The Nation April 14, 2012

'Good girls Fashola 6 don't live’ condemns

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road blockades y d e g a r t e h T PAGES during First 11-14 's ia r e ib L f o ex-girl soldiers Lady’s visit

World Bank presidency

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Colombian 5 candidate to step down for Okonjo-Iweala

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL.07 N0. 2095

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

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Boko Haram's threat against President

Security agencies placed on red alert ‘Easter Sunday blast wasn’t suicide bombing’

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Why police officers want Zakari Biu pardoned

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STORY ON rs d v e .

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2012Budget:JonathanvowstosackindictedofficialsforlobbyingNASS

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

2012 Budget: Jonathan vows to sack indicted officials for lobbying NASS

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•President Goodluck Jonathan signing the 2012 Appropriation Bill, in to law. With him are from left: Special Adviser to the President on National assembly, Senator Joy Emodi; Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha; Chairman Senate Committee on Information, Senenator, Enyi Abaribe; Chairman Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Ahmad Maccido and Minister of Finance,Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: Akin OLADOKUN

Boko Haram’s latest threat: Security agencies placed on red alert T

HE armed forces and security agencies are not taking lightly the Thursday threat by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, against Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

The leader of the sect, Abubakar Shekau, had posted a 14-minute vidoe on You Tube on Thursday boasting that President Jonathan is incapable of stopping the group’s serial attacks.

“You, Jonathan ,cannot stop us like you boasted;instead we will devour you in three months like you are boasting.

“It is eternal victory to die working for Allah,”Shekau, in a white robe and flanked by two men holding Kalashnikov rifles, said.

The preliminary response from the military and the security agencies yesterday was placing their men and officers on red alert.

The Nation learnt yesterday that the security agencies have been directed to tighten security nationwide to counter whatever plans the sect may be hatching.

Other measures are being put in place, according to security sources in Abuja yesterday.

It was also gathered that preliminary investigations into the Easter Day blast in Kaduna confirmed that a time bomb was actually planted in the car that killed over 40 people most of whom were commercial motor-cyclists.

Fresh facts also emerged yesterday that some senior police officers and other stakeholders are behind the push for the review of the dismissal of former police commissioner, Mr. Zakari Biu. A top security source, speaking on the Boko Haram threat yesterday, said it was no surprise in view of the recent onslaught on the sect by the Federal Government.

Said the source: “As far as security agencies are concerned, the threat from the sect leader, Shekau, was predictable going by the recent gains of the Joint Task Force against Boko Haram.

“But we are not taking it lightly at all. Since the video was released, there has been a series of meetings by the military and security agencies on how to secure the country. We cannot ignore the threat at all.

“The government has directed the military and security agencies nationwide to tighten security nationwide in

•Easter Sunday blast wasn’t suicide bombing ___ Preliminary report •Why police officers want Zakari Biu’s pardoned

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation view of the guerilla tactics of the sect.

“The police and security agencies will rise to the challenge like they have done in the last three months.

“There is no basis for apprehension or disillusionment by Nigerians.”

Another source said preliminary investigations into the Easter Day bomb explosion in Kaduna has shown that a timebomb was deployed by the perpetrators.

It was also learnt that security agencies stumbled on appreciable clues that the time bomb was targeted at two churches within Sardauna Crescent in Kaduna .

The source said: “So far, from preliminary investigations, we have strong reasons to suspect that it was a time-bomb targeted at the two churches near the place of the incident.

“Were it a suicide mission, the perpetrator(s) would have defied security barricades by church wardens and policemen to take a plunge or wreak havoc. This theory is based on the analysis of past strikes by Boko Haram.

“Having been frustrated by the barricades, the bomber(s) moved a few metres away and being a time-bomb, it detonated closer to the tea joint where more than 40 commercial motor-cyclists were having breakfast.”

Fresh facts also emerged yesterday that some senior police officers and other stakeholders are behind the push for the review of the dismissal of a former Commissioner of Police, Mr. Zakari Biu. They strongly believe that he was not indicted by either a Special Investigative Panel (SIP) or any Police Committee.

It was learnt that some stakeholders are seeking reprieve for Biu because, in their view, he has contributed immeasurably to put the anti-terrorism unit in the Nigeria Police Force in place.

Said a top source: “Top po-

lice officers and other ranks are not happy at the fate that has befallen Biu. This is a bad precedent. It is like saying any police commissioner will be culpable if armed robbers either escape from custody or through jailbreak.

“Some police officers and stakeholders are demanding the review of the dismissal of Zakari Biu because he was not directly involved in the arrest and escape of a Boko Haram coordinator.

“What happened was that a special team from the office of the former Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, coordinated the arrest of Kabiru Sokoto on January 14 and later took the suspect to Zone 7.

“Even while Kabiru Sokoto was in custody in Zone 7, the instructions were still coming from the IGP’s office.

“If Zakari Biu as a Police Commissioner was fully in charge of the suspect, it would have been a different scenario because he is a counter-terrorism expert.

“There are three circumstances under which Zakari Biu can be dismissed under Police Regulations. These are: if he had indicted himself, if the other ranks(five policemen) involved in the escape bid indicted him or if Kabiru Sokoto had come out to testify that Biu knew about his escape.

“None of these circumstances subsisted before Biu was dismissed by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

“Nigerian journalists should dig further. Neither the Special Investigative Panel (Military panel) nor Police Committee indicted Zakari Biu. “The government should also release the outcome of Biu’s trial to the public.”

Another top police officer, who spoke in confidence, said: “The morale is low over the fate of Biu and police officers are angry. For 10 years, Biu was on suspension and he came back to face this challenge.

“If you look at Zakari Biu, you will pity him because he has had a bad career and he is living from hand to mouth. He

gave in his best, he put antiterrorism on a sound footing but he was consumed by his passion.

