24th July 2016

NO 2,056

SUNDAY, 24 JULY, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

CBN makes U-turn, directs banks to sell forex to BDC operators pg44

ARMS DEAL PROBE:

Nigerian Tribune

@nigeriantribune

N200

Murdered female preacher buried •Her killers will be punished —FG

pg43

The ‘project’ that nailed Ihejirika, pg4 Minimah •How Biafra agitators, ND Avengers landed ex-army chiefs in trouble

Nigerian Tribune

k n i h t s n a y f ious Why m m unser enazi

I’ —Pep Pastor who chained, pg4 tortured 9-yr-old son for weeks flees •Police arrest stepmom Lagos Oba: Kidnappers reduce ransom to N40m •We’re not aware —Family

Scene of an accident involving a train (Loco 2214), cement -laden trailer and a Toyota Camry, at Kila, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Saturday. PHOTO: D’ TOYIN. (Story on page 41)

DSS nabs militant leader behind rumoured coup against Buhari pg41

•Avengers flay Navy over arrest of members

INHUMANITY... 9-yr-old Korede Taiwo before he was rescued by police and NSCDC officers in Sango-Ota, Ogun State, on Friday.

pg43

Edo 2016:

Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole in war of words over probepg42

AHEAD NATIONAL CONVENTION

South-West PDP moves for pg4 reconciliation •Fayose, Mimiko, Kashamu broker peace among chieftains

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Sunday Tribune

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Sunday Tribune

life&living High brow, high risk

The flooding menace of Lagos’ rich enclaves The rich love to live in exclusive places and Lagos is not an exception. Unfortunately these exclusive places are flood-prone, though very expensive. CHUKWUMA OKPARAOCHA reports on how residents of these areas cope with flood and why they choose to remain there despite the dangers.

“I

had barely slept off after working all through the night to finish an important assignment, when a loud shout kicked me out of my slumber. I recognised the voices of my neighbours, some of them I hardly know. I immediately jumped out of my bed, only to land in the flood that had swept through my house. My documents, books and various other stuffs were floating like dead fish.”

This was the experience of Tokunbo Ajayi, a resident of Adeola Street in Alpha Beach area of Lekki Lagos, in a chat during the week with Sunday Tribune, while recalling his ordeal after a downpour just months after relocating to his Lekki property.

Ajayi’s experience might have occurred in 2011, but this, according to him, has left an indelible impression on him that living in upscale places in Lagos “does not necessarily guarantee that you are safe from flood problems.”

“I ran to Lekki on the Island, because I thought I would be safe from insecurity and diverse challenges associated with living in the less-fancied areas on the Mainland, but apparently, this is far from being the case. Lekki may be safer than Ikeja in terms of security, but in terms of flooding, it is the worst,” he further lamented.

For the past couple of years, Lagos State, like many other states in the country, has been plagued by incessant flooding especially after every downpour. This, needless to say, has led to the loss of scores of lives while property worth millions of naira has been destroyed.

While the 2011 floods arguably remain the worst in the annals of Lagos State, as rainfall measuring 178mm was recorded over a period of 18 hours, a situation that resulted in massive flooding which ravaged many parts of the state including exclusive areas such as Lekki and parts of Victoria Island, the state has continued to be plagued by ‘pockets’ of flooding from time to time.

Ikoyi, Victoria Island, and Lekki are generally referred to as the homes of the rich and affluent in Lagos, and as such, many people might have the notion that both places might be immune to some of the general problems, especially rain-induced flooding, often faced in places such as Abule-Egba, Iyana Ipaja, Agege, Oshodi, Ijegun, among others, which are generally occupied by middle and lowincome classes.

But this is far from being the case, as residents of Ikoyi and its environs now seem to be living at the mercy of runoff which is often experienced anytime there is a downpour.

This problem again reared its head very recently in the state.

Worst hit were many roads leading in and out of Lekki, Victoria Island and Ikoyi, where scores of people were seen wadding through large puddles of water that had taken over different sections of both communities and their roads.

There was massive flooding of roads followed by massive traffic gridlocks, in many areas visited by Sunday Tribune, such as Queen’s Drive, Glover Road and Park View Estate, all in Ikoyi. Very conspicuous in all these neighbourhoods are very expensive houses, some of which are believed to be worth over N300m.

Other upscale places such as parts of Lekki phase 1 and 2, as well as Adeola Hopewell and the popular Ahmadu Bello Way, in Victoria Island, among other places were also not left out.

Scores of vehicles were seen having a hard time manoeuvring their way out of the water that had flooded the roads, while many pedestrians with trousers rolled-up to knee level were equally seen wadding through a large pool of water on the Ahmadu Bello Way and other roads in Victoria Island.

A lot of residents were also seen stranded at various bus stops, as many commercial buses had apparently been trapped in the ensuing gridlocks.

But meanwhile, hours after the downpour was over, many residents said they were forced to stay indoors, while those who were already in their various shops and business centres when it started raining lamented poor business patronage.

A recent survey carried out by Sunday Tribune, however, seems to suggests that the problem might have been in existence for a very long time, and this has largely been blamed on the attitude of the so-called rich men towards one another. This is because it is believed in some quarters that rather than working together to solve the problem, many of the rich residents in the highbrow communities seem to have lack of commitment towards solving the problem, especially as no one wants to seek the opinion of another.

This idea was supported by a resident of Bourdillion Road in Ikoyi, Mr Desmond Alaka, a self-styled social critic and businessman.

“As against what obtains in communities occupied by low and middle income earners, the rich people here don’t believe in working together. Here, every house has a personal security guard as against guards engaged by the whole community as usually found in other places.

“Usually when there is a problem in places occupied by the common people, and it seems the government is not doing anything about such problem, residents of such places often come together to solve the problem. But here this attitude is somehow missing among the rich, who see such moves as an open invitation to unnecessary interactions,” said Alaka.

“Nobody wants to seek the opinion of another in the bid to finding a lasting solution to a common problem.

The rich are often of the notion that seeking a collective response to a communal problem is subjecting one anContinues pg 9

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news

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Sunday Tribune

Arms deal probe: The ‘project’ that nailed Ihejirika, Minimah How IPOB, ND Avengers landed ex-army chiefs in trouble Taiwo Adisa - Abuja

D

ETAILS emerged at the weekend that the two former army chiefs recommended for further investigation by the panel probing arms procurement during their tenure might have stepped on some powerful toes just before the conclusion of the investigations.

Investigations by the Sunday Tribune indi-

cated that some powerful elements in the administration had approached the former chiefs with what was considered “critical assignments” but that their refusal to cooperate on the project made the forces to sign off on them.

Sources said that notwithstanding the outcome of the panel’s report, some powerful forces in government had approached Generals Kenneth Minimah and Azubuike Ihejirika separately

in a desperate bid to nip the crisis being orchestrated in the South-South and SouthEast in the bud, but that the retired Generals refused to get involved.

“Their blunt refusal was taken as affront on the system and that led to the decision to let the report be,” a source said.

It was gathered that Minimah was asked to intervene in the simmering crisis ignited by the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and find a

way to rein in the boys while Ihejirika was approached to find ways to calm the restive youths behind the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) but that the duo refused to be linked with the restiveness.

A source in the know had said that the military chiefs saw the quest as a Greek gift, which could allow people in government link them directly with the violent agitations and possibly rope them into further trouble.

The retired Generals in

their own wisdom refused to be part of the suggestion that they could help rein in the restive youths in the South-South and South -East. They simply said they had no links with the youth and some forces took that as an affront,” a source said.

Another source said that Generals Ihejirika and Minimah might have rebuffed entreaties to identify and talk to some elders and other stakeholders in their regions believed to command

Pastor who chained 9-year-old son flees B y O luwatoyin M alik and O layinka O lukoya RESIDENTS of Ajibawo area via Atan Ota in Ado-Odo Local Government Area of Ogun State trooped out in large number on Friday, July 22, to catch a glimpse of a nine-year-old boy, Korede Taiwo, who was rescued from where he had been chained to a heavy log for more than a month by his father.

The rescue was reportedly carried out through the joint efforts of police operatives of the Ogun State Police Command attached to Onipanu Division, Ota, and the Nigeria Security and

Civil Defence Corps officials.

The boy looked malnourished as of the time of his rescue.

The boy’s father, one Pastor Taiwo Francis of The Key of Joy Celestial Church in the same Ajibawo area, is however on the run.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, a Superintendent of Police, the rescue operation was made possible through a tip-off by a member of the community, adding that the boy’s stepmother who was arrested by the police said that her husband’s cruel act to his son was because of his

stealing habit.

Adejobi stated further that the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command, Lagos, Abdulmajid Ali, who is still in charge of Ogun State Command, had ordered that the boy be given proper medical attention.

The PPRO spoke further that the directive had been complied with, as Korede was immediately taken to hospital and had been treated and discharged, adding that he was being kept in police custody at Onipanu Division for proper attention and care.

He said the chain on the boy’s neck had to be cut with a saw before it could be removed.

He remarked that the boy would be handed over to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development in Ogun State.

Officer, 4 missing soldiers, found in Borno C hris A gbambu - A buja MILITARY search party on Saturday morning found four soldiers who had been declared missing in action, including the unit’s Commanding Officer.

They were declared

missing in action after an ambush by Boko Haram at Guro Gongon on Wednesday, 20 July, 2016.

Consequently, concerted efforts were initiated to search for and rescue them.

The measures included use of air assets, Special Forces and patrols.

Sunday Tribune was told that the officers and soldiers were in a stable condition but were moved to military medical facilities for medical care.

Ahead national convention: S/W PDP moves for reconciliation Mimiko, Fayose, Kashamu broker peace C hukwuma O kparaocha - L agos KEY stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West have taken a bold step to address and solve all internal rancour and division in the party, particularly in Oyo, Osun and Lagos States, ahead of the party’s national convention.

The move, according to the stakeholders, is also expected to help find lasting solution to all forms of leadership tussle in the party in all the affected states, including Lagos, which had been bedevilled by leadership crisis involving notable party figures such as Chief Bode George, Captain Tunji Shelle, Moshood Salvador, Segun Adewale (Aeroland), and Dr Adetokunbo Pearse, among others, for ages.

The step was taken in a major stakeholders’ meeting organised by various key leaders of the party in the SouthWest at the presidential suite of the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on Saturday.

The meeting itself brought

together, the Ekiti State governor, Mr Ayo Fayose and Senator Buruji Kashamu - two key stakeholders of the party who had been at loggerheads in the party’s affairs. It also included the Ondo State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and other key leaders of the party drawn from Oyo, Osun and Lagos States.

According to information gathered, the three states in the South-West were deliberately selected after it became clear that they were the states where internal wrangling and endless leadership tussle appeared to be most prominent to the point that many observers felt that the development could jeopardise the party’s chances in future elections in the states and the nation at large.

Observations made by Sunday Tribune showed that stakeholders from each of the three states took turns to meet the trio of Fayose, Mimiko and Kashamu as well as other key leaders of the party in the South-West, where every aggrieved party stated its grievances, while peace was

attempted to be brokered that would involve compromises and considerations.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the meeting which was held behind closed doors, and lasted for several hours, Fayose, described as significant steps taken that would help bring back PDP to strong reckoning in the South-West and ultimately throughout the country.

“It is progress made. The meeting was to reconcile and put together our house as a party state by state. We were able to meet with three states in the South-West - Osun, Lagos and Oyo, and we had useful deliberations, and we believe that interested parties and groups will come together, because what we want is a united party,” he said.

He further described the stakeholders’ meeting as not being an everyday affair, saying everyone was happy with what had been achieved so far.

He pointed out that emphasis was on the three states in question, because of a saddening discovery made

recently that they were the worst in terms of sharp practices and formation of divergent camps. “Our findings clearly show that cases of groupings and sharp divides exist in the three states and this is what we addressed in the meeting.

“We have to learn from the past. Therefore, the system should be allowed to produce its leaders. For example, the PDP standardbearer for the 2019 presidential elections has been zoned to the North, while the South is meant to produce the national chairman. I believe that whoever emerges as the national chairman should be allowed to stay and be accepted by all,” he added.

Meanwhile, after being attended to, some of those who came to the meeting affirmed that as a result of the meeting, PDP in the SouthWest had shown that it was indeed ready to move forward and reposition the party in such a way that it could wrestle power back from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

One of the stakeholders

from Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, remarked that the reconciliation effort became very necessary in order to once again address and ensure that the dismal performance of PDP in the last general elections was not repeated.

“This is a step in the right direction and it is a welcome development, because the meeting itself shows that everyone is ready to put their differences aside and work for the overall progress of the party. This is evident in the fact that people that should ordinarily not even be together are now together,” he said.

Similarly, another politician from Oyo State and former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, noted that the meeting had further consolidated the position of the party in the South-West which he described as the position of peace and unity.

Also, their counterparts from Lagos also promised to begin fashioning out a way forward for the party in the state which had been long enmeshed in crisis.

the respect of their subjects who are members of IPOB and NDA to lay down arms and embrace dialogue.

The Generals were said to have declared that they neither knew anybody directly or remotely linked to the groups and their bases, nor do they know their mode of operations.

According to the sources, the Generals insisted that the groups suddenly sprang up from nowhere and that it was difficult for them to know who the sponsors are.

“The retired army chiefs didn’t want to have anything to do with the issue of appealing to the restive groups because they believed that they would not be trusted by them as retired army chiefs.

The intermediaries, however, found the rejection of the assignment strange.

“Remember an Australian who was later discovered to be a scammer, had some years ago said General Ihejirika was a sponsor of Boko Haram. The General simply felt that his frame-up would have been easier if he agreed to fish out leaders of IPOB,” the source said.

The release of the Third Interim Report on the probe of Arms procurement by the 13-member Federal Government Committee had raised dust immediately following allegations that the fact-finding report was tilted.

Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, had to issue a statement last week to defend the integrity of the report following some grumbling in certain quarters.

There were allegations that the report attempted to shield the tenure of Interior Minister, General Abdulrahman Dambazau.

Last week, a Londonbased group, Freedom of Information Advocates Initiative, (FOIAI), decribed the report as a “tainted report.”

In a statement, signed by Sharon Adoli-Lawrence, Acting Executive Director, FOIA, the group queried the propriety of the chairman of the probe panel retired Air Vice Marshal John Odey, who was accused of standing as a judge in his own case.

According to the group, “AVM Odey (Chairman of the Presidential Investigative Panel) was the Special Adviser (SA) of a former Minister of Defence between 2014 – 2015 and that his role was to superintend and advise the Minister of Defence on issues relating to arms procurement and other related matters.

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Sunday Tribune

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crimereports

Sunday Tribune

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

We attacked church because members were disturbing us with music during Juma’at prayer —Suspect Adelowo Oladipo - Minna

A

N 18-year old suspect, Abba Usman, who allegedly participated in the recent attack by some Muslim youths on St. Philips Catholic Church, Suleja, Niger State, has ruled out religious extremism for his gang’s action.

Rather, the suspect, who said he hailed from Manumfachi in Katsina State, stated that some female members of the

church should be blamed for playing musical instruments so loud, dancing and making noise while a Juma’at prayer was going on at the mosque opposite the church on Friday, July 15.

He stated this last Thursday when he was paraded by Niger State Police Command in Minna.

The suspect with no fixed address, who also claimed to be a scavenger of scraps on refuse dumps at Suleja and its environs, added that shortly after

the Juma’at prayers on the fateful day, he and other youths went to the church premises to attack the church over what he described as the effrontery of the congregation to disturb the peace of the mosque while prayers were going on.

“We went to the church to teach them a bitter lesson so that they will never disturb the peace of the mosque again, especially on a Friday when we are having a prayer. They have the whole of Sun-

The suspect

Smugglers conceal frozen poultry products with marble stones to beat Oyo/Osun Customs

By Oluwatoyin Malik

THE seeming ingenuity deployed by smugglers to beat eagle-eyed crack teams of the Oyo/ Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service failed on July 18, as a truckload of 1,600 cartons of frozen poultry products were intercepted at Agunrege/Saki axis of Oyo State.

The products were valued at N12.8 million, given the market value which is N8,000 per carton. Importation of poultry products is banned by the Federal Government.

The interception was disclosed by the Customs Area Controller, Mr Tolutope Ogunkua, on Thursday while briefing journalists on the efforts of his area command towards keeping to its promise to improve on its performance in the second half of 2016.

Speaking with Crime Reports at Arapaja dumpsite in the outskirts of Ibadan where the seized products were taken for destruction on Thursday, Mr Ogunkua said that the banned poultry products

The site of the destruction of the seized poultry products were loaded in a DAF 95 truck without registration number.

The Controller said that to keep the prying eyes of customs officials off, the smugglers partitioned the interior of truck into two with big iron pipes while a tarpaulin was used to cover the top and back side of the truck. Marble stones were then poured on the flat top and sprinkled at the back side, which would make anyone who saw the truck

pass by to believe that it was conveying stones. “But we were able to beat them to their game,” he added.

During the destruction exercise which was witnessed by the Ministry of Environment officials, the police and journalists, the cartons of the poultry products were opened one after the other and the contents emptied into a deep hole, after which chemicals were poured on them to ensure that they would not be fit

for consumption again.

A caterpillar was used to heap sand on the products, digging and moving over the hole severally to make sure they were properly destroyed.

Also, the Controller disclosed that two fairly used trucks with registration number AGL 709 XR and LSD 774 XF as well as a fairly used red Ford bus with registration number AJW 144 XA were intercepted and seized at dif-

ferent border locations while trying to smuggle in imported bags of rice yet to be counted.

Reiterating that importation of rice through land borders remained banned, Mr Ogunkua expressed his area command’s resolve to re-engineer its operations towards the actualisation of the service’s core mandate of revenue generation and suppression of smuggling.

day to themselves and we have never disturbed them from doing their own programmes,” he said.

The suspect told Crime Reports that female members of the church fled in different directions on sighting the youths while the security guard who refused to leave his duty post was severely beaten.

“We all entered the church and vandalised some of their property, while we took some of their musical instruments and other valuables. I went for two of the microphones with the aim of selling them, but I was not lucky as I was caught with them,” the suspect stated.

While addressing journalists, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, described the action of the the youth that attacked the church as criminal, disclosing that police received a distress call that Friday at about 2:00p.m that some youths were vandalising the property of the church.

“On the receipt of that complaint, we sent our Rapid Response Team to the scene but before the police team got there, many of the youth had fled. However, Abah Usman was caught in action,” he said.

He pointed out that it was clear that the intent of the hoodlums was not religious but to steal, as the suspect was arrested with two microphones stolen from the church, while others went away with other items.

He added that the state Police Commissioner, Abubakar Marafa, had ordered that the police operatives should clear the hoodlums’ hideouts and prosecute any suspect arrested in connection with the case.

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crimereports

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

I didn’t know that parading myself as naval officer was criminal, says man arrested by Navy Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

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fake officer of the Nigerian Navy was, on Thursday, in Warri, Delta State, paraded before journalists for impersonation.

The impersonator, Mr Ushi Prince Moses Okeimutie, was caught with 10 identity cards, a camouflage uniform, a pistol, a horsewhip, seven photographs and five portraits where he adorned himself in naval uniforms and paraphernalia.

Other items included a mobile phone and a signboard with the inscription: “Military Zone, No loitering, No parking, keep off!” with which he was deceiving the people.

Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA), Warri Naval Base, Commodore Joseph Dzunwe, who assumed office a few weeks ago, said the impersonator had defrauded several unsuspecting Nigerians before his arrest recently.

The naval boss said at times, the suspect would appear as an officer of the navy and at other times, as a naval rating, depending on who he wanted to defraud.

The suspect, who is in his 50s, did not argue when he was asked to narrate his side of the story. He simply said he was arrested in his home for parading himself as a naval personnel and that he started the fraudu-

lent practice about seven months ago.

“Truly, impersonating is embarrassing. It has not been long that I started the business. Actually, I was ignorant of the fact that my action was criminal. I have been in the business for about seven months,” he disclosed.

Ushi added that he was not really pushed into the crime by joblessness or any other societal factor.

Speaking further on the suspect, Commodore Dzunwe said: “He is an impersonator. He has been impersonating the navy and we recovered items

from his house.

“He has taken pictures in various military uniforms and there was a report that he used them to intimidate and extort from members of the public.

“In one of the pictures, he is a lieutenant in the navy; in another one, he’s a sub-lieutenant, and yet in another, he is a rating.”

The naval boss promised to hand over the suspect to the Nigeria Police for further investigations and possible prosecution.

Meanwhile, five other suspects were paraded for offences ranging from involvement in illegal oil

bunkering, pipeline vandalism, murder of a naval rating to kidnapping.

The five suspects, two of whom were identified as Obis Maladu, Amogonobo, were arrested within a week during a five-day raid on illegal refinery in Warri North and Warri South West local government areas of the state.

About five boats used for transporting illegal petroleum products were seized, and the suspects confessed to being involved in illegal refineries and trading of the product.

Commodore Dzunwe expressed worries over how

THE Kwara State Police Command has paraded a suspected killer of a farmer in Rore community, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

Parading the suspect last week, a welder whose name was given as Segun Bamidele, in Ilorin on Tuesday, the state Commissioner of Police, Sam Okaula, said that Bamidele hacked the farmer, Sunday Owolabi, to death in his farm and severed his head.

The police boss, who paraded the suspect holding the headless body of his victim, said that, “during investigation, Segun Bamidele confessed that he

criminals always return to burnt refinery sites, describing the terrain of the creeks as a challenge to his men.

He, however, promised

that his men would continue to checkmate criminal activities as regards economic sabotage until the war is eventually won.

I alternate between robbery and spending fake money —Suspect

By Oluwatoyin Malik

A 51-year-old suspect, Felix Ademola, who was arrested several times in the past and had been a regular face in prisons of all of the states in the South West part of Nigeria, has been nabbed again by the Oyo State Police Command for his involvement in armed robbery and possession of fake naira notes.

This was just eight months after the Ondo State-born suspect was released from Agodi Prisons in Ibadan after he benefitted from the Chief Judge’s pardon towards the end of 2015.

The suspects, Felix Ademola (right) and Ayowole Philips Speaking with Crime Reports, the state Com-

missioner of Police, Mr Leye Oyebade, said that

Man beheads farmer, plans to sell head to herbalist in Kwara Biola Azeez - Ilorin

The suspect, Mr Ushi Prince Moses Okeimutie, at the naval base, Warri, last Thursday. Photo: Ebenezer Adurokiya

killed the victim with a cutlass in his farm at Rore and severed the head which he took to a herbalist for sale.

“The suspect took policemen to a bush where he hid the head, while cutlass used to kill the victim was retrieved.”

Mr Okaula added that the suspect would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.

The commissioner also said that the command arrested three siblings for killing a housewife, Rohimat, wife of one Kehinde Babatunde of Igba-Iroko village, Asa Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects are Saidi Amadu, Idris Amadu and Quadri Ayodele.

The police boss said that the three suspects had confessed that they conspired to commit the heinous crime in order to implicate their elder brother, Ayodele Amadu, now in prison.

“Their elder brother is said to have taken a larger portion of the property left behind by their late father.

“They also confirmed that their elder brother, Ayodele Adamu, is innocent of the crime,” he said.

He decried the rising incidence of ritual killings within the metropolis and its environs.

The commissioner also paraded two members of Eiye Confraternity, adding that the suspects were

arrested at Ita-Kure/OjaIya area of Ilorin.

The suspected cultists’ names are Muhammed Zulukannani and Tunde Busari.

He listed the items recovered from them as two cut-to-size double barrel gun, five live cartridges, one blue baseball cap and criminal charms.

He added that one John Akpebe, a suspected notorious cultist in the state, was in police custody in connection with rival cults clash at Taiwo Isale area of the town.

He said the suspected cultist is a member of Aiye Confraternity, adding that police recovered one locally made pistol and one empty cartridge shell from him.

his arrest was based on information received by his command on June 30 that Ademola and his gang members snatched a Mercedes Benz from its owner at Oluyole area of Oyo State.

The police commissioner said he detailed the State Anti-Robbery Squad, Oyo/Ogbomoso annex, to fish out the suspects, adding that due to diligent investigation, Ademola and one of his gang members, Ayowole Philips (32), were arrested in July. Recovered from him were the Mercedes Benz car, two locally-made cut-to-size guns and six live cartridges Crime Reports gathered that Ademola had been arrested in Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ondo, Osun and Ekiti states.

In an interview, the suspect, a driver, confirmed that he was arrested for

robbery and possession of fake naira notes.

“I have carried out robbery operations in Lagos, Oyo and other states. In Lagos State, I belonged to a gang of four members.

They were Seyi, Ayo and Kunle. They are dead now.

We once went to a house at Iyana Ipaja area about 2a.m., forcefully kicked the door open and dispossessed the residents of their money. We went for the operation with two locally-made pistols and we got N250,000.

“After about three months, we went again but did not get much money.

We got N60,000. We did not injure any of our victims because they always cooperated with us. I had an accident and could not drive, so I organised another robbery gang and we went to Oyo State to rob. I was the only one caught and was arraigned in court. I was remanded in Agodi prison for three years but was pardoned on November 5, 2015 by the Chief Judge.

“After leaving the prison, I did not have anything to do so I started spending fake money. I used to buy the fake currency from a man at Abattoir in Lagos State and spend the money in Lagos and other states.

I was paying N15,000 for N100,000 fake notes. I did the purchase twice.”

Oyebade however said that investigation into the activities of the robbery gang would continue.

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Sunday Tribune

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life&living

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

In Lagos, flood also makes the rich cry

A flooded neighbourhood in Victoria Island

Flooded street

Prototype of Eko Atlantic City

Continued from

pg 3

other to ridicule. So they prefer to ride over the problem in their expensive jeeps,” he added.

Sharing a similar opinion with Alaka, another Lagos resident, Mrs Abimbola Ademuyiwa, whose office is located at Falomo in Ikoyi but lives on the Mainland, was at a loss as to why three places - Lekki, Victoria Island and Ikoyi - well known for their affluent residents, would be among the worst affected places in Lagos anytime it rains heavily.

“I have been working on the Island (Ikoyi and Victoria Island) for close to a decade, so to a large extent I know a thing or two about the state of things here. I find it very strange that in these places, nobody seems to be finding a solution to the problem. Anytime there is a major downpour, everything in Ikoyi comes to a standstill.

The roads become flooded with water while the drainages tend to overflow with rain water, yet we have the headquarters of banks, telecommunications companies as well as the personal residents of highly influential people in the country directly affected by the problem,” she remarked.

In the past, the problem of flooding in Lagos, particularly on the Island, has been blamed on a number of human activities including dredging and sand filling of wetlands and buffer zones, as well as indiscriminate laying of cables in drainage channels by different telecommunications

companies.

But while the state government, through the Ministry of the Environment and other relevant agencies, has always refuted this, it has never ceased to issue out warnings to telecommunications companies to desist from indiscriminate laying of cables in that part of the state. This, according to the state government, is the major cause of the problem.

A lawmaker in the House, Hon. Segun Olulade, the Chairman, House Committee on Health Services, while lamenting the havoc recently wreaked by rain-induced flood in the parts of the state, including various communities in Epe, charged the Ministry of Environment to redouble its efforts at ensuring functional and free flow of water across the state as well as carry out palliative measures in places already affected by flood.

Olulade, who said that residents should desist from habit of throwing refuse into carnal, noted that two communities in Epe Local Government were recently totally sacked by flood.

“It is important for all relevant agencies to enforce all regulations to ensure protection of lives and property during this rainy season,” Olulade said.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, said that the government should not relent on sensitising the residents on the repercussion of blocking waterways with wastes and illegal building. Obasa further said that all

relevant agencies needed to do more to ensure that flooding of roads, houses and business centres became of thing of the past in all parts of Lagos State, not just the upscale places only.

Properties in flood prone areas still expensive Despite the flood problems associated with highbrow places on Lagos Island such as parts of Lekki, Victoria Island and Ikoyi, the prices of properties in those places are still considered to be very high.

At a point, the Victoria Garden City (VGC) in Lekki was one of the most expensive estates in the country.

So the flood problems might be there, but it is not strong enough to dissuade the rich from living there

Many people including a few real estate investors, sometimes see this as an aberration because not only does the development seem to negate the principle of ordinary basic reasoning, it also negates the principle of basic business reasoning, especially since it is expected that people will always migrate away from places where there seems to be any sign of discomfort or even danger, both of which are posed by flood.

But rather than decline in value, prices or demand of properties in the above mentioned places, as well as their environs have continued to grow. While this might sound rather confusing or even ambiguous to an average layman, experts in the real estate sector have, however, explained why this is so, and why the trend may not end any time soon.

In a chat with Sunday Tribune, Mrs Mayowa Akoda, who works as a facility manager in one of the service apartments in Ikoyi said that since Lagos had been structured in such a way as to set some places aside for the rich, the situation would continue to remain the same, flood or no flood.

“Right from the outset, places like Ikoyi and Victoria Island (VI) were made to be different and separated from the other places such as Ikeja, and Yaba, among others which have always been deemed not decent enough for the rich. This explains why all defunct government liaison offices are in VI and not in Ikeja. This also explains why all the rich people in the country would still invest in Ikoyi than even in the choicest places on the Mainland, even if it has its own highbrow centres such as Magodo and Ikeja GRA. Right from the outset, the rich have always loved and lived in Ikoyi and VI,” she said.

Mrs Akoda who manages two properties occupied largely by expatriates in Ikoyi, said the same situation is applicable with Lekki, which she said is like an extension of VI, and as such, is expected to naturally attract rich people too.

“Lekki was created when VI and Ikoyi were becoming too overcrowded, that explains why you will find a lot of expensive houses there too, because those who live there are also very rich. At a point, the Victoria Garden City (VGC) in Lekki was one of the most expensive estates in the country. So the flood problems might be there, but it is not strong enough to dissuade the rich from living there. If they relocated, where would you have them go, the Mainland, which they had already rejected? So, rather than leave, they would rather prefer to stay there and continue to manage the problem so long as they are Continues pg 10

10

life&living

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Meet girl who lives in plastic bowl L IKE any other teenager, she is a bright, happy girl who one day dreams of one day opening her own shop.

But after being born with a mystery condition, Rahma Haruna has no limbs and suffers constant pain, as she lives most of her life in a plastic bowl.

The 19-year-old, from Kano State, Nigeria, was born a healthy baby but when she turned six months old, her growth came to a sudden halt and she stopped hitting key development milestones, according to Daily Mail of UK. Her mother, Fadi, told Daily Mail: “From six months when she learnt how to sit, that was when it began. She didn’t learn how to crawl.

“She started with a fever and that was it. Then stomach pains. Then her body parts like hands and legs. She cannot use any if the ache strikes.”

Rahma’s family do their best to provide her with a fulfilling life and transport her around the village in a plastic bowl.

Rahma said: ‘They help me a lot. How do they? They give me anything I need.’

She is particularly close to her 10-year-old brother Fahad, who dotes on his older sister.

Fahad said: ‘I help her in many ways. Bathing her is another thing I do. And taking her out everyday.

“I feel happy whenever I see people helping her. I like taking to our relatives. She feels happy when we visit them.’

The cause of Rahma’s condition is unknown, despite her family working hard to secure a diagnosis.

Rahma’s father, Hussaini, explained: ‘I’ve spent 15 years searching for the cure. I farm, go to the market and lots more looking for money to pay for her bills.

“I sold almost everything in my possession. I have spent more than one million naira (£2,600), so far. Only God knows the real amount of what I had spent.’

Doctors have been baffled by Rahma’s condition and some have even put it down to the teenager being struck

Rahma down by a jinn - a supernatural being in Islam mythology.

Her family hope to get the attention of a charity or medical specialist who can help with the teen’s daily pain.

She recently received some generous gifts after being featured in the local press such as a donation of a wheelchair - and they have already made a big difference.

Her mother added: ‘We once went to a supermarket and we met someone who bought her wheels.

‘He snapped our photo and it was published in the lo-

cal papers. Since then we have been getting help from people.’

And despite the daily challenges Rahma faces, the brave teenager is full of hope for her future and dreams of opening her own shop.

She said: ‘I thank God in everything I do.

‘I want to start a business. A grocery store and anything people buy, that is what I want.’

