Sun 04 Aug 2013 by The Guardian Newspaper

S U N d A Y

E d I T I O N

COVER 18

NEWS FEATURE 14

IBRUCENTRE 43

EDITORIAL 12

WhyAnti-graft War Under

Lagos Deportation Saga: Govt Loses Face

2015: Jonathan Should Seek Clearance From God—Ayodele

Monarchs And Partisan Politics

Jonathan

Is Not Working

TheGuardian Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Vol. 30, No. 12,638

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Corruption: Why Dariye, Turaki, Kalu, Others Still Walk Free, By EFCC From Abosede Musari OUNSElS to former governors and other high-profile Nigerians in the case file of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have been accused of colluding with accused persons to frustrate trials. In an exclusive chat with The Guardian, director of legal and Prosecution Unit of the antigraft agency, Mr. Chile Okoroma, admitted that, although the EFCC, which was established 10 years ago to fight corruption and economic vices, had made resonating impacts and got a few highprofile convictions, there have been public grumblings

• Says Counsels Collude With Accused Persons To Frustrate Trials • Urges Overhaul Of Judicial System as to why major cases are pending in courts without reasonable convictions. Specifically, the director mentioned the cases against former governors Orji Uzor Kalu, Jolly Nyame, Joshua dariye, Gbenga daniel, among others, which he

claimed are in court and that one or two have entered trial stage. Said he: “The case against Jolly Nyame is going on in court now. It was commenced in 2007 and we’ve called about nine witnesses. That case had to go to the Supreme Court on

a preliminary issue and it came back to the trial court for trial to commence.” “That was because they raised the issue of jurisdiction of the trial court—the High Court of FCT to try the case, which is becoming a norm now. When charges are filed, the first

thing — even when it’s obvious that the court has jurisdiction — is that the defence counsels want to use one issue or the other to make sure the cases are frustrated. The issue was raised that there was no jurisdiction and prime official case to warrant him to stand trial. So it was canvassed, but the High Court overruled and they went to the Court of Appeal. They lost at the Court of Appeal and they went to the Supreme Court and they lost. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

NEWS 4

China Visit: White House Plans Obama-Jonathan ‘reconciliation’ Meeting In U.S. NEWS 4

FG Shuts Ekiti Poly

The New Look Of Koma Children

Nigeria ‘Survives’ Global Alert On Terror US To Close Embassies In Middle East Today From Martins Oloja, Orlando, Florida EdErAl Government’s Ftieseffort at warding off activiof terrorists in parts of the country may have paid off, as Nigeria was not among the more than 20 countries that were listed in the worldwide alert issues at the weekend. Al Qaeda re-emerged as a top global security threat when suspected plots by alleged affiliate of the terror group forced the U.S’ State department to release a worldwide alert for the whole month of August. reports in the U.S New York Times claimed the United States authorities intercepted electronic communications last week among senior operatives of Al Qaeda, in which the terrorists discussed attacks against American interests in the Middle East and North Africa, American officials said CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

OLD ‘NAKED’ KOMA, NOW EMBRACING MODERNITY: Happy pupils at the Government Central Primary School, Nasarawo Koma Village, Jada Local Government, Adamawa State.

PHOTO: NAN

TheGuardian

2 | Sunday, August 4, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Akinola Urges Youths To Take Charge In 2015 By Charles Coffie Gyamfi and Olalekan Okusan

• Says Corruption Bane Of Leadership

S politicians intensify skirA mishes ahead the 2015 general elections, former

and Primate Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola, has urged Nigerian youths to

Archbishop,

Metropolitan

wrest power from corrupt leaders. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Rev.

Akinola said that tackling corruption should be the focal point of persons who aim to occupy public office at all lev-

EFCC: How Counsels Collude With Accused Persons To Frustrate Trials CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Eventually, the matter had to come to the High Court of FCT for the matter to commence.” According to the EFCC lawyer, the case against Dariye, which started about the same time, is taking the same process. “They are now at the Supreme Court on the same issue of jurisdiction and the charge of not declaring a prime official case against him to warrant him standing trial. They lost at the court of first instance, which is the High Court. They have lost at the Court of Appeal and they are now at the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the trial is put on hold. It’s after we finish at the Supreme Court that we can now go back to the matter. That is if they don’t use another matter again to delay it. On Fayose, he explained: “Now, we had the case against Ayo Fayose, former governor of Ekiti State. That case was commenced in 2006. It started at the Federal High Court Lagos. They had called one or two witnesses after raising some preliminary issues and following the decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria against James Ibori, whose trial was started in Kaduna

and later taken to Asaba. The counsel to Fayose then brought an application for the transfer of the case that the matter be brought to Ekiti State, because the crime was alleged to have been committed under the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Ekiti State. “The case was transferred to Ekiti; of course, to start afresh. When we got to Ekiti, they brought an application again, challenging the charge that it does not disclose a prime official case against him.” He added that Uzor Kalu just took his plea and “started the whole process and taking the matter to the Supreme Court on the same issue of jurisdiction.” Okoroma was, however, optimistic that justice will be done in the end. He cited cases involving hitherto untouchable Nigerians like former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tafa Balogun, who was successfully prosecuted and punished, a feat for which the EFCC earned international respect. “Even the international community has confidence in the EFCC. They write us from abroad; I mean, those who have been scammed through the Internet. I think we are succeeding. There are

proceeds of crime, which have been recovered and repatriated to the victims. “We have Alamieyesiegha case, a former chief executive convicted. They are just there for people to see and we are still working. It’s just that the impact we made when we started, those things we did resonated because of the circum-

stances we were in then, so that when we are doing the same things again, they don’t reverberate the way it used to.” The lawyer called for an overhaul of the judicial system to enable the anti-graft agency successfully prosecute pending and new highprofile corruption cases in good time.

els of governance. He described as disheartening the fact that Nigeria, despite its human and natural resource endowments, still ranks low among developing nations. “There is so much money in this country and we have no business being among the league of developing nations in the world, because God has so much endowed us to be a great nation,” he said. “But corruption,” he said, “never allowed us to have access to our endowment and it has denied us access to all the blessings that should be accruing from our natural endowment.” Incensed by what he considered as the lip service approach to fighting corruption by successive governments, the erstwhile national chairman of the Christian

Association of Nigeria (CAN) advised Nigerians, especially youths, to take up the gauntlet and make their leaders accountable. He explained that the future of the over 42 million Nigerian youths still looks bleak, adding that the only way out of the vicious cycle is for the youths to lead the charge for accountability and transparency in 2015. The cleric, however, blamed spiritual leaders for not showing enough light in the search for good leadership and ways out of the doldrums. “Spiritual leaders in this country — whether in church or mosque — have failed. They have failed woefully because they have lost their voice. Any spiritual leader, who cannot say, ‘thus says the Lord,’ or speak as an oracle of God to any situation, has failed,” he said.

China Visit: White House Plans Obama-Jonathan ‘Reconciliation’ Meeting In US From Laolu Akande, New York N a bid to rebuild confiINigeria dence after snubbing in a presidential visit to Africa recently, the White House has opened fresh talks on the possibility of a presidential-level contact between Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Barack Obama later this year in Washington DC, according to informed diplomatic sources. Besides, just as Obama was wrapping up his Africa trip last month, the Nigerian government announced President Jonathan’s State visit to China, raising diplomatic eyebrows at the US Capital. Soon afterwards, a US government top official from the State Department headed out to Abuja the same time the Nigerian president was in China to clarify the situation. The Guardian was told that, until few days ago, discus-

sions and reviews on the controversial decision of the White House to leave Nigeria out of Obama’s travel plans in Africa were actively going on in US government circles including the Congress. For instance, it was learnt that the Special Assistant to Obama on Africa, Mr. Grant T. Harris, was playing the defensive on Thursday at the US Congress at a meeting hosted by a US Representative Karen Bass, a Democratic party Congressman, who is a ranking member of the House SubCommittee on Africa. That meeting was themed “Perspectives from President Obama’s Africa Trip and AGOA 2013 Forum,” and was attended by members of the US Congress from the Senate and the House, as well as diplomats, including Nigeria’s Ambassador to the US, Prof Ade Adefuye. There, Harris was quoted as saying regard-

ing the decision not to visit Nigeria, that “one event does not define a relationship.” Ambassador Adefuye, who was listed as one of the key speakers and invited by the US Congress, at the meeting, explained how awkward it was for the US to say the presidential visit to Africa was about trade and the African youth, yet Nigeria was not a stop. Adefuye, who has earned a reputation for lucidity and diplomatic regard in US government circles, reportedly reminded the meeting that Nigeria, being the US largest trading partner in SubSaharan Africa and the country with the largest number of youths in the continent (25 percent of African youths) should have been the highlight of the presidential trip. Sources at the meeting said Adefuye then challenged the White House officials and US

policy makers present at the meeting to ensure that Obama still visited Nigeria before the expiration of his second term since he still has three more years in office. Although no formal concession on that was given, sources disclosed that US officials were open to the idea, and, besides, the plan is already being implemented for a possible ObamaJonathan White House meeting within the next two months. An authoritative diplomatic source hinted that both the Nigerian and the US governments were now keen to start rebuilding diplomatic confidence again after what Nigeria considered a snub, and the proposed ObamaJonathan White House meeting will cement it, as US’s offer to reassure that Nigeria was still its strategic partner in Africa.

US To Close Embassies In Middle East Today CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Friday. The intercepts and a subsequent analysis by the U.S national intelligence agencies (NSA) were said to have prompted the United States to issue an unusual global travel alert to American citizens. The alert specifically warned of potential terrorist attacks by operatives of the Al Qaeda and their associates beginning Sunday through the end of August. The bulletin to travellers and expatriates, issued by the State Department, came immediately after the department announced that it was closing nearly two dozen American diplomatic missions in the Middle East and North Africa, including facilities in Egypt, Iraq, Yemen, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. British Government, a top US ally also announced on Friday that it would close its embassy in Yemen on Monday and Tuesday because of “increased security concerns.” It is unusual for the United States to come across discussions among senior Qaeda operatives about operational planning — through inform-

ants, intercepted e-mails or eavesdropping on cell phone calls. So when the high-level intercepts were collected and analysed this week, senior officials at the C.I.A., State Department and White House immediately seized on their significance. Members of Congress have been provided classified briefings on the matter, officials told the New York Times. “This was a lot more than the usual chatter,” said one senior American official who had been briefed on the information but would not provide details. Spokesmen for the State Department and the C.I.A. also declined to comment on the intercepts According to reports, senior officials of the U.S government said they were specifically focused on Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian Penisula, or AQAP, noting that the affiliate was plotting attacks that authorities in Washington feared could be carried out in the Middle east, Africa or beyond. The Obama government said late last week that it would at last close most of its embassies in the Middle East from today as a result of the

threat. Their words last Friday through the State Department. “Current information suggests that Al Qaeda and affiliated organizations continue to plan terror attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August”. However, the alert did not tell travellers to abandon their plans even as it advised caution and recommended UD citizens to register their travel plans on the State Department’s website. An official of the Obama administration told the US media at the weekend that though the Stat department has issued such alerts and warnings in recent past, the threat this time is the most serious the U.S has seen in a few years. The importance of the intercepts was underscored by a speech that the Qaeda leader, Ayman al-Zawahri, posted on jihadist forums on Tuesday last week. In the address Mr. Zawahri called for attacks on American interests in response to its military actions in the Muslim world and

American drone strikes in Pakistan and Yemen, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors statements by jihadists. Security analysts said on Friday that in the aftermath of the furore over the Obama administration’s handling of the attack last year on the diplomatic mission in Benghazi, Libya, the State Department is now more likely to publicize threat warnings when deemed credible, both to alert the public and to help deter any imminent attacks. “A decision to close this many embassies and issue a global travel warning for a month suggests the threat is real, advanced and imminent but the intelligence is incomplete on where,” said Bruce Riedel, a former C.I.A. case officer and a Brookings Institution scholar, told the media at the weekend. The embassy closings come toward the end of the Ramadan holidays and the approaching first anniversary of the terror attack Sept. 11 on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi that killed four Americans, including Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday,August 4, 2013

Jonathan Tasks Military On Modern Security Techniques From Karls Tsokar, Abuja HE Nigerian military has being tasked to develop new techniques to tackle the country’s security challenges. President Jonathan gave the charge yesterday in Abuja, while delivering his address at the graduation ceremony of the Nigeria Defence College (NDC) Course 21. He said there are strong indications that national and regional security in the 21st century are determined by forces operating within and outside state-run boundaries. “In the past, adversaries were easier to indentify and confront in open hostilities.

Today, the enemy is usually unseen, hiding behind human shields and despicable ideologies and deploying cyber offensives, in addition to lethal conventional and unconventional armament,” the President said. Jonathan, who was represented by Senate President David Mark, said confronting these new threats require new thinking, new approaches and greater sophistication in equipment and capabilities. “Our armed forces must be agile and proactive, by enhancing their capacities to identify and disrupt, before

NATIONAL execution, the plans and machinations of these faceless enemies, including their sources of fund, arsenal, training bases and recruitment efforts,” he said He commended the military for conducting itself in an exemplary manner, thereby sustaining the country’s democracy in the last 14 years. He applauded how, at various times, under the umbrella of sub-regional, regional and world bodies, they have defended democracy in other countries, and lived up to expectations, up-

holding the record of Nigeria in peace keeping operations since independence. This he said exhibits “heightened professionalism, patriotism and unalloyed loyalty to the nation.” Of the 131 that where to graduate, including a Brazilian, who is the first South American to have participated in the course since inception in 1992, one participant failed to meet the minimum qualification standard required to graduate with his mates. Mark said: “It is unacceptable and the Head of Service would take it seriously and act, because if you come to

this course and you cannot make the minimum requirement, you have no business remaining in service, whether you are civilian or uniformed, because many civilians have passed this course very well in the past, among them two women, today.” The Senate President while commending the best overall student, Captain S. Amoama of Ghana Navy, who clinched three awards including the President’s prize for Best Graduating Student, Mark said it clearly “shows the integrity of the institution for a foreign participant to emerge all round best.

of Barkin Ladi, Dr. Emmanuel Loman, member representing the council in the Plateau State House of Assembly, Kaneng Gyang Fulani, and Commissioner for Urban Development, Solomon Maren, rushed to the scene to offer a helping hand. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Deputy Superintendent Felicia Anslem, confirmed the casualty figure to journalists yesterday on

phone. Following the incident, furious youths went wild with protest and blocked the road linking Bokkos and Barkin Ladi. It took the intervention of security agencies to disperse them. The deceased were members of three churches: Baptist Church, Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) and Assembly of God Church.

Auto Crash Kills 14 Youths From Isa Abdusalami Ahovi, Jos OURTEEN Boys Brigade members were crushed to death yesterday morning when a Peugeot 505 Station Wagon ran into them along Barkin Ladi Local Government Council of Plateau State. The youths had been performing a jogging exercise According to an eyewitness, Yakal Tigana, a former Coun-

cillor in Barkin Ladi, the car, loaded with bags of maize, was coming from Bokkos Local Government Council. Nine others who sustained injuries, some of them critically, were taken to the Barkin Ladi General Hospital for treatment. Tigana said the youths involved in the jogging exercise were about 40, adding that the State Commissioner of Health,

PLATEAU Dr. Fom Dakwak, who immediately rushed to the scene, directed that the injured be rushed to the Barkin Ladi General Hospital and those who died on the spot taken to the morgue at Plateau Specialist Hospital. According to him, the Management Committee Chairman

NEWS NUJ Declares Seven-day Mourning For Dead Colleagues From Tunji Omofoye, Osogbo HE National President, T Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mallam Garba Mohammed, has declared a seven-day mourning, beginning yesterday, in honour of three journalists who lost their lives in a ghastly road accident on Friday along the Akure-Ibadan Expressway. The journalists, Adolphus Okonkwo, Olatunde Oluwanike and Kafayat Odunsi, met their untimely death at Osu, near Ilesa, Osun State, as they returned from Abuja following union assignment. Ten others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Garba and other zonal officers of the union spoke at a press conference yesterday in Osogbo, after assessing the condition of the injured who were receiving treatment at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

Adeboye Tasks Faithful On 61st Convention From Itunu Ajayi, Abuja st

HE 61 convention of the T Redeemed Christian Church of God will commence tomorrow. The General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has enjoined true God seekers to partake in the event, which will end August 11, 2013 at the Redemption Camp, LagosIbadan Expressway. Adeboye, who spoke at a live broadcast to usher in the convention, said the programme themed: ‘Jesus’, is packaged for persons who want God to change them and make them true seekers of righteousness. He said that those who seek miracles alone are prone to loose them, if they do not have yearning for God.

DFID/PATHS2 Donate N1.2bn Drugs, Equipment To Kano Govt From Abba Anwar, Kano RUGS and other hospital D equipment worth N1.2bn were donated to the Kano

Vice President Namadi Sambo (third right); Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abubakar Bunu (fourth right), and others, during Friday Juma’at prayer at the Holy Prophet’s Mosque, Madina, Saudi Arabia… on Friday. PHOTO: NAN

FG Shuts Down Ekiti Polytechnic From Saxone Akhaine (Northern Bureau Chief)

• Withdraws ND, HND Accreditations

HE monitoring body for T tertiary technical institutions in the country, the Na-

tion of programmes in Crown Polytechnic has become necessary in view of myriad petitions received from organisations, government agencies and students on the conduct and operation of the polytechnic.” Kazaure explained: “Subsequent investigation by the Board revealed that the polytechnic had been operating in contravention of the Basic Minimum Academic Standards as prescribed by law.” The Board noted: “Crown

tional Board for Technical Education (NBTE), has withdrawn the accreditation of all programmes offered at Crown Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, citing breach of standards. According to a letter to the institution’s Proprietor, dated August 2, 2013, and signed by NBTE Executive Secretary, Dr. Masa’udu Kazaure, the “withdrawal of accredita-

NATIONAL Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, had been running ND and HND programmes in 30 centres across the country, particularly in Yenagoa, Kabba, Akure, Ondo and in various towns in Ekiti State. This is in contravention of the Federal Executive Council’s directive against operation of satellite/outreach centres by all tertiary education institutions in the country.

“It was further established that the Polytechnic had been running unapproved ND programmes in Urban and Regional Planning, Quantity Surveying and Public Administration and had submitted list of students for mobilisation to NYSC in unapproved HND Computer Science and Electrical/Electronics Engineering programmes. “The Board has, therefore, directed the Polytechnic to stop all academic activities in all its illegal satellite/outreach study centres; close down the illegal

campuses/centres; report these centres to the security agencies, where appropriate, to ensure that they do not propagate or relocate to other addresses.” NBTE officials also asked the institution to “publish a disclaimer of names and addresses of these illegal /satellite campuses in at least two national dailies for the information of the public, as well as ensure that the institution would not engage in any further collaboration or unapproved affiliation with any person/organisation to run any programme again.”

State government recently by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID), through the Partnership for Transforming Health Systems Phase Two (PATHS2) programme. This is in an effort to address the shortage and ill-equipped nature of the state hospitals and to also strengthen the Drugs Revolving Fund project (DRF) of the state governm e n t . Since the intervention of PATHS2 programme to the state health sector, many things were improved and capacity building trainings were carried out. Other benefits of the intervention included provision of health commodities to strengthen health services, development of policy document, plans operational guidelines, DRF monitoring and evaluation in support of DRF performance tracking and decision making, among other things.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

NEWS

NEWS Police Parley Schools’ Principals On Security

JIGAWA From John Akubo, Dutse HE Nigerian Police in Jigawa State has met Senior Secondary School Principals to brainstorm on measures to counter possible attacks on schools in the state. This is coming against the backdrop of security challenges in some Northern states where schools have been attacked with loss of life among students. In a speech at the event, which took place at the Jigawa State Polytechnic, Dutse, Commissioner of Police, Kayode Theophilus, urged the state government to fence all schools across the state. He said the construction of parameter fencing is a crucial step to ensuring security in schools, adding that the government needs to take drastic measures to safeguard students and teachers.

President, Otu Oka Iwu (Association of Igbo Lawyers in Lagos), presenting a plaque to Governor Peter Obi (right), who spoke to the group at the Old Federal Ministry of Works and Housing building, Lagos… on Friday.

Deportation: Igbo Demand Recall, Compensation From Saxone Akhaine (Northern Bureau Chief) and Leo Sobechi (Abakaliki) GBO indigenes, under the Ivival umbrella of South East ReGroup (SERG), have demanded that Lagos State Governor, Raji Fashola, immediately recall Igbo expelled from the state. They also want them to be compensated without delay and provided “decent places of abode within Lagos State.” SERG, in a statement issued by its Coordinator General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said the recent action of the Lagos State government “has set a bad precedent that must be immediately reversed to forestall the breakup of Nigeria along ethno-regional lines.” The statement also expressed “concerns that the deportation of persons, originally from the South-East, raises a red flag and has set the basis for questioning the genuine intention of regional frameworks, like the Development Agenda of Western Nigeria (DAWN) recently launched by states in the Southwest.” Similarly, a frontline businessman in Onitsha, Mr. Rommy Ezeonwuka, says Fashola got it wrong, stressing that it is an abomination to deport citizens from any territory within their coun-

Fashola Got It Wrong, Says Ezeonwuka try. LAGOS Ezeonwuka, who spoke to The Guardian on phone, said the National Assembly and the Presidency should speak out against the treatment, adding that the development could set off reactions that would challenge the corporate existence of the country. He recalled that when the Igbo craved a separate country, because they were being dehumanised, marginalised and murdered, a civil war was fought to keep the nation. He wondered why the nation’s constitution should be breached by the deporta-

tion of citizens from where they prefer to live. Ezugwu said: “the recent closure of the Ladipo auto spare parts market must also be reviewed in a different light, to see if Igbo business and people are being unfairly targeted in what could be the beginning of a pogrom.” According to him, “the constitution clearly states that every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout the country and reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be ex-

pelled from the country or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.” Ezugwu said: “The explanation by the Lagos State government that the people it expelled chose to be so repatriated is not tenable because the shabby way in which they were returned in a cattle truck, in the dead of the night and with maximum security escort, did not portray the picture of people who willingly left Lagos State. “It is also unfortunate that the victims were kept in the equivalent of concentration camps, prior to their expulsion, according to the accounts by some of them.

the long incarceration of a Nigerian international businessman based in South Africa, Comrade Bonny Okonkwo, who was also allegedly brutalised while in solitary confinement. The decision was disclosed to newsmen in Lagos at the weekend by a lawyer in Falana’s firm, Samuel Ogala. Okonkwo was arrested at his residence in Ilasanmaja,

By Chris Irekamba RELATE, Methodist P Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, has condemned Monday’s multiple bomb blasts in Sabo Gari, Kano, which killed 15 persons. In a statement by the Church’s Media and Public Relations Officer, Rev. Oladapo Daramola, the Prelate said sustained acts of terror against innocent people, especially Christians, is “barbaric, evil and is utmost disregard for humanity.”

Lagos Engages 2000 Youths For Holiday Jobs LAGOS

Govt Begins Payment Of Severance Benefits To Electricity Workers From Emeka Anuforo, Abuja LECTRICITY workers, who are to give way for new private owners of Nigeria’s electricity utilities to take over, have started getting their severance packages, according to the Federal Government. There were initial concerns that firms who had paid the initial 25 per cent were skeptical about paying the balance of 75 per cent because of the lingering crisis between government and the workers, as the new plant owners want government to sort out its is-

•How Procedural Issues Caused Delay sues with Labour to allow a smooth take-off. Information from the Ministry of Power indicate that over 9000 electricity workers in 17 successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have started getting alerts from their banks. The Ministry told The Guardian at the weekend that the telephones of electricity workers are already buzzing with alerts from their banks

ABUJA indicating actual payment from government. The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, told The Guardian: “It has commenced. The workers have started getting alerts in their accounts. The payment will be in batches instead of piecemeal payment for everybody.” He said: “Payment into individual accounts has started. It

Detention: Falana May Institute N1b Suit Against Nigeria Police IGERIA’S leading social N crusader, Femi Falana, is set to sue the police N1b over

Also, if they were leaving willingly, as claimed, the state should have provided them with decent means of transport to relocate within reasonable hours.” Ezeonwuka said: “We have been trying to make Nigeria better after the civil war. It was for this kind of mistreatment that we wanted to stay on our own. We came back to Nigeria and tried to make the country fine. What abomination have we committed, this time around? The constitution says any Nigerian can live in any part of the country. Now, how can anybody say he is deporting a Nigerian outside a Nigerian terri-

Kano Bomb Blasts: Makinde Tasks Govt On Insecurity

Lagos, by a detachment of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad from Abuja on Saturday, July 13, 2013, for allegedly defaming a government contractor in an online publication. Okonkwo, who was allegedly held incommunicado and tortured several times in Abuja, was not released until Monday, July 31, 2013, following a court order secured by Falana. The Constitution prohibits the detention of any person

beyond 24 hours without court trial, unless the person is suspected of committing a serious crime like murder. “Defamation is a civil offence on Nigeria’s statute books”, noted Adaeze Ekwueme, a Lagos-based legal practitioner, who joined the Falana team, to enforce Okonkwo’s fundamental human rights after 16 days in detention. “It is, therefore, very strange in the first place that the police should be involved in the matter…”

Okonkwo allegedly incurred the wrath of the contractor for expressing an opinion in an Internet forum of mostly Oraifite people of Anambra State to the effect that a recent $1.3m donation to Rotary International for polio eradication should have been channeled to the development of their local community or used to pay off some people whose funds were trapped in the defunct bank owned by the contractor.

will come in tranches. It is not safe to estimate end date because of factors that no single individual can control. For example, initial directive for payments to commence was given over two weeks ago, but apparently, procedural matters in Accountant-General’s office took a little more time.” He said the power sector neglect has been as a result of the wrong notion that classified power as a social welfare service. He observed that it was only in 1999 with the return of Nigeria to democracy that the gross neglect got addressed, even as he said that the country now generates more than 4000MW of electricity. Speaking through his Special Assistant on Media, Kande Daniel, the Minister assured Nigerians that at the end of the ongoing privatisation, generator importers will be eased out of business. Confirming that payment of severance package to PHCN staff has actually commenced, Nebo gave a breakdown of the figures to indicate that about N384bn would be spent with additional N16bn as payment to other retirees and pensioners of the company.

By Kamal Tayo Oropo HE Lagos State GovernT ment has provided another 2,000 holiday jobs for various categories of youths in the state, as part of efforts to keep them busy during the ongoing long vacation. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Olusola Senapon Oworu, at the opening of the year 2013 Enterprise Registration and Identification Agents (ENTRIDA) training programme, held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, at the weekend.

Obadare For Burial August 17 By Isaac Taiwo HE late renowned evanT gelist and Director of World Soul-winning Evangelistic Ministry (WOSEM), Apostle Timothy Obadare, will be buried in Ilesa, Osun State, on August 17, 2013. Chairman, Burial Committee, Pastor Toluwani Paul Tunde, said arrangements to give the late Obadare, who passed away on March 21, 2013 a befitting burial, have been concluded.

TheGuardian

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cityfile ABUJA

Land Allocation Palavar: Women Sack Village Chief Over ‘Complicity’ Once upon a palace... The remains of the traditional ruler’s residence after it was pulled down by protesting women.

From Itunu Ajayi, Abuja NCE he ruled over them. Today, that has O changed. Did he imagine it? Not in his wildest dreams. Fourteen years after he ascended the throne, the natives of Galadimawa, one of the acclaimed original inhabitants of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), would henceforth refer to him as ‘former chief’. The day was Monday, July 29. The chief is Tanko Zhimiko. Had Zhimiko been forced off the royal seat by a troop of fierce-looking men, there could have been little or no surprise. What made the sack intriguing was the fact that women, in their numbers, left their kitchens, farms and stalls, and pulled down the ruler’s palace, which had, all the while, sat in sharp contrast to the decrepit village environment. The chief could not be reached for comments, as he has reportedly gone into hiding. Galadimawa natives are the Gbagyi extraction of the original inhabitants of the FCT. Predominantly farmers, they say that they have already conceded large expanse of lands to the federal government for private developers, who, in turn, built estates the inhabitants have no share in. The women accuse Zhimiko of complicity over the allocation of their land to a private developer whom they say received 14 hectres. The area in contention is not a virgin land but is densely populated with residential and business structures. According to Danjimiko Ayuba, a youth leader in the village, the private developer, Messer Mesotho Nigeria Limited, was escorted into the village by over 50 soldiers, led by one Lt. Col. John Opkeyi. Ayuba said some of the villagers had left for their daily businesses, only to be informed that soldiers had invaded the village. Staff of the Department of Development Control accompanied the soldiers, Ayuba added. With three bulldozers, preparatory to taking possession of the entire area, they swung into action, pulling down structures including the Primary school, which had been constructed through communal effort of the villagers. The mobile phones of persons who attempted to record the operation were also destroyed. Ayuba said: “We tried to talk to them but they were not ready to listen. They threatened to shoot those of us who tried to get close to them. Personally, I was threatened at gunpoint; one of them said he would kill me. At

that point, I made it clear to him: what is the essence of living when one’s house is being pulled down? “Youths of the community devised a way to resist the soldiers by blocking roads with cars and other objects they could lay their hands on. This infuriated the soldiers and they began to hit us with gun butts. Some threw stones at them. They forced some of our boys to drink water from the gutters. This angered our mothers who mobilised themselves, trooped out to the chief’s palace and brought it down with stones.” “I tell you, it was the women alone that destroyed the chief’s palace! Development Control knew the villagers would resist them, so they came with soldiers. The private developer said he bought the entire village from the FCDA. “We natives are not rebelling against the policy of the government. But in a situation where we are not given anywhere to go, what do they expect? An alternative should be made for the people of this place. If an alternative is made, we would go there.” The Guardian gathered that the entire village of Galadimawa has been shared among 30 developers. Twenty-seven of these have taken possession of their portions. It was learnt that estates around the village, like Sun City, Armsco Estate, Saraha Estate and Machido Homes and others had been farmlands belonging to the natives. The lands on which those estates sit had been simply farms. What the natives are now saying is that the area allocated to Messer Mesotho is densely populated. It also includes the village burial site. They say even if the soldiers had succeeded in killing them, as they threatened, the federal government could be kind enough to show where they would bury their dead, since even that place has also been allocated to private developers. They said their grouse with the chief is that he connived with the private developer. According to them, being a chief does not accord him the right to give away the people’s land without their consent. The chief was reportedly seen with officials of the Department of Development Control, five minutes before the operation commenced. This strengthened the impression that he had betrayed them to the developer. Asabi Ambeiyi, the woman who led her colleagues to Zhimiko’s palace, told The Guardian through an interpreter that they were provoked by the way the soldiers manhandled their children, adding that at that moment, they cared little whether the soldiers killed them or not.

PHOTOS: ITUNU AJAYI

Attired for battle? Some of the protesting women.

According to her, the most offensive scenario was when the soldiers forced the children to drink from the gutters. “No mother would see her child at the point of death and not react. We forgot the soldiers carried guns. They could kill us, but we will not watch our children murdered under our very eyes. I personally led other women to the chief’s palace and we brought it down. “He is no longer our chief. He ran away and should not bother to come back. We are angry that the chief supported the government to displace us. Where do they want us to go? We have given enough. We have sacrificed our farmlands. We kept moving inward till we got to where we are now and, still, they want us to move. They should tell us the exact place they have prepared for us.” The villagers said that as the situation began to get out of hand, and the fear of bloodshed became more imminent, someone put a distress call to Micah Jiba, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairman, who rushed to the scene and dialogued with the colonel. The soldiers, eventually, left, but with a promise that they will be back. About 15 youths reportedly sustained injuries, seven of them, critically, had to be hospitalised. The natives, through their lawyer, Baba-Panya Musa, petitioned the Chief of Army Staff on the military invasion of the village. The five-page document demanded to know on whose order the Nigeria Army was deployed to invade a peaceful environment in the absence of a state of emergency in the area. It

sought to know when the army began consultancy services that could be solicited by private citizens, corporate organisations or government agencies. Musa said: “Mesotho Nigeria Limited, and Development Control, hired a platoon of the Nigeria Army to come and carry out a demolition. Of what importance is Galadimawa community and its land that a platoon, led by a battalion commander by the name of Lt. Col. John Opkeyi is needed? Why is a battalion commander required to oversee the demolition of a village? The greater question, however, is: who authorised the deployment of soldiers on a civilian populace in peace time and in the absence of lawlessness and disorder and without any emergency rule?” The petition called on President Jonathan and the Minister of the FCT to, as a matter of urgency, intervene, not just in the case of Galadimawa alone, but on the entire land issue in the FCT, and institute a board of enquiry into the invasion of the village. President of the Original Inhabitants Development Association, Jeji Danladi, said error in the constitution must be amended. He said the ongoing constitution amendment in the Senate, with the proposal that the FCT would have a mayor overseeing its affairs, must be seen to its logical conclusion. He said throwing out the bill is a way of telling the world that the original inhabitants do not exist. One of the victims, Garba Yakubu, who spoke to The Guardian, said the soldiers claimed they had been supplied names indicating that they (youths) are Boko Haram sect members and needed to be dealt with. He said the soldiers claimed the chief had dropped some names. He painted a horrid picture of how, in the rain, the soldiers had beaten him to stupor with the butt of their guns. Another of his siblings, Ali Yakubu, was also brutalised and had broken ribs, arm, and severe chest pain. Yakubu said Ali was one of the people forced to drink water from the gutter and has since complained of stomach trouble. He said the arrival of the AMAC chairman alone had saved the day. Efforts to get the reaction of Mesotho Nigeria Limited were unsuccessful. With the soldiers’ frightful parting words that they will be back, the natives say they also will not sleep with both eyes closed.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

CITYFILE A ‘Clean’ Governor’s Putrid Innards C was held spellbound by the story of a C growing cancer of internal crisis and mutual suspicion brewing within the cabinet of a

Members of the Photographers’ Association of Nigeria, Don Barber (left) and Monday Emoni at the wake-keep of The Guardian’s Paul Oloko, last week. PHOTO: CHARLES OKOLO

Where Can We Go From ‘Where’? By Adidi Uyo IF your mind is set on LANGUAGE ON PARADE politics, with particular reference to our polity and its state of affairs, you are very likely to recast that question as, “Where do we go from here?” in the belief that something is wrong with it, or that it doesn’t make sense. If so, take a second look at the question. It has nothing to do with what’s on your mind, that is, politics, for, as you know, that subject is the sweetest taboo on the language train. Instead, the question is purely lexical, for its accent is on the word, ‘where.’ And, believe it or not, the answer to the question is very simple. Let me present you with a passage to see whether it will enable you to answer the question with a proper mindset, in other words, from a lexical point of view. The passage is made up of three sentences taken from “This is Not Democracy, But Political Autocracy Run by Demons,” an article by Tony Afejuku in The Guardian, Sunday, May 26, 2013. No doubt the title of the article reeks of angst against the masters of our polity, but you would do well to focus on the highlighted words in the last sentence of the passage, for the five words there pertain to the answer to the question, “Where can we go from ‘where’?” Forgive me if you find the sentences rather anfractuous, but I cannot help indulging you in them since they serve our purpose very well. Here we go: “We must remark here from the beginning that the true identity of our current democracy is not of us as a people who are blessed by God to be wise enough to have leaders who are to be our guiding light… No matter what generation we belong to, no matter what social class we come from, no matter our ethnical affiliation, we must accept now and henceforth that only the best is good and must be good for Nigeria. Unless we all affirm, acclaim, proclaim that spirit now, we shall continually grope in darkness from Sapele to Sokoto, from Warri to Maiduguri, from Port Harcourt to Potiskum, from Otuoke to Oturkpo, from Abeokuta to Abiugborodo, thence to anywhere in Adamawa, from somewhere to nowhere and from nowhere to somewhere in Lagos to Lokoja or from Ibadan to Bida or from Enugu to Misau.” Given the words, “anywhere,” “somewhere,” and “nowhere,” you should be able to provide a lexical answer to the question, “Where can we go from ‘where’?” at least, partially, for the correct answer is: “We can go backward and forward from ‘where.’” That answer is very easy to corroborate. Look at those three words carefully and decompose them. If you do, you will find that they are all compounds.

Each of them is an amalgam of two words in which the principal word is ‘where,’ and the anterior words are “any,” “some,” and “no.” To be sure, the matter on parade today belongs to the area of language study known as morphology, which deals, simply, with the form and formation of words. And, specifically, we what we are dealing with is known as compounding. As you must know, words come in units known as morphemes, which may be free or bound. ‘Where’ is a free morpheme, and so also are the words that can be joined to it from the back or its front. Take a look at the following passage, decompose the word of interest in it, and then tell me whether it has been compounded from its anterior or posterior. For purposes of context, be told that the passage comes from a reader’s reaction to a news story in The Nation of July 22, 2013, with the headline: “2015: Ijaw elders to meet Arewa, Ohaneze, OPC.” It reads: “They should not bother wasting time. They should just be realistic about the situation. What again does their son want? He never thought in his life (that) he would be where he has found himself. From nowhere to Deputy Governor, to Governor, to Vice President, to President - all without any effort on his part.” Mind you, I don’t give a damn whether you know the person the reader means by “their son.” Just identify the word of interest, decompose it, and say whether the compound word is a product of what we may call anterior or posterior amalgamation. Obviously, the word of interest is “nowhere,” and “no,” the word with which it forms a compound is at its at its back; hence, it is a posterior amalgamation. From the back, ‘where’ may be compounded by five words. We have seen three so far. Can you think of the other two words that can be amalgamated with ‘where’ from the back? You can find one in this question: “Who is the person that said. ‘Politicians everywhere tell the truth only when they have their mouths closed’”? While I await your answer, let me say that of immediate interest to me is that word which forms a compound with ‘where’ from the back: “every.” Watch out for assertions that are hinged on ‘everywhere.’ I can tell you that only people who love hyperboles make statements such as: “Corruption is everywhere in our country.” Come on: Do they mean wherever you go you will find corruption? With that question, I have switched our focus from the back to the front of ‘where’, even though we have not exhausted the words that form compounds with ‘where,’ posteriorly. Just our way of saying that we have not finished answering our main question: “Where can you go from ‘where’?”

rich cultural heritage. He was at the community to participate in a series of activities marking the New Yam Festival. The event had prominent Edo people in attendance. The council boss lamented how people have become “carried away by European and American influence” to the detriment of the rich culture and traditions of African states and nations. From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City According to him, “Since culture is a belief, widely acESIDES agitations for infrastructural developcepted to be the way of a people’s life, I urge you, your ment of council areas by elected officials, it is royal majesty, and your faithful subjects to work astheir lot to ensure that the people’s culture and cus- siduously to protect and preserve our rich cultural toms are preserved, says Joseph Akerejola, chairheritage handed down by forefathers.” man of Akoko-Edo Local Government Council of On his part, the monarch said: “The New Yam festival Edo State. is very significant and is a way to say thank you to God Such would only be achieved with collaboration Almighty that has made it possible for an old piece of from traditional rulers who are closest to people, yam planted to give birth to a new tuber. It is a way of and also with council leaders. And to bring develop- appreciating God for the marvellous works He has ment to the people, leaders should not sit in offices done for the community.” to receive visitors and treat files; they must go out Speaking to The Guardian, Akerejola said his adminisand see things personally, he added. tration has in the last three months made some To demonstrate this, Akerejola was in Okpe, a bor- strides in terms of infrastructural development of the der village with Ondo State where he urged the council. paramount ruler of the community, Oba “This is part of efforts to fulfill my campaign promOkhishimede Eshimokhai Idogu the III, The Olokpe ises to the people,” he noted. of Okpe Kingdom and his subjects, to preserve their

governor in one of the states towards the rising sun. CC was told that matters came to a head when the governor of advanced sensibilities and experience discovered that some of his aides have been helping themselves to bucks. At the weekly meeting of the governor who prides himself as a spotlessly clean expert in handling spondulicks, with his aides, the governor directed those involved in the slush deal to get their acts in order assuring that heads must roll over the attempt to put his administration to shame. CC gathered that a high profile contractor, who wants to make himself the governor’s beloved, blew the lid off the deal. CC was, however, warned that all has not yet been told about the roforofo in the cabinet of the ancient practitioner because some players have accused the whistleblower of trying to play holier than thou for his ambition to take over from the Oga. CC was also told by little birds in the corridors of the regime that the contractors have a lot of embalmed skeletons in his drawers regarding similar deals in the contracts he got. But while the case of smelly cash rages on, some bad bellied politicians are busy digging out many dead bodies to show that the clean governor has all the while been wining and dining with big time principalities and demons ever since he became number one citizen. CC is following the matter closely and will keep you posted.

Extreme Ideas Renovates Classrooms At Awuse Estate XTREME Ideas Ltd, E a digital agency, renovated five classrooms, recently, at Opebi Junior Secondary School, Awuse Estate, Lagos, equipping them with chairs and desks. Its Head of Finance, Mr. Folahan Salam, said the gesture is part of activities to mark the agency’s first year anA section of the classrooms. niversary, adding: “There is need for corporate entities to complement government’s efforts in the education sector.” Principal of the school, Mrs. Harana Temitope, expressed gratitude at the firm’s generosity.