The PSC management had, on Wednesday, said there are two conditions which could lead to the review of Biu’s dismissal.

A source in PSC said: “We can only reconsider Biu’s case if there are fresh facts or evidence placed before the commission. Also, Biu will have to convince the commission beyond reasonable doubt that he had no hand in how Kabiru Sokoto escaped.

“And until Kabiru Sokoto’s case is eventually determined, it will be difficult to review Biu’s case.

“Well, in any case, we have not received any formal appeal for the review of the dismissal from Biu. There is no record of such.”

The Christmas Day bombings at St.Theresa’s Catholic Church claimed 44 parishioners and others.

The search for the masterminds led to the arrest of Kabiru Sokoto at Borno Governor’s Lodge on January 14, 2012.

But barely 48 hours in custody, Sokoto escaped in Abaji in the midst of the custody of policemen who went to search his home.

The incident led to the querying and retirement of the former Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim.

The National Security Adviser, Gen. Owoye Azazi, also set up an investigative panel which was made up of senior officials from different arms of the security agencies as well as officials of the Ministry of Police Affairs.

The Senate on February 21 recommended Biu’s trial by a court.

The Police Service Commission also dismissed Biu on February 22. But Sokoto was later re-arrested by the SSS in Taraba State.

The re-arrest has led to a demand for the review of Biu’s dismissal by the PSC.

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday signed the 2012 Appropriation Bill into law after what he called extensive discussions with the leadership of the National Assembly over the grey areas passed by the legislative arm.

The president, however, vowed to sack heads of departments and parastatals indicted for lobbying members of the National Assembly for upward review of their budget. Such review, according to him, distorts national planning.

But he pledged that the 2013 budget would start in earnest with the MDAs already billed to defend their proposals before him next month. The proposals will then be sent to the Ministry of Finance and the budget office between July and August, followed by submission to the National Assembly not later than September.

The 2012 Budget has an aggregate expenditure of N4.697 trillion. This excludes the N180 billion appropriated for programmes and projects encapsulated under the Subsidy Reinvestment and EmpowermentProgramme, (SURE-P).

The total Federal Government revenue forecast is N3.561 trillion based on a Benchmark Oil Price of US$72 per barrel, which is US$2 higher than the initial proposal of US$70 per barrel.

The 2012 budget consists of capital expenditure of N1.34 trillion and recurrent expenditure of N3.357 trillion.

The Capital Expenditure is 28.5 percent of the aggregate expenditure.

The president’s assent came a month after the budget was passed by the National Assembly.

The president submitted the budget to the National Assembly on December 13, 2011 and it was passed by the two chambers on the March 15, 2012 with an upward review of the benchmark oil price from $70 to $72 per barrel.

However, the president demanded for clarification over some grey areas such as the inclusion of SURE-P fund into the main budget and the rationale behind the increase of the pegged crude oil price from $70 per barrel to $72 and also the allocation of more funds to MDAs. The president at the signing of the bill yesterday said: “We have had extensive discussions with the National Assembly since then, and the result is the budget that I now have the honour of signing into law today. It is a budget of fiscal consolidation, inclusive economic growth and job creation.”

He said the additional resources from the increased price of crude oil “were used to increase the capital expenditure and to reduce the deficit to a manageable level that we can finance without excessive borrowing.”

One of the main goals of this administration, according to him, is “to complete

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja

and exit the large stock of ongoing projects and programmes.

“Thus, the 2012 budget is focused on completing viable ongoing projects, in accordance with the Transformation Agenda, which will quickly deliver tangible and significant added value to Nigerians.

“Furthermore, our approach to funding the development of critical infrastructure in Nigeria is to involve the private sector, which has the capital and implementation capacity to successfully deliver specific infrastructure projects: Non-debt Recurrent Expenditure is at N2.425 trillion, which is 52 percent of the total budget compared to 54 percent of the aggregate budget in 2011.

“This is in line with government’s determination to correct the structural imbalance in our expenditure profile where recurrent spending has outstripped the growth of spending on capital projects in recent times.

“Based on the above and in line with government’s medium-term strategy, the share of the recurrent spending in aggregate expenditure has declined from 74.4 percent in 2011 to 71.5 per cent in 2012.

“The deficit is 2.85 percent of GDP, which is in line with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, which pegs this at three percent of GDP.The goal of achieving positive macroeconomic stability is no end in itself.

“The robust growth experienced in recent years needs to be translated into tangible and concrete improvement in the living standards of our people.

“In this respect, the government is focused on investments in priority sectors in order to sustain economic growth and create jobs. The 2012 budget is geared toward supporting economic growth and employment creation,” the president stated.

On the 2013 budget, the president said he has already directed the Chief of Staff that all MDAs would defend their proposals before him between May and June, while the Ministry of Finance and the budget office between July and August will fine-tune the proposals and “hope to present the budget to the National Assembly in September.”

This, he hoped , would give the National Assembly enough time to look into the budget and enough time for robust discussion between the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly so that they will have a clear picture of where the country wants to go because the country belongs to all of us.

Based on this, he pleaded with members of the National Assembly not to entertain any form of lobbying, saying those already indicted will face sack.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

FG to stop funding foreign medical care of public officers ___ Health Minister

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HE Federal Government is to check funding foreign medical treatment of public officers, the Health Minister, Prof.

Onyebuchi Chukwu, said yesterday.

Government,he said, at the 22nd Leadership Forum of the Nigerian Pilot Newspapers in Abuja would also commence soon, the production of Yellow Fever Vaccination Card with biometrics.

He said: “Very soon, we will take a memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) stating that for any public officer to go abroad for medical treatment, the minister must certify that there are no facilities in Nigeria .