Culled from Daily Mail

‘No fears for Eko Atlantic city’ Continued from

pg 9

still found within the comity of the rich. So given prestige alone, people will want to stay in those places in spite of their inherent problems,” she stated.

Another expert and real estate consultant whose operating base is in VI, Lagos, Mr Desmond Akakpo, said one of the things that often endeared rich people to floodprone places like Lekki is the level of security there, which he said was bettered only by the security in Ikoyi, which also has its own fair share of flood-related problems.

“You can never compare the state of security on the Mainland with that of VI, Lekki or Ikoyi, so by virtue of that alone, many people will prefer to live on that part of the Island even if it means living through the ordeal of The real estate consultant further argued that many other communities on the Lekki axis were also fast benefitting from the high profile nature of Lekki lands, saying to buy land now in villages in Ajah, Ibeju-Lekki and other adjoining communities required millions of naira. He further added that the creation of the Lekki Free Trade Zone had also begun to open up more hidden lands for investments, as lands even in the most interior ends of Lekki now go for millions of naira as well.

“This is to tell you that the flood problem is considered as secondary to investors and buyers. It doesn’t count for much here in terms of investments,” he said.

The Eko Atlantic project The Eko Atlantic City is arguably the most expensive real estate project ever in Africa. According to the projections, the Eko Atlantic has been designed to provide space and infrastructure to house 250,000 people and become the workplace for a further 150,000 in Lagos. It has also been estimated that upon completion, the developers and city planners of the new city will have produced 10,000,000 square meters of land, ripe for development; equivalent in size to the skyscraper district of Manhattan

in New York City.

However, many of the controversies surrounding the project are still staring it in the face despite ongoing efforts to prove to members of the public of the safety of the project. Thus, many people began to predict how the project would eventually lead to the demise of the entire Lagos Island, particularly Victoria Island, in “many years to come.”

But the Lagos State Government, then led by Mr Babatunde Fashola, had declared the safety of the project, saying ‘it is protected by the Great Wall.’ will would help in the fight against coastal erosion, and also help in reclaiming land that had been lost to the ocean.

A recent investigative report indicated that the state government may not have properly conducted Environmental Impact Assessment, (EIA) as stipulated by a Federal Government Act of 1992, on the underground forces and nature of the Atlantic ocean bed close to the Bar Beach (where the project is being carried out) and its impact on coastal communities and residents of Victoria Island and Lekki.

This purported poorly conducted EIA becomes particularly important according to environmentalists given the fact that the Atlantic Ocean, which the Bar Beach and subsequently the reclaimed land is hewn out from is tremulous.

On the contrary Lagos state commissioner of the environment, Oniru said the city has been tested by an institution, DHI Institute in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“We tested it for one in a 100-year ocean surge, one in 120 years, one in 150 years and at the end of the day, we tested this city for a one in 1,000 years’ storm, the worst storm you can get, this will be like a tsunami; and that city held up.

“Why did the city hold up? It held up because the protection we are having at the edge of the Eko Atlantic city will be eight to nine metres above the sea level. The worst surge that we have had so far at the Bar Beach was 1.5

metres high coming from the ocean, and when that happened, the protection was already in place and it held up. If we had not put the breaker in place, Victoria Island would be no more today because when we had the 1.5 metre surge coming to hit the island, the lowest point on Victoria Island is by the Falomo Bridge just before you get into Ikoyi, and at that point, the ground level point there is two metres below sea level. You can imagine us having a surge of 1.5 metres and the lowest point is two metres below sea level, if that protection was not there as at the time, the entire area would have gone. That protection is three metres above the ground level; that was what saved VI then.

“You can now imagine that at the completion of this new city, we will have a protection area of eight to nine metres above sea level, this is the guarantee that nothing is going to happen to Eko Atlantic city, the Bar Beach and Victoria Island once the city is completed,” explained Oniru.

Flood control elsewhere Flood control is an important issue for the Netherlands, as about two thirds of its area is vulnerable to flooding, while the country is among the most densely populated on Earth. Natural sand dunes and constructed dikes, dams, and floodgates provide defence storm surges from the sea. River dikes prevent flooding from water flowing into the country by the major rivers Rhine and Meuse, while a complicated system of drainage ditches, canals, and pumping stations (historically: windmills) keep the low-lying parts dry for habitation and agriculture. Water control boards are the independent local government bodies responsible for maintaining this system.

In modern times, flood disasters coupled with technological developments have led to large construction works to reduce the influence of the sea and prevent future floods.

11

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

feature Unemployment: Why job creation efforts don’t create jobs The growing large army of unemployed graduates is already a major issue which successive administations have failed to address. But beyond the certiticates these graduates wield, what other qualities and life-changing values do they possess in an increasingly competitive global job market? Why have these intervention efforts of government on job creations failed?

SOJI EZE-FAGBEMI reports.

A stadium full of job seekers

D

URING Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s presidency, he ruffled not a few feathers when he was quoted to have said that most Nigerian graduates were not employable. Many young unemployed Nigerians did not have kind words then for the former president but researchers’ findings have shown that Obasanjo was right after all.

As if to support Obasanjo’s position, a particular study showed that recently qualified graduates exhibited a number of skill deficiencies, including lack of analytical and information and communication technological (ICT) skills. The findings of the study indicate that graduates have underdeveloped entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills, as well as poor communication and literacy skills.

Researchers have posited that the education system plays a significant role in producing the country’s skilled manpower, and that on the average about 120,000 come out of the tertiary education system annually, but only an estimated 10 per cent of them is able to enter formal sector employment. The remainder become unemployed or may have to look for jobs in the informal sector of the labour market.

Over the years the federal government has tried to bridge the gap by formulating policies that would provide the skills needed by graduates to be on their own and not rely on white collar jobs.

Unfortunately, most of these public policies for supporting employment generation and skills development have failed to address the problem of unemployment and

instead operate as standalone initiatives.

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) was established on March 26, 1986 but launched nationwide in January 1987. The scheme was created to provide skills for young graduates. It was structured into four main programme areas: the Vocational Skill Development Programme (VSDP), the Small Scale Enterprise Programme (SSE), the Special Public Works Programme (SPW) and the Agricultural Employment Programme (AEP).

Unfortunately despite its long years standing, the pace of NDE’s response in effectively reducing the rate of unemployment and attaining the millennium development goal (MDGs) is still low.

For Comrade Ayuba Wabba, President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) this has not come as a surprise.

To him, efforts by previous governments to provide jobs were not sustainable, hence the failure of such many past initiatives. Citing YouWin scheme of the immediate past administration as example, Wabba said the initiative was just a stop-gap programme that cannot be sustained over a long time.

“The You Win initiative failed because it is not sustainable. We should look at jobs that are sustainable, and not this stop-gap approach. I think that has been our problem. From SUREP to all the intervention programmes, it is just like a stop-gap measure and that is why they are not sustainable,” the NLC president said.

According to him, after every administration the programme stopped and once that programme stopped, the jobs would also go with the programme. “That is not

what we need now. I think what we need is a sustainable jobs; jobs that can also stimulate economic activities.

Those are the jobs that are lacking now and the best way to do it is to go into production. When you don’t produce and depend on importation, you cannot provide jobs and sustain them. I think it is high time we thought outside the box and began to look at sustainable jobs, which will drive our economy and address the problem of mass unemployment in Nigeria. This is what I think we need at this point in time,” stated Wabba.

However, the NLC boss advised that any new scheme or effort at job creation should not solely rest on the government if it must succeed, saying that government cannot do it alone and the way out is for the government to go into partnership with the private sector.

“I am sure that the approach for government to try to do that alone may not work. It may not yield desired result. It needs to be a partnership between the organised private sector and the government where you create enabling environment for businesses to strive,” he added.

Wabba pointed out that regrettably, rather than getting more people to work due to the previous efforts at job creation, available jobs are in fact shrinking. He stated that while banks are trying to retrench, the oil and gas industry is also trying to reduce workforce, including state governors.

“We cannot say we are getting jobs, I think we are losing jobs. I think we must have a condusive environment continues

pg 12

12

feature

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘Empowerment programmes have failed due to negative attitude of beneficiaries’

continued from pg 11

for businesses to strive and for people to express their ingenuity. You can do that through small and medium enterprises, which is what obtains in other spheres,” he said.

A Deputy Director at the National Directorate of Employment, Mr Edmund Onwuliri, on his part, disagreed that intervention programme like YouWin have failed. According to him, it is only veritable and empirical data that car show if programmes like YouWin NDE and others have failed or not.

“My take on YouWin is that if we want to access its success, I think we might be doing that too early, if not out of context.

How long does it take to grow an enterprise? I do not believe that one could assess the success or otherwise of an enterprise within its first 12 months. There is usually a gestation period; even a commercial bank that has given credit to an entrepreneur doesn’t expect everything to be settled within the first nine and 12 months. One should allow the business to stabilise because in the first six months, chances are that one won’t even make profit. Part of the credit one has collected is to help keep the business running within the period one is not very sure of making profit.

“Though I don’t have the record of the number of beneficiaries from YouWin, but if we look at what they have done so far, then we can say whether YouWin has succeeded or not. But if the present administration wants to introduce something bet-

ter or new, it has the power to do so and can do it. I will like to see empirical data, empirical evidence for us to conclude that the programme has failed.

“If we can identify the enterprises that were set up under that scheme and look at their books now if they are rendering services, if they are still in the business and if they are doing well, then we can draw that conclusion. Are they into production? Are they still doing what they were set up to do? I don’t really know how the businesses are doing, and we can’t stay in our offices to say whether the scheme is successful or not.

“Those people got grant. We should find out what has happened to their investments, because [they are] national investments. We should not just abandon the scheme. We are not saying they should pay back we gave them those resources believing that they will turn them into something tangible that they will begin to employ other Nigerians. That is a very critical component of the entire initiative.

The way to measure the success of such initiative is to look the multiplier effect on employment it has generated within a given time and environment.”

Mr. Onwuliri blamed the attitude of Nigerians for the perceived failure of many of these initiatives, if indeed they had failed to yield expected results. According to him, “we need to correct certain attitude in Nigerians and in Nigeria. There is nothing that is public or collectively owned that is valued. Some people would have received that [saying it is] their national cake. They won’t even use it for the purpose for which

government has given them the credit.

So, we won’t hang government because of that. Even whatever the government of the day wants to do now, if we approach it with the same mindset, it will never work.

“As much as we are trying to build the nation, solve the problem of mass unemployment, there are people who will be working at cross purposes with the government by their negative attitude to whatever the government is trying to do.”

Citing, the example of the NDE, he said, “here in the NDE, part of the challenges we have had over the years is this negative attitude of Nigerians. They will approach us that we are interested in our scheme and we willingly give to them with hope that they are going to make the best use of it. You have followed us to some resettlement events, you find out that in the past, there are people who will sell their re-settlement equipment at that venue, as they are collecting it. They would have arranged with buyers. As you are handing it over to them, they are selling and disposing them. So they will not practise or do that skill they have learnt from the NDE. What do you do to that? Those people are Nigerians and they presented themselves as willing, and ready to key, into what gov-

There are people who will sell their resettlement equipment at that venue, as they are collecting it. They would have arranged with buyers. As you are handing it over to them, they are selling and disposing them

ernment has provided.”

He said the directorate had learnt from this and developed a better option to checkmate the trend, adding, “instead of giving them the equipment and little cash, we ask them to pay 10 per cent of the total loan package as a commitment from your part. This is to make sure that it is only the serious people that come for the schemes.

So, if we look at all of these, we cannot put the blame solely on the doorstep of government. The followership in this country must also get to a point to take responsibilities for what has not done well.”

On the new scheme, the NDE deputy director toed the line of the NLC president.

Specifically, he warned that the implementation of any scheme the present government has in mind must not be left in the hands of politicians. In fact, he proffered that politicians must be distanced from it.

According to Onwuliri: “The recipe for success of the new initiative is not to commit it into the hands of politicians. I don’t know the guideline yet and how government wants to go about it, but in the past, and from what I have seen from all the mass employment initiatives of the governments since the military era, the easiest way is to commit it in the hands of the politicians if you don’t want the programme to succeed. You don’t saddle a politician who is thinking of how to win the next elections with this very critical task of job creation. I don’t know what the government is thinking, but one thing I am very sure that won’t work is to commit it in the hands of politicians.”

He also stated that government must guard against duplicating efforts if the programme is to succeed. “Government duplicates efforts a lot. There is this duplication of functions, whereby you have many agencies of government doing same thing. There should be a deliberate attempt to synergise all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the implementation of any critical policy of Federal Government. We must be careful how we implement it, because failure in proper implementation will sink the whole idea if initiative,” he said.

13

I

24 July, 2016

T is now only four days to the senatorial election next Saturday, 7 July, 1979. It is the first in the series of five elections which will usher in civilian rule.

It has been a long way since Independence on October I, 1960. For Nigeria, and for all of us, it has been nineteen years of chequered, troublous, and heart-rending historical procession. I can claim, without fear of thoughtful contradiction, that of all the five presidential candidates, I stand out as the only articulate dissenting voice in that unedifying procession. The others were willing and active participants.

I made my voice heard quite loudly and clearly right up to the time when I was silenced by incarceration. Even as I stood at the threshold of that deep but eloquent silence, I did not hesitate to make four declarations which further angered my opponents and aggravated their intense hatred for me. Standing before the trial judge, at one of the most crucial moments of my life, I declared that if I was imprisoned: 1. the crisis which was only about fifteen months old would escalate and become protracted; 2. the invaluable services which I could render to the country would be lost though only for a season; and 3. the existing twilight of democracy would change into utter darkness which would be followed by a glorious dawn.

4. that whatever my adversaries might wish or say or do, I would not die in prison.

That day, on 13-9-63, I spoke for Nigeria: the crisis escalated, took unexpected tragic turns, and lasted much longer than anyone had dared to imagine; at least constitutionally, Nigeria wandered aimlessly until my book, which supplies the inspiration for our new Constitution was published; the twilight of democracy, which most people did not perceive at the time, did change into a prolonged utter darkness; and in spite of design to kill me in prison, which was publicly disclosed by Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, I am still alive today to continue in my endeavours to render invaluable services to our fatherland.

This afternoon, therefore, I am speaking to you and to all other Nigerians not here present, in a dual capacity: as the leader and presidential candidate of the Unity Party of Nigeria, and as your faithful, devoted, steadfast, and tested servant and friend.

For 42 years, I have served Nigeria in and out of season. I served as a leader of the Nigeria Youth Movement: this was the first real attempt at a countrywide political organisation; but it was smashed by Dr Azikiwe for personal aggrandisement. I served as a nationalist, using

Awo’s thoughts PATH TO NIGERIAN GREATNESS

On the campaign trail

The framework of national policies* all the talents which God gave me to possess, to agitate with others successfully for the termination of British colonial rule. I served as Leader and head of Government in the old Western Region of Nigeria for eight years and set up there records which time can only, hallow but cannot obliterate. I served as Leader of the Opposition in the Federal Parliament; and, in this capacity, I constantly and relentlessly warned the Government of the day against its manifest anti-social acts and gross mal-administration.

Even in prison, I continued to serve by devoting all my time there to cogitating over our country’s problems, and finding solutions for them. Most of my constitutional and socio-economic solutions have been fully endorsed and incorporated in our present Constitution.

Finally, I served in Gowon’s administration and, along with others, left no stone unturned in keeping Nigeria One. In this connection it is apposite to recall that in 1967, 1968 and in 1969, I had the honour to lead Nigeria’s delegation respectively to the OAU Conferences at Kinshasa and Algiers and to the Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ Conference in London. At these Conferences I fought strenuously and successfully to prevent other countries from interfering in our internal affairs, and, at the same time, to win the sympathy and support of these bodies for Nigeria’s cause.

Look at the books which I have written, the lectures which I have given, and the many speeches and state-

Sunday Tribune

ments which I have made. You will find that there is no problem confronting or about to confront Nigeria to which I have not given thought and for which I have not proferred intelligent and reasoned solutions.

In and out of office, I have always lived among you, not away from you. I am familiar with your sufferings and privations; and I have always identified myself with the deepest yearnings of the vast majority of our people. Besides, in these 42 years of my public career; I have never deceived you; and I have never let you down. I always regard my promise as a solemn pact, and my word as my bond.

From the mouths of many witnesses since 22-9-78, you have been told, again and again what the UPN stands for, what it will do if it receives your mandate to govern this country from 1979 to 1983. But, for emphasis and the avoidance of any doubt, I consider it my duty to the Nigerian electorate to use this opportunity to recapitulate as many of them as time now permits.

1. Free education at all levels will now commence at the beginning of the next academic session in September.

Immediately after my election in August, I am to make a statement appealing (a) to all the authorities concerned to admit all eligible pupils and students without the payment of tuition fee or any fee by whatever name called; (b) to all the booksellers concerned to supply the required textbooks and stationery on credit to the various institutions for supply to pupils and students until October when the cost will be fully paid; and (c) to the banks to give, where necessary, credit accommodation to booksellers who are accredited by the school authorities.

2. All loans given to students for the purpose of pursuing their education, which remain unpaid by 1-10-79, will be written off.

3. As from 1980 - (a) secondary education will become compulsory, so that all pupils leaving primary schools will not have to take any entrance examination to secondary schools, as it will be compulsory for them to go enmasse to secondary schools. (b) the shift system in school attendance will be abolished. (c) the phasing out of the boarding system will begin in earnest, and, in the process, no pupil will have to go for more than five kilometers to get to secondary school. (d) free adult education will commence, and arrangements will be taken in hand for the establishment in 1981 or 1982 of an Open Air University, to enable those who are willing to do so to pursue postsecondary education at home.

To be continued

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feature

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Bokkos: We didn’t kill your chief, say Fulani, but natives insist they did Last Monday, the traditional chief of Bokkos in Plateau state was murdered while coming from his farm. His people say the Fulani in their midst were responsible even as more violence followed. ISAAC SHOBAYO reports the unease in the community as the search for the continues.

T

HE prevailing peace in Plateau State, seen as one of the major achievements of Governor Simon Lalong’s administration, was shattered last Monday following the gruesome murder of a first class traditional ruler in the state, Saf Ron Kulere of Bokkos, His Royal Highness Lazarus Agai, while returning from his farm in Sha area of the local council.

The assassination of the traditional ruler, who ascended the throne in 1972, along with his orderly, Inspector Sunday Wuyah, his wife and son, Shagari, was like a bolt from the blue, considering the efforts of the government to tame the monster of violence that had dented the image of the state.

A source close to the murdered traditional ruler said he was returning from his farm at about 4:00 p.m when gunmen numbering about 10 opened fire on his convoy, killing him instantly while others who were with him escaped into a nearby bush where they were pursued and hacked to death before anyone could come to their rescue.

The source said, on that fateful day, the 78-year-old monarch who was the chairman of Bokkos Traditional Council before his death was in high spirit, during which he attended to some community-based issues before setting out for the inspection of his farm in the neighbouring community.

On hearing of the tragedy, the people of Bokkos and the entire traditional council of the state were devastated by the way and manner he was killed, considering his stance as an apostle of peace. From all indications, his death had shattered the prevailing peace in Bokkos, causing tension across the state.

Since Monday, youths in Bokkos have embarked on ceaseless demonstrations, despite detachment of security operatives deplored in the area. In the process, some houses were set on fire and a number of vehicles smashed, while major roads leading to the local government area were blocked for days.

The tragedy got worse on Thursday when security operatives shot at the protesting youths who were trying to prevent men of the Special Task Force from aiding the escape of a local Fulani chief ‘Ardo’ from the council area.

In the process, four of them were gunned down, while three others sustained injuries.

To prevent the situation from degenerating further, the state government, in conjunction with the Special Task Force declared a dusk to dawn curfew.

Since the tragic incident, the natives (Bokkos) and the Fulani have been trading blames. The natives claimed the herdsmen carried out the dastardly act. But the Fulanis had vehemently disagreed, dissociating themselves from the crime.

The natives, pointing fingers at the Fulani, argued that in the recent past no fewer than three local chiefs in the community had been killed by herdsmen in horrific manner without anyone being brought to justice or any attempts made to investigate the incidents.

From all indications Bokkos Local Government Area has the largest concentration of Fulani herdsmen in Plateau State. Sunday Tribune learnt that Bokkos has become an haven for the Fulani or herdsmen experiencing challenges of either grazing or settlement from other parts of the state.

Reacting to the claim that herdsmen were responsible for the murder of the traditional ruler, Plateau State Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Mallam Nuhu Mohammed, exonerated the herdsmen, saying the notion that the murder was carried out by them had attracted reprisals on some Fulani herdsmen within the local government area.

“But we have to warn that this idea of attributing every incident to Fulani herdsmen is not healthy for good governance and peaceful co existence among diverse ethnic groups in the state,” he said.

Late Lazarus Agai, Saf Ron Kulere of Bokkos trust and reprisal in Mallam Mohammed implored the some parts of the local government to investigate the cause government and neighof the death and the people behind Governor bouring council areas. the heinous crime and as wellSolomon ap- Lalong, Statethe Apparently reacting to pealed to the media to Plateau jettison the development, Direcidea of always connecting every killtor General, Plateau State ing in any part of the country to Fulani Peace Building Agency, Mr. herdsmen without proper investigation.

Joe Lengmang, cautioned The media officer, Special Task Force Governor Solomon Lalong, that people need to be carein charge of security in the state, Captain Plateau State ful, saying no group has yet been Ikedichi Iweha, said it is wrong for any group to linked with the murder, adding that label another as being responsible for murder, saypeople need to be careful and desist from ing until investigation is completed, it would be wrong to baseless conclusions. point fingers in any direction.

According to him, “no one can emphatically establish The STF spokesman who said the people have been living peacefully with one another for a very long time any link with the Fulani or the natives.” He implored peofurther averred that the incident has caused mutual mis- ple to wait for the outcome of the ongoing investigation before drawing conclusions.

However, it is recalled that festering crises in the past had claimed lives of some prominent indigenes of the state. A senator of Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Plateau North, Gyang Dantong and a member of Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Gyang Fulani, were killed some years back while on a peace mission in Barakin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

Unfortunately, till date, no one had been fingered as being responsible for the murder of these individuals.

Those who have been monitoring the trend of events in the state posited that the inability to nab those responsible for such acts and make them face prosecution is responsible for reccurrence.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Joseph Habila has assured that the killers of the Plateau monarch would be apprehended.

But we have to warn that this idea of attributing every incident to Fulani herdsmen is not healthy for good governance and peaceful co existence among diverse ethnic groups in the state

15

24 July, 2016

children’sarena

Sunday Tribune

Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 0807 449 7425

Compiled By Temitayo Iliasu

4

3

The greatest lessons we have learnt from our parents 2

1

5

the fear of God in mind.

6

Oasis International High School,4. Idi-Iroko, Ibadan, Oyo State Simon Peace Cecilia, SS1, 14 years

1. Osita Peter, SS2, 15 years One of the most important lessons that I have learnt so far from my parents is to be quick in anything I want to do. There was a day my dad was going to Lagos to visit someone and he also said he was going to pick someone at the airport, I told him I wanted to go with him and he accepted and said by 12 noon he would commence the journey. When it was 11:55 am, he called me and I went out to meet him, then he asked me to go inside the house and bring one cloth but I was slow and he left without me.

What I have learnt from my parents is to be an obedient child because the greatest help you can render yourself and your parents is being a good and obedient child. Whenever my mum wants to cook, she always asks me to join her in the kitchen which I always obey not knowing one day my parents will be travelling, leaving me with my brothers. I was left to cater for them, it was so hard for me but I remember my mother’s words that I will end up in the kitchen not fully comprehending that I was being groomed to be a mother.

2. Akinade Oluwatobiloba, SS2, 15 years The greatest of lesson I have learnt from my parents is being diligent, they often emphasise the need for me to be diligent in my work. They told me that for someone to be the greatest man in the world, he or she has to be diligent and God-fearing. My parents always make reference to the Book of Proverbs which states that “see a man diligent in his work, he shall not stand before mere men but shall stand before Kings, Queens and Noble”. This really changed me and I always meditate on it from time to time and I think that is the greatest lesson I’ve learnt from them.

5. Maduabuchi Christiana, SS2, 14 years The greatest lesson I’ve learnt from my parents is that with determination and hard work, you can excel and become successful in life. I also learnt that for me to excel in my studies, I need to be studious and also stop keeping bad friends who will only end up destroying my life or cause setback in all my endeavours. I also learnt that with God, all things are possible which implies that I need to be prayerful to achieve anything in life and to also remember that faith without work is dead.

3. Salami Fehintola Olamide, JSS3, 12 years My parents taught me about social values and I have also learnt high moral standards. They also taught me many things ranging from respect to greetings and so on. I learnt that no matter the challenges I’m facing, I should be able to face, solve and find a solution to that problem. I have since been following my parents’ footsteps. My mum once told me that in anything I did, I should have

6. Agbolade Jennifer Oluwadamilola, SS2, 14 years The greatest lesson I learnt from my parents is to be hard-working, diligent and to have a future ambition. Moreover, I learnt that being successful is one of the greatest things in life. I also learnt that helping others is a good thing because we never can tell who will help us tomorrow.

Caterpillar • 1. A caterpillar has just one job – to eat.

During the larval stage, the caterpillar must consume enough to sustain itself into adulthood. Without proper nutrition, it may not have the energy to complete its metamorphosis, or may be unable to develop eggs as an adult.

2. Caterpillars increase their body mass by as much as 1,000 times or more.

The larval stage of the life cycle is all about growth.

Within the span of a few weeks, the caterpillar will grow exponentially. Because its cuticle, or skin, is only so pliable, the caterpillar will molt multiple times as it gains size and mass.

3. A caterpillar’s first meal is usually its eggshell.

In most cases, when a caterpillar ecloses (hatches) from its egg, it will consume the remainder of the shell.

The outer layer of the egg, called the chorion, is rich in protein, and provides the new larva with a nutritious start.

4. A caterpillar has as

many as 4,000 muscles in its body.

By comparison, humans have just 629 muscles in a considerably larger body.

The caterpillar’s head capsule alone consists of 248 individual muscles, and about 70 muscles control each body segment.

5. Caterpillars have 12 eyes.

On each side of its head, a caterpillar has six tiny eyelets, called stemmata, arranged in a semi-circle. One

of the six eyelets is usually offset a bit, and located closer to the antennae. If you watch a caterpillar, you’ll notice it sometimes moves its head from side to side. This most likely helps it judge depths and distances.

6. Caterpillars have six legs, just as adult butterflies or moths do.

Most of those legs are false legs, called prolegs, which help the caterpillar hold onto plant surfaces and allow it to climb. The

Famousinvention

TWENTY years after the telephone was invented and music was first sent down a telephone line, Guglielmo Marconi sent radio signals.

Marconi (1874-1937) was born in Italy and studied at the University of Bologna.

He was fascinated by Heinrich Hertz’s earlier discovery of radio waves and realised that it can be used for sending and receiving telegraph messages, referring to

Radio

three pairs of legs on the caterpillar’s thoracic segments are the true legs, which it will retain in adulthood.

7. Caterpillars move in a wavelike motion, from back to front.

Caterpillars with a full complement of prolegs move in a fairly predictable motion. Usually, the caterpillar will first anchor itself using the terminal pair of prolegs, and then reach forward with one pair of legs at a time, starting from the hind end.

it as “wireless telegraphs.” Marconi’s first radio transmissions, in 1896, were coded signals that were transmitted only about a mile (1,6 km) far. Marconi later realised that it held huge potential.

He offered the invention to the Italian government but they turned it down. He moved to England, took out a patent, and experimented further. In 1898 Marconi flashed the results of the Kingstown Regatta to

the offices of a Dublin newspaper, thus making a sports event the first “public” broadcast.

The next year Marconi opened the first radio factory in Chelmsford, Essex and established a radio link between Britain and France.

A link with the United States was established in 1901. In 1909 Marconi shared the Nobel prize in physics for his wireless telegraph.

Eniola Oluwapamilerin atoyebi clocked

10

Happy birthday.

Marconi subsequently became a wealthy man.

16 “ECCLESIASTES 8:11 ‘when a crime is not punished quickly, people feel it is safe to do wrong (NLT).’ Leaving punishment to God is rather a Nigerian tradition rather than that of the Bible. Read Romans Chapter 13. The battle against crime is a collective responsibility.”Goke, a reader bristled last Sunday. Even without the concluding part, he correctly concluded on my conclusion, but with a little misassumption, I guess. Where I was going using my tragic experiences as a simile for the Olawales and countless unknown wronged souls thirsting for justice out there, wasn’t in doubt, but Goke and his ilk wrongly assumed the way to the said end. Even some, who took my back, also wrongly assumed what my position was thought to be. Here is my message for Olawales and others wearing their shoes, but not in media limelight like the Redeemed family.

If God says vengeance is His, then He is irrevocably committed to avenging His own and who can withstand His wrath and punishment. He also sets leaders over us because He alone enthrones “kings” including the ones shoveling our collective patrimony in their inelastic bellies. He gives opportunities to men as a test. Sadly, almost all that have passed our spheres are incredible failures. I dare say Barack Obama is one of them. You can’t start on God’s side and end with gays and lesbians.

So, the laws they make as long as God permits them over us, must be obeyed and sanctions attached, well applied.

Though I didn’t know what eventually became of suspects arrested by the police in connection with my brother’s murder, without the usual suspicion of compromise, I should assume they did justice. The catch is that our life wasn’t tied down to the law of the land taking its course.

We moved on while human justice was supposedly on, trusting God who sees beyond men to fish out all connected, even remotely, and fix them.

That is exactly my message to the Olawales and others in their shoes and who, God forbid, may still be in their shoes. Not even death penalty, before it was swallowed up by West-forced moratorium, had deterred men from being murderous for their supposed sincerity, especially in religious matters. If all those who had shed innocent blood, were to be rounded up in their thousands today and gassed at a go, I bet Goke, it won’t end fatal religiousness.

That is the heart of Adesua’s message. We must transit from being sincere, to being right. The author correctly identified a Supreme Spirit who helps with rightness of purpose. We must all de-escalate religion, de-emphasise THE near-constitutional crisis precipitated by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s issuance of a certificate of return to Dr UcheOgah as the duly elected governor of Abia State, despite the appeal filed by Dr OkezieIkpeazu against a Federal High Court judgment, which declared him unfit for the election, has again brought to the fore Nigeria’s need for strong institutions. Many powerful Nigerians have scant respect for institutions; they conduct their affairs in a manner that suggests that they are bigger than state institutions. This, more than anything else, has slowed down the nation’s advancement strides.

During his tour of some African countries in 2012, President Barak Obama of the United States of America had spoken about the need of Africa for strong institutions to ensure its development.

Shortly after Obama’s statement, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s former president, made a snide remark about the nation’s parliament at both the state and national levels, saying they comprise of rogues and robbers.

The erstwhile president had said, “Today, rogues, armed robbers are in the state Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly. The judiciary is also corrupt. During my tenure, many of the corrupt judges were removed, some are still there. If the Judiciary becomes corrupt, where is the hope for the nation? Justice, no doubt, will go to the highest bidder.”

The correlation between the two statements is straightforward; Obama’s speech was an endorsement of the progress Ghana had recorded in its democratic journey, while Obasanjo’s observation was a knock for Nigeria’s failure to match the expectation of the world. But the connection goes beyond that; Obasanjo’s treatise is the conclusion of Obama’s exposé. Obama spoke of what should be done; Obasanjo spoke of how it could be done.

The natural question is why is it so difficult to have strong institutions in Nigeria? The answer is simple; Nigeria lacks strongmen and is, consequently, unable to build strong institutions.

When Obasanjo said, “Integrity is necessary for systems and institutions to be strong,” he was in effect saying strong institutions could only be built by men of integrity and character. Like begets like; it is only those who have strength of character that can build strong institutions.

Ghana’s immediate past is not any better than the current experience of Nigeria. Ghanaian economy was run aground by greedy rulers; corruption and nepotism became a way of life, while rule of law was thrown to the dogs. But the situ-

24 July, 2016

0811 695 4647

olanreade@yahoo.com

Deaconess Olawale: We are sincerely wrong (2)

its passion and move to the realm of the Right Spirit for right conducts.