CITY SHOTS

Certainly, not the way to hell... One of Mafoluku Oshodi’s ‘roads’.

PHOTO: PAUL ADUNWOKE

Edo Council Boss Wants Preservation Of Culture, Customs

Deputy Comptroller of Prisons in Charge of Welfare, Byams (left); Head of e-Business, RSL, Ms. Bisi Obot; DCP Oluwasemire; Yetunde Jeje of the Rsl; Controller of Prisons, Mrs. C.N.Ononye; Head,Treasury and Investment, RSL, Victory Olumuyiwa; and Personal Assistant to the MD OF RSL, Jimi Aloba, during a recent courtesy visit to the Controller of Prisons, Lagos State Command.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

CITYFILE

FERMA’s Road Neglect Worsens Commuters’ Plight Needless traﬃc headaches along the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

By Gbenga Akinfenwa HE anguish of motorists and other road users on the everbusy Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway is worsening; no thanks to incessant traffic jams. Sadly, there seems to be no solution in sight. The absence of alternative routes makes the issue more disturbing. Some road users have even dubbed part of the road from Sango in Ogun State, a no-go area. Kollington bus stop, through Meiran and Ijaiye to AbuleEgba constitute a frustrating experience with attendant gridlock. Vital man-hours are lost, especially during mornings when commuters rush to the day’s business, and at evenings. It has been observed that potholes and ditches always take the blame in all areas where gridlocks persist. This is in spite of the much-hyped ‘Operation Zero Potholes Campaign’ by the Federal Ministry of Works through the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA). Worst hit is the Iyana Ipaja stretch. From 6am, motorists are almost rooted to the spot. The traffic jam, which begins at

Pleasure bus stop, as one approaches Iyana Ipaja bridge, could sometimes hold motorists for over 40 minutes -within a mere 500m distance. FERMA, with a mandate to repair federal roads, may have shut its eyes to the lingering problem. Rather than fix the minor stretch, which is causing hardship to people, the agency has busied itself with the rehabilitation of less important spots. Office workers who shared their experience with The Guardian complained that on several occasions they received queries for lateness. The situation forces many of them to take the Agege route alternative, which is more expensive. The question on the lips of aggrieved road users is: ‘What is FERMA really doing?’ Early this year, it moved its machines to Ajegunle and later showed up at Iyana Ipaja to repair a minor section opposite the bus stop. Then it disappeared. Sections of the road begging urgent repair, like Super/OjaOba axis, have been totally neglected. And all efforts to ensure

Waiting For A Touch Of Govt At Akeredolu-Akute Learning the hard way... Children at Akeredolu-Akute’s Primary school sit for lessons.

By Gbenga Salau residents of Akeredolu-Akute, government might need to FThedoORcommunity, more to prove it has not abandoned them. which borders Lagos and Ogun States, lacks good roads. Residents say electricity supply is erratic. They complain that a transformer that supplies power to them sits far away in a neighbouring community. As a result, the voltage they get is low, with light bulbs assuming the brightness of hurricane lamps. When The Guardian visited the community’s secondary and primary schools, basic facilities were noticeably absent. The Primary section is worst hit. Pupils were found seated on bare floor. The teachers had no tables while their chairs were rickety. The buildings were unfinished, lacking doors and win-

dows. The Baale of Akeredolu-Akute is Chief Olatunji Akeredolu. Commenting on the state of facilities in the area, he said roads are deplorable and efforts to get the government to put them in a better shape, since the administration of Governor, Gbenga Daniel, has not yielded result. “It is as if we are not part of the state. We even protested, yet there was no response from government,” he said. The community, he noted, has been making self-effort at improving its infrastructure through monies contributed by residents. He, however, said that very little is achievable under such circumstances, without strong government intervention. “But for communal effort, it would have been a very terrible case. We often fill the road with sand and sometimes grade it. It

it performs its duties have proved abortive. A driver, Mr. Saheed Ibrahim, described the state of the road as shameful. According to him, the country has degenerated to a level where government has completely neglected its duties, in spite of tax and other duties paid by citizens. He lamented that the road makes him and some of his colleagues spend thousands of naira on vehicle repair weekly. He called on FERMA and government to come to the aid of the road users and fix damaged. If this is the only dividend of democracy the present administration would offer, “it should do it well,” he said. When FERMA’s Lagos boss, Mr. Aluko, was contacted on phone, he said the road is still under contract by the Federal Ministry of Works but the contractor, Julius Berger, is not on site. Aluko disclosed that FERMA has carried out maintenance works at Abule Taylor, Ajegunle, Salolo, Casso and Kollington, among others, within the last two months, adding that other sections would be fixed when the rains subside. has not been easy. How much money does the community have to repair the road? That is why we are pleading that the state government will intervene,” he said. The community leader also said lack of due attention from government is adversely affecting economic development. He said people who would otherwise have done business with the community are discouraged by the poor state of roads. “Most trucks bringing commodities into the community get damaged on their way or even fall because of the roads. This discourages traders from bringing their goods here, he said.” Akeredolu added: “When we informed government that we needed a school, we were asked to construct a block of six classrooms. But we were able to construct only three. After some years, government took over running of the school. It provided five teachers. The community employed two others. But since then, government has not made any input to the school in terms of infrastructural development. “We also provided two and half plots of land for a community market. The community built the town hall. We are already building a police station. Though we have made provision for a health centre, we have not been able to develop the land because of funds.” According to the traditional ruler, the community had gathered that the state government was to give out transformers to communities and it had received the news happily, especially when it was reported that Akeredolu would benefit. He, however, said that no transformer came, even after several visits to the state secretariat to claim the equipment. He said: “We are denied virtually everything here. We live daily in darkness. We do not know that democracy exists here. It is sad that we are not remembered. “Members of the community go to Lambe-Akute to vote during elections and if the area is delineated appropriately, we should have about three polling booths, yet we do not have one.” The Baale showed several letters written to alert the Ogun State government that though his community was listed to benefit from the distribution of transformers, as part of activities marking the governor’s first year in office, none was given. “We also complained to the Commissioner for Special Duties, and he asked us to write a reminder. We wrote one, but till now, we have not got the transformer. Recently the government said it was distributing another set of 200 transformers. We were invited but we did not get one. Up till now, we have not received any transformer from the government. “We are using this medium to appeal to government to look into the allocation of transformer to the community. We have over 600 houses around. And we participate in every civic duty. Our people pay tax. During the last election, our people voted 95 per cent for the ACN. We want the state governor to send his

TheGuardian

8 THE GUARDIAN,Sunday, August 4, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Junior Guardian Ezekiel

Ezekiel College Produces Authors TUDENTS of Ezekiel International College, Iju, Lagos took the Sduring the literary world by storm when they launched a book 13 valedictory service held at the school’s premises th

recently. Speaking during the valedictory ceremony, the proprietor of the school, Fasipe Adebowale, said the school encouraged the students to come up with the two books to ascertain that they actually mastered what they were taught. Said he: “Today is a special day because it is exactly 13 years since we started this ritual and the fire and spirit is still aglow. It was tough in the beginning but we are better today. What is unique in this year’s celebration is that some of the graduating students came up with the idea of writing books and we encouraged them to go ahead. It is a sign that they really passed through the school and the school passed through them”. To him, the school has done so much in improving standards that both WAEC and JAMB officials now use its premises as a coordinating centre for their examinations. “You see, the truth is that, at the last count, no fewer than 10 of our students made First Class in their various disciplines and universities across the country. Secondly, we maintain one of the best results in this area and I can tell you that WAEC authorities have taken note of our brilliant performances. “To this effect, WAEC now uses us a coordinating centre in this area. What this means is that, during exam periods, WAEC brings its question papers here for onward distribution to other schools around. This is a mark of confidence, respect and trust. On our part, we have always tried to ensure we do not betray this confidence and trust by, not just playing according to the rules but also ensuring standards,” he enthused.

Kiddies Brain Teaser 17

Choir of Noble Land Children’s School, Arowojobe Street, Igando, Lagos, performing during their School’s End of the Year Party ...recently

WISE WORDS

Sunshing Sammy World

The Unusual

Sunshine Sammy loves to learn new words. Sammy will be happy if you participate in his game by sending him 10 additional words starting with the letter D. Dangle Drudgery Deadly Dreary Dump Delicate Doodle Dwindle Drake Draught Please send your contributions to: The Junior Guardian Desk Rutam House P.M.B. 1217, Oshodi. (Remember to write your name and address beside your entries.

They are dedicated, enduring, inspired, determined, ambitious, hardworking achievers They don’t work for money Money works for them They don’t fold their arms and spread their mats of Laziness, waiting for poverty to wake them up They don’t look for flyers They are high flyers Some were born on platters of gold The others with long wooden spoons Dangling from their mouths They need not make history They are history All of them achievers of their own kind Leaving their footprints on the sand of time They are ‘Man and Woman Unusual’ By Sylvia Ijeoma Azi Author, The Golden Young

Slution To Teaser 16 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

INCEPTION DESPERATE CELEBRITY REHEARSAL SHADOW MARRIAGE HARMFUL DEMOTION

Students of Childland International School, Ojota during the school’s graduation ceremony. COMPILED BY KIKELOLA OYEBOLA

Short Story

The Fire Incident all started on a Sunday ItatoTwhen John was frying pochips and at the same

Reading Habit Cultivating the habit of reading good books is one of the best and meaningful decisions a student can even make in life. This is because valuable ideas, knowledge and the ability to reason and think deeply are all derived from and buried in books. Sadly, however, many students have lost the desire or urge to read due to so many reasons.

CEDEC School Holds Valedictory time watching an interesting movie. As he was watching EDEC International Secondary School, Apapa recently held the movie, he got so intera ceremony to send forth the graduating class of 2012/2013 ested in it that he forgot all about the chips he was frying. academic year. The Proprietress of the school, Dr. Ijeoma Unachukwu Then suddenly, smoke began to flow out of the kitchen win- thanked God for watching over the lives of the students. “I assure you that these children have been improved on and dows. The kitchen was on tested and they will continue to bring smiles to their parents,” fire! But John didn’t notice it. she said. The neighbours who were The Guest Speaker, Associate Professor of Science Educaton, outside their homes perceived the smell and later saw University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Ayodele Ogunleye, urged the graduands to always continue to learn because if they fail to the fire and went to check if everything was alright, and to do this, the years spent in school might be wasted years. “Your school may be over, but remember that your education their amazement it wasn’t. still continues. The man who graduates today and stops learnSo, they ran as fast as their ing tomorrow is uneducated the day after. legs could carry them to tell “The quality of instructions given to you here is certainly the John about the fire, but when best you can get anywhere in the world. Hence do not hesitate they opened the door, they to maximise the myriads of opportunities bestowed on you by saw him lying on the floor, scared and not knowing what the joint efforts of your parents and this school. “Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as to do. So, they called the Fire the ticket to good life or as a ticket to change the world in Service station to come and which you live in,” he explained. put out the fire. He prescribed career goal setting and being focused and wise When the Fire Service men when choosing career, updating one’s resume to find a job, arrived, they were able to put getting creative by learning entrepreneurship skills, updating out the fire although some one’s looks and dressing mode; time management and puncthings had been burnt. The tuality as principles they need to excel in life. house and John were, how“Your goals should be based on what you want for your life so ever, rescued. you can plan the actions you need to take to get what you By Hezekiah Goma want. And to be focused is to have determination of purpose. It Pry 6J is your focus that will give you a sense of direction on how to Montessori International get your goals achieved.” School, GRA —Victor Olushola Phase II Port Harcourt (You can contact us on events for this page through: e-mail: jideoojo@yahoo.com

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4 , 2013

CAMPUS

Dragnet Pushes One Awardee, One Award Campaign By Victor Olushola

• Canvasses Centralized Platform For Scholarship Administration

HE need to find lasting solution to the award of multiple Oil and Gas scholarships to a sinAt the meeting held at Moorhouse, Ikoyi, Lagos, gle beneficiary took the center stage at a stakeholders from the sector, including Mobil, roundtable conference organised by Dragnet Solutions Limited for the International Oil Chevron, AGIP, and NLNG, came to the conclusion that the issue of multiple scholarships is a Companies (IOC) operating in the country.

moral one. Speaking at the event tagged One Awardee, One Award, Managing Director of Dragnet Solutions, Robert Ikazoboh, bemoaned the popular practice among students where an under-

Senior Scholarship Officer, Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, Mrs. Theresa Ichoku (right); Managing Director, Dragnet Solutions Limited, Mr. Robert Ikazoboh; and Schemes and Programmes Officer (Education), Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, Mrs. Hannah Stowe, during a roundtable on One-AwardeeOne Award campaign of the Oil and Gas scholarship scheme in Lagos.

AAUA VC Assures Tuition Hike will Be Minimal ICE Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, AkungbaAkoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof. Femi Mimiko, has said despite the decision of university management to mark up school fees next session, the new fee regime will remain reasonably low in comparison with other tertiary institutions in the country. Mimiko added that the university would also institute a scholarship scheme to take care of genuinely indigent students. This disclosure was made last week in an interaction with the institution’s Information, Protocol and Public Relations Unit. It would be recalled that AAUA’s average school fee is N25,

000. According to the VC, “I am constrained to say that the N25,000 charged as tuition is quite low. I have told the students that it is not politically correct in this part of the world to charge high school fees. Indeed, the Visitor to the University, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has made it clear to us in the last budget presentation that he does not want any person to drop out of school by reason of his/her inability to pay tuition. “But we are getting to a point where it may be inevitable to do a markup as it were. we used the opportunity of the last Convocation Ceremony to share this

idea with parents during the Parent Forum, and they endorsed it. we have also spoken to the students’ leadership that most likely in the new academic session, we’re going to be asking students to pay a little more to enable us strengthen our ability to deliver some very critical infrastructural projects on campus.” On the incentives to take care of indigent students, the VC gave the assurance that to float a scholarship scheme. “we have started the process. In fact, our plan is to launch the scheme before the introduction of the new fees. I am confident that at the end of the day, no indigent student will drop out of school.”

graduate is a beneficiary of multiple scholarships from either the same or similar IOC scheme. He condemned the act, describing it as a “theft of opportunities,” adding that if left unchecked, it could give rise to other forms of malpractices. According to Ikazoboh, a multiple awardee of Oil and Gas industry-based scholarships deprives a countless number of indigent undergraduates who are in dire need of such sponsorship, defeating the intended purpose for the establishment of the scheme by the IOCs. He identified the inefficiency of the manual processing method deployed in the verification of candidates’ profiles, absence of a sensitization campaign and strict enforcement among others, as some of the factors responsible for the high prevalence of the act among awardees. To solve the problem, he, however, proposed a centralised portal for scholarship and bursary management called Scholastisca. “The Scholastisca portal builds and stores the profiles of candidates applying to the various Oil and Gas scholarship schemes on a database through biometric technology, thus ensuring that no candidate has multiple profiles. “The hallmark of Scholastisca is that each candidate is given a unique identification, thus ensuring that an awardee can only benefit from one Oil and Gas scholarship,” he explained. Representatives of the firms in the sector commended the initiative as a laudable idea, but, according to them, “there is a need to work out the modalities of the proposed solution, especially with the National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).”

Nasarawa: Poly Students Preach Peace with True Reflection that would be a stumbling block to unity wherever they go. achieve the peace we once had and Addressing the students, top ASARAwA State has been in the this is my own way of contributing to Nollywood actor, Emmanuel France, news recently for the infamous the development of Nasarawa State,” said entertainers in all genres of the Ombatse cult killings of some he said. art are the mirror of the society, and security men. However, efforts at pro- Head of Mass Communication the students should see themselves as moting lasting peace and security in department, Ms. Oyebade Adeyemi, ambassadors of the state. He thanked the state were given a boost by stusaid the students’ participation in the the proprietor for financing the projdents of Nacabs Polytechnic, project was a way of exposing them to ect, while applauding the staff and Akwanga. the world of theatre, which would also students for their dedication towards Collaborating with Nollywood make them ambassadors of peace and the success of the endeavour. artistes, the students last week produced a movie entitled True Reflection, a movie that seeks to douse the tension thrown up by the recent security crisis in the state. The movie preached unity among the different ethnic groups in the state. Directed by Mr. Smart Conrad of Graceland Multimedia Consult, the short film featured top actors like Emmanuel France, Harrison wilson and Vincent Kanayo, including some Mass Communication students of Nacabs. The proprietor of the polytechnic, Mr. David Abuluya, said he supported the students on the project because Nasarawa is his home state and it has always been known to be peaceful. The cast of True Reflection on location, with Nollywood actor, Emmanuel France, standing. “I am ready to combat anything

By Biodun Oyebade and Dayo Ojerinde

wISECRACKS Knowing is not enough; we must apply. wishing is not enough; we must do. Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe I will study and prepare, and someday my opportunity will come. Abraham Lincoln Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get. Ray Kroc Skill and confidence are an unconquered army. George Herbert

LET US KNOW Nigerian student, Victor Olalusi, emerged the best graduating student with a grade point of 5.0 in the Faculty of Clinical Sciences at the Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow. Olalusi had previously had the best WAEC result in 2004, was JAMB’s Best Science student, scoring 322 in 2006, won Cowbell Prize Award in 2006, and had the highest Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Post-UME score of 325 in 2006.

Outgoing Dean, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan (UI), Prof. Clement Kolawole (middle) holding his meritorious service award and flanked by executive members of the Nigerian Universities Education Students’ Association PHOTO: HAMMED HAMZAT (NUESA), UI chapter during a valedictory session held last week.

Every week, LIFE CAMPUS reports on events in students’ communities across the country. You can contribute by sending stories, gossips, reports on events and your pictures for Campus Faces to us at: templer2k2@yahoo.com or guardianlife2005@yahoo.com

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday August 4, 2013

Backlash Abraham Ogbodo

08055328079 (Sms only) abogbodo@yahoo.com

Open Letter To Festus Dear Festus, IRST, let me say that I had been silent on the sudden and untimely death of Senator Pius Ewherido, largely because I did not know what to say. If death must strike, there were a lot of bad men and women in town, good enough to be taken away without prior notice, but definitely not Ewherido, who was a good man. But we must yield to the supreme will and so Senator Ewherido is gone and those of us he left behind are today struggling to make up for his permanent absence. Part of that effort is the search for another good man by the Urhobo who exclusively constitute Delta Central Senatorial District to take up the vacant seat of the late Ewherido in the Red Chamber. Many have indicated interest and in fact called me to say so. Why they are bringing me into this delicate business of electing a senator to represent the Urhobo nation I cannot say. Whichever, my position on this matter is not complicating at all. I want a good man to go to the Senate on behalf of the Urhobo. I was home last week and political discussions are no longer as diffused. In fact, 2015 has been downgraded to a back row as the search for Ewherido’s replacement intensified. A lot more names outside what I know were dropping like falling mangoes. And yours, Festus Keyamo, was mentioned constantly in some concentric circles. I tried to put up a denial on your behalf, saying I only heard not so long ago that you were interested in becoming governor of Delta State in 2015 and not a senator. I also added that some concerned citizens of the state who felt that you would be more useful as an activist than you would as a politician had advised you to stay focused, but that your supporters under a name that sounded close to the People Ernestly Ask for Keyamo (PEAK) came out charging like attack dogs and told everybody to shut-up that you were damn too good for politics. It is not clear when your political programme

LL through last week, radio channels in A Lagos with phone-in programmes were jammed with conversations regarding the reported ‘deportation’ of 67 Nigerians of Igbo extraction from Lagos to the East, Onitsha, to be specific. The incident was made to look like a very terrible development, where states now have the legal authority and machinery to move people in the dead of the night and dump them wherever the state involved considers good enough. Rumour channels were also not left out and before you know it, the conversation in Lagos became centred on this single issue. The manner of the reports fueled emotions and it was made to look like the Igbos in Lagos had been singled out for repatriation. Tempers were running wild, to the extent that Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, which hosted the ‘august’ evacuees, fumed with anger because, according to him, his friend in Lagos, Babatunde Fashola did not get in touch with him before embarking upon the exercise. He was reported to have taken the matter to Abuja, to intimate President Jonathan of the situation. It took Lagos State some good time to coherently respond to the vexatious matter and unfortunately, the explanations sounded as tough as the action itself. First it was the Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (which now ceases to exist officially) whose spokesman, Joe Igbokwe blamed political enemies for the angry public reaction that greeted the deportation. Another public commentator, an Igbo man too, who spoke on a radio channel said the Anambra incident was not the first time Lagos State would send persons to their home states. According to him, it has nothing to do a particular ethnic group, but more to do with state policy. When asked what law permits Lagos State to send any Nigerian away from the state, he said he was not aware of any law, but that it is a state policy, designed to rid Lagos of miscreants and street urchins. That was bad PR. For this narrative, this is one difficult subject to deconstruct, not for want of what to say, but for the simple fact that Nigeria is altogether too tough to unravel; the country is still a puzzle. Where does one even begin! The Constitution is very clear on the rights of citizens, which are expressly stated in Chapter 1V. Citizens of Nigeria, having been certified so in Chapter 111, are allowed to enjoy personal liberty, fair hearing, private and family life, freedom of movement, freedom from dis-

was stepped down from governorship to a senatorial ambition. If it is true, I will say that the programme like the Babangida’s and Abacha’s transition to civil rule programme, is being poorly managed. No announcement to that effect has been made. This is not too good. More people earnestly want to enlist on the PEAK agenda and part of the registration hands-out to intending members of PEAK should be a wellcrafted roadmap to Government House Asaba and much later, Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. To add the Dome House will be over loading the your programme with too many and contradicting ambitions. While in Warri and Ughelli last week, I looked around fruitlessly for a centre to register as a PEAK activist. Having reported politics and other matters for well over two decades, I think I know a thing or two about the matter at hand. There is work to be done. The race and the debate are not for the swift and smooth talker alone. The grassroots component is far more important and so there is need for you to climb down from the Abuja hilltops to the grassroots where media visibility is of little or no consequence in actual performance rating. You are less than 50 years and that puts you at a tremendous advantage. In other words, you are starting early, which is a welcome development. You will definitely cover good grounds before you get too old for reckoning. If Chief Gani Fawehinmi had started early as you are doing, he would have probably hit the ultimate rock called Aso before death came calling. A handful others who started early are doing well across board. Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for instance, is doing his second term as a governor. Dr Kayode Fayemi, who is on his first leg as governor looks good for a second leg. Oronto Douglas and many others are in the presidency helping President Goodluck Jonathan to transform Nigeria. They are all doing well. Altogether, the prospects are bright. I hear you are pitching tent with the newest political bride, called All Progressive Congress (APC). It is good.

But just like the octopus PDP, there are going to be rules in the APC. There are elders to be seen and cultivated for endorsement. For now, the APC has not been flooded with too many elders. In fact, there is only one towering elder from the Southwest who can go all the way to make things happen for you. And so, instead of roaming far and wide, you can simply make one vital stop at Bourdillon Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, to see the Lion and settle all matters. I do not Know how much money you have been able to make from activism and helping the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to catch high-profile thieves. I just feel it is important you know that this is a big matter and there is saying among the Urhobo that big matters are not settled with empty hands. They also say the Ukodo tastes better when one contributes to cook it. I want to therefore categorically state that popularity alone cannot drive the processes to their conclusion. Cash and plenty of it must flow in at some point to support popularity for the best result. This is very true and even Comrade Oshiomhole, whose other middle name is ‘popularity’ knows this. My brother Festus, there is time for everything and this is not the time to talk tough. You will do well for yourself if you arrange now and meet Comrade Oshiomhole to receive good lessons on how a poor activist (although judicial activism is increasingly becoming a lucrative brand) can arrange the finances to ensure a smooth transition into political leadership in Nigeria. It sounds novel and I think the comrade himself can make good bucks and gain more popularity here. He can develop this into some standard course to be taught in political science departments of the university. Alternatively, he can sell the developed model to the Lagos Business School or even Harvard Business School to enhance their MBA curricula and leadership training. I think the latter is better since Nigerians including state governors love going to Harvard to study what Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti can teach effectively, or even better. I deserve a fee from the comrade for this brilliant consultancy I am offering him. But I am not too keen about pocketing the money and walk away like that. Let the money come to you as part of my contribution to the PEAK campaign fund. After finishing with Oshiomhole in Benin, you may have to proceed to Ado-Ekiti and Oshogbo, where you are to meet the duo of Dr Kayode Fayemi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for good lessons on political loyalty. That will prepare you for the loyalty test, which will surely come up. In party politics in Nigeria, loyalty is a sequitur. You must forget this your human rights and

SUNDAY NARRATIVE Alabi Williams williams.alabi@ngrguardiannews.com 08116759790 (Sms only)

When Should A State Deport Non-indigenes crimination and are at liberty to acquire and own immovable property anywhere within the federal republic, whether in Lagos or Damaturu. In other words, the Constitution allows every Nigerian to be domiciled in any part of the country. But in practice, we know that there are many states that are no-go areas for citizens on account of security challenges. Other states are not wholesome in the sense that religion and traditional beliefs tend to restrict some citizens to certain areas. For a fact, there is a limit to where non-indigenes can get to in many states. There are areas designated as Sabon gari for non-indigenes in many states. It means therefore that the Constitution has good intentions, but did not take into consideration certain challenges that constrain proper blending and mingling of citizens. For economic reasons, some states have a strong pull on citizens from all over the country. Lagos falls within this category. On account of being the federal capital of Nigeria, until 1992 and for being the commercial and business capital of Nigeria and even West Africa, Lagos continues to play host to Nigerians and ECOWAS citizens on hourly basis. We can also say that Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt also host Nigerians from all states, but Lagos is simply in a class of her own. It is much easier for a hard-working, law-abiding citizen of Nigeria to climb the ladder of social and economic wellbeing in Lagos than in a number of other places in the country. In Lagos you have huge opportunities for employment in the ports (Seaports and Airport); Lagos is where the banks have their headquarters, and manufacturing and service companies thrive here. Lagos is therefore the place to be and every serious and forward-looking Nigerian wants to come to Lagos. Crime is also a thriving industry for practitioners of that trade. They also stream to Lagos to do

all manner of illicit business, including forgery, 419, touting and robbery. You could therefore say that in Lagos, you find the good, bad and the ugly, which means that those whose duties it is to maintain law and order have to be on top of their game. Law and order is not just a matter of punishment; it is first a matter of providing enabling environment for honest citizens to grow in their various fields, so that they can pay taxes to enable government do more. It is being argued that Lagos State deserves to be accorded a special status by the federal government. That will also include the other states because the federal government alone cannot decree a matter into the constitution. Hopefully, proponents of that idea expect a situation where, Lagos could leverage on that special status to earn more money to cater for the influx of citizens from other states. A situation where each state goes to Abuja to pick monthly cheques, but in real terms it is Lagos that is saddled with the responsibility of attending to a cosmopolitan population appears inequitable. But economists may not buy that argument, when they reel out the advantages accruing to Lagos as host of all Nigerians. Some states could even disagree; they will tell you that the beef, tomatoes and onion eaten in Lagos are grown in their states and that Lagos should pay taxes for their finished products. The argument may neither be here nor there, but that debate has to be put on the table someday. Otherwise, Lagos might be constrained to continue to apply Jankara justice to rid the city of those referred to as ‘urchins’ and ‘mentally unsound’ persons. The debate is even beyond Lagos; it is about the responsibility of the Nigerian State to citizens, whether of sound mind or otherwise. There is no serious and comprehensive social security system in place, apart from the isolated efforts in Jigawa, Ekiti and Osun. That is why citizens who are jobless and cannot pay taxes are seen as a burden, whereas, it is the responsibility of the

freedom of speech nonsense that you carry about in your head and learn to be loyal to the owners of the party who are also called party elders. The elders are the powers and principalities and they are infallible within the context of party administration and arising decisions. I am saying this because you love going to court to enforce one fundamental right or the other against people and institutions. Good politicians bear the infractions of their leaders and do not go to the rooftop to shout injustice! injustice!! even when it is obvious. It is only a foolish man that challenges his chi to a wrestling match after eating a good meal. For instance, it will be instant political death for your yet-to-be fully established political career the day you will experience a Freudian slip and call Asiwaju Bola Tinubu a dictator. That will be taken as a demonstration of craze, which is not the same thing as democracy in action. This is even the specific aspect of the loyalty curriculum. There is a general aspect, which requires every small boy like you to be very nice to elders irrespective of party affiliations. Governor Emmanuel Ewetan Uduaghan of Delta State appears most qualified to teach that course. The man has been battling with some Delta Elders (Forum) since he became governor in 2007 and he has maintained an upper hand against them with just one simple weapon: ability to keep quiet when these elders are talking even if they are talking anyhow. It is this same weapon that gladiators like Governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor Otunba Gbega Daniel and a handful others have not been able to dexterously deploy to good advantage in their respective cases. I advise you meet Bros Emma in Asaba to take you through some vital lessons in this area. I do not know precisely if you will still be interested in changing vocation after knowing all these. If you are bent on carrying on, it is equally important that you clear the air on the direction you are headed. Are we looking at the governorship or the senate? Or are we going straight for the ultimate price without any winding journey like one other activist called Dele Momodu is trying to do? One more point my brother: the people who are earnestly asking for you deserve to know where the campaigns for your political ascendancy will be prosecuted. Is it going to be in Abuja, Lagos or on the pages of newspapers? These are preliminary issues and as they do in law, these small, small issues must be dispensed with first, before we can step into the substantive matter of making you a senator, governor or president. Thanks and God bless you.

State (Nigerian State) to give them a soft landing. Some of these persons are elderly and have lost the capacity to remain in paid employment. If the burden of a huge and jobless population becomes too heavy on Lagos, and that fact, is scientifically proven, then that can be debated. Perhaps, if the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF), were a serious outfit, if it had not been hijacked by politicians, this angry exchange between the two governors could have been resolved amicably, behind closed doors. From the ongoing, states may have been in this illegal business of ‘exchange of citizens’ for sometime and unknown to the public. This is not the first time Lagos State would move citizens out of Lagos. Two Lagosians were also ‘shipped’ home from Akwa Ibom State sometime ago, when it was discovered that they had become unfit to remain in that state. They had become a burden. It is on record, that similar shipments had been done to some Katsina indigenes and Oyo indigenes that used to reside in Lagos. Whatever the mode of such transfer of citizens in the past, what has become a matter of concern is that states may not have the legal authority to disregard the Constitution, no matter its inoperability. It remains the supreme law of the land and whatever Lagos or any state legislature comes up with remains inferior. Whenever the opportunity for a debate on federalism comes up, those who want autonomy should go out there and argue it. There is even the deficit side of this situation for Lagos. There is a public backlash against the move, which does not favour the ruling party in the state. Lagos must acknowledge the civilization of Lagosians and their capacity to react. In a multicultural setting like this, demography is a crucial factor and those who are wise do not trample on such sensitive statistics. Demographics won a second term for president Obama, while those who thought they ‘own’ America were bent on taking back ‘their’ White House. In a game of numbers, everybody counts, whether old or young, taxpaying or jobless. Without this humungous population, Lagos will have no reason to claim to be mega. Therefore, politicians must learn to tread softly on certain matters. Lagos should continue to make good laws and collect taxes. But there should also be a human face in all of these, because, you may not need water until the time your well runs dry.

TheGuardian

Sunday, August 4, 2013 | 11

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Outlook FOI: Where His Lordship Got It Wrong By Edetaen Ojo N a recent ruling, his lordship, Justice Gabriel O. Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja suggested that the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 was somehow defective because it provides in Section 1(2) that an applicant seeking information from a public institution should not be required to demonstrate his or her interest in that information and called on the National Assembly to amend the Law to restrict its application. Delivering his ruling in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/402/2013: Between Paradigm Initiative Nigeria vs. Dr. Reuben Abati, his lordship declared confidently, but unfortunately, quite erroneously, that there is no “country in the world, where access to all forms of public records are thrown open even to an Applicant who is not required to show any specific interest in the information requested from a public body.” Perhaps, if his lordship had been more circumspect on a matter which, by his own admission, he is not very knowledgeable about or if he had focused strictly on the issue that was before him or if he had invited counsel in the matter to first address him on the issue, he would not have fallen into such a grave error. It is clear from reading through the ruling that although the issue was not even before him, his lordship had an intense desire to express his unhappiness with the Freedom of Information Act as most of his ruling dwelt on extraneous issues, which unfortunately betrayed his lack of understanding of the applicable principles and the specific provisions of the Law. It is now well established under international law that the right of access to information is a human right, which States are obliged to give effect to through appropriate legislation. This view is now well settled in a string of decisions of international courts, most notably the judgment of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights in Claude Reyes and Others vs. Chile, delivered on September 19, 2006. The judgment is available at: http://www.corteidh.or.cr/docs/casos/articulos/seriec_151_ing.doc. Being a human right, people should not be required to give reasons for seeking to exercise or enjoy their human right, in the same way no one should be required to give a reason before they can exercise or enjoy the right to life, the right to freedom of expression, personal liberty, freedom from torture or any other fundamental right. Indeed, in Claude Reyes case, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights held in Paragraph 77 of the decision that every person has a right to request information while states are under a positive obligation to provide it, adding that “The information should be provided without the need to prove direct interest or personal involvement in order to obtain it, except in cases in which a legitimate restriction is applied.” Most countries with FOI Laws have this basic principle incorporated in their laws to allow anyone to request information without having to demonstrate any interest in the information. Indeed, in some countries such as Finland, the Law specifically allows people to make anonymous requests to ensure that requesters are not

CONversation

discriminated against. To give a few examples, stipulations that requesters need not provide reasons for their requests or demonstrate any interest in the information requested can be found in the FOI laws of the following countries: Serbia – Article 15(4); India – Section 6(2); Liberia – Section 3.2; Mexico – Article 40; South Africa – Section 11(3); Finland – Article 13(1); Uganda – Article 6; United Kingdom – Section 8; Sweden – Article 14(3); Brazil – Article 10(3); Australia – Article 11(2); Canada – Section 6; among dozens of others. His lordship’s assertion that no country in the world allows people access to information without requiring them to demonstrate specific interest in the information requested, could therefore not be more wrong. Not only do most FOI Laws specifically stipulate that persons seeking information should not be required to demonstrate a specific interest or need for the information, this is indeed one of the defining principles of such laws. It is also one of the attributes of a good and strong FOI Law such that what his lordship is proposing effectively amounts to urging the National Assembly to weaken the Nigerian Freedom of Information Act. FOI laws are guided by a set of principles, which define the strength and quality of such Laws. The very first set of Principles were drawn up by ARTICLE 19, the International Centre Against Censorship, in London in 1999. Titled: “The Public’s Right to Know: Principles on Freedom of Information Legislation,” the Principles were subsequently endorsed by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Protection and Promotion of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression as well as the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The Principles state that: “Public bodies have an

obligation to disclose information and every member of the public has a corresponding right to receive information. Everyone present in the territory of the country should benefit from this right. The exercise of this right should not require individuals to demonstrate a specific interest in the information.” (Emphasis supplied) Finally, his lordship’s proposition, if anyone were to actually attempt to give effect to the idea, is so untenable that it would be difficult to implement in any reasonable, practical or effective manner. The idea would require that the National Assembly provides within the amended FOI Act a list of every conceivable reason or purpose that would be sufficiently acceptable or justifiable to entitle any person seeking information access to the information. This is because if a person seeking information has to demonstrate a specific interest in the information or justify his or her need for the information, that interest or need would have to fall within a list of such reasons or needs that are recognized by the Law. People seek information for such widely varied reasons, including a simple desire just to know, that it is difficult to imagine how the Law would approach such an exercise. Going by his lordship’s views, the need or desire to know would, of course, not be an acceptable reason under this new FOI regime that he envisages. An alternative could be having the National Assembly prescribe some standards that the interest or need stated by the person seeking information has to meet or satisfy. Consequently, the Law would also have to give officials in all public institutions the discretion to determine if the stated interest or need meets

or satisfies those standards. In effect, officials of public institutions would have the right and power to say if your reason for seeking information is acceptable to them and, if not, to deny you the information. It is not difficult to imagine how such a provision would be applied. His lordship also expressed the view in his ruling that the FOI Act creates “a situation where scarce public resources, time and energy are permitted to be squandered in attending to a request for information which the person applying for it need not show that he needs” It is quite unfortunate that his lordship considers it a waste of public resources, time and energy for public institutions to attend to the information needs of citizens and is unable to see the inherent benefits of a public policy which enables and indeed encourages citizens to demand accountability of their institutions and obliges those institutions to be transparent and accountable. It has not been shown and indeed public institutions are not suggesting that operating a FOI regime in Nigeria has resulted in any substantial increase in costs to the government and other public authorities because most government agencies and departments in the country already have existing mechanisms for record keeping, although they might not be very efficient. But even if the public institutions have to spend significant resources to improve their record-keeping and be accountable to citizens, such resources cannot be said to have been wasted by any stretch of the imagination. The minimal cost element that may have arisen as a result of the enactment and implementation of the FOI Act would be justifiable given the immense benefits, which a regime of access to information brings to the society by instituting greater transparency, accountability and efficiency. Such costs ought to be seen by the government and his lordship in the light of the capacity of a Freedom of Information Act to advance democracy and enhance public participation. In addition, as time progresses and the public institutions become more efficient in their record keeping and in handling requests for information, the cost issues will reduce progressively. The position of his lordship on these issues highlights the fact that while a good number of judges in Nigeria have made tremendous efforts to empower themselves on the jurisprudence of access to information laws, there is a burning need for the proper training of judges on what Justice Kolawole himself described in his ruling as “the novel nature of the rights” created by the FOI Act. It is hoped that the National Judicial Institute (NJI) will take up this challenge and work with various interest groups sufficiently knowledgeable in this area to meet this need, which could be potentially embarrassing to the Judiciary if not addressed. • Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA) in Lagos is a former Chair of the Steering Committee of the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), based in Kampala, Uganda, and is a member of the Working Group of the African Platform on Access to Information (APAI), in Windhoek, Namibia.

By Obe Ess

TheGuardian

12 | Sunday, August 4, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Editorial Monarchs And Partisan Politics INCE it is fast becoming an epidemic of sorts, the phenomenon of selfseeking, self-appointed leaders angling for power for certain persons, ethnic groups or even regions is one scourge against, which Nigeria needs constant fumigation and the Nigerian people, repeated immunisation. Nigeria neither needs nor deserves that tribe of opportunists. The other day a large number of such political contractors arrived Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capita, to hold a meeting on a platform loudly proclaimed as South East/South-South Traditional Leaders Forum. The fraudulent design of the meeting was confirmed by the very visible participation at the meeting of the state governor and the generous hospitality availed the guests. The conclave was further unduly and embarrassingly elevated by President Goodluck Jonathan who reportedly hosted a private session. Subsequently, it was announced that this group had resolved to persuade and support the President’s bid for a second tenure in office. When a leadership group made of traditional rulers descends to the partisan political arena, such sycophancy and opportunism must be rebuked. There are well over half a dozen issues of trans-ethnic and national import that may engage patriots from South-east and South-south of Nigeria and more so for the traditional rulers of the areas. It is, therefore, an embarrassment that it is the unannounced, and by his own serial insistence, yet to be considered, second tenure election of the President that engaged such gathering. Nigerians certainly have to worry about the behaviour of these traditional rulers, who are expected to be wise and profound men, able to sift the fad from the enduring and able to offer views with such premium as would distinguish their voices from the rabble. Their interpretation of national priority exemplified by their partisanship is, therefore, not complimentary to their status and level of access. This is a shame. From these groups, whether of inherited, assumed or elected leadership, Nigeria demands a higher level of responsibility. The state of the nation requires that they bestow nobility on issues on their agenda and be seen to disdain the disgraceful attraction of gratifying themselves to the current flavor of power. It is, of course, not the remit of a certain meeting at Yenagoa, Abuja, Ibadan, Kaduna, Enugu or anywhere styled to be one of traditional rulers or regional leaders to flag off partisan political activities for Nigerians. Too many examples abound in Nigeria’s recent history of the rascality of elite groups of civilians, royalty or even military men being the tinderbox of destabilisation. That meeting and obvious support for it by both Jonathan and the Bayelsa State government should be seen for what it truly is: a pitiful pattern of elite impunity in which meetings are goaded and rented crowds or gangs are requisitioned to agitate and influence political direction. This perverted kind of politics should be discarded everywhere. In the South-east and South-south, South-west or North-east, North-west or North-central, this irresponsibility must stop. The nation is currently in the throes of every man-made disaster. Poor governance methods in the South-East and South-South shows in the poor internal revenue generation and in the woeful youth unemployment situation. The stealing of billions of collected revenue by the State has, of course, led to vacuous economies and untold poverty among the people. Are these traditional rulers and self-appointed leaders unaware of clear and immediate dangers to all citizens, from daylight kidnapping and other capital crimes to brazen murders; and of the public living in fear? Wouldn’t meetings and concerted efforts on these be a higher calling, a more edifying and sincere paternal care, than the current partisan politicking they are engaging in? Nigerian traditional rulers lend themselves to ridicule and compound the present miserable perception of their roles when they descend from their otherwise lofty stools into the murky waters of partisan politics. Monarchs, if they desire respect, should steer clear of partisanship and play the correct role of father to all. It is not in their interest to inflame the polity and bring themselves into odium by joining the peculiarly Nigerian dubious, even if lucrative, industry being created around certain people’s political ambitions.