“And if any officer must go abroad for treatment, he will not spend public funds. He has to source funds on his or her own for such a medical trip.”

The minister said some Nigerians now run abroad for health care either out of fashion or ignorance.

He added: “There are some

Yusuf ALLI, and Yomi ODUNUGA, Abuja.

Nigerians travelling abroad for treatment because there is no skill or facility. But some have no genuine reasons for going abroad.

“Generally, Nigerians love foreign products other than those made in their own country. There are still people who dry-clean their clothes abroad despite the fact that we have good dry-cleaners here.

“Some people seek medical care overseas due to ignorance.

They go for treatment for ailments that we have facilities for in the country. For instance, when people have kidney stones, they rush abroad without knowing that there are good hospitals in the country that can address it. We have many good hospitals where you can do surgeries like bone marrow transplant, kidney transplant and others.

“We have also discovered that some unscrupulous doctors and other health practition-

ers encourage patients to go abroad at the slightest complaint because 10 to 15 per cent commission comes back to them.

“So, there is now commercial motivation. For instance, Ethiopian Airline has complained to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about the rate at which Nigerian patients are dying aboard their flights abroad.

“We hope we can get one or two examples of such medical practitioners and deal with them according to the law of the land.”

On the controversy trailing the Nigerian copy of Yellow Fever Vaccination Card, the minister added: “The National Council on Health will soon meet and we are proposing to reverse a 1998 decision. We want only the Federal Ministry of Health to produce the card.

“Right now, we are discussing with the Nigerian Security, Printing and Minting Company on how to put secu-

rity features or biometrics on the card.

“We are doing this not because South Africa demanded Yellow Vaccination Card. They have a right to demand for the card because we are still at risk.

But while they are demanding Yellow Vaccination Card from Nigerians, they did not insist on it from their own citizens.

“Even if you do not have Yellow Vaccination Card, the international regulation is that you do not deport people, instead you quarantine them. So, the approach of South Africa was wrong.

“And the reality is that since 1995, Nigeria has not had any case of Yellow Fever.

Giving statistics on the health system in the country, Prof.

Chukwu said: “We are on track, we have reduced Under 5 mortality rate by 50 per cent. The area of Maternal Health is the one we are not fully up to the track. But between 2003 and 2008, we have reduced Maternal Mortality by 30 per cent.”

NDLEA parades female poly student, 10 others for hard drugs Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt

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HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, paraded a 21year-old female, first year student of Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, for alleged drug peddling at the Abonnema Wharf Waterfront in Port Harcourt.

Elizabeth West, a native of Buguma , Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, is a Banking and Finance student of the polytechnic.

She claimed to be in Port Harcourt to collect fees from her sister.

Paraded with her were 10 other suspects for alleged trafficking in cocaine, heroin and cannabis (Indian hemp), among others.

NDLEA also seized 437.732kg of hard drugs from the suspects, in an early morning raid by a combined team of the agency’s officials and soldiers from the Two Brigade of the Army , Port Harcourt.

The Rivers Commander of the NDLEA, Jude Ekure, who paraded the suspects, said over 70 operatives of the agency and soldiers took part in the operation at 3 am yesterday.

Seven of the suspects are men and the others women.

Ekure said investigation would determine those to be prosecuted.

Abonnema is one of the over 40 waterfront communities in Port Harcourt, which Governor Rotimi Amaechi said would be demolished, in line with the administration’s urban renewal programme.

He described the waterfront settlements as dens of criminals.

The demolition started with Njemanze Waterfront at Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt in 2009. The area is yet to be developed as promised.

The Rivers NDLEA commander said the Abonnema raid was part of the efforts to rid the state of hard drugs and criminals.

Buhari to contest 2015 presidential election

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•World Bank Country Director, Nigeria, Ms. Marie-Francoise Marie-Nelly; Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Manager, Cities Alliance Organisation, Mr. William Cobbert; Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and Lead Water Resource Specialist/Programme Coordinator, Urban and Water Unit, African Region, World Bank, Alex Bakalian shortly after a meeting at the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC, USA…on Wednesday

HE presidential candidate of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in the 2011 general elections, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has declared his intention to re-contest the seat in the 2015 general elections.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Buhari made his intention known while addressing CPC supporters in Kaduna who visited him.

He told the crowd that he would not quit politics, adding: “I am still in until the polity is sanitised and people enjoy the fruits of democracy at all levels of government.”

The CPC leader also pledged to ensure that the party continued to field credible candidates at the polls. He urged party supporters to close ranks for victory in future elections.

Buhari advised security agencies, the judiciary and INEC to exhibit a high degree of professionalism and patriotism at all times for the progress of the country.

He also urged youths to

Crisis hits NECO as staff threaten showdown with Registrar T HE crisis rocking the National Examinations Council (NECO) took another turn yesterday after the embattled Registrar of the council, Prof. Promise Nwachukwu Okpala, ordered the mass transfer of over 200 staff in one fell swoop. The local chapter of Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) vowed to resist the action.

All the deputy directors in the headquarters were transferred to zonal and state offices. The staff were stunned to read about the deployment on the notice board yesterday.

NASU immediately summoned a meeting to discuss the development.

The mass transfer came on the heels of a threat by NASU to eject the Registrar from office by Monday because, in its view ,he is illegally occupying office following the expiration of his five-year term.

•Mass transfer of deputy directors causes tension • 200 riot-policemen drafted to enforec peace Jide ORINTUNSIN, Minna

Over 200 armed anti-riot policemen were deployed in NECO Headquarters on Thursday and yesterday to maintain law and order.

The staff yesterday staged a peaceful demonstration within the premises of the council to protest the mass transfer after their congress that lasted over one hour.

They alleged that the mass transfer was targeted at some union officials and a ploy to deliberately frustrate the formation of a formidable union.