Thankfully, the Olawales have spoken about moving on. They should expressly tell attention-seeking human righters to step out of the beautiful future ahead of the family, even as the State goes ahead with probe, prosecution, and all that.

While the State can only punish known suspects, God who sees beyond men, can also touch the untouchables (for men) using the hoodlums as instrument of destruction.

Does Goke know that God’s punishment can even come quicker than State’s, if the Olawales would trust Him for His promise? Does he know that while the State’s justice would offer no direct succour to the bereaved even

With Sulaimon Olanrewaju 08055001708

lanresulaimon@yahoo.com

Nigeria and the need for strong institutions

ation has since changed. Now, Ghana is a model. Its embrace of good governance has resulted in development.

Now, everyone wants to identify with the country’s success.

The credit for this transformation goes to Jerry Rawlings.Rawlings started as a military ruler who had the will to change Ghana. His strength was not in his military background but his character. He walked his talk; he was able to punish infraction because he refrained from committing same. Rawlings was able to build a new Ghana because he rose above sentiments. He placed himself so much above

Sunday Tribune

if those arrested were executed, I can assure that God’s is 360 degree. You can also call it Justice+x. Unlike the Niger Delta Avengers, who are bringing life-long sorrow to their own while on a revenge mission against the State, God always lights the visage of the oppressed when avenging. So, dear Goke, this injustice will be “punished” but by God, even beyond those hirelings and He could use the Olawales’ case to extend the retribution to “high places”.

Today, “religion” not even the kind rightly dissected

by Adesua, has imposed sincere insanity on places you would expect to find wisdom. A Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) going to court over hijab is sincerely wrong, except they serve a god they can help, not the Help of the helpless Himself. Leaders promoting religious intolerance to demonstrate piousness is sincerely wrong. Judicial officers who bent constitutionality to protect his religion is sincerely wrong. Beyond the veil and cassock, where is the heart? This is Adesua’s poser in “The Clock of Man’s Life”. Only the heart can tell. ...And Justice Oloyede The National Judicial Council (NJC) two Fridays ago judged Justice (?) OlamideFolahanmiOloyede of Osun judiciary sincerely wrong in taking the position of the Conscience of Humanity in matters relating to governance in the state while still wigged. And she was fired.

A bright career not only blighted but abridged. I was sad when a council member broke the story to me, but more perplexed when I put a call to her and she, the supposed broken, was the one mending my broken heart. This sister of mine is actually an enigma. I was a bit worried by her dismissive reaction to the abrupt end to a career, roundly applauded as a beacon of justice before she got entangled with her brother governor. I knew she prepared her bud for the most tasteless, while the probe lasted, but the calmness was so divine. Though we didn’t discuss her future, I won’t be surprised if she resumes as a fiery human rights advocate and better positioned as a Conscience of the Nation. At least by then, her sincerity which has never been in doubt, would meet with the rightness of platform and plenty of ears. Bad she got to go, but rules of engagement must also not be discarded, for systems not to become anything-goes. But didn’t Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of America’s Federal Supreme Court just coat Donald Trump, a nominee with fair chances of becoming American President in the most depressing colour of characterisation and escape with just an apology? This NJC sef. sentiments that when leaving office after eight years as an elected president, his party lost the presidential election, a rarity in Africa. Right from the time Rawlings became Ghanaian leader, Nigeria has become Ghana’s antithesis.

Nigeria has been sliding steadily into a banana republic, while Ghana is becoming a virile and veritable nation. In the past, Ghanaians longed to be in Nigeria, but now Ghana has become Nigerians’ Mecca.

Unfortunately in Nigeria, weak people are at the helm of affairs. Our leaders are integrity-deficient, morally bankrupt and primordially sentimental. They worship at the altar of lust, offer sacrifices at the temple of perfidy, pay obeisance to the god of self-indulgence and genuflect to tribal and religious demons. They fail to understand that occupants of high offices should be above board. A leader that will build strong institutions must understand the demands and responsibility of high office.

A leader sets the pace and shows the way. But if all he does is render the lullaby of corruption and play the card of nepotism, the people are left with no choice but to dance to his tune. Rot in a fish starts from the head. Paradoxically, while weak institutions protect weak leaders, strong institutions are the bulwark of the society and its systems.

So, there is no motivation for weak leaders to build strong institutions; it will be self-defeating. A man’s action is a reflection of his conviction; a corrupt man cannot crusade against corruption; a weak leader cannot advocate for strong institutions.

One way to strengthen institutions is to build an effective justice system such that anyone caught acting contrary to the laws of the land finds no shield anywhere. This will not happen naturally; it will happen when political leaders, especially at the highest level of government, are courageous enough to step on toes and punish every breach. But how can leaders with soiled hands come to equity?

Building strong institutions starts with a strongman who is able to say no to his weaknesses and is ready to curb the people’s excesses. The institutions initially will require the protection of strong leaders from manipulation but eventually they get so strong that they no longer need the shield.

Then, on their own, the institutions can defend the people’s patrimony without being at the mercy of a few persons, including the benevolent strongman. That is what happened in Singapore.

Until we have leaders, who are strong in character and can discipline themselves, the hope of having strong institutions will remain forlorn.

17

Sunday Tribune

24 July, 2016

Why I don’t have male fans

—Mo’Abudu’s daughter

k n i h t s n a f my e

t y s i h t r W ’m unserious a enazi I

—Pep

ce will e whole pla d th d n a rn s will tu feature enazi, head singles, Illegal, which p e P n o ti s to be n e h two hit g man seem usic it ople, but m n w e u y p o tr y y s n e u a d th m er and into m bell to music in el of his care e story of his journey y not ring a ched himself into the v a le m t s e o d o m y p a the to s laun enga K hares th peyemi Gb oor. The pop singer ha ve pushed Pepenazi to h SEGUN ADEBAYO, s O e m a n e Th wit g fl s ha to a dancin is interview e two song literally turn ne for the Road- thes sic industry. Pepe in th dO mu right people around you, it creates a positive vibe which Olamide an bit of his time in the ry e v t. e n a increases productivity. g v in le y enjo s to stay re d n te in e h and how At this point in your career, what do you think

Y

OU are gradually becoming a force in the music industry. What’s the feeling like for you now?

There’s no greater joy than doing what you love and seeing it get appreciated. So if you ask me how I feel, I’ll tell you I feel very elated and thankful for the kind of fans I have and the unconditional love they’ve shown me this far. My fans have been my driving force and one of the major reasons I’m where I am today.

Attaining this level must have come with its high and low moments, what was it like during those days when all you had was your voice and songs?

Yes, definitely. There have been highs and lots of lows but then again that’s what makes up a perfect success story. Back then, it was difficult, booking studio sessions, getting the right, producer and necessary funds to make that happen, believing in yourself and getting others to follow suit. The hardest part was actually convincing my parents that music is a profitable craft. Then there’s the problem of standing out in an already choked industry.

Passion and “strong-head” are some of the qualities that made me overlook all the low moments.

How did the music journey start for you? What inspired the dream?

Music for me started way back when I was a kid. It didn’t start from the church as most usually do. I’d say music grew in me and my dad was one of my strongest influences. I listened to songs off his playlist especially at weekends while doing home work and house chores. He listened to a lot of Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade, Fela and the likes. Junior and Pretty who also happened to be one of the biggest Nigerian acts as of that time stayed just a street away. So music was practically everywhere around me. I also listened to a lot of hip hop, then I started expressing myself through rhymes and poetry when I joined the literary & debating society in high school, Mayflower, Ikenne, Ogun State. That was basically how the journey started for me.

You have succeeded in dropping hit singles in the last two years, what have you been getting right?

First of all it’s been by the grace of God because that’s where all inspiration comes from. Working with the right producers that understand me and with the right team has also given me an edge. When you have the

you can’t do without?

I don’t mean to be too spiritual but I pray a lot. That’s how I start my day. It’s what I do before I step into the booth to record. It’s what I do before I go on stage. It’s now a part of me and now more than ever, it’s something I can’t do without. It’s my “one for the road”

Dropping hit songs is one thing, writing them is another work that many artistes don’t do again these days, how do you want to keep the momentum going?

As I said before, it’s about having that positive energy all around you. Writers are inspired by their immediate world, what they see, where they visit, pleasurable conversations and so on. Most times you hit a brick wall and you run out of ideas but that’s only normal. You just have to give it time, give yourself a break, and go on vacations. You’ll find out that your creative juices have been refreshed. It’s also important to note that writing itself is a skill, if you don’t have it, hire people who can do it for you. It’s not a big deal; you have only created a job opportunity for someone.

Continues on pg20

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24 July, 2016 Segun Adebayo tegbollistic@yahoo.com 08116954644

Seyi Sokoya seyi_sky@yahoo.com 08075166585

I have a unique charisma

Cleric admonishes in new album

—Shontee

By Segun Adebayo

I am not broke, Saidi Balogun refutes rumour

By Segun Adebayo

A

CTOR, Saidi Balogun, is in the news again. This time, he is coming out to refute claims in some quarters that he has gone broke, hence his decision to come back to acting.

Balogun said there was no iota of truth in the report, saying that “some people tend to deceive themselves by believing that they know everything that happens to you as though they live inside your house or they know every move that you make.”

Reports surfaced weeks ago that Balogun was having some financial problems and that he has stopped attending public events as a result of his financial status.

R gathered that Balogun, who has not been appearing in his colleagues’ movies for about three years has now returned to acting and some people believe that the actor returned because he was having difficulties meet-

ing up with some financial obligations The actor insisted that he would not have responded to the report as there was no iota of truth in it, adding that “if you think I am broke, then you should know that what you think does not in any way affect my life. The truth is that I have better things to do with my time than to be responding to hearsays. Everybody is busy with activities that would better their lives and I am not exception to that. I am neither rich nor broke, but I am happy and contented with what God has done for me.”

He added that he was not appearing in other people’s movies for some time because he was busy with other engagements that were not necessarily related to acting.

“I have been in and out of the country for the past one or two years. Having said that, how does my absence and return translate to me being broke? I don’t think that argument is logical,” he said.

Sunday Tribune

BOLD, strong and talented are the words that can be used to describe fast-rising artiste, Cambi.H.Tarela, otherwise known as Shontee.

From all indications, she is ready to take her trade to the next level having returned to Nigeria from Ghana a few years ago.

Shontee’s music career started from Ghana in 2013 but she moved back to Nigeria thereafter to bring her music close to her roots and establish herself as an artiste who believes her talent can pave way for her.

“The message is simple, I want to make my mark and put my songs on the lips of many people. Of course, I can’t do that in Ghana, because Nigeria is my home, so I had to come back home to face the music business and I am happy that things are already looking up for me,” she said.

With a number of hit tracks to her credit, Shontee said she has a unique charisma that can influence at first sight but that is not what she intends to preach with her songs. “I love to be me in whatever I do.

“I don’t want to sound like this person or that person. I am original. I am a trend setter and I am determined to always make my music relatable to my fans and the music industry at large,” she stated.

Speaking on how she has settled in after returning from Ghana, the singer said the journey has not been easy but God’s grace has kept her afloat. “I won’t say the journey has been easy but God’s grace has made things easy for me. You know I was a student in Ghana and I had to round off with school. But we all know that when it comes to music in Africa, Nigeria is the number one country for that and let’s not forget I’m a Nigeran.”

Shontee has worked with a num-

By Seyi Sokoya IN his effort to extend the gospel message through music, presiding minister of the Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C), The Word in the World, Akobo, Ibadan, Oyo State, Pastor Kehinde Oyewale, has released his second album entitled: ‘Aranmisio’.

The pastor and gospel musician said that the new album was aimed at enlightening people on the importance of living a righteous life, adding that, “All the tracks in the album have a lot of messages for all and sundry.”

Speaking on his passion for music, Oyewale said that, “This is part of the errands God has sent me to preach the gospel truth to all and sundry and I will not relent irrespective on the challenges. Being a pastor and gospel musician is propagating the work of God and that is what I have been called to do. I urge people to heed to these messages because it is directly from God.” He added that people should not only listen or dance to the tune of the gospel messages, but also endevour to make use of the messages. ber of popular music producers in the country. from E-Kelly to Suka Sound and KM Tunez, but she wants more and she knows that the competition is rife.

“I am ambitious. With my knowledge in life, I have come to understand that competition is good. It pushes you to work harder. So, my strategy to remain swift is to use the competition to my advantage and work harder or my hardest. is the number 1 country when it comes to music in Africa,” said.

I want to change the music game plan —EazyTiger FAST-RISING hip hop singer and song writer, Chidi Emeka-Ben, otherwise known as Eazytiger has made a bold statement about his budding music career, saying that he plans to use his songs to change the game plan and alter the trend in the music industry.

EazyTiger who is currently observing his Youth Service in Lagos State stated this during his media chat with some newsmen while revealing his plans to take industry by storm when his music career finally hits the big stage.

According to the young singer, who said his artistic innovation and passion to create something out of nothing will spur him to greatness.

“I try to put all I have got and make sure that I am releasing to my fans is appealing and pleasing to the ear. Inspiration flows in more often when I am alone. I also draw a lot of inspiration from my friends anytime I am with them.”

Speaking on the game plan, Eazytige said the plan is to change the usuals in the music scene. “I am just going to me all through and I will seize any opportunity to work with any artistes that come my way. As long as the song is classic, then I am ready to jump on the track without hesitation because I love to make music that appears as if it were magic,” he said.

19

razzmatazz

By Segun Adebayo

HAPPY times are here again for veteran actor, Jide Kosoko, as R gathered that the light-skinned actor, who lost his wife recently, has been named as the brand ambassador for MeritAbode Limited, owners of Emerald Estates.

The new deal came at a time when Kosoko was still mourning the death of Henrietta, who died

of complications arising from diabetes and was buried in Delta State weeks ago.

The deal, which was said to have fetched Kosoko some mil-

WALE Adenuga Productions (WAP) in collaboration with Purple, will commence broadcast of a new season of Superstory, entitled: Stars & Scars, on Thursday, July 28.

According to the producer of the multiple-award-winning Superstory TV Drama, Wale Adenuga Jnr., “we are glad the last season entitled ‘The Other Side’ was tremendously successful in provoking discussions that interrogate negative stereotypes that hinge on women in leadership, decision making and violence against women.”

Stars & Scars, this season’s offering, takes people through a journey in the lives of a celebrity couple; their struggles, the intrigues behind the bright lights and the undercurrents of a dark side.

It features Rykardo Agbor, Susan Festus, Khing Bassey, Ireti Osayemi, Saheed Balogun, Rachel Oniga, Paul Adams, Lanre Hassan, ChiChi King, Jaywon, Annabell Zwyindila and others.

AMAMN sensitises artistes’ managers IN its quest to periodically train its members on improving the services of the artiste management sector, the Association of Music Artistes Managers of Nigeria (AMAMN), hosted artistes’ managers to mark the first training series of its members.

The aim of the event held at Ashley’s Lounge at Ikate-Elegushi in Lagos State was not only to guide and direct popular and upand-coming artistes’ managers, but also to share ideas, challenges and solution so as to give the profession a facelift.

The seminar entitled: “The ABC of Artiste Management”, had speakers including a seasoned entertainment lawyer, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, who spoke on ‘The Dotted Lines”, covering what to look out for and include in contractual agreements between the

Sunday Tribune

Jide Kosoko gets new endorsement deal

Superstory and Purple premiere ‘Stars & Scars’

By Seyi Sokoya

24 July, 2016

artiste manager and the artiste and also with the record label.

Talent manager, film producer and lawyer, Ms Emem Ema, also took members on “The Business of Artiste Management’, with emphasis on the business aspect of artiste management and graphic representation of the financial flow in the music and entertainment industry and how an artiste manager can tap into it for their client.

AMAMAN president, Sijuade Adedokun, popularly known as, Obasijuade, said the initiative was meant to address the basics of the profession and refocus members and practicing artiste managers on what the profession entails.

One of the high points of the event was the presentation of the membership certificate and identity cards to members who had completed their registration process with the association.

lions of naira, would have been announced before now, but had to be put on hold until after the burial of his wife.

Sharing the news with R in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, the actor said he was proud to be associating with MeritAbode because of what the company stands for.

According to him, the deal came when he was not expecting it but when he considered the offer and what the company represents in terms of encouraging and helping people to build and buy houses at affordable rates, he could not say no to the offer.

Asked how much the deal fetched him, Kosoko said he would not want to reveal the monetary benefits of the deal but would rather implore his colleagues and Nigerians to avail themselves the opportunity to own their houses.

“The deal had been on for a long time, but I had to consider it before I signed. I was about to sign and be announced as their ambassador but Henrietta’s death forced us to keep it under wraps. Now that I am gradually getting back to work, I feel this is the best time to let Nigerians know what I am up to,” he said.

When Don Jazzy, fans had fun at Mavin studio

By Seyi Sokoya IT was a moment to remember and cherish for eight fans when award-winning producer and MTN ambassador, Don Jazzy, hosted them inside his famous Mavin Records studio last week Friday.

The lucky ones were brought to the fans-meet-idol session by a VIP chauffeur service provided

by Metro Taxi, while they were treated to hours of fun inside the studio.

Aside meeting with the record label owner, Don Jazzy, and one of the Mavin artistes, Dr. Sid, the fans were also treated to exclusive listening of yet-to-be released tracks by Reekado Banks, a new video by D’Prince and other new productions.

Mavin Records and their newly signed media management, Temple Management Company,

selected the fans randomly via the social media such as Twitter and Instagram out of thousands of entries that flooded the #ILoveMTN social media challenge.

Don Jazzy had the fans flown in from different states including Abuja, Cross River, Enugu, Imo, and Lagos, but the shortlisted fans include: Mary Odere (@oderemary), Adebayo Ridwan Abidemi (@isbae_u), Bright Eugene (@brytedude), Chisom Madueke (@iamblazealert), Richie Davies (@the_richie), Uche Odinamba (@ucheisclown) and Louis Nwagwu (@baze_10).

One of the fans, Mary Odere, described her experience, saying, “If I was asked to trade this once-in-a-life-time experience for cash, I won’t think twice before rejecting it. I have been a big fan of Don Jazzy and I have never been to a recording studio before. I am so excited to be at

the famous Mavin Records mansion with Don Jazzy and this moment will remain with me for ever.”

They enjoyed a delicious spread provided by Grind Grill Café and Lastshot Drinks, but the goodies did not end there.

They also got to take home, surprise goody bags packed by MTN Nigeria and The Temple Management Company to each of them.

Don Jazzy, who recently signed a deal with Temple Management Company, expressed his pleasure hosting the fans.

“I always wanted to take time off my busy schedule to meet my young fans and inspire them. I am happy that Temple Management Company with support from MTN is making it happen; thanks to every organization that supported us to make this happen,” he said.

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24 July, 2016

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

Well, I wouldn’t say I’ve got to that highest level but I definitely have become a force to reckon with and that’s progress, judging from where it all began. I see myself as blessed because there are a number of artistes that started way before I did but haven’t recorded as much success as I have.

Obviously, your days or struggling are over, things appear to be looking up for you now. How are you making sure that you save for the rainy day? *Ahh!! The hustle is still very much on oo. We grind every single day non-stop even Dangote still has to hustle, but things are definitely looking brighter. There’s always going to be a rainy day so I’m doing a lot of investing, not just in music, but also in other industries. It’s always better to have multiple streams of income.

; n o s r e p l a u t i r i p s a ‘I’m

I

’ t o l a y a r p

What kinds of songs do you do and what messages are you selling to your audience?

Certainly! I’m very proud of every song I’ve created. I do songs that people can relate to. Most from past experience, others from what I’m feeling at that point in time. “Illegal” was that fun word we used as kids to express when someone was acting strange or doing things in a weird way. Even parents used it. So what I did was put it in a song, got the right producer and Olamide was just perfect on the hook.

“One for the road” on the other hand is a feel good song that encourages people to always be positive come what may. To always look for that silver lining no matter the circumstance.

With the hustling and bustling in this country, it’s only right to have that song on your playlist. I didn’t drop these songs based on an already existing trend, I dropped them solely because it’s what the mainstream can easily relate to and it became a trend.

Is it true that only lewd songs sell fast and are mostly appreciated by fans?

It’s true what advertising practitioners say “sex sells” but then again, we have a very intelligent Nigerian audience/fan base that selectively expose themselves to media content. In the midst of the hullabaloo, some fans take their time out to appreciate good music. It’s only a matter of time for others to follow suit.

What are your plans to have an album to your credit and what should your fans be expecting from you anytime soon?

Fans and marketers have been calling out for an album already but I have decided to take my time a bit to increase their hunger and thirst for it. My album is almost done, so my fans should expect nothing less than top notch. It’s definitely going to be very refreshing

Continues from pg17

Do you actually write songs?

Yes, of course, I do. I don’t just write for myself, I write for others too.

In your struggling days, how many songs did you write?

Well, I can’t actually give you an exact figure because I couldn’t keep track. I wrote a lot, I was hungry and ambitious, I think I had about a whole big book full of lyrics. I only wonder where that book is now.

How big is the Pepenazi brand in the music industry today?

Pepenazi is a brand that has definitely come to stay. The brand “Pepenazi” is definitely not where it used to be. It’s a work in progress and I’m glad it has steadily become a household name today.

The competition is rife, how prepared are you for the task ahead?

Competition is what brings out the best in every industry. Today we can see the rapid growth in the Nigerian entertainment industry as a result of this. The sweet thing about competition is carving out your own niche. It’s what singles you out from the multitude. I have

my style which I intend to stick to and modify if need be.

So I guess I’m very prepared.

Looking back at where you were coming from, what singular thing did you think was part of you back then that you have stopped doing?

Well my love for “mama put” has to a certain extent reduced. I can no longer go to a street side food vendor.

Sometimes it’s annoying but then again, that’s part of the price you pay.

Where do you place yourself in the music industry today?

...I wrote a lot, I was hungry and ambitious, I think I had about a whole big book full of lyrics.

You are called Pepenazi, where did you get it from?

Pepenazi takes its roots as far back as my high school days. Pepe was given to me back in school because I was very outspoken. Then I turned it into an abbreviation for “People earn, people enjoying nice and zealous instincts”. I know it’s a mouthful but just hold on to the instincts.

Some people don’t see you as a serious artiste.

But then you come out with something special every time. What is it about your style that people don’t understand?

That question really sounds funny. Let’s just say the thing about me that they know is what is confusing them! My style is eclectic and very conscious with a unique groove that has deep African roots. It’s meant to take people by surprise and play with their minds. I guess that’s what makes it special.

Are you not worried that people don’t really understand you?

I think a lot of people understand me it’s just taking a little bit of time for them to adjust to my sound which is only normal.

What would you like God to still do for you?

Only God truly knows our innermost desires. So, I simply want him to take charge and direct my path.

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24 July, 2016

PEOPLE

places&parties

Where is TeeBlizz?

Y

ES, Tunji Balogun, otherwise known as TeeBillz, ex hubby of pop singer, Tiwa Savage, has been quiet. Not much has been heard of him and many people have been asking what the tall artiste manager could be up to at the moment.

Two months have passed since his infamous Instagram rants that would later reveal that their once celebrated love had gone sour and that the marriage was headed for the rocks with both parties trading acussations bordering on infidelity and insincerity.

After their separation, there were moves for reconciliation but Savage appeared to have been hurt the most as she would later reveal in a video interview that it was over. Their separation shook the social firmament at that time and dominated public discourse for weeks.

As you read this, whereabouts of TeeBillz have remained unknown after he was reportedly evicted from Banky W’s house where he stayed while the break up drama lasted.

PPP gathered that Savage and TeeBillz met at an undisclosed location recently to discuss the custody of their son, Jamil. Those who were privy to the brief meeting informed PPP that the former loverbirds have moved on and are already embracing new chapters in their lives.

Femi Fani-Kayode relaxes AFTER the rain comes the sunshine. This popular saying aptly describes the current mood of former Minister of Aviation and Director of Media & Publicity in President Goodluck Jonathan’s 2015 Campaign, Femi Fani-Kayode.

After he was granted bail by a Federal High Court weeks back, FFK as he’s fondly called returned home to the waiting hands of his wife, Precious, who held forte for him while he was away.

Despite the hard times the family is going through, the couple are soaked in each other’s love and have been having a nice time together.

This is evident in the pictures they share regulalrly on social media platforms in the last few weeks.

After what he described as his worst experience in prison, FFK who spent 67 days in detention may have realised that life is not easy but having a support system in one’s partner makes life much easier.

With his case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) adjourned till October, FFK has told those who cared to listen that he would not be silenced as he prepares to defend himself when the the hearing resumes.

Sunday Tribune

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

At Toyin Kolade’s birthday party

Bill Gates to speak on MTV Base AS you are reading this, plans have been concluded by Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), Africa, for US entrepreneur and philanthropist, Bill Gates, to appear on a special episode of ‘MTV Base Meets’.

PPP gathered that Gates will make the appearance to share his views on the future of African technology, innovation and development with a group of African youths.

The show will host Bill Gates alongside a panel of leading African tech entrepreneurs, innovators and social investors, who are making contributions in the energy, employment, health, environment and education sectors. The panellists comprise George Mtemahanji from Tanzania, Nigeria’s Chris

Kwekowe, Brian Gitta from Uganda, Thato Kgathlanye and Siya Xuza from South Africa and Martha Njeri Chumo from Kenya.

ANYTIME influential businesswoman and popular socialite, Chief (Mrs) Toyin Kolade, throws her doors open for parties, many people will beat a path to the venue. The reason for this is not out of reach.

Iyalaje, as she’s fondly called has, over the years, dished out kindness in a hate-filled society and shows love to all without inhibtions.

It is always a payback time anytime she throws a party of any kind. Last week Wednesday was not an exception when she added another year. It was an evening set aside by most of her friends, family and business associates who poured encomiums on the woman whose business interests cut across different strata.

It was supposed to be a lowkey affair, but it turned out to be something bigger.

Trust the Osun State born socialite, she ensured that those who came to rejoice with her had enough to eat and drink. By all standards, the woman who is loved by many for her heart of gold commands a lot of respect from both young and old, especially among political, business and social circles.

She’s a successful businesswoman of note, who has her hands in different pies: oil and gas, interior decor, real estate, hospitality, among others.

Cobhams, Asa, Wyclef on a big project THIS is a good news to the fans of music producer, Cobhams Asuquo and Asa as information gathered by R revealed that the duo are currently in the studio with Wyclef Jean for a new song.

Cobhams Asuquo is currently in New York, United States, for the One Africa Music Fest and while there he stopped at Wyclef Jean‘s studio.

In a video posted on Instagram, Wyclef asks Cobhams

“You have a song for us?” and the 35-year old producer replies “Yes. I’ve been writing the song for years. I’ve been looking for when you both will jump on it.”

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24 July, 2016

Photo:www.popsugar.com

Rita Okonoboh 08053789087 rosarumese@gmail.com

Photo:www.pinterest.com

Photo:www.glamour.com

Photo:www.eyeshadowlipstick.com

makeover

P

Photo:www.aliexpress.com

Photo:www.munaluchibridal.com

Dressing up with purple lipstick

URPLE lipstick was predicted at the beginning of 2016 to take over the fashion world and with half of the year gone, the bold colour is still holding strong for red carpet events, weddings, office environments, picnics, churches, among others.

Purple is a colour that works well with as many skin tones as possible, including dark-skinned people, so it is no surprise that it’s becoming a favourite for Nigerians. However, makeup artist, Dora Akinola, of Dolly’s Beauty Imppressions, Ojodu, Lagos State, provides few rules for going purple.

Match shade to skin tone To apply purple lipstick, be sure to know exactly what your skin tone is and match. Purple lipstick comes in a variety of shades including mauve, smoked purple, berry, violet, plum, among others.

Let your face shine If your skin looks dull, pale lipstick will only help to make it worse unless you apply some kind of shine.

So, use a bronzer when applying face makeup.

Reduce makeup on other parts Purple is a bold colour, so it would help if you went easy on other parts of the face. For the eyes, you could use a light shade of the smoky makeup version, and if you can, go neutral.

Let your eyes speak When using purple lipstick, use nice liner for the eyes. You could do the cat eye makeup or opt for a light smoky look.

Purple lipstick has a way of making a woman’s face come alive, and as such, it is the best option when you’re feeling low, or just want your face to look ra-

Sunday Tribune

diant. Interestingly, they work well for dark-skinned people. The trick to perfection is choosing the right shade.

Looking your best in wedding photos YOUR wedding photos, like your spouse, will stick with you for the rest of your life (that’s the goal, at least). So how do you make sure—on such a busy and happy day—that you’re posing for perfection? We asked professional wedding photographers to give their best tips on posing, smiling, and keeping it candid, so you can ace your future album and concentrate on celebrating.

• For candid photos, it’s always helpful to look slightly away from the camera. Try looking over the photographer’s shoulder or at your bridesmaids. It’s best to move into a position, so it feels more natural, rather than freezing in a pose. —Kate Hauschka, Kate Hauschka Photography • The trick to looking good in your wedding photos is actually quite simple. Stand up tall and keep your shoulders back. Try not to slouch and keep your chin up. It’s always a good idea to practice this in front of your mirror before your wedding day. —Susan Shek, Susan Shek Photography.

• Enjoy yourself. Don’t be so stressed out about everything that’s going to happen that day because it will show on your face. Be confident in the fact that everything is done now, and the day has come where all you need to do is go get married and enjoy yourself. —James Berglie, Be Photography • I recommend to my brides to consider a ‘first look’ with their groom, so that they can do their wedding photos prior to the ceremony. This way you are taking photos closer to the time you had your hair and makeup done. —Joanna Moss, Joanna Moss Photography • Stay relaxed. People always look the most photogenic when they’re relaxed. Doing something as small as making sure to take a few deep breaths throughout the day can help you relax and give you a natural glow in your photos. —Michael Freeby, Michael Freeby Photography • One tip that I always tell my brides is that true emotion is so much better than posed. Faking a smile will result in a photo you hate. During your photo session, make sure you don’t focus on the photographer, but rather, your new husband! Focus on your emotion and you’ll create photos you love. —Reis Shimabukuro, Capturing Hawaii Photography • Take it easy on the makeup. Request that your makeup artist give you an enhanced natural appearance, especially when it comes to the eyes. False lashes are a big deal when it comes to makeup. They transform the eyes, making them pop in the photographs. But instead of using the adhesive strips, apply individual lashes so that if one piece falls off, there is no big deal. —Erin Bhoorasingh, Grand Lens Photography Source: Women Health Magazine

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24 July, 2016

One glass of wine a day raises the risk of cancer, says scientists DRINKING alcohol causes at least seven kinds of cancer, a new study warned on Friday.

According to the Daily Mail of UK, researchers said even people who drink low levels are at risk of developing the disease - killing off the idea that a glass of red wine can be good for you.

Although the exact mechanism is not known, there is ‘strong evidence’ alcohol increases the

risk of developing the disease, experts said.

Alcohol causes cancer of the mouth and throat, larynx, oesophagus, liver, colon, bowel and breast, but may also cause other forms. And even drinking small amounts raises the risk.

Professor Jennie Connor of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at Otago Medical School in New Zealand conduct-

ed the review of research taking into account the latest studies.

She said alcohol is estimated to have caused half a million deaths since 2012 – amounting to more than one in 20 – 5.8 per cent - of all cancer deaths.

Professor Connor added: “There is strong evidence that alcohol causes cancer at seven sites, and probably others.

“Confirmation of specific bio-

logical mechanisms by which alcohol increases the incidence of each type of cancer is not required to infer that alcohol is a cause.”

She said there is no safe level of drinking with respect to cancer.

However, the risks are reduced for some forms when people stop drinking.

The supposed health benefits of drinking - such as red wine being good for the heart - were seen as irrelevant in comparison to the increased risk of cancer.

Professor Connor said the evidence shows the relation between alcohol and cancer is ‘dose dependent’ – in other words the more you drink, the greater the risk.

The research reinforces guidelines issued in January by the UK’s chief medical officers, who said no level of regular drinking is without risks to health.

Dame Sally Davies, chief medical officer for England, said each time she has a drink, she asks herself “do I want the glass of wine or do I want to raise my risk of breast cancer?”

In light of the medical officers’ report, NHS guidelines now advise men should consume no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, down from the previous 21 units, bringing them into line with the recommendation for women.

