. Of course, I know prison uniform will not look fitting on Hillary. But the fact that the media deliberately ignored those things she did meant that they were not hitting the nail on the head. If it had been a man, they would have crucified him as it were.

If you look at the outcome of the poll, more women normally vote in the US and Trump had 53 per cent of the votes of white women; Clinton is a white woman, isn’t she?

Trump is also white but he is a man and 53 per cent of women, rather than voting for Clinton, voted for Trump. They must have seen something else in Trump than what they saw favourably in Clinton. Don’t also forget that during all the polls, they mentioned that a vast majority of the electorate distrusted Hillary. But of course, it was not the first time that someone who was distrusted won the election. Richard Dixon, who was nicknamed Tricky Dick, was distrusted, because he was like a crooked person, but he still won the election, because at that time, the Vietnam war was ongoing.

People didn’t just want to see a democrat as president; they didn’t want Lyndon Johnson handing over to a democrat. That was how Dixon won even though he was dishonest and he was later impeached because he was dishonest; dishonesty will always follow you. To return to the issue in sight, Clinton’s issue with the FBI was not ignored despite attempts to cover it up; so most of those who would have voted for Clinton would have stayed home. It was not a question of the FBI director clearing her three days to the election; it is that before then, a lot of the people had already felt that the woman was dishonest and untrustworthy. But the media reduced that to a situation that between her and Trump, who was distrusted more? But no one said Trump was dishonest; they only said they didn’t like him because of the way he spoke and who he was pitching his speeches at. But what Trump did was to move away from the whole idea of

Sunday Tribune

20 November, 2016

sundayinterview political correctness; when you know what is wrong but refuse to say it because it is not politically correct so that people would not criticise you that it is true, but a presidential candidate should not have said it. And from the outcome of the election, we could see that that was what Americans wanted and that was why they voted for him.

Trump understands what is going on in the economy; there has been a lot of depression, unemployment in America. A lot of things have happened and he came up saying globalisation has not favoured the US, because it has allowed a lot of American companies to go out to countries where labour is cheap to produce and ship back to the country, a situation that has left millions of Americans unemployed. He saw that and said his mind and the workers who had lost their jobs voted massively for him. These were workers who ordinarily would have voted for a democrat. Trump won in demcrats’ states, because there were in these states, workers who had suffered from what they called the Washington Coalition.

In that election, both the democrats and republicans were rejected in favour of Trump, because the two parties didn’t like him but as an outsider, he was preferred by the American people to Clinton who had been around for 30 years. Why? She was seen as part of the corrupt system in the US and if you watched her debate, not on one occasion did she condemn corruption while Trump kept talking about the corrupt and rigged system of which she was part.

So, the things some people thought were not important proved to be important in that election. What the American people did with that election was to say ‘we have our own way of doing things’ and that ‘there is a limit to which a biased media can change our minds,’ because the media was too biased in favour of Clinton.

You made a reference to Trump’s position on globalisation. This disposition has been a source of worry for experts, as some are of the view that such a stance would greatly affect the United States’ relationship with other countries. For instance, United Nations’ Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon, expressed some sentiments regarding Trump’s view on climate change. With such view on globalisation, don’t you think countries like Nigeria, which get aids from US, should be scared?

Scared of what?

That Trump may not look our side…

Are we a sovereign country or not? If we cannot stand on our own and take decisions, then what are we talking about the leadership of Africa? What leadership? I am asking you, if you are a giant with the feet of clay, is that Trump’s problem? He should leave us alone.

But Nigeria and, indeed, Africa, depends on dollars from the US for interventions in different sectors such as the health care.

That is because we want to. Can’t you see the amount of money being stolen? Couldn’t that have gone to health? Would we have had any need to depend on the US if those funds had been channelled to develop the health

Why Buhari can’t fight corruption to standstill

—Ogunsanwo, Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium

Professor of Politics and International Relations and former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Belgium and Permanent Representative to European Union, Alaba Ogunsanwo, speaks with MOSES ALAO on the dynamics of Donald Trump’s victory as United States president, what it could portend for Nigeria and Africa and what President Muhammadu Buhari must do on corruption.

sector and others? Look at the amount of money Nigeria has been exposed to. If you have your leaders and politicians stealing the money in collusion with civil servants, if that is what you are having and that is what you will continue to have, then what does whoever becomes president of the US have to do with us? Nothing. We should put our house in order.

The climate change issue you talked about, George Bush Jnr, when he was president, also turned a blind eye on climate change.

The US was not part of the Kyoto Protocol, which was the one before the latest one, and that was under Bush. What Trump has said is that climate change is a joke and that he would not pay attention to it. But that he refuses to pay attention to it does not mean he can tear it up; it is a pact signed by several countries. So, his view only means that he would not take measures that would move in the direction of that plan while he is pres-

ident but that does not mean the pact won’t continue.

Nigeria has enjoyed a good relationship with the US for some time now, given what Trump allegedly said about Nigerians and Africa, are you

not scared that the relationship will be soured?

I am not scared. If the US leaves us alone, it is okay. That means we will learn to be self-reliant.

If we cannot stand on our own and take decisions, then what are we talking about the leadership of Africa? What leadership? I am asking you, if you are a giant with the feet of clay, is that Trump’s problem?

But can Nigeria’s foreign policy do without the US? What is our foreign policy? What is that we want to achieve that it will require the US to help us to achieve it?

In any event, this fear does not arise until you see the team that Trump puts together.

Those in charge of foreign affairs, the Secretary of State and the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and others will be chosen and these will operate in relationship with the bureaucracy in Washington. Some of the outlines are already there and some of the things he does not want will not come up. For example, Trump will not do like David Cameron and Barack Obama did with reference to Malawi, by forcing the president to accept Sodomy and homosexuality as part of the country’s laws because they cut off aids to Malawi. And the country is dependent on foreign aids.

Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni also had to allow a high court judge to stop a law that had been passed and government did not appeal and it was still about homosexuality. So, what Trump will not do is to impose on African values that are supposed to be American. He will not impose on you measures that he thinks you and your people must accept. He has said he is not interested in this concept of nation-building in terms of imposing democracy around the world. Look at the situation in the Middle East; it is because of the idea of America forcing democracy on Arabs. What is the business of Arabs with democracy, which has never been part of their culture? You now say they must change the way they operate and you begin to incite people against their governments. And you can see the instability over there and that is why Syria is the way it is. You also have the situation in Yemen. The Arab Spring was as a result of this same thing and those that were able to resist it effectively maintained their system.

You saw what happened in Egypt.

Now, Trump says America first and [President Muhammadu] Buhari also says Nigeria first. The concentric circles in terms of our own foreign policy, which was brought in when Buhari was Head of State in 1983/84 and Professor Gambari was Foreign Minister, is still our policy now. Whatever will affect Nigeria must be put first; it is not Af-

rica first but Nigeria first, because if there is no Nigeria, you cannot talk of Nigeria’s view towards Africa. Which Africa? So, our interest must be first and that is what Trump is saying, that America’s interest first; I do not see anything wrong with that. Obviously, each country must begin to look at its position; yes, there will be collaboration and international cooperation and trading will continue; we cannot do without international trade. But if he wants to ask the question ‘what is in this for the US,’ he is right.

It is the same question we should ask in Nigeria, ‘what is in this for Nigeria’ and then what will affect our immediate neighbours and then the larger West Africa and then Africa. Our problem is not that of providing leadership for Africa, do we have leadership at home? Can you see all the things taking place in Nigeria, pointing in the direction as if it is going to be a failing state? If we cannot deal with matters of security— we are not talking about Boko Haram— we are talking security for the individuals. Today, kidnapping, armed robberies and all these vices are taking place all over the country even though we have someone in office as president and he campaigned on guaranteeing internal security for the country. Internal security is not just about defeating Boko Haram, which the government has largely done, even though there is still more fighting to be done; it has to do with the safety of all Nigerians. So Nigeria must face its own problems first.

At a point in this interview, you talked about how the huge amounts of money being looted by politicians and leaders could have been channeled towards development such that we do not look up to foreign aids. The administration of President Buhari has, for some time, been brandishing its anti-corruption credential but some people fear that the fight against corruption is already losing its bite.

You delivered a lecture where you described corruption as the supreme commander, how do you think Nigeria can fight corruption successfully?

No country in the world has successfully fought corruption, because you cannot fight it to a standstill. It keeps evolving. There is even corruption in The Vatican, where the Pope is the head and he knows this. There is corruption in every country. The United States is riddled with corruption. President Barack Obama is from Chicago; he is from Illinois. In that state, a former governor was imprisoned for corruption; his successor, when he finished serving, was also jailed for corruption. Four successive governors in that state all went down for corruption; it is as if corruption is a badge of honour as it were. Their system in the US is thoroughly corrupt, but they have accepted the 11th commandment, which is ‘do not be caught;’ if you are caught, then you are tried. But that still does not mean it is the same rule for everyone, but then what it means is that it is institutions that are supposed to fight corruption and not presidents or prime ministers.

The US is over 200 years old, so perhaps, we still have a long way to go before we can have effective institutions. Right now, we don’t have that in place. A thousand Buhari cannot successfully fight corruption to an end in this country; it is not possible. What

25

we need are institutions; it is not the business of a president to be pursuing corrupt people or focusing all his energy on it. There are institutions that will do it and in that circumstance, whether the man is your friend or not is irrelevant. We have seen situations where some camels are passing through the eye of a needle in terms of the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and some people are saying ‘they are able to do that because they belong to the right group or because they are not opposed to the president’s positions.’ This is why some people are saying that what is going on is a fight against some corrupt people and that is not the same as fight against corruption. Corruption is ingrained; it is deep down the Nigerian system; from the Presidency downward. Is it in the primary or secondary schools that you will go to and not see corruption? Is it church or mosque?

Is it the university? You name them. Not to talk of the judiciary or the armed forces or the legislature or the executive; corruption is everywhere. But what is happening now is happening because this is the phase we are now; it will take time before we can have institutions that can successfully fight corruption. People are talking about the judiciary now; what is the judiciary? It is made up of lawyers and a politician looks at a lawyer and says ‘today, I am making you a judge.’ If the lawyer had been involved in all kinds of crooked ways before, will he become a clean angel as a judge?

So, it will take time before we have institutions that can battle corruption but that even does not mean they will win; what they will succeed in doing is to deal decisively with individuals that have been caught. And individuals will continue to be caught for corruption, because it is a big fight to stay above board and not be corrupt.

In the lecture that you made reference to, I said that Buhari came to power on the basis of the fact that he is a man of integrity and that he would be able to deal with insecurity and all that but that if he places all his efforts on fighting corruption, the four years will pass and nothing will happen. He would not have achieved anything, because corruption will still be there. Even during the time of his grandchildren, corruption will still be in Nigeria if it still exists as a country. It will only be different from this brazen type where people steal billions.

Therefore, the president should set his mind of putting up strong institutions that will deal with that and look at things that will be of importance to the people. Nigerians will not eat anti-corruption; they need jobs and they need access to goods and materials at affordable prices. They need development and infrastructure and the rest of those. It is when they have these that you can I have left something behind and not that when I was there, I fought corruption. They will tell you ‘and so what? How many of the people surrounding you were not corrupt?’ They can even challenge him to publish the list of those who contributed to his campaign funds and they will tell him how many of them got the money genuinely. What we are saying is that the issue of corruption, if you can fight it, let it be fought but that should not be the sole focus of the president and commander-in-chief; he should try and build the country and look at fundamental issues affecting the country.

26

interview

Brigadier-General Jonathan Temlong (retd) speaks with ISAAC SHOBAYO on the prevailing political situation in the country, especially on the anticorruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration; the recently-appointed Ken Nnamani Electoral Reform Committee and other issues.

20 November, 2016

Fighting corruption in democracy must follow due process —Gen. Temlong period. It is not just APC; we must build our institutions, even the political parties. Look at the problem in PDP, the party is struggling to find its feet. Those who think such in-fighting is good for the country and democracy are wrong. Multi-party system provides for an alternative; if Nigerians, for any reason, say in 2019 that they are fed up with APC, we should have a choice. But where is that choice going to come from? So, Nigerians must try to build strong institutions that will outlive us; institutions that will take care of the tyrants and the weakling.

W

hat is your perception of godfatherism in Nigeria politics?

The issue of godfathers in Nigerian polity is as long as the evolution of politics in the country, but I will like to call it mentorship. In political settings or in any profession, you need mentors: Those who will mentor young men and guide them to bring them to the peak of their professions.

I will give an example of when [Barack] Obama made his speech at the convention in the United States; it was there that the democrats picked him and said this is a presidential material and kept mentoring Obama until he became the president of the United States of America. Chief Obafemi Awolowo mentored many young people who later became forces to be reckoned with in Nigerian politics. Nnamdi Azikiwe mentored quite a lot of people, likewise the late Sardauna of Sokoto.

Mentoring or godfatherism as people would like to call it in Nigeria is not bad; it means you are directing or grooming people who will eventually take over from you or who have potential to serve in certain posts and once they are there, you guide them. So, it is not bad. But the negative aspect of it as we do it in Nigeria. They believe that the moment they put you there you there, you are a stooge and they control you. I don’t know whether they want to control or correct; people misconstrue this based on their perceptions. And if you want to correct somebody and he thinks you want to control him, I think that is wrong, because you might want to tell him that what he is doing is not correct.

In that case, you listen to your mentor, but sometimes the spoils of office get into people’s heads and they pick up a fight with their mentors. We can fine-tune political mentorship. In politics, you need people who will sit at the back and correct you, who will take the big stick and whip you inside but not in public glare. It helps, even in traditional settings, those emirs, obas and chiefs, they are not absolute; the have people who call them and advise them behind the scenes.

But the issue of godfatherism has begun to threaten democracy and politics, with some of the crises rocking major political parties having to do with this, especially in the APC. What is your view?

If you mentor somebody, it means you should have the same mindset and objective; the policy direction shouldn’t be different unless something went wrong. You work out the policy together on what you want to do, if there is problem in APC now, then it is unfortunate. Sometimes, those who are supposed to be mentored feel they should be in the saddle themselves and if you take the role of a mentor, then you should take the back seat and allow somebody in the driver’s seat to move things and you who is in the driver’s seat should realise too that there is another driver at the back seat. So, we should have the same vision and objective if we want to achieve, when we are marching, it should be with the same goal. If there is a problem, the person on the driver’s seat should have cour-

Sunday Tribune

General Temlong age to tell the man sitting behind what he is seeing, and they can discuss and fine-tune policies. There should be maturity in handling situations like these. If there is instability, it can affect government and that is why you manage problems before they become big. But we have a problem now because instead of us trying to build institutions, we are building individuals.

The anti-corruption crusade of this administration took another dimension recently when some senior judges were arrested in a commando-like operation and charged to court. What is your take on the arrest and the way and manner they were arrested?

Fighting corruption is healthy for our democracy; but fighting corruption in a democracy must follow due process, because democracy stands on the rule of law. The judges and everybody are equal before the law but they are in a sacred place dispensing justice.

That is why they call it the temple of justice.

So, those in the temple are supposed to be above board. When you cross the boundaries, then the law is not a respecter of persons and as I said, if you don’t follow the rule of law in democracy, democracy will fail. One of the pillars of democracy is the rule of law;

if you break that pillar, democracy will fail.

If justice is for the highest bidder, it means you have broken the pillar. So it is either way, because if there is corruption in the judiciary then it will breed anarchy. If the pillar is broken, democracy will limp and if there is anarchy, democracy will not thrive.

There is a complaint by Nigerians, especially those in opposition that the fight against corruption has been focused only on members of the opposition party while there are corrupt people in the ruling party enjoying their loot. What do you make of this?

That is why I said everyone should have access to the rule of law and that there must be equality before the law. If for any reason the pillars of the rule of law are broken, then there will be problem. The pronouncement of the president now and his body language are that even his people, his ministers should be investigated. In the beginning, I said we should try to build institutions. If you remove President Buhari from APC now, will the credibility this government has still be there?

This is the question we must ask ourselves. If APC rode on the credibility of President Buhari, then it must strive to build institutions of democracy that would stand a post-Buhari

If APC rode on the credibility of President Buhari, then it must strive to build institutions of democracy that would stand a post-Buhari period.

Most elections conducted after 2015 general election were dubbed inconclusive. Do you think INEC has the capability to conduct credible elections in 2019?

What I see happening with the inconclusive elections is that it is good and bad at the same time. It is good in the sense that INEC is trying to put itself together to ensure that they have credible elections. In the process, those who have been used to getting things right have not been able to do it, so it has become inconclusive. But the bad thing is that it has to be fixed as quickly as possible, because, in 2019, it is going to be general election. It means you are going to deploy to the whole country simultaneously. I heard that the police are going to deploy 24,000 policemen to Ondo State for the governorship election, now can the police be able to deploy 24,000 policemen to all the states that will conduct election in 2019? Do they have that kind of manpower? So you see the danger in it? The earlier we get our acts together, the better for us in Nigeria.

With the political scenario in Ondo State resulting in legal tussles across the different parties, do you think we are advancing politically in this country?

If institutions are well-built, there will be no crisis. You saw how the primary in America was conducted; they started with debates and some dropped out on the way, this is because the institutions there are strong. So, let us build our parties for them to be solid and formidable.

We should also allow internal democracy to function in the parties. If there is no internal democracy within the party, there will be no virile democracy in the country, because people come on the platform of parties. If you don’t have money, you cannot give me money. So if the party does not have internal democracy, they cannot give Nigeria democracy.