The union had on Thursday, at a press conference addressed

by its Caretaker Committee Chairman, Comrade Abdulrasheed Lawal Rabana, faulted the continued stay in office of Prof. Okpala after the expiration of his tenure of office, without the renewal of his appointment by the Minister of Education.

Rabana said: “The tenure of Prof. Promise Okpala as Registrar expired with the National Examination Council on April 9, 2012. No official pronouncement has been made on his re-appointment and he has refused to hand over to the most senior director.”

The union threatened that should the Registrar report for

work on Monday April 16, 2012, without the Minister ratifying his re-appointment, “we would be left with no other choice than to forcefully eject him from the office”.

Efforts to get the embattled Registrar to react failed but the Deputy Director, Public Affairs of the council, Mr. Ben Uzor, debunked the allegations levelled at the chief executive of the council, insisting that there was no crisis.

On the mass transfer that was released on Thursday night, the council’s spokesman said the exercise was a routine one and was not aimed at anybody.

Uzor said: “I cannot under-

stand the noise about the transfer. It is a routine and administrative thing here in NECO. We carry this exercise out regularly. At least, transfer is made four times in a year. We cannot afford to allow our staff to be permanent on a seat in a place, in view of the sensitivity of the mandate of the council.

“This exercise is to guard against any compromise and it was not targeted at any individual or group of people.”

When asked about the status of the Registrar, Uzor said: “The Registrar has been attending to his responsibilities; he has been talking even to the press. All I know is that the Registrar has been doing his work and there is no cause for alarm.”

The deputy director, however, refused to comment on the presence of armed policemen on the premises of NECO.

Augustine AVWODE, with Agency report shun acts of violence, thuggery and money politics to make their future better. Buhari enjoined the people to canvass for their rights by emulating Nasarawa and other areas where CPC triumphed.

Mr Ibrahim Kailani, the leader of the group and Igabi local Government Council Chairmanship aspirant in Kaduna State, had earlier urged Buhari not to abandon the people.

He solicited for Buhari’s support ahead of the upcoming local government polls in the state and subsequent national elections.

Tambuwal mourns Majekodunmi, I-G’s mother SPEAKER of the of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal,yesterday mourned the death of former Administrator of old Western Region, Adekoyejo Majekodunmi, as a monumental loss coming at a time his wealth of experience and advice is needed.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, Tambuwal described the deceased as a nationalist who championed the values held by the founding fathers of the country even at old age.

Condoling with Nigerians over the death, the Speaker prayed God to give the deceased’s family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Speaker Tambuwal has also described the deaths of 2nd Republic Deputy Governor of the old Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo and mother of the Acting Inspector-General of Police, MD Abubakar, Hajiya Aishatu, as monumental losses not only to their immediate families but to the country as a whole.

He particularly urged the IG not to despair considering the fact that he lost his wife a few months ago. He said it is Allah that gives life and takes it any time He wills.

News 5

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Boko Haram: Stop fuelling the flame of ethnic division, ACF tells CAN President

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•Okonjo-Iweala

•Kim

•Ocampo... to withdraw

World Bank race: Colombian candidate Ocampo to withdraw for Okonjo-Iweala • Developing countries file up behind Nigerian flagbearer

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HE chances of Dr.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in the race for the World Bank presidential race appeared brighter yesterday following reports that former Colombian Finance Minister Jose Antonio Ocampo is set to withdraw for her.

Ocampo’s withdrawal is a product of an agreement among emerging and developing countries to coalesce around one nominee, three sources said.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, would remain as the sole candidate from developing nations in a race against U.S. nominee Jim Yong Kim, a Korean-American health expert, who is seen as the fa-

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vourite to win the race.

A straw poll among World Bank directors, representing the Group of 11, which includes emerging countries and Australia, backed OkonjoIweala, the sources said.

Emerging market nations are seeking to challenge U.S. leadership at the bank to increase their influence in global economic institutions long controlled by rich nations.

While Kim is still the favourite to win the World Bank presidency because of his backing from the United States and European countries, a rigorous challenge from emerging market countries could put them in a stronger position to extract conces-

sions favourable to their interests and also increase their odds of winning senior jobs in the future.

Earlier, Brazilian Finance Minister Guido Mantega said that the BRICS group of emerging market countries were to a joint decision on who to support for the World Bank top post as soon as last night.

Mantega told reporters that the five countries were still discussing which candidate they would support. The BRICS group also includes Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Ocampo, who met with Mantega on Thursday, said developing nations wanted a single candidate to challenge Kim.

Sambo woos U. S. investors for power sector

ICE President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has told US investors to participate in the drive to increase Nigeria’s energy capacity.

Sambo, speaking on Thursday at the plenary session of the US ExImport Bank 2012 Annual Conference in Washington DC,said the Federal Government has put in place a reform programme that would guarantee an enabling environment for foreign direct investment.

Nigeria,according to him ,plans to generate up to N30,000 mega watts of electricity and invited investors to seize the huge opportunity available in the power and agricultural sectors of the nation’s economy.

He said: “We are happy with the relationship and support we are having from the American US ExportImport Bank. There is good intention for the Bank to support the growth of

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja our economy, particularly in power and agriculture in Nigeria. “ There is initial confirmation of about $1.5 billion to support the growth of the economy of Nigeria and the World Bank is also supporting us with partial risk guarantee to ensure that investors are properly protected in Nigeria.”

On the strategy to accelerate growth and encourage foreign investors, he said the Federal Government has built 10 thermal plants to be managed by the General Electric of the USA, the Mambila hydro project, the construction of 200 dams to enhance power generation and agriculture as well as facilities for solar energy. He also said institutions that would protect investment in the

country such as the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) - to ensure proper tariff, Bulk Trader, Gas Aggregator, National Asset Management of Nigeria and others, were established to add value to the power sector.