Fourteen units is around seven pints of medium strength lager, or nine and a third 125ml glasses of medium strength wine.

Officers also warned women who regularly drink two units a day have a 16 per cent increased risk of developing breast cancer

Sunday Tribune

and dying from it.

And those who regularly consume five units a day have a 40 per cent increased risk. For every 1,000 women who don’t drink, 109 will develop breast cancer.

This rises to 126 women for those who drink 14 units or less per week, and 153 women for those who drink 14 to 35 units a week.

Scientists are still researching how alcohol can lead to cancer but one theory is alcohol damages DNA. Susannah Brown, science programme manager for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), said many people wrongly believe alcohol consumption is only linked to liver cancer.

She said: “Among other evidence, we see the risk increasing as the amount of alcohol consumed increases, and we agree there is solid evidence to conclude that alcohol consumption directly causes cancer.

“For cancer prevention, we have long recommended people should not drink alcohol at all, but we understand this can be easier said than done.”

Alan Boobis, Professor of Biochemical Pharmacology at Imperial College, London, said the research is “a useful summary of alcohol and cancer.”

Pointing out recent research by Cancer Research UK that 90 per cent of the public are unaware alcohol causes cancer, he said: “The science is now well established. The main difficulty is communicating effectively with the public.”

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Sunday Tribune

Sunday Tribune

24 July, 2016

glamour Temidayo Abudu is a producer with EbonyLife TV whose latest work, a TV reality show entitled: On The Real, is curently making waves. The London graduate of Management and Marketing speaks with TAYO GESINDE on her obsession with reality TV show, her experience shooting On The Real, among others. Excerpts:

—Angel Funto Johnson

Why I don’t have

male fans —MoAbudu’sdaughter

H

OW I got the inspiration for On The Real I am obsessed with reality TV and I watched a lot of reality shows. At a time I felt we should do a reality feature and I didn’t feel the characters came out as real as they should do. So, I thought let’s do a reality show with a drama setting. It sounds confusing but when you watch it, it makes full sense. It is a cross between drama and reality TV. How I became a producer I have always liked to write stories.

At a time I was actually trying to get a job at Ebony Life TV. I was trying to convince my mum to let me come on board at EbonyLife, but she was not really forthcoming. So, I put some ideas down that I wanted to present them to her but I got another job elsewhere and the idea was just there on my laptop till now. All the characters in On The Real are very interesting; they are relatable. It is about fictional characters living in the real world – Lagos. They represent parts of youth culture that people can relate with.

The show is all relatable and familiar but packaged in a unique format that I’ve yet to come across on television.

With Tayo Gesinde temiligali03@yahoo.com 08054727801

I’m a liberal person tion before. Nobody knows the perfect recipe to life but if you know what you want, you should go for it. Try not to step on any toes along the way.

Growing up It was cool. It was every child’s dream. It was interesting. I studied Management and Marketing in London and for my Master’s, I did an Anthropology course. I have always had a passion for TV. When I was in the university, I didn’t think I would go into TV but I thought I wanted to do something in the media, but I didn’t know what exactly I would do. After learning more about TV and the different roles that people play, and knowing that I can organise and plan things and I like creative things, writing stories, I thought the actual job for me was to probably be a producer. I am here now with a lot of help.

Assessment of Nollywood I think it is an amazing industry. I actually did my dissertation for my Master’s on Nollywood. After studying the industry, I had more respect for it. It tells everyday stories that any Nigerian around the world could relate to as something that has happened to them or someone they know. It is good to see that time is actually being taken to make the movies, and reality shows.

I think eventually, we will get to where

we want it to be.

Challenges faced A lot of the challenges had to do with logistic. For instance, you go to location, you want to shoot but you are running late and you had to run on diesel and the generator had to go off at a time. You also had to wait for the cast to get there on time. Sometimes, you are stuck in traffic for hours and you still had to get set to shoot. All of the challenges faced had to do with logistic. They were not major challenges but they affected the cost of production but eventually, we got through all of them. We have a completed TV show now. Thank God. Description of self I am reserved. I am only outgoing when I am around people that I know.

People complain that I am quiet. I am only quiet around people that I don’t know. I am actually a fun-loving person. I like to have a good time and I also like to work hard. I enjoy my job. I love my job, I can do it forever and not complain.

Philosophy of life I have never been asked that ques-

Definition of style Style has to do with confidence and character. Whatever that relates to your character and you are confident with it, that is your style. You could wear a black slack, if you are confident in it, people will call you stylish.

Beauty regimen I don’t have a rigid beauty regimen that I follow. For my skin, I use a face wash.

Sometimes, I scrub my face and I don’t wear heavy makeup except when going for important occasions.

Fashion obsessions Sneakers.

Special treat I buy myself a nice meal and I watch an interesting movie or go on holiday.

Favourite holiday spot I don’t have any yet. There are still many interesting places in the world that I want to see. Maybe when I see all of them I can now decide which one is my favourite.

Favourite designers That is a tough question. I am not at a point in life where I can afford all the designers that I love. I can’t mention their names now until I start buying and wearing them.

On how I handle advances from male fans I am not a celebrity and I don’t really have male fans. To be honest, I don’t even have many followers on Instagram. As a producer, I am always behind the scene.

Most expensive item in my wardrobe I can’t answer that question.

My take on provocative dressing It is not good to judge. If you think it is cool and you are confident enough to wear it, good for you. I like the way I dress. I think it is okay. If people want to dress provocatively, that is their business.

On toning If you feel you need to tone your skin, that is your business.

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Angel Funto Johnson is an up-and-coming actress, who played the role of 19-year-old Wana in the TV reality series, On The Real. She speaks with TAYO GESINDE on the challenges she faced on set and the difference between her character and her real self. Excerpts:

I

Challenges faced T was my first shot at acting on television. It was quite challenging at times but it was also fantastic. I enjoyed every single minute of it. Even the challenges, when I look back now, I am like wow! We actually went through all that. At first I was nervous even before going in front of the camera, I was scared I would forget my lines and make us shoot a scene over and over again. To overcome that, I made sure I went through my lines and made sure I got the hang of things.

My character She is 19-year-old and a university drop-out. She came to Nigeria on holiday and decided not to go back to the UK. She is someone with loose morals who doesn’t really care about much. She is just living her life and taking each step as it comes.

She likes drinking, partying. She wants to be the next Faridah, to be in the spotlight.

Between my character and my real self Wana’s background is different from Angel’s own in the sense that she is the youngest of many children and her parents were quite old so she was a bit neglected whereas in my own family, we are quite close and I am a middle child, I have two brothers, older and younger one and they are very protective of me. Though she has loose moral, I don’t. However, I am a liberal person. Though I am a few years older than 19, I was able adapt into the role.

My experience so far in acting It is something I will like to do again. I had so much fun doing it. The cast and the whole production crew were supportive and very nice. They helped me a lot.

We all act a lot during the day. The way you will act with a friend will be different with the way you act with your family so we all act unknowingly.

What acting means to me We all act a lot during the day. The way you will act with a friend will be different with the way you act with your family so we all act unknowingly. But acting for TV is consciously portraying different personae.

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24 July, 2016

With Akintayo Abodunrin akinjaa03@yahoo.co.uk 08111813058

The advocacy segment of the 2016 Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange was as surreal as it was interesting

I

T died a horrible death deep inside the Ijegba Forest. It was a most painful death as fire slowly consumed it while very terrible curses rained down from ‘earthlings’ and ‘ancestors’ to escort it to the great beyond.

“Epe lo maa payin o, gbogboeyint’ enjiowoilu, epe lo maa pa yin o! Corruption, o yaku o. Ikuoro! Ina ma jo won, gbogboawon ole...” meaning, “Curses will kill you, all you looters! Corruption, die. Die a painful death. Fire burn them, all thieves,” the lead chanter, the dancer and choreographer, Peter Badejo (OBE),intoned as the effigy of corruption slowly burnt in the bush.

It was a surreal moment late in the night as Badejo, masquerades, dancers and singers went about cursing corruption with vigour. The fact that the singers were gesticulating and hurling the curses into the audience who promptly threw it back at them further highlighted the creepiness of the performance, the high point of the advocacy component of the Wole Soyinka International Cultural Exchange (WSICE) held annually since 2010 to celebrate the birthday of the Nobel Laureate. This year’s event was themed ‘Corruption: A battle for the arts’ The night had begun tamely enough inside the Ijegba Forest Amphi theatre close to Soyinka’s Abeokuta, Ogun State home with Yinka Ola-Williams performing an excerpt from ‘The Lost Poetry of Prof. Soyinka’. Rich in imagery and borrowing generously from Yoruba language to celebrate the child and childless persons amongst others, the poems were first performed by Soyinka himself in Bayreuth, Germany in 1973 but had become lost to the world. Ola Williams, backed by singers and dancers did a fine job ‘resurrecting’ them.

The Ogun State Cultural Troupe and another group of actors were also not left out of the opening performances. While the Oguntroupe entertained the audience with a variety songs and dances, the other group presented a hilarious drama on corruption, a combination of Soyinka’s ‘Riceee’ and ‘EtikoRevoWetin?’ directed by Dr. Tunde Awosanmi.

Using their artistic license to the full, they parodied the National Assembly and the fat allowances of lawmakers in a country where majority are suffering. The political parties with their opaque ideologies and policies were not spared by the artists who also took careful aim at the executive who promised people change but have instead been feeding them with “bullshit” while reneging on their promises. “Abeg stop the bullshit. Give us the change we voted for,” they chorused at the end of the enjoyable piece which interspersed the entire advocacy session.

‘We have a father’ Speaking after the first set of performances, Emeritus Professor of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan and the guest of honour, Femi Osofisan, began by saluting Soyinka 82 times. He noted that celebrating Soyinka’s legacy takes many forms and that, “I’m happy to be part of that legacy; he inspired us to use art for advocacy and for humanity.” Osofisan, who clocked 70 recently and who the advocacy session, was

Corruption’s horrific death in Ijegba Forest

in the play. The teacher in the Department of Africana Studies at the Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, US, also explained the political and spiritual corruption in the play and its presence in Nigeria. Ojewuyi lauded women in the text and the society generally, noting that despite their presence at the beginning and end of life, we abuse them. He likened Nigerian leaders to the selfish Elesin in the play.

Corruption burning in the Ijegba Forest Amphitheatre

A scene from ‘Ricee’ and ‘Etiko Revo Wetin’ dedicated to added that though corruption is interpreted mainly in monetary terms, it goes beyond that.

Using the ‘Babalawomowabebe’ song of the greedy tortoise folktale to buttress his point, the dramatist said “corruption is a moral thing and it takes off from small things. It starts from within you. We all know about the tortoise’s greed, this greed has taken over this country. But it is important that children should know that there was a time it wasn’t like this. This is a battle we all need to fight. If you cheat at an examination, when you pay for your child to gain admission into a school, when you go for something you know that you don’t merit, that is corruption. In fact, moral lapse has economic implication. And the kind of economy that we have, everybody is forced to steal. If we don’t restructure the economy, this [corruption] will go on.”

Ever a dramatist, Osofisan ended with a song in honour of Soyinka. “Ta lo so p’ani baba” (who says we don’t have a father), he began to sing and dance as the audience joined him.

Physician, heal thyself Delivering the first keynote titled ‘Corruption: A battle for the arts’, the public com-

mentator, Tunde Fagbenle, said the arts is as immersed in corruption as the society it parodies. For him, it’s a case of the physician healing him/her self firstas plagiarismand sex for roles in Nolywood amongst others, are corruption in the arts.

He held that the arts have a major role to play in the battle against corruption and that government needs to involve it in its current efforts. Recalling instances of previous interventions of art in corruption, Fagbenle cited how the press hounded President Nixon out of office; how the Nigerian media fought past dictatorships and the activist theatre of the late Chief Hubert Ogunde. He also touched on how Soyinka himself held a radio station hostage in the 60s and concluded that: “arts have a leading role to play not just against corruption but also corrupting influences. Corruption ruins and absolute corruption ruins absolutely.”

The second keynote speaker, Professor Ojewuyi, used Soyinka’s famous play, ‘Death and the King’s Horseman’, to give a profound treatise on corruption.He said that corruption is ruining our dreams as a country and briefly touched on the fracas between Senators RemiTinubu and Dino Melaye. Continuing, Ojewuyi highlighted the roles of the market women and their leader, Iyaloja

Tame that beast!

The panel session with the theme ‘Corruption as it affects children, women and our humanity’ and moderated by Sola Salako was no less interesting. Media professionals Kadaria Ahmed, Rose Moses and daughter of the late Chief MKO Abiola, HafsatAbiola Costello, were the panellists.

Responding to Salako’s question about the role of women in corruption, Abiola-Costello gave an illuminating answer using Soyinka as example. She said she went to clean Soyinka’s apartment when he was in the US and was surprised to see just six black shirts, two grey ones and about four trousers in his wardrobe. This, she said, surprised her considering Soyinka’s fame but that the lesson she learntis that we should be contented with whatever we have.

“Corruption starts inside us; are we satisfied with what we have? Each person has a beast inside us; we need to control that beast and not feed it by being content with what we have and not living beyond our means,” she said, adding that some women would love to wear matching asoebi, shoe, bag and jewellery when they can’t afford it. Others, the founder of KIND said, would put their children in private schools they can’t afford. “It all depends on our mindset; we must wake up and answer those questions. Corruption is also not just about leaders, it’s about followers too.”

For Ahmed, corruption makes us lose our humanity. “The minute you begin to abuse your power, you begin not to be normal. If you care about other people, I don’t think you will be corrupt.”

Rose said women could be victims of corruption as well as participants. She added that the effect of corruption is evident on the high incidence of maternal mortality and inadequate healthcare in the country.

On whether it was need that made some people corrupt, Ahmed said grand corruption starts from small things. For Abiola-Costello, the important thing is living within one’s means and that to tackle corruption, institutions and systems need to be strengthened.

Chair of the occasion, Professor Omofolabo Ajayi-Soyinka also gave a speech on corruption and why it needs to be confronted.

Stubborn beast It was after the panel discussion and just before the anniversary cake was cut that Badejo and the masquerades emerged to curse and burn corruption. But corruption won’t die easily. The ‘cor’ in its spelling refused to burn completely, signifying that both artists and other stakeholders in the Nigerian project have a real battle on their hands.

27

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

thepolity Abia: Tale of a troubled state

South-East Bureau Chief, JUDE OSSAI, examines the historical dimension to the political quagmire in Abia State, particularly as it concerns the Abia Equity Charter, which spells out power rotation among the three blocks in the state.

T

HAT Abia State which prides itself, as “God’s Own State”, is enmeshed in political turmoil is no longer news. Perhaps, what is strange is that the protagonists in the crisis, who are from within and outside the state, seem not prepared to drop their weapons.

Both Drs Okezie Ikpeazu and Uche Ogah are laying claim to the governorship seat of Abia State following the pronouncement of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja on June 27, 2016 that Ikpeazu ceases to be the governor of the state, prompting the Independent National Electoral gradually crippling as attention Commission (INEC) to issue a should issue certificate of return to Ogah, a development that has now culminated into what will go into the annals of history in the state as one of the biggest, if not the biggest, political tussle.

Daily, salvos are fired by each camp as the final resolution of the logjam is awaited at the Court of Appeal. The latest of the drama in Abia came at the weekend, when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claimed that INEC erred in issuing a certificate of return to Ogah, because the certificate issued was for the April 11, 2015 election, which the commission itself declared inconclusive. By this, Ikpeazu appeared to have had his hold on the governor’s seat strengthened, as the party maintained that only the certificate of return issued to Ikpeazu remained valid, because he got it after a supplementary election had been conducted.

A visit to Umuahia, the state capital, last Monday by Sunday Tribune, showed that this is not the best of times for Abians, as the crisis which had bedeviled the state has dealt a serious blow on the people, particularly the common folks.

Sunday Tribune investigations revealed that government activities have stalled as many of the state top government functionaries have shifted attention to the legal tussle engulfing the state. Even the unpaid bills to some state government employees have been largely attributed to the political conflict in the state.

The puzzle is that the crisis has persisted, even with the Abia Equity Charter agreed upon by the founding fathers of the state.

The charter simply defines power rotation arrangement among the three “federating” blocks in the state. The underlying reason for the charter if s to ensure that no block is left behind in power distribution or subjugated through the tyranny of connivance

Ikpeazu of the majority or better connected block(s).

Following the creation of Abia in 1991, Ogbonnaya Onu of Afikpo division was elected governor after meetings at Abiriba and other places that referenced the charter and other variables. Abiriba Kingdom actually sacrificed its son who was running for governorship to allow old Afikpo take the first shot at Abia governorship seat in the spirit of Abia Charter of equity.

After Onu, the next elected governor was Orji Kalu of Igbere in old Bende division.

He governed for eight years uninterrupted, making the two divisions, Afikpo and Bende, to have had their shares, though Afikpo division had joined Abakiliki to form Ebonyi State.

By a somewhat strange political twist in 2007, Chief Theodore Orji of Umuahia, also of old Bende block, succeeded Orji as the governor for another eight years.

To many Abians, the zonal politics as per senatorial zones introduced by Kalu and which stopped his erstwhile deputy, Enyinnaya Abaribe, from emerging as governor was the first problem that threw the state into political crisis. The argument was that power should have moved to Aba division after Kalu as he (Kalu) was said to have promised to run a single term and hand over.

Little wonder, it was Abaribe who mobilised Ukwa/Ngwa people of Aba division through a pressure group christened, “Otu onu” (one term only) against Kalu’s second term in 2003.

Theodore Orji, popularly called “Ochendo Global” by his admirers served out his eight year tenure as governor before moving to the Senate.

The moral stance of larger segment of Abians is that with Kalu from Abia North and Orji from Abia Central have governed

Ogah

Ikpeazu appeared to have had his hold on the governor’s seat strengthened, as the PDP maintained that only the certificate of return issued to him remained valid, because he got it after a supplementary election had been conducted. the state; somebody should be allowed to rule state from Abia South senatorial zone, more so as the Bende block had produced two democratically elected governors of the state.

A cross-section of people interviewed agreed that the people of Abia South Senatorial Zone have been marginalised, despite their numerical strength. The zone controls nine out of 17 local government areas that make up the state, yet the incumbent governor (Ikpeazu) is the only stock from district who has become the state chief executive.

Some of the rhetorical questions they raised included: should power go back to the Abia North Senatorial Zone? Will there be harmony after the storm with old Bende and old Aba having been on the governorship saddle for 16 years?

To the opposition, the new political configuration of the three senatorial zones should be discarded, stressing that whoever wants

to rule the state should be elected on merit.

A High Chief, Uche Akwukwegbu, who said he remains the Prime Minister, despite removal from office by his kinsmen from Ibeku Kingdom, told Sunday Tribune that the fundamental problem in the current political crisis could be traced to last Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial primaries, alleging that Governor Ikpeazu was imposed on the people by a “cabal” in the state.

The paramount chief noted, “the bottled anger has been there in the people of Abia Central Senatorial District. You know Alex Oti lost to Ikpeazu at the Supreme Court.

This present constitutional crisis has rekindled their spirit and the rejuvenation made them to throw their weights to Ogah.

Chief Akwukwegbu, who is visibly the arrow head of the opposition in the state, said: “Appointing and not electing is the problem of Abia politics. The best candidate cries home because of imposition. I started politics a long time ago and this is not how it was played” “Many people in Abia Central are not happy with the election of Ikpazu because they still believe that he did not come through the right channel as he was imposed on them leaving their brother, Alex Oti, of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Originally, the people of Abia Central were with Ogah, but when he lost the PDP primaries to Ikpeazu, they shifted their support to Alex Oti’, he said.

Informed sources told Sunday Tribune that the growing opposition against Ikpeazu might not be unconnected with the refusal of the governor to continue the monthly payment to elders of the state, a policy he inherited from his predecessor. The governor was said to have suddenly stopped the Continues pg31

28

interview

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Gov election: How APC can win Ondo State —Ekungba, APC gov aspirant A governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Jamiu Afolabi Ekungba, speaks with selected journalists in Lagos on his ambition to govern Ondo State, the zoning question and other issues. MOSES ALAO brings the excerpts:

Chief Ekungba

A

HEAD of the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, people have been saying that there are too many governorship aspirants from the APC. How will you react to this?

The truth of the matter is that in the issue of governorship, not only in Ondo State, but everywhere, all citizens that do not have criminal records pronounced by the court of law, are eligible to contest. Therefore, you should not expect that when the vacancy comes, everybody will not aspire to be there. That is why in Nigeria’s political atmosphere, we call people aspirants, those aspiring to be governors. Then after the primaries, you now have a candidate in party and thereafter, a governor.

So in other words, it is the legitimate right of everybody to aspire, but what is necessary at the party level, is for the party to be so organised, so educated and motivated to ensure that the only candidate that will emerge from their party will be the right candidate. It shouldn’t be a candidate that buy votes, but one that is not only electable because of his antecedent characters and integrity, but one with the right kind of education. It is the responsibility of the party and the party men therefore, to educate, sensitise and motivate their members to ensure that whoever emerges as their candidate are not only electable because of antecedent and character, but they are eligible because of past demonstrable antecedents.

It is the responsibility of the party to ensure that those people who have the best materials are thrown up and delegates are allowed to make their choice. And in some circumstances, then you now put some conditions to it.

Whose turn is it? Which zone should produce last? Which zone should produce next? What is wrong is that the political system setup does not allow the right person to come at the right time. So the wrong persons have always been thrown in. A friend of mine, who is a Briton that worked here in Nigeria for about 38 years once said that Nigerians would have been better than any nation in the world, but our political system always throw up not the first 11 to fifth 11, but the seventh or eighth 11, because the first and the second 11 would always think they are too good to be in politics. And that is what our Asiwaju, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu told me in 2011 when he invited me to his house to draw me into political activities. He said when the people of integrity and honour like you say that they don’t want to get involved in politics, then you don’t have

the moral right to complain when vagabonds and touts take over governments and rule over you.

But how do you think the APC can get the right candidate and get others to back him?

The party has demonstrated this over and over again. In Kogi State for instance, there was a primary, the candidate died and the party said that the person that comes second should move in. In Rivers, there was a primary and a person won, though to some of us, there was someone we had personally felt would win, but once the primary was done and the person discovered that there was no chance for him, he dropped out. So when the primary was done, the party had no alternative than to rally round the person that won. And the same thing is happening in Edo now. So I believe that the same thing will happen in Ondo State. And there is also one thing I am sure will happen, I was told that there are 42 aspirants, but I am sure that by 5 August, when the collection of forms closes, the number would have reduced drastically. Then there will be screening, and it is not even everyone that collected the form that will be screened to be qualified to contest. By the time aspirants that are screened to contest move into the gallery, of course, whoever loses at that level has no one to blame. Our leaders have said that there is going to be transparent, open and objective primaries and they have demonstrated that so far so good. A lot of people have been putting pressure on them to declare them as the candidate of the party, but the leaders have been just.

We have to get it right because Mimiko that we are dealing with, I know him thoroughly. This is a man that is not paying salaries, yet is keeping money for the election.

I told the APC that he is not the type of man that can be fought with money; this is a man that has started showing the evidences, buying and distributing rice like Fayose.

That is Mimiko for you. Mimiko will do anything to win an election.

There has been what is regarded as the Akure agenda, whereby the people of Akure have been saying that though the state capital has the highest number of voters; it has never produced a governor. They are claiming that it is Akure’s turn and they are going to do anything to get it. Have you thought about that in the APC? I have always told people that when you discuss politics,

I am an accountant in politics and the first concept I was taught in accountancy is truth and fairness. Is it true that an Akure man has never been governor? Is Otiko not an Akure man? He was a governor of Ondo State during the military reign. When you talk about past presidents and head of states, you mention Buhari and Gowon. So why will you mention past governors of the state and not mention Otiko. We have to be truthful about it.

Secondly, when we are talking about division, I tell people that Nigeria as at today doesn’t recognise division.

Nigeria as at today recognises senatorial district, federal constituencies, state constituencies, local governments, wards and unit. So do you now want to obligate the constitution?

Third, in terms of the population of those in Akure, the question is, are the people there Akure indigenes alone?

Are there no people from other states or local governments in that place? That is my argument. Everyone has a right to fight for his locality, but what I have always told Akure people who talk about agenda is that God should help APC and I am picked as the candidate, whoever they bring from Akure and myself will discuss and talk about demonstrable antecedent. I will ask him what he has done for Akure that I have not done better than him, because you must be a citizen of a town by birth and by heart. I have two things I can mention that I have done for Akure, but I won’t mention it now. So anyone has to tell me how he is a better Akure man than me.

So in terms of Akure agenda, I am Akure agenda, because what I have done for Akure in my life, I have not done up to that for my home town in Owo in terms of infrastructure and bringing the dividends of wherever I worked to Akure.

But the truth of the matter is that Akure is in central senatorial district of Ondo State. So it will not be fair if a person from the central senatorial district is now governor and you now say Akure should be governor again. You want to make Ondo State like Kogi State where a particular group will continue to produce governors. So the question is, is that fair to the other senatorial districts. And also, will the other senatorial districts agree to that? So these are the issues.

But there are strong indications that the PDP may likely pick its candidate from Akure. Is there a strategy on the side of the APC to counter that move?

I am not from PDP, so I don’t know about that. What I am doing is that I, Jamiu Afolabi Akungba, am working assiduously round the clock and round the walls to ensure that I win the primaries of my party. And anybody that PDP picks, I will defeat that person flatly. My leaders know that I have a lot of what I call block votes, and no one can take that from me. That is why I am not leaving any stone unturned. That is why I am not pursuing the leaders, but rather pursuing the delegates. So if the leaders now come and assist me with the delegates, then we will cruise home.

When I emerge as the candidate of my party, PDP in Ondo State will crumble like pack of cards. I have the magic in my hands. I know Mimiko and he knows me. So he knows that if I emerge, he will sweat, but no matter how much he sweats, APC will win the election.

But there is another tussle between Owo and Akoko on who should benefit from the zoning to that axis.

As I said, I believe in truth and fairness, let the Akoko man be truthful about this matter and let them be fair. It is as simple as that. These are the things that we are telling the delegates and you will see what will happen on the day of the primaries. If our leaders can rise to ensure that the election is not monetised, then you will see what the people will do.

Whoever goes into equity must go with clean hands. These Continues pg31

29

interview

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

We’ll build on what Oshiomhole started in Edo —APC deputy gov candidate Mr Philip Shuaibu is the member representing Etsako Federal constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives.

He spoke to journalists after his nomination as running mate to the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Godwin Obaseki. Excerpts:

H

OW do you feel emerging as running mate to Godwin Obaseki?

I am very grateful to the governor, the APC state chairman, our National chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, and all the leaders that run the affairs of the APC in the state, that they found me worthy to be the running mate to our next governor, Godwin Obaseki, come September 10. It’s a clarion call for me to improve on those things they saw in me.

What new thing is the APC bringing to Edo State should Obaseki win?

I am 100 per cent optimistic; we are talking about voting in APC to continue on the foundation already built by the Comrade Governor. Godwin Obaseki and Philip Shuaibu, were they part of this vision, were they part of the implementation of this vision? The answer is yes. Obaseki was in the executive arm, I am in the legislative arm. Obaseki as chairman of the Economic Team was part of the blue print, he knows where the projects are, knows areas we have worked and areas where we have not worked. He knows areas where jobs are ongoing. And from the legislative arm, I ensured that we approved the jobs while I was in the House of Assembly knowing fully well that it will touch the lives of our people and the vision of the Comrade Governor and the development of APC. Because we are part of that vision, the Comrade Governor has taken it so far from ground zero to gear four; we are now going to engage gear five. And by the special grace of God we will make sure that the development gets to the next level.

The governor has created environment for employment. How do governments create the environment for employment?

Through infrastructure. Comrade governor has built infrastructure and by the grace of God, Godwin and I are now going to make Edo State an industrial state through agriculture and other means, to generate 200,000 jobs.

Just like some regard Oshiomhole as a rascal, you are equally regarded that way in some quarters and there is this fear that you may want to start a war with some persons when you get there?

I think if there is going to be a fight, which we don’t pray for, the fight will be against those who don’t want development in Edo State. We have always stood our ground and we have always fought them. I am not always scared of fighting those who want to put our development in reverse gear. So if there is going to be any fight it is going to be against those enemies of democracy because it is going to be forward ever and back never. So the government of Godwin will be a government that will sustain development, taking it to the next level of industrialisation. So anybody that would not want development for Edo State, we are ever ready to fight such people. It is going to be a progressive fight because fighting for development is a fight that I enjoy getting involved in.

It seems your party members from

will deal with him that day electorally. It has happened before, may be this time he will run to APGA. Unfortunately, he is only a faction of the PDP; we have Iduoriyekemwen who is the candidate of Sheriff’s faction. But he is not a match. APC is too big to have sleepless night over him; it is only the media that is trying to amplify him as if he will even win his village. I have contested several elections, but this is the first time Ize-Iyamu will be running for election, so what experience is he bringing rather than being a PA to Lucky Igbinedion. What are his antecedents? You people should ask him. Some of us were praying that PDP should give him the ticket but we did not envisage they were going to factionalise their party. Even at that, we have said it that if he becomes the candidate the election will be easier for us. God has answered our prayers and you will see how we will defeat him in the 192 wards in Edo State.

AdigunShuaibu Philip

Edo Central are not too happy, what is your party doing to appease them?

I think PDP are the ones blowing up this Edo Central thing. It is a creation of the PDP. Edo central is APC, they used to be PDP before the election of the Comrade Governor but after the election of the Comrade Governor, you saw we got 18/18.

I am telling you that in this election, Edo Central, North and South are all APC, and those ethnic cards they are trying to play up - have interacted with the youths of Edo Central, with the women and progressive traditional rulers from Esan land, they are for development- so it will not work. Esan people love development, they don’t want retrogressive government, they don’t want a government that will under-develop them like the PDP, they want good things and because they love good things they are now all in the APC. Some of them who are just there are now leaving to join APC; so it is this imagination of the PDP that they can play a smart game to create crisis among the people. I can tell you that Oshiomhole has broken the jinx by winning in all the 18 local governments of the state. Since then, no part of Edo State belongs to PDP and you will see it in the next election.

It is being said that the APC leadership is scared of the emergence of Ize-Iyamu as PDP candidate?

How can we be sacred of Ize-Iyamu?

Electorally, Philip Shuaibu alone can take care of him. I don’t see him as a match to me not to talk of a match to Obaseki or the Comrade Governor. Ize-Iyamu

Ize-Iyamu was redeemed by the Comrade Governor when he was with us, before then he could not walk the streets of Benin.

was redeemed by the Comrade Governor when he was with us, before then he could not walk the streets of Benin. Ize-Iyamu boasts about Grace Group; I was a member of Grace Group, Moris and I wrote the mission statement of Grace Group. Lawrence Orka was a leader of Grace Group, Victor Ebomoyi was equally a leader.

Those were people that conceived of the idea of Grace Group. Pastor, in his usual way, used government machinery then as SSG to Igbinedion to take over the group.

That was why we decided to pay him back with Edo in Safe Hands and that was how he ran away from APC when he could not get the structure needed for him to be governor. We know him very well and he cannot take my heat not to talk of that of Obaseki or Oshiomhole or the APC. You people overrate him politically but we are glad he is running now so he can get the defeat. He comes from the same local government with our Deputy Governor and leader, Odubu, you will see how Odubu

But are you sure people will vote APC with the current economic situation in the country?

Yes Nigerians are aware of the issues, they can never be deceived. Have you ever seen in the history of this country since 1999 where Federal government will decide to increase the price of fuel and the masses on their own will agree that they should increase it? That shows that Nigerian people understand the issues. Nigerians are aware that the economic crisis we are in today was masterminded by PDP; and President Buhari has come to fix the problem created by PDP. And as you are aware, to destroy is easier than to build.

Buhari took over at a critical time when PDP looted the treasury and ran down the economy. That was the same way the Comrade Governor inherited Edo state when he came. All infrastructures were down, funds looted and price of oil is at the lowest level at the international market, and to worsen it are the activities of the Niger Delta Avengers. So you see the pain the man is going through to fix the country. Our people are aware of what PDP has done and they will punish them with their votes come September 10, 2016.