Recently, the president set up the Senator Ken Nnamani Electoral and Constitution Review Committee and Nigerians have pointed out that the issue of elections into local governments should be addressed. What is your take on this?

The committee wants to look at all the past reports; Ken Nnamani was a delegate at the National Conference. We were there with him and he knows the decision we took at the national conference. What we said was that an elected government will succeed an elected government. If an elected government succeeded an elected government at the federal and state levels, what stops elected local government from succeeding elected local government? Is it not democracy too? What constitutional right does a governor have to terminate the term of elected local government chairmen and put caretaker committees in their places? Once you remove people anyhow, it is equivalent to a coup.

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20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

NASS and the burden of liberating LGs continued from

pg20

While governors see the attempt to amend the constitution andfree the councils as a challenge during the 2006 constitutionamendment session, the National Assembly pulled it through at its ownlevel by passing it into law. The 2006 proposal would have ensured thedirect allocation of funds to the councils, while the IndependentNational Electoral Commission (INEC) would have taken over the conduct of elections into the third tier of government. The constitutionamendment process however failed to sail through the

final process inthe National Assembly as a result of the Third term proposal for thethen president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

The key argument of the status quo campaigners in the amendment process,peopled mainly by the state governors, is that a federation shouldoperate a two tier of government with the states operating as thefederating units. The states are uncomfortable that councils would beidentified as federating units when they are in fact vassals of thestates. But the constitution already recognises the councils as pointsof revenue allocation. In fact, the current revenue sharing formulaindicates that the states are entitled to 26 percent of

the Federationaccount, while the councils are entitled to 16 percent.

The Sixth Assembly of the legislature in Abuja immediately in 2008 started another constitution amendment exercise.

Like the2006 exercise, it went through the process of conducting publichearings at the states and eventually got a report for adoption on thefloors of the two chambers.

In the report adopted, the NationalAssembly again proposed that local governments should be free ofstates’ control, while the SIECs are to be merged with the INEC. Thestate assemblies are to lose power of control over the councils. Theproposal failed to secure the votes of 24 state Assemblies

When ’ll LGs perform their functions in Nigeria? continued from

pg22

Functions of local government Currently, most of the states run different variants of what the 1999 Constitution prescribes as the local government system in the country. A greater percentage of the states have preferred sole administration to elected local one in the councils, even in spite of public outcry. The public anger is further heightened by the failure of the system to have any discernible impact on the lives of the people at the grass-root level, as those in charged have failed to mitigate the hardship of the populace by shirking theirfunctions at that level of government.

These functions as provided in the fourth schedule of the constitution under two categories: exclusive list and concurrent list.

The former include formulating economic plans and development schemes; collecting rates and issuing radio and televisions licences; constructing and maintaining

roads; streets, street lighting, drains, and so on; controlling and regulating outdoor advertising, shops, kiosks, restaurants, etc. Under the concurrent items are: providing and maintaining primary, adult and vocational education; developing agriculture and natural resources other than the exploitation of minerals and providing health services.

Regrettably, virtually all these functions have either been completely hijacked by states in a deliberate effort to castrate and subjugate the local councils. Their autonomy has been substantially eroded and their constitutional rights encroached upon, as funds that statutorily belonging to them are cornered by state governments under the guise of having executed certain contracts on behalf of the local councils. Such monies are deducted from the joint account of the councils, just as states are accused of lodging the allocations of local councils into fixed deposit to rip off the latter.

Apart from phony contracts, some local

collaborators operate as syndicate in the councils by fleecing the system of huge revenues through anticipatory vouchers.

The vouchers are prepared in advance to rip off the council of internally generate revenue.

The woes of the local government is also compounded by what some top officials described as gross incompetence of members of staff , which is aggravated by the inept leadership either elected or appointive, as such positions are often determined by political patronage. Even though the local government has a law-making organ composed of by councilors where elections are conducted, they constitute mere rubber-stamps as they tend to kowtow before chairmen and political godfathers that railroaded and funded their journeys to the councils. Thus, the mechanism for checks and balances is missing or totally kept in abeyance, thereby compromising the cardinal principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.

Like Britain, tourism can bail Nigeria out

By Folu Olamiti

E

ARLY this year, when the naira started dropping in value to a dangerous low, I started dreading traveling abroad, especially to places like Great Britain. Since virtually all the airlines began to review their fares upward, occasioned by low naira exchange rate to international currencies, one really had no choice than to either stay at home or risk traveling and getting stranded in a foreign land. The situation worsened to a point when the exchange rate stood at N600 to £1 but there seems to be a moment of reprieve now. And this is coming from the exit of Britain from the European Union.

With the BREXIT, the almighty pound sterling started to tumble, falling to its lowest level in 31 years. Travellers (especially those who pay in Dollars) now earn almost double of what they used to earn as a dollar now exchanges for £1.2 after BREXIT. Before BREXIT, a dollar exchanged for £1.8. I experienced this during my last trip to London between 7 October and 24 October, 2016. I witnessed an unprecedented influx of passengers on the day I flew into London Heathrow Airport. Tourists, mostly from Asian countries, formed a long queue waiting for clearance at the entry points. It took me 40 minutes to get cleared, the first time I was experiencing such delay in recent years.

The falling pound sterling was the reason tourists poured like bees into London this year summer time. They hopped from one shopping mall to another. The British media had risen to the occasion. Like other businesses, they too exploited the slump in the pound to publish products that tourists couldn’t resist.

The Guardian of London of 11October, 2016, in a front page story anchored by Rebecca Smithers, wrote: “The UK has recorded its biggest month for tourist visits after the referendum .Related slump in the pound lured 3.8million people to British shores in July-the highest month ever for overseas tourists who shelled out £2.5bn, 4 percent more than last year, according to new figures from the tourism agency Visit Britain.

“This has turned the UK into a cheaper destination for millions of foreign travelers wanting to shop for luxury goods or visit attractions ranging from ancient monuments to the Buckingham Palace.

Many Britons are happy with this turn of events as Christopher Rodriques noted: “Tourism is a shining star in an uncertain world. As our fourth biggest service export, and one of our fastest

growing sectors, tourism’s importance as a key economic driver and job creator is clear” On the other hand, Simon Derrick, Chief currency strategist noted: “Though a weaker pound can boost exports and help rebalance the economy from being overly reliant on consumption rather than trade and investment, standard of living in the country could drop in coming months as inflation pushes higher.”

Against this background, one can deduce that the current recession in Britain engendered by BREXIT is a bag of mixed blessings as that decision has buoyed tourism, thus helping to stabilize the UK’s economy, in spite of the weakened purchasing power of many Britons. Members of one group who are not complaining are those selling wares, who are daily smiling to the banks.

Coming back to Nigeria, the story flips to the opposite side with Nigerians reacting to the gripping recession in the country by groaning, lamenting and blaming government for all their woes. But should they keep wallowing in dejection when others across the globe are seeing recession as a door to prosperity?.

Britain is one country hit by recession and has been taking every step to earn prosperity instead. Rather than weeping and sulking, Britons are taking everything in their stride, turning their adversity into opportunity.

The lesson here is that Nigeria has a lot to learn from Britain’s private sector, the academia, tourism industry, the media and entertainment sectors, among others, which took up the challenge to lead their way out of recession. The government only

when it wastransmitted to them in line with the amendment process. Thus, thecouncils remain where they are while the First amendment to the 1999Constitution came into effect in 2010.

A similar situation repeated itself in the 2012 to 2015 version of theamendment process when the National Assembly proposed “fulladministrative and financial autonomy to the councils.” The bid wasvehemently opposed by the Governors’ Forum, even though it wasfactionalised at the time. The National Assembly again got the billpassed at its own level and transmitted same to the states. Only 16states agreed with the proposal to free the councils, while 20 othersvoted against. The constitution provides that 24 states must adopt theproposal to sail through. The bid had been expunged from the 2015amendment to the 1999 Constitution which eventually failed to sailthrough due to failure of the then President Goodluck Jonathan toassent the bill before he left office.

It is on record that some officers in the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) visited the immediate past Senate president, David Mark to kick against attempts at outlawing the Joint Account of states and councils on the fear that council chairmen could behave like drunken sailors who will fritter resources and owe primary school teachers their salaries. This was the case in many states, they claimed, when the council chairmen were fully in charge. However, the NUT leadership was not unaware of the damage to governors do to the councils by milking them of their funds. This was why the NUT leadership proposed the creation of Primary School Commission which will take direct custody of teachers’ salaries, while the remaining funds will be channeled to the coffers of the councils.

sets the standard. But in Nigeria, people blame government for everything. We seem to conveniently forget that we elected the government and chose the leadership. We therefore, need to stop our penchant for blaming the government for everything not working well.

While conceding that the leadership needs to create an enabling environment –as in Britain - by providing adequate security and infrastructural facilities which would attract investors and tourists that could help lead the nation out of recession, we cannot absolve ourselves of part responsibility in efforts to resuscitate the economy.

The nation is in the grip of myriads of daunting problems .There are wars on all fronts, as the government battles the Boko Haram insurgency, militant groups in the Niger Delta, Kidnapping and restless Biafra agitators. In spite of all these problems, opportunities still abound in Nigeria for organizations and citizens to tap into.This is where focus on tourism comes in. Given the huge emphasis the government now places on diversification of the economy, those managing the tourism sector should be creative in exploiting the potentials of tourism in the country.

They have the huge task of turning the sector into a money spinning alternative, using models successfully applied in places like United Arab Emirate; Dubai, Great Britain, Jordan, Jamaica and China among others.

I am happy to note the recent visit of the Minister Of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed to Marrakech, Morocco to attend United Nations Conference on Climate Change where ministers of tourism gathered to exchange ideas. Nigeria is blessed with many attractive tourist destinations, which have the potential to earn foreign exchange for the country if well developed and harnessed.

Some of Nigeria’s major tourist centres include; Ibeno Beach, Obudu Mountain Resort, Ngwe Pine Forest, Awhun Waterfall,the Tinapa Free Zone Resort, Sukur Cultural Landscape, the Yankari Game Reserves, the Osun Osogbo and others. I had visited some of these centers in the last few months.

They are wonders to behold. Unfortunately, apart from Obudu Mountain Resort, the rest are not attracting patronage due to criminal neglect, mostly because of inadequate security, dismal maintenance and low publicity. Ultimately, the government will need to prioritize its economic diversification programme by placing more emphasis on tourism.

Olamiti, a media consultant, writes from Abuja.

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T

HE 16-year rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) popularised the “family affair” syndrome and it was a signal to the capacity of that party to settle rifts among its members in the inner caucus.

The party mastered the act so well that many felt there is no crisis that could stand the way of the family affair policy.

Until the crisis of 2013 reared its ugly head and saw to the exit of five governors and some legislators at the state and National Assembly from its fold, it was difficult to see any crisis overpowering the PDP capacity of family affair.

Even at that, many believed that the party became complacent and apparently underestimated the capacity of a united opposition imbued with the support of their own estranged members.

Whatever the PDP strategy was worth, it showcased one thing; that the party found a way of communicating with itself in a way. Notwithstanding the loose structure of the PDP, the party was able to galvanise its members around power and protect that collective strength for more than a decade.

Since the coming of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the family affair syndrome had been replaced. But no one can point to the existence of the sort of unity around power as we saw with the PDP. Many in APC today still see themselves as members of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Someone said recently that the famed “body language” was perhaps the replacement for family affair. But that looks unlikely because this is a political setting. Maybe body language bodes well in kingdoms, where the words of the king are rare. Politics is noisy. It is full of drama and silence is only a strategy that comes to play once in the blue moon.

Political environments thrive on the soap box mentality, the village settings crowd. In politics, you don’t act in hush, hush tunes. You make the noise even when your target is just by the corner. In politics, no one sings your praises better than yourself. Yes, there are town criers, but the danger is there that they either corrupt the message or confuse it.

Politics also rests on the people, a network of people. In politics, many people come around power for different purposes. Some for what they can make from it and very few for what they can do with it. It

IT is becoming clearer by the day that a major flaw of the current administration is its lack of coherence. Key officials of government are so often on different pages concerning the same issues that one cannot but wonder whether they ever meet to discuss state matters. Unfortunately, without coherence not much can be accomplished, because it is coherence that results in cohesion, which produces cooperation that principal actors in government require for commitment to the realisation of the common goal of effecting a positive change in the country. So, it is a given that when major players in government take different positions on the same issue, there will be motion without a corresponding level of movement.

While speaking during a radio interview in Kano last Monday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media, Mallam Garba Shehu, said that the nation could experience famine starting from January 2017, sequel to the exportation of food items, especially grains. The presidential aide had said the “Ministry of Agriculture has raised concerns about a massive rate of exportation, which could lead to a shortage of grains in Nigeria by January.”

But on Thursday, during a visit to a farm at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister of State for Agriculture, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, said, “there are no statistics that there is going to be famine in January. What I heard in the news was that he (Shehu) said that people are coming from other countries to buy our grains in bulk. As a government, we are also buying.”

The question now is if the Ministry of Agriculture, indeed raised concerns about exportation of grains, why is it that Lokpobiri’s position is different from that of Shehu? If the government is also buying grains, as said by Lokpobiri, why is it that the president’s spokesperson is not aware of this?

If the presidency is of the opinion that there is a likelihood of famine in the country but the Agric Ministry thinks otherwise, who should Nigerians believe? Did the Minister say what he said as a defence so that the Ministry would not be deemed as failing in its responsibility, or is it actually taking steps to address the situation?

If this were just a one-off development may be it would not have been a cause of concern. But that is the pattern.

In July this year, the Finance Minister, Mrs Kemi Adeo-

20 November, 2016

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046

APC must own its government

would amount to over-generalisation to think that everyone around power have a common purpose.

The good political leader rally is the one who blends the good, the bad and the ugly that people the political setting to advantage.

In recent times, the signals we have seen around the APC are that of a party marginalised within its own power circle.

If you want to contest this, check out the message coming from the National Assembly in recent times. The president sent in a Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), the foundation upon which the New Year budget is laid to the legislature and the chambers describe it as “empty and

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Buhari’s FEC: A team or collection of individuals?

sun, appeared before the Senate where she said that the economy was technically in recession. She hinged her position on the definition of recession, though she went ahead to say that the country would soon be out of recession given the efforts put in place by the government. However, on the same day, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, Budget and Plan-

Sunday Tribune

incomplete.” They threaten to throw it through the window if details are not provided. The president sends a $30 billion the borrowing plan to the lawmakers. The legislature looks at it and said damn. ‘This is a bad copy and gbam!’

The document is already flying through the window.

Again, two lists of ambassadorial nominees made their way into the chambers of the Senate, the first managed the pass the eye of the needle as the lawmakers were still expectant that the errors noticed on the list would be corrected when the second list is unveiled. When the full list landed, the sword got raised again. Only the quick lips of Senate President Bukola Saraki, which announced the opposite of the response his ears heard saved the list from the hang man. Even at that, those who nearly slaughtered the list last week could just be lying in wait for another day. And all these have been happening to a party that controls the majority in the two chambers.

Before you misread the script, the intention is not to deny the lawmakers their voice. The intention is to emphasise the role of party in governance. Because democracy is built on lobbying and communication, the party structure is best placed to achieve success in that wise. The near misses we are seeing are clear manifestations of the neglect of the party institution.

So what is the role of the party hierarchy in all this? I was told the party has been contending with internal confusion.

It’s been struggling to attach itself to power. But the truth remains that politics must be played the way it best achieves results. A while ago, Senator Bernie Sanders of the Democratic Party in the United States was going to upset Hillary Clinton’s candidacy by carrying his campaigns to the National Convention. A meeting at the White House with President Barack Obama silenced all that agitation and the Senator is right now a major campaigner for Hillary.

The party is the father of the candidate. The party is the father of the government. The party warehouses manifesto, which ordinarily binds all its candidates together; the legislators or executive office holders. Where the discordant tunes get aplenty, the role of the party needs great boosts.

Rather than jam the airwaves with discordant tunes, the APC must own its government as well as its members, while ensuring the manifesto is implemented as it promised on the soapbox. ning Minister, said the country was very far from being in recession.

Again, who should Nigerians have believed between these two ministers who play critical roles in managing the economy? If these two top government officials with access to latest information on the economy disagreed on a matter of this nature, why should Nigerians believe either of them?

Why is it so difficult for this government to harmonise its position on critical issues? If this is not incompetence, then the word needs redefinition.

I suspect that President Muhammadu Buhari does not have a team but a collection of people who work with him. Unfortunately, and most regrettably, each of these individuals comes into government to defend a position.

That is why it has evidently been so difficult for them to work as a team. The people around the President work at cross purposes; they pull in different directions as each of them pushes for and defends various positions instead of working for the common purpose of steadying the polity, stabilizing the economy, and improving the people’s lot.

The dispersion of efforts in different directions is the albatross of both the people and the government. Immobility becomes inevitable when the tyres of a vehicle attempt to travel in different directions.

This obvious crack in government has had a telling effect on the citizenry because they are confused. There is so much hardship in the land, yet there is no coherent communication from the government on what to expect.

This chasm has foisted despair on the people and this has turned the country into a jungle where survival of the fittest is the rule.

Similarly, it has spiked disillusionment among foreign investors as they try to make sense out of the cacophony of confusion that emanates from key government functionaries. The result is that there is a slide in foreign direct investment. If there is no injection of fresh funds into the economy, what is the hope of halting and reversing the retarded economic growth?

But the government can change the trend by putting its house in order and harmonising its positions on critical issues. When the President’s people work together as a team, success becomes a cinch for the administration.