LETTERS

If Nigeria Must Develop.... IR: Recent happenings in Sconcerns the polity particularly as it the attitudes, beliefs and behaviour of ordinary Nigerians continue to leave much to be desired. Our foibles are now becoming legion; is it the so-called babies delivered with holy books or the ones delivered clutching rosaries at the time of birth? Is it the deification of a squid? Or baby octopus? Is it the publication of exaggerated and “miracle” stories on social media urging you to type “Amen” if you want to experience similar miracles? Is it in the running amok of some so called “muhajideens” who destroy “unholy” places such as hotels and beer parlours at the sight of a moon eclipse? Is it the incineration of little children on suspicion that they are “witches”? Or the “establishment” of baby factories with huge “patronage” and large clientele amongst several other social malfeasances. To a curious observer, these points to a society that is not only decaying but one which is in the middle of a great chaos. The abandonment and disregard of science for superstition, the neglect of empiricism for “voodooism” amongst most ordinary and atimes supposedly educated Nigerians is really amazing. For how long shall things continue like this? Can Nigeria

really overcome the current nihilistic mindset of her people? The assertion that development may not necessarily be measured by the amount of physical infrastructures/buildings one can find in a society readily comes to mind. But rather, some scholars aver that development refers to a particular state of mind, which in turn generates positive ideas for societal transformation. With the present state of mind of most Nigerians and the foibles and idiosyncrasies they continue to exhibit almost on a daily basis, it is not surprising that we still find ourselves at the base of

the development pyramid. Thus with this mindset, it is not surprising to find Nigerians resisting and sabotaging government policies such as ban on street trading, the use of seat belts or crash helmets when driving, environmental sanitation, urban renewals and so on. If Nigeria must develop, there is an urgent need to invest heavily in human capital development. It’s only when the attitudes, nuances and beliefs of majority of her people are redirected from superstition and voodoo that the fruits of the several development policies can begin to come to bear. *Babs Iwalewa, Kaduna.

Anambra Voter Registration would like to express SProf.IR:my IAttahiru profound gratitude to Jega and his team at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on their decision to conduct the voter registration exercise in Anambra State between August 19 and 25. My appeal to all the full aged, good people of Anambra State that were not registered in the last exercise for one reason or the other, is to go and register between August 19 and 25 as announced by INEC

to qualify to vote during the November 16 governorship election. I would like to underscore that your vote is your civic right and democratic right to choose your leaders. It is therefore necessary to register and to choose wisely a Governor that will be an agent or instrument of social change. I am well prepared for service to, the people of Anambra State, and for the good governance of our dear State. •Udo Udeogaranya,

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

HEALTH

Removing Scar Of Barrenness Led Me To Medicine I must say it has been fulfilling. Of course there have been challenges especially the issue of electricity, which to a large extent adds to the exorbitant cost of IVF. My personal joy however is that within these three years, 228 babies have been delivered and because of a promo we recently conducted, 92 women are still pregnant. By and large, we have therefore been able to positively touch sisted reproduction and mini- many lives and we pray God gives us the grace to do more. mal access surgery. On Minimal access surgery Gynescope is a little over three years. How has the jour- or endoscopic surgery, formerly called minimally invaney been so far? sive surgery is a field of

Dr. Jude Okohue is young but dynamic professional plying his trade in the field of medicine, gynaecology in particular, with special interest in assisted reproduction and minimal access surgery, through which he has brought joy to many homes. Recently, he spoke to EMMANUEL BADEJO, on how possible it is for families have their own children irrespective of challenges of conception from any of the partners. Starting from electrical/electronic engineering, why did you abandon that field for medicine? had a stint at the Yaba College of Technology, while waiting for my JAMB result. The few months I spent there was indeed a pleasant experience but I have always had a passion for medicine as I have a penchant for helping people. The moment I secured admission into the University of Benin, I had to leave. Even in medicine, you decided to specialise as a gynaecologist, with special interest in reproductive health and minimal access surgery? What influenced this choice? Again, my major influence was as a result of the unacceptable maternal mortality figures that were being churned out from the country. I felt I needed to contribute my own quota towards reducing the figures and decided to specialise in obstetrics and gynaecology. I was lucky to have been trained by astute Obstetricians at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, a facility recognised as a centre of excellence for maternity issues. Somewhere along the line however, I felt the need to assist infertile couples as I observed that the burden of infertility was tremendous. This was more so as I had a family member who had difficulty conceiving. I therefore decided to specialise in assisted reproduction, which encompasses In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Injection (ICSI). I felt fulfilled, when within one year of my practice, the family member achieved their dream of having a baby. As for minimal access surgery, I guess I had to specialise in that because it goes hand-inhand with IVF/ICSI and this is the current trend in gynaecological practice. It is usually a thing of joy for me to, for instance, remove a fibroid or ovarian cyst through this technology and the woman leaves theatre and returns home within 24hours with an almost invisible scar or none at all if we have to go through the lower genital tract. What is the brain behind the name ‘Gynesope’? I coined the wor d GYNESCOPE from two words — Gynaecology and Endoscopy (another name for minimal access surgery) to showcase my main area of interest. Although we are still involved with taking deliveries, we are rather more focused on as-

surgery, which is constantly evolving; it involves carrying out surgical procedures such as removal of fibroids, ovarian cysts and other gynecological and surgical procedures with minimal incisions, say 2 to 3cm long. For us gynecologists, it could either be Laparoscopy, in which we pass small instruments through the anterior wall or hysteroscopy, involving entering the womb from the lower genital tract. The surgery is then performed with your instruments projecting inside the body cavity but with your hands outside.

Okohue

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday August 4, 2013

NEWSFEATURE

Lagos Deportation Saga • Gov. Obi Says Action Cruel, Unconstitutional; Could Trigger Disunity • Lagos Govt Says Only 12 Persons Re-united With Families • Anambra Was Contacted By Lagos State, Says Ngige • Ngige Defends Action Because Of Political Ambition, Says Uzodike • It Is Saddening, Callous, Arduous, Atrocious And Preposterous – Aturu By Kamal Tayo Oropo, Chijioke Iremeka, Wole Oyebade and Daniel Anazia ERVES are still sore and feelings bruised nationwide, especially from the southeast states including Anambra, where scores of citizens identified by the Lagos state government as coming from that part of the federation were dumped after a grueling night journey. Clearly, the residents of Onitsha would have woken up to see starry-eyed, sleep-starved fellows at the dawn of a new day, a fortnight ago, looking confused in a new environment; they could have been mistaken for people seeking for asylum status in a foreign country. The difference this time is that they are in their own fatherland. Expectedly, Nigerians in the Diaspora and at home have condemned the deportation, or rather dumping of over 72 Igbos, at UpperIweka Bridge, Onitsha in Anambra State. These Nigerians of Igbo extraction that were deprived of their fundamental human rights and free movement as the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria states, having been arrested and detained for months by Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) before deportation. Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State has described this as unconstitutional and callous act, noting that the act has serious security and political implications considering the fact that it was not the first time such an action would be taken by Lagos State Government against Anambra. In a petition to President Jonathan titled, “Unconstitutional, illegal and forced deportation of Nigerians to Anambra State From Lagos State” the governor stated that this callous act, in which Lagos State didn’t even bother to consult with Anambra State authorities before deporting 72 persons considered to be of Igbo extractions to Anambra State, is illegal, unconstitutional and blatant violation of human rights of these individuals and that of Nigeria constitution. Governor Obi, in a letter, which was released to the public on Wednesday, warned that if the action of Lagos State Government was not checked, other states may emulate and force out non-indigenes from their states. This, he added, would breed anarchy in the country. Meanwhile, Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Joe-Martins Uzodike has condemned the politicization of the matter by Sen. Chris Ngige said that Lagos State contacted Anambra state before dumping the people at that ungodly hour under the bridge. He reiterated that, “Ngige said that Anambra was contacted by Lagos State but on getting to that place, they didn’t see us and they have to dump them there. But the question remains, can Ngige tell me which government office is situated at the Upper-Iweka bridge. He is trying to politicise the issue because he is trying to defend his political party – APC - because he wants to run under the party that did this act.” He noted that the victims of this inhumane act people were arrested for one tax default or the other and those arrested by the arrested KAI, saying that the Lagos government officials collected their phones, detained for several months and then, moved them down to Anambra state in a truck. “This is not the first time that Lagos state is doing this, telling us that we are nothing in this country. Worst case, all the people dumped at Upper-Iweka are not from Anambra state. By the time they got to Anambra their conditions were critical and they were taken to the General Hospital Onitsha for treatment,” he said. Another concerned citizen, Mr. Kingsley Nzelu noted that such act shouldn’t be allowed to occur in the state, demanding a written apology from Lagos State government in avoidance of a reprisal.

However, the Lagos State Government denied dumping the people at UpperIweka, saying that they sent them back to unite with their families but the question the residents are seeking answer too is, ‘What unification does Fashola wants to do at Upper-Iweka with people from different states.’ In similar vein, Lagos State House of Assembly has also denied any attempt by the state government to forcefully relocate some Nigerians resident in the state. While the House is not unaware of the rumour making the rounds on “stealthy deportation exercise”, the legislative arm of government on Thursday said Lagos’ rules and regulation are clear on the matter, adding that an earlier denial by the state government was sufficient to allay fears. Seizing the opportunity offered by the midweek meeting with the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Umaru Manko, the state’s Security Council declared that, contrary to widely held speculations, the state has not deported anyone, but had “merely taken back home destitute, who have been reformed following their request to be taken home and resettled.” Mr. Manko, who during the week, after the meeting chaired by Governor Fashola, explained that no such thing as deportation took place in the state. “There was no deportation per se. What happened was rehabilitation and resettlement of people from other sides of the country, who came to Lagos and turned into destitute were revived and reformed and indicated their interest of going back home and they were taken back to their homes to be resettled. That was what happened and there was no deportation at all,” he said. Spokesperson for the House and Chairman House Committee on Information, Security and Publicity, Segun Olulade told The Guardian that there is no law in the state that legitimises extradition on Nigerian nationals in Lagos. He said what the law frowns at is the nuisance constituted by the act of street begging in Lagos. But according to Fashola, “It is unfortunate that my colleague governor has made this a media issue. As I speak, I haven’t received any telephone call or letter from him (Obi) to complain. And don’t think that is the way governments work. On less important matters like this, he had called me before. However, he reiterated it is a global legend that the people of Lagos are hospitable people. And so is the present government of the state and previous administration. He explained that those hiding under the controversy to portray the state government in bad light before the Igbo-speaking communities have failed to realise the existing bond between the state government and the people over the years. “There is too much at stake for anyone to begin to incite the Igbo community against their host state. There is too much at stake here. It is a very dangerous and unwarranted precedent. And I hope that common sense will prevail here. Also for those who are praying for blood should know that there is too much at risk here,” Fashola said. Meanwhile, Fashola stressed that when he gets a formal complaint from the government of Anambra State or notification from Presidency he will lay the facts bare. Olulade added that Nigerians are permitted by law to stay anywhere they like in country, including Lagos, “and if there is any state that has accommodated all tribes in the country with every family represented, it is Lagos.” Barr. Bamidele Aturu

KAI, a Lagos govt. enforcement agency at work

Labour lawyer and human rights activist, Barrister Bamidele Aturu, described the action as atrocious, unconstitutional and illegal and should not be associated with a state government. He said, “I have said it again and again; the ruling elite do not have any place for the poor in the society. The deportation of the people by Lagos State government is saddening, callous, arduous, atrocious and preposterous. It is an infringement on their fundamental rights of citizenship and free movement as contained in the Nigerian constitution. It is unnecessary and unconstitutional, I’m extremely saddened.” Adding, “There is no support for such action in the constitution. The constitution guarantees free movement of citizens to any state in the country. Section 1(1) and (3) of the 1999 Constitution is clear on this matter. Section 1(1) provides: “This Constitution is supreme and its provisions shall have binding force on the authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And sub-section (3) states: If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of this constitution, the constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void.” Though, Lagos state Government said the action was meant to bring those affected closer to their family members, majority of whom, it claimed were destitutes.

Aturu said, “By virtue of the provision of Section 14(2)(a), which states: Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria from whom government through this constitution derives all its powers and authority. Are these people not Nigerians? If Lagos State Government says, they are destitute and constitute nuisance to the state because they are poor, does it deny the fact that they are not citizens of Nigeria and protected by the constitution. He added: “That they are poor is a consequence of the failure of governance generally in our society. How many people from that region that works in the banks and other blue-chip organisations has Lagos State Government repatriated on the ground of wandering? What Lagos State Government simply did was just an easy way of dealing with the domestic challenges in Lagos. On the implication of the deportation on co-existence and national unity, Aturu said, “The ruling elites are building a wall against the poor. And like I said, the action is at variance with Nigeria’s constitution and various international bodies’ charter including the Africa Union and the United Nation. He adds, “Section 41(1) provides: Every citizen of Nigeria is entitled to move freely throughout Nigeria and to reside in any part thereof, and no citizen of Nigeria shall be expelled from Nigeria or refused entry thereby or exit therefrom.”

Social Implication Of The ‘Deportation’ By Ikechukwu Onyewuchi ITH political and legal issues already being raised by experts, Dr. Soji Oni, a sociologist at the Department of Educational Foundations, University of Lagos (UNILAG), said the development bears sociological implications. Decrying the development as contrary to the epithet, ‘Centre of Excellence’ for which Lagos is known, the lecturer said the development portrays the state, by this act, as a territory of social inequalities. He said: “It is wrong move for the Lagos state government to have deported fellow Nigerians. The people the government clamped down on are Nigerian citizens, who have the right to live in any part of the country they wish to. This creates a scenario of social inequality, which is not good for the country. It actually touches on the psyche of the deportees and deprives them of their fundamental rights as citizens. “What if the governors in Anambra and Imo state reciprocate; what do you think that por-

tends for the country. Even if it is a decision based on security concerns, the governor should know better than to deport them. We are still waiting for a more reasonable justification by Lagos state.” Experts, including Dr. Ferdinand Ottoh of the Department of Political Science, UNILAG, say this development is worrisome and needs to be nipped in the bud. A major risk this portends, Ottoh argues, is the fact that it resurrects the debate on citizenship, which is at the root of wars in Sudan and other countries. However, according to Oni, Nigerians are intellectually matured enough not to let the development degenerate to something bigger. According to Ottoh, there is no law that says a country or state should not have destitute and indigent citizens on the streets. He said the state should focus more on creating employment and engaging jobless citizens before it thinks of deportation, insisting that governance is created to solve social problems.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

HEALTH

The Tomato Treatment In foods, nutrition experts agree, lie a great array of nutrients that serve as medicine to man. This has raised scientific conclusions that good food remains the best medicine for man. In this vein, FABIAN ODUM writes that tomato holds a lot in maintaining life full and healthier. O to a typical Nigerian buka, the local roadside restauG rant where you have the opportunity to point to the kind of soup, size and shape of meat or fish you desire, and you have a good idea of what the food style of the average man is. Several wraps of iyan, amala or fufu and ewedu soup with assorted pieces of meat – Ponmo, bokoto, abodi and shaki, may be a typical order for lunch. It is not uncommon to see a desperate request like this: beans (ewa), Agege bread and a bottle of carbonated beverage for a meal. Knowing the average meal of the Nigerian, introducing the age-long tomato as a substantial part of a meal for the hard workingman would be like treading on a strange path, nutritionally. But the result of studies on tomato and the beneficial

HEALTH & YOUR MIND

impact on health and longevity should be enough encouragement to make conscious effort at quitting or modifying old eating habits. Consider a meal like this: roast tomato, on toasted, crusty bread rubbed with garlic and a dash of virgin olive oil. Call it starter if you wish. However, with barbecued chicken breast and other vegetables, cooked tomato could make an interesting meal that does not fall into the category of a snack. For a heavy eater, it surely appears like one but the essence is not the quantity but nutritional quality. For once, let us pretend that this locally grown passion fruit may appear foreign, but the rich red look is so attractive that it could be eaten even in the raw form. In this lush red colour lies the health-enhancing and anti-ageing substance known as lycopene, a carotenoid. It is present in fully mature fruits. In waging war against cancer and heart

disease, nutrients in tomato have played vital roles. For instance, lycopene is known to be active in preventing breast cancer prevalent in women and lower the incidence of prostrate cancer in men. Research has shown that for men, it is particularly so for those who eat as much an eight tomatoes per day. The inherent properties of the fruit as a rich source of anti-oxidants add zest to living a longer life. The protection given the heart and the wellbeing of the blood circulation are some reasons to associate the fruit with longevity and anti-ageing. Tomato’s beta-carotene has the capability of converting to vitamin A while parading vitamins C and E as well to boost the immune system. It is interesting to note that its low sodium salt content and high potassium level make for lower blood pressure and fluid retention.

By Babatunde Ayo-Vaughan

HE mechanism of everyT thing is connection to the kingdom of heaven is rooted

PRACTICAL PSYCHOLOGY Dealing With Spousal Violence (I) By Dr. Passy Amaraegbu GNES and Dave have been married for 20 years. Blessed with three teenage children, their home is an haven. This couple is so much in love with each other that one will mistakingly think that they are newly married. However, this hasn’t always been the trend. Agnes and Dave have had their own share of spousal violence. It was the gender typical manifestation wherein Agnes relied on verbal abuses while Dave resorted to assault. The trend began in their first year of marriage but ended after two years. The corresponding questions are why did this couple stop abusing each other? How did they achieve victory over spousal violence? What enabled them to attain a healthy mind and attitude? How did Agnes and Dave rise above marital violence? What attitudinal changes did they make? What motivated them to have a change of mind and attitude? William James, one of the greatest American psychologists said, that the greatest discovery of my generation is that people can change their lives by changing their attitude. This is a lesson, Agnes and Dave im-

bibed and practised. Of course, attitudinal change begins with change of mindset because attitudes are the offsprings of the mind. This couple instead of concentrating and magnifying their weaknesses began to refocus on their strengths and advantages. Also the accident Dave encountered during one of their violent sessions helped the couple to change their minds. Enraged by Agnes nagging and poisonous words against him, Dave rose up to assail his opponent and before he got to her, he slipped, fell down mercilessly, hit his head on the floor and broke his forehead. Initially, Agnes rejoiced that her enemy had been subdued but as she watched, she noticed that Dave was bleeding profusely as well as growing weaker. Suddenly she realized that, that enemy was actually her lover and husband. Since then, this couple has never remained the same. Suddenly they realized that life was a privilege. Marriage was a precious privilege. Instead of complaining against each other, they became appreciative. • Dr. Amaraegbu, a clinical psychologist; lives in Lagos. E-mail: drpassy@yahoo.com.

Can God Heal Physical Injury? est spiritual thinkers through the ages answer that healing can only come by reversing the premise. T first glance, this question may seem quite star- Starting with man as spiritual rather than material makes spiritual healing more possible to a rational tling. This is because physical injury presents thinker. The challenge however is injury itself, with obvious, aggressive and often very frightenwhich is obviously not a spiritual quality. It is ingly real symptoms, while God is generally acwholly physical and firmly enmeshed in what is cepted to be the invisible Spirit, best suited to dealing with spiritual attacks and other forms of so- called flesh and blood. Those who have proved this practically, offer an insight to what must seem, at called spiritually related health problems. Even if least to the five material senses, as quite a conunthe instinctive answer to the question is ‘yes’, foldrum. lowed by the well known scriptural dictum ‘With The account is related in Science and Health with God nothing is impossible’, the question does demand much deeper consideration. The ‘yes’ must be key to the Scriptures, of the healing of a Mr. Clark followed by the demonstration of the affirmation - of Lynn Massachusetts USA, who had a physical injury to his hip from falling on a wooden spike sevby showing actual proof of physical healing eral years earlier. The wound had degenerated, through reliance on God. and the bone had become carious. The doctors atHow can divine Spirit heal the physical that is more generally termed flesh and blood? The deep- tending him said death was imminent. A Christian healer, Mary Baker Eddy was called. Within 10 minBy Moji Solanke

Mind And The Kingdom Of Heaven (11)

utes of praying for him, the discharge from the wound stopped, he started talking, got up, and had dinner with his family. He was back at work in two weeks. In turning to the Divine for healing, Eddy writings reveal that the prayer which heals involves seeing man as spiritual, and understanding that God did not create the injury, therefore it has no legitimacy, rather, it is an aberration, a non-entity, without any real power to harm or even destroy man. This healing prayer though simple, is not simplistic. It involves humility, obedience and deep toned faith or spiritual understanding. How the intricacies of such healing take place is up to God, the Healer. Eddy mentions the wisdom of ensuring proper cleaning of wounds, and bandaging if required, but this she insists, is not to help God in the healing process, but to help the individual go about their daily activities more readily.

in the cardinal principle of nature known as symbiosis. When you fall outside the functions of symbiosis, it is like moving into hell. You do not necessarily need any abode outside this world to symbolise it. You can experience it right here on earth and the state of the world today symbolises it. You can experience it right here on earth and the state of the world today critically suggests that if man is not in a state of hell yet, he is fast moving into one. When it is said that it is in God that we live, move and have our being, it suggests an allusion of something that keeps everything in harmony and contentment. If it is not violated, science will tell you that, that principle that keeps everything operating successfully in God is the one called symbiosis. If we all choose to move beyond religious sentiments we will be pleasantly surprised how the scientific principle of symbiosis can help you perceive in the most natural sense the practical functions of what you call faith and not only faith, but also the concepts of morality, law, justice love and the process of the will. But let us concentrate on faith. We had already noticed that Jesus in a statement alluded to the fact that, man apparently is out of the protection of God, the way the other creatures are not because, he has little faith, but that if he should seek first the kingdom of heaven and His righteousness everything will be alright for him as it is for other creatures. As I had gone on to state it, in the final analysis, it may not be religion that man primarily needs to get to God but the understanding of faith. This new practical approach to understanding God will enable you to appreciate why in these new times; Jesus ought to be seen from the perspective of a master psychologist. It will bring a scientific dimension into clearly understanding many of the principles that religion has kept at the abstract and vague level of understanding. The rule of intelligence will come to play and an intelligent understanding of the truthfulness and reality of God will be laid bare. • Ayo-Vaughan, a psychologist, lives in Lagos babatund_2@yahoo.com

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday August 4, 2013

SPOTLIGHT

‘A Woman That Has Discovered Self Has No Limitation’

Edet

Politics and theology are two ends of a divide that don’t often mix. But Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet, a Member of the Lagos House of Assembly has tasted the best of the two worlds. At 40, she reminisces on her journey to politics; sharing with WOLE OYEBADE an inspiring story replete with old maxims of hard work, discipline, dedication and faith. days ago, Omowunmi Olatunji-Edet, StookOME representing Oshodi-Isolo constituency II to the floor of the Lagos House of Assembly to make a case. “Mr. Speaker and honourable members, it is time we said enough is enough to rape and child defilement in our state,” were her opening words in defence of a motion. It was a characteristic voice of passion for the defenseless – especially women and children. Again, she held the Assembly spellbound, as she canvassed stiffer punishment for rapists and paedophiles. She could have wept her way through if need be! “This House must be aware that no fewer than 676 rape cases were recorded in 2012 in Lagos alone. Out of these, only six were prosecuted. These are young, vulnerable 12-year-old school children that are defiled. Honourable members, that victim could have been your girl-child or mine. “And if we cannot protect them, I see no reason why we should be here representing them. I want at least 600 out of 676 accused prosecuted and jailed to serve as deterrence to others, and not the abysmal six out of the over 600,” she concluded. It was a short presentation delivered with the charisma of a good preacher; good command of language and well structured argument.

And whoever knows Olatunji-Edet will give it to her – after all, she is a pastor, linguist, artist and politician all rolled into one. She told The Guardian that right from her early days, she had her mind set on adventure, believing that if the old maxims of hard work, dedication to craft, discipline and faith have anything to do with success, she would cast her name in stone. Born on August 15, 1973 in Lagos Island, young Olatunji, the last of nine siblings, started her education early. Beginners’ class was at St. Mathias Primary School, Akure, Ondo State, from where her parents hailed. At St. Louis Girls Secondary School, also in the Ondo State capital, her innate skills came alive and brought her recognition in the area of art. She won the first runner-up award (national) in Art and Design (Graphics) competition for secondary school students in 1990. She was 17 when the then Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida gave her the runner-up award. At 21, she was leading souls as well as refugees to Jesus. Thirteen years later, she is a lawmaker representing OshodiIsolo constituency II of Ejigbo and Isolo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Lagos. Having won the prestigious national award, an idea to pursue career in Arts and Design in the United States came to her mind. But fate had other plans. She was not only denied visa to the US, an earlier admission into Auchi Polytechnic to study Art and Design was also lost. Though a setback but life had to go on. And so, a Diploma in Data processing from Database Computer Institute and another in Theology (1991 – 1994) from Bible Faith Training Centre were her gains for whatever she lost in Arts and Designs. She forged ahead at the National Teachers Institute (NTI) Kaduna, obtained a degree in English Language from the Lagos State University (LASU) and became an ordained pastor in 1994. “I’ve always been ambitious, wanting to explore several things that life has to offer. At 17 I

left home and was already sending money home. I was a teacher in Orile, teaching nursery and primary school pupils. Though quite tender and fragile then, but I was able to muscle my way through it all.” Data processing and Industrial Training (IT) at the then Satellite Town Community Bank introduced her to the banking world at 21. By this time, she had become a wife and a mother. “When I gave birth to my first child, someone said a baby gave birth to baby. I was so fragile, yet could do much. It is not the size or age, but what’s within. I believe there is something in me that is mightier than my frail looks. By 26 and few months I already had three children and had decided to stop having more.” Her commitment to work and home notwithstanding, missionary work was a calling for an ordained pastor. And she helped plant churches from Lagos to Ghana, under the Chosen Vessels Assembly. Foray into politics Emerging from decades of military rule in 1998, the country needed active participants in the revival of democracy. The Pentecostal Society of Nigeria (PSN) among other faithbased groups did not want to take chances; hence they encouraged interested members to try their hands on politics. Olatuniji-Edet heeded the PSN call. In 1999, she contested as a councilor, riding on the goodwill of church members and neighbours. But that would not define today’s politics and so, she lost at the primaries. She came out again in 2002 under the All Progressives Party (APP) and also got ‘kicked out’ again. A quick decamp to the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) the same year did not change her fortunes either. Like a cat with many lives, she contested again in 2003 as an ANPP candidate for the Lagos House of Assembly and ‘lost gallantly at the poll.’ She was, however, compensated with an appointment into a board of the Ministry of Youth and Sport and served for four years before she re-contested in 2007. “In 2007, I almost lost again. I was coming from ANPP to the Action Congress (AC) – the then ruling party – and the people said ‘No! We don’t know her.’ To them, I was just an importee. The party had their candidates but I was favoured. Many are the plans in man’s heart but it is the counsel of God that will stand. That is why I came in 2007 and won a seat in the Lagos Assembly. “I conquered because I first studied my environment. I know there are some members of the community that could front on my behalf and I took care of that area. More so, I was working from the grassroots. “That your constituency doesn’t know you does not mean they don’t know you at all. It is because they have interest in another candidate but not because you are not on ground or that they don’t like you. They’ve been seeing my posters since 1999. If they say they don’t know you in the street that you have lived for more than 16 years, then something is wrong. I didn’t want to be limited by that, so I went beyond that and contested. I am the first female representative from the constituency.” Husband’s support Mr. Edet supported the political quest initially. I’m one person that if I believe in something, I’d convince you about it. If I don’t, I won’t lose my sleep. I was able to prevail on him and convinced him but unfortunately the wish of the people eventually prevailed on him. I never wanted it that way. I believe strongly in marriage, but life goes on nonetheless. It was an event that is not unconnected with my most embarrassing moment as a lawmaker. I was embarrassed the day I Google my name and saw ‘Lawmaker moved out of hus-

band’s house’. I was in fact defaced in the last election with people writing a lot of things about me. But If I had reacted when I saw all that, then I would have given them room to say more, but my silence killed the whole story. If you don’t want people to talk about you, then stay at home. The day I dropped my right to privacy was when I chose to represent the people. So I get a lot embarrassing comments. But all I know is what I live for and it is what I will die for. I’m living for honesty and better identity. I’m a proud mother of three children and happy in my relationship. Whatever people write is their choice, but I know that one day, they will appreciate me for who I am. Pastor-politician It is often believed that politicians need to tell a lot of lies and liars will not go to Heaven. So, has she ever found herself in a situation when she had to compromise Christian principles as a Pastor? Firstly, I have identified who I am. On coming to the House, I knew I was coming to a setting quite different from that of the church and the Hallelujah people. Now I found myself among Muslims, Buddhists and all manners of religion with their belief systems. When I just came into the House, people made jest of me, calling me ‘don’t touch me’. Because it was like a shock to me – ‘don’t you know that I’m a woman of God?’ but I soon realised that the more you run away from them, the more they intensify their efforts. Now I play along, though I still don’t compromise. That has guided me severally. Many of our guys here joke a lot, but nothing serious to it. I won’t say that I’m perfect. I’d always give room to that human element; when you do things you always go back to the Father to make amends. But that a politician is hell bound, I refuse to accept. As a believer, I know when the edge is broken and when to make amends. That is the essence of my new book. Politics has not taken me out of my calling. This book is to remind the Christian body, which feels that when you are in politics; you have lost your calling that I’m still on track. My identity has not changed. The book is a message of hope aimed at strengthening ourselves. Sexual harassment and female politicians Do you think it is easy to harass someone like me? I think it is all about identity. It depends on how you carry yourself. When I was talking about the issue of rape – so many of us do things that we think is normal, which are not and we should actually be charged for them, but we still go scot free. Nobody can harass me. I’ve heard instances like that, when they did it to female legislators and got away with it, but not to me. Achievements in the House In 2007 when I emerged, there were about five female lawmakers in the 40-man House. Since then, the number has increased. It is an achievement for me to be the first female representing her constituency in the House. When I contested, I was the only woman among 11 candidates. The people said ‘it is not possible; not a place a woman can go.’ But I broke through and still I’m still here today. My presence in the House has brought a lot of government participation in infrastructural development in my constituency. There is the N7 billion worth of road construction in the Ago Palace way; the Cele Bridge and Ajao Estate link to Ejigbo that are still ongoing. Also, there is the dualisation of Iba Road and Amuwo-Ago palace way, among others. This is because there is a vocal member that is speaking for the constituency. The same goes for health intervention. The most important thing is that people are feeling the impact of my representation. If they don’t, I don’t think they would want me to come

Sunday, August 4, 2013

COVER P/18

IBRU CENTRE P/43

Why Fight Against Corruption Oritsejafor And CAN Under Jonathan Is Not Working Have Failed The Christian Community “Christian missionary schools are the most expensive, unlike in the past, before the military took over schools. Schools run by CAN members charge high school fees; in fact, they are not meant for ordinary members of their congregations. In the past, low-income people can send their children to missionary schools, sadly, the reverse is the case.”

“So you see, these matters are coming up in stages; but let me tell you, all these problems we have is just the negative attitude of defence counsels. It’s a very sad thing to say that they exploit the loopholes in the judicial process to make sure that it’s a case of ‘if you miss the ball don’t miss the leg.’’

LBS: Equipping Managers For All-Round Performance

BUSNESS P/46

TheGuardian

18 Sunday, August 4, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Cover

EFCC:

Fatally Weakened Warrior In Crime Combat Jonathan By Leo Sobechi HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) did not have a normal birth. It was a child circumstance, conceived out of emotion and born under distemper. Expectedly, the circumstances of its birth have continued to dog its growth, development and idiosyncrasies. The agency seems to be inhibited by certain nameless psychological trauma, arising from its hurried conception and birth. Only few Nigerians know that born in the year 2003, EFCC was conceived as a result of pressure by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental agency that develops and promotes policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. FATF was not comfortable with Nigeria’s listing among the high risk and 23 non-cooperative jurisdictions. This informed the agency’s sustained pressure on Nigerian government, leading to the precipitate establishment of EFCC. Consequently, it was perhaps in reaction to the birth pangs of EFCC that the pioneer chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, carried on as a lone ranger, becoming the alter ego of the agency. To all intents and purposes, Ribadu could rightly be said to have raised the image of EFCC as an anti-corruption body. It stopped there; because it was later to be noted, lacking in institutional grounding, Ribadu’s EFCC ran into murky conflicts, bordering on observance of the law and respect for human rights! Opinions are still divided as to whether Ribadu’s effectiveness or otherwise was motivated by the desire to satisfy the mandate of his appointee or in (over?)zealous performance of his office as a tough police officer. However, the estimation that was more clamorous and pervasive was that the then President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who set up the EFCC and appointed the wiry Adamawa Stateborn cop wanted to make a name for himself by charging at corrupt Nigerians, especially the politically exposed persons. Was the then President Obasanjo, unleashing the EFCC as his personal attack dog against perceived political rivals? The poser refused to lift, but the charge nevertheless, did not stick either. When, therefore, Ribadu appeared before

the fifth Senate with a slammer that 31 out of the 36 state governors in the country were under investigation, Nigerians were stunned, but incredulity arising from the charge of vendetta dampened the stinging disclosure! And because the 2007 general election was around the corner, the speculation was rife that a greater majority of the political actors in the outgoing dispensation would end up in jail. The EFCC chairman was to inform the world through the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that; “If we all lived in the US, all of us will be in prison by now, because the things we do here cannot be tolerated there,” adding that one of the State Governors, Ahmed Sanni Yerima, by engaging in direct stealing, was one of the worst cases of corruption. Perception may be everything, but it has little to do with reality. Except the instances of Enugu, Abia, Edo Governors, EFCC’s boast did not simulate reality. Could it be that the mutual accusations of graft between the EFCC creator, President Obasanjo and his vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar confounded the anti-corruption body that it lost its bite? Were there no sufficient leads for the agency to burst the façade of fiscal probity between the two strong men, in spite of the monumental allegations of creation of slush funds and less than transparent financial dealings? Does the truth behind the establishment of Galaxy Backbone and the operation of the Petroleum Special Trust Development Fund (PTDF) too distant for EFCC to burst? To what extent did party financing and campaign funds obscure high-risk individuals? Were legal persons used to mask the real destination or even source of easy money? How far did professionals go in assisting politically exposed persons with advice on how to launder criminal funds? While those posers were still begging for answers, the EFCC chairman, Ribadu, was sent to ‘Siberia’ in the name of attending a promotional course. His next in rank, Ibrahim Lamorde, was placed on an acting capacity to spread the impression that Ribadu’s excursion was for a positive cause. Interestingly, the new administration of

Lamorde

President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua pledged a strict adherence to the rule of law. As such, those who thumbed down Ribadu’s methodologies heaved a sigh of relief, remonstrating against the anti-corruption czar’s cluelessness over allegations of corruption and influence peddling against his benefactor and former President. Whether the launch of the famed Presidential Library was part of Ribadu’s baggage and evidence of his selective enforcement remained a piece for mental cogitation. Though Ribadu’s bye-bye was not confidential, it turned out to be final. On June 6, 2008, the name of Mrs. Farida Mzambar Waziri was announced as the new helmswoman of the anti-corruption agency. Those who recalled the initial exploits of the founding Director General of National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Dora Akunyili, expressed the hope that henceforth, the fight against money laundering and economic sabotage against Nigeria would be waged with vim, rigour and vigour. Two years into her stint as chairperson, most Nigerians began to ask, whither EFCC? Not long after, words started making the rounds that one of the financiers of Yar’Adua’s presidential campaigns and former Governor of Delta State, chief James Onanefe Ibori, was instrumental to the appointment of Mrs. Waziri. Not a few Nigerians believe that Ibori’s legendary wealth and extra-saintly generosity were the proceeds of less than transparent deals. But he was known to have intervened by injecting much needed funds when President Obasanjo ensured that the Yar’Adua’s campaign was cash strapped. At the successful prosecution of the presidential election, Ibori was said to have taken the position of political guardian angel to the new administration, nominating and recommending staff to be hired or fired. Such was the setting that when the Attorney General of the Federation, (AGF) Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, introduced the novel proviso that all cases handled by the EFCC must pass through his office for processing and approval, a nexus was established between the appointment of Mrs. Waziri and the former AGF, Aondoakaa. While the EFCC and office of the AGF engaged

in verbal altercation, the lull in EFCC continued. Illicit weapons were being smuggled into the country, just as laundered money was round-tripped through Nigeria’s borders with Cameroun, Niger and Benin Republic. Cronies, wives and harem of politically exposed persons were junketing to Dubai, London, Bahamas and other far flung countries. It was becoming evident by the day that EFCC was fast degenerating into senility and stupor. Like Ribadu before her, Waziri was accused of being selective in her campaign against corruption. Some highly placed functionaries in the presidency actually profiled her a weakling, lamenting that she failed to sustain the momentum in the fight against corruption as evidenced during Ribadu’s era. The shocking tragedy of September 14, 2010 was what the entire nation needed to know that EFCC was still in existence. But the killing of one of the investigators trailing the activities of several Heads of Commercial Banks, Abdullahi Muazu, not only shocked the nation, it drew public attention to the possibility that organised crime was fighting back. Did that singular onslaught strike fear into operatives of the agency? Did the killing of Muazu psychologically affect other operatives or lead to the low morale among them? The appointment of Ibrahim Lamorde on February 15, 2012 provided a change of baton believed to usher in a new sense of direction and bring back the spark into the agency. But that was not to be, because as noted by Waziri, the lack of institutional framework to drive the agency’s activities hindered its investigative and prosecutorial efforts. It was to be discovered that corruption and money laundering was intrinsically linked, just as FATF stated that both are generally committed to obtain or hide financial gain. As EFCC tried to prosecute suspects, it often demonstrate the fact that the country was having a deficit of anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing measures, which have been noted as very potent weapons for an effective battle against corruption. Top of that, there was evident lack of capacity among the operatives. Investigations and CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

COVER

EFCC: Too Many Setbacks For The Financial Crimes Buster From Abosede Musari, Abuja ORRUPTION cases instituted by The C Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have continued to suffer numerous setbacks, orchestrated, as if by design to frustrate the fight against graft, especially in high places. A lot of corruption cases have remained in the courts for several years due to the antics of defendants and their lawyers to keep the cases dragging endlessly, while the EFCC continues to expend public funds and valuable time to keep the cases alive. A look at the activities of the agency in recent times shows there is little to cheer about, in terms of convictions. In the beginning, the bold steps of pioneering chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and his team established the fear of EFCC as the beginning of wisdom, especially for corrupt individuals and government officials. Those were days when powerful government officials who were indicted were dragged to court for quick dispensation of justice. With that feat, a lot of Nigerians were happy with the activities of the agency, which had boosted confidence in the ability of the nation to transform into a decent society. EFCC also became the hope of many who had been defrauded in economic terms. However, the agency experienced a change in leadership, which saw Ribadu eased out in a manner many Nigerians were not happy about. Mrs. Farida Waziri took over the leadership of the Commission in June 2008 and lasted through to November 2011. Almost three and half years of her leadership were spent under Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, first as Acting President and then President. Farida Waziri, though a woman, was arguably fearless in her fight against corruption. Her years in service witnessed frantic efforts at fighting corruption. More former governors were arrested and prosecuted; suspects in rural electrification fraud were arrested. During her tenure, former House of Representatives Speaker, Dimeji Bankole was arrested and charged to court on two cases; one involving N40 billion alleged bank loan fraud and the other, N10 billion alleged contract scam. Massive bank frauds were uncovered and suspects arrested. Her era witnessed the arrest of bank managing directors who have been engaged n alleged embezzlement of depositors’ funds. Personalities such as Erastus Akingbola of Intercontinental Bank (now Access bank) and Francis Atuche of Bank PHB (now Keystone bank) were prosecuted and are still being prosecuted, while Cecilia Ibru of former Oceanic Bank was jailed and had her properties seized to the tune of over N1 billion. The EFCC under Waziri also succeeded in prosecuting and having former chairman of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), chief Bode George, jailed. However, the two cases were about the only convictions achieved by the Waziri administration, besides others that Nigerians like to refer to as petty thieves. Waziri, before she was eased out in November 2011, did frantically pursued corruption cases with zest. Like she said, “When you fight corruption, corruption fights back.” Fighting corruption for her wasn’t without its price. At a time, the cases piled up without much progress in the courts. The EFCC had over 1,500 cases with high profile cases numbering about 100. Corruption cases were moving at snail speed and she became a crusader for special courts for corruption cases. Ibrahim Lamorde, who succeeded Waziri, promised not try corruption suspects in the media. He had told the media at a press conference in December 2011 that he would only talk about suspects in a corruption case when investigation had been carried out. That was the beginning of an administration that is not generous with information on suspects. Other changes that Lamorde brought onboard at the EFCC include the restructuring of the system through some strategic appointments he said were geared towards a better fight against corruption. The chairman also pledged to institute a system that would serve as a check on all employees of

Fayose

Bankole

Turaki

Kalu

the organisation starting from himself, in order to weed corrupt officials. Under Lamorde, the EFCC has and is still prosecuting cases of pension fraud, Internet scam, petroleum subsidy scam and others, which were inherited from past administrations. Under the pension scams, 32 companies and officials from the Head of Service (pension office) are currently undergoing prosecution, while properties of suspects had been seized. Six officers from the Police Pension board, one of them a permanent secretary, are currently undergoing prosecution. Forty individuals and companies have been arrested and are being prosecuted in connection to oil subsidy scam. Aminu Lamido, son of Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido was recently convicted for money laundering, while son of former governor of Kogi State, Mustapha Audu Abubakar and his wife, are still in court in connection with a case of N18mn land scam. Aside from Lamido’s conviction, which took place a few weeks ago, the EFCC has not recorded any high profile conviction since 2011, when Lamorde’s took over, though it boasts of over 200 convictions in smaller cases. The commission says it had experienced set back in prosecuting high profile cases because of unfavourable court processes. “There’s nothing like small or big thieves. It’s not the fault of EFCC that some of these cases are not succeeding. Cases involving politically exposed persons are dragging in court because they have resources to drag them,” an official said during The Guardian’s inquiry. He explained that aside from deliberate dragging by the suspects, who are in most cases former governors and individuals with huge

financial resources, transfer of judges often contribute to the setbacks. “Once a judge is transferred, hearing in a case will have to start all over again when the new judge begins to hear the case,” he said. He added that when defendants drag a case, they bring all manner of applications that result in frequent adjournments over a long period, which may span into years as it is with a lot of EFCC cases currently. This is with the intention of getting the public, prosecutor and the plaintiff to lose interest in the case and then it dies naturally. On the other hand, when hearing in a case has been concluded, for instance, and judgment is being awaited, if the judge is transferred, the new judge will have to hear the case again from the beginning. This amounts to a waste of time, efforts and resources as the EFCC pays its numerous lawyers for each of their appearances in court. Speaking about efforts of defendants to frustrate cases, the EFCC official said Orji Uzor Kalu, former Abia State governor has been in court for five years and yet trial has not started. It is the same thing with former governor, Jolly Nyame. Hearing in the case against Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state is starting all over again. The case against Erastus Akingbola has been concluded and waiting for the judge’s pronouncement, but because the judge has now been transferred, hearing will have to start all over again. The EFCC official confirmed to The Guardian that these cases have been dragging since the last administration and, unfortunately, there is nothing the EFCC can do about it except to wait for the courts. The Commission has also had issues of plea bargain but they are on small cases.