Earlier, the Chairman and President of the US Ex-Im Bank, Fred P. Hocberg, said the United States was on track to meet President Barak Obama’s National Export initiative goal of doubling exports by the end of 2014. Building strong growth in 2010, US exports of goods and services in 2011 for the first time exceeded $2.1 trillion – more than 34 percent above the level of exports in 2009 and those exported supported approximately 9.7 million jobs. Both President Obama (represented) and former President Bill Clinton emphasised the need to grow the economy and create jobs for the citizenry.

Nigeria rejects coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau

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HE Federal Government yesterday condemned the coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau.

President Goodluck Jonathan also demanded the immediate release of all those being detained and the restoration of civil democratic rule and constitutional order.

He assured the people of GuineaBissau of Nigeria’s readiness to act in concert with other members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to ensure

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja that the collective effort being made by the people of Guinea-Bissau and friends of the country to entrench democracy, good governance and political stability in the country is not thwarted by an unwelcome military intervention in whatever guise.

President Jonathan, in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Nigeria is totally against the ongoing attempt by a segment of the

military in Guinea- Bissau to subvert the country’s constitutional order and truncate the democratic process, which has already been initiated for the election of a legal successor to the late President Malam Bacai Sanha.

President Jonathan urged the Military High Command of GuineaBissau to refrain from any further action that threatens the lives of the elected leaders of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau and the established democratic order.

HE northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), yesterday told the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, to desist from fuelling divisions or cleavages along ethnic, regional or religious lines.

The forum said the CAN President should, instead, devote time to bring all Nigerians together to enable them live up to their collective challenges.

The ACF said Pastor Oritsejafor was wrong in dismissing the position of the United States of America that the key reason the upsurge in the activities of the Boko Haram Islamic sect is poverty in the land.

The National Publicity Secretary of the forum, Mr. Anthony Sani, said: “As far as Oritsejafor is concerned, Northern leaders are bent on making the country ungovernable for the President since it is their manifest destiny to rule Nigeria forever.”

He said:”CAN is not happy with the US submissions precisely because it believes Boko Haram had been spawned by Northern leaders in response to their failure to clinch the Presidency in 2011. As far as Oritsejafor is concerned, Northern leaders are bent on making the country ungovernable for President Jonathan, since it is their manifest destiny to rule Nigeria forever.

“The current leadership of CAN is most ridiculous as it was polarising, especially when regard was paid to the fact that Northern leaders never missed the opportunity to condemn

Tony AKOWE, Kaduna the senseless killings of innocent people for whatever reason, let alone in the name of God. “It is noteworthy that ACF congratulated President Jonathan over his victory in the polls, as well as others who won elections in the spirit of democracy. Further, ACF also made it clear that it was in Nigeria’s best interest that the President succeeds in his work, which was why ACF has condemned all attempts by certain individuals and groups to politicise every issue, thereby making resolutions so much more difficult.

“While not holding brief for the US Government, ACF does not believe it is proper for the current leadership of CAN to be curt and dismissive of any information and suggestions on the security challenges from any quarters, let alone from a super power of different faith from the sect. All information and suggestions should be properly considered without any bias.

“It is the considered opinion of ACF that those in position of influence and leadership, be it traditional, political or informal, should contribute by helping the government to bring all Nigerians together and enable them live up their collective challenges for the common good, and not to fuel the flames of divisions or cleavages along ethnic, regional or religious lines.

“That accounts for why ACF has maintained that hard times should bring about national grandeur ,purposeful leadership and the best in every one and not desperation”.

...govt not doing enough about sect __ Garuba, Bugaje

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ORMER Military Administrator of Bauchi State, General .

Chris Garuba and a top member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Usman Bugaje, have accused the Federal Government of not doing enough to address the security challenges posed by Boko Haram and other militant groups.

The two, who spoke at different fora in Abuja yesterday, said government must promote justice, true democracy, power sharing and respect for fundamental human rights and rule of law, as well as tackle poverty to achieve peace and security.

Delivering a paper entitled ‘Capacity Building for Crisis Management and Resolution in Africa’ at a session organised by the Institute for National Transformation (INT) in Abuja, Garuba lamented that the country has not built enough capacity to manage conflicts more effectively and efficiently.

He regretted that the military might used against Boko Haram has not achieved much because government has failed to adopt dialogue as a means of resolving the problem.

He said praise-worthy as the amnesty granted Niger Delta militants by the President Yar’Adua might be, it does not appear to have stopped the violent activities of militants in the region.

The continued violent activities of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), he said,

Kamarudeen OGUNDELE, Abuja showed that there is a gap in the strategy which would have been closed by dialogue.

On his part Bugaje, speaking at a colloquium on Human Rights, the State and National Security organised by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), lamented the collapse of security institutions.

According to him, the Nigeria Police of 30 years ago was far better than today’s.

He said: “All government institutions are not doing what they are supposed to. Politics has lost its purpose, security agencies are anti-people, they don’t connect with the people. They lord themselves over people. They don’t seem to know what to do.

“I don’t think the security agencies are trying to understand the mindset of the Boko Haram and what is the motivation for the people killing themselves.”

Faulting the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, over his comment that the army would crush the Islamic sect, Bugaje said it was wrong of him to say he would crush people he was yet to understand their strength.

He added: “The country needs to build its capacity to manage conflicts more effectively and efficiently. More use should be made of Truth and Recociliation Commissions. This will douse tension, calm frayed nerves and avoid vengeance missions.”

Yuguda donates N10m to Benue church

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OVERNOR Isah Yuguda of Bauchi State yesterday donated the sum of N10 million to the families of the victims of the collapsed church in Benue State in which 22 worshippers were killed.

St. Robert’s Catholic Church,Adamgbe in Vandeikya Local Government Area of the states collapsed last Saturday.