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20 November, 2016

ON THE

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday Watch out for Fayose

I

hesitated between three possible titles before settling for the one here.

“Fayose: The man and his politics” was one. I decided against it because not many people can speak authoritatively about a leader and his politics. True, I have a better understanding of Fayose’s person and politics today than, say, in 2014, when he made his come-back bid as governor of Ekiti State and I stood resolutely against him. I was not a supporter and friend of Fayose and I did not hide it. Readers of this column will attest to that. His winning the election did not change anything; neither the persistent pleadings of Michael West, one of the “Bola Bolawole Boys” or “BB Boys” during my days as editor at The PUNCH newspapers. Mike would say, “Oga, also look at the other side of Fayose; the man has his good sides.”There are those who, even if you eulogise them in a full-page write-up but makea single statement critical of them, would tell you that, that single unfavourable statement ruined it all. And they would never forgive you.

You have become their enemy. There is the other group that prefers to turn adversity into blessing; misfortune into fortune; and a foe into a friend. Fayose appears to me to belong in the latter category. Still, Peter Ayodele Fayose is such an enigma that I do not want to take the unnecessary risk of sounding authoritative about him or his politics. Besides, as a restless politician in the fiercest part of Nigeria’s political battle-field, he is still unravelling; in fact, he unravels daily.

“Fayose: The Donald Trump of Nigeria” appears futuristic and may, in fact, be too far-fetched to manyat the moment. Very few people gave the Republican Trump the chance of winning the primary of his party; he did. Not many thought he would run a good presidential race, least of all winning –he did. He was the unusual man who did the unusual, whipping bookmakers and standing conventional wisdom on its head. He was Bohemian and the ultimate Rebel. He was unconventional. His campaign “died” many times but resurrected again and again, waxing strong all the way. We have seen Trump and we know our own Fayose: there are too many convergences between both that need not detain us here. It is too early to say, however, whether Fayose will follow Trump’s lead. The objective conditions have always been there; only the subjective is now needed to catalyse and activate a Trumplike revolution in Nigeria in 2019. The Ekiti State governor last week celebrated his 56th birthday in an unusual way; his peers would have flown to a paradise island but Fayose celebrated in the streets of Ekiti. For others, it would have been an occasion to merry but Fayose chose to fast. Like Trump, Fayose’s messages resonate with the people. He also is charismatic and theatrical enough to cut the image of “a man of the people.”He has charm. In today’s Nigeria where opposition to the APC\Muhammadu Buhari administration is under stricture, his voice is the loudest and most potentagainst the powers-thatbe.

Watch out for Fayose! I have seen that

heis street-wise and has a deep sense of history. He is a man on a mission.I would have sworn he did not know a line of scriptures, but I found to my consternation thatFayose hardly speaks without veering into the bible, quoting and claiming God’s promises; and he never tires to return the glory of his political victories unto God. A man such as that is hard to fight. As 2018, the year that he will step down as governor draws nearer, Fayose appears to have set his gaze on higher grounds. The fireworks during his birthday reveal something.

Fayose is now “President, Take Back Nigeria Movement.” That is fully loaded.

Take back from whom? We have heard of “Occupy Nigeria” and how it forced the hands of a dithering political class to make then Vice President Goodluck Jonathan president through a so-called “doctrine of necessity.” We have also heard of “Bring Back Our Girls” and how its ceaseless advocacy gave the Presidency sleepless nights and troublesome days, leading to the limited success that has now been achieved in the rescue of the Chibokgirls.

But for BBOG, Chibok and its girls would long have become a forgotten issue.

Watch out for Fayose! On the heels of“Occupy Nigeria” and “BBOG”, the “Take Back Nigeria Movement” is coming.

I suspect it will be fashioned along the line of Donald Trump’s “Take Back America” and “Make America Great Again”. If it resonated well with the people in America; it will also be a huge success here. Tighten your seat belt! The issues to trash out are many, no thanks to a wobbling and fumbling Buhari\APC administration.So much hope was invested in Buhari\APC but the yield, so far, has been paltry. The major battle ground will be the economy.

Before Buhari\APC, our economy was one of the best performers in the world. In the last one-and-half years, however, we have gone from positive growth to negative and are now in a recession. One of

the practical effects of recession is a collapsed national currency. It exchanged N187 to the US$ last year but now hovers around N400 to the dollar. The effects on the escalating costs of goods and services are better imagined than felt. Just one example, though: A bag of imported rice that cost between N8000 and N10,000 last year now costs between N22,000 and N28,000. The national minimum wage is N18,000 and not everyone is even paying as much. Buhari\APC had promised to bring about parity in the Naira\US$ exchange rate! Fuel prices jumped from N87 per litre to N145 per litre in a government that said there was nothing called subsidy and that it would crash fuel prices! Rumours of another hike foul the air.

The recession has led to the loss of jobs at an alarming rate. Crime rates have shot up and the time bomb that this situation portends had better been addressed earlier than later. Industries are relocating from Nigeria as a result of hostile operating environment. Buhari\APC have found it hard to add to the megawatts of electricity generated or sustain the momentum they met on ground. Companies are divesting from the country and new Foreign Direct Investment is rare to come by. Under the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the country paid humongous amount in an effort to exit the debt trap. Now Buhari\APC want to take our country and people back into a worse indebtedness. The administration is going after a loan of US$30billion, more than our entire foreign reserves!They promised diversification but almost two years on the road, there is nothing on ground to show for it.Worse is that falling crude oil prices has negatively affected our foreign exchange earnings while the intemperate, high-handed, and uneven politics of the Buhari administration has thrown the oilproducing Niger Delta into turmoil again,

shutting in a sizeable quantity of crude oil production. Principally as a result of falling crude oil prices and the restiveness of the Niger Delta, funds available to the three tiers of government have dwindled drastically. Thirty-three states of the federation owe their workers and pensioners months of salary and pension arrears.

Subventions to agencies have suffered; so also the provision of infrastructural amenities called the dividends of democracy.

Other sore thumbs include the rolling back of the carpet of credible elections; INEC is not independent again. A certain “powerful” woman in INEC is said to breathe down the necks of everyone. The much- advertised war against corruption will, no doubt, come up for scrutiny. It is too one-sided for comfort. The scantilyconcealed assault on the Judiciary; culminating in the insulting “acting” appointment of the new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen; the needless war in the Niger Delta and against resurgent Biafra, in regions that had been peaceful before, are causes for worry. With the exit of Obasanjo, an air of freedom began to blow across the country. This “wind of change” is at risk today. A culture of impunity and intolerance is creeping in on Nigerians; the DSS and EFCC beingwilling tools in thehands of persons bent on taking the country back to those ignoble and despicable years of military dictatorship.

Before Independence in 1960, the National Question had been a vexed issue that attracted the attention and consumed the energies of the founding fathers of the nation. How to mesh the hundreds of ethnic nationalities and forge out of the melting pot a vibrant and prosperous nation was herculean and daunting. In the wisdom of our forefathers, true federalism was the most assured vehicle for forging unity while at the same time preserving and advancing the diversity of the various nationalities, hence the adoption of the statement “unity in diversity”. The incursion of the military into our body-politic, however, destroyed that and imposed, instead, a “Big Brother” Central government that wields enormous powers while also maintaining a vice-like grip on the country’s resources. Buhari\APC through wilful acts of commission have further accentuated ethnic acrimony in the land.

The lop-sidedness of their appointments in favour of one section of the country to the mindless marginalization of the other rankles. At no other time in the history of this country had any administration been this divisive, sectarian, sectional, bigoted, insensitive, and discriminatory or had a president been so reckless as to sectionalise the country into “us” and “they”. It is to the grotesque partisanship of Buhari\ APC that we owe the resurgence of ethnic agitation and resource-control demands and violence in the South-South and South-East.

Like Trump flogged Hillary Clinton with one issue after another, there are a million and one issues with which Buhari\APC can be flogged into a stupor in 2019. We only need a Donald Trump to throw his hat into the ring. Watch out for Fayose!

30

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

the

from NASS How not to treat our heroes past and present SENATE

By Taiwo Adisa

T

WO incidents happened last week, though at different locations, but both are related. One happened in Abuja and the other, also related to Abuja, happened in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The revelation made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Babachir David Lawal, that the Federal Government has failed to pay the allowances and salaries of the living former presidents and Heads of State, should come as a rude shock to many. It, indeed, hit the senators who were on oversight duty at the SGF s office when the revelation was made.

Babachir had told members of the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs headed by Senator Tijjani Kaura that the Federal Government has, in the last 10 months, been unable to pay the former presidents and Heads of State, including former President Shehu Shagari; former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon and General Ibrahim Babangida; President Olusegun Obasanjo; former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and other former leaders, including General Abdulsalami Abubakar and former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan.

That incident happened on the heels of a similar development, which involved the national football team, the Super Eagles, which played the Algerian National Team at the Uyo Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.

Many Nigerians who turned up at the Akwa Ibom Airport on Sunday, November 13, were shocked to see the boys loitering around the departure halls of the airport and the reason adduced was that the Nigerian Football Federation was unable to procure chattered flights to Abuja for the victorious players. Many had wondered why none of the numerous presidential jets lying fallow in Abuja could not be deployed to Uyo to give the players a sense that the nation actually cares about them.

But if anyone is in doubt that Nigeria actually does not care about its heroes, past and present, the confirmation from Babachir should wipe out such doubts. His lamentations were many before the Senate Committee but those versed in the art of governance know that the excuses lay flat in the face of reason.

Hear Babachir: “There is a department responsible for the payment of former President. Presently, funds are not available in service wide votes to do that. We are aware there was a protest in Bayelsa State that the former president was not paid, but we’ve explained that he’s not the only one affected.

He further lamented: “When I got into this office, there was a lot of money in this account, but there was no TSA. Before the government left office, they jacked up salaries.

We told former President Jonathan and Obasanjo that they cannot earn twice what the others were earning. So we told them we wanted to review it, and we did. So they now earn what the others earn as well.

“When I came into office, there was N1.5bn in the account.

We had payment of all liabilities, which came to N700m.

Then we wrote to the president to return what was left to the TSA. That was how we came back to a zero balance.

“It is painful to me, because as a person, I know all of them (ex-presidents) personally. Now, why have we not been able to get the money? We requested for a budget of N700m complaining, but the president has his way of doing things…

“As SGF, I’m getting embarrassed and demeaned by chasing money coming from demands. All MDAS come to me for things to be done, and it is not quite easy, but we try our best. Last year, these political appointees had nothing. As to assistance, we really need assistance, if not but to retain all what we have budgeted for.”

But the Senators did not mince words in telling Babchir that what was wrong had no other description. How else do you incentivise those in office against corruption

if they are not guaranteed that their entitlements would be paid after office?

The vice chairman of the committee, Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, who described the development as abnormal said: “What we have seen here is an abnormality. Before referring any matter to the National Assembly, it is a function of the executive to appropriate funds. Therefore, the SGF should understand that there is something wrong in this office that must be addressed.

“There is no way you can run the expenses of this office without cash backing. We definitely have to draw the attention of the budget office and ministry of finance to the problems.”

Former governor of Sokoto State, Senator, Aliyu Wam-

mako, vehemently protested the development, saying that it was confounding to the senators.

He said: “We can understand if former President Jonathan has not being paid because he just left office. But for someone like Shagari, who lives from hand to mouth, it is something I can’t understand. This development is really unfortunate; it doesn’t indicate seriousness, and it doesn’t indicate fairness.”

The government has attributed the developments above to recession. But the same recession has allowed many MDAs commit over N100 billion to the purchase of brand new vehicles, which only help to develop foreign economies.

Between Reps and MMM promoters HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel AT a time most Nigerians are looking for way out of the present economic recession facing the country, some Nigerians, as a way of making quick money, have joined the Mavrodi Mondial Moneybox popularly known as MMM. The chairman, House of Representatives Committee on communication, Honourable Saheed Akinade-Fijabi who brought to the attention of his colleagues the activities of MMM, said that the scheme involved directing their clients to make money available for an anonymous person with a promise of 30 per cent return on investment in 30 days.

The lawmaker, whose motion was entitled: “Need for Caution on the Robbing Peter to Pay Paul Scheme called MMM Nigeria,” said that MMM was established in 1989 by three Russian nationals namely Sergei Marvrodi, Vyschelsa Marvrodi and Ogla Melnikova in that country.

But report had it that the MMM in Russia ran into scandal, which led to increased regulation of the Russian stock market, but the legacy of the ‘fraud’ led many to become extremely suspicious of any joint stock companies.

Reports also had it that in January 2016, the Chinese government banned MMM on the grounds that it is a pyramid scheme (Ponzi scheme), and it is not registered in the country (and as a fraudulent scheme cannot be registered).

The MMM Nigeria, it was gathered, started in the country in 2016, as it launched a website targeting the Nigerian audience.

However, in other to safeguard Nigerians from losing their money, the House mandated its relevant Committees on Banking and Currency and Financial Crimes to investigate the MMM scheme.

Honourable Fijabi had expressed worries on the operations of the scheme, which he said “prides itself as mutual fund where members contribute money with expected interest of 30 per cent.”

According to him, “aware that the scheme entered the Nigerian circle this year, capitalising on high level of unemployment and poverty to deceive unwary Nigerians into falling prey to their antics,” adding that the scheme cannot guarantee investments in the long run.

He said that reports had indicated that a similar scheme launched in Russia and China failed.

Hon Akinade-Fijabi observed that every Nigerian participating in the MMM scheme, which has no legal backing, is vulnerable to losing his/her investment as there is no identifiable platform to o guarantee the security of the invested funds.

He stated that the Central Bank of Nigeria had described the scheme as fraudulent, lamenting that many Nigerians had been victims in similar schemes in the past, such as the Wealth Solution, Pennywise and Wealth

Dogara Creation, all in the name of making quick money.

The lawmaker maintained that, “the scheme prides itself as a mutual fund through which recruited members contribute money in form of assistance without any intent to engage in banking business.

“But the scheme’s structure, operations and intendment indicate otherwise as their clients can have multi-level structures under them and receive bonus (in percentage) from each financial transaction of every participant in their structures,” he said.

The lawmaker also pointed out that the antecedents of the founders of the scheme “cannot guarantee security of investment in the scheme in the long run, as reports indicate that similar schemes by the same founders had been launched in Russia where investors lost their monies running into millions of dollars.”

“It is worthy of note that the government of China banned the operations of MMM on the ground that it was a payment pyramid scheme without registration in the country and has the capacity to cause financial havoc in the system.”

Another member of the House, Honourable Bode Ayorinde, said that there was no guarantee over the funds invested under the MMM scheme, adding that sooner than later, the bubble would burst and the funds would be trapped.

Also speaking, Hon. Dennis Amadi and Hon. Aminu Shagari, while lending their voices to the motion, implored Nigerian investors to tread with caution on the MMM scheme.

However, the resolution of the House has continued to generate response from Nigerians who are into the scheme, with a majority of them kicking against the House’s position.

Some of the participants were of the view that the scheme had been keeping them busy and giving them returns on their investments and, as such, they would continue to key into the programme while it lasted.

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20 November, 2016

makeover

Sunday Tribune

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 tribunemakeover@gmail.com

Style tips to hide

belly fat

Go asymmetrical Asymmetrical outfits usually come in uneven sizes and are usually free-sized. They come in various designs ranging from cropped, pleated to free. Belly fat sizes vary, but with asymmetrical tops on leggings, you can’t go wrong with coming off as flat-bellied. You can also wear them with jeggings or fitted leather pants. If you feel the need to flaunt your legs, pair them with miniskirts or shorts. As much as possible, avoid outfits that are tight across the stomach.

Skip the belt, if possible For the obvious reason that belts wrap around the waist, for people with belly fat, try to avoid using belts or waist bands over dresses or blouses as much as possible as this will only draw attention to your stomach.

Body shapers They have become quite popular in recent times and if used according to the rules, can provide an instant option for hiding belly fat. The important thing is to ensure that you don’t wear them for too long as they can have negative effects with regards to proper circulation and other health risks.

Don’t tuck For many formal environments, women are required to tuck in shirts over skirts and this can be quite unflattering for people who have belly fat. As a result, avoid tucking inasmuch as possible. Instead, go for peplum blouses or shirts that still look beautiful without tucking in.

Go monochrome To draw attention away from your stomach, rather than blend in too many colours, stick with one colour from head to toe, usually black and white. Monochrome fashion has a way of playing tricks with the eyes. Such ensemble will not only help you look slimmer, they will also flatter your overall outlook.

Exercise Tasking as it may seem, the healthiest way to lose belly fat is regular exercise.

Health experts even suggest that when one exercises, belly fat is one of the easiest to lose, if sustained. You will not only be doing your body good, health-wise, you will also be providing an advantage for your body, fashion-wise,when it comes to rocking stylish outfits.

Body shaper. Photo: www.nordstrom.com

Peplum dress. Phot o: www.aliexpres

s.com

The peplum option Peplum dresses, blouses and even skirts are always a fail-safe option for women who have some sort of belly fat. As a result of their flared nature, they provide a safe haven for hiding your protruding stomach from public view, yet still help you maintain a stylish outlook. They also help to emphasis the curve of the hips. The trick with peplum-themed outfits is that they work well for as many body sizes as possible.

Interestingly, they can be made with Ankara and lace outfits, so you can wear peplum outfits to the office, for weddings, red carpet events, among others.