Our people are aware of the issues, and by the grace of God they know that Buhari is one man that says the truth and he prepared to fix the economy. Today our GDP that is on the paper is the real thing on ground, so we are in an economy that was destroyed by PDP. The PDP created a muddy situation before Buhari came and what Mr President is doing now is taking one step at a time. Mr President is fighting corruption and like he said corruption is fighting back and those propaganda you are seeing against him today are being sponsored by those people. But with the prayers of Nigerians to a man that is truthful to them, we will get there. Nigerians know that APC tells them to the truth no matter how bitter it is and they will continue to vote APC. Enough of pretence of the PDP. In Edo we have always dealt with them because they were so wicked to Edo people and in this election, whether it is Pastor or Iduoriyekemwen, we will defeat them with a large margin.

30

thepolity

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Will Ekiti return to the dark days?

Deputy Editor, SAM NWAOKO, highlights some of the issues dominating the current season of protests and counter-protests in Ekiti State, as the state inches towards 2018 governorship election.

E

KITI State has remained active on several fronts for over two years now. Since the state emerged from a governorship election held on June 21, 2014, in which Governor Ayodele Fayose won in all the 16 local government areas of the state, Ekiti has barely known peace. Interestingly, the election itself was generally adjudged free and fair, with many international monitoring agencies describing the entire process as a benchmark. Yet, the election has remained the issue in Ekiti up till now.

Before the election, Ekiti was charged right from the peripherals of its build up to its eve. The two major political parties in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) both had their fair shares of crises in the processes that led to the election. For instance, the disagreements over the intention of ex-Governor Kayode Fayemi of the APC to run for a second term, and how to handle the party’s ticket for the election, created a major rift in Ekiti APC. The chaos in Ekiti APC in 2013/2014 was mainly because a sizable number of its members felt that the exclusion of those who wished to contest the primaries for the governorship ticket with Dr Fayemi, especially a former commissioner in Lagos State, Mr. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (MOB), was “unfair and undemocratic.” This caused a schism in the party which was in power.

MOB, who was elected to represent Ekiti Central Federal Constituency I in the House of Representatives on the ticket of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), decided not to join the APC when it was formed in 2013. In early December of 2013, he formally left the ACN, refused to join the APC and rather pitched his tent with the Labour Party. And this easily created a ‘we against them’ scenario in Ekiti APC. The APC and Labour Party thus became cat and mouse. The bigger, more established ruling APC used every means imaginable to cow the Labour Party members and these included reported mutual violence, in which lives were lost.

While the APC and Labour Party ran their rat race, the percieved behemoth PDP was in what many saw as “a total chaos.” The party in the state, and owing to its legion of governorship aspirants, was sharply divided between those among them who want their candidate to emerge through a consensus arrangement and those who want a primary election. Soon, the troubles in Ekiti PDP distilled squarely to become Ayodele Fayose versus all the other aspirants.

While all the other aspirants, who were mostly from Ekiti South district, wanted a consensus candidate chosen from among them, Fayose alone stood against them for, and got the party to conduct, a primary election to choose a candidate. After the primary election, the party literally crashed into a disarray. Many of the aspirants including Chief Abiodun Aluko and Senator Gbenga Aluko, angrily took to the media to express their anger at the turn of events and also to debase the winner of the primary by the PDP: Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose.

After the emergence of Dr Fayemi, Mr. Bamidele and Fayose as the candidates of APC, LP and PDP respectively, the job of the political parties was cut out. Each of the parties threw in everything it had in the election, including funds, advertisements and, notably, propaganda and blackmail.

The blackmail was notable because it drew the loudest reactions in terms attracting sympathy or opprobrium to the contending parties. Each of the parties was in the political cesspool but, most of the propaganda, especially from the APC was directed at Fayose, the PDP’s candidate. During the period, the state was agog with numerous allegations which had earlier been levelled against Fayose in the past and which were serially regurgitated. The social and regular media were handy.

That period threw the state back to the era of a volatile Ekiti and raised the question of whether Ekiti would return to the dark days. For many, it was reminiscent of the troubled first term of Governor Ayodele Fayose, in which certain elements in the state rose against him and succeeded in brouging down his government in 2006. But the new angle to the 2014 troubles of Ekiti was that it had one of the progressives’ insiders in the fray in the person of Bamidele.

Thus, many observers of the burgeoning political war knew it was not going to earn the APC good reward, considering what some analysts referred to as “old strategy in a new war.”

Governor Ayo Fayose, Ekiti State

Chief Jide Awe, Ekiti APC Chairman

The entire scenario was so different from that of 2006.

One of the main financiers of the ‘Fayose must go’ war then, Chief Dipo Anisulowo had become the director general of his campaign, while Prince Adedayo Adeyeye, one of the strong contenders for the PDP governorship ticket with Fayose, had also joined in his campaign. On the other hand, the MOB bloc, including some members of the Fayemi government who felt aggrieved with his style, had moved out of APC with gaping effects on the party. The PDP in the state too also lost some staunch supporters of Fayose, including the current publicity secretary of APC in the state, Chief Taiwo Olatunbosun, and the serving deputy chairman of the PDP in the state, Mr. Femi Bamisile. They all moved to the APC to galvanise support for Fayemi. Thus the cycle was seemingly complete.

Even with the movements then, some political observers cited what they saw as “the popularity of Fayose in the race” as an example and had even argued that “the election was a two-horse race, considering the enormous hardwork of Dr. Fayemi and his APC.” They held tenaciously to the belief that Bamidele’s Labour Party was only “a journeyman in the election,” because according to them, “his Labour Party has no base in the state and the goodwill he had was eroded by the emergence of a popular Fayose with a strong political party and base.”

In the end, fortune smiled on Fayose. He won in all the 16 local government areas of the state, a record of sorts in an election in Nigeria. It was more so because he defeated an incumbent governor. And interestingly, the numerous local and foreign observers of the election lauded its conduct as free and fair, with some of them contending that its conduct was a benchmark for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, the end of the election gave rise to new realities in the state. While the APC, as a party, was challenging the election at the tribunal, where it lost up to the Supreme Court, some concerned Ekiti indigenes under the auspices of Ekiti-Eleven, more popularly known as E-11, also went to court to challenge the eligibility of Fayose to even contest the election. The matter created a lot of tension in the state as there were arguments for and against the eligibility of Fayose as regards his contentious impeachment in 2006.

Soon, the contentions shifted to “they don’t want Fayose to be sworn in as governor through court processes.” However, when the Supreme Court dispensed with the election matter, the apex court also permanently settled the impeachment controversy by declaring that it never happened. That seemingly ended the court cases against Fayose.

When he was eventually sworn in on October 16, 2014, his government started well and had what appeared to be a good rapport with the House of Assembly dominated by the APC. Suddenly, claims emerged from the government that the Assembly members were no longer cooperating with

the government. That led to another round of crises which, among others consumed the speaker, Dr. Adewale Omirin.

Omirin’s controversial impeachment by some members of the house reigned along with their alleged determination to enter the chambers to sit and impeach the new Governor Fayose. The matter climbed to a crescendo when the APC defeated the PDP in the presidential election. The talk about the state was that with APC at the helm of affairs at the Federal Government, Fayose would be impeached. The state was soaked in the tension and anxiety for about seven months when the tenure of the Omirin-led Assembly eventually elapsed.

While all these were ongoing, a tape had surfaced on the internet which allegedly gave details of how the Ekiti election was allegedly rigged by soldiers and some former ministers. The APC took the matter to a military panel set up by the Federal Government to investigate the entire process.

The party testified at the panel and made submissions. Not a few Nigerians have held on to the content of the tape, said to have been made by one Captain Sagir Koli as the truth about the Ekiti election while they still believe that something would soon happen to the Fayose government because of the tape.

The belief among numerous opponents of Governor Fayose in and outside the state is that the government would soon crumble. They cling to issues bordering on the various allegations against both his person and his government as their bully pulpit. However, his supporters often dismiss such contention as utopia, saying that the APC had created such a mirage “to keep its supporters hoping and believing that they still have some fight left.”

Now the people of the state are of the opinion that they “are now in the era of protests in Ekiti.” There have been protests for and against the government for sundry reasons.

The APC and many people sympathetic to the party have risen against what they see as “mis-governance and corruption by the Ayò Fayose administration.” They have protested against what they said was the “the looting of Ekiti treasury by Governor Fayose while refusing to pay workers salary.” There had also been protests in which some stakeholders had called for his resignation because “the EFCC has exposed all the crimes he has committed against Ekiti people.”

On the other hand, Fayose’s supporters have also taken to the streets to highlight what they think is a plot by some influential indigenes of the state to scuttle his government.

The pro-Fayose groups, including members of the state’s House of Assembly have pointedly accused a member of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government and a Lagosbased lawyer, as being the brains behind the current wave of social discontent in the state. They have held that “the ultiContinues pg32

31

interview

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

‘Ondo gov deceptive on his achievements’ Continued from pg28

are the issues of becoming a governor of Ondo State. It is not like it was in the past.

Ondo State is economically prostrate.

Mimiko has ruined that state economically.

Whoever becomes the governor of that state does not only need his mental, experience and academic strength, but he also needs the help of God. So if you go ahead and win the primary election by crook and fair, where are you going to get the support of the vote to rule the state? So that is why everyone must be truthful and fair in this matter.

With the situation of things now, socially, economically and politically in Ondo State, and in Nigeria, don’t you think it is not right for someone to come out and say he wants to be governor?

I have been asked this question so many times. That has always been things God has done for me. I joined the International Bank for West Africa, Olasore was our MD then and he discovered that the bank was not doing well. He set up a six-man panel, headed by one Mr Odunlami from Ado Ekiti. Ikuforiji Adeyemi, the former speaker of Lagos State was there. That is the only one of the six people among us that I know his addressed among us now. You can ask him.

I was one of those people that restructured the International Bank for West Africa to become AfriBank. I remember when we called it AfriBank then, we said it was Nigeria’s first financial supermarket. And within one and half years, the bank moved from the 13th position to the 4th. That is my luck. And I made a record in that bank; I was the only person that had six promotions in eight years in that bank. A friend of mine, Samuel Kolawole became the MD of Trade Bank, which was a total mess as at then. He approached me as a friend and convinced me to help, which I did. I went to Trade Bank and we restructured it and it soon became the strongest leading medium sized bank in Nigeria.

So the point is let everyone coming out

Chief Ekungba show their antecedents and that is why I said we need demonstrable antecedent to pick the APC candidate. I have been into it in the past, I have seen it and by the grace of God, God has assisted me to turn around many organisations. So Ondo State’s economy is not independent of the national economy. However, as much as it is not independent, it is now worse because it has been mismanaged in the last seven and half years. Mimiko has been doing a lot deceiving to people; he built two Abiye hospitals, and tells the whole world he has transformed the health sector. Yes, the hospitals are good but building just two in Ondo town and Akure, is that good? Abiye hospital is about maternal care, does that mean people in Owo, Akoko and other areas should not give birth to children or come to Akure and Ondo to deliver babies?

He built mega schools, but what is the cost of those mega schools? He is putting bus

stops in Akure, does Akure need bus stops?

Go and see the value of each of the bus stop, what are they being used for today?

In over seven years, I have the record, over N600 billion was collected by Mimiko from the Federal Government as federal allocation. So if he says he is paying N4 billion as salaries, that is N368 billion in eight years. I have calculated up till the time he will be going in February. When you take 368 from 600, you have 240 billion. Where is it? I am not talking of intervention funds or internally generated revenues or loans, or the money he met. I am talking of the federal allocation alone. So when you add all these to it, you will be talking of about N400 billion, where is it? Where is the money? What has he used the money to do that will develop the economy of the state and make the state to be self-sustaining and progressive?

Rather, I will give you an example that

is painful. Dangote was to do a refinery in Nigeria; the biggest in Africa. Dangote brought this refinery to Ondo State, you pressmen should ask our governor why he let the opportunity slip from his hands and go to Lagos State. That refinery will be ready in the next 60 days. Imagine the number of people it would have engaged; imagine the economic impact that refinery will have on Lagos State. That refinery is supposed to be in Ondo State. Those are the issues that are making us ask ourselves what is the way forward for Ondo State?

The way forward for Ondo State is for people like us to take a decision either to fold our hands and allow another governor by accident to take over, so that in another eight years we are going to be worse than what we have now. Then as a citizen of the state, what is going to happen to me? I will be morally, mentally and spiritually depressed. I won’t be happy. This is what has brought me into politics. I have come into it and I will do my best to get it and when I get it, I am going to exert myself all the trainings I have in my life, all the friendships I have acquired in my life to make sure that I bring the state back to progress.

You mentioned that if the primary election is not monetised, the best candidate will emerge. But what if some aspirants bring heavy money into election?

I have been telling our leaders, as a member of the board of trustee that they should work hard to ensure that it is not monetised. Ondo State is key, not only to Nigeria. This is the only oil-producing state that supported president Buhari. So it is key to the Federal Government and it must make sure that Ondo State doesn’t go to the hands of opposition. It is also key to our political leader, Asiwaju, because if we are looking at Yoruba land, and we want to move Yoruba land forward, there is no way you can leave Ekiti and Ondo. Ondo State is where progressive politics started in Nigeria.

thepolity

Who laughs last between Ikpeazu, Ogah Continued from pg27

doling out the largesse which runs into millions of naira monthly, a development a government source explained was part of Governor Ikpeazu’s prudency in the management of the dwindling financial resources of government.

“Other areas where some people are not happy with Ikpeazu are irregular payment of workers’ salaries, delay in probing his immediate past predecessor, Orji. But they are not fair to him.

No formal complaint has been made to Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). So, the issue of probing of Orji should not arise. Ogah had the political structure but Ngwa nation wanted power.

The opposition group against Ikpeazu, on Wednesday, took a new dimension as some people under the auspices of the SouthEast Democratic Coalition (SEDC) and the Abia Progressives Forum (APF) carried their agitation to Enugu, vowing to mobilise the

people of Abia to occupy the Government House, if the Chief Judge of the state continue to refuse to swear-in Ogah as governor within the next seven days.

In a joint statement signed by the SEDC Coordinator, Dr Maduka Okebanama and Secretary, Eunice Oke as well as the APF, President, Honourable Ndu Ahaiwe and Secretary, Okey Adibe and made available to Sunday Tribune, the groups said the people of the state would be mobilised from all the 17 local government areas of the state to take part in the exercise.

They asked Governor Ikpeazu to immediately vacate the Government House “without further delay and face his tax case,” insisting that Ikpeazu ceased to be the governor from June 27 when the Federal High Court presided over

by Justice Okon Abang ordered that certificate of return be issued to Ogah.

The groups advised all the institutions including government, banks and other private sector

operators still transacting any form of business with Abia State government under Ikpeazu to stop forthwith, noting that “such activities would remain null and void” in view of not just the court’s pronouncement and refusal to grant the request for stay of execution but also the presentation of return certificate to Ogah by INEC. But for Mr Enyinnaya Appollos, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ikpeazu, the SEDC and APF are faceless groups over whom his boss will triumph at last as justice is on his side. Enyinnaya also dismissed the issue of irregular salaries, stressing that Abia is not the only state owing its staff, adding that the state government last week paid its workers\ their salaries.

He also said the issue of imposition was misleading as the current crisis was born out of inordinate quest for power and personal greed on some of the political elite within and outside the state. Enyinnaya said, “Governor Ikpeazu has great passion for developing

the state, hence he cut off some of the bogus expenditure. Our governor does not believe in squandermania as his focus is on development of the state. What happened in the judgment of the Abuja Federal High Court was an attack not only on Ikpeazu but on democracy and our constitution.

“The constitution quite is clear on how to become a governor of a state.

You must go through the constitutional process. Does it mean that Governor Ikpeazu has no right to appeal? Why the rush by INEC to issue certificate of return? If it was death sentence passed on our Governor Ikpeazu, will he not have the right to appeal?

He, however, said the coast was becoming clearer to many people even with those outside the state for them to understand the real situation in the state’s politics, citing the recent solidarity visit of Senator Biodium Olujimi-led Adhoc Committee of the Senate to Umuahia as an example.

Further checks revealed that the

visitors from the National Assembly actually boosted the morale of Governor Ikpeazu and his faithful as the lawmakers on the occasion expressed their support for him as governor and also condoled with families of late Chief Ojo Maduekwe and Senator Onyeka Okoroafo.

Speaking on behalf as her colleagues, Senator Olujimi said that the Nigerian Senate was solidly behind Dr Ikpeazu as governor.

“The Senate is solidly behind you in these trying times. You have our support. We were elected to make laws as lawmakers and it is our duty to ensure that our laws are not abused. We are aware of the political situation in Abia, rest assured that the Senate is with you.

“With the support of my people which I am enjoying, I will do everything legally to protect the mandate given to me by Abians.

We will not succumb to the antics of desperate people that want to cause crisis in the state,” the governor was quoted to have said in response.

32

opinion

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Impeachment: That Anenih’s intervention and the imperative of wise counsel

By Temitope Adeyanju

N

IGERIA is in worst economic projections since the Biafra war of 1967-70, according to a latest report on BBC Television service. The report has unarguably corroborated a statement credited to Osun State Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola.

Read him: “Even the civil war was not as biting as what we are facing in Nigeria now; because they did not declare economic state of emergency in Nigeria does not mean that Nigeria is not near to that.” However, I shudder at Ogbeni’s postulations when I remember how incompetently he has run the economy of the state of Osun aground. It is bad politics for him to now return such a scary verdict on the national economy in a manner as to expose the underbelly of the Federal Government and cleverly lay the blame at the doorstep of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The point made above is that Ogbeni does not have the morality to speak on the biting economic situation of the country. It is a fact that Nigeria is technically in recession and the words of the famous poet, John Pepper Clark, “we are all casualties,” make sound meaning in a time like this.

It is on this premise that I find the subject of this piece, which is the letter written by the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party, Chief Tony Anenih, urging his party members in the National Assembly not to join in any impeachment plot against President Buhari as well as the reasons adduced for his caution, very instructive. Ogbeni and other APC leaders should have seized the initiative, but rather, they have been quietly involved in schemes to supplant Buhari in 2019.

Indeed, the sad state of our economy should be the preoccupation of all stakeholders, especially members of the political class at the federal level; with a view to seeking how to help the President rebound the economy and not how to remove him from office. I quite agree with Anenih that: “On the economy, it is a well-known fact that all oil-producing countries are suffering from an economic down-turn because of the radical drop in the price of crude oil. As a mono-product economy, dependent on crude oil, there is no magic bubble that could have insulated us completely from the systemic shocks caused by the attendant loss of revenue. Rather than seek scapegoats, the situation demands that all our institutions, political parties and leaders should set aside all partisan interests, and work together to wade through these difficult times.” He is right on point here. This is the time when the principle of collective responsibility should be the framework of governance in Nigeria-all hands should be on deck There is no disputing the fact that Nigerians are passing through hard times. If the tales in the social media and the public arena are anything to go by, then we may be heading for the worst case situation. The reports from the camps of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are damning and worrisome. An average of six

malnourished children die daily in Bama IDP camp in Borno State, according to Geneva-based Sans Frontiers.

This sad development should engage the attention of our leaders, especially those in the National Assembly.

I reason with the Iyasele of Esanland that there is not enough justification for contemplating an impeachment at this juncture, more so that the precarious state of our economy and worsening standard of living are not the motivations.

Searching for a non-partisan approach to rescuing the nation at this trying moment is, indeed, a patriotic call, especially when the elder statesman has not spared his own party, the PDP, which ruled for 16 years, of blame. Read him: “I am not unaware that the times are hard; that Nigerians are groaning under the weight of unpaid salaries and astronomical increases in the cost of living, that ballooning security problems are increasingly threatening to rip apart the fabric of our national existence, and that Nigerians feel more divided today than they have ever felt, but it would be unfair to blame this President or this Government for all of these problems. Instructively, none of these problems was floated as justification for the threat of impeachment by the National Assembly.”

There is a popular saying in Yoruba land that Ile-Ife (City of Ife, the ancestral home of the Yoruba race) was created by the wisdom of the young and the old. The intervention of Anenih, at this juncture, to avert the unnecessary heating up of the polity is noble and patriotic. Has the Senate explored all necessary options? The top PDP chieftain known as Mr. Fix It in the Nigerian political circles should be in the know. But reading in between the lines in his letter, it does not seem the options have been

explored let alone exhausted.

Again, in case we have forgotten, the old man’s intervention is equally reminding us of the massive distraction that the attempted impeachment of former President Olusegun Obasanjo by the House of Representatives in 2002 cost us as a nation. Like Anenih, two former leaders, General Yakubu Gowon (1967-75) and Alhaji Shehu Shagari (1979-83) had intervened in the face-off between Obasanjo and the federal lawmakers. Part of the letter sent to both chambers read: “In furtherance of our earlier efforts to talk to you on the way forward in resolving the impasse between the Legislative and Executive arms of the government, we wish to inform you that we have agreed to broker a meeting between both arms of government mentioned above. In view of this proposition, which we hope will be implemented very quickly, we are requesting that both parties should stay all actions and reactions with regard to the impeachment proceedings, pending the conclusion of these efforts.”

There is indeed a similarity in their sense of concerns.

Gowon and Shagari said: “We make this plea solely in the national interest and without prejudice to your constitutional responsibilities.” In his own plea, Anenih said: “I am constrained to write this letter by my love for our great country and my long years of involvement in the pursuit of peace, co-existence and national development.” Although, the Senate is still in denial over the impeachment rumour even when plans were said to be afoot to perfect the process, it is expected that the National Caretaker Committee Chairman of the PDP, Ahmed Makarfi, to whom Anenih directed the letter for his expeditious action, will take this call as a national responsibility by leading the process of consultation with PDP members in the National Assembly.

In conclusion, our democracy is fashioned after that of the United States. It will be interesting to know that in her over 200 years of democratic journey, no president has been successfully impeached and removed from office. The only two presidents whose impeachments were carried through by the House of RepresentativesAndrew Johnson (17th President) and William J Clinton (42nd)-did not receive the concurrence of the Senate.

It is, therefore, instructive for the federal lawmakers to listen to the wise counsel of the Iyasele of Esanland as well as the counsel of other well-intentioned leaders and seek a political solution to this Executive-Legislature rift. They should have their eyes focused on the ball of recovery of the economy. President Buhari as the leader of the nation should do away with politically-induced trials and persecutions. He should review his strategies where necessary. At this point, we need one another to help Nigeria in the words of Anenih. I pray that other leaders would drop their partisan garbs and lend their genuine voices in support of Buhari’s stability and success in office.

•Mr Adeyanju, public affairs commentator, resides in Ibadan.

thepolity

Fayose vs APC: Who blinks first?

Continued from pg 30 mate aim of their protests is to cause chaos that they believe would lead to the declaration of emergency in the state.” On another scale, the Fayose camp believes that “since the APC lost election, they have tried all trick under the sun to discredit the election and grab power through the back door.”

But Olatunbosun disagreed, saying: “People should not construe the happenings in Ekiti to mean organised political rallies. Rather, they are the response of the populace to the kind of hardship that the PDP-led government in Ekiti State has brought on them. It is not premeditated; people voted in individuals they believed could bring about positive changes in their lives but it had turned out that the people have found that they have been duped, that they have been short-changed.

“There is hunger and starvation everywhere. Workers are

not getting their salaries for up to seven months now. Resources that are accruing from both the internally-generated revenue and the federal allocation are being squandered and embezzled and diverted to personal use by the head of the government.”

In all, the people of Ekiti State are at the receiving end of the political bickering because they believe it takes its toll on governance and peace in the state. A university din said: “Many of us are of the opinion that the politicians tend to forget that the whole essence of their game is to move the state forward. They resort to crude means to tell their stories and the state suffers in numerous ways, but do they care?”

But the state government has insisted that it hasn’t lost focus. The PDP has also said its government will not lose focus. “Our party will ensure that all the shenanigans will remain on the realm of politics. We as a party assure

the people that the state government is focussed and will remain focussed to discharge its duties to the Ekiti citizenry, including the engineers of the perennial noise in Ekiti,” publicity secretary of Ekiti PDP, Jackson Adebayo stated.

A former secretary of PDP in the state, Gboyega Akinola, said “PDP fears no foe and we are on ground and will remain on ground. That is why they want to destabilise the government of Fayose so that they can make an inroad into the state. They know that the arrow head of PDP in Ekiti State is Fayose and that is why all sorts of plots are focussed on him so as to have him removed. But he is there by the grace of God and the people. So, APC is no match to us and if they don’t take time, because their house is not in order, they will not even get the second position in 2018 in Ekiti State.”

33

N

EEDLESSLY, commentators on national issues in recent months have been strangely categorised into two camps; Wailers and Hailers. And that categorisation has denied us the chance of getting a full grasp of the issues or getting to the roots of the discourse.

The needless categorisations have equally denied us, most times, of tapping the richness of a number of discussions on national issues. In a country like Nigeria, do people need to take governments to task? That should be undeniable to the sincere mind. Do the people need to hail governments? That should be sparingly done; especially going by the penchant of governments to find ways to deny the execution of capital components of the Budget, which at the end of the day, remains the only area the generality of the people can feel the government.

By these categories, some people appear to be telling us the government is either always right or wrong depending on the side of the coin you are. But life in reality is not that simplistic. And only the unrealistic would seek to justify the contrary.

In truth, rather than help in surmounting the challenges of daily life, such distractive columns on one hand give the people in government a shield from effective scrutiny, while they are allowed to go about with a false sense of persecution. Thus, rather than spend their time in office seeking solutions to emerging problems, they listen to the hailers, and justify their failures with expendable excuses.

In our today’s experience, it is of no use soaking yourself in unhelpful arguments and classifications of Wailers and Hailers. Why? The reality out there is that the government needs to map the way out of widespread quagmire. Whichever area you look at, there appears a sense of doom and gloom. The series of attempts to keep heaping blames on the previous administrations have started sounding like broken records.

The incumbent government has said its focus is on the corruption war. It has clamped a number of suspects into detentions, while some are faced with charges in the

IT is obvious that our democracy is not matured enough for respected women like Senator Oluremi Tinubu to get involved in. In the olden days, I mean first and second republic our leaders then did not put forward their wives for electoral positions because they knew the implication.

I am not blaming the Asiwaju for allowing the virtuous woman to represent her people. However, this is the kind of insults that will be the lot of the leaders when the spouse is trying to protect the interests of the leader- husband.

Those in opposition will not treat her like the wife of the leader; they would rather treat her as they would treat any of the senators/politicians who can use blow or even head-butt to settle scores at the hallowed chambers. By the way, this is not new to our legislators. We thank God that the altercation between Mr Melaye and Mrs Tinubu did not reach that ugly stage, for if it had, heaven would not have fallen. Our politics should have gone beyond this stage but where money or blind but fake allegiance to godfathers rather than virtues and sound moral pedigree determines our electoral contest, this is what we will continue to witness.

Most of our politicians at the helm of affairs are holding our democracy down because of their selfish interests which they want to foist on everybody. Equally, the majority of them lack democratic credentials and spirit of give and take without which democracy cannot flourish.

Instead, chaos will reign supreme as we are witnessing now. The effects are already staring us in the face with the leadership of the ruling party who collaborated to wrestle power from an inept leadership is now in a dirty fight; over what? Only God knows. How do we expect the nation to move forward in this type of situation?

Adewuyi Adegbite, 08066328387.

Fine and well-balanced opinion in your column of last Sunday. But why ask for an apology; is Remi Tinubu synonymous with the entire Nigerian women?

Yemi from Lagos, 08037117145.

24 July, 2016

the lynxeye with Taiwo adisa

08072000046

The war Buhari should fight courts. We have heard that the stealing of the immediate past era was monumental and anyone who attempts to say otherwise risks being labelled among the “corruption is fighting back” crew. But I do hold the belief that looting of government resources has remained with us since independence.

While President Muhammadu Buhari was out of power, he was once quoted as saying that the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha did not steal. But today, 16 years after the restart of democracy and 17 years after Abacha died in office, the current government is set to receive a $300 million booty, part of the celebrated Abacha loot. Millions of US dollars had been repatriated during the era of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan on the same subject.

Though Abacha has been singled out as the culprit of that era, we cannot say that the late Head of State was the only one responsible for lootings in that five year period. Before Abacha there were looters as well. What this points to is that corruption and the war against it

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

Re: Very uncouth language and behaviour The truth is that the two senators have desecrated the exalted office they occupy and should honourably ease themselves out.

Tayo Adedeji, 08033805313.

I must confess, if the way Nigerians are practising their democratic system of government is the way advanced countries like America, Britain and others are practising theirs, I would have said that those that established democracy were out of their minds. Fortunately, both Tinubu and Melaye have vindicated these pioneers of democracy through their exuberant performance.

I must say that the foolish attitude of both senators is empirical evidence that many of our lawmakers are not matured politically. It is pathetic and disheartening.

There is a popular saying which goes thus, “show me your friends and I will tell you are.” Despite the fact that political gladiators like Melaye have not shown us their friends, we already know the person they are. This decadent show will surely continue in this country until we knock out the politics of power and money and install politics of integrity.

Sunday Tribune

must have a long lifespan. Corruption war is good for the future of the country, but we cannot afford to keep sights off the emerging crimes in our daily lives and without a holistic battle against all the ills of the society, the possibility is there that the country would remain in the doldrums. For instance, if all the suspected looters are in jail and you still have robbers, kidnappers, and petty thieves on the prowl, the common man, government people as well as the uncommon people remain endangered.

In my view, the war against corruption being championed by the President cannot succeed without an omnibus battle against the ancillaries of the corruption scourge. Today, armed robbery is becoming a part of life, especially at the lower rungs of the society. The roads across the country have returned to the unsafe state they were many years back. In Abuja, the Federal Capital of Nigeria, the satellite towns have become dens of armed robbers. Airport Road in Abuja and the Kuwa/Zuba roads have become dens of kidnappers and ‘one chance’ criminals. On a daily basis, you hear reports from victims of taxi robbers and attacks on estates and satellite towns. Boarding a taxi in Abuja is an assignment in itself these days. A commuter will first ask the driver to open the front and back seat and then the boot to ascertain no one is hidden in there.

A young lawyer recently narrated her experience after taking a taxi from Wuse market. She was picked by the taxi during the rush hour but did not know someone was hiding at the back seat. Soon, the vehicle diverted to the dark corners of National Mosque and Ecumenical Centre and the hidden man showed up with gun. The girl was robbed and dumped. Instances like this are widespread.

The stories from the states are not palatable. The police today appear to come with the dangerous feeling that armed robbery is part of life. If it is becoming dangerous for the common man to move about in the Federal Capital, how do we assure investors to come here? How do we assure people of life in the hinterlands? A lot many, young and old are turning out frustrating experiences daily.

Taiwo Sangotikun, 08056309372.

Iseyin,

Oyo

State.

Section 39 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) recognises every citizen’s freedom of expression. But unambiguously, Proverbs Chapter 13, verse 3 provides thus - “He who guards his mouth preserves his life: (but) he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.” Our lawmakers must adequately be exposed to history as a subject and given lessons on leadership before occupying the prestigious lawmaking seats. Anyone elected into the National Assembly is expected to always think before reacting to any provocative act. There, any man or woman in position of authority must be slow on using the tongue and quick on using the eye.

Mr Kose Adewole, a lawyer, Ipetumodu, 08034307460.

I really appreciate your unbiased posture on the Remi Tinubu-Dino Melaye imbroglio. The duo betrayed the confidence reposed in them as ‘distinguished’ Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Concerning those protesting the ‘injustice’ done to Senator Remi Tinubu, they are only doing what they were hired to do. They did not protest the unjust killing of late Mrs Eunice Olawale, who was murdered by suspected religious extremists and thousands of poor Nigerian women who are being treated unjustly on a daily basis.

Adejuwon Adebayo, Esa- Oke, 08176527477.

An adage says “it is only one slave that makes one tongue-lash two hundred slaves.” The ugly and embarrassing behaviour of the two senators will send a negative message to international bodies; and they are definitely not setting a good example for the future generation.

Their behaviour is a total disgrace. Both of them should be sanctioned to serve as a lesson to others.

Lekan Oladeji, Ilora, 08053049443.