Governor Yuguda made the donation during a condolence visit to Governor Gabriel Suswam in Government House, Makurdi,Benue State.

The Bauchi governor said the government and people of his state were deeply touched by the death of the 22 people who went to church to worship their God.He prayed that God might give the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the loss of their loved ones.

In his response, Governor Suswam described Governor Yuguda’s kind gesture as a display of elder statesmanship which is borne out of concern for the victims of the tragedy. “ The government and the people of Benue State are sincerely happy with your donation and pray God to reward you hundred folds,”Suswam said.

Suswam and Yuguda later visited the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Bishop A.Usuh to condole with him.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Fashola condemns road blockades during First Lady‘s visit

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O V E R N O R Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State yesterday condemned Thursday’s traffic jam in Lagos metropolis caused by security operatives who mounted roadblocks in different areas during the visit of the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

The traffic jam, which lasted several hours, grounded business activities across the metropolis, especially on Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Ahmadu Bello Way (both in Victoria Island), Alfred Rewane Road, Awolowo Road (both in Ikoyi), Catholic Mission Street, Igbosere Road and Simpson Street.Thousands of commuters were forced to walk long distances.

Governor Fashola, speaking at a retreat organised for members of the State Executive Council and Body of Permanent Secretaries in Lagos said: “Lagosians were terribly discomfitured yesterday (Thursday) with the traffic jam, needlessly, if I must say. There is the need for public officers generally to be more sensitive to the people we serve.

“It is particularly worrisome because this is not an elected person and I think we all, including the security agencies, must know how they pander to our high officers, especially VIP movement, at the risk and expense of citizens and taxpayers whose money was used to fuel all the vehicles that we

•Says first quarter budget performance records 65 per cent Miriam NDIKANWU used to block the roads against those who pay those money.

“It is an issue that calls for greater sensitivity to the comfort of our citizenry. Yes, I understand the need to protect the VIPs, but it must be done in a way that it doesn’t impoverish.

“It should not get to the level that we shut down the roads in the state because the VIP wants to pass. If they let us know earlier because going through these roads without shutting them down, traffic can be managed. Nigerians respect their leaders elected or not elected and they will very sensibly and gladly yield to

them to go and do their business. But I don’t think they deserve to be kept on the roads, standstill for five hours.”

On the performance of the year 2012 budget, the governor said it recorded 65 per cent performance in the first quarter which was an improvement on the 52 per cent in the corresponding period in 2011.

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NE of Nigeria’s bestknown and most expe rienced technocrats is scheduled to deliver a lecture to a distinguished audience at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja on Sunday, April, 15.

He is Deacon Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode, currently Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the University of Lagos and also of Bowen University, Iwo in Osun State.

He will be the guest of the

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (right), with the Head of Service, Prince Adesegun Ogunlewe, during a three-day retreat for members of the State Executive Council and Body of Permanent Secretaries with the theme, “Sustainability of Improved Service: The Journey So Far”, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Festac, Lagos... yesterday

Control of AIDS (NACA) led by its Director-General, Prof.

John Idoko, who paid him an advocacy visit in his office.

Amosun said the issue of health was very important to his administration and called for collective efforts by all the tiers of government to curb the incidence of the dreadful disease.

He expressed satisfaction with the decentralization policy of the health care delivery system by the agency,

adding that such move would help in touching the lives of the masses.

He disclosed that Ogun was already collaborating with Lagos in order to improve the health care system for the people in the border towns.

Senator Amosun urged the NACA to focus more attention on preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS rather than curing it.

Ajimobi decries poor attitude HE Oyo State gover to knowledge nor, Senator Abiola

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Ajimobi, has decried the poor attitude of Nigerians to the acquisition of knowledge, stating that indiscipline, culture of impunity and quest for accumulation of wealth, rather than the search for knowledge were obstacles to progress and development in Nigeria.

He stated this on Thursday at the formal launch of a book entitled “Policing in a Corrosive Environment” authored by his Chief Security Officer, CSP Francis Ojomo, which held at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

According to the governor, the poor attitude of Nigerians to knowledge was a function of lack of understanding of the chain link between it and wealth.

“Many people do not know that knowledge is power and it gives one an opportunity to make money.

If you acquire money before knowledge, you will still need to acquire knowledge to continue to maintain the money,” he counseled.

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GGRIEVED workers of the Federal University of Technology,Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State yesterday disrupted academic activities to protest alleged misappropriation of N1.7billion by the institution’s authorities.

Leading the protest were the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT).

The N1.7billion,they claimed , was meant for the payment of their 33 months outstanding hazard allowances.

The Chairman ,Joint Action Committee (JAC) Mr. Faola Makinde said efforts made to get the management to pay the allowances yielded no fruitful results.

Spokesman forthe university, Omololu Adegbenro admitted that the management is owing the protesting workers the said allowance, but said it would be paid as soon as sufficient funds are available.

Onosode speaks on ‘God in my life’ at AVMCC

Ogun to support war against HIV/AIDS GUN State govern ment has said it would collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the country in order to reduce to the barest minimum the scourge of HIV/ AIDS and other related diseases.

The state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, stated this in Abeokuta while receiving the delegation of the National Agency for the

FUTA workers disrupt academic activities

The governor, who condemned all forms of indiscipline associated with the Nigerian public office, observed that the low turn-out of people at the event was a reflection of the attitude of Nigerians to honesty, integrity and hard-work.

“When I came here, I expected the house to be full, but the attendance at this occasion is very poor. And it is not surprising. Here is a man (CSP Ojomo) who has arrested so many people for one reason or the other in Oyo State. It is not surprising that those he arrested did not deem it fit to attend his book launch,” he said.