Asymmetrical blouse. Photo: www.lystit.com

T

HERE is a saying that as a woman ages, the ease with which she can get the near-perfect body may become. The hips, waistline, more difficult and even the stomach are some parts of the body many women are very conscious of when picking outfits.

Apart from the fashion benefits, a flat belly may also be a sign of good health. However, not many women can boast of such.

Below are a few tips to follow to ensure that your belly fat stays hidden while you can still look stylish:

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20 November, 2016

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

Fela, Ayinla Omowura, Obey in MUSON’s hallowed hall Memories of some of the country’s finest musicians were relived at one of the activities of the 2016 MUSON Festival.

I

T was an interesting quartet of creative personalities that shared their favourite music with the audience at the ‘My Kind of Music’ segment of the 20th MUSON Festival held last month in Lagos. They were writer and producer, IfeomaFafunwa; engineer, art collector and philanthropist, Prince Yemisi Shyllon; broadcaster and music critic, Benson Idonije and music teacher and broadcaster, Princess Banke Ademola.

A major activity of the festival, ‘My Kind of Music’ is an evening where guests share their favourite music and reasons for their choices with a live audience who also get to hear recordings or live performances of the selected songs.

With chair of the Festival Planning Committee and moderator, Architect Kitoyi Ibare-Akinsan, skilfully probing the guests on their choices, it was always an enjoyable session that most people usually don’t want to miss. Interestingly, there were some overlaps among the choices by the guests this year.

Ifeoma Fafunwa The writer and creative director of I Open Eye Productions, got the session going with her first choice being a Spanish song, ‘Nem As Paredes Confesso’ by Amalia Rodrigues. Most had assumed Fafunwa understood the lyrics but she disappointed them, disclosing after the song finished playing that it was much later that she knew what the artiste was saying.

It touched me when I first heard it. It’s a very disconnected song and was the opposite of what I was trying to accomplish but it spoke to me as an artist. It captured for me the way a teenager that’s an artiste growing up in Nigeria felt in the 1970s and 80s; I felt very disconnected. There was not much in school for an artist and there wasn’t much in the environment. I wasn’t the favourite of my parents; there were better understood children in my family.

I really was wandering around, not sure how to connect. I pick it because there are lots of young artistes that feel the same way today,” she said.

The next choice of the producer of ‘Hear Word,’ an insightful production that highlights the plight of Nigerian and African women and which toured North America and Europe was ‘Staying Alive’ by Bee Gees.Fafunwa disclosed that she moved from being a moody teenager into the groove of FESTAC ’77 and the bubbly period after it, hence she felt very alive.

Her third choice was ‘Guilty’ by Barbara Streisand while the fourth was Fela’s ‘Shuffering and Shmilling’. Like the late maestro, Fafunwa bemoaned the docility of Nigerians and how they have allowed organised religions to keep them subservient. She particularly condemned leaving

From left Ifeoma Fafunwa, Prince Yemisi Shyllon, Princess Banke Ademola and Benson Idonije at the event. everything to God and how pastors allegedly terrify people into parting with their money during services, casting and binding demons.“Who is the gatekeeper of the kingdom of heaven, this song calls out all religions. Please, make una all open eye o,” she added.

Sharing why Asa’s ‘Bibanke’ is on her playlist, Fafunwa disclosed that the singer was among the fine people she met in the art and music communities when she returned to Nigeria and was feeling down, not knowing that kindred souls were out there.

“My next choice is ‘I Feel Good’ by James Brown just to shake up the room,” she announced while her last number was ‘Trust in Me’ by Etta James. “Everyone is feeling it [recession] we don’t know when it will end; we should trust that things are going to be well,” she said.

Prince Yemisi Shyllon What song does an art collector, engineer, chartered accountant, lawyer, arbitrator, auctioneer and philanthropist amongst others listen to? Prince Shyllon’s choices were as eclectic as his professional interests. His first song was Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’. The piece, he noted“gives us hope when things are awry; that one day things will be okay in this country. We shouldn’t despair. If others have got it right, we will get it right.

Let’s look at the bright side of things.”

Up next was Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colours’ that reminds him “of those who are suffering and helps my philanthropic thoughts.It makes me want to help and relate to the challenges that people go through.”

The next set of songs Shyllon shared reflected his philosophical side. They were Tunji Oyelana’s classic ‘Mo lo Soko’, Fela’s ‘Shuffering and Shmilling’ (which had earlier been chosen by Fafunwa) and Ebenezer Obey’s ‘Board Members’ which he noted reiterates the transiency of wealth and power. For him, the song also underscores the importance of living meaningful, impactful lives; and ‘Papa was a Rolling Stone’ by The Temptations. Shyllon also chose Bob Marley’s ‘No Woman No Cry’ he described as very African and “in the spirit of Pan-Africanism”, and ‘Frankie and Johnny’ by Sam Cooke.

Fela Princess Banke Ademola The retired director of Radio Nigeria, Ibadan National Station, began with the explanation that though she was a music producer who dealt with all sorts of music while in service, she has zero tolerance for rap music; hence “the selection of today’s music was an uphill task. But I have packaged them under the umbrella I called ‘Memories: music that evoke memories of my life, my work and moments of relaxation. One of my favourite crooners of those days was Dean Martin. They don’t sing like them again these days. ‘Memories are made of this’ by Dean Martin, enjoy it.”

Princess Ademola returned to her classical roots with her next song, ‘Bardinerie’ by JS Bach and performed by the Swingles Singers, while her third was Charles Gounod’s ‘Juliet Waltz’ performed by one of her ex-students, the Paris, France-based Omo Bello. It was a recording taken from the Luciano Pavarotti award Bello won five years ago.

While Fafunwa and Shyllon had earlier condemned peoples’ blind obedience to religious doctrines, Princess Ademola reiterated that she won’t let go off her Christian faith with her next piece, Bill Gaither’s ‘One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus’. She also opted against playing vocal pieces throughout by choosing an instrumental, ‘Schubert Piano Sonata in A. D664’. The accomplished pianist and piano teacher disclosed that the piece is one of her favourites and that she started learning the piano at a period her mother died.

She dedicated her next piece, ‘JaItannaT’on Tan’ to three great men; her former boss at Radio Nigeria and re-

tired diplomat, Dr. Christopher Kolade, whom she recalled they gave a lot of troubles back then; the late Ayo Bankole (composer of the song) and 91-year-old musician, Pa Christopher Oyesiku, who sang the piece. “It is a trilogy comprising ‘Iya’, ‘Kiniun’ and ‘JaItannaT’on Tan’ which encourages you to make haste, not to procrastinate.

Princess Ademola’s final piece was a live performance of Pastor D.K. Olukoya’s ‘Mo Gboju Le Jesu’ by students of the MUSON Music School. She disclosed that apart from his priestly calling, Olukoya used to be a choirmaster and that he believes in using music and sports to build young people.

Benson Idonije Having been Fela’s manager at a point in his illustrious career as a broadcaster and music critic, many did not expect that Pa Idonije, who clocked 80 recently won’t have the Afrobeat creator on his playlist. He chose two numbers, ‘Beast of No Nation’ and ‘Onidodo’ representing different epochs in the ‘Abami Eda’s musical development. His first song, though, was the Duke Ellington Orchestra’s signature tune ‘Take the A Train’.

His next choice, the late Ayinla Omowura’s ‘Ebi Ki Pagun Dale’ was very warmly received by the crowd. “My next choice is Apala music, Ebi Ki Pagun Dale,’” he announced to applause and roars of approval from the audience. I selected it because it groomed me into enjoying Apala music. It was released in 1972 by Ayinla Omowura. Before his emergence in 1970, the likes of Haruna Isola from Ijebu Igbo and Ligali Mukaiba from Epe were dominating the music scene but the emergence of Ayinla Omowura raised the game. The music became racy; his voice was guttural, he was very enterprising. There are a lot of proverbs, anecdotes, exhortation, all sorts in his music.”

The music columnist with The Guardian also chose the late Christy Essien- Igbokwe’s ‘Seun Rere’ and Lagbaja’s ‘Koko Below’. He said of the masked musician: “Lagbaja is one of the finest musicians in this country, I call him Mr Rhythm. He thinks I don’t like his music because I criticise him a lot but it’s because I love him.

Though influenced by Fela, he tries not to be like him. The only horn he uses is the saxophone and lots of percussions,” said Idonije who conclude with ‘Take 5’.

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20 November, 2016

children’sarena 1

2

5

4

3

Sunday Tribune

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

6

The language I wish to learn Famous invention

Mop

A mop (such as a floor mop) is a mass or bundle of coarse strings or yarn, etc., or a piece of cloth, sponge, or other absorbent material, attached to a pole or stick.

It is used to soak up liquid, for cleaning floors and other surfaces, to mop up dust, or for other cleaning purposes. The word (then spelled mappe) is attested in English as early as 1496, but new refinements and variations of mop designs have been introduced, from time to time. For example, American inventor Jacob Howe received U.S. patent #241 for a mop holder in 1837 and Thomas W. Stewart (U.S. patent #499,402) in 1893.

Dry mop, dust mop A dry mop or dust mop is designed to pick up dry, loose contamination such as dust, earth and sand from the surface of the floor. It consists of yarn and/or microfiber and is used as a first step in cleaning a floor.

Professional dry mops consist of a flat sheet of microfiber textile or sheets with a surface of looped yarn, usually about 15 cm (6 in) wide, and comes in variable lengths (usually 30–100 cm (12–39 in)).

1. Akande Olasuomi, Grade 3, 7yrs The language I will like to learn is French. I like the language because it always makes me happy whenever I listen to it.

2. Olasunkanmi Emmanuel, Grade 3, 8yrs The language I wish to learn is Yoruba . Though, my parents are from Yorubaland, I can’t speak it. I love the language because it is the language of our ancestors and it is full of philosopy. I pray for more understanding from God on how to speak and understand it very well.

3. Oluseye Precious, Grade 4, 8yrs The language I wish to learn is Hausa. I love the language, because it is unique. The language is for the rich people.

4. Saka Usman, Grade 4, 8yrs I will like to learn how to speak Igbo. The language is always funny to me whenever I hear people speaking it. I also like their culture, their songs and the way they dress. Their food and their culture are very rich.

5. Owolabi Tolulope, Grade 3, 6yrs Igbo is the language I wish to learn more about, because I like it. I want to be able to relate with the speakers when they are speaking the language.

6. Adewale Adesewa, Grade 3, 7yrs I will like to learn more about French. It is an interesting subject and I will like to always speak it because it is an international language.

Respondents are students of Fortune Heights Elementary Schools, Eleyele-Ijokodo, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Chimpanzee could live up to 40-50 years • Chimpanzees are omnivores, which means that they eat almost everything edible, including plants and animals.

They like to eat fruits, insects, eggs and meat.

• Chimpanzees use tools like sticks to extract ants from the trees/holes, or stones to break the shell of the nut.

• Chimpanzees can be infected with same diseases like humans: measles, ringworm, hepatitis B, influenza...

• They exchange kisses, hugs and touches in their community and use complicated system of sounds to communicate. Chimpanzees are 6-7 times stronger than humans.

• They spend the night in nests in the trees. Nests are made of leaves and branches. Each night, chimpanzees change location of their nest.

• Although they use all four limbs for walking, chimpanzees can walk on two legs.

Female will give birth to a baby each 3-4

Common Sense

years. Bond between mother and young animals is very strong and it lasts over 7 years. .Baby chimpanzee has white tail tuft that disappears in time. .When they are ill, chimpanzees will eat medicinal plants to heal themselves.

In the wild, the chimpanzee lives 40-50 years, and in captivity between 50 and 60 years.

1 .Cutting my coat according to my size doesn’t mean I don’t have enough materials to make over- size wears. The thing is just that prudence is important in life.

2. I am not buying, I am building. So it takes time you know!

3. You can be a ‘stilletto’ among other shoes, it’s pays to always stand out.

5. It’s not about who won the race, it’s about who succeeded after the race.

6. Go-getters don’t end up getting everything. Be wise to know you can’t get it all.

Abdulazeez Zainab

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20 November, 2016

With Rita Okonoboh tribunechurch@gmail.com tribunechurch@yahoo.com 08053789087

tribunechurch Stories behind

great hymns It pays to serve Jesus ONE day while Frank C. Huston was musing at the keyboard of the piano, a melody suddenly came to him which he decided was worth saving.

So he quickly wrote it down on a piece of music paper, and promptly forgot all about it.

A few days later he paid a visit to an eighty-two year old friend. During their conversation, the old friend suddenly said to Huston, “Brother Huston, you have written so many good songs, won’t you write one for me on the subject we have just been discussing, and call it ‘It Pays to Serve Jesus’?”

Huston agreed, because of his close friendship with the older man. But he didn’t make a special effort to comply with the request until some time later, during an evangelistic series being held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

While a guest in the Hartzog home in that city, Huston recalled the friend’s plea, so he went to the piano in the living room of his host.

Suddenly, he recalled the manuscript in his pocket, and, out of sheer curiosity, he took it out, placed it on the music rack of the piano and played through it.

Intrigued with what he had composed and then completely forgotten, he played it a second time and then a third, while the words of a stanza and chorus fell into place almost spontaneously. Before he knew it, he was singing a brand new hymn (Adapted from Ernest K. Emurian).

Chorus: It pays to serve Jesus, it pays ev’ry day, It pays ev’ry step of the way; Though the pathway to glory may sometimes be drear, You’ll be happy each step of the way.

Source: www.tanbible. com

Sunday Tribune

We trekked through thick bush for six days without food or water —abducted Methodist priest

A cleric with the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Ibadan, Reverend (Dr) Biodun Ogunbeku, who was recently released after being abducted for six days, shared his experience in the kidnappers’ den.

TAIWO OLANREWAJU provides excerpts:

E

xperience with abductors In sharing my experience, I want the government to note these three things. One, the Hausa-Fulani youths should be educated and given employment. Two, crossstate border movement should be looked into. Three, the SSS should look for better ways of arresting kidnappers who specialise in moving round thick bushes.

To share my experience, I was kidnapped by young armed Hausa-Fulani boys on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at about 6:30 p.m. while I was at my farm at Kufi Area along Olorunda-Aba road in Ibadan, Oyo State. My kidnappers were unkempt and uneducated young Hausa-Fulani boys who spoke not very clear pidgin English. I don’t understand Hausa, so I missed out on a lot of the conversations. However, the boys know the value of money. They spoke about millions of naira. We trekked through thick bush for six days without food or water. I did not have a bath. After we left Olorunda-Aba, we met five other fully armed Hausa-Fulani boys aged between 18 and 24.

They were going to another farm before they mistakenly came to mine. It is not that they just came; they had studied and monitored my movement over time

my abductors were looking for someone else. They were going to another farm before they mistakenly came to mine. It is not that they just came; they had studied and monitored my movement over time, all in the name of grazing cattle. They knew I went to the farm in the evening on Thursdays and so knew the time to kidnap me. They had informants who they spoke with on phone. From their conversation, I could also gather that they also spoke with their family members.

How did you cope?

Thank God I am a minister of God. I am used to not eating or drinking water.

prayers of the brethren.

Were you maltreated?

Not at all. I think that is by the grace of God and through the

Would you say that your kidnap was masterminded by someone who had a per-

sonal grudge against you?

I don’t think anybody was after me. I think I was a victim of circumstance. From what I could gather from their conversation,

Did the church pay any ransom?

I don’t want to talk about that.

But whoever passes through this ordeal and claims not to have paid any ransom is not stating the obvious.

How were you released?

We trekked to Lalupon but I was released at Erunmu at about 9p.m. on Tuesday, November 15, 2016.

Use thanksgiving to attract God’s blessings, Christians charged from God, particularly in the face of the ongoing economic recession.

The diocesan cleric of the church, Reverend Nnaemeka Ajike, stated this while officiating at last Sunday’s service to mark the 2016 harvest, while encouraging mem-

Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia MEMBERS of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Umuahia, Abia State, Wesley Cathedral, have been encouraged to use this year’s harvest and thanksgiving service to attract more blessings

Recession, divine effort to force people back to God —Prophet Adebayo

Pg38

bers to appreciate God especially through thanksgiving.

Speaking on the theme, “Harvest of Fruitfulness,” Ajike stated that the harvest was aimed at thanking God for his protection, good health and blessing upon his children during the period under review.

Secrets God revealed about Nigeria for my ears only —Baba Abiye

Pg37

Also speaking on the significance of the harvest, senior society steward of the church, Dr Okezie Chimezie, noted that despite the current economic recession, the church recorded tremendous successes in terms of giving to God compared to previous years.

‘Idol worship, bane of Nigeria’s progress’

Pg36

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20 November, 2016

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews Recession: Re-order your priorities, explore new horizons, cleric charges Nigerians Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

A

S the effects of the economic recession bites harder, Nigerians have been charged to re-order their priorities and explore new horizons.

Reverend Father Stephen Ilesanmi, the parish priest of St. Nicholas Catholic Cathedral, Otan-Ayegbaju, Osun State, gave this admonition in his message at the 2016 adult harvest of the church.

According to him, the current economic recession in the country should be a means for Nigerians to re-order their priorities, look inwards and challenge themselves to explore new horizons.

“The current harsh economic climate should change our ways of thinking and drive us to do more for our country by being part of the solution rather than the problem. And while doing these, Nigerians must always remember that a heart that is full of gratitude to God at all times will be at rest and get more from God,” Ilesanmi remarked.

While tasking the congregation to imbibe the spirit of thanksgiving and gratitude to God no matter the situation they found themselves, he contended that satan could be defeated easily by taking him out of his territory when Nigerians showed gratitude to God all the time.