Another loophole exploited by defendants to drag cases is the fact that there is no time frame within which corruption cases must be dispensed. This is because the EFCC Act has not been amended to include a time frame, unlike the Electoral Act, which mandates that all matters be dispensed with in one year. The bad news is that this matter has not been raised in the legislative chambers because some of the members are facing corruption charges with the EFCC. Also to be noted is that the courts have dismissed a few of EFCC’s high profile cases of recent. First was the N40 billion alleged loan scam that involved former Speaker, Dimeji Bankole and now the acquittal of former works minister, Hassan Lawan in a case of N43 million, which the EFCC has now appealed. It should be noted however, that another N75 billion alleged corruption case against Lawan is still in court. In all, the setback being experienced by the EFCC in its cases has been blamed on the transfer of judges by the Federal High Courts, antics of defendants and their lawyers, non inclusion of timeframe in the EFCC Act and perhaps, the absolute power of the President to appoint and sack the chairman of the commission, as it is with other anti-graft agencies. To move the anti-graft war forward, stakeholders need to ensure that the EFCC Act is further amended to solve the challenges that drag the Commission backwards in the discharge of its duties, especially considering the manner in which the two previous chairmen of the agency were eased out without convincing explanations. Also, the fight against corruption will continue to be a waste of resources if court processes do not favour the speedy dispensation of cases.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

COVER So you see, these matters are coming up in stages; but let me tell you, all these problems we have is just the negative attitude of defence counsels. It’s a very sad thing to say that they exploit the loopholes in the judicial process to make sure that it’s a case of ‘if you miss the ball don’t miss the leg.’ When the evidence is weighty against their client, they feel that if the matter is allowed to go on trial, they may likely be convicted. They try to see that the matter will not see the light of day

Okoroma

EFCC: Counsels Collude

Prime official case is when they ask for something substantial to show that there are degrees of crime disclosed to warrant you putting the person on trial. It may not be conclusive, but it’s something that shows some allegation against him, which he must respond to before you can even put him through trial, because trial process is quite onerous to put someone who has not done anything through. There must be something warranting you to put him through trial. They raised that one and it will be argued in September. That was a case that started in 2006. Then, we have the case of Saminu Turaki, the former governor of Jigawa State. That case was started here in Abuja. They raised the issue of jurisdiction based on the same case of Federal Republic of Nigeria against Ibori, that Abuja didn’t have jurisdiction. The Court decided that Abuja had jurisdiction and then the Federal High Court in Dutse also had jurisdiction to try the matter, but in view of the fact that the Federal High Court in Dutse was new, they didn’t have so much case load, that the case should be transferred to the Federal High Court in Dutse, so that it can be disposed of expeditiously since they don’t have as much cases as Abuja would have. They went there and started the case behold. It’s after we finish at the Supreme Court FCT to try the case, which is becoming a norm fore a judge and then the judge was transwe now go back to the matter. That is if they e’ll like to know the position of high pro- now. When charges are filed the first thing ferred and then the matter was assigned to even when it’s obvious that the court has juris- don’t use another matter again to delay it. file cases. Why are they still pending in Now, we had the case against Ayo Fayose, for- another judge. Now Saminu Turaki is evadiction, the defence counsels want to use one courts without convictions? mer governor of Ekiti State. That case was com- sive. The last time we had to go to court, we The high profile cases we have are at different issue or the other to make sure the cases are menced in 2006. It started at the Federal High applied for a bench warrant for us to arrest frustrated. The issue was raised that there was stages. When you talk about high profile cases, him, now they brought a motion for the no jurisdiction and prime official case to war- Court Lagos. They had called one or two witI take it to mean cases involving former chief court to set aside that warrant of arrest. nesses after raising some preliminary issues rant him to stand trial. So it was canvassed, executives and politically exposed persons. That is also coming up in September. and following the decision of Court of Appeal but the High Court overruled and they went The ones we have are those against former So you see, these matters are coming up in in the case of Federal Republic of Nigeria chief executives, they are the ones that attract to the Court of Appeal. They lost at the Court stages; but let me tell you, all these probof Appeal and they went to the Supreme Court against James Ibori, whose trial was started in lems we have is just the negative attitude of so much interest. Cases like that against forKaduna and later taken to Asaba. The counsel and they lost. Eventually, the matter had to mer governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, defence counsels. It’s a very sad thing to say to Fayose then brought an application for the come to the High Court of FCT for the matter that against people like Saminu Turaki, Jolly that they exploit the loopholes in the juditransfer of the case, that the matter be to commence. Nyame, Joshua Dariye, Gbenga Daniel and othcial process to make sure that it’s a case of ‘if The case against Joshua Dariye, which started brought to Ekiti State, because the crime was ers. They are all in court and we have started alleged to have been committed under the ju- you miss the ball don’t miss the leg.’ When about the same time they are still taking the trials in some of them. the evidence is weighty against their client, risdiction of the Federal High Court of Ekiti same process. They are now at the Supreme The case against Jolly Nyame is going on in they feel that if the matter is allowed to go State. Court on the same issue of jurisdiction and court now. It was commenced in 2007 and The case was transferred to Ekiti; of course, to on trial, they may likely be convicted. They the charge of not declaring a prime official we’ve called about nine witnesses. That case try to see that the matter will not see the start afresh. When we got to Ekiti, they case against him to warrant him standing had to go to the Supreme Court on a prelimibrought an application again, challenging the light of day. And even if you go on, by the trial. They lost at the court of first instance, nary issue and it came back to the trial court charge that it does not disclose a prime official time you are set for trial, the witnesses may which is the High Court. They have lost at the for trial to commence. case against him. Court of Appeal and they are now at the That was because they raised the issue of juCONTINUED ON PAGE 21 risdiction of the trial court—the High Court of Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the trial is put on What is Prime Official case?

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was established 10 years ago to fight corruption and economic vices. At inception, the agency made resonating impacts across the country and got a few high profile convictions that immediately got it into the good books of citizens. However, in recent years, there have been grumblings as to why EFCC cases are pending in the courts without many convictions. Director of Legal and Prosecution Unit, Chile Okoroma, in this interview with ABOSEDE MUSARI examines why the Commission has had so many unconcluded cases, why there are often long lists of charges and why the EFCC’s achievements are no longer making required impact.

With Accused Persons To Frustrate Trials — Okoroma

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

COVER

‘We Need An Overhaul Of The Judicial System’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20 not be there again. A number of things may have happened, the enthusiasm of prosecution may not be there, prosecution witness may not be there, some people may have been reached and compromised, or people may have been wearied. They make sure the cases are kept in court without going on. And then in the cases of High Courts where they keep transferring judges every three years, for instance, cases that started in 2006, today we’ve not made much progress. For example, the Orji Uzor Kalu case, he just took his plea and he started the whole process. The matter is now in Supreme Court on the same issue of jurisdiction. You now see that it’s not even the Commission’s fault. We need to have an overhaul of our justice system so that some things like this will not be allowed. If they don’t have room to bring in all these interlocutory motions, some of these cases will be concluded one way or the other. It’s either they are convicted or they are not convicted. But we will have the opportunity of putting witnesses in the box. But up till now, many of them have not allowed this. As the court is dispensing of one application, they are bringing another one. That is the problem we have. What is the situation with cases involving people like Fanikayode, Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello? Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello has been discharged and acquitted at the Court of Appeal. They said there was no prime official case disclosed against her. That means the EFCC lost that case too? We didn’t lose it so to say, because in a trial, there are about five or six persons. She was said not to have played any role in the matter, but there are still others. What of the former minister of Health, Adenike Grange, who was also charged in the case? She was also discharged and acquitted, but there are two others who are directors who are standing trial in that case. Fanikayode’s case has come back to the Federal High Court in Lagos for trial. He was charged for money laundering and we tendered the statement of account, the court rejected it on the grounds that under the Evidence Act then, there were no provisions for computer-generated statement of account. That was the basis on which they threw it out. But the Court of Appeal disagreed and said the statement of account was wrongly rejected. They went to the Supreme Court and by the time they got to the Supreme Court, the law had been amended. So it became an academic and had to come back to the Federal High Court. The last time it came up at the Federal High Court, they raised the issue of Fiat, that Keyamo didn’t have the fiat of EFCC to prosecute the case. Of course, when they brought the issue of fiat, an application would have been made to the Chief Judge of FHC to have the case transferred from the judge to another judge. Ajumogobia said she wasn’t going to continue with the case until the CJ of the FHC decides whether she should continue with the case or transfer it to another judge. That is where we are on that case. What will make a lawyer who is supposed to uphold the law, begin to frustrate the justice system; and can’t there be a law that will limit the number of applications one can bring during the trial of a case? Lawyers are first and foremost, ministers in the temple of justice, they are supposed to help the court, but because of the money that quite a number of them will get out of it, like somebody who is standing trial on corruption charges and has a lot of money at his disposal, you must have heard about cases where lawyers were fighting over who will represent somebody. They quarrel over it because of the money they will get from the person. So when they get money they tell suspects ‘don’t worry, of course you will not be convicted.’ You will not even go through trial. Is that not what the person wants? They do so by whatever means and then there are loopholes, which they can exploit. It’s good that government is trying to address these issues. There is this Administration of Criminal Justice bill that the Attorney General will present to the National Assembly for them to pass. The procedural rules we are using are old. They need to be reviewed. For instance, if we have provisions in the law,

which does not allow applications like these and the judges are ready to enforce the provisions, then it will be like you the lawyer saying you cannot challenge jurisdiction and that you have to wait till the end of trial before you can do what you want to do. If you have issues of jurisdiction, wait and you can take up the case at the appellate court, but this trial must go on. Incidentally, we have such provisions in our Act, but some judges are not persuaded by it. Section 40 of the EFCC Act says that; subject to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, an application for stay of proceedings in respect of any criminal matter brought by the Commission before the high court shall not be entertained until judgment is delivered by the court. We have it here, but incidentally some judges are not persuaded about it. They feel it is not in line with the Constitution, that it takes away the rights of appeal. But what the law says is that you can go to the Court of Appeal, but you cannot stay the proceedings from going on. With this law, you have the right of appeal, but they are saying it takes away the right of appeal. Some others say no, it is in order, it provides for trial within a reasonable time. That’s speedy trial as provided in the Constitution. Unfortunately we have not been able to have the appellate court interpret this position. If we have had a situation, maybe, where the Supreme Court has looked at this, and says it’s in order, it would have helped so much. Are you saying that what is needed in this circumstance is to have the appellate court or the Supreme Court to interpret this provision in relation to the Nigerian Constitution? Of course, but you have to take a case. You don’t just take an academic case to the Supreme Court. There must be a live case, which will warrant you going to that place. We had opportunity sometimes at the Court of Appeal in Kaduna to make pronouncement on it, but unfortunately it didn’t work out because, while the matter was pending they finished the case in the lower court. So it’s still pending at the Court of Appeal Kaduna, up till now. We have that provision in Lagos State, the Administration of Criminal Justice in Lagos State. It’s in their law and I think they have brought it into this Administration of Criminal Justice bill, which will be presented to the National Assembly. Maybe by that the Supreme Court can now take a position that it’s in order, trials must be concluded. You can’t stay criminal proceedings in criminal trial. Then it will help. Aside from these two challenges, are there other challenges why you’ve not been able to secure convictions in your high profile cases? These are the fundamental challenges and of course the issue of starting cases afresh, de novo trial. Once you start a case and the judge is transferred, you have to start all over again. These are the main problems we are having. Not even securing convictions because our work is not to secure conviction. We’ll be happy if we get convictions, but we are the prosecuting agency and our job is to present our case before the court to say we have a good case against this person. It’s the court that convicts a person but let’s have the opportunity of even doing that. Let the court determine cases on their merit; if we lose we lose. If we lose and we find that there are good grounds for us to appeal we will appeal. If we lose and we look at it that there are some things, which would have been done that were not done and we consider that we will lose if we appeal, then we leave it. In criminal trial, it’s either you win or lose but let’s even have the opportunity to conduct the trial. Talking about winning or losing, EFCC has lost one or two cases recently. What’s the problem? We lost the Bankole case, Hassan Lawal case and Michael Boatmang case. We have two cases against Bankole. We have the one pending in High Court, money laundering case. The one we lost was the one in the High Court of FCT and we are appealing against that. There are several reasons for which you can

Lawyers are first and foremost, ministers in the temple of justice, they are supposed to help the court, but because of the money that quite a number of them will get out of it, like somebody who is standing trial on corruption charges and has a lot of money at his disposal, you must have heard about cases where lawyers were fighting over who will represent somebody. They quarrel over it because of the money they will get from the person lose a case. It’s either you don’t have a good case or it is error of judgment on the part of the judge, or even error on the part of prosecution. The witnesses may go to the box and turn against you. It’s possible because in corruption cases, for instance, if I’m corrupt in this office, I have my aides whom I may use. They are the ones I may say go and give this bribe to this person. They answer to me. Tomorrow they are the persons who will be the witnesses concerning any particular case. For you to convict me you will need them to cooperate with you, but if they enter the witness box and begin to say another thing, or they wait for when you finish and they begin to contradict themselves, the court cannot rely on their statements because their testimony have become contradictory. So, there are a number of factors by which you may lose cases. Even the best lawyers all over the world lose cases. When you lose, look at it, do a post mortem of the case. So we learn in the process if it was our own fault. But if it’s the mistake of the judge, we appeal. Also, remember that some of these cases, corruption cases, money laundering cases are new, so to say. We’ve had corruption over the years no doubt, but it was when EFCC came on board that the enforcement of the law against corruption was taken to a higher level. And then, money laundering is strange to some judges. Some of them may not even understand it. Recently, we lost a case in Kano and we appealed because it was an error on the part of the judge. Money laundering is like washing your clothes, trying to make dirty money clean. But there’s something that makes the money dirty. Let’s say someone gave me bribe and I took the bribe to buy shares. And then maybe tomorrow, I then sell the shares and buy property. If you ask me where I got money to buy the property, I say I sold shares; but I have been able to disguise or hide the origin of it. That is money laundering. But the federal high court is the court that has jurisdiction by the money-laundering Act. We have cases where the federal high court has jurisdictions

Okoroma

to try money laundering cases, but it doesn’t have the jurisdiction to try the underlying offence, which is the bribe that gave rise to it because money laundering is a derivative offence. It cannot stand on its own. There must be an illegal act that gave the proceeds, which you want to hide. For the court to try the money laundering case, you have to prove that the money, which was laundered is a proceed of crime. But you have a situation where the judge says he doesn’t have jurisdiction to try the predicate offence and so the money laundering case should go. He discharges the accused persons and acquits them. Do you have a specific case in mind? It was a case in Kano. It’s not one of the high profile cases that will attract attention. I’m just using it as an example. I’m giving you reasons why one can lose a case. It can be an error on the part of the judge, an error of counsel, a misunderstanding of the law by the judge, a witnesses being hostile. A witness may not even be discreet enough to answer questions properly. So may I ask, whose error it was that EFCC lost the Bankole, Boatmang and Hassan Lawal cases? We are appealing. It’s the Court of Appeal that will decide that one whether there was an error on the part of the judge. We have our own counts, which I will not be in a position to tell you. For some of your cases, there are long lists of counts on a charge, why do you sometimes have as many as over 100 counts to a charge. How possible is it for one person to commit 100 offences in one? If someone has been a chief executive for four years and then serves another four years, that is eight years. And there have been cases where you see somebody who just took over and in a few months he has started looting the treasury. Some of these people have sponsors for the positions, which they vie for

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THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

COVER FALEKE: Why We Need Special Courts To Try Corruption Cases Chairman of the House of Representatives committee on anticorruption, national ethics and values, Mr. James Abiodun Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State told ADAMU ABUH that unless special courts are created to handle corruption cases, the spate of impunity in the polity would persist. HAT was the outcome of the probe of the W expenditure of Sure-P road project? We started by looking at the expenditure of Sure-P, especially as it concerns road contracts and based on the petitions we receive that the payments that were made to most of those contractors were fictitious payments for projects that were not done. We went into it and we discovered that those petitions had no ground; we saw the details of the contracts; the certificate of completions. Along the line, we discovered that contractors handling contracts in this country get the contracts at a lower value and in between, contracts are reviewed, at times two, three times higher than the original cost. I think that it is a ploy used mainly as part of the corruption tactics. We are writing our own report to the House. During that period too, the minister of works actually came up with a two years’ press briefing to say that they have completed thirtytwo federal roads and we felt if you have completed thirty-two federal roads, what are the roads; let Nigerians get to know and so what we did was to write the minister and he responded and we advertised the roads in the newspapers for Nigerians to make comments. So we are waiting because we can’t go round to confirm whether actually these roads are there or not. But if after investigating the documents, if we are so sure that it is necessary for us to go and see, we will of course write to the leadership for funding. Ours is a committee that has no fund but we can write to the leadership and I am sure they would approve it for us. What informed the decision of your committee to probe the EFCC over seizure of offenders’ properties? I am not part of the probe, but I was on the floor when the issue was raised. All Nigerians know that so many corrupt officials have been tried; properties seized either by the courts or by the EFCC and as at today, we are unable to account for these properties and the monies so seized. The question is, if a fraudulent person is arrested and tried and found guilty and he paid back the sum, the question is, where is this money going to; has it gone to the federation account? These are the issues; who is holding them because before you know it, it exchanges hands and it goes to the wrong hands and you just discover that you have not won any battle at all. What is your take on the plea bargain issue? For me, and for us in the committee, that is the worst thing that has happened in the fight against corruption in this country. I don’t know from where they brought this issue of plea bargain. For us, it is an impediment to

Faleke

• Plea Bargain Is Worst Thing That Has Happened To Fight Against Corruption • Aviation Ministry Stinks Of Fraud fighting corruption because it is telling the citizenry to steal whatever they can steal and if they go to court they can negotiate their way out of the problem. We are against it and we would continue to fight against it. In spite of the campaign against corrupt practices, Nigeria’s rating on the corruption index has not shown improvement, what could be responsible for this? It is all about impunity with which we do things in the country. I am actually looking into the Bureau of Public Procurement law that allows this Bureau to give no objection certificate. All agencies are using this loophole to issue contracts of N20 billion without advertising it through selective tendering. We are investigating Aviation now. Aviation awarded a contract worth N12.8 billion in the name of selective tendering. Selective tendering is supposed to come in a situation where certain contractors are the only ones that have the required items or the capacity to do a particular job. Everybody is saying Aviation is working, Aviation is working, at what cost? At what cost is Aviation working? We have got a petition and we have written letters to Aviation and we have asked them to submit documents to us, we have written the contrac-

tors because we are aware that so many of the contractors were paid since 2012 and yet they have not started any project; they have not started any job, yet they were paid since 2012. An instance, there was this particular contract that was awarded to MSI- security Nigeria limited in September 2012. The contract is to provide new security strategy for airports at the cost of N9.4 billion and they have paid N6.247 billion to this contractor. This is just one out of about 100 cases. The issue is this, what is new security strategy? So when they say Aviation is working, the issue is at what cost? And then you discover that the contractor asked to renovate Enugu airport is the same contractor that is asked to renovate Port Harcourt airport and Kano airport – they are the same contractors. And these are contractors without pedigree. Just recently, at the ARIK terminal in the Lagos airport, a passenger fell about two weeks ago and died. When you come to our Abuja airport, if you are not careful with the shoes you put on, if you step on the floor, you are gone. We went to Corporate Affairs Commission and we discovered that ministers own most of the companies handling the contracts. Even if that were the only thing we would achieve in this House, we

would expose everybody involved in this aviation corruption. What is your take on calls to merge the ICPC and the EFCC? It is not the best for us. Even if you have 20 agencies fighting corruption in this country, it might not be enough because we have corruption in nearly every sphere of our life. So asking only one agency to fight corruption can’t work. We can only say that ICPC should wake up more to its responsibilities or the EFCC should do more. But the two of them are not even enough to fight corruption in this country. The ICPC is quieter in operation than the EFCC, but they are doing a lot. Unfortunately, our courts are not helping matters and that is why they are also asking for special courts. Why the need for special courts to try corruption cases? You see, it is the same courts that try criminal and civil cases that try corruption cases and so when a corrupt case is brought before the court, they immediately take adjournment for a year, two or even three years and before you know it, Nigerians tend to forget what that person had done and the money the person stole is what he would continue to use to fight the government. These are some of the issues. So if we have a special court to try corruption cases, the problem would be solved. If we have a special court that has no business other than to try corruption cases, the cases would be handled in an expeditious manner and judgment would be delivered faster and Nigerians would be happier and the fear would be there.

EFCC: Fatally Weakened Warrior In Crime Combat CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

court cases were usually bungled, providing a lee way for suspects to escape legal reprimand. Not that alone, the fact that politically exposed persons had enough cash to hire Senior Advocates, made prosecution a herculean task. Add to that the incidence of corruption among some unscrupulous judges; EFCC was made to totter as a psychedelic war Lord. And just as the scriptures say, because the punishment of evil was not immediate, it was given to men to commit more crimes! Little wonder, in the light of declining effectiveness of the EFCC,

some commentators began to call for the merger of the agency and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). But espying the subtle attempt to exterminate anti-corruption battle finally, former chairman of ICPC, Justice Emmanuel Ayoola, (retd) maintained such merger was inimical to the fight against corruption. He pleaded with the Federal Government not to blend the two agencies, stressing that despite observed deficiencies the two agencies performed different functions. What the Justice did not say was that those who were championing the merger, wanted to create an easy escape route for corrup-

tion to fester in the country. What he said that deserved reiteration was that such move would offend international conventions. Yet the issues of plea bargain, high cost of investigations, corruption among officials and collusion with professionals, like lawyers and accountants compound and challenge the system further. Worse still, proper standards are yet to be set to promote effective implementation of legal, regulatory and operational measures for checking money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats against the integrity of international financial system. In all these considerations, the questions of

abiding by international best practices remain a recurring problem. And because insecurity erases the contribution of whistle blowing, Nigerians, like the Justice observed, appear “too laid back in the fight against corruption”. The EFCC seems to be bogged down by the Latin maxim, qui ipsos custode custodiets, (Who will guard the guards)? The agency has in its fold active promoters of corruption and experts in money laundering. They live above the law and their means. The fact that conmen have the effrontery to impersonate EFCC operatives gives the impression that they are acting the real thing.

Given the nature of the Nigerian nation, the fight against corruption is the moral equivalent of committing suicide. For instance, should some legislators, most of whom obtained leave of absence from drug trafficking, smuggling and sundry financial crimes be expected to make laws to strengthen the fight against corruption and money laundering? Does the weakened state of EFCC call for its overhaul or merger with ICPC? To what level could international collaboration help to strengthen the institutions? More than searching for answers, the questions underline the fact that EFCC is in need of an elixir!

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

CHIEF TONY A. ANENIH: A SALUTE TO A NATIONALIST AND A FARMER N the occasion of the 80th Birthday Anniversary of this Man of Many parts, the obvious temptation is to see and analyze him as an “iconic Nationalist, philanthropist, an Entrepreneur and a master Politician”. For us at A & Hatman limited however, our reflection is more on a less talked about aspect of him; but an area where his philosophy of service, compassion and sacrifice to humanity are best exemplified. He is a lover of Nature, of The Rural Dwellers; he is A Farmer. His love for and belief in agriculture is passionate. Growing up in the rural community of Arue Uromi, in Esan North East L.G.A of Edo State, he was well aware of the drudgery and physical toll on farmers of land clearing and land cultivation in the thick forests of the South. This early experience led to his interest and the desire to transform agricultural development from shifting cultivation and small-holdings to large-scale commercial and mechanized cultural practices. While mitigating the drudgery of subsistence agricultural practices in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Soon after a successful career in the Police Force, nature beckoned on him to agro-business. Thus, in the 1980’s, through Yakon Enterprises Limited (one of his Companies), an indigenous initiative was advanced to introduce heavy duty agricultural equipments including Tractors, Bull-Dozers and Combined Harvesters; these were used to boost the large scale farming programmes of the River Basin Development Authorities. Yakon, indeed was one of the pioneers in the use of these heavy duty equipments in large scale farm establishments in some of the River Basin Development Authorities including the Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority in the then Bendel and Ondo States; (now Delta, Bayelsa, Edo, Ondo and Ekiti States). These efforts of the Federal government in land opening for arable crops productions initiatives remain some of the visible signs of enduring Government effort to alleviate one of the drudgery of land preparation in large-scale farming especially in the rain zone of Nigeria. Tony Anenih, The Oil Palm And Agro-Industrial Development BY 1990, while most investors paid all their attention to petroleum business his interest was more focused on the Oil Palm Industry under A & Hatman limited, which absorbed the agricultural activities of Yakon Enterprises. Chief Tony Anenih is keenly aware of the historical antecedents of oil palm as one of the agricultural tripods (of cocoa, groundnut and oil palm) on which the pre-independence economy of the nation stood and relied for sustenance as an economic giant of Africa. Furthermore, He reminds those who would care to recall that the emancipation of the black race from the scourges of slave trade and its abrogation especially in the then slave Coast of West Africa was facilitated by the availability of palm oil as a ready substitute for slaves as a commodity of trade by the Colonialists. Contemporary Paradox. The need to revive and sustain the historical economic role, value and prospects of the Oil Palm industry is even now more

CHIEF TONY A. ANENIH, CFR

urgent. It is Chief Anenih’s assertion that the oil palm is a renewable resources which nature has strategically endowed Nigeria with; all the adaptive and climatic factors conducive for its growth and development naturally abound. The fact that it is an import substitute or even an export commodity greatly agitates his mind, more so, as Nigeria has lost its preeminence to Malaysia, and now Indonesia; countries, which in less than five decades of strengthening their own technological knowhow from materials from Nigeria have become the world’s leaders in the global Oil Palm industry. Chief Tony Anenih reminds all that both Indonesia and Malaysia enjoy over $20B revenue as part of the contribution of the Oil Palm Industry to their economies annually. Therefore the chances are rife that Nigeria could attain resounding feat turning the oil Palm Industry into a goldmine that can propel the economy into a sustainable regrowth and restore its rightful place as a leader in the Palm Oil Industry. Chief tony Anenih also identifies oil palm as an industry, whose necessity is rural based and therefore stands a unique advantage in providing on long-term basis, sustainable employment opportunities for the rural populace which would stimulate the development of infrastructural facilities in such areas as Roads, Schools, Water-Supply and Health services. Down-stream value added ancillary industries that follow plantation development further inject growth and development to the economy at the rural setting; while rural urban migration could greatly be stemmed.

Ewohimi, in Esan South East; affecting the lives of over 4000 farm families. The success so far achieved in mill and plantations development has started attracting potential core or joint venture partners in the further expansion of the company’s holdings. Chief Anenih sees this as an imperative for ensuring the unleashing of the economic potentials of the oil palm industry in job and wealth creation for the indigenes of Edo state and Nigeria in general. New horizons are being opened in the demand for palm produce by companies like PZ, Flour mills of Nigeria who have been investing heavily as end users of the primary products of the oil palm plantations. The desire of these new industries to go into partnership with A & Hatman limited is a demonstration of the high level of confidence they repose in the MAN, his establishment and his philosophy. DIVERSIFICATION The passionate interest of this natural farmer in the oil palm industry is by no means in exclusion of other sectors of agriculture, he has shown a renewed interest in the poultry industry. A pilot programme has since begun with layers and broilers supported by a feed mill in the outskirts of Benin City. This is an area where his love for agriculture earlier manifested in the 1960’s. Until recently, it was his hope that this would metamorphose into a fully integrated poultry farm that produces poultry eggs and as well as day old chicks. Recently, some potential partners have hinted interests along similar lines.

HIS MISSION & ACHIEVEMENTS In promoting and practicing this doctrine/vision which he espouses, he began a two-part programme of acquisition, rehabilitation, and development of plantations and Palm Oil Processing Mills in which his Company A & Hatman Limited in Edo State acquired and rehabilitated 1,954Ha of abandoned or moribund oil palm plantations. He established an oil mill of 4.5 tonnes per hour fresh fruit bunch installed capacity that could produce up to 1500 tonnes of Special Palm Oil (SPO) by 1996.

REFLECTIONS The vision and mission of this uncommon but humble patriot has its roots in his love for the common man; whose root is in the rural setting and the love of agriculture on which 70% of our society depends on for it survival. This makes chief Anenih stand out as a new generation pioneer in the re-awakening of the nation to the need to Return To Land and for crops and in particular oil palm development (including cocoa and groundnut) each as a renewable resource to become once again a means to resuscitate and reinvigorate the economic FUTHER EXPANSION A plantation development pro- base of the nation. “Crude oil and minerals may dry up some gramme initiated since then has day. Not so, the agricultural potentials of our land”. The will to resulted in the planting of 3000 go back to land is what the spirit and soul of the Anenih Oil Palm initiative and achievement brings to us as our inspirahectares of young palms, making it one of the fastest growing tion on the occasion of his 80th birthday. Nigeria has more arable land available for oil palm developindigenously owned oil palm ment alone (apart from other crops) than the whole Malaysia estates in the country now covhas for all its agricultural crops. A national “25 year proering over 5000 Hectares. The gramme on Nigeria oil palm development” with private secfields are at various stages of tor/public partnership could make investing in this agriculdevelopment. Thus, the second phase aimed at the expansion of tural sector of the nation’s economy boom! It could propel the economic development of the rural populace. This is a clarthe holding to 5000 Hectares, and establishment of mills of an ion call to Nigerians who have the means to invest in any aspect of agriculture of their choice. The contemporary potenoverall installed capacity of 20 tials of agriculture to our developmental growth is not in metric tones of fresh fruits doubt; especially as it remains the largest employer of labour Bunches per hour (FFB/Hr) has in the nation especially in the rural setting. The devastating been attained. The old fields are now being replanted with higher effects of rural urban migration of our youths if not checked will continue to breed more criminals for the idle hands now yielding NIFOR ELITE TENERA HYBRID variety. It is likely `that populating our cities/project Nigeria has enough patriots and by the year 2012, the mills could visionaries of generous and noble hearts whose primary focus could be the solution of our country Nigeria. Their must be be producing 12,500 tonnes of beyond the immediate. Special Palm Oil per annum. A They should be able to initiate programmes and investments refinery for producing refined Vegetable Oil and other industri- that endure, renewable and sustainable. They must transcend al by-products is under consider- the geographical and ethnic divide; people driven by and passionate about agriculture since it provides a platform on ation. By the year 2020, over 15,000 tonnes of special palm oil which these factors or values can come to play and the result will be rapidly and empirically evaluated. production could be attained As we take the oil palm as a case study, we project this as a annually. Expected impact on the economy model for other crops dispassionately. We must allow the law of nature and ecology of adaptations to guide us in focusing It is expected that the Project, by 2020, will have pumped several mil- on others such as cocoa, cotton, soybeans, millet, groundnuts and sorghum. The geographical zones as they exist, should be lions of Naira into the economy the public/private partnership driving force for the successful through labour wages and infrastrucrealization of the potentials envisaged in this plan. tural development in the rural setting The capital-intensive nature and long gestation burdens of where A & Hatman Limited operates. This tree crops growth and development must be given its due project was carefully put together by a attention and weighed against the grueling and waiting periselect staff of intellectuals and resource perod before economic returns is attained. “The nation needs a sons with several years of experience in the few good men” with vision, sense of service and pioneering industry whom the chairman sent on a workstudy tour of Malaysia to further improve their spirit to be the prime movers of these ideals. Assurance for those who doubt the potency of these virtues experience in the oil palm industry. which we highlight is embedded in the success of Dr. Tony Hopefully, the beginning of full economic returns which takes 12 years Anenih, which we celebrate; we tell others who have the will soon manifest. Our labour means but not yet the will, “YES YOU CAN”. Look at what President Obasanjo who took inspiration from his visit to A & force stands at about 1000 permanent and seasonal Hatman Limited in 1999 is doing in Calabar where he has workers which spread developed about 10,000 hectares of oil palm plantations. We over 5 L.G.A’s in Edo salute other Nigerians like Dangote and General Nyako who are creating wealth and employment opportunities through State of Oredo, large-scale investment in agriculture. There are many more of uhumthe Anenihs, Obasanjos, Nyakos and Dangotes who should feel wonde, inspired through these men of courage and sacrifice to invest Ovia in the agricultural sectors as proposed above, all for the love of South the nation and posterity. West, As you consider this clarion call, we ask you to join us to wish Ovia Chief. Tony A. Anenih PhD, CFR, A Joyous “80”, many happy North East and returns and more years of service to Nigeria and humanity. Dr. Isi P.W. Aletor PhD (MD) A & Hatman Limited (Oil Palm Co) Writes from Benin City.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

BUSINESSAGRO

Pro-Vitamin A Cassava Gets Fresh Boost, More Farmers HE federal government and T HarvestPlus have flagged off the dissemination of pro-vitamin A cassava planting materials to farmers, inspired by agricultural reforms aimed at cutting down the number of persons afflicted with vitamin A deficiency and improving food security. In a release by IITA’s Godwin Atser, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akin Adesina with the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Godswill Akpabio jointly kicked off the dissemination of the cassava planting materials in the capital city of Uyo on Tuesday. Researchers say using provitamin A cassava to tackle vitamin A deficiency is an excellent option because of the easy availability and accessibility of cassava in most rural communities. A nutrition survey report by the Nigerian government shows that vitamin A deficiency hurts the health of about 20 per cent of pregnant women and 30 per cent of children below the age of five, according to Dr Howarth Bouis, HarvestPlus Director in a speech read on his behalf. People afflicted by vitamin A deficiency suffer either from night blindness, stunting, low immunity or even death. “The World Health Organization estimates that about 250 000 to 500 000 vitamin A-deficient children become blind every year, half of them dying within 12 months of losing their sight,” said Dr

Kenton Dashiell, Deputy Director General for Partnerships and Capacity Development with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). Efforts by the Nigerian government to solve this malady include fortification of products such as wheat, soft drinks, flour, and sugar with vitamin A. The biofortification of cassava aims to amplify these efforts, taking vitamin A to people who may not be able to afford the cost of fortified foods. Commonly referred to as yellow cassava, the provitamin A cassava varieties are products of decades of conventional breeding efforts by researchers at IITA in partnership with the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, with funds from HarvestPlus. Dr. Dashiell said, “The development of pro-vitamin A is a big milestone and working with our partners, NRCRI and HarvestPlus, we hope to develop more nutritious crops that will enhance food security.” HarvestPlus and partners plan to ensure that over two million farmers have access to vitamin A cassava stems for planting across the major cassava producing states in Nigeria with initial emphasis on Abia, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Imo and Oyo States as regional hubs. Paul Ilona, HarvestPlus Country Manager said the strategy is to distribute 300,000 bundles of stems to

100,000 households in Nigeria in 2013 alone, and support the emergence of a sustainable seed system to make stems available to all farmers in the years ahead. Currently, more than 40,000 traceable farmers in Akwa Ibom, Abia, Anambra, Benue, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Rivers states received stems in June and July, while more states will receive stems before the end of August. “This is possible because over 500 hectares of the vitamin A varieties were proactively multiplied in 2012,” he added. Stakeholders believe that rural households deserve better nutrition and the consumption of more nutritious crops is a good opportunity to reduce malnutrition globally. The Executive Director, NRCRI, Dr Julius Okonkwo called on farmers to cultivate the varieties and consume them sufficiently especially for children under five, and pregnant women for better health and nutrition. He also encouraged farmers to give stems to their neighbours at the time of harvest to ensure rapid dissemination of planting materials. Besides improving the health and nutrition of the people, the cultivation of the varieties can provide jobs, improve incomes, and lift poor households out of poverty. Consumers love the varieties because of their nutritional qualities and they can be processed into several dishes.

Cassava, going on the high with pro-vitamin enriched variety

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NIGERIA: A SPECIAL REPORT ON CROSS RIVER STATE

N 2004, former CBN Governor, Mr. Joseph Sanusi, mandated all banks to set aside 10% of their profit before tax to fund Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria. This policy underscores the importance of SMEs as a major contributor to long-run industrial growth of nations by producing an increasing number of firms that metamorphose into large scale enterprise. Industry experts believe that the emergence of a wholly modern small/medium scale Nigerian industries is likely to be a pre-requisite for any enduring industrialization. Despite several efforts by different administrations to promote SMEs, not much progress have been achieved judging by SME performance leading to the question, ‘how have government policies affected the development of SMEs, their sources of funds and implementation?’

Thus, at the heart of the general problems and reasons for failure are funding, higher interest rates and the political will. Nevertheless, some state governments across the nation have recognized these deficiencies and come up with specialized programmes to fit the dire needs of SMEs for the country’s economic growth. In this Special Report, The Guardian presents the score-card of the Cross River State government, under Governor Liyel Imoke, in its effort to empower the people of the state, curb unemployment and put the state on the track of industrialization and agricultural prosperity.

The Cross River State’s activities in the area of Small and Medium Enterprises are pivoted on a number of initiatives and projects. Amongst these are the Songhai Cross River Farm Initiative (SCRFI) ; the Commercial Agriculture Development Project (CADP) ; the FADAMA III Development Implementation Project and the state’s direct contribution and partnership in IFAD/FGN/NDDC. SONGHAI CROSS RIVER FARM INITIATIVE (SCRFI) The project is designed to express in a concrete and decisive manner the Cross River State Government determination to create an enabling environment that would generate appropriate socio - economic, technical and organizational solutions to the triple challenge Food security, poverty, and the difficult demographic transition (youths employment) in the State. Located on approximately 300 ha land in Abi LGA of the State, the project has a Budget of N2.5bn being implemented under a Turn-key Contract between CRSG and the Songhai Regional Centre (SRC), Porto Novo, Benin Republic. SRC would provide the management support for the running of the SCRI by providing qualified personnel and constant training, knowledge sharing and technology transfer. SCRFI is an implementation of the Green Rural City concept with a mother farm/firm. The strategy will enable CRS harness the potentials to trigger an inclusive and broad based Rural Growth. The initiative is setup to become a model of integrated farm settlement that will create a spread of socio-economic effect in the State.

The mission is to harness the opportunity sets and turn the rural sector around to become productive, efficient and remunerative with the view to tackling the employment problem, trigger other sectors and slowing down the massive rural exodus. It is an inescapable pathway to a viable, broad-based and inclusive economy which would make our Agriculture sustainable and competitive. The first phase which will last for three years is to establish an Agrobusiness initiative comprising an integrated agricultural, agro- Industrial sectors and tertiary or Service sector. This mother farm/firm and production center would harness the human resource, technology and knowhow of the Songhai Corporate space to build an enviable Agro-business entity that would create a spread effect in the State.

The major phases of the implementation of this project are: 1- Training of 100 youths at the Songhai Regional Centre, Porto Novo, Benin Republic and inculcating in them the Songhai philosophy for the promotion of entrepreneurship at the grassroots level. This has been completed. 2. Establishment of Technology Park for applied research – R4D. This is ongoing 3. Establishment of a Production/Industrial park. This is ongoing 4. Development of marketing and services including extension and business incubation. This is ongoing.

COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT Project Development Objectives: This project is aimed at strengthening agricultural production system enhance processing and facilitate access to market for targeted value chains of Cocoa, Oil Palm and Rice among small and medium scale commercial farmers. Agricultural Production and Commercialization Component: Registered 329 CIGs (5,604 commercial farmers), consisting of 112 Cocoa CIGs (2,013 farmers), 101 Oil palm CIGs (1,773 farmers) and 116 rice CIGs (1,818 farmers). A total of 141 business plans valued at N630,975,104.92 have been fully implemented. On lead farmers, a total of 9 business plans (5 oil palm, 4 cocoa) valued at N157,268,648.10 have been fully implemented. Rural Infrastructure - Network of Farm Access Roads: 22km rural farm roads were constructed at the cost of N527,644,536.89. Additional 33km farm access roads for 8 communities were awarded in April 2013. The first 22km roads has been handed over to RUDA for asphalting. Contract for the construction of 22km rural farm access roads at the cost of N527,644,536.89 was awarded in 2011 and the construction is completed. An additional 33km farm access roads for 8 communities will be awarded in April 2013. Following the successful collaboration of CADP with other state government agencies, the first phase of 22km roads has been handed over to RUDA for asphalting. Trainings: Training on farm record keeping for the last batch of 45 implemented CIGs was conducted. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training was held for 75 Males and 6 Females. Training/Technology demonstration on the use of motorized cutter was conducted. Training of farmers (CIGs and Lead Farmers) on farm record keeping to strengthen their capacities in this direction. Key Performance Indicators: 25 % increase in total production of targeted value chains among participating small and medium scale commercial farmers (Cocoa, Oil palm and Rice). 30% increase in total sales of agricultural products under the targeted

Alhaji Muhammad Nadada Umar, DG, SMEDAN

Liyel Imoke, Governor of Cross River State

Ignatus Atsu, DG, Microfinance and Enterprise Development Agency (MEDA)

value chain among participating small and medium scale commercial ductive rural infrastructure that generates shared economic or environfarmers (Cocoa, Oil palms and Rice). mental benefits and with the outcome indicator of 40% of participating communities having at least one productive rural infrastructure PROGRESS REPORT ACROSS THE COMPONENTS constructed/rehabilitated. Infact, all 100% of the 114 Fadama Agricultural Production and Commercialisation. Community Associations (FCAs) have at least one infrastructure and Cross River CADP has registered 329 Commodity Interest Groups (CIG) 84.44% of those that had their capacity built. (5,604 commercial farmers), consisting of Cocoa (2,013 farmers), Oil palm (1,773 farmers) and rice (1,818 farmers). This constitutes 56.04% of Component 3: Advisory Services And Inputs Support (ASIS): Out of a total of 1431 FUGs and 114 FCAs, 1,110 FUGs have benefitted the targeted 10,000 beneficiaries. A total of 2,348 (23.48% of the targeted beneficiaries) commercial farm- from Advisory services in the various technologies with a disbursement of N28,350,000.00 representing 75.56% and 82.45% respectively and ers have benefited from the grant disbursement of the project. A total sum of N295, 828,494.24 has so far been paid as grant to 141 859 FUGs/84 FCAs benefiting from inputs support representing 60% CIGs. This constitutes 59% of the total allocated sum for grants for the and 73.68% respectively. The expected outcome is increased utilization of advisory services with project. Implementation is on-going for 10 Cocoa CIGs which recently received 30% increase in the number of Fadama users procuring rural advisory services. The achievement is 75.56%. Also the expected outcome in No Objection valued at N43 million. inputs support is increased access to agricultural inputs with 50% ii.) Details of Business Plans Implementation Cross River SCADO has facilitated the implementation of one hundred increase in the number of Fadama Users with access to agricultural and forty one (141) Business Plans as follows; 56 No Objections were inputs. The achievement is 60.02%. gotten for rice value chain (54 production, 2 Processing), valued at Component 5: Asset Acquisition For Individual (FUGs/EIGs). N213,312,608 and fully implemented. Under the Cocoa Value Chain, a 1431 FUGs out of 1668 FUGs that have their capacity built have benetotal of 51 business plans (43 Production, 8 Processing) valued at fitted from disbursement for assets of N395,350,797.20 comprising 435 N232,061,522.89 are fully implemented, while implementation of 10 crops farmers FUG Assets, 364 Agro processors FUG Assets, 113 Business Plans are in progress. The Oil Palm value chain received 34 No Fishery FUG assets, 473 livestock FUG assets, 44 agroforestry FUGs Objections comprising of 10 production BPs, 21 processing BPs and 3 Assets, and 12 other FUGs (comprising 10 rentals/business centre and Marketing BPs valued at N185,600,974.03. 1 marketing). iii.) Lead Farmers Initiative The expected outcome is increased access to agricultural products marThe 5-3-3-5 Initiative has fully commenced with 9 Lead farmers (5 in Oil kets with 30% of FCAs having access to markets information. The Palm and 4 in Cocoa value chain) being supported with a total sum of results above are overwhelming IMPACT. N77,037,778.18. 8 business plans for lead farmers (2-Cocoa, 7-Rice and 2-Oil palm) are Impact: 1.) The average annual income of beneficiaries in 18LGAs of the state presently being reviewed by SCADO for implementation. COLLABORATION WITH UNITED STATES AFRICAN DEVELOP- after the PDO studies conducted across the state stood at N313,818.00 as at December 2011, representing an increase of 41.26 percent. MENT FOUNDATION (USADF): CADP has attracted support to five CIGs. The sum of N28,080,000 only 2.) Agricultural production survey (APS) revealed increase in the yield has been paid to members of Odot Women and Harmony Ladies MPCS of some major crops as maize, cassava, yam, rice and groundnut. by USADF, while members of IDU oil MPCS, Okuni MPCS and 3.) A total of 111 FUGs have saved N14,065,091.00 in FUEF Account, Etumakoh MPCS are about to be paid the sum of N42,120,000, under the this represent 5.74% of the total value of assets. same collaboration. It has also, enhanced technical Linkages with Asian, Indian and America service providers for supply of agro inputs and equip- 4.) As at July, 2013, 1545 FUGs out of 1680 (91.96%) FUGs participaments suitable to our agro-ecological zone in affordable prices which ting in the project showed that 85% are satisfied with operation and maintenance, while 83% are satisfied with the utilization. farmers in the state stand to benefit significantly. 5.) Infrastructure and asset acquired are in good condition and functioCROSS RIVER FADAMA III DEVELOPMENT PROJECT nal. A total of 1545 assets are functioning satisfactorily while 1431 Fadama users are satisfied with physical conditions of assets. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS The Cross River Fadama III Development Project which became effective on March 23, 2009 has a development objective of increasing the IFAD/FGN/NDDC COMMUNITY BASED NATURAL RESOURincomes of Fadama users in 163 Fadama Community Associations CE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME- NIGER DELTA (FCAs) and 1,680 Fadama Users Groups (FUGs) in the 18 LGA of the (CBNRMP-ND) The IFAD/FGN Community Based Natural Resources Management state. Programme (CBNRMP) in the State came on board in February, 2006. The project so far, has been able to disburse N712,072,918.20 to The objective of the programme is aimed at improving the livelihoods FCAs/FUGs under capacity building, small scale community owned and living conditions of community in the Niger Delta Region with infrastructure, advisory services and input support and assets acquisition emphasis on women and youths through two broad components namecomponents. ly:Institutional Strengthening and Community Development Fund (CDF) Achievements: Component 1: Capacity Building, Local Government, Programme Locations: Communication And Infromation Support: Capacity building for 135 Programme locations in the State are in Nine (9) Local Government FCAs and 1668 FUGs achieved with the disbursement amount of Areas and Twenty seven (27) communities selected on Senatorial disN27,402,177.00. The expected outcomes are increased participation of trict basis. Akpabuyo, Abi and Ogoja are the three pilot Local Fadama users in the management Government Areas with 3 corresponding communities namely:1. Idebe Offiong Umoh Akpabuyo Local Government Area of natural resources by the attainment of 75% of participating communi- 2. Lekpachiel Angha in Abi Local Government Area and ties having their Local Development Plans (LDPs) developed through a 3. Idum in Ogoja Local Government Area participatory process. A total of 168 LDPs have been developed through the Community Driven Development (CDD) approach out of a target of Other 6 participating LGAs are Obubra, Obudu, Odukpani, Biase, Yakurr and Yala. 200 representing 84% achievement. Another outcome is that the capacity of FCAs/FUGs have been strengthe- The 9 LGAs and 27 communities have benefited from Capacity ned to manage development projects, by 75% of FCAs/FUGs having fully Building & Training initiatives and sensitization/awareness creation and implemented approved LDPs. Out of the 135 FCAs that have their capa- other enlightenment programmes on Health Nutrition city built, 114 have implemented their approved LDPs and out of 1668 and sanitation; as well as the Baseline Survey & PCP/PCA respectiveFUGs with capacity built, 1431 have also implemented their approved ly. sub-projects representing 84.4% and 85.79% respectively. CDF activities are being implemented in the 27 communities in the Besides, the capacity of all the 18 participating LGAs for participatory state. The Programme adopts the CDD approach in the implementation planning, even when only 20% was expected, 100% has been achieved. of activities through effective participation by the community members Component 2: Small-Scale Community Owned Infrastructure and other key stakeholders and beneficiaries. Field interventions were basically in the areas of Sustainable Agricultural Development (SCCI) Enterprise Development/Financial Linkages, A total of 114 Fadama Community Associations (FCAs) out of 135 that Initiatives, received capacity building have benefitted from disbursement of CapacityBuilding, Small Scale infrastructural development etc. N109,294,444.100 representing 84.44%. The infrastructure are comprised Achievement Of Enterprise Development Initiative Of The of 63 sets of markets stalls, 12 cool rooms, 10 oil mills, 5 sets of Mini- Programme: bridges, 7 sets of culverts, 8 sets of 2km rural roads, 3 feed mills, 1 slaugh- The programme so far has trained 254 beneficiaries on various skills ter slab, 1 warehouse, 2 piggery pens, 1 cassava processing and 1 fish acquisition initiative of the programme. In addition, a total of 219 indipond. viduals and enterprise groups have been empowered with various tools The expected outcome is that communities have improved access to pro- and equipment

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

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PROFILE

Tony Anenih… Portrait of Mr. Fix-It @ 80 By Chuks Nwanne RONTLINE politician and Chairman of the People Democratic Party (PDP) Board Of Trustees, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, will turn 80 today. Oh yes, the strongman of Nigerian politics will be joining the rare league of octogenarian-politicians, even as he remains an active player on the scene. Sometime, you wonder where he gets the energy to keep up with thoe aggressive men in the polity, especially within his crisis-ridden PDP. Just when you think ‘it is all over’ for the Uromi-born politician, he pulls a big stunt. Come, is it just about the typical Africa’s respect for an elder or is Anenih truly the type you call timber and caliber? Well, that’s aside. Combining both civil experience and police discipline, Anenih, who as a young boy was steely determined to succeed, began to dream beyond the four corners of Uzenema-Arue Uromi early in life. Though perceived by many as a controversial figure, politically, Anenih is neither a failure nor a push over: his credentials speak volumes. Love him or hate him, the Edo State native has built for himself an intimidating CV that has made it impossible for him to be brushed aside. Notwithstanding, many are still pointing accusing fingers on the PDP Board of Trustees’ chairman for many lives lost on the ever-busy Shagamu-Ore Expressway. His appointment as the Minister of Works and Housing in 1999 was greeted with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. It was a welcome decision, especially in the South. In fact, during his screening at the Senate, the lawmakers simply chorused, ‘our leader!’ and asked him to take a bow and go; that was it. The thinking then was that, with his police background, the usual torture experienced by commuters on that road, including Anenih’s kith and kin, would become a thing of the past, courtesy of the minister. Somehow, it never happened; many still hold that against him. Even current Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, who was then with Works and Housing, shed tears after seeing the sorry situation of the road and what poor Nigerians go through on a daily basis. After that, nothing happened; the torture continued. But why single Anenih out? What of the man who gave him the job? Are you saying he operated without supervision? Then he must be a powerful man. While most politicians would waste resources and energy fighting for elective posts, Anenih seems to be more at home being an appointee; he got a lot of them. Even in few instances when he threw his hat in the ring for election, like he did during the PDP Board Of Trustees chairmanship, the process usually ended in consensus, with Anenih having upper hand. In fact, his current position in PDP is still a huge surprise to observers and party members alike. How he pulled that through is still a puzzle to many. Having lost his home state, Edo, to the Action Congress (ACN) in the last election, Anenih’s enemies, both within and outside the party, roared in excitement; no thanks to former labour leader, governor Adams Oshiomole, who seems to be bent on changing the political landscape of the state. In Abuja, the calculation was that, having lost control of Edo, clinching the Board of Trustees chairmanship would be an uphill task. In fact, it was even rumoured then that cracks in the relationship between the former

president chief Olusegun Obasajo and Anenih had to do with power struggle at the party echelon. But at the end, Anenih emerged victorious. This did not stop him from being economical with his smiles. Hmm, a policeman is always a policeman. Anenih’s rise to political relevance in Nigeria was actually a well thought out mission. As a boy, he kept his game tight. In colonial days, tapping of rubber trees was the ‘oil and gas’ in the region for many young and old people; young Anenih was involved in the trade. A stint in this rubber industry fetched him a brand new bicycle with which he started to transverse the semi-urban and urban centres of Ubiaja, Auchi and Benin City in search of greener pastures. In 1951, he joined the Nigeria police force in Benin City. Knowing the prospects of a better education, he struggled at home to obtain the GCE ‘O’ Level as well as ‘A’ Level. He attended the Nigerian Police College in Ikeja, and was selected for further training in the U. K. and U. S. A; a new Anenih was born. As a Young Police Officer in Auchi, his colleagues still remember aloofness and one of them noted that you only hear his voice when it was time for operations. He quickly won the admiration of his White superiors, who voted him for training at the Hendon and Scotland Yard Training Schools in 1961, Bramshill Police College, Basingstoke, England in 1966 and the International Police Academy, Washington DC in 1970. While still in active service, Anenih played a vital role in the grooming of younger Police officers while serving as an instructor at various Nigerian Police Force Colleges and Police formations nationwide until 1975, when he proceeded to the Administrative Staff College (ASCON), Lagos. He had served as a Police orderly to the first Governor General of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and perhaps, first got exposed to the rudiments of Politics there. For sure, you can’t be around the Zik of Africa without picking some lessons in politics. As an orderly to Zik, Anenih must have witnessed what it feels like to be in leadership position, though from a distance. So, by the time he left the Nigeria Police Force as a Commissioner of Police, naturally, politics came calling. Anenih was chairman of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) between 1981 and 1983 in Edo State (then Bendel State) and worked tirelessly for the election of Dr. Samuel Osaigbovo Ogbemudia as the Civilian Governor of the then Bendel State. This victory was short-lived owing to Military intervention in December 1983. But it is however on record that chief Anenih made that turnaround for NPN in less than one week. After the 1983 presidential election result indicated victory for the Unity Party of Nigeria on that fateful Saturday, just one week to the gubernatorial election, a highly disturbed Anenih allegedly put his Benin GRA residence for mortgage and used the resources to pep up campaign strategies for NPN. The strategy worked, as support for Ogbemudia, the NPN gubernatorial candidate shored up massively during the next Saturday voting.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

IBRUCENTRE Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, founder and Spiritual Head of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, having made some notable predictions in the past about Nigeria and countries across the globe, believes that the Church as a body of Christ, should be able to influence government to make good laws and rule the people better. The Primate, in this interview with TUNDE OSO spoke on Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), PDP leadership and 2015 elections, among other issues. Laying hands on leaders and political officeholders T is a special privilege for a man of God to lay hand on you; in fact, it is a call for you to give glory to God. It is a rare privilege, a special grace, for an anointed pastor or clergyman to touch you. For example, it was the clergy that anointed Saul and David as Kings over Israel. They also anointed all the leaders and kings in the country. According to the Bible, these leaders include prime ministers, governors, local government chairmen and leaders of the various government agencies. Whatever you see the clergy do today, I believe it is to corroborate what we have in the Bible. And so, laying hands on leaders, blessing them or praying for people, I guess is a grace given to men of God by God Himself. Is there any correlation between politics and religion? Religion has, now, encroached on politics and it is unfortunate that men of God have allowed themselves to be involved in it —jostling for power. A situation where people are contesting for positions in Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); it is unfortunate that this is happening. In the Biblical days, people cast lots. God chooses and anoints leaders rather than the present situation, where men of God jostle for political positions. David was the least qualified person in his family, but God chose him to be the king; in fact, he was the youngest in his family. We look at human faces, but God looks at the heart. The present CAN president should not have gone for a second term because he did not do well in his first term. Besides, what has Oritsejafor or CAN done to minimise or stop all the calamities that have been befalling Christians in different parts of the country, especially in the northern region? Nothing! CAN and its president have failed Christians. CAN members should let the Holy Spirit pick its president, rather than conduct elections. Oritsejafor and CAN have failed the Christian community. When people allow money to rule or dictate what should be the guiding principles, then, there would always be problem. Does this not spell disunity in the body of Christ? I don’t reckon with CAN. We are not speaking with one voice. There is no unity in the body of Christ and this is why they have kept quiet on a number of issues that affect Christendom. In fact, CAN is not doing the right thing. What effect does this have on the Christian community? Look at the issue of gay marriage; CAN was not pro-active as it had done with several issues in the past. Also, we are watching the raging issue of child marriage and the group is still silent, not making any statement or taking pro-active steps to stop it. If our National Assembly dare sign underage marriage into law, we are going to see the anger of God in this regard. What is CAN’s plan on unemployment? By now it should have been able to employ over 100, 000 youth and another 100, 000 in line. What is the group’s programme for the widows, destitute and the physically challenged? None! These were the vision and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, when he was in this world, over two thousands years ago. If you give me N4 billion, which people are using to buy only one aircraft, I will use it to touch many lives through the provision of jobs, improved healthcare services and others. Imagine what that would be in terms of its economic effect? Can we say CAN has done well, when we talk about job creation? We have NASFAT Malt (Nasmalt) and others. Have we heard of CAN bread? No! Is it bad for CAN to have a pub-

Look at the issue of gay marriage; CAN was not pro-active as it had done with several issues in the past. Also, we are watching the raging issue of child marriage and the group is still silent, not making any statement or taking pro-active steps to stop it. If our National Assembly dare sign underage marriage into law, we are going to see the anger of God in this regard. What is CAN’s plan on unemployment? By now, it should have been able to employ over 100, 000 youth and another 100, 000 in line. What is the group’s programme for the widows, destitute and the physically challenged? None! These were the vision and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ, when He was in this world, over two thousands years ago”

Primate Ayodele

2015 : Jonathan Should Seek Clearance From God — AYODELE • Oritsejafor And CAN Have Failed Christian Community • Warns Bamangar Tukur To Pray Against Removal From Office lishing or a Telecom outfit or even go into business enterprises, as a way of creating jobs for the youth? Christian missionary schools are the most expensive, unlike in the past, before the military took over schools. Schools run by CAN members charge high school fees; in fact, they are not meant for ordinary members of their congregations. In the past, low-income people can send their children to missionary schools, sadly, reverse is the case. Even for spiritual rebirth, CAN is nowhere to be found. So, what can we say are its achievements? Your 2013 predictions spoke about Jonathan’s re-election; what is your update on that? Jonathan needs our prayers and also needs to consult God before deciding to contest the 2015 elections. Jonathan will not win except he consults God. I am talking as prophet of the Most High God. And if he forces himself on the people, the country will not move forward, it will be stagnant. Jonathan should not dare to contest if he has not got the clearance from God to do so. Also, Jonathan should pray against losing someone very dear to him. However, PDP, ACN, CPC and APC will not go beyond 2015. And I call on all Nigerians to pray very well to avert these fearsome predictions. What do you have for the PDP leadership? The President would be wrongly advised on certain issues concerning the 2015 elections. The chairman (Bamangar Tukur) should pray against being removed from office.

Christian missionary schools are the most expensive, unlike in the past, before the military took over schools. Schools run by CAN members charge high school fees; in fact, they are not meant for ordinary members of their congregations. In the past, low-income people can send their children to missionary schools, sadly, reverse is the case. Even for spiritual rebirth, CAN is nowhere to be found. So, what can we say are its achievements? This is because the leadership of the party will be instigated to take some wrong decisions, which would lead to serious crisis that can tear the party apart. How about the resolution of the current crisis in the party? I cannot see anything positive in the various reconciliation moves of the party, because there would be miscalculations and mistakes. The party must seek the face of God for divine control. These are the words of God. The party should try to bring sanity into the folds. However, it is going to face several crises situations towards the 2015 elections. They need to pray not to lose some of its foundation members in the crises.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

IBRUCENTRE

Sunday School The New Man (2)

... With Pastor Enoch Adeboye

Memory verse: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:”Romans 8:16.

take place. Sin is taken care of and punishment for sin is neutralised, Mic. 7:18-19. The second is that the righteousness of Jesus Christ is credited to the sinner’s account, Rm. 3:22. Bible passages: Romans 5:1-21, 5:1-17. The justified life is obtained simply by grace, Rm. 3:24, by the Introduction blood of Jesus Christ, Rm. 5:9 and His resurrection, Rm. 4:25. Last week we looked at the new man’s genuine repentance The new man enjoys a justified life resulting in peace with and salvation. Today, we will examine: his justification and God and a vibrant and dynamic prayer life, Rm. 5:1-2. his full assurance of salvation. The Counsellor will teach us Assurance of salvation all things Himself and will enlighten our understanding. Full assurance of salvation is the distinguishing mark of Justification the justified man. The word of God makes this clear, I Jn. 5:13, To justify simply means to declare righteous, to input Rm. 10:13. There is witness of the Holy Spirit, Rm. 8:16, and righteousness to the unrighteous. God’s law and justice pre- radically transformed life, 2 Cor. 5:17. Comments and emoscribe death as the penalty for sin, Eze. 18:4. And punishment tions are unreliable, be warned of doubts that may sudfor the wicked, Isa. 57:20-21. At justification, two major events denly creep in when you carelessly open the door to sin,

By Gabriel Osu NAYO, an orphan and teenager of 17, decided to relocate to A Lagos when it became obvious that his future in the village was bleak. There was no job after managing to complete his

worldliness, failure to constantly study the word of God and be Holy Ghost filled. Remember whatever is not of faith is sin, Romans 14:23. Conclusion The new man must glow with justification and assurance of salvation. Is this true of you already? Jesus has paid it all. Believe and live a meaningful Christian life. You need to have a spiritual birthday, which will help you draw the line between pre-salvation conduct and post-salvation conduct. In full assurance of salvation, you can scorn the accuser of the brethren and its cohorts. It is finished and paid for at the cross of Calvary by the shed blood of the lamb.

A Case Against Citizen Deportation

secondary school education. The only alternative left for him was to engage in subsistent farming. Unfortunately for him also, the only farmland he inherited from his late father had recently been taken from him by his father’s brother; leaving him with nothing. Thus, when a close friend of his suggested the idea of coming to Lagos in search of the Golden Fleece, Anayo embraced it with impish glee. Unknown to him that that singular decision was almost to cost market. To make matters worse, he was among those detained his life. He had barely stayed in Lagos for two months, squatting with his ‘master’ at the popular Ladipo spare part market, by the State Environmental Task Force for constituting public nuisance. He was locked up in detention for a month before when Council officials for sanitary offences closed down the

forced to relocate to his State of origin. Now, Anayo is back to the basics, frustrated and angry unsure of what to make of his life. On a regular basis, thousands of youths like Anayo leave their hometowns; from all parts of the country, to Lagos in search of improved standard of living. Like the sons of Jacob did in the period of great famine when they besieged Egypt in search of food, these youths believe that once they come into Lagos, the land of opportunity, all their financial worries would be over. Unfortunately for them, there is no Joseph on the throne to help them with some illusive grains. There is no free lunch in Lagos. There are no jobs and the cost of renting a room is high. In a nutshell, there are hardly provisions for people like him in the emerging mega city. With this gloomy situation, they are left with the option of either relocating back or just hang around, waiting for an opportunity to hit it big, in whatever way. The result is that many of them end up indulging in criminal activities and paying the supreme prize. The recent ‘deportation’ of about 70 indigenes of Anambra State government by Lagos State leaves a sour taste in the mouth. Some of those deported claimed they were abducted on the road, detained in a camp and then dumped in Onitsha, Anambra State by trailers and trucks. If this is a true narrative, then it is a callous action. It is an affront on the right of those indigent men, women and children; a calculated move to deprive them of their constitutional right and liberty, as citizens of Nigeria, to live in a place of their choice within our country. No amount of explanation can justify the inhuman manner in which those poor citizens were treated. Even if they were lunatics, or vagabonds, as representatives of the State government would want us to believe; the truth is that they still deserve some human treatment. After all, they are still humans like you and I, created in the image of the Supreme Being. They are people’s parents, fathers, mothers, aunties and nephews. Indeed, every Nigerian is entitled to live in any part of Ikorodu Provincial Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Fola Olusanya, receives N100, 000 cheque (welfare relief package on behalf the country he or she chooses without any form of molestation of his Province) from state Chairman, Apostle Alex Bamgbola with some Exco members, during July PFN Lagos EXCO meeting. or intimidation. By dumping them in their, home, State, Lagos State is indirectly saying that the State is now a no-go area for some sets of individuals, who for no natural cause of their own, do not meet up to the boisterous requirements of the authority. Is this not reminiscent of the desire of Hitler to create a pure teach all nations, baptizing race of Germans, those fit and strong to conquer the world? world; and against wicked spirBy S.K Abiara them in the name of the FaWhat divine or constitutional right has anyone to segregate beits in the heavenly realms… Put HE power of God is rether, and of the Son, and of the tween the rich and the poor? This also reminds one of the calon salvation as your helmet quired to witness Christ Holy Ghost: Teaching them to lous action taken some years ago by the Abia State government and take the sword of the Spirit, to the dying world. You need which is the word of God. Pray observe all things whatsoever in sacking all indigenes of Imo State working in their civil servthe power of God to pray for at all times and on every occaI have commanded you: and, ice. In the first instance, we need to understand the grave implithe sick to recover, cast out lo, I am with you always, even cation of this action and the need for all well meaning sion in the power of the Holy devils and subdue the power Spirit. Stay alert and be persistunto the end of the world. Nigerians to rise up and forestall such from happening again darkness. Apostle Paul’s final ent in your prayers for all ChrisAmen,” Matt. 28:18-20. in any part of the country. We need to ask, which constitutional words to the Ephesians after tians everywhere,” Eph. 6:10-18. Those, who do great things in provision formed the basis for the cruel deportation of our felmany admonitions are: “Be the service of Christ do not do low citizens. Is it now a crime for one to be poor? What effort In the Old Testament, it is strong with the Lord’s them in their own strength are we making as a nation to cater for, or assist the needy and often said that the weak are mighty power. Put on God’s made strong by the power of (Acts 3:12); he sent out his dis- vulnerable among us? Or should we just condemn their lot to armour so that you will be ciples confidently only that all untimely death simply because they are incapacitated? God. He empowers those, who able to stand against all the are weak (Isaiah 40:29), so that, out any reservation that no things are under his authority As long as development is seemingly concentrated in limited tricks of the Devil. For, we are they may increase in strength. power belongs to Satan beand that they would have the parts of the country, there would always be criss-crossing. Most not fighting against flesh power of his unfailing presimportantly, mass deportation of citizens is not the lasting soBut power is offered to all God’s cause the Lord Jesus Christ has openly defeated him and ence with them. and blood, but against the lution to the myriads of problems facing our society. You canpeople, so that, they may live his cohorts. This is why Jesus Prophet Abiara, General Evanevil rulers and authorities of for him and serve him (Isaiah not obliterate the poor to comfort the rich. The God that declared, “all power is given gelist, Christ Apostolic Church the unseen world, against created us differently has a reason for doing so. 49:5). those mighty powers of (CAC) Very Rev. Msgr. Osu, Director, Social Communications, The truth is all powers belong unto me in heaven and in darkness, who rule this skabiaraofciem@yahoo.co.uk Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos to Jesus Christ. I can say it with- earth. Go ye therefore, and

The Power Of His Unfailing Presence (2)

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

IBRUCENTRE

From The Rector Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor

Credentials Of Would-be Servants Of God By Ernest Onuoha

“So the 12 gathered all the disciples together and said, it would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them.” does seem that most church congregations are being filled ItheTwith men and, sometimes women, who are desperate to lead flock of Christ. It does not matter so much to some of them if genuinely they had a call. To some extent, this category of people can speak good English, have the charisma to raise funds, and can handle the word of God swiftly. After all, they have some form of education, but God’s work is much more than these. The early church had a need because of the complaint that arose among believers. The Greek speaking Christians complained that their widows were being unfairly treated. This favouritism was probably not intentional, but was more likely caused by the language barrier. To correct the situation, the apostles put seven respected Greek-speaking men in charge of the food distribution programme. This solved the problem and the Apostles continued with the work of teaching and preaching the gospel. The Apostles did not choose smart or eloquent people, they chose people of good character to serve the Lord. The men chosen were of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to perform the work of the Lord. Church work and positions were not taken lightly. Consider the calibre of men that distributed the food. This implies that the church of today should

Living Waters By Pastor Lazarus Muoka

The Road To Heaven “And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there,” Isaiah 35:810. ELOVED, it is expected that whoever that wishes to embark B on a journey must first know the route to his destination. The same is applicable to

anyone, who wants to be in heaven at the end of this earthly journey. But unfortunately many people including religious leaders, in this generation, do not bother to know the road to heaven, and as a result make a shipwreck of their journey; because they are on the wrong way. Such people

look out for mature and wise men and women to lead our different church congregations. Let it be stated that there are some in the household of God, today, in the leadership position that ought not to be there in the first place. Church leadership is not a worldly or a political office, it is for the called, who will reveal the whole counsel of God. Yes, it is not just free for all. The aim is to avoid those who may offer strange fire at the altar. It required that those who must stand in the altar must keep the fire burning at all times, Lev. 6:8-13. Yes, one can memorise the Bible, speak in tongues, but what is the nexus of his work with his character. There should be a re-think among church leadership of those sent for training in our Theological institutions, who may later lead God’s people. If we do not get it right, remember, if the foundations are destroyed what can the righteous do. The Apostles were committed people and the quality of their leadership was not in doubt as they chose the right men for the work of God. If a man offers money or use people to persuade the leadership to make him a servant of the Lord, to lead God’s people, your guess is as good as mine on the type of ministry such a fellow would give at the end of the day. Of the men chosen were, Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas. Their credentials were that they were full of the Holy Spirit, wise and commanded respect from the members. Worldly credentials are good; but of more importance, is the spiritual dimension. For that, which is born of the spirit is spirit and that born of the flesh is flesh, for the flesh cannot please the Lord God. Therefore, it is my considered opinion that those who would opt to serve the Lord should ask themselves: what are my credentials for leading the flock of Christ? Think about it. Ven. Onuoha, Rector, Ibru International Ecumenical Retreat Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State. www.ibrucentre.org love the things of this world, which unfortunately will not be buried with them. No wonder Matt. 7:13-14 says, the road is a narrow way. There are two ways for mankind to travel — the narrow way that leads to life and salvation, and the broad and wide way that leads to hell and destruction. Heaven is not for carefree persons or the halfhearted; it’s a place prepared for the prepared people. It does not matter how rich and generous you are to the people or how regular you are in the house of God or how many days and weeks you fast or, even, your position in the church. What matters, is your relation with your Creator — which includes righteousness and holiness in Christ Jesus. No unclean thing such as works of abomination, lies, lasciviousness, or he that gives heed to false prophecy and dreamers, or holds and propagates false doctrines shall be found in the narrow road. The road is only for those things that are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Anyone, who wants to really make heaven must follow the narrow, it is the only road to heaven. The Holy Bible unambiguously described the way to heaven. And all that aspire to be there, must renounce the devil and the pomp and vanities of this wicked world. He or she must denounce the lusts of the flesh and live a holy life. My beloved readers are you among those on the road? Or are you expecting an eternal glory while living in sin? If so, you will be fearfully disappointed. Presuming on the mercy of God is as ruinous as deriding His grace. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

A cross section of Chosen women with their bundle of joy, as they dedicate their children, during the two-day crusade of the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries tagged: God Has The Answer at Chosen Revival Ground, ljesha, Lagos… last Sunday

Springs Of Wisdom By PASTOR W.F KUMUYI

What Faith Can Do UST as we live in a world driven by models in virtually every Jmen field of human endeavours, so it was in Bible days. There were and women that modeled their lives after God’s commands, and in the process became exemplars for others to follow. One of such men was Abraham, on whose worthy example, we can veritably pattern our faith today. He lived and walked by faith so much that he earned the sobriquet: “a friend of God.” The Bible records that, “by faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place, which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” He began his life of faith by responding to God’s call to separate himself from the idolatrous worship of his people. For, “the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” It is the response to this divine injunction that marked the beginning of his walk with God. His obedience stemmed from faith in God’s instruction, without which he wouldn’t have been able to please the Lord. God’s call is still going out today to people who are in a wrong occupation or profession, wrong relationship or religion. It is this kind of call that Abraham responded to by faith, without bothering to know what was in it for him. The first lesson to learn here is that as we walk by faith, God may not reveal the full details of His plan for us at the start. In fact, oftentimes, He does not do so, at all. Rather, He decides to unfold them as time goes on, and as we continue to walk with Him in obedience. If we wait to know what will happen to us, how our lives will turn out before obeying God, we are not walking by faith. Faith is like a telescope that helps men see a distant object that may not be visible to the naked eye. But such faith does not come without a challenge as happened to Abraham. Quite significantly, God called him out of idolatry and worldliness into fellowship with Him. Through this simple process, we learn how God calls His children. God cannot call you from a righteous activity into an immoral or sinful practice. He will always call you out of something bad into something good or better. Hence, His admonition: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness. And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” Abraham, by faith, departed as God has commanded him. He willingly obeyed without delay. He did not argue, question or fault the call. To walk by faith, you will not need to modify or misinterpret the Word of God. Abraham was 75 years old when he received God’s call. It is neither usual nor natural for a man of Abraham’s age to embark on a long journey, even today. It is always difficult for such senior citizens to break off old acquaintances and friendships they have made over the years. They find it more difficult leaving their loved ones behind and moving into a new environment at that age. But Abraham, by faith, subdued these natural inclinations, so that he could walk with God. The Lord is calling us today to a life of faith. This begins when He calls you to salvation. Jesus said: “I come not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” If you are living in sin, God is calling you to genuine repentance and salvation. As it was not convenient for Abraham to obey, so it may not be totally convenient for you to obey, especially if you derive great benefits or pleasure from such sinful acts. Yet, the Lord is calling “all men every where to repent because he hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised Him from the dead.” The carnal mind would try to reason out the gains in abandoning sin to follow the Lord. Unfortunately, for such people, the depth of the riches of God are impossible for the natural man to understand; they might even seem foolish at first glance! They only become clearer as time goes on. It is faith such as Abraham had, that will enable you to wholeheartedly, promptly and willingly break away from the life of sin without waiting to know what you will gain by obeying God. Faith is connected with patience. Without patience, there can be no faith. The farmer plants a seed, not doubting its ability to grow. He believes the seed is going to germinate and do well inside the soil, although he may not see it physically. He gets home to sleep without worrying if the corn will grow or not. So is our walk with God. It must be based on faith, on trust that God will do the very best for us in all circumstances. Abraham did not complain about God’s future programme for him, but waited patiently for its fulfillment. Faith is mighty and powerful. The Red Sea parted by faith. The Jericho Wall collapsed by faith. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, became pregnant by faith when she was well beyond menopause, advanced in age. “Through faith…Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age; because she judged Him faithful who had promised.” If you have faith, things that are ordinarily impossible for men, will become possible for you. God did not just give Sarah and Abraham a son, Isaac, but blessed them with long life to see their grand children and great grand children. This is what strong faith in God can achieve. When there is no hope, when all expectation seems gone, faith will achieve the unachievable. Faith will astound your critics and mockers. If God fulfilled the promise that He made to Abraham, He will fulfill the ones He is making to you today. All you need to do is to only have faith in God. References: Hebrews 11: 8; Genesis 12:1; 2 Corinthians 6: 14-18; Luke 5:32; Acts 17: 30,31; Romans 4:20,21; Hebrews 11:11; (All scriptures are from Kings James Version).

TheGuardian

46 Sunday, August 4, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Business LBS: Equipping Managers For Optimal, All-round Performance By Felix Kuye RUCIAL to a nation’s economic growth is success of the operating businesses. This factor, to a large extent, is a function of the managers’ respect for business ethics and their wealth of relevant skills to effectively tackle emerging challenges, including intense competition in the operating environment, and take advantage of opportunities to boost fortunes. Where the relevant skills are deficient and ethics often compromised, businesses suffer in many respects, and may go under, leading to loss of investment by owners through liquidation and the attendant setback for national economic development. What can be described as a practical effort to boost success of businesses in Nigeria through capacity building for managers is the Senior Management Programme (SMP) of the Lagos Business School (LBS) that has just clocked up 20 years, having been developed in 1993. The programme came at a time when the business environment in Nigeria was fiercely competitive with very few buyers. With the oil boom over, the naira depreciated and exchange rates fluctuating, the purchasing power of Nigerians had severely declined. Businesses needed to develop more effective marketing strategies to woo consumers and efficient systems to reduce costs. They required competent managers to move organisations forward. The need for management skills at all levels was obvious. Speaking with The Guardian as the LBS marks 20 years of the SMP and its 50th run, the Dean, Dr. Enase Okonedo, said: “Our focus has always been on management development. To form competent professionals and encourage them to serve with personal initiative and social responsibility the community in which they work, thereby helping to build a better society in Nigeria and Africa at large. “Therefore we look at different categories of managers and what is needed at each stage of their career. When people get employed in an organisation, it is as specialists and are therefore employed to do particular tasks, which makes them focus on those tasks. By the time they get into a general management positions, they are expected to perform beyond their specialist roles. Providing a programme to equip such people is what led to the introduction of the Senior Management Programme. Of course this is a product that is offered by business schools all over the world.” On whether the development of the programme was informed by perceived unethical management practices in the country at any time, Okonedo said: “Not at all! From the very beginning, we’ve always had a strong emphasis on business ethics. So I wouldn’t say on the SMP we give more emphasis to business ethics than we do to other modules across the programme. It is an intrinsic part of what we do. It was less about trying to address unethical practices in business in Nigeria and more about addressing the depth in managerial capacity, and obviously if we are looking to grow leaders, business ethics is only one pillar of the structure we are trying to build.” According to the dean, there are several things LBS hopes to achieve with the various courses. “The first is in terms of knowledge. If somebody is appointed as a manager, the person needs expertise in the various functional areas of management. So the managerial capacity which is very much lacking, not only in Nigeria, but across Africa, will be addressed. Beyond that, anyone who comes for an executive programme or indeed any degree programme expects to take away ‘Attitude’ and ‘Values’. Eight out of ten times when I speak to chief executives and I ask what the biggest problem is, you expect the answer to be the operating environment, but they say it’s the people. They can’t find managers who have what they need. They are seeking managers who are competent in terms of what they do, and who have the right values and attitudes towards work. I daresay that it is a big prob-

lem here, which encompasses commitment, dedication, and work ethic. “Here at LBS everyone knows that if you have to be somewhere at a certain time, you have to be there at that time. In business, punctuality is key, team work is also key, so the delivery of the programme very much involves the participants on the programme. The key element is that they must engage in group work. “One of the other critical things for me is social responsibility. Just looking at leaders, and people in positions of authority both in and out of Nigeria, we see that when they attain high levels of public office they tend to look at it as a means to benefit themselves and their nuclear family, less about their society. Through our programmes we encourage people to look at their managerial positions not just as a benefit to themselves, but also to their society. The third dimension is Values, which is perhaps the most personal and intricate. Different people have different values that they have imbibed, and I believe that in Nigeria we have a big problem because the abnormal has now become normal. For instance, several years ago, if someone’s car broke down people would stop and offer assistance. Now they come and the first thing they say is, ‘How much?’ What we are trying to do is to reverse the behaviour, which is why business ethics is taken as a standalone course, but is also taught on a multi-disciplinary level, such that across every course, two things must be inculcated, ethics and the spirit of service.”