While commending the police officer for his intellectual exploits, Ajimobi described Ojomo as a gallant police officer, a pride to the police force and Nigeria and a man who was integrity and honesty personified, whom he felt there was no greater honour to be done him than by ensuring that himself, his wife, the deputy governor of

the state and all the state executive council members, attended his book launch.

He assured the team that government would facilitate all the procedures aimed at changing the State Action Committee on AIDS (SACA) to the State Agency for the Control of AIDS so as to be more alive to its responsibilities.

Speaking earlier, Prof.

Idoko commended the state government for its welfare programmes in the health sector, promising that the NACA would collaborate to improve the health status of the people.

He pointed out that “about 70,000 children in Nigeria are born with HIV positive status,” adding that “tuberculosis and malaria are prevalent among pregnant women.”

PAC put members on alert

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HE Police Assistance Committee (PAC) has put its members on security alert nationwide to pass useful security information to the police to prevent and combat crime in the country.

In line with the new practice by the police to station their operational vehicles and personnel at strategic locations, the PAC has now instructed his members at the grassroots to take information to the police at such locations on happenings within such locations.

The directive was contained in a communiqué issued after a one-day conference held in Lagos for PAC coordinators from Kano, Plateau, Anambra and Imo states during which grassroots

members, comprising taxi drivers, commercial motorcycle riders and commercial bus operators were given the directive.

The communiqué signed by its Kano State coordinator, Prince Ikechukwu Okanume, the PAC urged members to adhere strictly to the new directives and ensure that they properly identify themselves through their PAC identity cards passing security information to the police at such locations.

The body explained that the new tactics was being employed as a quick response measure to address the incessant security problems confronting the nation, and to ensure that the PAC moves along with the reforms the police are introducing to prevent and combat crime.

cathedral’s elite society, the Torchbearers, in the quarterly series of testimonies by the movers and shakers of the Nigerian society on the hand of God in their lives.

Deacon Onosode, 78, was born in Sapele, Delta State, and took a Bachelor’s degree in Classics from the University College, Ibadan, in 1957.

Speaking under the title “God in my life”, Deacon Onosode, a leader of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, will begin his lecture at the church at 4:00pm.

Redeemed Church pastor becomes Olu of Ilaro

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RINCE Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG) will,today , be crowned the new Olu of Ilaro,headquarters of the Yewa speaking people of Ogun State.

The occasion will also feature the presentation of the staff of office and certificate of coronation by Governor Ibikunle Amosun.

Olugbenle succeeds Oba Adekanbi Tella who joined his ancestors in 2008.

The town is already agog a variety of cultural activities.

The Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assemby (OGHA) Prince Suraj Adekunbi has solicited support for the new Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and urged sons and daughters of the area at home and abroad to join hands with the monarch to develop Yewaland.

Speaker Adekunbi commended Governor Amosun, for his support for the process leading to the emergence of Prince Kehinde Olugbenle as the new Olu of Ilaro.

Expected at today’s coronation are the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Oni of Ife, Oba Okuade Sijuade; the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Adeniyi Sonariwo; and the Alake of Egbaland ,Oba Adedotun Gbadebo among others.

Etteh’s mother for burial

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ADAM Eunice Baderinwa Alabi, 90, mother of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Patricia Olubunmi Etteh is dead.

The burial arrangement of the woman, who died on March 21, begins on Friday, April 20, as announced by the family, with a Christian wake at Elere Compound, Isale Popo, Ikire, Osun State.

The church service will be held on Saturday, April 21 at Holy Cross Catholic Church.

Interment follows

Mrs. Alabi immediately at Ayedaade Grammar School, Ikire.

Chief Windapo buried

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HE remains of the late Chief Sunday Akanni Windapo, 82, were laid to rest yesterday in his hometown, Lalupon, Ibadan in Oyo State.

Chief Windapo, who died January 24, was the late Balogun of Lalupon.

A foremost bricklayer/ building contractor, Chief Windapo had his primary education at St Luke Anglican Primary School,

Lalupon.

He was married to the late Madam Munirat Aduke, Madam Raliat Amope and MadamTaibat.

He is survived by Pastor (Ms) Deborah Windapo, a US-based nursing practitioner and fashion merchant and Dr. Bayo Windapo, a general medical practitioner and the proprietor of Adesola Clinic, Bariga, Lagos.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

70 illegal refineries uncovered in Delta

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ECTOR One Commander of the Operation Pulo Shield and Commander 4th Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Obi Umahi yesterday said that thorough investigation led to the discovery of more than 70 illegal refineries at IguguduAghalokpe in Okpe Local

Osagie OTABOR, Benin Government Area of Delta State.

Umahi told The Nation in Benin City,the state capital,

that about 60 of the illegal refineries were razed by a platoon of soldiers attached to Operation Pulo Shield.

He said no arrest was made as the villagers ran away after the soldiers

launched the operation at about 9pm on Thursday.

The illegal refineries, it was gathered, were located along the bank of Ethiope River for easy transportation of both crude and re-

Aliyu condoles with IGP

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IGER State Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu has joined several Nigerians to commiserate with the Acting Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Muhammad Dahiru Abubakar over the death of his mother ,Hajiya Aisha Abubakar.

A condolence message signed by spokesman, Malam Danladi Ndayebo, urged the IGP to be consoled by the fact that it is only Allah (SWT) that gives and takes life whenever He pleases.

Aliyu said the death of Hajiya Aisha is a devastating experience for the police boss, especially at this critical period when her parental support is needed to succeed in his assignment.

Governor Aliyu urged the IGP not to be discouraged by her death, but should forge ahead with the enormous task of repositioning the Nigeria Police to provide security of lives and property.

The governor said the best tribute the IGP can pay to his late mother is to continue to touch the lives of Nigerians positively like he has been doing since he joined the Police force some three decades ago.