“If care is not taken, when you concentrate so much on the problems of daily life, you may fall into the snare of satan who always wants believers to be sorrowful and full of complaints. We need to be careful not to make grumbling and asking for

favours from God a daily pastime without gratitude to our heavenly Father.

The Bible says we should let our thanksgiving be

more than our request before God. “As a church of God, what is of utmost importance to us is the salvation of the soul

of our members, not the money they bring to church.

And that should be the attitude of all men of God in this end time. As Christians, we

all need to individually work out our salvation by using all that God has blessed us with to serve creator and humanity,” the cleric asserted.

From left, Most Reverend (Dr) Joseph Akinfenwa of Ibadan Diocese; President, Women’s Organisation, Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Mrs Comfort Akinfenwa presenting an award to the Chairman on the ocassion, Pa Adebola Adebamiro, during the 2016 Diocese of Ibadan Women Conference, held at Anglican Church of Messiah, New Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday. PHOTO: D’ TOYIN.

GENERAL Overseer of Fruitbearers’ Chapel International, Pastor Samuel Andrew, has likened Nigeria’s backwardness and lack of sustainable development on idol worship, adding that God’s provocation induced by idol worship ends in poverty and

‘Economic situation needs God’s intervention’ Jude Ossai - Enugu Reverend (Dr) Chidi Okoroafor of the Assemblies of God, has called on Nigerians to move close to God, saying the present economic recession needs divine intervention.

Okoroafor, who made the call at the opening of the annual “Peniel programme” of the church at Evangel Camp, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, said, “There is hope for the people, but it will come from God.” On the programme, Reverend Okoroafor explained that it was aimed at “exposing the people to God and exposing God to the people; it is a revival programme.”

Earlier in his sermon, the Head of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, stated that time had come for a new beginning in the Assemblies of God.

Churches urged to work towards gaining souls Hakeem Gbadamosi -Akure

Members of the harvest committee cutting the anniversary cake during the 53rd adult harvest thanksgiving service of the Celestial Church of Christ, Oyo State provincial headquarters, Yemetu, Ibadan, Oyo State, last Sunday. PHOTO:YEMI FUNSO-OKE

Idol worship, bane of Nigeria’s progress —Pastor Andrew

By Kasali Qudus

Sunday Tribune

indirectly insults God’s creation as regards reflecting the glory of God. Pastor Andrew, who made this known to newsmen during an interactive session, stated that “idol worship linked with culture will bring any nation down.

“When Nigeria accepted Africa and assembled them

in the country for FESTAC 77, it was from that point we lost grip of the kind of glory we carry.”

He admonished Nigeria to go back and make pronouncements leaving all the hide-and-seek secularity, adding that “God will rise up and take charge to bring back the glory.”

Speaking on the church’s

programme to address Nigeria’s restoration, the cleric stated that “no nation can be secular and make it with God. Hence we are coming forth with the meeting tagged “Let Fire Fall!” (War Against Idol Worship) which will span between November 23 and 27, 2016 in the church auditorium in Bari-

ga, Lagos,” where salvation, deliverance, healing and total restoration will be at the helm of affairs.”

Expected to minister at the event are Pastors Lai Bamidele, Josiah David, Godwin Olive, Samuel Andrew, Evangelist Bola Are Comfort Aboderin, Fruitbearers’ voices and other guest artistes.

CHURCHES have been urged to work towards same goal of preaching salvation to ensure gaining more souls to the kingdom of God. The Chairman of the Centenary Celebration of St. Thomas Anglican Church, Chief Akin Omoseebi, who stated this during a press conference to herald the celebration said there should be no division among churches as they all work towards gaining souls for Christ.

He also called for the release of some schools to their original owners in order to ensure the development of education and values in the society.

He called for the introduction of religious studies in all the schools to instill the fear of God in the pupils, saying “the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom.”

Speaking on the activities lined up for the centenary celebration, Omoseebi said the programmes included visit to the underprivileged, launching of centenary project, lectures, Bible quiz and music ministration.

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20 November, 2016

Secrets God revealed about Nigeria for my ears only —Baba Abiye Prophet Timothy Funso Akande, the presiding Pastor of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Ori Oke Baba Abiye, Ede, Osun State, in this interview with OLAIDE SOKOYA, speaks on how he feels clocking 60, issues of unity within CAC, revelations from God for Nigeria, among other issues. Excerpts:

H

OW do you feel clocking 60?

I feel so good because I never dreamt I could be alive till today. My mum had eleven children and they were all named Timothy, but none of them survived except me. I am the eleventh Timothy who came at the eleventh month; even my mother was not sure that I would survive. I faced a lot of challenges while growing up. So, clocking 60 is like a miracle to me. I thank God for my life and how far He has brought me.

And what has life taught you at 60?

Life has taught me so many things; it has taught me that age is a mindset. Within me, I don’t feel like I am 60. Also, life has taught me that whatever you have lost while you are in the wilderness, God can still give you speed to recover all and overtake those that have gone ahead of you. I have discovered that there are three things God can do: God can rewind, God can pause and God can fast-track. So, God has fast-tracked me in all ways. Within twenty years of my ministry, even for those that have gone far beyond me, God has blessed me beyond expectation.

Most times, I feel threatened when I consider how God blesses me. God has shown me three types of people: the God-send, the self-send and the satan-send. Some people are there to add value to your life, I have met with people who wanted to pull me down by all means. When things are going well, you don’t discover true friends until you face the other side of life. In my 60 years on earth, I have met with fake friends and true enemies. When you are succeeding, you experience true enemies and fake friends.

You just concluded your annual convention tagged “Great mercy.”

Why did you decide on that theme?

The theme is to thank God for His mercy.

God has made me to take over the mantle of my father and even given me the grace to thrive in my ministry, separate from my father’s. So many people have died and they died with their name; God pulled me up to take over from my father and the name of my father is still waxing stronger. Also, God’s mercy has sustained me till today. Ten years ago, I passed through a terrible affliction; I was poisoned and I was completely dead, but God raised me up from the grave.

I had nothing when I took over from my father, but I thank God for today.

What is the story behind the name “Baba Abiye” I am not the real Baba Abiye; it was my father that people called Baba Abiye. My father was a Muslim before he became a Christian; my father went through Islamic training. He can recite the whole Quran. He became blind 15 days to his wedding to my mother. He went from pillar to post just to find solution to his blindness until he met Christ. Before then, he had a baby who died.

So when he became a Christian and started going to church, people didn’t know how to address him because it was obvious that he had no child, so people chose to call him Baba Abiku. Later, he gave birth to another child and the name was changed to “Baba

Sunday Tribune

When he became a Christian and started going to church, people didn’t know how to address him because it was obvious that he had no child, so people chose to call him Baba Abiku. Later, he gave birth to another child and the name was changed to “Baba Abiye”

Akande because when Ede community is mentioned twenty times on radio, it is mentioned about fifteen times because of this mountain.

CAC has been embroiled in leadership crisis for a long time now. What do you think the problem is?

There is no organisation that does not witness crises. Even in heaven, there was crisis; that is why satan was sent down to earth from heaven. The crisis started around 1990 or so but all I know is that everything is getting better. In the past, when you belonged to one faction, you could not relate with the other faction but now, I think everything is changing. For example, on this mountain, there is no discrimination. All denominations come here for prayer.

What is your take on the current economic situation?

It will soon be over.

Abiye.” That was how the name surfaced.

My father died in 1992 and his real name is Prophet Samson Oladeji Akande. So, when I took over, people transferred the name to me. Initially, I refused because I was not the real person, but much later, I accepted since it was my father’s alias.

You are a busy cleric, a father, and a husband. How do you combine all these?

It is by the grace of God. I put every department in its place; when I’m at home, I’m a

father to my children and a husband to my wife. When outside, I’m a cleric and a revivalist. In the office, I am an administrator; when I am on the pulpit, I am an evangelist and a teacher.

In what way has this prayer mountain impacted positively on Ede community?

Last year, I was given an award by the Ede Descendant Union. When my citation was read, they said they were grateful unto God for giving them somebody like Funso

What do you think government has not put in place to make things right with the country?

The fear of God; they have not put the fear of God in their heart. The Bible says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. The people in government have good intention but the problem of Nigeria is beyond good intention and mental calculation. It is absolute divine intervention we need and it can come any time and in any form.

What did God reveal to you concerning Nigeria at your just-concluded convention?

There are some secrets God will share with His prophets and He will tell you for your ears only.

As Bishop Oyelade clocks 50 years in the ministry...

By Akinbola Osunsami THE circumstances of the birth of Moses and Samuel and the valiant exploits of Joshua are pointers to the fact that those truly called by God are a peculiar people.

The case of Bishop James Olalekan Oyelade is no different. His mother spent several days in labour when she was to give birth to her 13th child and she thereafter vowed never to have children again.

However, her husband, who was a staunch Ifa priest, consulted the Ifa oracle which revealed that if his wife did not have a 14th child, it would seem as if the old woman had not given birth to any child at all. And that was what brought Bishop Oyelade to the world.

After his birth at Owoade village in Oluyole Local Government of Oyo State on 12 May 1943, the oracle was said to have declared that young Oyelade was to be a prophet of the living God! When he was aged 10, his father took his son to the village Vicar, Reverend Alalade, and so he was baptised at St. Saviour Anglican Church, Olojuoro and christened James.

After completing his primary education at

St. Saviour Anglican Central School, Olojuoro in 1958, he joined the police force.

In September 1966, Bishop Oyelade came across a publication entitled: “Herald of His Coming.” God ministered to his soul through the publication and so began the journey into priesthood.

On Sunday, 20 November, 1966, he, along with two of his friends, started a church at

Ayedade, Elekuro area of Ibadan. One of the first steps he took was to equip himself physically and spiritually. For about three months, he engaged in protracted fasting in order to receive the anointing with which to do exploits in the ministry. His sermon also focused on repentance and transformation of lives. Bishop Oyelade acquired secular and spiritual books for intellectual and spiritual development. A vastly travelled man of God, ministering in conferences, workshops, seminars, conventions and convocations in the past fifty years, he is happily married to Pastor (Mrs) Abigail Omoyiola Oyelade and blessed with children and grandchildren.

His point of focus now is the rapid development of the 33-acre church’s General Assembly Ground popularly known as Beulahland on Km 22, Lagos-Ibadan expressway on which work started in 2004. He also has it in mind to engage in writing for posterity as the last part of his ministry.

The golden jubilee celebration and the 16th Holy Convocation will take place at Beulahland from 18-20 November 2016.

Osunsami, an Ibadan-based journalist is a former vice chairman of Oyo NUJ

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20 November, 2016

Recession, divine effort to force people back to God —Prophet Adebayo Prophet John Olusegun Adebayo is the General Overseer of Mount Carmel Evangelistic Ministry International Church, Ikotun Egbe, Lagos State. The Kwara State-born cleric, in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, assesses Nigeria’s current economic situation and his experience as a minister. Excerpts:

R

ECESSION still persists, despite government effort to revive the economy.

What solutions would you recommend?

The secret is that this recession is to strengthen the nation. It is an effort to forcefully call back people to God. This is one of the means God wants to use to draw people to His side. But I want people to realise that it will be a recession that will turn to reception; it is for people to retrace their steps and live righteous lives.

What is your assessment of today’s Christianity?

The way things are going in Christianity bothers me a lot. There are many things that happen even within God’s vineyard.

I am afraid with the way things are going.

Christians are relaxing too much. This is not what the Bible tells us; we are asked to pray without ceasing and that we shall not live by bread alone. The truth is that the more you serve God, the deeper your relationship with Him will be. I keep wondering if it is the same heaven Apostles Paul and Peter preached about in those days. People, especially Christians today, don’t want to suffer or be faced with any challenges. Jesus Christ himself suffered and, above all he was exalted. The scripture says after you have suffered, you will be established and settled, but many people don’t like to go though temptations and challenges. This is how one can gather experience and have an understanding of what is right or wrong. This is also what is affecting our leaders today. We have leaders that have never suffered; this is why they make some decisions without considering the masses. The fact that we don’t have tested leaders is making things worse in the nation. This is why I am committed to portraying good leadership and supporting people around me.

How did your journey into the ministry begin?

I was into bread business with my father in Ibadan. I received the call in 1983 and later went to the seminary at Ile-Ife in 1987 and when I completed my study

in 1989, I was posted to different churches under the umbrella of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Ibadan. I never envisaged that I would have an independent church, but one day, God told me that He was sending me to Lagos. I prayed over it yet the same vision kept repeating itself.

So, I had to comply and I left for Lagos on July 26, 1994 after much pressure.

Initially, I was ignored the mandate and as a result of this, I had an auto accident with my family, but divine intervention saved us. This was few months before I finally heeded to the call. I never thought I would leave CAC because the experience I garnered with the eight years I spent as a minister of God really helped me.

To be candid, moving to Lagos State was very difficult because I was not familiar with the terrain. In fact, I didn’t know how to go about it then, but I had to obey the Lord’s instruction. My wife, child and myself came down to Lagos with just N1,200, but I was confident that I had God’s backing. As God would have it, somebody in one of the churches in which I presided gave us a land in Lagos; it was about 2 plots of land. My family and I lived on the cassava farm without roof over our heads.

We went through a lot of challenges, but at the end of the day the vision was made manifest beyond my imagination. I have come to realise that obedience, faithfulness and hard work with reverence to

One of the greatest challenges I encountered was when I lost two children in 2003 and 2004 simultaneously. These two incidents seriously affected me because I thought that was the end

God pays. I remember that we never had a single member for a year, but today God has spread the ministry beyond what anyone could imagine; we now have many branches even beyond the shores of this country.

What other challenges have you faced as a cleric?

The challenges are numerous, but I have made up my mind not to succumb to them. One of the greatest challenges I encountered was when I lost two children in 2003 and 2004 simultaneously.

These two incidents seriously affected me because I thought that was the end. The shock was too much for the whole family, especially me, but God eventually had His way and healed my wound. Another terrible moment for me was when I lost about 10 members including a pregnant woman in 1998. It was a painful experience for me, but God took control and the church bounced back and the ministry expand-

Sunday Tribune

ed after a year. I was inspired to liberate the whole city of Lagos State, precisely in Egbe area of Lagos. Afterwards, another crisis surfaced and within the space of two months, members of about 300 reduced to 5. Another case was when we were duped over a piece of land we acquired.

Despite all I went through, I am grateful that God’s vision for my life still stands.

There have been different positions on the high cost of religious institutions. What is your take on this?

I think one of the major reasons for the establishment of religious institutions, hospitals and maternity homes is for evangelism and to help the church, especially members.

This is how the missionaries were able to spread the gospel in Nigeria. The Catholics also used this medium to make the church gain ground in Nigeria and beyond. This idea is a way of giving back to the society and fulfilling God’s mandate to the underprivileged, but it seems the focus is gradually changing. We are all aware that religious churches are now costly to the extent that members cannot even afford them. I think this needs to be corrected by making the cost minimal.

How have you been able to run the church and your Bible institute without problems?

I would say that it is through divine grace.

The church and the institutions are growing and God has really been manifesting Himself. Mount Carmel Bible Institute has been able to build a lot of disciples; it is open to many people from various denominations.

The church is also achieving its vision in winning souls for Christ and liberating people. Unknown to many, I got the revelation for the name of the church, Mount Carmel, from the late Prophet Akinade of the Lion of Judah in Ibadan when I used to worship at the church.

Could you shed more light on your upcoming event?

The event will commence on the last Sunday of this month, November 27. It is a programme that will gather the entire ministry and everyone that has supported us from inception. One of our guests is Adekola Odunlade. It will also feature a love feast and thanksgiving service, while we will hold a ministers and workers’ conference the next day, Monday, November 28 and later hold a vigil later in the day. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, gospel artistes, including Bukola Akinade, popularly known as Senwele Jesu, Dare Melody, Bunmi Akinananu and Tope Alabi will perform. On Saturday, we will have church dedication and veteran gospel musician, Evangelist Bola Are will be the guest artiste.

Delegates from US, UK storm Nigeria for Victory Church’s Rehoboth

By Nurudeen Alimi DELEGATES from the United States of America, United Kingdom, SouthAfrica, Rwanda, Uganda and some other countries of the world are expected to be among the participants at this year’s annual Rehoboth of Victory International Church Worldwide.

According to the Presiding Bishop of the church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, this year’s programme with the theme: Amazing Wonders and scheduled to hold at the church auditorium situated at Victoryland Complex, Oluyole Estate Extension, Off Ring-Road, Ibadan, between Tuesday December

6 and Sunday December 11, 2016, at 9a.m., 12 noon and 5p.m. daily will have in attendance international delegates.

“We are also expecting delegates from 13 states of the federation including the FCT. So I want to use this

opportunity to invite the general public most especially the people of Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State to come and partake in the abundant blessings and miracles God have in store for them.

“David said in Psalm 71

vs 7 that I’m as a wonder unto many, But the Lord God is my strength. So we believe that many Davids will be raised through that meeting that will become wonders unto many. This time of economic recession, they will be experiencing

expansion, Nothing will be static in their lives. There is no doubt about the fact that economi c recession is not peculiar to Nigeria, but all the same, we still need to pray to God for him to show us mercy at this point in time”.

Other servants of God who will be joining Bishop Adelakun, for ministration during the programme are Pastors Dolapo Adelakun, Pastor Tayo Ezekiel, Timothy Joseph, Emmanuel Ojo and other annointed servants of God.