The vision of LBS is to develop responsible leaders for Africa and the world. For businesses, the need to constantly innovate and explore creative ways to offer the consumer the best possible value proposition whilst looking out for new opportunities cannot be overemphasised, especially in an industry such as ours. The programme positions participants to consider and assess all the factors that will likely impact their respective organisations and invariably contribute meaningfully to the development and implementation of a holistic business plan

On the achievement of the programme, Okonedo said: “We expect those that graduate from our SMP to go out and be brand ambassadors and effect change in their different fields and organisations. I put a lot of hope in them to go and practice what we teach them in the wider society. Over the last 5-7 years I have seen people who have passed through the SMP occupy top positions in their various organisations. I do not want to claim victory, but I can’t help but feel that the way they gave account of themselves using the knowledge gained on the SMP has seen them become regional heads, executive directors and CEOs of organisations. So if I was to look at it and compare the number of people who have been through the SMP and the levels attained afterward (I don’t have the numbers here) I would think it is a rather high percentage. As for specialization, I alluded to that earlier on, we aren’t grooming specialists. After all CEO’s are not specialists, they have an understanding of the various facets of the organisation they head. The school has an eye on two other regions in Nigeria ’where we could go and offer the SMP. Also speaking with The Guardian on the programme, Deputy General Manager in Guaranty Trust Bank, Don Ogbonna, who participated in the SMP in 2009 noted that “Nigerian business environment has remained as challenging as it is rewarding. The opportunities are emerging amidst high country risk engendered by corruption, insecurity and poor governance. The economy is resilient even in the midst of global recession. The GDP is still stable with agricultural sector as the biggest employer of labour. The economy is near mono based with oil as the significant contributor. The oil sector is partially deregulated while the critical power sector, which is the engine of economic development, is epileptic, corrupt and controlled by government. As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria’s population is teeming with strong demand potentials. The SMP, which largely centers on strong leadership, professionalism, social responsibility, ethics and good governance has made the school very relevant in providing the much needed oasis of sanity in public and private sector administration.” Among what he will not forget about the SMP is that it has made him to “acquire and develop a solution oriented mind set that seeks to have a deeper level understanding of organizational problems with a view to proffering a lasting and sustain-

able solution as a change agent.” To Winston Jackson Allemoh, the Marketing Manager (Innovations & Oral Health Care) of GSK Nigeria Plc, “It is exactly what this country needs to help institute global ethical standards and world class business governance into the fabric of doing business in our nation. Before the SMP, I have been one of the very few flag bearers for ethical corporate governance and standards in my office and all around me. I have never been known to compromise the global rules of the game. After SMP, the determination to ensure we are all accountable and be responsible to corporate Nigeria is super enhanced. The only way to a sustainable and value adding economy is through ensuring businesses are conducted in the most global ethical standards and governance.” Also, the Secretary, MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, Uto Ukpanah, said: “The vision of LBS is to develop responsible leaders for Africa and the world. For businesses, the need to constantly innovate and explore creative ways to offer the consumer the best possible value proposition whilst looking out for new opportunities cannot be overemphasised, especially in an industry such as ours. The programme positions participants to consider and assess all the factors that will likely impact their respective organisations and invariably contribute meaningfully to the development and implementation of a holistic business plan.” According to the Chief Executive Offier of IRIS Consulting, Richard Obire, who participated in the SMP in 1995, “the programme does even more in addressing the unique challenges of leading and managing a business within the Nigerian environment drawing upon relevant local research on what works and laying strong stress on the ethical foundations of sustainable business success.” He advised the school to continue to give the programme strong local context through increased local research and the SMP’s strong ethical basis must be retained. “If the school has not done it yet, it should consider a public sector variant of the programme.” According to the Manager of the SMP, “the content is compiled to address challenges managers face at work. Many people start off their careers with a background in a particular field of study, for instance, in engineering or accounting. But as they advance, they are charged to take on higher responsibilities, such as managing people and other resources. SMP starts off treating the fundamentals, such as how to analyse business problems, and appreciating the ethical dimensions of business decisions.”

THE GUArDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

BUSINESS CPC Calls For New Consumers’ Protection Law From Ann Godwin (Port Harcourt) HE Consumer Protection Council (CPC), has T urged the government to ensure the quick passage of the new bill seeking to repeal existing law to improve on consumer services and regulate online marketing. Director General of the Council, Mrs. Dupe Atoke, made the appeal during a working visit to the South-South zonal office in Port Harcourt last week. Atoke said passage of the bill was necessary to overhaul the Council. She said there is no legislation that protects online consumers in the country, thus giving marketers undue advantage. According to Atoki, “CPC needs to regulate faceless online marketers. The new bill also seeks to have mobile court where redress cases could be handled without delay. There is hope for a total overhaul of the Council once the bill is passed.” The newly appointed DG regretted that the Council was not performing at optimal level in the delivery of its mandate, a problem she traced to insufficient funding. She said: “Funding of the Council is insufficient. Its budget allocation is in public knowledge; there is need to improve the funding…” She lamented that the South-south zone of CPC, which covers about six states, has only one vehicle and 20 staff, which according to her, affects its operations. While calling for government’s quick intervention, she charged the workers to be more commit- Research and Development Manager, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Josephine Ataboh (left); Brand Building Director, David Okeme; and Category Manager (Oral), Oiza Gyang, at the ted, focused and to re-strategise to achieve its company’s N2 billion consumer promo press conference in Lagos… Friday. mandate.

Shareholders Approve N3.5b recapitalisation Scheme For Evans Medical management deserve commendation for Following the approval, dividend warrants In the year under review, Evans Medical bringing smiles to their faces. will be posted on Thursday August 8, 2013 to turnover grew to N4.864 billion, an increase Or giving the first profit margin in the He noted that investors had, for several all shareholders whose names are registered of 6.4 per cent over N4.572 billion recorded last seven years, Shareholders of Evans years, suffered in silence and endured the in the company’s register of members at the for the year ended December 31, 2011. Medical Plc, at the weekend, lauded the wilderness-days. “But today, we are happy. In close of business on Friday July 19, 2013, the Operating profit stood at N701 million, an pharmaceutical company for paying 5k div- August, we are getting the dividend offer. We company said. increase of 10 per cent over N637 million idend per share for the 2012 financial year. thank the directors for taking us out of woods Chairman Board of Directors, Chief Samuel attained the previous year. Finance cost, The investors, who met at the 59th yearly and putting smiles on our faces again,” Edu, in his address, noted that, notwithstand- however, climaxed at N503 million as stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos, approved Akinsanya said. ing the socio-economic challenges of the year against N393 million incurred in 2011, a 28 the 5k dividend per share with a total of Similarly, Godwin Anuno said the dividend under review, it was gratifying that Evans per cent increased. Profit after tax also N24.3 million, describing it as a sign of bet- share has shown that there are better days for Medical Plc once again, posted improved increased to N327.8 million from N123.5 milter things to come. investors in the company and the country. results. lion in the previous year. The shareholders also approved the new N3.5 billion-recapitalisation bid from rights issue and core investor’s capital. The bid is to scale up growth in its local manufacturing arm and strengthen returns to commission’s rules and guidewish to engage in margin trading. HE Securities and Exchange Stock Exchange (NSE). investors. lines, which it instituted with a The margin trading list, as Commission (SEC) has recomThey are shares adjudged by An elated shareholder, Sunday view to curbing excessive specula- the Commission to have mended stocks of Conoil Plc along released by SEC, is based on the Akinsanya, said the Board of Directors and many others for investors who tion on the floor of the Nigerian enough liquidity and fundamental strengths to sustain margin trading. The list also included Nigerian Breweries Plc, brand due to its deep rooted services Gyang, said the recent tooth brushing for the confidence vested in the By Ikechukwu Onyewuchi challenge, a Guinness World Attempt Cadbury Nigeria Plc, in the lives of Nigeria. O show appreciation to Nigerians brand. that saw over 300,000 youths gather to Guinness Nigeria Plc, Julius Stating that the product has been He noted that Close Up has for their patronage, Close Up has brush their teeth simultaneously was, Berger Nigeria Plc, UACN busy engaging with the various levenjoyed so much support from announced a consumer promo among other things, a gateway to teach- Property Development els of the Nigerian community, the worth over N2 billion to reward over Nigerians that it has now ing healthy habit of teeth brushing. assumed the position of a citizen category manager, Oral Care, Oiza Company Plc, Okomu Oil 94 million users of the brand. Palm Plc, PZ Cussons Nigeria The promo, scheduled to run from Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Flour August till December 2013, will give Mills of Nigeria Plc and consumers extra 50 per cent free for TISALAT Nigeria has introduced a new innovative and the needs of our customers are ever growing and as such we Ashaka Cement Plc. the old price. For the big family size, value-added service known as Mobile Assistant. The new have to come up with unique packages to match the needs. Others are International customers will get an extra 30 service allows incoming mobile calls of subscribers to be “When a call comes through to your mobile, it can be Breweries Plc, Lafarge Cement grams tube while the new 15 grams taken by their assistants, who can screen the calls to transferred to your assistant’s phone. Your assistant will Plc, Wapco Nigeria Plc, sachet comes with extra 50 per cent. determine how important they are before transferring able to handle the call for you, thereby saving your time. It National Salt Company of Brand Building Director, Unilever them. is therefore a service that allows an executive’s incoming Nigeria Plc, Nestle Nigeria Plc, Nigeria, David Okeme, who spoke in Speaking on the offer, Director, Business Segment of mobile calls to be handled by a secretary or an assistant.” Nigerian Aviation Handling a press conference while announcEtisalat Nigeria, Mr. Lucas Dada, said: “We take pride to Company Plc, Honeywell ing the promo, said the “gesture” is delight our customers with innovative products and servFlour Mills Plc and Dangote meant to appreciate Nigerians, parices to make their lives easier and simpler. We realise that Cement Plc. ticularly families, and thank them

By Wole Oyebade

SEC Endorses Conoil, Unilver, Others For Margin Trading T

Close Up Unveils N2b Promo, Seeks Market Expansion T

Etisalat Launches New Product For Busy Executives

Copyright Commission Seeks Fresh Legislation To Curb Internet Piracy try. He said copyright infringement was a major IrECTOr General of the Nigerian problem in the country but that the Copyright Commission (NCC), Afam Commission was addressing the issue Ezekude, has canvassed appropriate legis- through proactive enforcement. lation to address Internet piracy in the He explained that Google, being the biggest country. search engine in the world, is expected to proSpeaking to newsmen in Abuja, Ezekude vide guidance to NCC on how to reduce also said the Commission was concluding Internet piracy. plan to seal a partnership deal with Google The NCC boss said that arrangements have to curb Internet/digital piracy in the coun-

From Nkechi Onyedika, Abuja

been concluded to put in place e-registration system to enable intellectual property owners register their works online to protect them. According to him, the Commission would work on a draft bill that would enable it prosecute offenders. He said: “ Nigeria needs a law that would be in line with the digital age; we have con-

cluded plans to build appropriate infrastructure to tackle Internet piracy through online tracking. Piracy kills creativity and it persists due to inability to enforce copyright laws.” Ezekude observed that NCC had conducted over 100 enforcement interventions, arrested more than 200 infringers and prosecuted over 80 persons while securing over 40 convictions.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday August 4, 2013

KALEIDOSCOPE/SOCIETY BIRTHDAYS NENIH, Anthony A Akhakon, astute politician and former chairman, Board of Trustees, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is 80 today. Born in UzenemaArue in Uromi on August 4, 1933, he joined the Nigerian Police Force in Benin City in 1951. He attended the Police College, Ikeja and was selected for further training in the Bramshill Police College, Basingstoke, England in1996 and the International Police Academy, Washington DC in 1970. He served as a police orderly to the first Governor General of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. He worked as an instructor in various police colleges, and in 1975 assigned to the Administrative Staff College (ASCON), Lagos. He retired from the police as a Commissioner of Police. He was the state Chairman of the National

EVENTS State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt; Igbinedion University, Okada; University of Benin and the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta. He holds traditional title of Iyasele of Esanland. MINU, Jibril MuhamA mad, administrator, politician, former univer-

Anenih

Aminu

Party of Nigeria (NPN) between 1981 and 1983; and National Chairman, Social Democratic Party (SDP) between 1992 and 1993. He was a member, Constitutional Conference in 1994; member of the PDM until early

April 2002, when he transferred to the PDP. He was appointed Minister of Works and Housing in 1999. He garnered honorary doctorate degrees from the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State; Rivers

. Choristers of The Redeem Evangelical Mission (TREM), Ipaja, Alimosho, Lagos ministering during the annual Choir Fiesta (Season Four) of the Church…last Sunday.

Director-General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, (FIIRO), Dr (Mrs.) Gloria Elemo (Right); in a warm handshake with the Acting Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN), Mr. Rasheed Adegbenro during FIIRO’s courtesy visit to MAN’s office, Ikeja, Lagos…Wednesday.

Zonal Superintendent, Foursquare Gospel Church, Ejigbo, Rev. Emmanuel Adeola Adedapo (Middle); Pastor (Mrs.) Bamidele Temilade Adedapo (Left); and Mr. Philip Orodeji, a council member, at the Annual General Membership Meeting of the Church in Ejigbo, Lagos ... on Sunday

sity teacher and professor of Cardiology is 74. He was born in Adamawa State in August 1939 and studied Medicine, which earned him M.B.B.S from Royal Post-Graduate Medical School, London in 1972. He was appointed a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science in 1972, among others. Compiled by Gbenga Akinfenwa

HE Way of ReconciliaT tion Evangelistic Ministries (TWOREM) Int’l a.k.a. Prophetic & Solution Chapel, Lagos Nigeria will hold its quarterly interdenominational programme of intensive prayer sessions, prophetic and solution declaration sessions, preaching and praises, tagged “BOJUWOMI” (where Lord looks down from His throne for divine solutions) tomorrow, August 5, 2013 by 7a.m. to 3p.m. This would be followed by Holy Spirit Convention 2013 with the theme: - “Let There Be Light” from Tuesday, August 6 to Thursday, August 8, 2013 by 10a.m and 5p.m. daily,

while night vigil holds on Friday, August 9 by 10p.m, with thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 11, 2013 by 10a.m. All programmes holds at Sekunderin Int’l Miracle Prayer Mountain, Iyana Agbala Tuntun, New Ife Road, Ibadan, Nigeria. Ministering are Revd. Prophet Oladipupo Funmilade-Joel (Baba Sekunderin) who is also the Chief Host, Apostle Sunday Popoola, Evangelists Olayinka O.Israeli, Bukola – Akinade (Senwele-Jesu), Lanre Teriba, Toyin Ilori (Akoko-Mi-To), Joy Oluwaseun (King Osuba), Taiwo Oladoye and TWOREM Mass Choirs (Lagos & Ibadan) among others.

Dr. Fred Ahmadu of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State and members of his family during his Ph.D graduation ceremony held at the University…recently

Chairman, Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Col. Sani Bello, (Left); Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, Segun Agbaje; and General Counsel, Africa Finance Corporation, Adesegun Akin-Olugbade, at the official signing of the $170 million Medium Term Facility to Mainstream Energy Solutions, in Lagos…on Friday

Cultural dancers of God First Schools, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos performing during the school’s graduation/prize-giving day ceremony held recently

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

INTERVIEW Most Reverend Peter Jasper Akinola, former Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), erstwhile national chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), is on retirement from active service since 2010; but that exit from public domain has not prevented him from taking up another task. For him, a task to better the future of Nigerian Youths remains a priority, which the Peter Akinola Foundation was set up to drive. Akinola told CHARLES COFFIE GYAMFI and OLALEKAN OKUSAN that for Nigeria to nip corruption in the bud, the people must be ready to take up the gauntlet and challenge leaders. For the youths, he said the future might look bleak, but efforts must be made by the over 42 million youths to question the leaders on accountability and transparency.

AKINOLA:

Youths Should Question Leaders On Accountability And Transparency How has retirement been for you in the last three years? T first, I did not have a clear understanding of what the word retirement meant until I began to found out, that I started doing the kind of things I did not do before. I no longer do certain things and it did not come suddenly, as it is a gradual process. But the good news for me is that I had a seamless transition from when I was active to when I retired, because I had prepared myself psychologically and the Lord gave me the idea of the Peter Akinola Foundation, whose flagship is Youth Training Programme. This has kept me busy. Relatively speaking, when people talked about retirement, I told them I have not retired, I was only reassigned, that is, reassigned from primatial duty to the kind of things we are doing now, by helping the youth. In a nutshell, there has not been any dull moment for me and I have been very active, as the foundation work has kept me very busy and I thank God for it. You were in the public domain for decades and now you’re out; how does it feel being a private citizen? You cannot be there forever, as life is a stage and you just have to realise that there is time for everything. When I was called to the national platform, I did what God called me to do and when my time was up, I withdrew honourably. That I am no longer in the forefront of doing the kind of things I was doing before is normal and I am not looking for anything personal for myself, because I had a successor and it is now left for him to do the kind of things we have been doing or something else, depending on what he believes God has called him to do. Also, I don’t have any sense of loss that I am missing a particular thing and like I said, this work of the foundation I am doing takes much of my energy and time, but then we are not completely out of the public domain, as there are some of the initiatives of Peter Akinola Foundation that keep us in touch with the public life and not only within the country but outside the country. One of them is what we called Wake Up Call Series, which is an the idea designed to give Nigeria and the international community a wake call to get up from our slumber and to finish realistically the challenges of our time. We have done some publications in that regard. We are currently working on how to fight corruption and the solutions in our own opinion are very practical and realistic if Nigerians are prepared to fight it. Until they themselves are prepared to fight corruption to a standstill, until then, there will be no way forward. You cannot leave it to the government officials alone. It is Nigerians themselves and their vocation, as well as their calling in life that must make up their mind that enough is enough. So we are working on that to give out the preliminary write-ups on volume one and two, while volume three will be out in a couple of weeks by the grace of God. The other one is what we called Standing In

Akinola

When I remember my upbringing and the hardship I had to go through, it reminds me that there are several people going through similar experience and what can we do to help them? So in our own little way as somebody said, we are putting back into society. But I said no, because society did not give me anything. Society did not contribute to my upbringing, by say, I had a scholarship or somebody paid my school fees. I did not have any of such and society did not give me anything. It was only pain and hardship I got, because when I got admission to secondary school, nobody was ready to pay my school fees. Society, as far as I am concerned did not contribute to my upbringing in this context. But I felt obliged under God that whatever we can do to help these young people to minimise their pains, we will do The Gap, which is a programme in which we try to reach out to those we feel are lukewarm in the society, especially Anglican Christians. We try to encourage them to engage in interpersonal relationships without putting any pressure on them. We involve them in personal conversation and gradually getting them to realise that there is no room for being lukewarm in the things of God. It is either you are there or you are not there. So that is another initiative we are working on. The other initiative is the concern we have for the African continent within the Anglican context. As you may well have known that the leadership of the Church in this continent and Nigeria inclusive has been waiting for the White Man to call and whenever the White Man calls, yes they answer. When it comes to money, our leaders in this continent have been living their lives on what I called “Handouts.” These handouts don’t even help, but they are demeaning and this has been the pattern for years. So, this our initiative aims at getting them to realise that all we need, not only to survive, but to also do the work God has called us to do is available right here in our continent, rather than depending on foreign aids. These aids, like I said are demeaning and they don’t really

CONTINUED ON PAGE 50

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

INTERVIEW

You Cannot Leave The Fight Against Corruption CONTINUED FROM PAGE 49 help to achieve what you want to achieve. They (White men) made the whole world know that they are the ones helping you and whereas these so-called help is far from the goals you ought to accomplish. Those are the things we are trying to do and it is on this basis that I traveled to African countries like Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, while the next port of call are Burundi and Rwanda. What inspired the idea of the Peter Akinola Foundation? That is a very interesting question. Few years ago, I came to Abeokuta and I attended a church service at St. Pauls in Igbore, for an early morning service in mufti. And at the end of the service as we were coming back to the house, we saw dozens of young people playing football on a Sunday morning. I had to park to inquire what was going on and I was told that had been the usual thing. So, I started thinking more and more about the youth from that incident. By the time we had our Synod Committee Meeting in Nigeria at Ile-Ife in 2008, I chose the theme: The Youth of our Church and in my charge to the committee, I proposed that we should work with the youth with a view to giving them a space and a voice within the church. Since then, I have been thinking more about the youth, not only within the Church, but also in the country at large. From that moment on anytime I travel to any part of the country, I take time to look out through the window and I found out that it is the same story everywhere; that most youths walk about aimlessly at motor garage and intersections. I started nursing the idea that, what are we going to do with this people and that was what informed the idea of finding a way not just talking, but doing something practical for the people. Actually, it is the youth programme that led me to the setting up of the foundation. How do you select students for the youth centre owned by the foundation? I have worked with the Church for over forty years, so the Church is my platform and area of jurisdiction. I know much of what goes on in that regard. So, we are quite clear in our mind that anybody coming to the centre must be somebody you can trace his roots. If you throw it open to everybody, then you may end up having more problems that you cannot cope with. So, we informed the Bishops about the programme and that they should look at their communities and recommend those that are eligible for the vocational training. We did that in the first year, we had 29 students. For this current session, we have 53 and we have not decided to move out of the Church confines and open it up to the traditional rulers, at least, those we know will have passion and concern for the young people. We have written to Alake of Egbaland, and Osile of Oke-Ona within the catchment area and we are going to extend it to Awujale of Ijebu-Ode and Olubadan of Ibadan. Within this area, we intend to work with traditional rulers to advise and recommend people to us for training. We have laid that out for next year and if it works out well, we will try that out, maybe, in the next three years, thereafter we will open up to local councils. But because of corruption, we want to be very careful on how we go in that direction, because we know that there is so much money from the federal government accruing to local government areas to do this kind of thing, but nothing is done. So, if we take that kind of step, it may amount to subsiding corruption. So we want to be very careful, but we will do our investigation to see if it is advisable and good, we will then decide to do and involve the local government authority in the recruitment of our trainees. But we want to be very careful because we know that government has so much money for youth empowerment and yet the youth are not being empowered. We don’t want to do their work for them. We only want to take those who have no access to federal government funding. The training is free for the students, but in order for the people who had recommended them to have a sense of responsibility, we encourage them to support their candidates with feeding allowance, and we will take care of other things. In the first set that we had, only about 12 percent made contribution at all. For the current set only about 45 percent have responded in supporting their candidates, others have not. Our desire is to get these people off the streets, give opportunity for them to learn a

Akinola

There is so much money in this country and we have no business being among the league of developing nations in the world, because God has so much endowed us to be a great nation. But corruption never allowed us to have access to our endowment and it has denied us access to all the blessings that should be accruing from our natural endowment. The only solution is if Nigerians are ready to fight corruption to a standstill, until then, there is no hope skill and go back to become self-employed, to be able to support themselves, their family and keep away from crimes. How do you get fund to run the foundation? When we were talking about the foundation, I did not know what it meant to have a foundation, neither did I do any study. If I had done

PHOTOS: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

that, we would not have ventured into it at all because I later realised that those who set up foundations are those who had plenty of leftovers, especially something to spare. I don’t have anything to spare as a retired archbishop. But I have gone into it before I began to realise my fallings. But God in His mercy has been ahead of me in this. When the idea of the foundation came up, I spoke to two of my close friends. One of them is the Registrar of our church, Barrister Issah, who did all the legal work free of charge as his contribution and he is in the board of trustees. Another person is Mr. Fisher, a younger person who supported me and with the help of two staff, the foundation took off. Now, the resources to support the work of the foundation became a major issue. On January 27, 2010, I had my 66th birthday, which was celebrated in a big way and it was Mr. Fisher, who packaged it and invited people all over the country. That was my last year in office. Much of what was received as gift on my birthday went into the foundation. Between January and March 2010, much of what I received as send forth gift from individuals and churches all went into the foundation and that was how we started. I never

knew that people could give me that kind of money because somebody said to me; “When you were in office, you never came to us to ask for anything, so as you are leaving, it is necessary to give you some money as a retiree. They thought I would be living on the money as a retiree. But I did not do that but divert it to the foundation. So we used that to renovate the old centre, which we are using now. Another friend of ours, I visited him and I shared the idea of the foundation with him and he felt it was a good idea. He then gave us handsome money. So all these helped us to take off. That was what we have been using for our new site and when you put all these together, there is no way I could have spent that kind of money. How do you intend to generate more money to sustain the foundation? In May this year, we had finished all the money and I called the architect that we had no money to continue, but this project will continue. Somehow, God raised help to continue and I still believe in my God that what I am doing here is not for myself, or my children, but for the good of Nigerian youths. So, it is entirely God’s own and he has been providing for us. To be precise, how do we sustain or complete the project? We are preparing a brochure, which we intend to send to a lot of key people in the country. In the brochure, they will see what we are doing, what we have done and the vision of where we are going. On their own, they will identify where they want to log-on to in this project or not. Again, there will be no pressure on them. It is going to be on their own volition. We hope some will be willing to support this kind of project. We are not looking for cash support but to support specific projects, like building a three-bedroom quarter for staff or a chapel or training certain number of youths. We are believing that God will raise people that will support. When we commence full operation at the centre, we will be spending over N15 million annually and we are asking and appealing to Nigerians to identify with the project. Each member of the board of trustees is also expected to source for N1 million annually to support the centre. We are about eight on the board. We are also hoping that the centre will be selfsufficient after full operation. Aside from the vocational training, we will also be teaching use of English as well. We have courses in six areas, which are being offered at the centre. Also, we want to attend to the needs of industries around the centre to generate funds to run as well. The foundation was originally an extension of our Primate ministry as an Archbishop, but now we have to move, as youths are scattered in every strata of the country and the centre will move on gradually. Why the passion for Nigerian youths at a time when most adult careless about them? I told you earlier what inspired me because I felt so much anger seeing youths roaming about. But that anger disappeared to a much positive thinking. Maybe it is not the fault of the youths. What are their parents doing? What is the government doing about the youths? It is from there that I realised that these are people that are at the crossroads of life. They are ditched because they don’t know what to do or where to go. As we bring them to the centre, we talk to them and we realised that my perception was correct, that what else do they do because nobody seem to care. That is what led me to develop greater passion for the young people. By the grace of God, I had six children who are now grown up and established in their own rights. It also reminds me of my own beginning, because I was not born with a silver spoon. I am one of those who grew up through the rock. My father died in 1948 and I did not grow up to know him. My mother was not educated and I grew up through hardship. The only formal education I had on my youthful years was primary six at Anglican Primary School in Igbore, Abeokuta. Every other thing was through selfefforts and today I am a chancellor of a university. So that is what you are when you are selfmade under God’s grace. When I remember my upbringing and the hardship I had to go through, it reminds me that there are several people going through similar experience and what can we do to help them? So in our own little way as somebody said, we are putting back into society. But I said no, because society did not give me anything. Society did not contribute to my upbringing, by say, I had a scholarship or somebody paid my school fees. I did not have any of such and socie-

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

INTERVIEW

To Government Alone, It Won’t work ty did not give me anything. It was only pain and hardship I got, because when I got admission to secondary school, nobody was ready to pay my school fees. Society, as far as I am concerned did not contribute to my upbringing in this context. But I felt obliged under God that whatever we can do to help these young people to minimise their pains, we will do. In this present dispensation, what does the future hold for the youths? It is tough and gloomy because I cannot see anything in the horizon suggesting anything different. If you read our series, you will found out that corruption has been part of our journey from the very beginning, in the days of Awolowo, Azikwe, Ahmadu Bello, they were all confronting corruption. But even though there was corruption at that time, they still managed to provide basic and essential infrastructure, like education among others. There was good and adequate health care delivery. But through the military regime to the present political dispensation, corruption has gone out of hands. The same people, who package your budget, got approval for it and fund it, are the same people who should make provision for these amenities. But when they have headache, they prefer to go to Germany or England and they cannot come to the aid of the people. Same thing happens in education, they prefer to send their children overseas. There is so much money in this country and we have no business being among the league of developing nations in the world, because God has so much endowed us to be a great nation. But corruption never allowed us to have access to our endowment and it has denied us access to all the blessings that should be accruing from our natural endowment. The only solution is if Nigerians are ready to fight corruption to a standstill, until then, there is no hope. Look at your legislators, what is the minimum qualification for teachers? It is NCE and what is the minimum qualification for the legislators? When you pack together a bunch of semi-illiterates and all they know is grab. Which laws have they made in the last ten years for the good of this country and yet they are among the highest paid lawmakers in the world? All they know is money and their worldview is determined by naira and kobo. They are not concerned about the welfare of the youths. When they steal money, like most of the celebrated thieves, the people celebrate them. With this kind of thing, where is the future for the youths? It is not that there is no money, there is so much money in this country and yet we are suffering in the midst of plenty. They are ruthless and mindless people in the executives and legislators. They cannot be bothered because they know next to nothing. What worries me most is that we have a president who is highly educated among these wolves and he cannot make much different. For the first time in the history of the country, we have a PhD holder as president, which would have been a big plus for us, but how far can one man go in the midst of all these people? The future of Nigerian youths is bleak and dangerous because as at now, we have about 42 million unemployed youths, which is the population of five to six countries in Africa and there is nothing in the plan of this country that the future of this youths is secured. When they make budget of billions of naira for youths, hardly will N1 million get to the subjects (youths). If Nigerians are prepared to hold their leaders and rulers accountable with whatever it will take, and put an end to corruption, then there will be plenty that will be more than enough for everybody. There will be money to fund all sectors. But as long as a few cabal members sit on our resources and nobody is asking questions or challenging them, then because they don’t give account to anybody because they are lawless, they will do whatever they like. But if the youths do like what they did in Egypt and Libya, can stand up and say enough is enough, until then I don’t see us moving forward. What is your view on the controversial same sex marriage? When the controversy about homosexuality was booming, I said at that time that it was a satanic attack on the Church and I still stand on that. It is not as if it is those that are homosexual that were fighting for their rights at that time. It was the Church leaders, Anglican bish-

The spiritual man should be spiritually over and above those they are guiding. We tried over the years to speak out prophetically, but they are saying, is he the only man, so a tree does make a forest. Not many of our religious colleagues will embrace this because it does not pay them. A situation where, a religious leader is not different from an average businessman, his religious leadership is more of business leadership. They run their mosque and church like business. So, where is God’s spirit and they have no sermon to preach; except breakthrough, money, prosperity among others ops in America and Canada that were championing their cause; and that was why I said at that time and I am still saying it, it is a satanic attack on the Church. The bishops who should have been willing and available to counsel are the ones making God a lie. What God said cannot be done; you are saying it can be done; that was the platform upon which I lost out at that time. In 2004, we had a conference in Lagos, where I invited all Anglican Bishops in Africa for the first time for a weeklong conference and President Olusegun Obasanjo was invited to declare the conference open. In Obasanjo’s speech, he said; “Same sex marriage, homosexuality is unbiblical, unnatural and unafrican and bishops went wild to applaud him. After the conference, I visited him and said some countries in the Western world are already legalizing same sex marriage and we cannot be in isolation because before you know it, it will be imported into Nigeria. I told him it was time to make the law that this is not right for us in Africa. So it was during Obasanjo’s tenure that the Attorney General did the draft anti-gay bill and sent it to the National Assembly. In 2009, there was public hearing and I sent the present Primate to represent me, which he did very well. The matter has been there. So, when the Western world started threatening that if we don’t follow it, they will withdraw their aids, I was glad when Senate President, David Mark told them to go to hell with their aid. Look around, what has the British or American aid done for Nigeria? Nothing that I can see. I applauded and hailed the National Assembly for taking the bull by the horns, by passing the law. I want to use everything to plead with President Jonathan to sign it to law as quickly as possible. We have enough problems on our head already as a nation and to now encourage same sex marriage is to throw the country into an abyss of immorality, from which we will never come out. So it is better to nail it by the head and say no to it. I am glad the National Assembly has enacted the law, let the executive endorse it and it becomes a standing law. I don’t have all the details about the child marriage controversy, but at what age does a child get married? From moral point of view, what does an18 year-old know? What is your advice ahead the 2015 elections? It is very simple from my own point of view, I think we have talked enough about corruption in this country and I have seen a lot of lip service to the war against corruption. We are proposing that the issue of corruption should be at the centre stage. It should be in the front burner of the electioneering come 2015. Nigerians should come out enmasse to demand as a matter of right that any politician asking for their votes must sign an undertaken or covenant with them, that they are going into government house to fight corruption and the battle must be won. Until we do that, there will be no future for

this country. There is enough money for us to work with, but we continue to allow these evil men, cabal and recycled politicians who have been there for 30 years, 40 years and they keep coming back again and there is nothing new they want to offer this country. All they know is stealing and that is their attitude. So, anybody that wants to govern at any level must sign a covenant with Nigeria people to say under oath that he is going to fight corruption and he will also give us his manifesto; a manifesto that will clearly spell out how he intends to fight corruption and even swear an oath under God and there must be express provision to recall such politician if he fails. Corruption, for me is an issue for 2015, not all these lip service campaigns of providing electricity or roads. Don’t promise anything; just let us know how you intend to fight corruption. If we can weed out corruption, other things will take their proper place in this country. Spiritual leadership is very powerful in every society and what is the missing link that spiritual leaders seem to have failed to exercise their authority to put Nigeria on the right path? This is a very crucial and explosive question. When you talk of spirituality, you are talking about anyone of us relating appropriately to God and drawing resources from God and making it

Akinola

available to the people. It is a two-way thing and it is not just drawing and keeping. That is, you hear God, know what God wants to do and you give it to the people. You are also taking the people’s cry to God in petition. In our country, you look around the country as a whole and what do you find? You find that in a church and a mosque, the people you see are the same people in the National Assembly or public offices. I am saying there is no difference between those in church and outside the church. Same Nigerians are there. They are supposed to be led by these spiritual leaders but they are part of these people shaped by the same kind of influences that you see around us. But should that be the way? That is the question. Should Nigerian church and mosque leaders be shaped by same influenced that shaped these people we say are bad? The answer is no. The spiritual man should be spiritually over and above those they are guiding. We tried over the years to speak out prophetically, but they are saying, is he the only man, so a tree does make a forest. Not many of our religious colleagues will embrace this because it does not pay them. A situation where, a religious leader is not different from an average businessman, his religious leadership is more of business leadership. They run their mosque and church like business. So, where is God’s spirit and they have no sermon to preach; except breakthrough, money, prosperity among others. It is very strange in our time. It was not so forty years ago, but all of a sudden, it is breakthrough, as if there is nothing more than that. Nothing else matters. Where is the crucifixion and passion? Those are not in their vocabularies and their lifestyle speaks volume. Spiritual leaders in this country have failed whether in church or mosque. They have failed woefully because they have lost their voice. Any spiritual leader who cannot say thus says the Lord or speaking as an oracle of God to any situation, has failed. But then God can do without anyone of us. I am hoping and praying that God will raise men and women of integrity who know and love the Lord and are ready to proclaim boldly and courageously without mincing words as the oracle of the Lord. Prophecy is not about ‘it is well with you.’ If you study the Bible carefully, it is all about the wellbeing of the nation and people. Occasionally, it can be for the individual, but by and large, it is all about leadership and the people and government. When you have a righteous leader, people will smile. If you don’t do that you have failed, it is not about personal comfort, self-glory and on mundane things. It is so sad all across the country, every street is filled with churches and mosques, yet there is still much evil because spiritual leadership has failed to proclaim as oracle of God. I am praying that God will raise people to proclaim as His oracle for this nation.

52 |

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

POLITICS

2014 Governorship: Ekiti PDP In Disarray Over Consensus Arrangement Fayose: To Suspend Me From PDP Is To Suspend PDP From Ekiti From Muyiwa Adeyemi (Head Southwest Bureau, Ado Ekiti) HIS is certainly not the best of times for the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the intrigues towards adopting a method to pick the flag bearer for the 2014 governorship was not only deepening the crisis within the party, but getting bloody to the extent that some executive members had been severely beaten right inside the party secretariat, while some had gone into hiding. Not fewer than 25 aspirants have picked nomination forms for the single ticket, with about 19 coming from Ekiti South Senatorial district, the zone that has been claiming it is their turn to produce the next governor. But while the party was still battling to grapple with the controversy about zoning that had almost polarised its members, the presidency was quoted to have urged the party to adopt consensus arrangement to pick its candidate, instead of direct primary election, which some aspirants, especially former governor Ayodele Fayose, vehemently canvassed for. About two weeks ago, the chairman of the party, chief Makanjuola Ogundipe announced the setting up of a Consensus Screening Committee headed by a retired high court judge, Justice Edward Ojuolape. Other members of the committee include a former member of the Board of Trustees of the party, Chief Dayo Okondo, the state vice chairman (North) Hon. Olatunde Olatunde, Modupe Johnson, Kola Lawal and a former acting governor of the state, Mr. Tope Ademiluyi. Other members of the committee are a former Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Kola Adefemi, Mr Adeoti Kumuyi, a former member of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Titilayo Akindahunsi, Dele Ajibola and Mr. Omolade Gabson. The state chairman explained that the constitution of the committee was in line with the advice from party leaders that the party should consider a consensus arrangement in choosing its governorship candidate. He assured all aspirants and party members of fairness and equity in the selection process and solicited the support of all to make the exercise a success. But less than twenty four hours after the committee was set up, Fayose, who had been canvassing for primary election kicked against it and described the committee as unconstitutional. He did not only reject the committee, but drew a battle line with Ogundipe, who many believed Fayose installed as chairman of the party. Fayose vehemently argued that consensus arrangement did not only contravene PDP’s constitution, but noted that some names in the newly formed committee were ardent supporters of an aspirant. According to him, the PDP Constitution states that picking of candidates shall be done through a free and fair primary election. The former governor in a press statement signed by his media aide, Idowu Adelusi said he would not appear before the committee. To him, the original intention of President Jonathan was to reduce possible problems in the build up to next year’s governorship election. According to Fayose, “I am sure that in the mind of the President, he does not want a process shrouded in secrecy and compromised. It is obvious that some individuals are taking advantage of this advice to cause mischief and disaffection in the party for personal gains, which will be resisted. It is clear by the composition of the committee that there is a clear agenda. I hereby reject the 11-man com-

mittee and I will not appear before it or have anything to do with whatever decision they reach because some of them are known supporters of some aspirants and a free and fair selection cannot be guaranteed under the committee.” But Fayose resolved to fight on, according to him, “My right to fair contest as guaranteed by the party’s constitution will be pursued doggedly to a logical conclusion. I have paid my dues in the party including the non-refundable deposit for a free and fair contest, the party has no moral justification to hand pick a candidate. The party’s constitution and guidelines equally give me the right of contest in a free and fair Ekiti State PDP Chairman, Ogundipe (right) with his deputy, Bamishile primary election.” Fayose however dared the state chairman to fish out a consensus candidate out of over 25 But Ogundipe, who regretted the action, aspirants jostling for the party ticket and said he was not aware of the press conferallow the person to face him at a keenly con- ence where the ‘dissidents’ executive memtested primary election. bers announced his suspension and But another strong contender for the ticket, declared that they lacked the constitutional Senator Gbenga Aluko, believes that the party powers to take such action. was right and should go ahead to inaugurate While many PDP members in Ekiti were at the committee. He, however, warned that no a loss regarding the direction the party was member of the party has right to query the po- heading to, the crisis got deepened on Tuessition of the presidency that consensus day as the party’s State Working Committee arrangement should be adopted to reduce ten- (SWC) announced the indefinite suspension sion in Ekiti PDP. He charged the party leader- of Fayose and three other members of the exship to wield the big stick against any aspirant ecutive. whose activities undermine the authority of Ogundipe, accompanied by his deputy, the President. Femi Bamishile regretted that the party had According to the former senator, “we should no option than to also suspend the party’s not be in this game for the sake of being the general secretary Tope Aluko, its publicity PDP candidate. There are so many parties where secretary, Kola Oluwawole and the women you can go to if you are desirous of being a can- leader, Busola Oyebode for anti party activididate. People like us are in this game to win ties and insubordination. election for the PDP and take it to the GovernThe suspended executive members were ment House in 2014. If all the aspirants are part of those that announced the suspenadopted by groups in the PDP won’t that create sion of Ogundipe as chairman, last week, for confusion and disunity in the party? So, no- allegedly taking bribe from a governorship body should think he could play a fast game aspirant. here. We have to respect the voices of our lead- But in a swift reaction to his suspension and ers and we should not portray ourselves in an other executive members believed to be undisciplined manner.” loyal to him, Fayose said Ogundipe lacked Senator Aluko urged his colleague (aspirants) the capacity to suspend him from the party to refrain from any act that could rip the party because “Ogundipe is not a member of my apart, adding that the advice given by President ward,” arguing that it is only his ward memJonathan should not be jettisoned or opposed bers that can suspend him from the party. for the party to remain formidable. Fayose, who spoke through his director of Fayose However, the issue of consensus arrangement media Idowu Adelusi argued that Fayose did not only cause disunity among the aspi- was an institution that cannot be suspended PDP is a party that believes in internal democrants but members of the executive are sharply by Ogundipe, whom he installed as the racy, so we are not going to impose any candidate.” divided on the matter. Only last week seven chairman of the party. The suspended publicity secretary, Oluwawole members of the executive addressed a press He said, “You can only suspend from the said the suspension was an aberration, arguconference where they announced the pur- ward. Suspending Fayose from the PDP is ported suspension of the state chairman over like suspending PDP from Ekiti. Ogundipe ing that Ogundipe had earlier been suspended his alleged roles in the consensus arrangement must learn from the past. Fayose is an insti- and would have to face a disciplinary action to and blamed him for setting up the Screening tution in Ekiti politics and it will be funny for clear himself. But to stop the crisis in the party, the ExecuCommittee without adequate consultation anybody to suspend him from party.” tive Committee of Southwest PDP in Lagos last with the leaders of the party. Ogundipe was Fayose retorted that Ogundipe has no also alleged to have collecting N5m bribe from power whatsoever to suspend him from the Wednesday directed that all the spate of suspensions recently announced by various an aspirant to favour him to get the ticket. party, urging him to refund the bribe he alIn a press statement signed by the party sec- legedly took from one of the aspirants to re- groups “are hereby set aside and status quo ante maintained.” A press statement issued retary, Dr Tope Aluko, publicity secretary, Pas- store peace into the party. tor Kola Oluwawole, women’s leader, Busola Ogundipe said the PDP is a disciplined party by the chairman, Caretaker Committee of the Oyebode, PDP vice chairman, Central, Femi that would not tolerate any act of indisci- party in the zone, chief Ishola Filani, stated that Ogunleye, organising secretary, Lateef Agbaje, pline from any of the party members, no it couldn’t fold its hands and allow individual the treasurer, Aluko. A. O. and the Youth Leader, matter how highly placed. He dismissed his interests to destroy the party. It set up a fiveHon Tayelolu Olatunji, they asked the deputy purported suspension by seven members of man committee to wade into the crises and rechairman of the party Femi Bamishile to take the SWC for alleged bribery, arguing that solve them. As at Thursday, while Fayose embraced the over as chairman in the acting capacity but only the National Executive Council (NEC) of peace moves by the zonal secretariat of the Bamishile declined and declared the purported the party can suspend him from office. party, Ogundipe said he was not aware of the suspension of Ogundipe as unconstitutional. On the consensus committee that triggered But while they were addressing the press con- the present imbroglio, Ogundipe, who meeting and its resolution to lift the suspenference some executive members believed to evaded question on whether the committee sion of Fayose and others. As the face off continues many political watchbe loyal Ogundipe including the party legal ad- will be disbanded said “the party will do viser and former Speaker of the Ekiti State everything necessary to make the party ers in the state fear that the battle will get House of Assembly, Kola Adefemi and auditor, move forward. When President Jonathan messier in the coming weeks as aspirants who Olatunji Olanrewaju, were attacked and sus- speaks, it becomes law. Consensus is part of feel threatened by a consensus arrangement tained serious injury. The gun-wielding thugs the ways of doing this in democracy. But the are bracing up for another round of battle with did not spare newsmen who gathered for the consensus is not going to be an imposition. the state executive. press conference.