34

24 July, 2016

ON THE

Sunday Tribune

With Bolanle Bolawole turnpot@gmail.com 07052631058

lord’sday The ding-dong in Ekiti –2 WE have relied essentially on natural gas for the generation of electricity.

This has created a lot of problems for the nation, particularly when gas supply is disrupted...Virtually all the developed and emerging countries...rely heavily on coal for electricity generation, and our own coal is better than theirs” –Dr Ogonnaya Onu, Minister of Science and Technology.

The next governorship election in Ekiti State is not due until 2018; yet, the state is already agog as combatants prime themselves up for vantage positions ahead of time. For Ekiti PDP, perpetuating itself “is a task that must be done,” to borrow the words of erstwhile military Head of State, Yakubu Gowon. The name of the game everywhere is installing someone to watch over one’s back and cover one’s tracks. Witness ongoing shenanigans in Edo State, with Ondo threatening to follow suit. My grandmother said no matter how smart or careful you are, your head must shake on your neck when you walk. Chief Alex Akinyele once put it differently: if a finger is dipped deep down enough into anyone’s anus, it will contact faeces. In other words, no one is perfect. Hence, the preoccupation by leaders to plant surrogates; but, in reality, it seldom works.

Godsons and godfathers have stripped themselves naked before our very eyes. In places where it appeared to have worked – like Lagos and Kano – there were scars recently, but they quickly firmed the lid on the can of worms before much damage was done! Conversely, APC is bent on regaining power in Ekiti. Since they believe “federal might” railroaded Fayose into office under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, you can also expect full “federal might” against Fayose. One thing we cannot say for now is whether APC, too, will leverage on its own “ONSA money” to aid the party’s electoral conquest of Ekiti!

Ekiti politicians are a conglomeration of strange bedfellows; cats and dogs, so to say. Plotting the graph of shifting alliances in Ekiti is Herculean: the leaders are friends today but enemies tomorrow; enemies today but friends tomorrow. “Ekiti Kete”; “Kete Ekiti.” They are sophists and masters of subterfuge. And like a sheep led to the slaughter, they lead the simpleminded astray. One time, it was Segun Oni + Fayose against Fayemi; then it shifted to Fayemi + Fayose against Segun Oni. Once upon a time, Opeyemi Bamidele, Babafemi Ojudu and Dele Alake fought a fight-tofinish over the Ekiti Central senatorial ticket. The battle was so fierce that their common godfather, the Jagaban Borgu, took cover. Eventually, the ticket was given to Ojudu while Opeyemi reluctantly cooled his heels in the House of Representatives.

That “war” gave rise to what seemed like an eternal enmity between Ojudu and Opeyemi.

It is said that Fayemi as governor sided with Ojudu; so it was Opeyemi versus Ojudu+ Fayemi. The battle led to the madness that ripped the then Ekiti ACN in two, with Opeyemi eventually pulling out to join Labour Party. Rumours had it that Opeyemi agreed working relationship with Fayose to

are the ones who fetch us water. Most of the “Okada” riders are from elsewhere.

Our housemaids are from where? In the professions, our grip has waned seriously.

Even in sports, we are down the pecking order. When last did we even have players of note in the national team after the exit of the likes of Segun Odegbami, Muda Lawal, Peter Rufai, Mutiu Adepoju, and Felix Owolabi?

In education, we are no longer the highflyers we used to be. Who will bell the cat for us? Who will stop the rot? Who will turn the tide? The urgent task at hand is not the fightto-finish going on over Ekiti but to take back the South-West and begin to re-position and return it to the egalitarian society that our forefathers laboured so hard for – and which they succeeded to a large measure in attaining and handing over unto us.

teach Fayemi a lesson; so, it was Opeyemi +Fayose versus Fayemi. Opeyemi eventually played the role of a spoiler. “If the rat will not eat the beans...” and Fayemi lost the election to Fayose.

But today, Opeyemi is back in APC and the equation is Fayemi + Oni + Ojudu + Opeyemi versus Fayose. What new-found love and joyful camaraderie! Ekiti’s political permutation is a maze or labyrinth sort of. If you are not a master at Crosswords Puzzle, you will likely get lost trying to understand the delicate but deadly Ekiti political game of intrigues, baloney, deceit and treachery.

The people’s needs are not what the leaders attend to. Ekiti has important sons in high places; let them synergise to bring development to Ekiti. Fayose must rise above partisan politics to seize the initiative.

He is governor of all Ekiti, not only of PDP. He must provide the enabling environment for Ekiti’s development. I sent text messages to Fayemi when he became minister that he should not forget to help develop the mineral resources in the South-West in general but Ekiti’s in particular. Let it not be said that the list of his achievements after he leaves office will be of the resources he helped to develop elsewhere to the chagrin of his own place and people.

The above quote from Ogbonnaya Onu, Fayemi’s cabinet colleague in the Buhari administration, should be food-forthought for the Isan-Ekiti-born Minister of Solid Minerals Resources. Where is Onu from? And where is coal found? “Omo eni ose’di bebere...” My wish for a recalibrated Fayemi – which he knew – is that after his stint as minister, he will, like Fayose, return for his second term as governor of Ekiti. But he must show something tangible to Ekiti to justify his stint as minister.

We Yoruba are fond of neglecting our own people and getting wiser after the act!

Witness Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure as president and compare it with the other presidents’ after him, the incumbent’s

especially. As presidential adviser, Ojudu, one of the quartets of senior journalists at “The News” magazine, is highly placed and Ekiti should benefit from that in terms of the development projects he can attract to the state. Truth, be told! Ojudu and the others at “The News” magazine suffered for this democracy. They were hounded, harassed, tortured, incarcerated, and driven into exile. The other members of the quartets are Bayo Onanuga, Dapo Olorunyomi and Kunle Ajibade. God has “settled” Dapo (O Dapsy! BJ!) with Premium Times and Bayo recently got appointed MD of the News Agency of Nigeria. Bayo deserves applause not necessarily because of this appointment which, sincerely speaking, adds nothing to him but which I expect him to bring his wealth of experience and intimidating journalistic prowess to bear upon; his heroics when “The News” and the entire nation were under dictatorial siege will honour him for all times. Congrats, Bayo!

Of Kunle Ajibade, “the last man standing”, someone said “Kunle is okay once he has books, and lots of them, to read”!

As with Ekiti, so it is with the South-West generally! We Yoruba delude ourselves thinking we are still front-runners among the various ethnic groups in the country. But the naked truth is that we have lost ground all-round. We cannot feed ourselves any more as virtually all foodstuffs and fruits come from elsewhere: Tomatoes, peppers, onions, millet, carrot, potatoes, yams, beans, oranges, palm oil, beef; even garri! But go round the SouthWest and see kilometres after kilometres of arable land lying fallow! Fruits and crops groww in the wild! Much of the little that is harvested rot away by the roadside!

The economy of our cities and villages is in the hands of Igbos and others. A number of landed properties that I knew were sold in Lagos recently were all bought by nonYoruba people. The security of our homes is in the hands of maiguards. The “mairuwa”

LAST WORD: Immediate past InspectorGeneral of Police, Solomon Arase, is alleged by his successor, Ibrahim Idris, to have carted away 24 exotic cars while retired DIGs and AIGs also allegedly went away with between seven and eight cars each.

Arase has replied, saying this was not so.

He made a very important point, though, which should set every right-thinking person wondering, to wit: why the new IGP should hastily go public with such a damaging story without first calling his erstwhile boss on phone or sending him text message? It speaks volumes, especially about the new IGP and/or his brief. The way Idris handled this matter is far more damaging to himself and the Force than to Arase and the others so alleged.

And have you heard the news? The EFCC is said to be after a Dubai-based property firm that allegedly fleeced unsuspecting Nigerians of $200 billion not $200 million or N200 billion but $200 billion! That is more than seven-and-half times our entire foreign reserves! How manage! You mean such money could be missing from this country and the country is still standing?

It must mean, then, that it is not only our economy that “defies logic”; to quote exmilitary dictator Ibrahim Babangida, the whole country itself defies logic! Consider the foreign reserves of the United Kingdom ($164bn); United States ($121bn); Canada ($84bn); Nigeria’s is up-and-down around or less than $30bn; and South Africa ($47bn). Source: Wikipedia. It defies logic that we have $200bn to run after and we dissipate energy on “petty thieves.” Imagine if just a quarter of this heist is recovered and injected into this comatose economy! My reservations about EFFC’s current Gestapo style notwithstanding, I volunteer to help pursue this $200 bn Exaggerations, hypes, media-lynching should have respectable limit. Finally, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State has been appointed chairman of the APC Edo governorship campaign.

This appointment “smells Gulder,” as journalists would say. Do they really need Ambode or Lagos State’s well-known deep pockets? Ambode should ask Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State of his experience when he accepted a similar appointment during the last Ondo governorship polls.

Shine your eyes... Eko o nibaje o!

TO BE CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK!

35

24 July, 2016

With Rita Okonoboh rosarumese@gmail.com 08053789087

tribunechurch PHOTO: EMH-Schmitt

We need a theology of life to sustain peace

—WCC moderator Dr Agnes Abuom, moderator of the World Council of Churches, is from the Anglican Church of Kenya and is the first woman and the first African in the position in the history of the World Council of Churches. In this interview held at the Central Committee at the Synod of the Evangelical-Lutheran Church in Württemberg, Germany, she speaks on how climate change affects communities and what churches can do to address the situation.

W

HY has climate justice become such an important issue?

We have abused and misused the resources of this earth and thus we have been denying livelihood to millions of people. That is why climate justice has become such an important issue today. If we continue to misuse nature, at the rate we are

going, many more millions of people risk losing their lives. And we also risk losing a lot of biodiversity from the globe. Thus, it is an important issue.

How is climate justice connected to the issue of peace?

As long as there is climate injustice, there are climate-

Sunday Tribune

The church has to link the search for peace and the search for climate justice.

We have to work with environmental issues so that our production does not render big parts of the population poor while enriching only a few driven conflicts, for example, the search for pastures or for water. When people don’t have water, they will fight.

And when they fight, there is no peace. This becomes a challenge for communities. So, the search for peace is also the search for climate justice.

What can the ecumenical movement and churches do to facilitate both?

We have to make sure that the ways in which we use resources and produce are sustainable. We have called for new methodologies to produce our food and ways of sharing resources. We are also challenged to review our growth. Many countries talk about economic growth. But growth usually means that we violate the environment, thus creating more conflict. So what can the church do?

The church has to link the search for peace and the search for climate justice. We have to work with environmental issues so that our production does not render big parts of the population poor while enriching only a few.

So this is more than development work?

It is much more. We have to look at our ethics. Do we want more every day? Do we talk about needs or about greed? If we work with the concept of needs, then we will appropriate resources accordingly, but if our term is greed, it is the very few who profit. We need a theology of life to sustain peace. If one part of life is broken, there will be violations either of the earth or of humanity.

Source: http://www.oikoumene.org

Ayokunle, Oritsejafor counsel Christians on unity

By Rita Okonoboh and Olaide Sokoya THE newly-elected President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend (Dr) Samson Ayokunle, has urged Christians across the country to stand united in the faith to ensure the spread of the gospel.

He also urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the recent killings of Christians.

Ayokunle, who took over the mantle of leadership of the CAN last week, also noted that his position is a call to service of God’s people and called for the support of all Christians.

Ayokunle, who noted that now was the time, more than ever, for Christians to be united, added that “a house divided against itself cannot stand,” calling on government at all lev-

els to ensure the security of lives of all Christians in the face of recent attacks based on religion.

In a related development, the immediate past president of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, has called on Christians to unite and pray for the nation’s leaders, especially in these trying times.

The cleric stated this in his address at the inauguration.

Oritsejafor, who thanked national officers of CAN, bloc leaders, members of the National Executive Council; former CAN presidents, church leaders and Christians for

Ayokunle

Oritsejafor

their support at moving CAN forward, in his message to the new president,

Economic crisis: We must seek 7 Pg3 God’s face —Oyo CAN chair

congratulated him and his deputy, Professor Joseph Otubu on being chosen to

Women can help Christianity survive Pg36 —Primate Okoh

lead the flock of God at this time, stating that “I want to give you the assurance of my total support and encouragement at all times.”

Noting the many achievements during his tenure as president, including the standardisation of CAN elections at state and zonal levels; providing support to victims of insurgency in terms of scholarships, aid and empowerment programmes; building of the CAN Jubilee Resort and Leadership Training Centre; uniting the church and expanding the gospel regardless of denomination, doctrines

and regions, Pastor Oritsejafor stated that “God has truly been faithful to us that time and space will not permit me to mention how our leadership has helped the growth and development of the church and Nigeria in general.

“To all Christians in Nigeria, we are entering a more challenging period in the history of our nation. CAN may have its challenges, but for now we have no other body that unites us as CAN so we must respect the structure and leadership. Let us continue to pray for our land and leaders,” Oritsejafor stated.

Assemblies of God crisis, sign of Pg38 forthcoming revival —Revd Akinrinde

36

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

With Olaide Sokoya ollydesanmi@yahoo.com 08074497425

churchnews Nigerians need to fast and pray —Cleric

By Taiwo Olanrewaju

T

HE Vicar of Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Tafawa Balewa, Lagos State, Venerable (Dr) Julius

O. Oyediran, has called on the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to declare three days of fasting and prayer in which Nigerians will seek the face of God for the nation.

Venerable Oyediran, who believes that Nigeria would still be great again, while speaking with TribuneChurch, noted that the nation needed a lot of prayers to attain lofty heights.

Speaking at the recent

trinity ordination of deacons, priests, collation of archdeacons and inauguration of the diocesan music director at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, Gbongan, Osun State, the cleric said the prayers should be

said in unison, adding that Nigerians could be asked to observe 9:00 a.m., 12noon, 3:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. as prayer time during the three-day fasting and prayer.

To the ordinands, he re-

Identity crisis, true crisis of Christianity —Tunde Bakare

By Taiwo Olanrewaju THE Senior Pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, has identified identity crisis as the true crisis of Christianity.

Speaking on “The Crisis of Christianity and the challenge of the church,” at the 5oth anniversary lecture of the demise of the founder of The Church of the Lord Aladura Worldwide (TCLAW), Prophet Josiah Olunowo Ositelu, at Ogere Remo, Ogun State, recently, Bakare commended The Church of the Lord for being sola scriptura compliant.

He also reiterated that many pioneers of indigenous churches in Nigeria were neither dubious nor fraudulent, but were sincere and walked in the light they received; citing Ositelu as a great personality.

The chairman of the occasion, Justice Jacob A.O. Sofolahan, described the late Ositelu as a great visioner who was highly revered while Primate Rufus Okikiola Ositelu said he would always remember his father for his spirituality.

The General Overseer, Christ Apostolic Advent Church, Ehin-Grammar, Molete, Ibadan, Oyo State, Reverend (Dr) Joseph O. Kayode (middle); Professor Stephen Ojeniyi (right) and guest speaker, Reverend Oluwaniyi Asaju, during the 27th anniversary of the church, held at the church premises, recently.

PHOTO:D’TOYIN

Be securityconscious, group urges Christian preachers Akin Adewakun - Lagos

Newly ordained cleric, Reverend Toluwani Adefusi (middle) with his parents, Mr and Mrs Henry Adefusi, during the installation ceremony held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Emure Ekiti, Ekiti State, recently.

Women can help Christianity survive —Primate Okoh

IF Christianity will survive in Nigeria, it is women that will make it survive because of their special relationship with their children.

The Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Nicholas D. Okoh, gave this submission at the 2016 confirmation/admission service held at the Basilica of Grace Anglican Church, Gudu District, Abuja.

While drilling the women and confirmees before admitting and confirming them, Archbishop Okoh laid emphasis on the commandments of God, which

minded them to be God’s representatives and use the divine mandate to speak for God. Diocesan Bishop, (Dr) Abraham Olaoluwa Akinlalu, urged the new ministers to always pray and listen to God’s directive.

Likewise, the Diocesan Chancellor, Mrs Connie Jean Aremu, who claimed that the legal officers came to legalise the event, implored the priests to stick to the word of the Bible and always seek the word of God. The ordained deacons were Mr Adekunle Oladimeji, Mr Aderemi Ojo and Mr Fatunde Olufemi. The priests were Revd Akinmoladun Oluwarotimi, Revd Akinyemi Kolawole, Revd Alabi Olayiwola and Revd Onwuka Chukwudi. The archdeacon was Revd Canon Ojewande Akinropo.

he said are for life experience.

He said marriage was a source of blessing to mankind and that it is not sur-

prising that it was instituted in heaven.

He prayed that God would grant them the riches of His glory as they

loved Christ and obey His commandments.

Thirty-four candidates were enrolled as mothers for the Mothers’ Union,

28 for enrollment into the Women’s Guild, while 119 candidates, comprising 48 males and 71 females, were enrolled and confirmed.

WOCOM set to celebrate Power of Faith Convention THE Senior Pastor of Word Communication Ministries (WOCOM), Apostle Sunday Popoola, has said that the 2016 edition of Power of Faith

Convention, the annual convention of the ministry, promises to be a turning point in the lives of attendees this year.

The convention, which

has been drawing large numbers of people for many years, is set to come up between August 16 and 21, 2016 with the theme “Deeper and High-

DMFI set to hold conference AN interdenominational Christian ministry, Disciple Makers Foundation International (DMFI), will hold its

21st edition of discipleship conference between August 5 and 6 at the Scripture Union Building, Samonda, Ibadan,

Oyo State.

The theme of the programme is, “Limits and limitlessness of Grace.”

er.”

Major speakers during the programme include American Christian radio host and pastor, Don Kroah, among others.

The mission director of the foundation, Evangelist Sola Alimi and other ministers of God will be at the programme.

A non-denominational group, the Christian Conscience Group, has advised Christian preachers on evangelical missions in the country to be securityconscious, vigilant and always avoid volatile areas while carrying out such evangelical duties.

In a release jointly signed by the group’s National Chairman, Chief Enock Ajiboso and the Publicity Secretary, Tunji Oguntuase, after its monthly central working committee meeting in Lagos State, the group condemned, in strong terms, the ‘incessant killings, harassment and persecution of Christians across the country’ while winning souls for Christ.

It therefore called on Christians on evangelical missions to be vigilant, watchful and avoid volatile areas so as to avoid losing members of the Christian fold to the agents of darkness.

It however urged the Buhari-led administration to ensure the protection of all citizens, regardless of their religion or where they reside in any part of the country, as enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria.

37 tribunechurch

W

ITH the current state of things in the country, what has the experience been like since you took over as the chairman of CAN Oyo chapter?

I came in as Oyo CAN chairman in February 2016, succeeding the late Pastor Johnson Ayo Olabisi. Right from the inception of Christianity, there have been a lot of problems, so facing challenges is not new at all. We are coping with the situation. God has been working seriously among us. We are focusing on ensuring unity among all the blocs.

How about the teachers?

Government will provide teachers. It is part of what is stated in the constitution.

With the state of the nation’s economy, what would be your advice for Christians on addressing the situation?

One thing is that we have to pray fervently and seriously. And the result of our prayers will open doors so that our economy will improve. Our problem is that we don’t surrender our problems to God. If God takes control, everything will be alright. That’s our belief and we are preaching it. Whether as Christians or Muslims, we need to say fervent prayers for the state and the nation. When God intervenes, there will be peace and the economy will improve.

The present administration is focused on eradicating corruption.

How would you assess such action?

It is selfishness that has made corruption so popular. Will anyone take money to heaven? However, we still trust God to

Sunday Tribune

Your Life Counts

by Tunde Jaiyebo 0803 406 2013

The value of people

Reverend (Dr) S.O. Ayokunle took over last week as CAN President, the same year you came in as CAN chairman of Oyo State. What should be the hope of the Christian faithful?

It is instructive that someone who is dynamic and vocal will lead CAN at a time like this. The former president is a very dynamic person and we had been praying over it that whoever would take over would also be dynamic. The inauguration was very successful because all the blocs were in the attendance. Reverend Ayokunle has the support of many people across the country, and his tenure will be a successful one. One thing that he is working on at the moment is addressing the issue of unity among Christians. He is a great man and he is the leader of the NBC. We assure him of our full support.

Recently, you called for the return of schools to missionaries. Some stakeholders, including students and teachers, have expressed concerns that the schools may become unaffordable and inaccessible if such move is taken. How would you react to this?

The problem that made us make such request was that devotions are no longer held in these schools. Our children also no longer had the advantage of taking Christian Religious Studies in these schools as well, and as such, we believe that it would affect their morality and spirituality in the future. That’s why we are asking that the schools be returned to the original owners, that is, the missionaries. Regarding finance, according to our constitution, government is expected to provide education from primary to J.S.S. 3. We expect government to finance the schools, but we will be in partnership with government.

24 July, 2016

Economic crisis: We must seek God’s face

—Oyo CAN Chairman Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Yemetu District, is one of the monuments of the CAC. It is the first CAC general secretariat, the first CAC pastoral training institute, and the first CAC prayer house. The District Coordinating Council Superintendent, Pastor Benjamin Olayiwola Akanmu, is also the Chairman of the Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). He speaks with RITA OKONOBOH on the expectations from the new CAN president, how the church can tackle religious crisis, and other issues. Excerpts: take charge of the Nigerian situation and corruption will be a thing of the past.

As the state chairman of CAN, you are aware of recent clashes between herdsmen and members of communities, even in the South West.

Government has now suggested that farmers pay for protection. Is this the right step?

The leadership forum of CAN has presented the concerns regarding the issue to the government, so we are on top of the situation.

Of late, it would seem that there has been a rise in killings of Christians in the name of their religious

beliefs, the most recent being the murder of Mrs Eunice Elisha.

Should Christians be worried?

That is one of the issues we are trying to address. You know that our constitution gives us freedom of worship and that is what should stand. It is because we Christians are peace-lovers. It is not uncommon for people of other religions to disturb, even during odd hours, and Christians have been accommodating. We are not asking Christians to fight back, but we urge government to address the issue.

It was wrong for a woman, who went out for evangelism, without attacking anyone, to be murdered. Why should she be attacked and killed? Government must take urgent steps to address the situation.

WHAT will life be without people? We human beings are social animals – we need meaningful human relationships and interaction to thrive. Without other people our lives will not be worth living. “A person wrapped up in himself makes a small package.” Harry Emerson Fosdick We must understand that people are the most important resource we have in life. When we refuse to accept the input of other people in our lives we will exclude ourselves from the benefits they can bring to the table. “Sharing is one of those solutions where you get multiple benefits.

It brings people together and helps them save resources and money. It’s also an ideal solution for uncertain times. When you’re in league with others, you can prepare yourself and your community for any type of outcome.” Neal Gorenflo Whatever we need, desire or aspire to be will only be possible through the agency of other human beings. All we need or ever will need is already available but it is in the custody of or under the control of a person, group of persons or an organization run by people. The truth of the matter is that certain people are the custodians and caretakers of all we need in life, just like we too are the custodians and controllers of some things that belong to other people. People are holding these things in trust for us. The job a new graduate needs will be provided by a human being who has vacancy in his company. The promotion an employee needs is in the hands of his boss who will recommend him for promotion. The money a businessman needs is in the custody of his clients and customers. The wife that a bachelor desires to have is a woman somewhere. The politician who aspires for political office will only be able to get it done through the votes of the electorate. The discouraged person simply needs the help of someone who can rekindle his spirit so he can stand and keep going.

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” Albert Schweitzer “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.” Henri Nouwen The blessings a person prays for from God will be released through the agency of human beings – human beings are God’s methods.

Understudying this principle will greatly help us to see people in the right perspective. We must value every person we meet along in the path of life. We must never look down, despise or mistreat anybody as we never know who they will become and what they can do in our lives tomorrow.

For enquiries/comments please email charismokola@yahoo.com

38 tribunechurch

24 July, 2016

Assemblies of God crisis, sign of forthcoming revival —Revd Akinrinde

Y

OU are called Baba Aperire. What makes people call you that?

Aperire is a programme which has been in existence for 21 years and this is a vision from God. It has been winning souls for Christ and God has also manifested Himself through signs and wonders which also establishes that He was behind the initiative. We have had a lot of testimonies through the programme. 2016 will mark the 21st year of the programme and it is entitled “Mighty to Save,” based on Isaiah chapter 63 verse 1. This means God can save us from any problem. So, I believe people called me by the name of the programme.

Some Nigerians have described the crisis in the Assemblies of God Church as an embarrassment to Christendom. How would you react to this?

Well, the crisis in the church is one of those things. There are also churches that were involved in crises, even in the Bible which was resolved accordingly. Crises are peculiar to every church; there is no

way it enforced discipline, but now, it is one crisis after another. What has really changed?

Whatever is happening in the global church today, it is the sign of the last days.

Jesus predicted that all these things will surely come to pass and it is what we are experiencing now. That is why I am saying all what is happening today in the house of God is the sign of the forthcoming revival.

God wants to visit His church in a peculiar way He has never done.

As a cleric, are you happy with the current situation in the country?

There is nothing we can do regarding the situation; for if you don’t take what you want, you will take what you see. That is the situation we have found ourselves today. The situation is tense and terrible but I can see God in this trouble and in our nation. If we (Nigerians) will look for God, I’m sure we will get solution from him.

However, generally, nobody is happy with the present condition of the nation.

Reverend Samson Olufemi Akinrinde, popularly known as Baba Aperire is the District Superintendent for Assemblies of God Church, Oyo State and also the brains behind Oluwa Olorun Aperire Prayer Ministry, Ibadan, Oyo State. In this interview with OLAIDE SOKOYA, he speaks on the crisis in the Assemblies of God church and the way forward.

What are the challenges you have faced in the course of the programme and how were you able to overcome them?

There are many challenges. One of the greatest challenges I faced was my transfer from one place to another. Aperire started at the Assemblies of God, Apata, Ibadan, Oyo State. I was there for 10 years when I was moved to Assemblies of God, Oke Ado in Ibadan. I had to start the Aperire programme all over again and the Lord opened the hearts of the members to receive the programme and it was a great explosion. After I settled down and the Aperire programme had gained ground, that is within a period of six years, I was transferred again to the Assemblies of God, Akobo, Ibadan. I also had to take the Aperire programme with me because the programme is not a vision I can leave behind for any incoming pastor. The person who has the vision knows how to go about it. It has been a great challenge for me to sell the programme to a new church but graciously, because the people had heard about the programme before, immediately I was transferred to a new church, I introduced the programme to them and they embraced it with love. I thank God that there is no church I pastor with the programme “Oluwa Olorun Aperire Prayer ministry” that we did not lay footprints there.

Sunday Tribune

And how is this present condition of the nation affecting the church?

It is affecting the church adversely. It is the member that has eaten that will remember going to church. Do you know that whatever affects you physically will definitely affect you spiritually? It takes a member who has taken his breakfast to come to church and be happy. In fact, it is affecting the church’s economy because members will not sell their blood to give to the church. They can only give what they have and out of the resources they have made. So, the economy is having a very bad effect on the church.

church or organisation that grows without crisis. But the crisis we are facing has not got out of hand; the Lord is taking control of the challenges we are facing. I will not even call it crisis; I will call it a challenge which every church must go through.

Emeka and Dr Chidi Okoroafor. Are you aware of this and is it proper?

It is not really a faction. It is just a matter of understanding what is happening. It is an in-house matter and we are handling it.

In the south-south, the church has two factions, that of Professor Paul

Many years ago, the Assemblies of God church was the pride with the

In the past weeks, we have been examining vital keys that enables every redeem child of God to operate in the realm of the supernatural as his natural estate. This week, we will yet explore another key, which is: We must commit to meditating on the Word: This is a missing art in the body of Christ, today. People do a lot of studying and readings, but very few understand the place of meditation in enhancing our spiritual understanding.

What is meditation?

Meditation is pondering over issues through reasoning in a quest for solutions: Meditation boosts our insight and understanding in reasoning through scriptures, to find solutions to the bugging questions of our lives. For instance, the prodigal son reasoned his way back to dignity and said: How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants (Luke 15:17-19; see also Genesis 24:63).

How would you assess President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration?

He is trying but what I can say is that it is like ‘Water don pass garri for him.’ People are expecting him to perform magic which is not possible. Let’s just exercise patience with the president. My advice to him is that there are experts in this country, and there are people that God has blessed with wisdom and understanding who can help him out of these problems. If he will listen to them and use these people, I think things will surely change. However, if he practices partisan politics, the problem will persist. Let him listen to people who will give him Godly solutions.

livingword

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

Understanding vital keys to operating in the supernatural! (4) Speaking of Jesus, the Bible says: And Jesus departed from thence, and came nigh unto the sea of Galilee; and went up into a mountain, and sat down there (Matthew 15:29).

When they brought someone caught in adultery to Jesus, He wrote on the ground as if he didn’t hear them, as He connected to heaven for the right answer to silence His assailants. Then He said, “…He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” This is an illustration of meditation.

At another time, the Scribes and Pharisees questioned Him saying: “Should we pay tax?” He said, “Bring me a coin.” Then He asked: “Whose image is this on the coin?”

They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then, Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God, what is God’s” (Luke 20:21-26; John

8:3-11).

Meditation deepens our understanding, which puts us in command of the issues of life. Therefore, it is not enough to study; we must start ‘study-thinking’. It is not enough to read; we must start ‘read-thinking’, so we can get the best. When we don’t study and ‘read-think’, it is similar to when our food is not properly digested; it will add no value to our lives. Meditation is simply digesting the Word or squeezing the juice out of the orange of the Word, so we can draw value from it. I pray that as you engage this mystery, you will encounter lasting solutions to that bugging question in Jesus name! Remain ever blessed! Are you born again? If you are not, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner.

39 tribunechurch

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

dawnofanewera sundaysermon

with Most Revd J.O. Akinfenwa Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese

with Pastor Sunday Adelaja Senior Pastor of the Ukraine based Embassy of God Church e-mail: pastor@godembassy.org

The laws of money II: The consequences of ignorance LAST week I ended the first installment of the above topic with reference to the moral challenge of the wealthy world.

The discourse continues. I will not say that only the rich individuals and wealthy nations have these moral challenge. It is common to all.

Even in those countries where millions are dying on daily basis, there are many others who could easily afford to take care of others. But just like in wealthy nations, they too are busy with getting more comfortable on a daily basis.

It is because of my awareness of this egocentric nature of man that I have come to the conclusion that the best way to resolve the problem of poverty in Africa and other developing countries, is not really through distribution of food or money.

My personal journey from a 40-hut village to an international speaker has taught me that the best way out is to empower our people with knowledge. The reason behind my suicide attempt, as I was later to discover, was really not the lack of money or food. The main reason that led to my poverty which almost killed me prematurely was lack of knowledge.

I have since come to discover that even in wealthy nations, this menace of ignorance, especially in the area of money, is as deadly as in my 40-hut village of Idomila.

Ignorance is indeed the biggest enemy of all. When it comes to poverty, the biggest reason for it is still ignorance. I therefore make bold to say that poverty is not a product of productivity or lack of it, even though that could be its consequence.

The real reason behind poverty is THE IGNORANCE OF THE LAWS OF MONEY. It is that ignorance that later leads to lack of discovery, leads to lack of productivity, leads to lack of sales, leads to lack of opportunities and leads to lack of services, etc.

Where that ignorance is present, pov-

If Africa is to break the claws of poverty, all our churches, cultural and community centers, must begin to teach and educate the people on the laws of money and the principles of economic empowerment.

Our churches must be reoriented.

erty is a possibility. That could be both in Africa and Europe. I have since come to the conclusion that to liberate Africa from the grip of poverty, we must first empower Africa with the revolutionary knowledge of the laws of money.

Back to my case in the village and my attempt at suicide, the flow of my thought at that time as I can still vividly remember was: why were some people around me so wealthy and yet my family was so poor? I often wondered why I was so unfortunate to have been born into such a family.

I never could consider that those families who were wealthy were not just lucky or fortunate. I was never told that anyone who controls real wealth was first wealthy in their minds. Even those who were illiterate in the village nevertheless were very literate in the laws of money.

The problem was not in the family where I was born. My problem was that my family was not exposed to these laws.

We were not told of these laws either by our wealthy neighbors or the society I lived in. Neither our school system nor media program gave out any hints on how to make money.