Cleric counsels Christians on praising God in all situations

By Ayomide Egbinola THE General Overseer of the Faith Deliverance Message Ministry, (FADEMM), Bishop Sola Omolaja, has called on Christians across Nigeria to always trust God in all seasons, even when

things are hard.

He stated this in a message made available to newsmen as part of activities marking the church’s 30th anniversary and 28th annual convention slated to take place from November 20 to 27.

Speaking on the theme of the programme tagged “Surely My God is Here,’’ which will take place at the church auditorium, Ajibola Crescent, Sanyo area, Ibadan, Oyo State, the cleric stated that “our God is so sweet and good. As we

mark our glorious Hallelujah convention, by the special grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, divine healing, total deliverance, great riches and the outstanding favour of God await you.”

Some of the ministers of God that will grace the

event include Reverend (Dr) Ebebezer Bokode, Reverend (Dr) J.F. Odetoyinbo, among others.

The one-week programme will also feature deliverance hour, counselling, medical hour, among other activities.

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20 November, 2016

livingword

dawnofanewera with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa

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

Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese

Understanding the divine nature in the word! (3) IN last week’s teaching, we began to examine what God’s nature is made up of. In this teaching, we shall look at other qualities of God’s nature, which include: • God is the embodiment of divine wisdom: God is the only wise God and His wisdom is the platform for our exploits on earth. Concerning Jesus, the Bible says: And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? (Psalms 104:24; Proverbs 3:19; Matthew 13:54; 1 Corinthians 1:24; Jude 1:25).

Therefore, God’s wisdom is our guaranteed access to mighty works. However, it is important to know that God’s Word is the custodian of ultimate wisdom. Jesus, while teaching the multitude and His disciples said: Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock (Matthew 7:24-25; see also Psalms 119:97-100; 2 Timothy 3:15).

In other words, it is doing what the Word says that makes us wise. Moreover, God’s Word is not just the bank of God’s wisdom, but also the only way to build what lasts. This is because whatever is built on the Word is founded on a solid rock.

Good riddance to bad rubbish? (1) WE live in tough times and this year has been particularly difficult for many people.

So much has happened and many people are not the better for it. There is so much gloom and doom that if one is not careful one will be swallowed up in the negativity of the times. As the year grinds to a halt many people express different emotions, sentiments and attitudes. Some think the year is too far gone for anything meaningful to still be done. Others feel it is a good opportunity to finish up what they have started in the course of the year. Some see it as a time of celebration of their accomplishments in the course of the year. While others just want the year over and done with their attitude is good riddance to bad rubbish.

No matter what your view is of the remaining part of the year, one thing we must all do is to use the remaining part of the year strategically. The remaining part of the year affords us an opportunity of review and preview. It affords us the chance to look into the year that is about to end and also look into the new year ahead. It is time for strategic planning. In life things don’t just happen. Life does not give us what we wish or desire but what we make a demand for by consciously planning.

One constant thing that is certain in life is change. As long as we have breath going through our nostrils we will go through the inevitable change that the calendar brings – days will turn to weeks and weeks to months and months to years. The old year will give way to the new one. Change can either be imposed on us or we can activate change and whatever the case we must learn to respond to change. If our lives will ever count we must be activators of change in our own lives. We must not succumb to fear.

“Anytime I feel uncertain about life or want to try something new, my go-to reaction is to immediately try and control

Sunday Tribune

God is the embodiment of divine strength: The Bible says: Hast thou not know? Hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint; and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:28-31; see also Daniel 11:32; Habakkuk 3:17-19).

From the above scriptures, we understand that we serve a God whose strength never wanes. This is why every time we go to God’s presence and study His Word, we increase in strength. (Proverbs 24:5; Psalms 84:7). That means whenever we study God’s Word and abide in His presence, He inoculates us with His divine strength to mount up with wings as eagles.

Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.

Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

Your Life Counts

Root down, fruit up OUR concern is that a tree is only as strong as its root. It is not enough to have outward, physical, visible growth. Inner, unseen, spiritual or structural growth is more important.

Samson achieved a lot, but lack of inner depth cut him short. Eli did a lot, but inability to cultivate character in his children cut off his priesthood lineage.

But in the life of David, we saw how depth and deep devotion can sustain a man even in the midst of an ungodly political class. Acts 13:22: “And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.”

Daniel is an even stronger example of a man who was firmly rooted in God. Dan 6:4-5: “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 6:5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” Outward success is good, projects are good, large numbers are good, plenty of money is good, but in the absence of true spirituality, they will become a trap.

Instead of using them to advance the

gospel, we shall do the opposite.

God calls us to service that can only be found in a true relationship with Him. A life that is founded on Christ, whose source is God. This should be evident in every decision, every action and inaction.

To develop roots in Christ, our Lord showed us the important things in the Beatitudes, and several other lessons to His disciples. But these are the very things people don’t want to hear again. Instead, we have turned God into an auto machine, a magician and an errand boy who serves only to do our bidding.

Romans 11:16-22: “For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches. 11:17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, were graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; 11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. 11:19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear: 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shall be cut off.”

To be continued next week

theapostolicmessage

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

everything in an attempt to create some sense of order in my life. I want to see the whole path and know for certain that each decision is “right” before I take action. With this mentality, I spent years thinking about doing things, but never actually taking the necessary steps to create the life I dreamed of. Instead, just try taking one step and trust that when you need it, the next step will be revealed.” Amanda Christian At this time when the year is about to expire we must sit down, analyse and assess how the year has been. We must put aside all sentiments so we can be able to clearly see how things have been. We must be honest and frank with ourselves so we can do a good job in critiquing the year.

A conscious realisation of where we are in relation to our set dreams, goals and desires will facilitate our desire for change.

It is this kind of change that will propel us to want to move higher and do better in the coming year. We must not be enmeshed in an emotional and sentimental quagmire. We cannot change the past but we can avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.

A sincere analysis of the year, most times, will make us see that we are not really where we ought to be. We will realise we could have done more than we did. We could have attained greater heights than we have attained. We could have been better people than we are. We could have touched more lives than we did. This, however, does not mean we should despair and hit our heads against the wall.

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

By Pastor (Dr) G.O. Olutola JP. President, The Apostolic Church Nigeria and LAWNA Territorial Chairman 08023063070, 08034013593; E-mail: chairman@taclawna.org

“But his mother kept these sayings in her heart” (Luke 2:51) Continued from last week As Christian women, every child God gave to us and every pregnancy we had was by God’s favour. According to Psalm.127:3 “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD; and the fruit of the womb is his reward” As women and mothers when God gave us children and we are pregnant, do we ponder on the type of child in our womb and seek anxiously on the manner of children they will be and work towards God’s fulfilment for, such children by being ready always to teach God’s word we have kept in our hearts to them and bring them up in the fear of God and the ways of the Lord. Deut.6:6-7 (KJV) “And these words, which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart: And thou shall teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thine house and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” As Christian women and mothers heavy responsibility is placed on us because one key way to express love to God (Dtt.6:5) is to be concerned with the spiritual welfare of our children and to endeavour to bring them into a having faithful relationship with God. B. The importance of the sayings Mary kept in her heart regarding the birth of Christ.

1. One significant reason for Jesus’ virgin birth is that it identified Him as the Messiah, Isaiah.7:14 prophesied that a virgin would be with child. Ever since that proph-

ecy, the Jews had looked for that particular sign. God uses miracles to validate (having a strong firm base, that can be defended) His messengers. A virgin birth is a powerful validation.

2. The virgin birth is that having a biological father would have annulled Jesus deity.

He could not have been the son of Joseph and the son of God at the same time. Every person born of man has inherited Adam’s sin nature (Romans.5:12, 17, 19) It was only as God that Jesus could be perfect sacrifice for sin, so it was the Holy Spirit who conceived Jesus (Luke.1:35).

3. The virgin birth is also a picture of our role in salvation: acceptance. Joseph had no part whatsoever in the conception of Jesus.

Mary’s role was passive, she merely accepted God’s gift. As Ephesians.2:8-9 says: the work of salvation is done by God alone. Neither Holiness nor salvation can be brought about by the effort of man.

C. The importance of Jesus’ saying in Luke.2:49 And He said unto them, “How is it that you sought me? Wist ye not I must be about my father’s business” Luke.2:49 (KJV) “And he said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my father’s house a house of merchandise.”

At age twelve, Jesus went to Jerusalem with His parents for the Passover. Instead of departing with them to Nazareth, He stayed behind talking with the teachers in the temple.

To be continued next week

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language&style

Sunday Tribune

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

Personnel and other collective nouns

S

AMPLE 1: “The man who claimed to be amilitarypersonnel was not in uniform as at the time of the unfortunate incident but he insisted on parking in front of the building on the ground that he was military personnel.”(Ambode Blames Soldiers for Attack on Mother’s Residence, The Nation, Sunday, May 9, 2016) The word personneloccurs twice in the excerpt as follows: “a military personnel” and “he was military personnel.” It is important to note that the word personnelis used in the two instances in reference to a single person.

In addition to the context which makes it abundantly clear that the reference is to a single person, the indefinite article a(a military personnel) modifying the word military in the first case is a testimony to that fact. The absence of the modifier in the second case raises further question about the grammatical integrity of the text: Is it an inadvertent or motivated omission?

We have said repeatedly that a single person cannot and should not be referred to as a personnel. As a collective noun, the word personnel can neither be pluralized nor modified with the word a orone. Usage examples: 1) Thememo is meant for the attention of all technical personnel. 2) The vehicles are to convey only medical personnel. 3) The organization has a tradition of training and re-training its personnel. 4) All qualified personnel are to register in the Personnel Department.

5) Only senior personnel are entitled to annual leave with pay. 6) Military personnel are kept in a separate section of the estate.

Please note that the noun personnel cannot become plural by the addition of a final –s.

There are many other words whose usage is often similarly confused. One such word is property.

Whenever we use the word property to refer to personal effects or movable items such as shoes, clothes, furniture, television sets, fridges, generators, and even motor cars, we should use it in its singular form. No matter the volume or quantity of such items, the word property should remain in its singular form and the choice of verb should be singular. Please read the following sentences: 1) The landlord has seized the tenant’s property kept in two rooms, saying he won’t release it until and unless he pays all his debt. 2) No matter how long you stay in the UK, your property will remain in this room and it will be intact. 3) Before I woke up, he had gathered all his property and travelled back to our home town. 4) Since he owns little property, he doesn’t need more than one room. 5) Fire destroyed the entire house including his sister’s property kept in one of the rooms. 6) His property consists of a few items all of which are kept in one huge bag. 7) After working for two years, his property is so much that he needs to rent a second room. 8) Thieves broke into the room and made away with almost all his property. 9) He has found a new house and his children are helping to carry her property to the new place.

grammarjokes

10) Two trucks carried his property to his newly built house. 11) In those days, slaves were considered part of the personal property of rich men. 12) Shoes and shirts are the most prominent elements of my property.

The word property has been used in its singular form in each of those sentences because it is about personal effects, household items, movable belongings. However, when the word is employed in reference to land and houses, it can be used in the singular sense if the reference is to a singular item or in the plural if the reference is to two or more items. Indeed, whenever the word property is used in the plural by knowledgeable people, the assumption is that the reference is to land/houses. It should not be used in the plural sense if the reference is to personal effects as discussed and illustrated earlier.

Now read the following sentences: 1) The government has decided to sell all its properties in the choicest parts of the country. 2) Properties are more expensive in Lagos than in any other part of Nigeria. 3) I have three uncles who are into the business of buying and selling of properties. 4) There is an uncompleted property which the owner wants to sell at a moderate price. 5) I have refused to buy that property because it is too close to a stream. 6) The prosecution has alleged that the politically exposed persons have acquired the said properties with the proceeds of corruption. 7) Only teachers are allowed to buy and own properties in the estate. 8) I want

Can the noun be pluralized by the addition of s? Yes and no. Yes, if we are thinking of staffs of different establishments, but no if we are thinking of the staff of a single establishment

to acquire a property in an exclusive area. 9) He rejected the property because it was too close to the police barracks. 10) Being in a marshy and undeveloped area, the property should not be expensive.

The word staff also suffers confused usage in the Nigerian scene.As a collective noun, the word can be treated as a singular or plural item.

Please read the following sentences: 1) Thestaff is the single most important force in any establishment. 2) The staff were drawn from various companies in the metropolis. 3) Our staff is an even mix of both male and female workers. 4) All staff are expected to submit their files before the end of the day. 5) All members of staff are trained from time to time. 6) The company has a highly skilled staff. 7) The staff strength has increased by ten.

8) Half of the staff were laid off.

Can the noun be pluralized by the addition of s? Yes and no. Yes, if we are thinking of staffs of different establishments, but no if we are thinking of the staff of a single establishment. The following sentences, for example, are deficient: 1) The school’s *staffs are committed to their duties. 2) The company’s *staffs are loyal to the chairman. 3) All the *staffs in this unit are to come for the one-week workshop. 4) The chairman would like to address all *staffs of the company tomorrow. 5) The workshop is meant for all the *staffs of this school. 6) The *staffs in our Department have not received their salaries.

It is grammatically improper to have the word staff in a form carrying a final s as it does in each of those sentences.

However, when the reference is to the workers in several establishments, then it is proper to add –s to staff.

Now consider the following sentences: 1) There is a forum where all the staffs of the various companies in the conglomerate meet. 2) Should the staffs of the companies belonging to the government and those belonging to private entrepreneurs be placed under the same salary scheme? 3) Representatives of staffs from private and public companies are meeting next month. 4) This consulting firm trains staffs of both government and private companies. 5) The staffs of the companies in the rubber industry will be interacting very soon.

The word staffs in each of those sentences refers to bodies or groups of workers in two or more establishments.

The word can also be used in the verb form. Let’s consider the following sentences: 1) The Department is staffed by highly intelligent and experienced people. 2) It is a well-staffed school, with about seven mathematics teachers and ten chemistry teachers. 3) The major problem of that firm is that of staffing. 4) The unit is staffed exclusively by medical doctors. 5) Of course the kitchen should be staffed by trained caterers. 6) Do you think hospitals are staffed by only doctors and nurses?

The discussion continues next week by God’s grace.

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Sunday Tribune

Why I paid $25m for my university’s settlement suit —Donald Trump

U

NITED States President-elect Donald Trump has spoken on his $25 million payout to students who accused him of fraud on Saturday, reports The Guardian of UK. On Friday, the US president-elect settled classaction fraud lawsuits relating to his Trump Uni-

versity for $25m, avoiding the public embarrassment of having to testify in court despite having previously vowed to fight the cases to the end.

On Saturday, he sought to explain in a tweet: “I settled the Trump University lawsuit for a small fraction of the potential award because as president, I have

to focus on our country.”

The suits claimed that Trump University misled students and failed to deliver on its promises in programmes that cost up to $35,000. Trump had denied the allegations and insisted he would contest them in court.

In February, he maintained: “Trump University

has a 98 per cent approval rating. I could have settled but won’t, out of principle!”

New York Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman, who announced the settlement, called it “a stunning reversal by Donald Trump and a major victory for the over 6,000 victims of his fraudulent university.”

The now defunct organ-

isation was one of many subjects of criticism highlighted by Mitt Romney during the Republican primary campaign.

In a speech in March, the former governor of Massachusetts declared: “Here’s what I know. Donald Trump is a phoney, a fraud. His promises are as worthless as a degree from

Trump University.”

The New York businessman and celebrity has repeatedly hit back against Romney, noting that as the last Republican nominee, he lost the 2012 election to Barack Obama. “Mitt Romney had his chance to beat a failed president but he choked like a dog,” Trump tweeted in June.

Address cry of marginalisation now, Atiku tells FG

Ex-VP says Boko Haram still deadly, commends security operatives, govts

By Dare Adekanmbi A former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to listen to the concerns being raised by those “who feel marginalised and left behind” in the country and address such concerns quickly.

Atiku spoke in Yola, Adamawa State, on Saturday, at the 11th Founder’s Day of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), which was founded by him.

The former vice president, who is a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), advised the Federal Government against allowing “socioeconomic and political problems to fester” before they are attended to.

While speaking at the launch of a book entitled ‘We Are All Biafrans’ in Abuja about five months ago, he had bemoaned the state of the country, lamenting the seeming nonreadiness of the Federal Government to learn from past mistakes.

At the launch, Atiku had canvassed for the use of “carrot and stick” approach to the resolution of the renewed militancy in the Niger Delta region and suggested a holistic handling of the agitations of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for selfgovernment.

He also warned that Nigeria might not be as lucky as the United Kingdom and the United States which witnessed peaceful outcomes in the Brexit referendum and presidential election respectively.

“We may not be that lucky because of the fragility of our democratic and other public institutions,” he said.

After appraising the security situation in the North-East region, Atiku submitted that the dedication of the federal and state governments in the region with the support of the allies in neighbouring countries had led to im-

provement in the security situation.

He, however, called for eternal vigilance, warning that the Boko Haram sect still remained a deadly group with capacity to carry out attacks.

“And we must no longer wait for socioeconomic and

political problems to fester for a long time before we tackle them, the way we routinely wait for small potholes on our roads to develop into huge gullies and deathtraps before we try to fix them, if at all.

That should be a critical lesson of this insurgency.

“…More still needs to be done to restore normalcy in this area…The insurgents still occupy a specific geographical space. They still retain the capacity for occasional deadly attacks.

Many citizens in the zone still remain vulnerable and live in fear.

“And we cannot say that the problem is over until every displaced person is able to return home, to the office, to the market, to the farm, and resume normal activities.