TheGuardian

Sunday, August 4, 2013 53

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Opinion How To Use The FOI Weapon T is two years since Nigeria’s Freedom of Information (FOI) law, a wonderful tool that empowers citizens to seek and receive vital public information, took effect. Here are some of the occasions in which it has been set into motion: On June 8, 2011, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) challenged the governments of Enugu, Kaduna, Oyo and Rivers States to release information and documents on the spending of their States on the Universal Basic Education Commission since 2005. On July 18, a court ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to substantiate its allegation that the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) compromised itself and received the sum of N52 million from suspects being investigated by the commission to campaign against it. The decision of the court followed a suit by Olasupo Ojo, President of CDHR, urging the court under the FOI to compel the EFCC to make the requested information available to him. The substantive matter was to be heard by the court two weeks later. On July 28, 2011, the African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (ACMIL) wrote to the chairman of the ICPC to request confirmation of a 2006 petition filed by a former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Audu Ogbeh, that “a top government official” received a N60 billion gratification in Nigeria’s debt relief deal with the Paris Club. ACMIL requested access to the petition, if it existed, as well as any accompanying documentation. It also asked: What has the ICPC done since the receipt of the petition? Did the ICPC meet with Mr. Ogbeh during its investigation of the said petition? In the same month, ACMIL filed an FOI request with the CCB for access to the 2007 assets declaration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; at the end of his tenure on May 28, 2011; and upon

assumption of office on May 29, 2011. In October, ACMIL sued the CCB for failing to comply. On September 26, SERAP asked the Accountant General of the Federation to disclose “details of the spending of recovered stolen public assets since the return of civil rule in 1999.” In a response dated October 11, the Accountant General, Mr. Jonah Ogunniyi Otunla, said he was looking into the request. That pledge not being honoured, SERAP filed a suit in December against the federal government. On October 19, SERAP asked the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) for up-to-date information on government spending in 2011 relating to fuel ‘subsidy.’ On November 3, following PPPRA’s failure to honour the request, SERAP went to court seeking an order compelling the defendants to disclose the information. Joined in the action were the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Muhammed Adoke, and the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani AlisonMadueke. On January 17, 2012, Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA), on behalf of SERAP, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), Partnership for Justice, and Citizens Assistance Centre, asked the Minister of Information Minister for relevant documents supporting the controversial subsidy of petroleum products. On February 19, following an earlier request, SERAP and WARDC sued the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, for refusing to release requested information and documents concerning the bank’s authorization of over N1.26 trillion as “fuel subsidy” in 2011. Joined in the suit was the AGF, Mr. Adoke. On June 13, following an ADC plane crash earlier that month, civil rights lawyer Bamidele Aturu requested of the Minister for Aviation informa-

tion on 36 air accidents, air incidents and/or crash reports in Nigeria between November 20, 1969 and March 14, 2012. On June 27, SERAP filed a request asking Sam Saba, the chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, to release documents on President Jonathan’s assets declaration. That request being ignored, SERAP filed a suit on July 12 seeking an order compelling the CCB to release the documents. On June 23, human rights advocate Femi Falana wrote to the Minister of Aviation to disclose the name of the VIP who prevented his Arik flight into Abuja on June 19 from landing as scheduled, to enable him sue the individual for endangering the lives of the over 150 passengers on board. On June 25, the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Clerk of the National Assembly to release to the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP), within 14 days, details of the salaries, emoluments and allowances collected by national legislators between 2007 and 2011. Justice B.B. Aliyu asserted that the FOI Act permitted non-governmental organizations to demand such information, stressing that the information was of public interest because it concerned public funds. He overruled the objections of National Assembly lawyers, saying that every citizen is entitled to public information under the FOI. The ruling followed a September 2011 suit filed by LEDAP in which it claimed that the legislators were being paid beyond the rate approved by law. LEDAP had previously sent an FOI request to the clerk for the information, but that request was ignored. On June 26, following President Jonathan’s famous “don’t give a damn” television appearance, SERAP sent an FOI request to him asking for his “assets declaration details between May 2007 and May 2012; it asked him to publish the information widely on a dedicated website. The group reminded Mr. Jonathan his statement

sonala.olumhense@gmail.com was “a clear violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party, and entirely inconsistent with your oft-repeated promises to prevent and combat high-level official corruption in the country.” On August 13, SERAP sent an FOI request to Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu, the Minister for Health, asking for information on Nigeria’s spending on maternal health care delivery in the country in the previous five years, and that its recent study suggested progress may have been compromised by high level official corruption. What is happening to these cases? Why are officials of the federal government, including the same president who signed the Act, routinely breaching the law? Why are more citizens and organisations not taking advantage of the FOI? If the press truly understands that its role is to reveal, not conceal, why is it not waving the FOI flag at every public door? The FOI law is the Nigerian citizen’s most powerful cudgel yet. Dear compatriot: You can scratch with it, lift with it, read with it, ask with it, listen with it, defend with it, attack with it, poke with it, lunge with it, strike with it, dig with it, plant with it, harvest with it, rip with it, puncture with it, yanga with it, lead with it, live with it. I wouldn’t leave home without it.

Outsourcing To God By Tunji Lardner OW imagine that Nigeria is a viable business enterprise. Tough to imagine ... right? But please humour me and suspend reason and all empirical proof to the contrary and just imagine that Nigeria is a viable and ongoing business. Sometimes, businesses might decide for purposes of efficiency and cost reductions to ‘outsource’, which means contracting out an internal business process to a third-party organisation for a determined fee. Like in all business transactions, it is fraught with risks, and not the least being giving up the control of the process and outcomes of what is an ‘internal’ set of responsibilities to a third party. In this instance, it seems as if Nigerians have outsourced their singular and collective responsibilities to God. Thinking along as I write this, the rich irony of the metaphor of Nigeria being a viable business rings even truer when one considers that arguably the only viable business enterprise in Nigeria today is the business of religion. Every day through my window, yes, every day and night, I should add, I suffer the duelling cacophony of a church and a mosque in close proximity to my residence, advertising and marketing their services to their respective clients through strategically placed external loud speakers, each respectively trying to drown out the other’s messages of salvation and prosperity. This deafening daily fracas has degenerated to the point where respectively the fulsome expression of praise and worship and the solemn call to prayer have long ceded hallowed ground to the crass competition for ostensibly the hearts and souls of supplicants and new converts, but most definitely for their wallets. This business of religion in Nigeria has grown especially over the last three decades, to become a nearly ubiquitous and unquestioned presence in every aspect of our personal, social, business and national lives. I recognize that from here on out, I have to tread very carefully lest my curious enquiry be misconstrued as a direct attack on the practice of one’s faith or religion. Let me categorically state that this is not my intention for I also consider myself to be a man of faith, hope and charity. If indeed blame is to be assigned for daring to imposing reason upon faith, then you must blame the indoctrination of my secondary school whose motto ‘Pro Fide Et Scientia,’ which roughly translates into ‘for faith and knowledge.’ In the timeless arguments between the contending notions of faith and reason, an operational compromise seems to have been struck between the deep and necessarily subject perspectives of faith and the objective judgement of reason, based sometimes on scientific reasoning or empirical observation. To the clear thinking and

rational mind, both tendencies can often be accommodated without too much rancour in the day-to-day understanding of how the world works and our respective place in it. However, it seems that over the last four decades or so, the collective Nigerian mind-set, conditioned in part by the woeful and dysfunctional leadership has come to totally abandoned reason for faith. The prevailing zeitgeist is the total abdication of reason, personal, private and public responsibilities as citizens for the deluded worship of an increasingly tribal ‘god’ that promises both personal salvation and material prosperity. While the practice of this curious delusion manifests differently in both the Christian and Islamic faiths, in my books it is the former that has refined this Nigerian business of religion to point where it is now fit for export alongside, Oil, Nollywood, Afrobeats and polio. While the practice of preaching ‘prosperity theology’ itself is not new, there was always the implicit logic that honest labour and hard work would be rewarded by the divine. Indeed according to the King James Version of the bible in Proverbs 12:11 He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.’ Or as put more clearly in the New International Version of the bible, ‘Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.’ In the Nigerian iteration of prosperity theology, the real deep and spiritual underpinnings of the teaching of the good book have been blithely ignored to instead serve up a secular and culturally freighted year-long offering of materialistic pursuits. The work-reward ethic as embedded in the Puritan work ethic ‘which emphasizes hard work, frugality and diligence as a constant display of a person’s salvation in the Christian faith, in contrast to the focus upon religious attendance, confession, and ceremonial sacrament.’ In Nigeria people practice their culture more than they practice their faith. And it is through this cultural lens that we must look through to fully understand this practice of outsourcing everything to God. Casting aside the sanctimonious certitudes of faith on display every day, Friday and Sunday inclusive, it is clear that we have become a befuddled frightened and immobilized people for whom our loud proclamations of faith and the constant invocation of Lord’s name for every trite and trivial challenge is really what psychologists would call ‘displacement activities.’ In effect we have displaced our own personal responsibilities and freewill in favour of a constrictive and deterministic worldview, in which we devalue and discount the powerful agency of our own vision,

industry and national development. Ironically it is this national development typically expressed as material prosperity and having lots of personal money that we so crave and desire to have and enjoy without the hard work, frugality and diligence that is required to achieve these goals. We have come to totally believe the contrived intersession of ‘faith,’ specifically ‘blind faith’ in the preachments of some of our so called men (it is alas a patriarchy) of God, who promise instant salvation and the immediate remediation of our growing poverty, all for a small consideration of just ten percent of your gross income, and even more if you want your blessings to flow more abundantly. This business decision to outsource everything to God in the hope that blind and unquestioning faith is the surest way to procure personal material and pecuniary benefits alongside some salvation in my estimation is not working for Nigeria. Even as the expectations of the adherents soar, whipped up by increasingly sophisticated international multi-media marketing and advertising by churches and mosques, the reality is that Nigeria and Nigerians on a per capita basis are getting poorer and poorer by the hour. If you don’t believe this then check the vital statistics of the country, and walk this walk by sight and not by faith. So stepping back for a minute from this spiritually hollow carnival of religious theatrics, I must ask the question, if material benefits and cash are what we truly desire in this world as I believe is the case with Nigerians, do we really need a ‘god’ or ‘gods’ to fulfil this desire? If we look to the West, there is a partial answer in that this increasingly ‘Godless’ and intensely secular region have created stable political systems that generate tremendous material benefits for their citizens, all without this disingenuous liturgy of religious piety. Consider that we are one of the most religious nations on earth as well as one of the most corrupt. Someone please explain this paradox to me. To go back to the quote ‘Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.’ Clearly what is needed in Nigeria is the leadership in all spheres to shape the Nigerian mindset to the proud commitment to country ‘to work their land’ with the systemic assurances that they will in turn ‘have abundant food.’ As we were taught in primary school ‘heaven helps those who help themselves,’ If we continue to outsource to God, what indeed we can do for ourselves we continue to be like ‘those who chase fantasies (and) have no sense.’ Given the importance and sensitivity of this topic, I especially welcome reasoned and informed responses that can add value to this discourse. The good ones if any will be selected for publication in this column. Comments can be sent to: me.tlardner@gmail.com

TheGuardian

54 | Sunday, August 4, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Opinion After The ASUU Strike By Emmanuel Tyokumbur VERYTHING that has a beginning must definitely have an end, for so has providence destined all events. ASUU strike will also come to an end, whether there is a stalemate in negotiations with government or not. As all stakeholders want the strike to be over soonest, none would like to stand the stench of rot in the educational system, especially at the cradle of the universities. Therefore, the demands of the agreed upon criterion ought to be implemented by the powersthat-be. For the government to come out and proclaim that it cannot implement the demands because it was signed by another regime smacks of one-man show in governance even though deputies proclaim daily on rooftops that they are not mere spare tyres in administrative and bureaucratic affairs. It is instructive enough that governance is a continuous process and all decisions reached by previous governments remain morally binding on the succeeding clique. It, therefore, becomes a moral burden for any regime to hurriedly discard positive people-oriented policies and agreements that were laid down by dint of hard work. If President Jonathan as Vice President when the ASUU agreements were reached can be proclaimed as an outsider to it, then that tells how backward we have gone again and besides how come he has not been equally distanced from other ‘’inherited’’ programs like amnesty and other international agreements that Nigeria is signatory to or is education not a priority? May be it is one lesson that ASUU would learn after this strike never to enter into long-term agreements with the Federal Government again, but to adopt the approaches of other sectors of government that hold on the neck or jugular for immediate payoffs. Unfortunately, what ASUU seeks is of long-term benefit to the system that will be sustainable which cannot be sacrificed on the altar of do-ordie approaches that abound in the polity. The discountenance only shows that government is not interested in the educational sector and by extension, the future of millions of Nigerians and posterity, over renegotiating what has already been concluded in 2009 and again rekindled in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2012. President Jonathan must not allow absolutism and impunity to be his watchword in engaging the union to uplift the universities and educational sector in general from the present quagmire. We are dealing with the future of Nigerians and no foreign government or international agency will accept to shoulder that responsibility on our behalf; only our own government has the moral responsibility to do so. Be that as it may, what does stakeholders in the universities and educational sector in general expect after the ASUU strike? To start with, there is the viable postulation that universities should be shut for at least two- three years to fix the problems as was the case in Ghana when they had similar challenges which they surmounted proactively to become a destination point for Nigerian students, with a price of close to a hundred billion naira annually in tuition alone, subsistence and other costs not included. Not many stakeholders will be favourably disposed to this idea even if it is a year off the campus, especially the parents and their wards, some of whom already have spent an extra semester or year as well as the cost involved and boredom while waiting. At a

JAW JAW By Didi Onu

Fagge, ASUU president

For the government to come out and proclaim that it cannot implement the demands because it was signed by another regime smacks of one-man show in governance even though deputies proclaim daily on rooftops that they are not mere spare tyres in administrative and bureaucratic affairs time when Ghana had completely mopped up its bogus currency through revaluation and minting of lesser denominations, Nigerians were served with an excessive note of a bill of N5000 by the apex bank; nobody cared to ask why the Ghanaians were recently on the reverse gear while we were busy attempting to engage a near triple forward gear in the same direction. Despite a peer review mechanism in place on the continent, we prefer to selectively look up to western countries for our standards. Unfortunately, government too has a penchant for suffocating local ideas, innovations and institutions through unpopular and contradictory policies, otherwise how can one explain for instance, low production levels of our refineries. We still import refined petroleum products and illegal refineries are uncovered almost every day. Can’t government set up a petroleum refining commission in the oil sector to set modalities and standards for private ownership of refineries and regulate them? Local refineries are acclaimed to be producing at 70 per cent capacity, perhaps privately owned refineries will make up the remaining 30 per cent when the necessary framework is there to bring them on board and hopefully boost the elusive exports to other countries. I am sure some universities baring any restrictions would source their internally generated revenues (IGR) from refining crude oil on a smallholding basis using the skills of its faculty members. So, if pundits are of the opinion that public universities have lost the ability to generate some of their funds, diverse avenues exist, but for restrictions.

However our issue of the moment is a revitalised and reinvigorated university system as a responsibility of the government. At the end of this ASUU strike also, stakeholders must expect the Federal Government to have put in place a new salary structure for academics in Nigerian public universities as well as a set of earned allowances that would continue to retain the best brains and possibly attract foreign scholars to our universities. It has always been argued that all that the strike is about is for salary increase. This is far from it, and would not deter any reasonable thinker to root for a good remuneration for the academics. Even academics from Africa shun our system and this is disheartening, for it should be a place where even some of our serving ministers should be proud to return to after their national assignments. Instead, what you have is brain drain as can be seen in Dr Pate formerly as Minister of State for Health returning as a US-based professor instead of a Nigerianbased professor simply because the comparable opportunities are simply not here to come by. Similarly, Dr Iweala would have returned to the US but for high-powered interests controlling the World Bank. Who is deceiving who? Everybody wants greener pastures and what ASUU is asking for is the barest minimum. Even smaller countries like Gambia have research councils just like the UK that has many universities. Similarly, federally-funded research foundations are there in the US and other countries. To add salt to injury, these foreign research councils and foundations often throw open some of their opportunities in order to mop up our best that are remaining; but it’s a free world and a global village at that, while others restrict most of their opportunities to their own nationals .Who can blame them for trying to develop their own countries in the best way that is suited to them before passing the ‘’crumbs to the dogs’’. Rarely, when eventually they give you the opportunity as a foreign national, they decide the kind of research they want for you to do that is usually within their own borders, so why can’t we have our own federally-funded research councils or foundation in order to have our own voice about the type of research that we want to do on our shores. We need this institution to stimulate research and infrastructure especially in the laboratories in our public universities. Additionally, government should encourage companies operating in Nigeria to set up research and development units in collaboration with universities. Such units are not ASUU-centred but an avenue for student-based opportunities such as industrial training attachment, internship and house job. These are amongst other issues in the agreement with ASUU. Increased funding to universities and education in general is most vital to the agreement and the minimum benchmark used is 26 per cent of budgetary allocation as recommended by UNESCO. Ghana’s allocation to education is 31 per cent and it is not without results as our students troop in there year-in, year-out, while ours is a paltry 8.5 per cent, not even up to 50 per cent of the UNESCO benchmark. This is not encouraging and is putting the public universities in dire financial and infrastructural straits. This affects all facets of academic life, for instance, most laboratory equipment manufacturers do not have factories, regional offices nor after sales service nor technicians in the country simply because the funding of the sector is not convincing

enough to warrant their taking the business risk to invest here. They say the sector is a desert. As a result, some hardy departments and researchers that managed to import sophisticated equipment often run into the troubled waters of maintaining the facility, spare parts and even steady electricity supply. Local contractors supplying these equipments most often do not have the expertise to service these equipments nor do the departments with paucity of funds capable of training staff in these new technologies abroad. In the US, Defence and Educational contractors are major drivers in the innovation of these sectors due largely to adequate funding, which they also stimulate through new ideas and technologies. Unfortunately, our local contractors in the educational sector are yet to have a vibrant human capital development approach. We must aspire to be the best that can be found anywhere in the world, after all our own scholars are also excelling in those developed places. These are things that should engage for instance, the young mind of the minister of state for education. Educational ministerial portfolios should be reserved for a senior and junior-middle level career educationist, as is the case in the health ministry and not just for all comers; education is a very serious business. Expectedly, a Nigerian Universities Pension Management Company (NUPEMCO) should be in place at the end of the strike. Pension matters are very serious affairs about the future of people who have selflessly served their fatherland in order to have an assured financial security during the retirement years. The seriousness that is attached to pension issues have been asserted by the National Assembly in seeking for pensions for its principal officers even though some of them already have well secured pensions in public service before becoming lawmakers without any provision to pass their existing ones to charity. Indeed, pension is a lifeline, which cannot be toyed with. In conclusion, after the ASUU strike, it is expected that government would have fully implemented the 2009 agreement it reached with the union for the benefit of the universities. Obviously, state universities would have been supported through federal grants, funding requirements met, contentious landed property transfer to universities resolved, issue of retirement age of professors at 70 and university autonomy laid to rest, governing councils of the new universities put in place and budget monitoring committee (BMC) which shall monitor the effective use of these funds in each university put in place. Government should act honourably by implementing the agreement without further delay in order to forestall the wastage of time and resources of stakeholders in the universities and educational sector in general which the current strike portends. ASUU agreement with government is not an intellectual nemesis to the authorities as the members have continued to articulate their views on the impasse and engaged the leaders at any available and given opportunity. It remains to be seen how positively government will respond to the demands earlier agreed upon by both parties. •Tyokumbur is of the Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

COVER

‘Kalu, Dariye, Turaki, Daniel And Nyame Still Have Case To Answer’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 and once they win elections they have to pay back because there is so much money involved in elections in Nigeria. Once they enter, right from the first day they are sworn in they start looting the treasury over a period of time and at different times. Now, there are rules that govern drafting of charges. We have the rule against misjoinder of offenders, rule against misjoinder of offences, rule against ambiguity and the rule against multiplicity. You have to comply with these rules. If you take someone’s statement of account, you know that on a particular day he transferred this amount of money from government account to his own account; you have to state the different transactions on the different days separately no matter how many they are; and each of them is a count of the charge. If you lump them together you will have problems in proving them and the judge will have problem in understanding them. So each count is based on each of the transaction? Yes. You have to include all in the charge so that when the court is making an order of forfeiture, it’s the one you have proved that the court will order forfeiture on. If the man stole N3 billion and you say because you don’t want to have multiplicity of counts, and you charge him for N200 million, you only prove that one. It’s the ones you have proved before the court that the court can issue an order of forfeiture on. These are the reasons. It’s not as if we delight in bringing numerous counts, but we have to comply with the rules of drafting of charges. Do you think that the number of counts on your charges contribute to the delay of your cases? Not at all! Is there something that could be done to avoid starting a case all over again when a new judge takes over a case? I think something can be done. I’ve not been there but I’m told that in some of these jurisdictions abroad when you leave, you carry the cases along with you. When you are elevated you finish the cases. And the cases we prosecute, there is something we call demeanour, the law of evidences. When somebody is giving evidence you look at the person’s face as a judge. You look at the expressions to detect if the person is a credible witness or not. But economic and financial crime cases are merely documentary. So the issue of demeanour does not arise as such. So why don’t judges finish their cases or let the new judges continue from where the other judge stopped since they are documentary? But the laws have to be amended to provide for that. These are what can be done. Until the laws are amended, we will continue to have trial de novo whereby a case will have to start from the beginning whenever a judge is transferred and a new judge takes over the case. Are there people that have got plea bargain in the last two years? We do plea bargain but the ones that attract attention are the big ones that people hear. Ibru (Cecilia) was about three years ago. The one within the last two years was John Yesufu, the police pension case. There are other small cases. They are not the high sounding cases that attract so much attention. We do plea bargain. People come and say I want to plead guilty, what concession are you going to give to me? If he has been involved in advanced fee fraud, he pays the money to the owner or he forfeits his properties, we sell them and the money is returned to the owner. But another issue in this matter is that he has committed a crime against the state for which he should be punished. In that case, under the advanced fee fraud Act, the person should be sent to not less than seven years imprisonment and not more than 20 years. So the judge has the discretion from seven to 20 years. But if someone is remorseful and comes to say, ‘I want to plead guilty, the trial is dragging and I

don’t want to waste the time of the court,’ we can charge him under the criminal law for the same offence. In that case, the judge will have the discretion to sentence the person for one or two years from the time the person was arrested. What happened in the case of John Yesufu; the case against him involved N23bn but he was given two years jail term and an option of fine of N750, 000. Since it was plea bargain did he pay back the N23bn in full? When people hear N23 billion, they think he was the only person. They are about 10 of them. He wasn’t the only one. I think his own was about one point something billion naira or thereabout. There are assets he has forfeited, which will measure up to that amount. We have only three counts against him for breach of trust, which attracts about 14 years imprisonment or fine or even imprisonment plus fine. For criminal misappropriation, the court can give you two years and then exercise its discretion to fine the person. Because the man said he didn’t want to prolong the case again and wanted plea bargain, he forfeited everything he got through the proceeds of crime. The crime against the state was the issue in that one. So I said if you go through trial, you would get up to 14 years but since he wanted plea bargain we charged him for criminal misappropriation and he was sentenced to two years. That law provides for two years imprisonment with an option of fine. In terms of whether the judge has power to impose an option of fine, he had the power to do that by the law, but the grouse was that there was an agreement between the counsel to the prosecution and the counsel to the accused person, which we have presented to the judge that we have agreed that this man must go to prison for two years. Now coming round to give him an option of fine for him to pay N750,000 and go scot-free was the problem in that case. If he had said he was going to give the man an option of fine, take it or leave it, EFCC wouldn’t have gone ahead with the plea bargain. We would have made him go through trial. By the side, John Yesufu also has another case with EFCC on false declaration of assets. Yes. When a person is arrested, he is given a form for the declaration of his assets where he has to declare all his assets. It’s a crime to refuse or make a false declaration. He made a false declaration that these are all he had and after that it was found out that there are other assets, which he had, but did not include. So how many convictions have you got so far? Since inception, EFCC has 708 convictions and in the last two years, over 200 convictions. What is the position of the properties you have seized? When someone is arrested, the law says we should trace the person’s properties and get an order for interim attachment pending the determination of the trial against him. The court will make an interim order of forfeiture freezing those assets. If at the end of the trial the person is discharged and acquitted and it is shown that he didn’t buy any of those properties with the proceed of crime, the court will release the properties to him. But if the person is found guilty and even after discharging him, it is found that he bought those properties with the proceeds of crime, the court will make a final order of forfeiture. So you have two ways of dealing with properties now – when it is subject to an interim order of forfeiture and then when it is subject to a final order of forfeiture. Starting from final order of forfeiture, if it has to do with a case of advanced fee fraud, the law says if the person is convicted, the money is paid back to the owner. We had the case where a Brazilian company was duped of over $240,000; the properties that were

Okoroma

When someone is arrested, the law says we should trace the person’s properties and get an order for interim attachment pending the determination of the trial against him. The court will make an interim order of forfeiture freezing those assets. If at the end of the trial the person is discharged and acquitted and it is shown that he didn’t buy any of those properties with the proceed of crime, the court will release the properties to him. But if the person is found guilty and even after discharging him, it is found that he bought those properties with the proceeds of crime, the court will make a final order of forfeiture sold were transferred to the bank abroad. If it is money stolen from the state, it’s government property, the law says it should be disposed of and the proceeds paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the federation. In that case, the issue of managing it does not even arise unless pending the time it is sold. When there is an interim order of forfeiture pending trial, depending on the nature of the property; if it’s a car you park it pending when the case will be concluded. If it’s a building where you have tenants, you appoint a manager to manage it and then you pay the money into a dedicated account so that when the matter is concluded if he is discharged and acquitted, he comes back to take over his property. But if he is convicted, it is sold. I was going to ask what the value of all the seized properties are? I won’t be in a position to tell you. We have an Asset Forfeiture Unit, which is responsible for harnessing these assets and interfacing with those managing those properties. Does the EFCC still believe that special courts should be established for the trial of corruption cases? It’s been our position, but we are not pushing it as vigorously as we were pushing it before, because in the light of some of the amendments that will be made through the Administration of Criminal Justice bill, it may not be too necessary anymore. Because, even if we get the special courts without amending the procedural laws, we will still have the same expe-

rience of cases not moving. What have been your successes in the 10 years of EFCC’s existence? You have heard that we have had 708 convictions. That is a remarkable success. In a space of 10 years, that shows we are making progress. People have confidence in the Institution because on a regular basis, we have petitions coming to the Commission, even the ones that are outside our mandate, but we send such to relevant agencies. If they don’t believe we are performing, they won’t be sending petitions to us. Look at where we are coming from; what was the position before EFCC was established? There was impunity in the commission of economic and financial crimes and corruption related crimes. It was when EFCC came on board that those considered untouchable in the society were prosecuted. Anybody can be arrested and tried. People like Cecilia, Tafa Balogun, people who were considered untouchable; we prosecuted them. Even the international community has confidence in the EFCC. They write us from abroad, those who have been scammed through the Internet. I think we are succeeding. There are proceeds of crime, which have been recovered and repatriated to the victims. We have Alamieyesiegha case, a former chief executive convicted. They are just there for people to see and we are still working. It’s just that the impact we made when we started, those things we did resonated because of the circumstances we were in then. So that when we are doing the same things again, they don’t reverberate the way it used to. For instance, if we arrest somebody like the Inspector General of Police now, it will not resonate because we have done it before in the case of Tafa Balogun. It’s not resonating now because it is becoming a norm; they will say after all they’ve been doing it. Possibly because you’ve not convicted enough high profile persons? It’s not for us to convict. Perhaps, they are wiser now with their applications? It’s not for us to convict. If only we can have speedy trials of some of these cases when they start. For instance, a case that started in 2007, such as the case against Orji Uzor Kalu; the charge was filed in 2007. It’s six years now, some of the witnesses might have died or relocated. A number of things may have happened. Tomorrow, when you start the trial and we are asking for adjournments to get the witnesses who have relocated or are not available again and we lose the case, they will say EFCC has lost a case, but that was the game plan of the defence counsel.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

All That Jazz

ARTSVILLE

BY BENSON IDONIJE benidoni@yahoo.com

Abdullah Ibrahim… Salute To The Pianist, Composer

BY TOYIN AKINOSHO

Resilient Walks Into Girl Child Marriage Debate UST as the national conversation intensifies over girl-child marriages, Jfocused filmmaker Gloria Ugolee prepares to lead her cast to shoot a movie on the education of the girl child. “I’m not doing it because of the debate”, explains the would-be producer and director of Resilient. She says that the feature movie, which is to star Segun Arinze, a leading Nollywood actor, Brycee Bassey a hot new comer, Elvina Ibru of the Ibru-culturemedia-business family and Tunji Aderibigbe of the Spirited Actors, is largely about values that empower the girl-child in navigating the emotional minefield that society throws up. Pre-production activities are currently being concluded for the movie, a One Soul Film written, produced and codirected by Ugolee, a graduate of the Television School in Jos and winner of a short film award at Fespaco, Africa’s top Film Festival. The movie is “about children, giving them a voice, attention, empathy, wisdom and education”, says the delectable, soft spoken filmmaker. “That’s why it’s going to go beyond the cinema circuit. It will be screened in schools as well as communities”. The idea for Resilient came to Ugolee at a Fespaco workshop in 2005. The participants were assigned to write on such an issue in their respective countries. “It occurred to me that a movie would present the case more comprehensively”, Ugolee explains. “I have always known about girl-child survival. I grew up in the north but I know that the issue is all over the country. It’s not just about sending your children to school, it’s about fortifying them with the values that help them to be resilient and survive in life”. The film’s lead character has a flair for schooling, but of course her father wants her to get married at an early age. She sure did get educated, but she wasn’t fortified with the principles to handle life’s challenges. “Education gave her happiness, but knowledge would have given her life”, Ugolee remarks.

Otigbo, Nwosu Prepare For Gallery Appearances EMEMBER Veronica Otigbo? She was a much talked about sculptor in R the nineties; one of those who established, and benefitted from the Fine Art Boom in Lagos between 1989 and 1992. Now married to the photogra-

Y encounter with South African M pianist, Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand), at the 2004 NorthSea Jazz Festival in Capetown remains unforgettable. The memory has continued to linger: His poise. His sense of rhythm. His depth. The intensity. The emotion. He has been decorated with many accolades and descriptions including ‘Keyboard Maestro,’ ‘virtuoso soloist’ and ‘composer of emotive melodies.’ He is all of them and more! One of Africa’s biggest artists abroad, he continues to keep the flag flying, enjoying the same level of recognition and acceptance as Nigeria’s Fela Sowande, piano virtuoso and pioneering composer of modern African art music. As a matter fact, international recognition and acclaim have come to a few jazz musicians in Africa – for using African music as vehicle for selfexpression. Honour and fame have greeted some others for taking jazz – in its naked, straight- ahead fashion – to an extremely creative limit: Among them are trumpeter Michael Falana of Nigeria who played avant garde jazz with the esoteric Don Cherry in Germany before his final exit from the scene; Fela Anikulapo Kuti whose straight-ahead jazz eventually transformed to the passionately Afro centric Afro beat, a bold fusion that can be described as ‘modal’ jazz; Kofi Ghanaba (Guy Warren of Ghana), a percussionist whose rhythmic concept demonstrated by his drums of passion – is well articulated and defined in his Africa speaks, America answers album; South Africa’s Abdullah Ibrahim(formally known as Dollar Brand) whose compositions and piano-playing continue to astound audiences for the emotional impact and spirituality. His writing and playing complement each other in terms of exploration and illumination with an expressive range that does justice to the subject matter. As a pianist, Ibrahim ranks very high among his peers with a technique and approach comparable to Oscar Peterson or Wynton Kelly. A highly individual pianist-composer, Ibrahim is influenced by Duke Ellington and Thelonius Monk, especially his South African heritage. Abdullah Ibrahim who, until the 70s

was known as Dollar Brand, performs exploratory originals that are full of strong melodies and spirituality. He started on piano when he was seven; and was a member of the Jazz Epistles, recording South Africa’s first jazz album in 1960. Ibrahim went into self-imposed exile from the apartheid system in 1962, going to Zurich. Duke Ellington heard them perform and arranged for recording sessions. Ibrahim was also sponsored by Ellington at the 1965 Newport jazz Festival. In 1966, Ibrahim worked with the drummer, Elvin Jones, otherwise, he has generally been a bandleader. Ibrahim has recorded for many labels in settings ranging from a piano soloist and head of a large band to his septet, Ekaya including numerous sessions for Enja. Ibrahim, who visited South Africa in 1976, has returned home several times since its liberation from apartheid. As a matter of fact, when South Africa celebrated 10 years of freedom in 2004, he was top of the bill at that year’s North Sea Jazz Festival in Cape Town. He was there with a formidable trio, which featured him on piano; Belden Bullock, bass; and George Gray, drums. Ibrahim’s spiritual and melodic South African folk music is always worth hearing; his individuality has always remained incredibly impressive. Previously recorded in live setting at the Montreux Jazz Festival, he knocked his audience out at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 2004 with a tune called South Africa, dedicated to his country. The pianist added his emotional voice to the proceedings to give the ensemble sound the cultural identity it deserved. While Ibrahim has received acclaim for his piano playing, he is also at ease with nine other instruments. Early in his musical career, he played drums. In Beautiful Love on the album, Mantra Mode, Ibrahim plays drums, featuring on percussion in Knysna Blues in 1993. He is heard on flute in two tracks of Mindiff, which he recorded in 1988; and on xylophone in the famous Duke Ellington sessions. Having studied Cello at the Julliard School of Music in 1967, Ibrahim employs the instrument in Hamba Kahile recorded in 1968, African Horns in

pher Pius Utomi-Ekpei, Ms Otigbo took a lengthy break to bring up a family. Her forthcoming exhibition, Echoes From The Wood, scheduled for opening on the evening of Saturday, August 24 TerraKulture, is part of a series of come -back events. Meanwhile Uchechukwu Nwosu, a painter 1975, The Art of Abdullah Ibrahim (1975). whose speech has been slurred by stroke, has not allowed his health chalFew people know that Ibrahim is a lenges to stand in the way of his brushstrokes. Nwosu had an exhibition at poet with works already published. the Aina Onobolu Gallery between November and December 2011, two Ibrahim’s Twelve Tone Pius Finale is years into the paralysis. He is very advanced in the preparation for another published in six books in different exhibition, Old and New, slated to show at the VASON space at the Freedom parts of the world. The pianist’s poetry Park, in October. Nwosu is showing 40 works, most of them produced also appeared in Cape Herald between between 2012 and 2013. He is essentially a symbolist and satirist and his July 1968 and February 1969 when he colour scheme is interesting. was the newspaper’s columnist. His column was ironically called, The World Of Dollar after his previous name, Dollar Brand. Four different poems of From Strokes To Power the pianist-composer can be found in N January 2014, EverythingJournalism, the cyber hangout for those pasliner notes of four albums. sionate about journalism, will be three years old. Taiwo Obe, former ediHaving had to fight at the age of seven against the stereotype that the tor of The Guardian’s Sunday Supplement and copy editor at ThisWeek was thinking of bringing the linked -in group to do something useful, again, in piano was a ‘feminine instrument,’ Ibrahim rose to be South Africa’s musi- the real world. Inspired by his reading of Satires of Power In Yoruba Visual cal ambassador. With more than 200 Culture by Yomi Ola, a former cartoonist/illustrator with the old Daily Times now a university teacher in the United States of America, Obe has decided albums and 300 compositions, Ibrahim has won followers all over the that one thing EverythingJournalism, could do is hold an exhibition of cartoons. “There’s a chapter in Ola’s book, entitled Satirizing Military world. His film scores for movies are numerous and brilliant. Now back in Dictatorship, which discusses how cartoonists such as Bisi Ogunbadejo, his country after many years in exile, Boye Gbenro and Tayo Fatunla used their strokes of pen to criticise the military dictators of their time”, Obe explained to friends in Lagos last week. Ibrahim shuttles between his Cape Town and New York homes, and also “Reading along, I thought that there was a need to actually begin a celebratravels to Europe, North America and tion of editorial cartoonists, who had visually spoken to power”. Mr Obe, nephew of the veteran photojournalist Peter Obe and brother of the Asia. Guardian’s cartoon editor Seinde Obe, hopes that EverythingJournalism can Despite all these achievements, bring about an exhibition entitled From Strokes To Power, by “a select group Ibrahim’s roots remain deep in the South African soil. His music still con- of Nigerian master editorial cartoonists, including a few of them who are now abroad (dele jegede, Boye Gbenro, Tayo Fatunla) to show case their tains the repetitive, but inventive best works in a one-week exhibition”. Mr. Obe may or may not have conMarabi cultural groove. tacted these artists and he is most likely to be embarrassed, if not shocked, “Whether performed in America, Europe or Japan, our music moves peo- that we are breaking this story. We apologise. It’s just such an amazing ple. It heals them,” says Ibrahim whose piece we can’t let it go. “I doubt if this has happened before”, Obe told his friends, “so we have to do it very well”. If he pulls it off, it would be the secperformance at the 2004 North Sea ond time that EverythingJournalism, in its short life, is making such useful Jazz Festival (now Cape Town contribution in the real world. Last year, the group, in collaboration with International Jazz Festival, usually the Pan African University, published a book of comments contributed in referred to as Africa s Grandest the course of a webfrence on the state of journalism in Nigeria. The Gathering) was his first. Though held in high esteem overseas webfrence was inspired by the life and death of the NEXT newspaper. for his prolific compositional skills, litRecommended: A Husband’s Wife tle of his works has found itself into South African music academy. Like AHMAN Anikulapo is not so bothered about the script. He is sure that, Fela Sowande of Nigeria, Ibrahim with the two lead actors, Tyron E. Terrence’s A Husband’s Wife would work. enjoys more recognition and acclaim The Nollywood actress Bimbo Akintola is starring alongside stage overseas than his country—South actor Toyin Oshinaike in the stage play scheduled for August 10 2013 at Africa. It was only recently that he received honorary doctorates from the Terra Kulture. “They are stwo of the most dependable actors I know”, says Anikulapo, the country’s most important culture journalist and a retired Universities of Cape Town, Western Cape and Natal. The doctorates from editor of The Guardian on Sunday. He thinks that Akintola, though better the three universities were in recogni- known on film, has a firmer handle on stage than the regular, so called AList Nollywood actress. Directed by Abiodun Kassim, A Husband’s Wife tells tion of his contributions to music. the story of a hardworking married couple who suddenly find themselves Some of his recorded works include Ode To Duke Ellington, African Portraits, wanting to do something new for the first time. “The play tends to provoke African Piano, Zimbabwe, Anatomy Of A a consciousness that challenges the way people perceive the realities of long-term relationships”, the producers say. The evening’s package South African Village, African Market involves dance performances by the Amazing Footprints of David, and a draPlace, African Dawn and others. matic monologue by Toju Ejoh & Squad One.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

SUNDAYMAGAZINE 57

MOVIEDOM

BY SHAIBU HUSSEINI

shaibu70@yahoo.com

Around and about Nollywood... 34th Durban Filmfest Ends, As Winners Emerge th

HE 34 edition of Durban International T Film Festival (DIFF) ended last weekend with winners in the different categories announced. The announcement preceded the screening of the closing film, Free Angela – And All Political Prisoners, at the Suncoast CineCentre Cinema. Presenting the award of Best Feature Film to The Land of Hope, the International Jury commended Sion Sono for a film that “masterfully and humbly draws together an array of cinematic means of expression to engage us in a story.” The award has a cash prize of 50 000 Rands. The international Jury, which comprised Egyptian curator and festival programmer, Sherif Awad; renowned festival programmer, Paolo Bertolin; South African filmmaker, Sarah Blecher; film curator, June Givanni; and South African actress, Hlubi Mboya; also awarded Best South African Feature Film to Andrew Worsdale for his Durban Poison. The award has a cash prize of 30 000 Rands. Jahmil XT Quebeka’s Of Good Report, which was Uche Jombo banned by Federal Publication Bureau partners. Information on winners can (FPB) of South Africa prior to the start of be sourced at www.durbanfilmfest.co.za. the festival and later unbanned a day before it ended, wasn’t considered. Uche Jombo Releases False Givanni, on behalf of the Jury, said, “the And Lies Men Tell jury is saddened and concerned about the limitations to freedom of expression that CTRESS cum producer, Uche Jombo, are still in force on the continent and is back on the movie radar. The beyond, but we are glad that on this occaactress whose last works, A Mother’s Fight sion the decision has been over-turned.” and Misplaced, garnered rave review and There was much accolade for Of Good patronage in the DVD market, will be Report even by the festival organisers who releasing two works — False and Lies Men were pleased that the FPB reversed their Tell before August ending. False features decision and gave the film an R-Rating of 16. The FPB had refused to classify the film, Kate Henshaw, Kalu Ikeagwu and Jombo while Lies Men Tell has on its fold, which was an opening night film and so it Desmond Elliot, Jombo and Bhaira was not screened in any of its allocated slots, and therefore, it could not be in com- Mcwizu in lead roles. In False, Ikeagwu plays the unfortunate husband who gets petition. Organisers of DIFF, however, entangled in romance he started with a acknowledged the film’s achievements in lady on Blackberry Messenger (BBM). It stimulating worldwide debate and highturns out a case of BBM romance taken lighting important issues in South African too far. Lies Men Tell is the story of a phisociety. It was in recognition of this that Festival manager Peter Machen announced landering husband who is closely a new yearly Award for Artistic Bravery, the watched by his wife. The release of the movies is planned to coincide with the first of which was given to Qubeka. The celebration of Uche Jombo’s month on film was thereafter screened on the last Africa Magic Entertainment on DSTV. The day of the festival. The festival is organised busy actress, scriptwriter and producer by the Centre For Creative Arts (University has has produced or co-produced over 12 of KwaZulu-Natal) with support from the movies. National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), National Film and Arik Strengthens partnership Video Foundation, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development with AMAA and Tourism, HIVOS, City of Durban, German Embassy in South Africa, Goethe N fulfillment of its role as the official Institut of South Africa, French Season in airline of the Africa Movie Academy South Africa, and a range of other valued Awards, Arik Air has strengthened its

‘My Vision For The Yoruba Movie’

relationship with the pan-Africa awards. Arik, the official airline partner for AMAA, has airlifted delegates from different parts of the world who attended the annual event in Nigeria and also has provided air transportation for delegates within Nigeria. The Chief Executive Officer of AMAA, Ms. Peace AnyiamOsigwe, said the partnership has been mutually beneficial to both parties. ‘’We appreciate and value our relationship and I must say the experience since the airline became our official partner has been a great one. The AMAA and Arik brands have complimented each other in the sense that we are both passionate about harnessing the existing potentials in Africa for the growth and development of our people. While Arik is providing air linkages by creating routes for easy movement of people and trade across Africa and beyond we at Africa Film Academy are promoting the best in our history, culture and people through encouraging professionalism in film making.’’ Anyiam-Osigwe said the airline has not relented in its support for AMAA which she said is all-year round adding that the airline is also supporting the annual general meeting of AMAA which is taking place in South Africa. ‘’Our Jury and board members converged on South Africa over this weekend to review the past nine years of AMAA and take some critical decisions as we move to our tenth anniversary. To get our people into South Africa from Nigeria and other parts of the world, Arik Air again is a ready and willing to ensure our people have a great flight experience in and out of South Africa,’’ she concluded.