To make things worse, the churches around us were not teaching anything in the area of economic empowerment or laws of money.

On the opposite, our family and many other families around were rather constantly embarrassed that we could not give to the church as much as other families. In some cases, churches will actually be responsible for the feelings of guilt and inadequacy through their constant push for more and more offering.

If Africa is to break the claws of poverty, all our churches, cultural and community centers, must begin to teach and educate the people on the laws of money and the principles of economic empowerment. Our churches must be reoriented.

We must begin to tell the people to not just come to church on Sundays to pray to God, but that after Sunday they have a place to come to on Fridays and Saturdays to learn the laws of productivity and other basic skills that will help them put food on the table for their families.

If we could get every church, cultural and community center in Africa to begin to teach skill acquisitions, economic empowerment, process of production, and other laws of money, only then would we be able to liberate our land and continent.

It is for this purpose I put in a book form all the laws and principles of making and multiplying money that I have learned over the years in the book called “MONEY WON’T MAKE YOU RICH.” My goal is to liberate 40 million people from the grip of poverty in Africa and beyond. This where I will pause this week. Next week, I will surely return with another part in the series based on The Laws of Money.

The obligations of the pastor to the church Continued from last week A pastor is naturally expected to have a “can do” spirit, never doubting that God will make it happen. As the earthly representative of Gut he toud :nspire faith, and he must not water their faith away.

A Pastor must be a man of exemplary speech (1 Pet 4:11, Titus 1: 1— 10). As the Bible enjoins, his speech must be seasoned with grace. He must be grave in his speech; measuring arid weighing ‘: words before uttering them. No gossip, murmur, or vain talk is allowed for pastors. Ihe tongue of the pastor should be a tongue that bLesses.

A Pastor should be a man with an exemplary schedule (John 5: 19, 5: 30, 15: 5). God is first in his daily routine, and God is last in his daily routine. Moreover, God can interrupt his daily routine. When there is something urgent to be done for the kingdom, God should find him sensitive and available to be used to save a soul. A good pastor is well rounded in his approach to life. He is a great planner of time.

A Pastor should show an exemplary life of worship (Acts 20: 26 — 28, John 4: 24). He should keep divine worship truly divine (he does not trivialize spiritual things). His conduct during private and public worship inspires; he does not merely excite. In other words, he is Biblical, and Biblio-centered in worship.

A Pastor’s methods should be exemplary

(John 15: 5, Ram 14: 19, Heb 12: 14). He always asks - What would Christ do if he were here in person?” So, he could be described as a Christo-centric person. In his dealings with others, he is ennobling and edifying, not manipulative and self-seeking. He rallies support, and does not pursue compliance by using the instrument of coercion.

A Pastor must have exemplary work ethic (Prov 13: 4, 12:24, 22:29). He is not an idler.

He majors onLy on majors, embracing productive work and shunning profanities. He teaches the dignity of labour, and shows it in his work. A serious pastor goes the extra mile. He must never say, “I have closed” when there is a real need.

A Pastor’s dressing/appearance must be Exemplary (Titus 1: 8, Luke 7: 25). His dressing is sober and not extravagant, yet impressive. He must always be neatly (even if humbly) dressed. A pastor should wear a smile always; that is the most important item on his “costume”. A pastor should communicate hope, therefore his countenance must not radiate gloom. A pastor should not be a follower of fickle fashion. He is not under any obligation to wear the “latest” clothes in town. In fact, he should resist every attempt to turn him into a fashion icon (especially in form of gifts by parishioners). He is not a “celebrity”l Very importantly, he should be dressed ready always (a pastor must never say, “let me go home and change.”

To be continued next week

theapostolicmessage

By Pastor (Dr) G.O. Olutola JP.

Solution to unpleasant situations “AND the men of the city said unto Elisha, behold I pray thee, the situation of city is pleasant as my lord seeth: but the water is naught, and the ground barren.

And he said, bring me a cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him”.

(2 Kings 2:19-20) The text is such a one that is common to all. The city, Jericho is hilly. If you go into the city, by the time you will look back you will always see green pastures.

Why? Because the lowest part of the place is swampy a bit such that would retain water for a long time.

The scenario of the old Jericho is very much similar to that of Nigeria of today.

If you would agree with me, either by natural, physical or anything you have to say about vegetation, the country is well blessed.

The situation of this nation is also pleasant judging by the expanse of land, mineral resources, the cream of technocrats and specialists; there is virtually not a town in the riverine area that is not rich in foci oil.

I know of a city in the west enriched with Gold deposit. Most of the land in the western Nigeria is rich to produce agricultural goods that can feed the whole world.

But the leadership in Nigeria is destructive of the people. There is corruption; the water is bad. The land that’s supposed to be good is bad. Thank God for His voice, God who is the head of the church and the

Creator; the owner of the land and of the sea is asking us to wait and see as he is healing our land.

Because He could work on Jericho the Lord has already repaired both the land, the water and whatsoever is in the ground; the owner of the land, the owner of the firmament and everything in the sea has assured us.

How did the elders of Jericho know Elisha? Elisha followed his master. His master said he should go back, he decided not to go back, he wanted to take something from his master.

When he returned after his master had been taken away, the pieces of the gown he took from his master was with him, he fold his garment and when he got to the river, he said, where is the God of Elijah?

Whether he hit the river with the garment or not we are less concerned. River Jordan is not a very strong river but it was a very mighty water yet it was divided and by the time he got out of the river he met with men who told him the news of the condition of Jericho but, he knew it because he had always stayed there with his departed master.

The Lord knows your problem, but He is expecting you to table your requests before Him. When you tell the Lord what you want from Him and He will give it to you.

To be continued next week

40

24 July, 2016

language&style Of cost and cause

A

fortnight ago, we had started considering issues from the last excerpt for that day when space cut us short.

That excerpt is here presented as the first sample for today.

Sample 1: : “The president, in his remark, said over six decades, oil exploration in the region had caused the rural communities their sources of livelihood in the face of acute degradation of their land and water among other damaged biodiversity in the region…It smirks of attempts to gain recognition and position individuals for possible negotiations with the FG…The preferential treatment got by Tompolo, Atake, Boyloaf, Asari and other ‘Generals’ at the detriment of ‘Commanders’ and foot soldiers have been a cause of friction…They are hiding under a platform of underdevelopment to perpetuate these evils…He said there are 45 communities around the Benin River without portable drinking water…Gory tales of inhuman treatment and human rights abuses allegedly carried out by the military from the creeks is further alienating the Federal Government and the military in the region…”(Ogoni Clean up, the Struggle and the UNEP Report, The Nation, Sunday June 5, 2016) Now consider this: “The president, in his remark, said over six decades…” Please note the parenthetical phrase, ‘in his remark’, in which the possessive pronoun ‘his’ refers to ‘the president’. I had thought that brevity was a cardinal journalistic principle of writing. This is necessarily so as space, like airtime in the broadcast media, is never available in unlimited supply. Word-wasting is not only time-wasting it is also space-wasting and distracting. Do readers actually need that bit of information: ‘in his remarks’? What purpose does that phrase serve that the reporting verb, ‘said’, does not serve? In whose ‘remark’ do we expect the president to have ‘said’ what he said if not ‘in his remark’? The reporter and his editor may unwittingly provoke readers’ assumption that space is available to them in abundance, and to utilize all the space available they engage in verbal padding!

I am so certain this is not the case; this is just an instance of stylistic carelessness.

Next, we note the usage of the word caused in the following context: “six decades (of) oil exploration had caused the rural communities their sources of livelihood.” Is that actually the word that context requires—caused? I believe that word is a wrong choice, confused as it is with the word cost. Actually the wordscaused (in its past tense) and cost have similar pronunciation.

We shall come back to the word cost later, but let us note that if an error is so serious that it costs you your job, it makes you lose your job. No, it does not cause you your job; it costs your job.

Now we illustrate the usage of the words cause, course and curse, words whose usage we have illustrated several times on this page. But we would not be tired of drawing attention to them for as long as confusion arises in their usage in the Nigerian press.

Read the following sentences: 1) Careless driving is one of the major causes of road traffic accidents in Nigeria. 2) One major cause of corruption in Nigeria is poverty. 3) The police in conjunction with the doctors are investigating the cause of his death. 4) Nobody has been able to identify the cause of the fire disaster. 5) Accommodation and food were the main causes of students’ unrest in those days. 6) Medical experts have not been able to establish the cause of cancer. 7) Conflict of egos among Nigerian leaders was the cause of the civil war. 8) There are people who would hate you without cause.

It should be clear that X is the cause of Y if X makes Y to happen. The word has been used as a noun in each of those sentences. While retaining the sense of the noun, it can also be used as a verb: 1) The civil unrest was caused by an abrupt and irrational increase in the prices of petroleum products. 2) Nobody knew what caused the strained relationship between the man and his wife. 3) It was speculated that the divorce was caused by infidelity and mutual suspicion. 4) The constitutional crisis was caused by the establishment of an interim government. 5) The

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

Sunday Tribune

line

life

with Niyi Osundare

Random Blues accident was caused by poor visibility and an awkwardly parked vehicle. 6) The military training exercises accompanied by the booming of guns caused fear and panic in the neighbourhood.

7) That kind of diabetes is caused by excessive intake of sugar.

8) Anaemia causes or aggravates some other very serious diseases. 9) Excessive rains cause flooding. 10) Anxiety and tension cause hypertension.

Whether it is used as a noun or as a verb, the word cause has to do with producing an effect or a result.

Now read the following sentences: 1) The Boko Haram insurgents do believe sincerely that they are fighting a just cause. 2) The progressives should join hands and fight a common cause.

3) It is rare to find wealthy people using their wealth in the pursuit of noble causes. 4) All Christians are called upon to fight and defend the cause of Christ on earth. 5) He would not fight any cause that has no direct relevance to his finance or pride.

6) The late M K O Abiola was reputed for giving generously to causes in aid of human progress and development.

The noun cause as used in those sentences does not mean to produce an effect or result (unlike the sense illustrated in earlier sentences). Rather, it refers to a purpose deserving or worthy of action or attention.

Now we illustrate the usage of the word course: 1) If you fail a compulsory course, you have to take and pass it before you graduate. 2) Many students regard mathematics as a difficult course. 3) There are courses that all science students must take. 4) Many students don’t want to register for courses being handled by that lecturer.5) Can a student change his course in the penultimate year? 6) All engineering students must take and pass all mathematics courses.

It should be clear from those sentences that the word course refers to a programme of study.

Now read the following sentences: 1) In the course of their investigation, the police stumbled upon a very valuable piece of evidence. 2) The panel is free to invite any member of staff for questioning in the course of its enquiry. 3) More witnesses will be invited in the course of the trial. 4) In the course of my legal practice, I have seen a number of such curious cases. 5) The map shows the course of the river from its source to the sea. 6) The human rights activists are insisting that justice must take its course.

7) In the course of my training as a doctor, I have seen and treated worse manifestations of the disease. 8) In the course of the lecture, I discovered that I was teaching a wrong class.

The word course as used in those sentences refers to a path or track or movement in space or time. The word can also be used as a verb as the following sentences illustrate: 1) Although he said nothing, he was obviously sad as tears coursed down his cheeks. 2) Anxious, terrified and expectant, he felt ‘hot’ blood coursing through his veins.

We now turn to the word curse. Read the following sentences: 1) The Biblical Jericho was under a curse and it took the intervention of Elisha the prophet to bring healing to it. 2) It is a sad irony that oil is a curse rather than a blessing to the Nigerian nation. 3) Hardship may have its own uses, but poverty in its worst form is incontrovertibly a curse. 4) A life under a curse cannot prosper without divine intervention. 5) It is wrong to curse a child however rebellious or disobedient he may be. 6) Jesus cursed the fig tree because it did not produce fruits.

It should be obvious that the word curse (a noun and a verb) refers to an expression or situation that brings evil, ill-luck, mysterious injury or destruction.

The following sentences illustrate the difference among the words: 1) In the course of the war, we discovered that war is a cursecaused by men’s greed and selfish ambition. 2) A war may or may not be a good course of action depending on whether or not you are fighting a just cause.

The discussion continues next week by God’s grace.

I believe that word is a wrong choice, confused as it is with the word cost.

Actually the wordscaused (in its past tense) and cost have similar pronunciation

Giving, always giving, But from whose beneficence have I received?

Say, giving, always giving, From whose beneficence have I received?

Think twice, my friend, before you ask The answer may leave you forbiddingly confused

Born many years before my father I encountered my mother at Heavengate Yes, born many years before my father I encountered my mother at Heavengate Life’s train is sometimes very fast Both for the living and the late

We hang from the tree of anguish Our legs dangle above the flood Alas, we hang from the tree of anguish Our legs dangle above the flood Humanity swims in a special fluid Much thicker than the common blood

I have never gauged my height By the genuflection of the world Sure, never gauged my height By the genuflection of the world Pride’s baleful blindness always lives beyond The peripheral region of the humble sight

If I stand so tall, it is because I stand on the shoulders of taller men Yes, if I stand so tall, it is because I stand on the shoulders of taller men Life often writes our hidden story With the tip of an absent pen

41

news

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Former bank staff admits stealing late uncle’s N40m Bodunrin Kayode-Maiduguri

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki (left), exchanging pleasantries with the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Maikanti Baru, during a public hearing on the need for effective implementation of the Joint Venture Cash Calls Obligations by the NNPC, in Abuja, recently.

DSS nabs militant leader behind rumoured coup against Buhari, others

By Dare Adekanmbi

MEN of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested the leader of the Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force (JNDLF), Jones Abiri, also known as General Kill and Bury, for pipeline vandalism, circulating coup rumour and militancy in the Niger Delta region.

A statement from the service, signed by Tony Opuiyo and made available to Sunday Tribune on Saturday, said Abiri, also known as General Akotebe, was arrested in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Thursday.

General Kill and Bury’s group, it will be recalled, threatened to bomb

the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos State earlier this month.

The statement said Abiri had confessed to engaging in criminal activities through JNDLF, including the vandalism of Nigeria Agip Oil Company (NAOC) trunk line in Ogboinbiri and the bombing of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) pipelines at the creek in Bayelsa State.

According to the statement, Abiri also admitted issuing the threat to launch missile attacks on selected targets in Abuja, including the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock.

“Darikoro is also the mastermind of the recently circulated hoax of planned overthrow of President

Muhammadu Buhari by the military,” in addition to sending, “threat messages to managements of NAOC and SPDC demanding the payment of N500 million and N250 million respectively,” the statement said in part.

The DSS added that it also arrested another suspected militant named Stephen Mamayebo also known as Oscar, in connection with the kidnap of an expatriate and death of two soldiers whose names were given as Garba Umar and Bashir Kabiru along Ogbia-Nembe Road, in Bayelsa, on April 5.

The statement said it also rounded up a three-man gang notorious for kidnapping and terrorising people

along Abuja-Kaduna highway and other environs in Kaduna State.

The trio — Ismaila Shuaibu, Kabiru Nasiru and Inusa Abdullahi — were arrested on Friday, in Kaduna.

“In continuation of its fight against terrorism, the service, on July 20, arrested one Bulala Mohammed Ramat, also called Muhammad Bashir, at Jabi Motor Park, in Utako, Abuja.

“Prior to his arrest, Muhammadu was planning to attack the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs, in collaboration with other elements of an extremist cell of the Boko Haram group,” the statement said.

and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Obantoko Unit, Mrs Filani Morolake, told Sunday Tribune that those injured had been taken to an undisclosed hospital before they got to the scene.

Filani explained that the trailer was coming from

Abeokuta and going to Ibadan, while the car driver was heading to Abeokuta from Ibadan.

Residents of Kila community told Sunday Tribune that they had made several representations to NRC management at Dugbe to call attention to the danger

A former banker with a new generation bank in Maiduguri, Borno State, has admitted to the theft of about N40 million belonging to his late uncle, Alhaji Talbi Kali, with the deceased’s family unable to get his money.

The criminal breach of trust, it was gathered, started about 10 years ago when the ex-banker, Mali Kali, started acting as his uncle’s personal banker while in the employment of the bank in the Borno State capital.

“His late uncle started giving him installmenental funds to keep in the fixed deposit account but the young man was diverting the funds and giving him fake tellers to fool the late Kali that the money was intact,” said the Commissioner of Police, Aminchi Baraya, who briefed newsmen at the weekend.

“The uncle unfortunately did not withdraw a kobo from the funds before he died. In June this year, his children came for the funds, which according to their calculation should be about N40 million, having been given the forged documents by the former banker.

“But when the children went back to the bank for further investigations; there was no money. They were told the account was empty and that was when it dawned on them that they have been duped,” Baraya said.

100,000 fishermen lose job over attacks by militants Christian Okeke -Abuja

FISHERMEN under the auspices of Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria Limited (FCFNL), have raised the alarm that the collapse of industrial fishery sub-sector had resulted in loss of over 100, 000 jobs and cost the country over $50 million in foreign exchange derivable from export of high-value sea food.

They protested multiple taxation on fish commodity as well as its negative effects on the fisheries sub-sector of the country, lamenting the effects of growing insecurity in forms of militancy, sea piracy, youth restiveness and unregulated fishing

Train accident leaves 2 critically injured in Ogun

By Dare Adekanmbi

AN early morning train accident at Ilugun-Kila Level Crossing in Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Saturday, left two people critically injured and one other escaping death by a whisker.

The accident involved a trailer carrying cement, which was run into by the train, and a Toyota Camry car with the registration number Abuja- RSH 306 KM said to have been parked away from the crossing when the incident happened at about 6:58 a.m.

The train, Loco 2219, haulaging 13 empty wagons, was going to Lagos from Dugbe, Ibadan, Oyo State, and descending a slope at the level crossing when it ran into the trailer and broke it into two pieces.

The driver and lone occupant of the car, who refused to give his name, told Sunday Tribune that he parked a few metres from the crossing when he saw the train approaching, while the driver of

the trailer was attempting to cross the track.

The severed head of the truck almost tore his car into shreds, while he escaped unhurt.

Residents in the area armed with shovels and wheelbarrows were seen rebagging and carting cement from the scene.

While some officials of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said the train driver started blaring horns 500 metres to the crossing, residents and eyewitnesses said they did not hear the train blare its horns.

Investigation by Sunday Tribune revealed that there was no level crossing keeper, whose duty is to stop vehicles from crossing the rail track, when the accident occurred.

Residents told Sunday Tribune that they had always played the role of level crossing keepers by asking motorists to stop whenever train passes through the community.

Commander of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance

posed to the community and motorists at the crossing.

NRC Public Relation Officer at the Dugbe Western District Station, Francis Unyimadu, said he was aware of the accident but had not been briefed on what actually transpired, promising to speak when briefed.

in maritime states, as well as the insurgency in Lake Chad region on fishing activities.

Speaking at the maiden annual general meeting of the federation in Abuja, its president, Anthony Ashagye, raised the alarm that farmers/grazers conflict had hindered fishing activities in the southern zone of Taraba State.

He lamented that despite its vast fisheries and aquaculture resource base, the country remains the highest fish importer in Africa with an estimated 950 metric tonnes of imported frozen fish valued at over N100 billion annually.

Ashagye said it was sad that the critical sub-sector of the economy remained bedevilled with a widerange of limiting factors which include inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to affordable credit facilities by investors, policy inconsistency, failure of development and intervention programmes as well as inadequate insurance cover.

No impeachment plot against Buhari, we’re more concerned about economy —PDP senators SENATORS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) extraction have denied media reports that they were planning to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that they were more concerned about the economic situation in the country and how to assist in proffering solutions.

According to the PDP senators, in a press statement at the weekend, jointly signed by Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Senate Minority Whip, Senator Philip

Aduda, and Senate Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Biodun Olujimi, they were more concerned about the economy than impeaching the president.

It would be recalled that a recent report had quoted a former chairman of the board of trustees of the party as having called on the National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi to “dissuade the PDP caucus in the National Assembly from participating in the alleged ‘ill-advised’ adventure of removing President Muhammadu Buhari from office.”

But the PDP senators described the said impeachment plot as “false, baseless and unfounded,” saying: “By the admission of the Minister of Finance when she appeared before the Senate on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at plenary, the Nigerian economy is technically in recession. Therefore, this is no time for politicking.

Rather we should all join hands together to address the problems of unemployment, hunger, poverty and insecurity currently ravaging our country.

“The downturn in the economy is of more con-

cern to us as PDP senators who are known patriots. Nigerians are passing through very difficult times and our immediate concern is how to assist in proffering solutions to the economic crises that we are presently faced with,” the statement said.

The statement further read that, “for the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that the said impeachment plot is false, baseless and unfounded. Hence, we advise Nigerians generally to be cautious in spinning and/or peddling rumours capable of heating up the polity.”

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Sunday Tribune

Avengers flay Navy over alleged arrest of members Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

THE Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has flayed the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS Delta), Warri, Delta State, for allegedly claiming to have arrested and paraded some of their members.

Spokesperson of NDA, Mudoch Agbinibo, faulted the claim in a statement posted on the website of the militant group late Friday.

He denied knowledge and membership of Prince David and Felix Ebiador, who were paraded last Thursday at the Warri Naval Base by the new commander, Commodore Joseph Dzunve.

The duo were allegedly caught with 11 batteries and electric cables and other items believed to be used for bombing oil and gas pipelines in the region.

Ebiador, one of the suspects, had confessed during the parade that he was hired, as usual, to use his boat to convey the items to a guest house believed to belong to former militant, Chief Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a Tompolo, in Oporoza, Warri South West Local Government Area.

From left, Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi; The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; receiving a gift from President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana; Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora, during a reception in honour of the monarch when he visited Ghana on Friday.

Piracy on the rise in Nigerian waters —NIMASA DG Tola Adenubi, Lagos

T

HE Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has bemoaned the rise in piracy attacks in Nigeria’s waters.

He made this known when he hosted the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear

Admiral Ferguson Bobai, at NIMASA headquarters in Lagos State.

According to him, “the operations report made available to us is nothing to cheer about. While there was a drop in the number of vessels coming to our ports, there seemed to be a comparative increase in piracy activities. This means that operationally, both NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy must step up our game in

order to guarantee continuous prosperity of Nigeria’s economy.”

While commending the Nigerian Navy for the considerable reduction of criminal activities in the Nigerian territorial waters in the last three months, Dr. Peterside, however, charged stakeholders to do more in order to completely eliminate the scourge.

He acknowledged the existing partnership with

Edo 2016: Ize-Iyamu, Oshiomhole in war of words Banji Aluko - Benin City EDO State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Osagie IzeIyamu, has vowed to probe the government of Governor Adams Oshiomhole if elected into office, declaring that every kobo accrued to the state must be accounted for.

Ize-Iyamu, who said this in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area of the state when he took his gubernatorial campaign to the council, said it was high time the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Godwin Obaseki, started speaking for himself since he is the one contesting election and not Oshiomhole.

“The only person speaking in APC is Adams Oshiomhole. If the candidate he has brought is dumb, he should tell us so that we can arrange a sign language interpreter for him. We can also pray for him so that he will be able to speak.

“I call on Adams Oshiomhole to probe my time in government and look at everything that I did. Let him do it

because by the grace of God, when I am governor, I will probe him. I will probe him; every kobo that has come to Edo State must be accounted for. That is his fear; that is why he can no longer sleep.

“Adams Oshiomhole believes that the more he attacks, the more he can hide the truth. He should know that it is not by insulting IzeIyamu or Chief Anenih. Only recently in a Catholic Church, he met Chief Anenih and he apologised to him on the altar

to forgive him. Days after, he was abusing Chief Anenih.

Meanwhile, the Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole has called the bluff of the PDP governorship candidate, Ize-Iyamu.

Oshiomhole, while speaking at the APC campaign rally in Fugar, Edo State, described the threat as laughable, just as he stated that the former SSG would “go to jail” for alleged misappropriation of government fund before he (Oshiomhole) could be probed.

the Nigerian Navy which he said had been mutually beneficial, adding that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two agencies is currently being reviewed to make it more effective and beneficial to the entire maritime industry.

“I am confident that the strategies being put in place by the Nigerian Navy including the launch of the FALCON EYE and partnerships with relevant stakeholders would go a long way in addressing the security challenges in our waterways,” the DG said.

He pledged the agency’s continuous collaboration with the Nigerian Navy in the task of promoting a friendly environment for maritime activities in Nigeria.

Earlier in his remarks, Rear Admiral Ferguson Bobai, who said he was in NIMASA for a familiarisation visit after taking over the Western Naval Command, called for greater cooperation between the two agencies for the overall interest of Nigeria.

...Economic recession ‘ll not stop me from developing Edo —Obaseki Banji Aluko - Benin City THE All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has assured that the current economic recession the nation is facing would not stop him from developing the state.

The candidate said factors that made the Benin Municipal Council to be one of the richest councils in the

1960s were still available and that Edo State would be great again without oil.

He spoke on Friday at Uwa Primary School, venue of the APC campaign kickoff in Edo South Senatorial district, assuring that his administration would not disappoint the people of the state if elected as governor on September 10.

He said: “In the last seven years, we have done in Edo what nobody had been

able to do in the recent history of Nigeria. They said we didn’t have money but today we have built over 1000 kilometres of roads, built schools and done other things.

“The work we started eight years ago is still work in progress. We have a lot much to do. We have just scratched the surface. We have only done the major roads; there are more we need to connect,” he said.

CBN’s intervention in forex market ‘ll protect naira —Expert A financial expert, Mr. Victor Owonifari, has described the intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the interbank forex as a desirable step in the right direction for the nation’s financial system.

He said the move would go a long way in putting the naira in a vantage position when compared with other currencies of the world.

Owonifari, a chartered accountant and the Principal Partner /CEO of Victor Owonifari & Co., who said this early in the week at Ikeja, Lagos, during an interactive session with journalists, noted that the market should be allowed to operate freely and find its equilibrium, but as the regulatory body, the CBN should intervene once in a while to curb excesses and supply shortfalls, thereby protecting the naira.

‘Power tools will enhance overall business growth’

By Seyi Sokoya

FOLLOWING the current challenges facing the power sector, Regional Sales Director of Bosch Group, an electronic company, Benjamin Ofori, has emphasised the importance of power tools which, according to him, will increase efficiency in output and overall growth of businesses.

Ofori stated this at the maiden edition of Bosch dealers’ summit held at Sojourner Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State, adding that “Africa offers great potential for our business with Nigeria leading the pack as the biggest economy in Africa. With more than 170 million people and emerging middle class, doing business with Nigeria was a step in the right direction for us at Bosch Group.

“The major significance of the power tools dealership event was to underline the commitment of Bosch in Nigeria at building and fostering sustainable business relationship with customers and also build confidence of the brand in the market,” he added.

JCI to commence campaign against human error road accidents in Ibadan

By Yejide Gbenga-Ogundare

THE Junior Chambers International (JCI), Ibadan chapter, a global group with the aim of providing development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change, is set to commence a campaign - the Safe Highway Projects to enlighten drivers, especially truck drivers in Oyo state about basic rules of driving.

JCI’s campaign is launched against the background of a research that revealed that human error accounts for up to 99 per cent of accidents and mechanical and environmental factors are subservient to it.

The research also put percentage of deaths resulting in road accidents in Ibadan at 46.73 per cent, a figure that JCI found alarming.

According to the JCI President, Wale Bakare, lack of knowledge of road signs and regulations, illiteracy, health problems like poor eye sight, excessive speeding, alcoholism, drug abuse, arrogance and over confidence are some human factors that cause road traffic accidents.

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Abducted Lagos Oba: Kidnappers reduce ransom to N40m •We are not aware —Family OlalekanOlabulo-Lagos

G

OING by media reports at the weekend that abductors of Oniba of Iba town, Oba Goriola Oseni, had reduced their ransom to N40 million, the family of the Lagos Oba has expressed the fears over the effect of media reports and external factors on the release of the traditional ruler.

According to the family, unconfirmed media

reports had been affecting the correspondence between the family and the abductors.

The family members expressed their fears on Saturday while speaking with Sunday Tribune on the said reports.

A member of the family who pleaded anonymity while speaking with the Sunday Tribune, expressed his displeasure at the “effect of the media and external factors on the attempts to get the monarch

released.

“You people should just leave us alone. I don’t know where you get your information from but you should consider the safety of the monarch first,” the source added .

He added that “at a time we are begging the people with N200 million you people were saying that they had reduced it to N40 million. Where did you get your reports from.”

A top member of the traditional chiefs in Ibaland

who also pleaded anonymity denied that the abductors had reduced the ransom to N40 million.

The chief stated that they were still appealing to the abductors to reduce the ransom and that they were, as of Saturday afternoon yet to agree on that.

One of the wives of the monarch, Olori Nafisat Oseni, however, denied being aware of the reduction in the ransom.

She simply said “I don’t know. I don t want to say anything on that now.”

Pastor Elijah Olawale, husband of the late of Deaconess Eunice Olawale (second left) and their children at the burial ground in Abuja, on Saturday.

PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

Tears as murdered female preacher is buried in Abuja •Perpetrators must be punished —Buhari Collins Nnabuife-Abuja THERE was rain of tears as the remains of the murdered female preacher, Deaconess Eunice Olawale were laid to rest at the Gudu Cemetery, Abuja, on Saturday.

There was heavy presence of members of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The burial, which was described as a state burial by sympathisers, attracted government officials, representatives of President Muhammadu Buhari and Aisha Buhari.

The husband of the deceased, Pastor Elisha Olawale, while reading his tribute in tears, described his late wife as his girlfriend, lover, mother.

He also narrated how she cried out in pains when she was attacked and killed by suspected religious extremists in the early hours of Saturday July 19.

While commiserating with the family of the de-

ceased, President Muhammadu Buhari said that government must ensure that those who murdered Mrs Olawale were brought to justice.

President Buhari, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Babachir, noted that his government would continue to create an environment where citi-

zens would not be harassed for their belief.

According to him “the President directed that we assure Nigerians, not only the church, that as a government, it recognised the responsibility and the duty to ensure that every Nigerian, wherever they might be, is free to practise his religion faith or whatever he or she chooses to do at anytime of

the day in a free, fair and safe environment.

“We are aware that the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has forgiven the people who did this but as a government, it is our duty to bring all wicked, evil men and people that break the law to justice.

600 shops burnt, again, razes market in Kano Kola Oyelere-Kano AGAIN, popular Abubakar Rimi market was gutted by another ‘mysterious’ fire, destroying about 600 shops and other properties worth millions of naira.

It will be recalled that few months ago, the same market was consumed by fire, which affected thousands of shops and destroyed properties worth billions of naira.

The inferno was said to have started in the middle of the night when nobody was around to explain

what led to it.

Sunday Tribune gathered that edible items such as rice, tomatoes, vegetables, among other things, were consumed by the midnight inferno.

While speaking with Sunday Tribune, one of the traders whose shop was affected, Hajia Zenabu Ibrahim, said that over N300,000 sales she made on Friday and kept in her safe had been consumed by the fire.

Another affected trader, Malam Garba Isa, who sells rice and other foodstuff, said that he lost over 100

bags of rice and beans to the incident.

He stated that this was the second time his property would be destroyed by fire in the market, noting that he got a loan from the bank to start business afresh.

“All that I depend on have been destroyed and I am left with nothing as I speak with you. I don’t even know where to start from,” he said.

Efforts to speak with the fire fighting officials proved abortive as none was ready to speak as of the time of filing this report.

Sunday Tribune

Ondo 2016: Don’t be deceived by PDP antics —Adegbonmire Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

AN All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Mr. Niyi Adegbonmire (SAN), has warned the people of the state to avoid falling for the political antics of the state governor, Olusegun Mimiko, ahead of the November 26 gubernatorial election.

Adegbonmire, who accused the current administration of mismanaging the state resources, said the state governor had embarked on campaign of calumny by blaming the current hardship in the state on President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adegbonmire stated this while submitting his letter of intent at the party secretariat in Akure, where he also paid his N2million developmental levy ahead of the August 27 primary of the APC. He condemned the “Eto Igbe Ayo” programme recently introduced by the state governor, saying that the bags of rice and beans distributed to the people of Ikare Akoko in Akoko North East Local Government were not meant to reduce hunger in the state but to cajole them in voting for PDP. He stated that the timing of distributing food to the people of the state was wrong, noting that the government had failed in bringing the dividends of democracy to the doorsteps of the people but was distributing food items at this critical political stage to lure the electorate to vote for his party.