We cannot say it is over until we rebuild the schools, the churches, the hospi-

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar (right), exchanging pleasantries with Colonel Sani Bello, at the wedding fatiha of their children, Rukaiya Atiku Abubakar and Aminu Sani Bello, at Jimeta-Yola, Adamawa State, Friday. With them is former Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar.

tals, the markets, and the homes that had been destroyed.

“And we cannot say it’s over until the survivors of this insurgency receive the help they need, including psychological therapy to deal with the trauma that they have been through.

“Citizens are not just about jobs and incomes.

We have to take measures to facilitate citizen engagement, especially the youth.

Our young people have to take greater interest in public affairs. And I am not just talking about voting in elections. They should be organised and participate in debates on public policy and community service.

“And as a country, we have to find ways to lift up those who need help, to give voice to the voiceless, to listen to the voices of those who feel marginalised and left behind, and find ways to address their concerns.

“The recent Brexit referendum in the UK and the November 8 presidential election in the US hold important lessons for us. Being established and stable democracies, they had peaceful outcomes.”

No Sharia Bill before National Assembly —Dogara Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel -Abuja SPEAKER of the House of Representatives Honourable Yakubu Dogara, on Saturday, cleared the air on rumours doing the rounds on the existence of a bill before the National Assembly seeking to introduce Sharia legal system in Nigeria.

According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Turaki Hassan, the Speaker spoke at a reception organised to honour him and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, by the Northern Nigerian Christian Politicians in Abuja.

The Speaker, according to the statement, maintained that by the provisions of the standing rules of the House, bills on constitution amendment are referred to the Special Adhoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution which has the sole prerogative to introduce constitutional amendment bills in the House.

He revealed that a member had introduced clauses which sought to include criminal aspects of Sharia in the constitution which was referred to the Special Adhoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution,but added that no such bill has not emanated from the Committee.

The Speaker, who took time to explain the rigorous and cumbersome processes of amending the constitution to the gathering, added that before such bill could be passed into law, at least two-thirds of members of the National Assembly would have to vote yes to it before it is transmitted to the 36 states Houses of Assembly for endorsement by twothirds of them.

He further explained that voting on such clauses are done with individual members voting for or against each clause before it is passed and that if any clause fails in either of the two chambers, such amendment is considered “dead” and as such will not

be voted upon by the other chamber, as doing so will amount to waste of time and exercise in futility.

“The proposal came in a way that a member wants some criminal aspect of Sharia to be enshrined in the constitution. Now as a House, if even there is a proposal from this floor that we should embrace ecclesiastical law, we are bound to consider it and by the virtue of our rules, once there is that kind of proposal, we send it to the Committee.

“No individual member has the right to craft a bill that will lead to amendment of the constitution.

Only the committee has the sole prerogative of drafting bill that will lead to constitutional amend-

ment. In the Senate, I am not aware that such a bill has been presented by the committee. In the House, that committee has not submitted any bill. That is where we are. It is not only totally misleading, but also false to say that National Assembly is seeking to introduce Sharia in the constitution. There is no such bill.

“I want us to get this thing clear because it is a point of contention in the Christian community, not only in the North but even in the South. I feel I have the duty as the Speaker to explain this even though I had explained it on the floor of the House before,” the statement quoted Dogara as saying.

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Nigeria has over 2 million displaced persons —UN commissioner Johnson Babajide -Makurdi THE United Nation High Commissioner for Refugee to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Angele Dikongue- Atangana, has said that the total number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria on account of insurgency now stands at 2,093,030.

Out of this, a total of 30,000 persons are presently displaced in Benue State as a result of constant attacks by herdsmen.

The figure of displaced persons in Benue State, however, shows a reduction compared with 106,074 recorded in April this year.

According to her, “the latest displacement tracking matrix report of August, 2016 placed the Internally Displaced Persons in Nigeria, as of August, at 2,093,030, while Benue State is having over 30,000 IDPs, which is a improvement of what was obtainable in April 2016 when the number was 106,074.”

President Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ekiti State and South-West, Chief Nathaniel Uzomah (left), putting the traditional cap on Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, during his conferment with the title of Nwannedinamba 1 of Ndigbo and the celebration of Igbo Cultural Day in Ado Ekiti on Saturday.

Igbo in Ekiti confer Nwannedinanba of Ndigbo title of Fayose Sam Nwaoko -Ado Ekiti

E

KITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose was, on Saturday, honoured with a chieftaincy title by the pan-Igbo group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as the Nwannedinanba 1 of Ndigbo (Friend of the Igbo people) during the celebration of the 2016 Igbo Cultural Day in Ado-Ekiti.

The governor, who commended the Igbo people for their industry, said among the various ethnic groups in the country, the Igbo stood out for their resilience.

“You are a wonderful people from a wonderful nation. God forbid bad thing, if Nigeria breaks, it is only the Igbo nation that can stand economically. You are very industrious, widely travelled and take a lot of risks.

“If there is anything called Made in Nigeria, it is done

by Igbo people. I don’t like chieftaincy titles, but for the love I have for you, I am taking this.

Don’t be dismayed by what is happening in the country now. It is only God that protects and today most leaders are over protecting themselves against

the people who voted them into office. I am very accessible because there is nothing to hide,” he said.

Governor Fayose urged Igbo people and Nigerians at large to live in peace and unity.

In his speech, the President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Ekiti and the South-West, Chief Nathaniel Uzomah, said Fayose was recognised for being the voice of Igbo people and Nigerians at large.

“When many Nigerian leaders decided to keep quiet in the face of oppression of Igbo people, Governor Ayodele Fayose has been

there to speak for the voiceless. He is showing great love for us and has given opportunities to Igbo people in his administration.

With the permission of His Royal Majesty, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, the Akaji Ofor Igbop 34 Eri Kingdom, we have conferred the title of Nwannedinanba 1 of Ndigbo on Governor Ayodele Fayose,” he said.

Uzomah solicited the support of the governor to his people’s efforts to buy the abandoned Oba Adejugbe Market, along Poly Road, to serve as Igbo market in the state.

We created new division in N/Delta to tackle Avengers, kidnappings, vandalism, others —Army THE Nigerian Army said its newly-created 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was established to organise and improve its internal security operations in four states of the Niger Delta.

Major General Kasimu Abdulkarim, the pioneer General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the division, disclosed this to newsmen on Saturday in Port Harcourt.

Abdulkarim said the military had recorded success in the war against terror and was committed to combating emerging security threats in the Niger Delta and other parts of the country.

The Division will cover army 2 Brigade, Akwa Ibom; 16 Brigade, Bayelsa and 63 Brigade in Delta with divisional headquarters in Port Harcourt.

“This arrangement will help to curtail activities of militants, banditry, intercommunal clashes, illegal

bunkering, kidnapping, robberies, Niger Delta Avengers and pipeline vandalism prevalent in the area.

“Insecurity in these states negatively impacts on our national economy resulting from sabotage by criminal entities within the region.

“Everything must be done to protect and defend

our democracy, with focus to prevent insecurity in the area of our responsibility,” he said.

Abdulkarim said his mission was to structure and enhance the operational capability of the division and improve combat readiness of the troops.

The task include a review

of existing intelligence architecture; accountability; inclusiveness; rule of law; troops discipline and respect for human rights.

The GOC also said that the division would work with the media and the public to promote civil-military relations with focus on improving intelligence gathering.

Names of workers’ wives, children discovered in local government’s payroll THE sole administrator of Kalgo Local Government Area in Kebbi State, Alhaji Umar Diggi, has said that names of housewives and children of workers had been discovered in the council’s staff payroll for October.

Diggi, who disclosed this to newsmen in Kalgo on Saturday, did not, however, disclose the number of the ghost workers and the amount of money involved in their payment.

He decried the situation where staff of the council were involved in putting fictitious names in the payroll when government was doing its best to find jobs for qualified people.

Diggi said that such actions had deprived the council of providing relevant social facilities, stressing that efforts would be intensified to end the fraud, while he appealed to people to support efforts made to enhance employ-

ment of qualified citizens for the development of the local government area.

He said the amount recovered from the ficticious workers would be ploughed back into funds for provision of basic amenities to the populace.

He reiterated his resolve to improve healthcare delivery, education, water supply, environmental protection and transport sectors for development of the Area Council.

Gov praises security agencies as 90-year-old Islamic cleric regains freedom GOVERNOR Simon Lalong of Plateau State has commended security agencies over the release of 90-year-old Sheik Abdulazeez Yusuf, an Islamic cleric kidnapped on Wednesday.

A statement, issued on Saturday in Jos by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicly, Mr Dan Manjang, equally lauded efforts of organisations and individuals that aided the release of the cleric.

“I am happy that the cleric has been released and has since been with his family in good health.

“His release followed the swift intervention of the joint operation of security forces in Kaduna and Plateau states.

“We rejoice with the members of his family and the entire Muslim Ummah in the state over his release,” he said.

Lalong, however, called on members of the public to be extra vigilant and report suspicious and dubious characters among them as they go about their normal duties.

Anglican bishop advocates life imprisonment for office holders who divert funds RIGHT Reverend Benjamin Kwashi of the Anglican Diocese, Jos, has advocated life imprisonment for any political office holder caught diverting funds allocated for the development of education, health matters and the economy.

Kwashi, who is also the Northern Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the National Conference of Northern Nigerian Christian Politicians (NNCP) He said that funds earmarked for the three sectors were important and their judicious usage would directly touch on the lives of the people.

“If money is allocated to develop education, the economy and health matters, please don’t divert it.

“I want to propose that any politician who divert money allocated to these sectors should be given life imprisonment,” Kwashi said.

Resuscitation of coal mines in Enugu will boost Nigeria’s revenue, says gov GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has said that the resuscitation of coal mines in Enugu will be a major revenue resource and a catalyst for socioeconomic development of the country.

Ugwuanyi said this on Saturday in Enugu while receiving the executives of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) who came to the state for a solidarity rally.

The rally was to commemorate the anniversary of the slaying of 21 workers by colonial government on November 18, 1949 when they agitated for better working conditions at the Iva-Valley Coal Mine in Enugu.

The governor said that with the diversification as the new national mantra due to the developments in the oil sector, the coal mines of Enugu would be restored.

“I believe that coal would once again become a major revenue resource for the country and a catalyst for socioeconomic development,” he said.

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Plateau gov angry over removal of state from N/East Devt Comm.

Isaac Shobayo - Jos GOVERNOR Simon Lalong of Plateau State has expressed disappointment over the sudden removal of Plateau State from the list of states to benefit from the North East Development Commission, saddled with the responsibility of rebuilding the states ravaged by Boko Haram.

It would be recalled that the Senate passed a bill recently to establish the commission to be partly funded by three per cent of Value Added Tax accruable to the Federal Government to rebuild the North-East after years of destruction by Boko Haram. Plateau State was included after a protest by Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso from Kano State.

However, the state was removed from the list of beneficiaries during the hamonisation/conference committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on the issue.

The governor, therefore, called on the National Assembly to reverse the decision or establish another similar commission that would take care of states like Plateau State who had lost much to prolonged years of crises.

From left, Musician, Runtown; President, Students Union, ABSU, Mr Alugo Victor Uche; Kenyan diva, Victoria Kimani and Globacom’s National Sales Coordinator, South East, Mr Gabriel Okoli during the Glo Campus Storm music concert at the Abia State University, Uturu on Friday.

Despite high inflation, no plan to reduce interest rate —CBN gov Chima Nwokoji-Lagos

IN the face of lingering economic hardship, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will be making vital policy decisions as its sixth and last meeting in 2016, which will hold tomorrow and Tuesday to review major developments in the global and domestic space.

Ahead of this, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, has ruled out any idea suggesting a decrease in the interest rate regime due mainly to high inflation occasioned by factors outside the control of CBN. At the 2016 annual bankers’ dinner held in Lagos over the weekend, Emefiele said Nigeria was currently facing a situation which economists describe as stagflation; that occurs when Gross Domestic Product is falling or stagnant while unemployment and inflation are rising simultaneously.

According to him, economists have agreed that no

single economic policy can address fighting inflation and slow growth at the same time.

“I have long been a believer in low interest rates.

In fact, when I unveiled my vision for the CBN on assumption of office on June 20, 2014, reducing interest rate was one of my cardinal missions. Yet, it is important that we discussed this issue based on facts rather

than on politics or emotions.

“With our inflation at over 18 per cent, one must question the judgment of cutting interest rate at this time,” he said.

According to the governor, interest rate is a tool for fighting inflation, but with inflation at 18.3 per cent, the apex bank will be failing on one of its cardinal objectives if it cuts interest rate at this

FRSC creates diversion at OPIC junction to ease traffic along Lagos-Ibadan THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Saturday, said it had created a diversion at OPIC junction

by Fagtbems Oil to ease traffic along the LagosIbadan highway.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the Head of Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Mr Bisi Kazeem, said in a statement that the diversion became imperative to enhance free flow of traffic on the route.

He quoted the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, as saying that the measure would temporarily address the congestion at the construction spot in view of the anticipated increase in volume of traffic during weekends.

Oyeyemi also directed that only articulated vehicles from the Lagos end of the road should be allowed to continue their journey on the same route.

He said the smaller ve-

Shiites must obey constituted authorities, says Kano gov KANO State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) in Kano, popularly known as Shiites, have to recognise the authority of security officials by seeking their permission before they hold any gathering.

Ganduje said this in an interview with newsmen on the sideline of the third edition of the Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award in Abuja on Friday night.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the governor said that members of the sect could not keep breaking the law and tampering with the rights of other citizens.

time.

For those who said Nigeria needed a rate cut to spur growth, Emefiele stated that on the contrary, high inflation does not encourage economic growth.

Emefiele, however, assured that the CBN would continue to appeal to deposit money banks to be more considerate in interest rate charges to their customers.

“As far as they continue breaking the law, the police have to come in. They cannot use they-have-thefreedom-to-do-whateverthey-want because they are crossing other people’s human rights.

“As far as we are concerned, they have to recognise the authority; they have to get permission. If they do not get permission, then the police will not allow them to continue the procession that they do,” he said.

About eight people were confirmed dead and many others injured following a clash between members of the group and the police in Kano city on Monday.

It was reported that

trouble broke out around Tamburawa, on the outskirts of Kano city, after the police tried to stop the Shiite members who had embarked on the annual Arbaeen trek from Kano to Zaria.

The Kano State Police Command, however, said security operatives including anti-robbery squad units only intervened as the Shiite members began attacking motorists and passersby.

The incident is reportedly under investigation.

In October, Kano police banned IMN from conducting street processions ahead of the annual Ashura celebration.

hicles, including buses, would be diverted to the other lane by marshals stationed at the junction.

“The measure was taken to temporarily address the congestion at the construction spot in view of the anticipated increase in volume of traffic on weekends.

“More so, the construction company handling that portion of the road had given assurances that another alternative route would be opened to traffic on Saturday. This is to complement the traffic decongestion measures already put in place by the FRSC.” Oyeyemi called on motorists to exercise restraint while plying the highway as whatever inconveniences they were experiencing would soon be over.

“What the people require is patience and restraint while using the road, because a situation where everyone wants to use the road at the same time would only bring chaos,” he said.

He expressed optimism that with the pace of work being done, the road would be completed by December and opened fully for use of motorists.

Young girls bleach to attract marriage partners —Unilorin don Biola Azeez - Ilorin A professor of Guidance and Counselling, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Professor Irene Durosaro, has said that young girls engaged in skin bleaching as a method of receiving attention from the opposite sex.

Delivering the 164th inaugural lecture of the university in Ilorin entitled, “Patriarchal Attitudes: Counseling as an Effective Intervention” at the weekend, the don said that a study she conducted among female secondary school students in Ibadan, Oyo State, with two other colleagues, revealed that young girls also engaged in bleaching to attract suitable marriage partners.

She said that the study comprised 600 female secondary school students across 10 schools in Ibadan, adding that findings revealed that religion had no significant influence on perception of respondents as regarded skin bleaching.

She therefore recommended that women should give proper training to their children, especially the girl child, adding that women organisations should be proactive in checking risky behaviours among female youths in Nigeria.

Lagos seals 6 hotels, night clubs for rules contravention

THE Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, on Saturday, closed six hospitality establishments for contravening statutory registration and non-payment of annual permits.

The Head of Hotel Licensing Directorate of the ministry, Ms Barbara Wey, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the outfits were located on Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Airport Road and Ogba axes.

She said that events centres, night clubs and hotels were closed during the three-day operations which started on November 16.

The team leader said that some of the outfits were sealed off due to uncompleted registration, nonrenewal of annual permits and noncompliance with statutory process.

“All defaulting tourism and hospitality operators are called on to comply with the registration process and pay all accrued dues to the state government,” she said.

It was wrong to cede Bakassi to Cameroon —Al-Mustapha Jude Ossai - Enugu EX-CHIEF Security Officer (CSO) to the late military Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Major Hamza AlMustapha, has declared that it was wrong to have ceded Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon and expressed optimism that some day, the area would return to Nigeria.

Delivering a lecture at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Enugu State council, as part of activities marking the state 2016 Press Week, al-Mustapha, in his lecture entitled, “Herdsmen Menace in Nigeria: The Way Forward,” said that Nigeria was blessed with numerous natural resources tapped and untapped, including the Bakassi Peninsula.

Al-Mustapha also noted that failure on the part of Nigerian leadership caused the clashes between the farmers and the herdsmen.

In his remarks, NUJ national president, Comrade Waheed Odusile, who spoke through the South East vice president of the union, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, emphasised the need to improve on the welfare of journalists.