Kunle Afolayan, Yomi Fash In

the industry.” One of such great brand evolving projects is the Yoruba Movie Academy Awards, as always, there is room for major improve- a celebration of creativity in the Yoruba UNDE Oshinibosi, popularly known as ment in critical areas.” Laface, is a firm believer in the rich culmovie. For Laface, “it has become imperative as tural heritage of the Yoruba race. The overwhelming success of the first believers in the industry dream that we According to him, “it becomes imperaedition held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has have to take the bull by the horn in project- necessitated a sequel, which is billed for tive for me to contribute my own quota ing the Yoruba culture and race globally in Ibadan, Oyo State, later in the year. towards the continuous growth of its movie industry, through the introduction line with the Yoruba agenda.” Another landmark project is the first ever He added, “there is an urgent need to of creative and sustainable projects that Yoruba Film Festival, a yearly event aimed engage government of the day through will aid the Industry’s continuous growth at “promoting positive and desirable film constructive dialogue and creative avenues culture, an exhibition, business and creprocess, that is, the Yoruba Movie Awards where both parties can see the inherent (YMA) and the Yoruba Film Festival.” ative workshop for need for synergy in socio economic develOshinibosi, who is the organiser of YMA, stakeholders,critics,enthusiasts and opment, youth empowerment and job cre- investors in the Yoruba film industry will during an interactive session with the ation across board, with the major entermedia recently, said, “it is a known fact follow later in the year 2013.” tainment virus piracy always on the front that today’s Nollywood started with what According to him, the festival’s theme is burner.” was known back in the early days as the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment. The show promoter continued, “my vision Yoruba Movie Awards 2013 will celebrate Alarinjo Theatre (Travelling Theatre) with is to positively project the industry brand the likes of Hubert Ogunde, Kola and honour creativity in 16 award cateby channeling and packaging the right Ogunmola, Duro Ladipo and others, but gories and five honourary categories. activities aimed at projecting and facilitatalong the line, the Yoruba movie industry The immensely popular voting process could not keep up with the pace of what is ing the industry’s growth.” has been ongoing for the past one month, He said, “a major motivating factor is the To vote for your favorite actors and actresstoday’s Nollywood, hence a major vacuum need for change and the vision to leave was created due to branding, marketing, es log on to www.ymaawards.com, you can behind a lasting legacy that will be remem- follow us on twitter @ymovieawards and positioning and technical input.” However, according to Oshinibosi, there bered long after my human existence, a like us on facebook. clarion call for all well meaning Yoruba in has been a marked improvement in the Laface, the executive producer of YMAA, last couple of years, and is indeed, very evi- particular and Nigerians in general to no further stated that the much anticipated dent in recent film releases and researches longer sit on the fence but look for avenues YMAAwards 2013 event date will be where they can contribute their quota pro- announced in due course. conducted by media buying agencies, research agencies, television affiliates, “but fessionally towards the development of

Dazzling Mirage OREMOST filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, has Fmovie, unveiled the poster and cast of his next Dazzling Mirage. The movie features A-list actors such as Kunle Afolayan and Yomi Fash-Lanso. For Afolayan, it is a return to where it all started. His first shot at Kelani’s movie was Saworoide (2004) in which he starred as Aresejabata alongside Khabirat Kafidipe (Araparegangan). Mainframe Productions in Lagos launched Dazzling Mirage’s official poster recently. The new film is written by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare and adapted for screen by Ade Solanke. It is a love story marked by acts of betrayal and loyalty such as in the life of a typical sickle cell person. Kelani hinted that the film is currently at the final stage of preproduction while filming will start on August 14. “We believe the production of the film is of utmost importance as it is estimated that about 500,000 children are born yearly with sickle cell disease worldwide and 50 per cent will die before they attain the age of five. In Nigeria specifically, more than 40 million carry the trait and 150,000 children are born yearly with the disease.” For Afolayan, it is another homecoming. According to him, “I’ m very excited to work with my boss and father again. I’ m more excited because it’s over a decade we worked together on actor director basis. I’m really looking forward to the shoot.”

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

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ALLAH-DE: Tribute To A By Lade Bonuola HE Sunday Times, in the Daily Times stable was T reputed for the parade of great columnists that passed through her portals. As of the time of Ebenezer Williams, it could be said of the paper, arguably though, that she sold “wholly and solely” on her columnists. There were six stars shining in the paper’s firmament: Ebenezer Williams (Abiodun Aloba); Peter Pan (Peter Enahoro; who started out as George Sharp; Sad Sam (Sam Amuka—Off Beat Sam in Spear Magazine, but later simply Sad Sam in Sunday Times); Gbolabo Ogunsanwo in Life with Gbolabo Ogunsanwo; Haroun Adamu (Public Eye); and Allah-De (Alade Odunewu). The listing is not indicative of any particular ranking. It is put this way because Allah-De is the one who steps onto the dais today to take a bow! Until the advent of Haroun Adamu, the paper boasted of five musketeers. Of course, there were women also: The very controversial Adora Ulasi of “This thing called man” fame :( “To turn a man into a husband is one of the most delicate plastic operations known to civilization. It requires hope, faith and charity.”) There were Theresa Ogunbiyi and Esther (Bisi Adebiyi). When the Allah-De column was to make its debut, he was promoted on the cover of the paper on 30 December 1962, with such rejoicing as a “brilliant writer who opens a bright new sizzling column—the jottings of a city rambler.” Allah-De predated his ascendancy to the throne as editor of the Sunday Times. He became editor on 07 June 1964, editing the paper for only six months. On 13 December he was kicked upstairs, as we would say in those days, elevated to the editorship of the Daily Times. In 1978 when the Sunday Times marked the 25th anniversary of her coming into being, Allah-De had this to say about his column: “My aim was to help put the society on course. It was an all-purpose column, which discussed anything, that was worth talking about—from beauty contests to serious contentions like ‘Aburi Report’ and ‘You can’t argue with History’. It was also to some extent a society column: serious, frivolous and no-holds-barred.” He was to elaborate this in the preface to his book, a collection of the Allah-De writings as follows: “The Allah-De column was random jottings about government and the governed, about the perennial struggle between the powerful and the weak, between the rich and the poor. It was about the electricity suppliers who inflicted darkness on the household, about the telephone that was epileptic; it was primarily a watchdog or ombudsman column which, in its attempt to put the world right, found pleasure in throwing pebbles into the pond with little ripples scattered here and there, particularly on the Sabbath Day which we are enjoined to keep holy and not a day for an irate, struggling newspaperman to disturb the calmness of the mind”. Summing up, he says: “The column indulges mainly in mundane matters, occasionally, and deliberately, it gets involved in what they call a flight of fancy. It is a column for that section of the population referred to by writers of party manifestos as common people. But because I fear that some intellectuals are reading over the shoulders of the proletariat, the column at times borrows the robe of the learned and delivers itself of some exciting discourse”. It is no wonder that the Allah-De column was an unpretentious fair ground, and Allah-De roamed far and wide, from one end of the world to the other. Yesterday he was in William Tubman’s Liberia where William V. Shadrach Tubman, a great disciple of Kwame Nkrumah, was resolved, like Osagyefo, to die on the throne. Today Allah-De could be seen in America; tomorrow in the wonder bird called DC 10 just advertised as noiseless and fast, on his way to the land of John Bull, of Harold Macmillan and of Sir Alec Douglas – Home. The next day Allah-De could be found in Germany watching in awe the Bavarians do

Allah-De what they revel doing best in what they call ‘The Place’, drinking as if there would be no tomorrow. He was at home on “The night we put out the flags” and he witnessed “The great naming ceremony.” That was 22 September 1963. Hear his testimony: “It is only eight days to the great national naming ceremony, or, if you like, re-naming ceremony. Very soon, the Federation of Nigeria will henceforth be addressed the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “I can see that we are all cock-a-hoop for the big show, not because we believe there is anything in a name or that our lot would automatically change with a new nomenclature, but mainly because the coming feast offers the workers an opportunity to get a loan from their employers to settle old debts. “Notice boards in several offices now glitter with invitations from reluctant bosses asking their ever obedient servants to call on the cashier any day before October 1 for the Republic Day loan so they can all be merry during the christening ceremony.” Of Tubman was it written: “President Tubman is the 18th President of Liberia. He was first elected some 20 years ago to serve a term of eight years and re-elected in 1951 for a second term of four years and re-elected again for another four-year term. “As the most recent elections show, the President’s True Wig Party, which has ruled for nearly a

century controls all the seats, which means that, like Ghana, there is no opposition.” From his observatory Allah-De could see and recognize oddities; he could see ugliness, cant and hypocrisy in high places, contradictions, and a great deal of sentimental drivel. He saw inconsequentialities, in our society and many a time in the world at large. Often he invited himself to introspection and saw our world was upside down as it still is. There is chaos and confusion everywhere and lack of humanity. Consider the case of Citizen Bernard the last he wrote before he vacated his observatory to take up appointment as commissioner for information and tourism. Or the case of Kola Balogun vs. Kola Balogun. “Once upon a time”, as Allah-De was wont to say,” there lived in these shores two men called Kola Balogun. One was a minister and a chief and the other a trade unionist ending his name simply with Esq. The minister accused the unionist of encroaching on his space, competing for limelight with him with a view to securing advantages for himself. Swiftly he issued a ministerial fiat banning the unionist from continuing to bear and use the name Kola Balogun.” Allah-De’s mien is often expressionless. You can pass him by as a Mr. Nobody if you didn’t know him. It is when one encounters him that one finds he is a bundle of knowledge, a highly informed man. With him there is no

dull moment. He cracks jokes. His bag of anecdotes is literally inexhaustible. He is a free mixer, relating well with the young as he does with the old. He cultivates contacts easily and seeks to nurture them. There are three men he holds in an unequaled esteem besides his elder brother, Bolaji who filled his world. They are Dr. Taslim Elias, Dr. Adekoyejo Majekodunmi and CJ Fatayi Atanda-Williams. A fantastic boss, Allah-De could be severe as well as accommodating. If you are slothful in your writing, you are careless or your piece is tasteless, you will encounter a different AllahDe. He is resourceful, one who could stare at the ceiling and conjure a subject on which to base the crafting of an engrossing column or an editorial. He is a teacher who always admonishes us to read wide and anything in print. That he does so himself is evinced in his writings, and the profile of his library. There is hardly any book that is not there whether it is on what he calls the saint of India, Mahatma Gandhi, or the Dr. referring to Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. Talk of the memoirs of Babikr Bedri, it is there. From Churchill at War to John Kenneth Galbraith to The Great Duke, The Fall of Japan, to Dance of the Forests; Voice of Reason to George Orwell’s 1984 or Mao TseTsung to a mouthful Bhaktivedanta or Ivan The Terrible. And innumerable novels and magazines. To him journalism world is a college of unending instruction. The newsroom is a college where you don’t ever graduate He is at home with his column in 10 Downing Street and Oxford Street as he is at Brixton, or Harlem in New York. He is at home at Adeola Odeku as he is at home on the street of Omopupa in Mushin. For Allah-De punctuality is the soul of business. He would, like Jose (the men of the old school), have arrived early in the morning in the office, read all newspapers and magazines and he would bring out subject ideas, get his secretary to type them out and send to the editor. He is a widely traveled man. What is remarkable about him is that he was not the kind of editor who would travel and not file reports. He led us by example. He interviewed General Gowon in 1969 when he was Editor-in Chief of the Daily Times. At the time Gowon was the most eligible bachelor in the world and naturally, like a Hollywood celebrity, the most sought after by several ladies of high social standing jostling to be his consort. Allah-De compares with his peers, the celebrated columnists overseas in the English-speaking world —Russell Baker, Bernard Levin, Cameron or Toynbee. All great columnists have certain attributes in common: Mastery of language, humour and wit. When they do plain speaking it is thought provoking, rich and engaging, and powerful. I recall that when Allah-De was leaving for government in 1973, Adamu CiromaMamma Daura’s New Nigerian in an editorial lamented his departure, drawing particular attention to his prose that would be greatly missed. It also reminds me of what journalism scholars wrote approvingly of his contemporary across the oceans, Russell Baker of the New York Times: “A unifying theme in all Baker’s writing was the glory of language and the need to safeguard it against depredation of both political jargon and commercial advertising”. Baker like Allah-De began his column in 1962 and his editor accepted his manuscript almost reluctantly. He wrote under the title Observer. At the beginning, not sure of what he had to offer, his editor always put his byline at the end of the column. It was not until he was seen as an asset after a few copies did his byline move to the top of the space allotted to him. Baker won several journalism prizes. He featured twice on the cover of Time magazine and he was a Pulitzer Prize winner. Of Bernard Levin, it is written: “The nearest thing to a national institution of any journalist who has emerged in this country since the war”. One of the pieces by Levin that struck me depicting the courage and licence great columnists brandish reads: ‘’Modern history offers few scenes as macabre and repulsive as the deathbeds of Tito and Franco, so alike in their brutal lives and characters, and now by a daring irony in their dying as

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THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

PERSPECTIVES

Symbol Of Our Realm well”. (The Times of London, 29 April 1980). It is doubtful if we can say any less of our own Allah-De as an institution. With masterly use of imagery, metaphor, similes and sometimes what those adept in literary appreciation would call onomatopoeia, as well as a hint of James Reston’s cathedral morality and severity, Allah-De seeks to engross his audience, sometimes baring his fangs as in the case of “Akinjide my chum” (1973). The reader comes across expressions such as Post and Telegraph (P&T) being referred to as Palaver and Trouble—a postal and telephone service that does not work. K.O. Mbadiwe became Knock Out Mbadiwe and manifestos were aptly referred to as book of political promises. Allah-De does not cease to amaze me: He is a Lagosian, although content with living in a less gentrified part of the city, yet his life has been shaped more by customs and fables of our people in the hinterland. The last piece he wrote before his sojourn in government was on Citizen Bernard who died at LUTH due to what was regarded as the carelessness of the medical personnel: Says he: “ I have always been cynical of the establishment, authority and power” and he goes on to talk about how he always keeps a healthy distance from nurses. Allah-De seeks to see himself as the opposite number of the great knighted columnist of the Daily Mirror, Sir William O’Conor, more widely known as Cassandra whom he admired greatly when he was at Regent Polytechnic as a Commonwealth scholar where he carted away the best all-round graduating student prize. His writings were influenced by the Cassandra column. We may wish to remember that Cassandra in Greek mythology was the seer whose prophesies were not believed, how much more heeded—with calamitous consequences for her people. However, I see AllahDe more in the mould of Russell Baker and to some extent with the blood of Cameron and our own Aiyekoto (Bisi Onabanjo) running in his veins. Interestingly, Baker wrote continuously for 37 years. Cameron waged a relentless battle to see to the dismantling of the British Empire. The Queen in her Majesty was years later, upon the collapse of the British Empire, to reward him with the national honour of the Commander of the British Empire. The irony was not lost on Cameron! Because sub-editors were not infrequently regarded as hatchet men, Oga had a sub-editor who handled his copy and a stone sub-editor who would follow it up in the case room as it then was. The man who was behind the scene who ensured that the column was error free was called Mr. Somade and the man who took personal charge in production was one man we called the Lion—Mr. Dominic Nworji, diminutive, but smart, efficient and effective, the terror of sub-editors. For Mr. Nworji, the roar was ‘mould.’ The Daily Times was his life. He loved the Daily Times to no end. Mr. Somade, eagle-eyed to spot errors, was the only one trusted to boil down a paragraph if necessary in Allah-De’s column or did the cutting whenever there was an over matter—on the galley proof. Daily Times was a magical kingdom for those of us privileged to pass through her portals. It was a school, it was a workplace. It was a family and an ancestral home. Allah-De came prepared. His elder brother, Bolaji, himself a distinguished editor, was his inspiration and his valued counsellor. Indeed he was his pivot in his formative years as a boy of the Garden City (as Port Harcourt was called before the war). With a highly developed sense of self-worth and dignity Allah-De moved to the editorial chair which represented the height of our journalistic aspirations because that seat was power and the editor of the Daily Times was permitted to see himself as the shadow president. Allah-De was also to become the group editor-in-chief to assume the custodianship of the paper’s traditions and values. Allah-De has been constant and the most enduring in our profession, who has proven a worthy ambassador waving its banner everywhere. It is, therefore, an honour and privilege that I have been asked to say the tribute from

the Media on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebrations, to pay homage to our boss and leader, a pillar of our national institution and monument called the Daily Times, the father

of Ebun, Akanni and Segun. Mandela put a stamp of authority on it when he says in his memoirs that in the African culture there are no uncles or aunties, no nephews or

nieces, no cousins, no half brothers or half sisters, but fathers, mothers, brothers and sons as well as daughters. For this reason I say father of Ore and Tunde whom the Englishman would have called his niece and nephew respectively, being the biological children of Bolaji. Hardly can it be realised from afar that Allah-De is a dotting father in spite of his crowded schedule. One of the first things I did as editor of The Guardian was to run a law page handled by Kola Awodein (SAN). For the four years or so that Ebun was at Ife, Allah-De dutifully gathered the Law Reports and forwarded them to his daughter. Several times he took the reports there himself. Whenever I saw Oga in his white, flat-engine Mercedes, I knew he was headed for Ife. No wonder Ebun came out in 2:1.Of course, Ebun, now Mrs. Awosika, from there proceeded to England for her masters. It is touching to see a large number of our colleagues here, the Daily Times family of old, to pay homage and rejoice with our leader at 80,a glorious symbol of the Fourth Estate of the Realm. May I end this with a sublime dispatch from his pilgrimage in 1965: “Today is the day. This is the supreme moment...” Sir; it is your day and moment. Your Excellences, Your Majesties, their Highnesses, thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you. Today, five years after I had to speak on behalf of the Media, paying glowing tribute to one of the masters, a symbol of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, on the occasion of his 80th birthday, Allah-De turns his gaze away from the materiality of our world. If I had been present at his deathbed, he would have said to me, “Ladbone! Eyin boys, Nigeria d’owo nyin o!” I can only wish well that he may be open to help and guidance on his way Home. Bonuola, former Managing Director of The Guardian is now Executive Consultant (Editorial).

Allah-De

Adieu, Allah – De By Rasheed Gbadamosi T was in August 1973, just as I had Idisclosure been warned and sworn to nonby Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, the military governor of Lagos State, an afternoon radio announcement came on the air. Four new Commissioners had been appointed into the Lagos State Executive Council namely: Alhaji Alade Odunewu, Mrs Kofoworola Pratt, Mr T.A. Bankole-Oki and Rasheed Gbadamosi. I had walked the corridor of the Daily Times publications several months prior to the appointment and I had had a fleeting relationship with the legendary columnist, Allah-De. The rumour mills about those “in-coming” Commissioners were buzzing. I had picked up “mine” but I did not have the courage to walk up to Alhaji Odunewu to check on any leak to him, or as he would have written in his column any revelation at the Basilica of Yoruba Tennis Club. Of course we were sworn in on the same day and thus ensued the unforgettable “joking relationship” between the elderly Allah-De and me, the baby of the cabinet as Brigadier Johnson often joked about me to the public at various public outings. There must have been some chemistry between us. It was inexplicable. But it was truly borne of our cynical Lagos-ish-ness, boisterous laughter, at ourselves, our circumstances, indeed the luck of being transported into the executive council of Lagos State, one out of the twelve states of the Federal

Republic and sudden elevation to the limelight, the Mercedes Benz LASG licensed rides in sirened afternoon convoys through the narrow streets of our State. Allah-De deepened both in my sublime and esoteric consciousness, of the caution in exercise of power the quintessential capacity to adjudge man tempered with uncommon capacity to be self-deprecating. I found myself a disciple of his humility, attendant on his profound realisation irrespective of the unfolding drama of our tenure, which was programmed to terminate within 24 months. Allah-De wisecracks at moments he and I were alone portrayed his theatrical postulations of the transience of power and position. And he took it on himself to bring to an end any case of insolence by his subordinates, which he encountered at work with a consoling sigh that the end of our tenure was nigh anyway. Once at a cabinet meeting, I think it was at the time of Udoji award, the Lagos State government, like all others was perturbed where the sudden jump on personnel costs could be met. The Accountant General was subsequently summoned to be congratulated on pulling it off, no small thanks to General Gowon regime, who was determined to underwrite the imploding additions to the personnel costs blighting the state budget. Weeks later Allah De’s characteristic riposte to my economist’s typical reservation was that the inflationary consequences I so harped upon would soon dissolve into the pricing by all in spirals that would no longer be noticeable in a matter

of a couple of months. Then it transpired that some miscalculating officer in the Accountant General’s office had left out the logical enhancement of Commissioners’ pay packet and at a session of the Executive Council, Allah-De raised the matter in a profound, subtle manner demanding to know if a supreme sacrifice was also part of the deal for accepting the Commissioner’s job. Our gregarious Governor retorted, I think, or I recall, that the Allah De’s championing of the cause of the cheated in society would naturally encompass too those like Chief I.A.S. Adewale, Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, Commissioners whom the nasty computer inadvertently missed their names from the adjusted computerisation. I never forgot Allah De’s reference to his theory of supreme sacrifice in matters of public duty. I remember Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, who had at the time of our appointment asked Allah-De and I to write something in the nature of a valedictory to various readers of Sunday Times to which I contributed occasionally and Allah De was a regular columnist. I chose a philosophical treatise on life’s cycles and the inevitability of many transitions from one plane of existence to another. It was near tearful for me. I forgot the topic of Allah De’s but the columnist in him lived many years after that momentary exit. Other public and itinerant appointments followed compelling for a quiet, trenchant resourceful being that he was. And I remember him spending several afternoons with my wife

and I at our Surulere residence, reporting sonorously about his deliberate choice of a period of recluse out of choice, away from the prying public who might be bent on prising semi state secrets from his bowels! I remember Allah De was as humorous as he had the capacity for reticence. Indeed an old journalist’s delight whose colour of prose was a combination of years of practice, scholarly emulation of Daily Mirror’s William O’Conor and yet an inimitable style full of bite and sprite and an exemplary portrayal of elegance and wit. His one-time memorable topic “Saturday at the Basilica”, their basilica, which captured the tempo and the delight of effervescent gathering at Yoruba Tennis Club represented to me a classic column, eternal as well as elegiac and unforgettable. I cannot lay my hands on that article again but the depth and tempo and colour of composition resonate eternally in my memory of Allah De. My wife and I are rather inconsolable, that in Allah De’s ebbing life we hardly saw him. We did not even know where he lived. He was indeed an Egbon who abjured the trappings of an elderly ubiquitous uncle. Sadly, the flame of our relationship gradually faded until the newspaper announcement of his demise. Our consolation is that there was the ace, inimitable Allah De and that perhaps, there would not be another one like him in our lifetime. Adieu, Allah De. May his soul rest in perfect peace.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

FOREIGNNEWS

Mugabe Re-Elected Amid Fraud Claims By Kamal Tayo Oropo (With Agency Reports) IMBABWE’S President Robert Z Mugabe has won a seventh term in office, officials say, amid claims of electoral fraud. President Mugabe, 89, won 61 percent of the vote, against his closest rival, Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai’s 34 percent. Mr Tsvangirai earlier said the elections for parliament and

president were fraudulent and promised to take legal action. He said his Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) would no longer work with Mugabe’s Zanu-PF party. The two parties have been working together in a coalition since the last election in 2008 sparked widespread violence. Mugabe has been president since Zimbabwe won independence from the UK in 1980.

Rouhani Succeeds Ahmadinejad IRAN LERIC Hassan Rouhani has officially replaced Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as president of Iran. Rouhani’s election has been endorsed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at a ceremony in the capital, Tehran. He won the presidential poll in June, promising to reform and to put an end to Iran’s international isolation. The ceremony marks the handover of power, but his public inauguration does not take place until Sunday. The 64-year-old is a former nuclear negotiator for Iran and was an Islamic activist before the 1979 Revolution. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Rouhani said: ‘’I have assumed this

responsibility with the support of those people who want change, who want a better life, away from corruption, poverty and discrimination, people who want more respect and dignity, and hope in a secure future.” He has the support of Iran’s reform movement, which wants the new president to release political prisoners and have international sanctions lifted. The day before he took office, Rouhani said Israeli occupation was an “old wound on the body of the Islamic world”, as Iran marked its annual Jerusalem (Quds) Day. His remarks echo those of other Iranian leaders on the day dedicated to supporting the Palestinians and denouncing Israel. Iran has denied Israel’s right to exist since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Carandiru Jail Massacre Police Guilty WENTY-FIVE police have been T given life sentences for their part in the 1992 massacre in Sao Paulo’s Carandiru jail that left 111 prisoners dead. Each police officer was sentenced to 624 years for the death of 52 inmates. The verdicts come in the second of four stages of the trial involving different floors of the prison. Twenty-three officers were given life terms in the first stage in April. The police are expected to stay free pending an appeal. The defence can only challenge the verdicts after the end of the whole trial, expected in January 2014. The officers, nine of whom are still on active duty, will also lose their jobs, O Globo newspaper

BRAZIL reported. The riot began on 2 October 1992 after an argument between two inmates quickly spread, with rival gangs facing off in what was at the time one of South America’s largest prisons, housing 10,000 inmates. Inmates said riot police brutally repressed the riot. The officers’ lawyer, Ieda Ribeiro de Souza, argued they were only doing their duty and acted in self-defence, as many of the inmates were armed. While prison riots are not uncommon in Brazil, the number of those killed at Carandiru and the slow pace of the Brazilian justice system in bringing the accused to trial shocked the public.

The European Union, which maintains sanctions on Mugabe and his senior aides, said it was concerned about “alleged irregularities and reports of incomplete participation” in the election. The largest group of domestic monitors, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN), had said problems with voter registration had left up to one million people unable to cast their ballots, most of them supposedly in MDC strongholds. However, the African Union (AU) and Southern Africa

Development Community (SADC) broadly endorsed the election, saying it was free and peaceful. Monitors from the SADC –– which had 562 observers –– described the elections as “free and peaceful” but said it was too early to call them fair. “In democracy we not only vote, not only campaign, but accept the hard facts, particularly the outcome,” said SADC mission head Bernard Membe, according to the AFP news agency. Former Nigerian President and

AU mission head, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, dismissed complaints of fraud, but admitted that there were “incidents that could have been avoided.” However, the 69 AU observers, according to Obasanjo, did not believe those irregularities could change the overall outcome of the poll. Yesterday, one of the nine members of the election commission resigned over the way the election was conducted.

Western Embassies In Sana’a Close Amid Global Terror Alerts YEMEN HE British embassy in Yemen is T to shut temporarily and several other embassies have been told to be vigilant after the US issued a terrorism warning. The embassy in Sana’a will be closed today (Sunday) and tomorrow (Monday), as will the embassies of France and Germany. The US reportedly intercepted al-Qaeda messages and will shut at least 21 embassies and consulates today. Interpol issued a separate global security alert, citing jail breaks linked to al-Qaeda in nine countries. The international policing organisation said “hundreds of

terrorists” had been freed during breakouts in countries including Iraq, Libya and Pakistan in the past month. Interpol said al-Qaeda was suspected of “involvement in several of the breakouts” and asked its 190 member states to help “determine whether any of these recent events are co-ordinated or linked”. The British embassy in Yemen had already been operating with a reduced staff “due to increased security concerns”. A Foreign Office spokesman said the closure was a “precautionary measure” and would not say if it was due to a specific threat, but a number of British embassies in the Middle East have been warned about increased risks. Security analyst Peter Bergen said

militant group al-Qaeda had previously showed “strong interest in launching attacks” on the 27th day of Ramadan, which is today. Robin Simcox, a research fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, which monitors threats from alQaeda, told the BBC he believed US authorities had intercepted communications “between senior al-Qaeda leaders talking about an operational and clearly viable plot against an embassy”. The claim was reported by the New York Times. Simcox said it was unclear which embassy was to be targeted, but Yemen is a high-risk country because al-Qaeda’s “most active franchise” is based in the Arabian Peninsula and the US has stepped up drone attacks in Yemen in recent days.

Attack Targeting Indian Mission Kills Nine UICIDE bombers have targeted Sernthe Indian consulate in the eastAfghan city of Jalalabad, killing at least nine civilians. Three bombers drove up in a car before detonating their explosives, police said. Gunfire was heard for an hour after the blast, which took place at 10:00 local time (06:30 GMT). Most of the victims were from a nearby mosque. Indian officials say none of their citizens were hurt. At least 23 people, among them children, were injured in the Jalalabad attack, according to the

AFGHANISTAN police. Deputy police chief of Nangarhar province Masum Khan Hashimi said the blast, close to a mosque, had been a failed attempt to attack the Indian consulate. Also, an eyewitness told the BBC that one of the suspected bombers asked him directions to the consulate immediately before the attack. Mr Hashimi said two of the attackers wearing vests laden with explosives got out of the car and were immediately fired upon by police. The remaining occupant of the car then blew it up, he told Reuters news agency. A large crater was visible in the road after the explosion, which heavily damaged houses and local shops. It is not clear who was behind the attack. Jalalabad has frequently been the target of militant attacks,

including a bomb blast at the airport last year. In May, offices of the International Committee of the Red Cross were hit, killing an Afghan guard, and in March several police died in a suicide attack on a police station in the city. However, a Taliban spokesman denied responsibility for yesterday’s attack. “Our fighters have not carried out any attack in Jalalabad,” Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP news agency. Indian buildings in Afghanistan have been targeted before. In 2008 and 2009, the Indian embassy in Kabul was attacked twice with dozens of people killed. The attack came after officials on Friday reported fierce fighting between security forces and militants in the Shirzad district of Nangarhar province. They said 76 Taliban members and 22 police were killed in a series of clashes.

Over 30 Missing After Boat Sinks Off Malaysia INDONESIA ALAYSIAN rescue workers are M searching for more than 30 Indonesians missing after their

Hassan Khomeini (2nd right), grandson of Iran's late founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini Khamenei, watching as moderate cleric Hassan Rouhani is officially endorsed by Khamenei during a ceremony in the capital Tehran. The 64-year-old cleric begins his term… yesterday as the Islamic Republic's seventh president facing grave challenges abroad and at home over Iran’s ailing economy and isolation resulting from the controversial policies of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. PHOTO: AFP

boat sank in heavy seas off Johor state late on Thursday night. The Indonesians, who are thought to be illegal workers, were three hours into their journey home to celebrate the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. Several survivors were picked up after clinging to boat debris for 15 hours. Malaysia is a hot spot for thousands of illegal workers from poorer neighbouring countries. It is thought the Indonesians travelled by boat in order to bypass border controls on their way home.

Two ships, four speedboats and two helicopters are involved in the search for survivors, an official with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) told the AFP news agency. “Our operations are ongoing but we have found nothing yet...The condition of the boat was believed to be questionable,” Amran Daud said. The boat was journeying from Tanjung Sedili on the south-east tip of the Malaysian coast to Indonesia’s Batam island. Hours after they left, strong waves overturned the boat, leaving more than 30 passengers adrift with some holding onto plastic drums to stay afloat. Women and children are thought to be among the missing.

THE GUARDIAN, Sunday, August 4, 2013

TheGuardian

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

Suarez May Drag Liverpool To Court Over Transfer Dispute UIS Suarez will consider Ltransfer submitting a formal request and the possibility of court action if his Liverpool dispute is not resolved, say sources close to the player. The 26-year-old believes Arsenal’s bid of just over £40m triggered a clause in his contract that allows him to leave. Liverpool rejected the offer and insist the clause does not force them to sell. “We want to [sign Suarez] if it is feasible in an amicable way,” said Gunners manager Arsene Wenger. “We will respect what Liverpool want to do. I don’t want to speak about Suarez, because that is between Liverpool and Arsenal. “I am a great believer you have to keep as much confidentiality as possible, which is quite difficult in the modern world. “But we work very hard, not only on the case you name, but on other different cases. We can still strengthen the squad, there is one month to go. We are at the beginning of August and working very hard to strengthen our squad. “I am confident. You look at many teams around us. Nothing has happened until now. At the moment the market hasn’t moved a lot. Apart from Manchester City, nobody has done anything.” Sources close to Suarez say he will consider taking his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and he did go down a similar route when Dutch side Groningen turned down an offer from Ajax for his services in 2007.

Arsenal made their clubrecord offer of £40m plus £1 for Suarez in the belief that it would enable them to secure the Uruguay international’s services. Liverpool continue to insist that Suarez is not for sale. It is understood that when Suarez signed a new contract in August 2012, he requested a clause that allowed him to depart if Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League and received a bid in excess of £40m. Liverpool refused this but suggested an arrangement that obliged them to act in good faith if those conditions were met, which Suarez argues he only accepted because he felt there was verbal agreement from all parties that despite the new wording it would work in the same way as a release clause. While Liverpool are confident that from a legal perspective their position stands up to scrutiny - and Suarez reluctantly agrees the player is adamant the Reds have gone back on their word and feels let down. He has informed Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers of his desire to leave for Champions League football and the only proposal on the table is from Arsenal, with reported interest from Real Madrid failing to materialise. Whereas Liverpool have not played in the Champions League since 2009 and missed out on European qualification altogether for next season, Arsenal will feature in the competition for a 17th consecutive campaign.

FIFA Blames Cocaine, Marijuana For Failed Dope Tests IFA chief medical officer Jiri Dvorak believes there is no systematic doping in football, blaming the 70 to 90 positive tests per year on the use of cocaine and marijuana. The World Anti-Doping Authority (Wada) revealed earlier this month that footballers across the world produced 250 urine samples, which led to further investigation by drugs testers in 2012, but football’s governing body has stressed that recreational drug use is often to blame for positive tests. “I am confident that there is no systematic doping in football. There is no systematic doping culture in football. I am confident of this,” Dvorak told the official FIFA website. “Of course there are individual cases, for sure. We do

more than 30.000 sampling procedures every year and we have between 70 to 90 positive cases, most of them for marijuana and cocaine. We also have anabolic steroids, but these are individual cases. “So there are some cases; that’s why we are doing so many controls with such a stringent protocol. But we don’t have scientific evidence from the statistical analysis – and for me as a scientist I believe in facts and figures, not in speculation. We have no evidence that there is systematic doping.” The issue of doping in football has reared its head once more this week after FIFA provisionally suspended an unnamed Tahiti player for the use of a forbidden substance at this summer’s Confederations Cup.

Former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba congratulates Kenneth Omeruo after the Super Eagles defeated the Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire in the quarterfinal during the South Africa 2013 African Nations Cup, which Nigeria won. Omeruo will feature for Drogba’s former club, Chelsea this season.

Chelsea Hands Omeruo Jersey No 51 UPER Eagles’ defender Spassed Kenneth Omeruo has his medical at English Premier League club Chelsea and has been handed jersey number 51. His Holland-based adviser Chika Conleth Akujobi told MTNFotball.com: “Kenneth has passed his medical test at Chelsea and his training shirt number is 51. “It’s the reward of our hard work and belief in the player since he was coming through the Nigeria U17s.” This is a massive break for the young central defender against a backdrop of doubts back in Nigeria that he does

not figure in Jose Mourinho’s plans at Stamford Bridge. The 19-year-old Omeruo was not part of the Chelsea squad to a pre-season training tour of the United States of America and his arrival to London was delayed by the late issuance of an entry visa to the United Kingdom. The former Sunshine Stars of Akure defender has already been granted a five-year work permit in Britain. He was on a season and half loan deal from Chelsea to Dutch club ADO Den Haag. Early this year, the former Nigeria U-17 and U-20 star made his full international

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debut and went on to break into the first team as Nigeria won a third Africa Cup of Nations crown in South Africa. Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Mourinho believes Fernando Torres has struggled to make his mark in London because his teammates have not adapted to him. Torres joined Chelsea from Liverpool in January 2011 for 50 million pounds but has scored just 34 goals in 131 appearances for the Londonbased English Premier League club, prompting plenty of speculation the 29-year-old Spanish striker is past his best. But Mourinho, who has rejoined Chelsea as manager after five years coaching outside England, is convinced he can get the best out of Torres

in the upcoming campaign. “He [Torres] is not a kid any more, he is at an age where it is difficult to change his play,” Mourinho said after Chelsea’s 2-0 friendly win over Inter Milan on Friday. “He is what he is and he is very good with the qualities that he has got. So we need to learn and support his game. I feel he is highly motivated, he works very hard. I think some of the work we do with the team in terms of attack suits his qualities. “So let’s see what happens. We are here to support him.” While Torres scored 22 goals in all competitions for Chelsea last season, his future with the London club had been in doubt. Mourinho, however, believes Torres has been forced to play a style of football that does not suit the Spaniard.