Adegbonmire said :“The people should have asked the governor where he got money to buy the rice and beans from, at a time he is battling to pay his workers five months salaries. Workers at the two tertiary institutions are on strike, and no infrastructural projects is going on.”

However, the Director of Publicity of PDP in the state, Ayo Fadaka said that the aspirant was entitled to his opinion, stating that Adegbonmire lacked knowledge about governance and welfare of the people.

Fadaka said governance is not merely about administration but also entails giving proper attention to the welfare of the people.

He said: “ For years, the PDP government did not distribute food package to the people because the economy was properly managed by the then PDP Federal government, but today, our economy is in recession under the APC federal government.

Ondo guber: Youth coalition defends Jegede’s endorsement, warns against swindlers THE umbrella body of youths in Ondo state, Ondo State Youth Coalition has thrown its weight behind the aspiration of Mr Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) to succeed the state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, even as it warned youth in the state to be wary of swindlers on the prowl in the name of youth groups seeking politicians to swindle.

The Coalition said it was not uncommon for dubious youths to parade fake credentials at this time to seek patronage from willing politicians who might want to use them to pursue a political agenda even when they are not in any way relevant to the system.

According to the Coalition, the warning became necessary following what it described as “a malicious publication allegedly signed by one pseudo Dele Ayeni against the endorsement of Jegede by leaders of the People Democratic Party and various interest groups.”

Oyo NSCDC recovers truck drums of PMS, arrests suspected vandals

By Oluwatoyin Malik THE Oyo State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) engaged some suspected vandals in a gun battle in the early hours of last Wednesday at about 3:00 a.m., after the hoodlums had successfully vandalised NNPC right of ways at Balogun Village in Ido Divisional Area of Oyo State.

Disclosing this to Sunday Tribune at the weekend, the state commandant, Mr Jao Adewoye said that men of the anti-vandal team of the Command was on routine patrol in the area when they met the vandals loading the petroleum product into drums and water tanks.

The Commandant listed the items recovered at the scene to include 19 drums filled with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), two tanks of 5,000-litre capacity and a Mercedez Benz truck with registration number RJ 67 KJA. He further said that the suspected vandals escaped with gunshot wounds, while there was no casualty on the side of the civil defence.

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Sunday Tribune

CBN makes U-turn, directs banks to sell dollars to bureau de change operators

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in a bid to rescue the naira which continues its loss against major currencies, has directed agent banks to authorise international money transfer operators to sell foreign currency accruing from inward money remittances to licensed Bureau De Change operators (BDCs).

The directive was contained in a circular dated July 22, 2016 issued by the apex bank and pasted on its website.

This is a volte face for the apex bank which in January this year stopped the

sale of foreign exchange to BDCs, asking them to source foreign exchange from autonomous sources “as part of measures to reduce the pressure on the nation’s foreign reserves.”

According to the circular with reference number TED/FEM/FPC/ GEN/01/004, which was signed by the Acting Director, Trade and Exchange Department, Mr W.D. Gotring, the CBN took that decision as part of “continued effort to ensure the stability of the exchange rate and to encourage participation of all critical stakeholders in the foreign exchange market.”

The statement added, “All

international monetary operators are required to remit foreign currency to the agent banks for disbursement in naira to beneficiaries while the foreign currency proceeds shall be sold to the BDCs.” It stated also that “the foreign currency proceeds from the international money transfer sold to the BDC operators shall be retailed to end users in compliance with the provisions of anti-money laundering laws and observance of appropriate Know Your Customer (KYC) principles, including the use of Bank Verification Number (BVN).

“Furthermore, authorised

dealers and BDCs are required to render returns of the operation daily and monthly to the Director, Trade and Exchange, CBN via e-FASS application, in accordance with extant regulation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, failure by any authorised dealers and BDC operators to render returns as and when due shall attract appropriate sanctions, including withdrawal of dealership’’.

CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, while addressing a press conference in January to announce the discontinuation of sale of dollars to BDCs, had said, “Operators in this segment of the

market would now need to source their foreign exchange from autonomous source. They must however note that the CBN would deploy more resources to monitoring these sources to ensure that no operator is in violation of our antimoney laundering laws.”

According to the CBN governor, the apex bank resorted to this measure because it had noted that, “Whereas the CBN has continued to sell US dollars at about N197 per dollar to these operators, they have in turn become greedy in their sales to ordinary Nigerians, with selling rates of as high as N250 per dollar.”

The CBN governor also said, “BDC operators have abandoned the original objective of their establishment, which was to serve retail end users who need $5,000 or less. Instead, they have become wholesale dealers in foreign exchange to the tune of millions of dollars per transaction.

Thereafter, they use fake documentations like passport numbers, BVNs, boarding passes, and flight tickets

to render weekly returns to the CBN.” But the measure, which was targeted at relieving the pressure on the currency and shore up its value vis-à-vis foreign currencies, achieved little as the naira continued its unrestrained fall against foreign currencies, exchanging at a point at the rate of N360 to the dollar.

This forced the CBN to adopt the liberalised forex market last month.

While announcing the new policy on June 15, Emefiele said the exchange rate would be purely marketdriven using the ThomsonReuters Order Matching System as well as the Conversational Dealing Book.

He, however, added that the CBN would participate in the market through periodic interventions to either buy or sell FX as necessary.

But in spite of the policy shift, scarcity of dollars has not allowed naira any respite as demand for dollars always outstrips supply with the effect that naira continued to be worsted by other currencies at both the interbank and parallel markets.

Buhari commiserates with Germany over shooting Leon Usigbe -Abuja

From left, the Supreme Knight of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Nigeria (KSM), Mr Anthony Onu; lecturer, Reverend Father Lawrence Ezeilo and the Deputy Supreme Knight, Mr Mike-Mary Nwosu, at the 9th Father Abraham Ojefua annual memorial lecture, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday. PHOTO: SAM NWAOKO.

Community marches with corpse of murdered chief to police station Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt THERE was a drama on Saturday as the people of Barako community in Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, stormed the state police command with the corpse of their slain leader, Chief Levi Ndorbu Korgbara.

The community took the action in protest against an increasing spate of killing of their people by its neighbours, allegedly with the collaboration of the police in the area.

The late Korgbara was killed on Friday by unknown gunmen on his way to the Divisional Police Headquarters in Kpor to honour an alleged invitation by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the division.

The late chief who, until his murder, was the chairman of the Council of Traditional Rulers of Barako, was said to have been invited for a peace talk with

the chiefs from a warring community, Nwebiara.

His killing sparked tension in the community, resulting in the community taking the remains of the chief to the police headquarters in the state.

On arrival at the police command, some police officers present advised

the protesting community members to return to their divisional police headquarters and obtain a police report, and to deposit the corpse in a mortuary.

Speaking at the police headquarters, Mr Kimanyieke Kesiop, one of the community leaders that accompanied the corpse,

said the community was not happy with the involvement of police in the situation.

When contacted, the state police image-maker, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, described the death as mysterious, but said it was not possible that a DPO would connive with some people to kill.

Rivers gov directs immediate rebuilding of burnt INEC office Dapo Falade-Port Harcourt GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has directed the immediate rebuilding of the burnt office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bori, Khana Local Government Area.

This was as he said there was no need to postpone the conclusion of the legislative rerun election scheduled to take place in about eight local government areas in the state on Sunday.

The INEC office in Bori was set on fire by unknown

persons in the early hours of Friday, even as the state police command said it had commenced investigation into the arson.

Governor Wike, who inspected the burnt office, on Saturday, said those who committed the act were only afraid of the conclusion of the legislative rerun elections.

He insisted that those who perpetrated the act were the same politicians who wrote to INEC seeking postponement of the rerun elections on the ground of security.

He, however, expressed

happiness that no election materials had been deposited at the office, pointing out that the burnt section only served as a hall for collation.

“What they have done is to scare INEC. For us, we are not surprised. We know this is what they had planned to do,” the governor said.

Earlier, the Khana Divisional Police Officer, Stephen Okunade, said there was no security official at the INEC office at the time of the arson, adding that the lone private security guard on duty was absent when the perpetrators struck.

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and horror at the shootings which rocked Munich, Germany, on Friday.

A statement issued by presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday, said that the president, on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, sent his most sincere condolences to the families and friends of victims of the barbaric act.

The president said it was unfortunate and inconceivable that the forces of evil do not relent in their activities, but expressed confidence that with the unanimity of purpose from all forces around the world, the perpetrators of these evil acts will not prevail.

The president also assured the people of Germany that Nigerians as a people are standing with them at this time and are ready to assist in any way to defeat the planners and executors of such crimes.

At Founder’s Day: KSM charges FG, states to address poverty

By Sam Nwaoko THE Knights of Saint Mulumba, Nigeria (KSM) has charged government at all levels to work towards alleviating poverty by paying salaries of workers.

The Supreme Knight, Mr Anthony Onu, gave the charge while speaking at the 9th Father Anselm Abraham Isidahome Ojefua annual lecture at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.

Onu lamented that it was unfortunate that workers could not get their salaries while the economic situation of the country was currently on a nosedive and charged the government to find a way to reverse the trend.

Speaking on the annual Ojefua Lecture, Onu said it started in 2008 in Onitsha, Anambra State and that the first lecture outside Onitsha was held in Benin, the birthplace of the founder of the order.

In a lecture entitled: “On the Living and Persevering Faith of Father Abraham Ojefua,” Reverend Father Lawrence Ezeilo of the Mount Calvary Monastery in Olum, one of those founded by Father Ojefua, said Knights of St. Mulumba must begin the process of raising Father Ojefua to the altar of sainthood because of the holy and sacrificial life he lived.

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FIFA’s visit, opportunity to sanitise Nigerian football —Lulu Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja A former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, has expressed the hope that the visit of the president of the world football-governing body, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, to Nigeria is an opportunity to sanitise the Nigerian football system.

Infantino and the new Secretary General, Ms Fatma Samoura, are being expected today in Nigeria, on a two-day working visit during which they will meet with President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We look at the FIFA President coming in as possibly an avenue to douse tension and sanitise the system; to give the government the true position of what it takes to run football and give cooperation to the world body,” Lulu stated.

According to him, the visit would afford the world football-governing body the opportunity of knowing the true position of the various crises rocking Nigerian football and possibly proffer lasting solutions.

“I want to believe that this is an opportunity for FIFA to come to Nigeria knowing the various crises that are on ground, starting from 2010, look at it critically and see how to give the desired advice to Nigeria, particularly to government,” the proprietor of FOSLA Academy, Abuja, said.

The former Director of Sports in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) added that “It is an opportunity for FIFA President to review what is on ground by going into the foundation of the system that has been rotten. It think if that is done, I

want to believe that God will now be fully for Nigeria for us to take football to the highest level.”

Commenting on the drama generated by the appointment of Frenchman, Paul Le Guen as the Super Eagles’ technical adviser and subsequent rejection of the same by the coach, Lulu noted that it did not speak well of the country’s entire system.

He, however, advised that when contracting Le Guen’s replacement, the NFF should put its acts together and put in all

its strength and go through the normal due process of recruitment.

“We heard that Le Guen is being contracted but a day after, we heard he refused the contract. It does not speak well of our entire system and I think we need to put our act together and be clear in pursuit of what we want to do. The more important thing is, if we want to engage a coach, we have to put in all your strength and go through the normal due process of recruitment,” he advised.

Timipre shines at NNPC junior tennis tourney TIMIPRE Maxwell and David Dawariye of the Kodian Tennis Foundation Port Harcourt, last weekend claimed the 14 & under category titles of the 2016 NNPC Junior Tennis Circuit in Lagos, organised by the International Tennis Academy.

Maxwell, who was adjudged the most valuable player of the tournament in 2014, defeated her team-mate, Amiyefor Jim-Jaja 9-5 to clinch the girl’s title, while Dawariye brushed aside Musa Yahaya 9-3 for the boy’s crown.

“We are very happy with our performance here in Lagos and are dedicating our success to our chairman, Chief Ikenna Okafor, Ide of Akwueze, who sponsored us to this tournament,” coach Stella Epego, said.

She pointed that their high level of preparation was rewarded as eight out

of the nine players that featured in the week-long tournament reached the semi-finals of their various categories with three going all the way to the final.

Daniel Adeleye of Ekiti won the boy’s 12 & under title by defeating Ahmed Mogaji of Kano 9-3.

In some of the semi-finals played on Friday, Angel Mcleod defeated Fortune Aniso 9-1 to set up a 16 & under final meeting with Marylove Edward, who beats Toyin Asogba 9-4.

Matthew Abamu booked a place in the boy’s 16& under final with a 9-2 triumph over Benjamin Ayuba and will face Emmanuel Jebutu, a 9-2 conqueror of Matthew Adeleye.

Michael Ayoola will tango with Steven Augustine in the final of the boy’s 18 & under after 9-7 and 9-7 wins respectively against Christopher Itodo and Michael Osewa.

Sunday Tribune

StarTimes set to

beam International Champions Cup live StarTimes Nigeria, has announced that it has acquired the media rights for the International Champions Cup (ICC) on exclusive basis in sub-Saharan Africa for the 2015 to 2019 seasons and will beam the games live and exclusively to Nigerians from July 22 to August 13.

“StarTimes’ football—loving subscribers in Nigeria will yet again be treated to another fantastic rounds of pulsating football entertainment, just as we did during the Copa America centenario and the European championship.

“ICC 2016 is the mini Champions League and ultimate pre-season football tournament where the biggest clubs in the world would battle for glory. Seventeen champion clubs would clash in 22 matches spread over 23 days in uncensored soccer festival.

Armed with exclusive broadcast rights, StarTimes World Football (channel 254) and Sports Focus(channel 250) channels would wow subscribers with another topclass actions series from the top teams including FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain who are all set to play 21 matches in China, Australia and the United States.

It would be exciting to see Jose Mourinho reignite bitter rivalry with Pep Guardiola in Manchester derby on Monday (July 25) in China! Barca, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich will do battle against one another in three different continents on Saturday, July 30, 2016!

StarTimes is also set to broadcast all 2016/ 2017 season games from the German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and Chinese Super league.

46 sport

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

Rio Olympics:

Nigerian athletes beg for funds

Okwelogu

George

By Ganiyu Salman

S

OME of the foreign-based athletes to represent Nigeria at 2016 Rio Olympics have allegedly resorted to begging, in order to raise for funds from well-meaning individuals and Nigerians in particular to enable them to make the trip.

The action of the athletes, Tribunesport gathered, could not be unconnected with the late release of funds by the authorities, which has affected preparation for the Games scheduled to run from August 5 to 21 in Brazil.

The athletes who allegedly took to the social media to raise funds for Rio 2016 are Regina George, Seye Ogunlewe jnr and Nwanneka Okwelogu.

American-born sprinter, George who represented Nigeria at the London 2012 Olympics, through her twitter handle allegedly writes “Help get me to the Olympics.

To all my family friends and fans, thanks for being here for me through the good times and bad times. This year it’s been hard financially for me but it wouldn’t have been possible without your support”.

The 2012 African Championships silver medallist allegedly stated that her action was as a result of the orders that the athletes would pay to respect Nigeria at Rio 2016 because of paucity of funds.

“I just been told that we will have to pay our own way to the Olympics this year. Sadly this is such short notice for me to come up with the money.

“They (sports authorities) also promised a refund but I’m still waiting for many refunds promised in the past. I been through a lot of obstacles this year and through it all, I made my second Olympic team. I don’t want to stop now after I earned a spot to represent my country (Nigeria) in the Olympics.

“Any donation will help my situation. This will not go unnoticed and I’m truly grateful for my supporters,” George writes through regina george @DivaOnTheTrack.

At the time of filing this report, George had allegedly raised about ($1895) about N701, 000 from donors.

Also, Nigeria’s fastest man, Ogunlewe jnr through his twitter handle, Seye Ogunlewe jnr @seyeogunlewe, confirmed the directive allegedly issued by the sports ministry.

“Just so everyone knows we all got that message saying we should get our own tickets to Rio!” said Ogunlewe whose personal best in 100m stands at 10.19seconds which he posted at the 2015 Loughborough meet in Great Britain.

Shot-putter, Nwanneka Okwelogu, who allegedly belongs to the list as of the time of this report has allegedly raised ($635) about N235,000 from spirited individuals who want her feature at Rio 2016.

Meanwhile, the letter which purportedly

emanated from the sports ministry and entitled: Reservation/Payment of ticket to Rio/refund of ticket reads in part: “I am directed to find out from you, the possibility of purchasing your Air Ticket to Rio, which will be refunded to you by the Ministry (Sports and Social Development), but, the Ministry need to know, how much is the economy ticket from your base, to Rio (Brazil), whether it is in line with the approved budget. Kindly send us a reservation economy ticket with cost for approval by the Ministry, before you purchase any tickets, pls. This development is as a result of challenges faced in buying ticket pls. Pls, respond as soon as possible...”

Ogunlewe

... We didn’t ask athletes to buy tickets —Dalung

By Niyi Alebiosu THE Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has said there was no directive or an e-mail message that foreign-based athletes representing Nigeria at the forthcoming Rio Olympics should buy their own air tickets.

He made this known in a statement made available to Tribunesport and signed by Nneka Anibeze, the Special Assistant, Media to the sports minister, that following a purported mail asking athletes to buy their tickets to the Olympics and which was said to have originated from the ministry.

Dalung stated that the Director, High Performance Angie Taylor has been saddled with the responsibility of arranging for the flights and movement of the foreign-based athletes to and from Rio. “We did not write any mail (message) asking athletes to pay their way to Rio. As the overseers of sports in the country, it is our duty to take care of all our athletes. The letter

did not come from us and we will investigate the writer of that letter. It does not represent our stand concerning the movement of athletes to Rio and the writer or anybody asking athletes to buy their tickets to Rio will be investigated. We ask Nigerians and athletes in particular to disregard the mail,” Dalung said.

F/Eagles lose 2017 AFCON ticket to Sudan

By Niyi Alebiosu - In Lagos NIGERIA has lost the 2017 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations ticket to Sudan.

The Flying Eagles lost on away goals rule, following a 3-4 loss to 10-man the Young Falcons of Sudan.

It was a sad day for the reigning African

Bolt wins in London, attacks Gatlin WORLD record holder, Usain Bolt on Friday night at the Olympic Stadium, jogged to a 19.89 seconds finish to win the men’s 200m at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in London.

Bolt won ahead of Panama’s Alonso Edward, 20.04 (SB) and Britain’s Adam Gemili, 20.07 who took second and third respectively.

It was Bolt’s first outing since he pulled out of the finals at Jamaica’s National Trials citing injury a few days ago.

The Jamaican has however, accused sprint rival, Justin Gatlin of “disrespect” after the London Anniversary Games.

Bolt was picked for the Rio Olympics after getting a medical exemption, leading to comments from Gatlin and others.

“For me I felt it was a joke, I felt it was a disrespect they think I’d back out of a trials,” said Bolt.

He regretted the embarrassment caused by the letter and asked athletes to remain focused on their build-up to the Rio 2016.

Effort by Tribunesport to speak with the Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC), Mr Tunde Popoola on the issue was unsuccessful, as he was said to have travelled to Brazil, preparatory to the Games.

“I’ve proven myself year after year that I’m the greatest. I laughed when I heard it, I was disappointed, especially in Justin Gatlin.”

Bolt won gold in both the 100m and 200m at the London and Beijing Olympics, and will defend both titles in Rio next month.

Gatlin, considered his main 100m rival, was among those who claimed the Jamaican - who has struggled with a hamstring injury - got preferential treatment he would not receive were he American.

“He’s injured, gets a medical pass, that’s what his country does. Our country doesn’t do that,” Gatlin, who has twice served doping bans, was quoted as saying in the American press.

Meanwhile, Bolt Sweating profusely after the race acknowledged that he needs to improve to defend his three gold medals at Rio 2016.

Bolt

champions at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, as they failed to maximise their first leg 2-1 victory in Omdurman, leaving Sudan to advance after the two-legged game had ended 5-5 on aggregate.

Samuel Chukwueze opened the scoring for the Emmanuel Amuneke-piloted side in the 19th minute, while the visitors equalised through Amjad Ahmed, before Funsho Bamgboye restored Nigeria’s lead in the 26th minute.

The Young Falcons barely two minutes left in the first half, drew parity through Halid Abdamuleem and went ahead to take the lead in the game for the first time through Walaadih Musa in the 56th minute.

Orji Okonkwo equalised for Nigeria in the 67th minute but the effort was not good enough to see Nigeria through, as the Flying Eagles conceded an own goal seven minutes from time.

Meanwhile, first vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has said the lads deserve to be encouraged ahead of future challenges.

“What happened is a sad development because we had prepared the team very well to qualify for the U-20 AFCON, but now that it has happened the other way round, we just have to encourage them and prepare them for future. We need to encourage these lads.

So we at the NFF will keep them together and nurture them to become the Super Eagles in the nearest future,” Akinwunmi told Tribunesport after the game.

47

sport

24 July, 2016

Sunday Tribune

By Niyi Alebiosu

L

ESS than three weeks to the start of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, concerned Nigerians home and abroad have continued to ask questions over the possibilities of Team Nigeria winning a medal at the biggest global sports fiesta.

Nigerians have not forgotten the unenviable outing under a former Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi who went to London 2012 with a contingent of 51 sportsmen and women competing in eight sports and came back with no medal.

Despite the numerous retreats, submissions and vows made by the government of the day to start preparing in earnest for the next Olympics in Rio, it looks as if Rio will just be “one of those normal outings.”

With another Olympics in the horizon and government of the day not releasing the needed funds for federations and their athletes until a few days to the games, many Nigerians have completely written the Team Nigeria contingent off.

According to Abdullahi, Team Nigeria will need N7 billion to prepare for the games with the money used to train quality athletes while also restructuring the various sports federations amongst other things. Four years down the line, no lessons seem to have been learnt.

With 86 athletes already on the train to Rio in the football, basketball, canoeing, table tennis, weightlifting, rowing, paraathletics, powerlifting, yatching, wrestling and track and field events, Nigerians are not too impressed with the level of financial commitment from the Buhari-led government.

Commendation must go to some federations like basketball, athletics,

Tosin Oke

Rio 2016:

Can Team Nigeria come back with any medal?

Okagbare

boxing and wrestling who have left no stone unturned in ensuring they give their athletes a reasonable level of preparation for the games.

Recently, unrelenting president of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali led a team to the Spanish grand prix to compete against 54 other countries.

At the end of the competition, the team won two bronze and one silver medals courtesy of Aminat Adeniyi, Odunayo Adekuoroye and Blessing Oborududu.

The mood in the camp of Nigeria men’s senior basketball team, D’Tigers was at a record high after the 2015 AfroBasket success.

At the moment, the team is camped in the United States of America after the Stankovic Cup in China a n d is en-

gaged in high profiled friendlies against teams like France, Argentina and an impending tune up against the USA. It is believed that D’Tigers unlike at London 2012 Olympics would post a decent peformance this time.

In athletics, the majority of Nigerians depend largely on the likes of Blessing Okagbare, Gloria Asumnu and Tosin Oke for medals.

Nigeria’s hope for a medal received a boost recently when Stephen Mozia set an outdoor National Record (NR) in shot put on July 19 with a distance of 21.76m throw at in the Czech Republic which has seen him take a big leap to number three in the world rankings, just behind USA’s pair of Joe Kovacs (22.13m) and Ryan Crouser (22.11m).

“It bothers me when some Nigerians heap the blame on the government of the day rather than look at the bigger picture.

No matter what the Buhariled government has done in the last one year, Nigerians should not expect any sure medal at the Olympics since the inability of the country to prepare for the Olympics on time could be described as a systemic problem,” a sports analyst observed.

According to the president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Ogba, winning a medal at a major competition requires adequate preparation.

Igali

“Preparation for the Olympics is a four-year project. Is it 17 days to go to the Games that we’ve suddenly realised that we haven’t prepared well for the games?,” remarked Ogba.

Recent studies have shown that to achieve podium success at the global level in any sport, you have to put in 10,000 hours of deliberate training which means about 2.5 hours every day for 10 years.

The NWF president, Igali puts the issue into perspective.

“Nigerians want us win medals? What are Nigerians doing to ensure we win medals? Nobody wants to invest a kobo in sports and doesn’t want to sponsor athletes to any competitions, yet they want the athletes to win medals,” said Igali, a former wrestler who won gold medal for Canada at the Sydney 2000

Olympics.

With the dwindling economy and government of the day faced with other urgent matters of the state, it is obvious that government alone cannot carry the burden; the corporate sector has to step in.

It has been so rough these past few months with athletes groaning under the weight of training without the necessary motivation from the government due to hoarding of Olympic preparation funds.

“It is pertinent to note that training of athletes is not when you gather athletes in an enclosed area few months to a competition and load them. Training should be off and on and combined with competition, which means training should have started immediately after the disappointing outing at the 2012 Olympics,” another sports analyst noted.

SIDELINES NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER

NO 2,056

24 JULY, 2016

www.tribuneonlineng.com

N200

9-year-old Korede Taiwo was recently rescued by the Ogun State command of the NSCDC after being in padlock and chains for two weeks for allegedly stealing from his stepmother’s pot. Sadly, he was imprisoned in his father’s church, alongside debris, litter and trash. If God, whom his father supposedly worships is all-merciful, pray, in what sane clime would such punishment have been justified, even for an animal?

Southwest: Yet another cry for improved security!

I

cannot stop the cry for improved security in ourYoruba Southwest. Our elected governors, legislators, and traditional rulers, must break their silence and wake from their sleep,and begin to do something urgently to stem the rising tide of violence in our Yoruba homeland. Our region is being subjected to invasion from various directions and we must stop it. That is the present state of our affairs in Nigeria.

I am not happy that the cry about the growing invasion of our homelandhas been limited to only a few voices among us. It is a matter over which multitudes of usshould be shouting untilwe become satisfied about the steps being taken about it by our elected rulers and our traditional rulers. Very many individuals among us, and many of our civic organizations, youth organizations, women’s organizations, market women’s associations, workers’ unions, commercial drivers’ associations, and selfdetermination groups should raise their voices. Those of us who can do so must go and talk to our governors in their offices, legislators in their Houses of Assembly, and Obas and Baales in their palaces. That is what the situation now demands.

It is very important that we must not wait until our youths begin, on their own, to rise up in wild and uncoordinated responses to the invasions of our homelandand the violence against our unprotected communities. Signs that our youths could begin to fight the invaders are already showing up. In the course of the past week, some of our self-determination groups have issued warnings against the invasions – and many others are known to be getting agitated.

We know, of course, that our youth groups have more than it takes to defend our communities against the various attackers from outside – against murderous Fulani herdsmen and their Libyan mercenary allies, and against Ijaw criminal elements killing, kidnapping and destroying in our coastlands. The reason why our elected rulers and traditionalrulers must take steps now is that their actions will be more orderly and better controlled.

Our rulers, especially our governors and legislatures, must already know what other Southern and Middle Belt governors are doing tocontrol the destructive and murderous activities of Fulani herdsmen in their states. Still, we must shout the information loudly in the ears of our governors. Available information has it

that in Enugu State, the state government has set up a patrol system in the northern districts of the state, and that such patrols have seriously curtailed the uncontrolled roaming of the herdsmen and their cattle in the state’s farmlands. It is also said that other states in the Southeast and Southsouth are doing much the same thing.

Governors of most states in the South and Middle Belt have definitively rejected the granting of farmland for the establishment of “grazing reserves“in their states.

In Plateau State, where the governor first offered to grant land for the grazing reserves, he has withdrawn the offer – under pressure from crowds of his people. In our Southwest, only the governor of Ekiti State has definitely rejected any possibility of grazing reserves in his state, and we must urge our other governors to do so. All our governors already know that we Yoruba will never step down in civilization by allowing any part of our land to regress into

sphere in which his people would be ready to pay a big ransom for his release. In some of our cities, banks cannot now open until late in the day – for fear of invasion by wellarmed robbers from outside our region.

It is right and proper that we Yoruba people do not want to use our big size and power against our smaller and traditionally friendly neighbours, but irritation is manifestly growing among us, and our state governments and traditional rulers must urgently bring theseunprovoked insults to an end. Of ways to get this done, one is that our state governors must start discussions on this whole matter with, for instance, the governors of the South-south – in addition to the statesmanlike contacts already established between the civic leaders of the Southwest and the South-south. Another is to set up in our states in the Southwest the kinds of securityarrangements that any state government can set up – the kinds of security apparatuses that state govern-

primitive cattle herding. It will not happen. We will resist it with everything in our power, untilthe promoters of the project go away and leave us in peace. Our governors owe us the duty of telling the rulers of Nigeria very definitely that it is not possible to grant any inch of Yorubaland for Fulani herdsmen’s grazing reserves.

Because our rulers have been delaying action to stop the crimes by the Ijaw criminal elements in our coastal communities, the criminals have become excessively confident. Early this past week, they kidnapped a First Class Oba, the Oniba of Iba in Lagos State, and they are said to have shot his wife and to have killed some family heads in his community. They are still holding the kidnapped Oba as these words are being written, apparently trying to work up an atmo-

ments across Nigeria have been known to set up in times of need and in the absence of state and local government police forces.

I have already mentioned state governments that have established patrols in their rural areas. I repeat that our state governments should establish such patrols immediately to beef up security on our farmlands. It is time we serve notice to the murderous Fulani herdsmen and their sponsors that they cannot use violence to take over our farmlands for their cattle rearing, and for their plan to set up grazing reserves in our homeland.

In this column last week, I also suggested that our state governments should also look into the possibility of using OPC for our security – a body which even the Nigerian Federal Government recently employed

F/Eagles lose Rio Olympics: We didn’t ask 2017 AFCON athletes to buy ticket to tickets — Dalung Sudan Inside Inside

FIFA president, Infantino Inside arrives in Nigeria today

to tackle certain kinds of crime. I hereby repeat that suggestion. In an interview a few days ago, the leader of a wing of OPC, OtunbaGani Adams, told us that OPC is able and ready to man security in our states and to bring the criminal violence against our coastal communities to a quick end. He added that all that OPC would need is legal coverage by our state governments. He told us that when OPC responded recently and stopped criminal violence in an area of one of our states, some OPC members were arrested by the police for the injuries suffered by the criminals, and that those OPC members are still in detention in prison.

If a state government calls OPC to action and provides legal coverage for OPC members during that action, the interest of our public would be well served. We citizens of the Southwest cannot see why this should be difficult. It obviously is not difficultfor other state governments in other regions of Nigeria to uselegally covered vigilante groups to protect their people. Since we are not allowed to have state government police and local government police, are we then condemned to live unprotected like sheep without a shepherd, or to live perpetually in fear and suffering from violent criminals from other parts of Nigeria?

I also suggested last week that we should revive, in all our towns, our traditional measures of community protection. Under such measures, our Obas and Baales are able to call some groups of men into action to defend our streets, especially during night hours.

Happily, I have read in some news these past few days that some Obas are already doing this,and that such Obas are thereby considerably improving security in their towns. It would help a lot if our state governors were to address meetings of the Obas in their states, and urge them to begin to use this age-old community protection method.

Finally, I must also repeat, and repeat very emphatically, that our state governments should act urgently to remove okada and riotous street vending from our streets. Such actions have been taken by many state governments in other regions of Nigeria. Only our Lagos State governor has banned street vending. There is no doubt that both okada and street vending, the kinds that one sees in our major cities all over our Southwest these days, hold enormous potential for crime, injuries, sabotage, and even terrorism. A word is enough for the wise.

NPFL results:

Shooting Stars Wikki Tourists Kano Pillars Rangers Heartland Sunshine Stars Today’s matches:

3 2 1 1 0 1

Plateau United vs Ikorodu United vs Warri Wolves vs

Tornadoes 1 Abia Warriors 0 MFM, Lagos 0 Lobi Stars 1 IfeanyiUbah 0 Rivers United 0 Enyimba Nasarawa Utd Akwa United

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: sundaytribuneeditor@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 24/7/2016 MANAGING DIRECTOR/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR : SINA OLADEINDE. All Correspondence to P. O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712.