20 November, 2016 Sunday Tribune 44 HONOUR FOR PRESIDENT\CHIEF EXECUTIVE, DANGOTE GROUP, ALH. ALIKO DANGOTE @ THE 68TH CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN PHOTOS: tommy adegbite

The Awardees from left, Alhaji Aliko Dangote confirmed with Doctor of Science (DSC) (Honouris causa) University of Ibadan, Professor Niyi Osundare Doctor of Letters (Honouris Causa) and Chief Jacob Olabode Amao, Doctor of Law (Honoris Causa) the 68th Convocation Ceremony of University of Ibadan, held at International Conference, University of Ibadan on Thursday.

From left, Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Adetunji President, Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and Emir of Kano Alhaji Sanusi Lamido.

5 Alhaji Aliko Dangote (middle) being decorated with Doctor of Science (DSC) Honoris causa) University of Ibadan by the Chancellor University of Ibadan Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar (left) and University Ibadan Registrar Mr O.I. Olukoya.

From left, Registrar, University of Ibadan Mr O.I. Olukoya, Professor. A.I. Olayinka, Vice Chancellor, University Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji. Sa’ad Abubakar.

From left, Chief startegy officer, Dangote Group Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, Group Executive Director, Stakeholders management and Corporate, communication, Dangote Group, Engr. Mansur Ahmed and Engr. Joseph Makoju.

From left, Director, Dangote Group, Halima Dangote, President, Dangote Group Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Director, Dangote Group, Mariya Dangote after the conferment of the Award.

From left, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Sanusi Lamido, Aliko Dangote and Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.

6 Alhaji Aliko Dangote (left) and Chancellor University of Ibadan, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar Sultan of Sokoto.

From left, honorary special adviser to the President/Chief Executive, Engr. Joseph Makoju, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Group, Alh. Aliko Dangote and Prof. Niyi Osundare.

C/USERS/PUBLIC/PHOTO (EVENTS) PAGE/ 1

Chief Corporate Communications Officer Dangote Group, Mr Anthony Chiejina (Left) and Regional Director, Dangote Cement Plc Mrs. Funmi Sanni.

45

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

46 sport

20 November, 2016

sport

SUNDAY

Sunday Tribune

Editor: Wale Emosu tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08111813054

AWCON: Cameroon

beat Egypt

H

Aboudi Onguene scord the first goal at the 2016 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

LOC, SWAN sign MoU on 2016 CAF Beach soccer AFCON THE Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Second CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) last week in Lagos signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the competition’s media operations and publicity with the LOC chairman, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, and the SWAN President, Mr Honour Sirawoo, signing on behalf of both bodies.

Akinwunmi noted that the interface through the agreement was a landmark event in institutional relations for the good of the game.

Sirawoo said Nigeria’s image needed to be well

projected and the National Executive Committee of SWAN supports this initiative overwhelmingly.

“They [the 2016 CAF Beach Soccer LOC] have asked us to do whatever is possible to ensure that the event is successful. We will keep to our bargain and if there are areas that are not captured, we will look at them for mutual understanding and immediate action.”

Sirawoo also asked the LOC to consider the possibility of organising a clinic on beach soccer for journalists in order to enhance the quality of media output on the event.

Also speaking at the ceremony, LOC’s Director of Or-

THE Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 4 to determine champions of Nigeria’s second-tier league will no longer be staged from November 22 in Gombe due to “unexpected state of affairs beyond control”.

The Super 4 playoffs were billed from Tuesday, November 22 through to Saturday, November 26 at the Pantami International Stadium in Gombe.

Secretary of the League body, Lawrence Katken, said the postponement followed unexpected state of affairs beyond its control.

However, Katken added that the Super 4 will still hold in Gombe on a yet to be fixed date which will not be too long away.

Champions in the Nigeria National League’s abridged four divisions during the regular season which featured 32 teams, Katsina United in group A1, Gombe

United A2 ,Remo Stars of Remo and B1 and Abubakar Saraki Football Club (ABS) of Ilorin will contest for honours in the Super 4 competition

NNL postpones Super 4

Samson Adamu, Director of Organisation African Beach Soccer 2016, Honour Sirawoo, national president, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, with Barrister Seyi Akinwumi, chairman, LOC AFCON Beach Soccer and Narmsel Nimayel LOC Member, at the MOU signing between SWAN and the LOC African Beach Soccer 2016 in Lagos, on Thursday.

ganisation, Samson Adamu, assured that the 2016 CAF Beach Soccer AFCON would be a huge carnival for the festive period of December.

“We are creating a party atmosphere with concerts and different types of entertainment packages,” he said.

Adamu noted that it was only the media that could put the light on all done by the organisers, saying it rests on the shoulders of the media to mobilise the public to join the fun.

“We can build the best stadiums and put all sorts of things in place but without the full support of the media pushing information to the people we cannot achieve our objective. We cannot do this on our own.

“We may even need to consult SWAN when constructing the stadium to make inputs on specifications for the media zone,” he said.

OSTS Cameroon opened the 2016 women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-0 victory over Egypt in front of a home crowd which included Cameroon’s President Paul Biya and national football legend Samuel Eto’o.

Goals from Aboudi Onguene and captain Manie Chrisitine gave the Indomitable Lionesses a winning start to their campaign.

Cameroon piled on the pressure early on but failed to make their final balls into the area count, frequently finding the Egyptian defence.

However the home side found a way through in the 23rd minute when a cross from Falone Meffoumetou from the right was met by the head of Aboudi Onguene whose glancing header beat the goalkeeper and went over the line off the post.

Cameroon also came close when Ngono Mani curled a long range effort over the top of Egypt’s goalkeeper Maha Shehata, but it hit the post and was eventually cleared.

The second half started in the same vein as the first with Cameroon dominating.

Ongeune outfoxed the Egyptian defence to get into the area and cross to the feet of Ngono Mani who went down as the crowd roared for a penalty - only for the appeals to be waved away by the Ethiopian referee, Lydia Tafesse.

More penalty appeals followed for Cameroon and the hosts were eventually awarded one when Njoya Ajara was fouled on the goal line.

Captain Manie Christine stepped up to take the spot-kick, sending the Egyptian goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-0.

On a difficult afternoon for Egypt, Cameroon completely dominated the match with their own keeper not being tested at all.

The result put Cameroon top of Group A before South Africa and Zimbabwe’s late match on Saturday.

Today, the reigning African champions Nigeria are scheduled to face Mali in the first match of Group B, followed by Ghana against Kenya.

Akwa Utd name Pyagbara, others for new season AKWA United have announced Enyimba striker, Christian Pyagbara, Warri Wolves defender Samiu Liadi as well as Wikki Tourists ace Alhassan Ibrahim ‘Muazam’ are on a final 35man squad for the new season.

Others are the MFM twosome of Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Sikiru Olatunbosun as well as Shittu Lawal and Dini Us-

man from Wikki Tourists.

New coach, Abdu Maikaba announced his squad for the new season as they head for Calabar for a training camp.

Maikaba has worked with Liadi as well as the Wikki threesome of ‘Muazam’, Shittu Lawal and Dini Usman.

Former Flying Eagles striker, Pyagbara failed to

explode at Enyimba after scoring goals at hometown club Sharks.

He will now hope to rediscover his shooting range with ‘The Promise Keepers’.

However, striker Fortune Omoniwari has been declared AWOL. Omoniwari joined from Heartland in mid-season and Akwa United claim he signed a permanent deal.

47 sport

20 November, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Sex makes players better

Victor Anichebe (second right) scored twice against Hull City on Saturday at the Stadium of Light.

—Guardiola

Anichebe grabs brace in Sunderland’s 3-0 win

By Ganiyu Salman

N

IGERIA international, Victor Anichebe bagged a brace as Sunderland spanked Hull City 3-0 in a Premier League game at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Anichebe’s exploits also earned him the Man of the Match award.

It will be recalled that the former Everton player scored his first goal for Sunderland at Bournemouth on November 5 which aided his team’s first win of the season with a 2-1 victory.

Jermain Defoe had put the Black

Cats ahead in the first half and made history as the eighth player to have scored 150 goals in the EPL. The former Portsmouth player, Defoe in a sheer display of brilliance was able to outwit three defenders, Ahmed Elmohamady, Curtis Davies and Michael Dawson before he powered home the curtain raiser in the 34th minute.

Anichebe waited till in the 62nd minute to register his name on the scoresheet on Saturday which witnessed a blackout drama at the Stadium of Light.

The former West Brom striker doubled the lead for the David

Moyes side with a powerful shot past goalkeeper David Marshall with assist from Patrick van Aanholt.

Anichebe recorded a brace in the 84th minute when he cashed in on Defoe’s pass and then released a cannon into the roof of the net.

It was the first time the Beijing 2008 Olympic silver medallist had scored a brace since December 2006 in a Premier League against Newcastle while playing for Everton incidentally coached by Moyes.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s brilliance also forced The Tigers to leave the Stadium of Light empty-handed

as he made a number of saves.

However, Moyes had defender Papy Djilobodji sent off for a second bookable offence, but the card did not halt in anyway halt the victory party of the Black Cats who clinched their first home win of the season in the EPL on the day.

Play had to be suspended for 10 minutes after the lights inside the stadium flickered out in the 49th minute, triggering cheers from the crowd and followed moments later by the light of thousands of mobile phones illuminating the stands.

Giroud saves Arsenal at Old Trafford OLIVIER Giroud’s 89thminute equaliser earned Arsenal a point and denied Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United a victory they deserved at Old Trafford in a Premier League clash on Saturday.

Juan Mata looked to have put United on course for three points with a sweeping left-foot finish from Ander Herrera’s cut-back after 68 minutes.

The Gunners had not had an effort on goal but secured the draw that leaves them six points ahead of United when substitute Giroud rose at the far post to head home Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s cross.

United had controlled a game that was ordinary for long periods, with Arsenal keeper, Petr Cech making important interventions and Mourinho left furious that they were denied a first-half penalty by referee Andre Marriner when Nacho Monreal hauled down Antonio Valencia.

Mourinho cut a dejected figure at the final whistle as this result means he has now faced Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in the league this season and not recorded a win.

This is the latest chapter in what is turning into a season of frustration for both Mourinho and Manchester

United as they struggle to pick up the momentum required to challenge their rivals at the top of the Premier League.

Manchester United looked in control, restricted Arsenal to a single opportunity and were full value for their lead until Giroud struck with a minute of normal time left.

MANCHESTER City boss, Pep Guardiola has denied telling his players to refrain from having sex after midnight.

Midfielder Samir Nasri, who is out on loan at La Liga side Sevilla, claimed Guardiola imposed the rule so players get “a good night’s sleep”.

But the former Barcelona coach, 45, denied the claim while speaking before Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace and even encouraged his players to have more sex.

“It is impossible to play good football if you don’t make sex with your partner,” said Guardiola.

Frenchman Nasri had not been allowed to train with the main group of City players during pre-season because he had returned overweight.

He told French TV programme L’Equipe du Soir that Guardiola “wants his players to be slim and fit” and claimed Guardiola told Barcelona forward Lionel Messi he would avoid muscle injuries by not having sex after midnight.

But the ex-Bayern Munich coach said: “I never did that (ban it) and I would never ban that. If you are doing it... better players.”

Guardiola is also reported to have banned wi-fi at the club’s training ground in order to build better team cohesion, while defender Gael Clichy said the squad have been told to avoid pizza, some juice and certain “heavy food”.

Yaya dims Crystal Palace YAYA Toure marked his shock return to the Manchester City team on Saturday with two goals as his side grabbed a dramatic late 2-1 win at Crystal Palace.

His exploits also earned him the

Man of the Match award and it was the first time Toure has scored a Premier League brace since May 2015.

Toure, making his first Premier League appearance of the season,

Man U, the unluckiest team in EPL —Mourinho MANCHESTER United boss, Jose Mourinho has described the Red Devils as the unluckiest team so far in the English Premier League this season.

He made the remarks while speaking with Sky Sports after a 1-1 draw against Arsenal at Old Trafford saying his men deserved to win the match.

“Of course it is two points dropped. We were the best team by far. They had no chances to win.

“They could not be Arsenal the way they normally play football.

We were phenomenal defensively. The way we pressed and the way we controlled their counter attacks.”

“The team played very well.

This team at the moment is the unluckiest team in the Premier League. That is the reality.”

On the penalty that was never given: “I don’t want to speak about it. He (Andre Marriner) is the kind of referee who if he make mistakes against my team there is no intention.”

combined with Nolito before firing City ahead in the 39th minute.

Palace’s pressure paid off when Wilfried Zaha set up substitute Connor Wickham to smash home a second-half equaliser [in the 66th minute].

But Toure, who has not figured at all for City for almost three months, had the final word when he turned home Kevin de Bruyne’s corner from close range in the 83rd minute.

The win moves City second in the table, level on points with leaders Liverpool and with an identical goal difference.

Palace, who suffered their fifth straight league defeat, remain one point above the relegation zone.

Yaya Toure celebrates his winner against Crystal Palace.

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

20 NOVEMBER, 2016

NO 2,073

www.tribune.com.ng

N200

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr David Lawal Babachir, a few days ago, said the Federal Government owed ex-presidents and heads of states salaries. Someone might have quipped ‘and so what’, given that workers still in active service are owed salary arrears or are living on what people call “HalfSa,” meaning half salary. Maybe their Excellencies can also go on strike to impress it on the Federal Government that a worker deserves his wage.

The Super Falcons before a match

WOMEN’S AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS RESULTS TODAY’S MATCHES Cameroon 2 Egypt 0 Nigeria v Mali S/Africa 0 Zimbabwe 0 Ghana v Kenya

Falcons swoop down on Africa for 8th AWCON title

BY WALE EMOSU

NIGERIA begin their quest for an eighth African championship title today when the Super Falcons face Mali at Stade Limbe, Cameroon in a Group B match of the 10th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Falcons are African champions having won the championship the last time out in Namibia two years ago.

Though today’s match will be Florence Omagbemi’s first in charge of the team at championship level, the result may not tell of her strength as Nigeria look good to overrun their West African opponents.

The real strength of the Falcons and Omagbemi’s first captain of the Nigerian female team to lift the title - will be tried out when they face perennial rivals Ghana, who are also in Nigeria’s group.

The Black Queens, after losing in the finals of the

1998, 2002 and 2006 editions to the Falcons, are determined to lift the title this time as underlined by their coach.

“Our chances are very bright because we have prepared for this particular tournament...We are look-

ing very good,” head coach of the team, Yusif Basigi told CafOnline.com ahead of their opener against Kenya today.

Aside Ghana, hosts Cameroon have also been boasting to covet the trophy this time after placing third in

2012 and emerging runners-up in 2014.

Cameroon are in group A with Egypt, who they defeated 2-0 in the opening match on Saturday, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Ghana are in group B with Nigeria, Mali and debutants Kenya.

Surely Cameroon, Ghana and of course South Africa are the countries with the greatest potential to halt the Falcons, but can they stop the Nigerians who have tagged this edition “Unleash Mayhem”?

Let the race begin.

‘Shun World Cup’ report, mischievous — Dalung Minister of Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung, has said that the report credited to him asking Nigeria to stop attending the FIFA World Cup because of its huge financial costs is mishieveous and it was meant to cause discoard in the sports sector.

Dalung had reportedly in an interview with the Voice of America (Hausa Service) said that government should withdraw its sponsorship of the Super Eagles qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup because the competition was

“corrupt too expensive.”

“That competition stinks of corruption, Nigeria is too poor to waste money on it and Nigeria would never win the trophy,” Dalung was quoted as saying in the interview.

“The cup that we can win is the African Cup of Nations. There is nothing again that will take us to another man’s balcony in the name of the World Cup. We already have the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.

For these, we can attend such meets. But I am opposed to the World Cup.

We don’t agree to it. Conspiracy in the World Cup is too much,” he added.

“There is the issue of bribery and favouritism.

There is also the isuue of corruption before you are given the hosting rights. We are here suffering from hunger and we don’t have money for such things. That is why, even if we try many times, once it gets into the politics of the game, we can never win.”

But the minister, in a press statement signed and made available to Tribunesport by his

Special Assistant on Media, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, on Saturday denied the report, saying it was “mischievous and intended to perpetrate hatred and discord in the sector.”

“Football is not just a game but a business. It is an enterprise which could fetch earnings for the country and gainfully employ Nigerian youths at home and abroad. It has no religion and tribe therefore it fosters national integration and unity,” the statement said.

Murray beats Raonic ATP World Tour Finals ANDY Murray is into his first season-ending final and on course to end the year as world number one after beating Milos Raonic at the ATP World Tour Finals.

The Briton, 29, won a gripping semi-final 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (11-9) in three hours and 38 minutes.

Murray must match Novak Djokovic’s results at the O2 Arena to stay ahead of the Serb in the rankings.

Djokovic played Japanese fifth seed Kei Nishikori in their semi later on Saturday.

The victory over Canadian fourth seed Raonic extended Murray’s winning streak to a career-best 23 matches, stretching back to September.

RESULTS:EPL Man United 1 Arsenal Watford 2 Leicester Everton 1 Swansea S/mpton 0 Liverpool S/land 3 Hull City C/Palace 1 Man City Stoke 0 B/mouth Spurs 3 West Ham LA LIGA: Barcelona 0 Malaga D/Lacoruna 2 Sevilla

1 1 1 0 0 2 1 2 0 3

Pools: 2, 4, 9, 14, 17, 22, 33, 36, 48. Today’s matches: 03, 16.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: sundaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR : SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 20/11/2016