He prayed Allah to grant the deceased Aljannah Firdaus and members of her family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

•Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke(left ) in a warm hand shake with Mr. Wang Lei, MD CCECC shortly after signing contract for the construction of acces road to Calabar Int'l Conference Centre.

fined products.

No arrest has been made but it learnt that an abandoned car found hidden in the bushes might give security operatives clue about the operators of the illegal refineries as a driver license and identity card of Delta State University, Abraka was found in the car.

More than 25 vessels used for transportation of both crude and refined products were destroyed including drums containing diesel and kerosene.

Commander in charge of the operation, Lt. Col Peter Okoye, said some new illegal refineries were under construction when they struck.

He said some of the operators took to their heels when the soldiers stormed the area, pointing out that , “this is a community business. We have not seen anybody here.

“The operation continues as long as illegal refineries are located within my jurisdiction. These amounts to economic sabotage. Their activities are detrimental to government.”

MEND attacks Agip oil facility in Rivers •More to come, militants warn A crude oil pipeline owned by Italian oil and gas group Eni was attacked yesterday in Bayelsa State by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Attacks in the region have been fewer since the 2009 amnesty for militants , although large-scale oil theft and sporadic pipeline sabotage still occur.

"We can confirm a pipeline, leading to Tebidaba, in the Clough-Creek area has been attacked," an Eni spokeswoman said.

Eni's unit Agip owns the

Tebidaba-Brass pipeline, which has been subject to several attacks in recent years.

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), which was the main militant group prior to the amnesty, claimed Friday's attack and warned of more to come.

"At 0210, fighters of MEND attacked and destroyed one wellhead and one manifold on trunk

lines belonging to Agip ... more attacks to follow," a statement e-mailed to reporters said.

MEND has been largely inactive since most of its militants agreed an amnesty programme with the government in 2009, ending a wave of attacks that at one stage cut oil production down by half.

Under the programme , thousands of militants gave up their weapons,

joined training schemes and drew stipends. Security sources say remaining gangs in the Niger Delta do not have the capacity to do the damage seen in the past.

But a resurgence of militant activity is an unwelcome headache to President Goodluck Jonathan's administration, whose security forces are already stretched by the Boko Haram insurgency in the north.

Edo to receive $75 million budget support from World Bank

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HE World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a US$75 million concessional credit to Nigeria for the First Edo State Growth and Employment Support Programme.

The approved credit is similar to the budget support extended to Lagos State last year.

The World Bank,in a statement , said: “The credit has been provided in recognition of critical policy and institutional reforms that the Edo State Government has undertaken to improve management of public resources in the implementation of an infrastructure-oriented development strategy and creation of a better environment for growth and employment generation through a more conducive investment climate and higher quality of education.

“Following the Board’s approval of a similar credit for Lagos State last year, this marks yet another milestone in Nigeria’s path to improving public service delivery through improved governance at state

level and therefore contributing to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals,” Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria said.

Proposals for improving the management of public resources include the enactment of a public pro-

curement law; sanitising the payroll through the use of biometrics technology for identification; use of an integrated financial management information system for budget management; improving transparency in procurement through the publication of contracts awarded; and

strengthening external oversight by clearing the backlog of audited financial statements. They are aimed at ensuring value for money in the utilisation of public resources.

Critical reforms for improving the investment climate focus on establishing

‘PDP is on time bomb in Taraba’

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HEAD of 2015 political dispensation, Senator representing Taraba North senatorial district on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mrs. Aisha Alhassan, is worried that the ruling party may lose Taraba State to the inexorable fangs of the opposition. She said: “the PDP in Taraba State is sitting on a time bomb; when the bomb explodes, the party would be finished”.

Senator Alhassan, who spoke in a wide-ranging interview with reporters in Jalingo, said there was no internal democracy in the PDP in the state, and as such, members of the party

Fanen IHYONGO, Jalingo were complaining and threatening to leave the party. She blamed the development on the State Governor, Danbaba Suntai, emphasising that unless the national secretariat intervenes on time, the PDP in Taraba was heading towards doom.

She described Suntai’s political associates in the state as sycophants, and accused them of misleading the governor.

Alhassan disclosed that she did not turn up for the PDP state congress because she was aware that the governor had [already] manipu-

lated the congress, by imposing unpopular candidates in the leadership positions of the party.

Alhassan and Senator representing Taraba North, Abubakar Tutare, had earlier on January 31,written the PDP National Headquarters, in a petition entitled: “Deliberate actions of Governor Danbaba Suntai to destroy the PDP in Taraba”, urging it to save the party from imminent collapse.

Alhassan said the PDP instructed that the state leadership of the party should meet with the stakeholders to encourage consensus, during the state congress, but she –a major stakeholder in her zone, was not invited.

a platform for a modern land information system that will be central to the process of streamlining procedures for acquiring property rights. An improved business climate is critical to attracting investors to Edo, and hence, to generating growth and creating employment opportunities.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole said: ”Apart from helping bridge a financing gap for us to implement the critical infrastructure projects that Edo State needs to stimulate growth and create employment opportunities, the reforms we have been undertaking and which have been recognised by the World Bank will ensure that the state obtains value for money in the utilization of the funds.”

He expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its support support and pledged that the citizens of the state, development partners, and other stakeholders would ensure prudence in the utilisation of the resources and sustain the reforms.

Monorail for Onitsha ANAMBRA State government has signed an agreement with the GLOBIM Corporation for the construction of Onitsha Metropolitan Monorail.

The ceremony took place at the Governor’s conference room, Government House, Awka. The project which will be executed under Public, Private Partnership arrangement will cover Onitsha and extend to Nkpor and Obosi.

Governor Peter Obi signed for the state government while the Chairman of Globim, Dr. Jude Igwemezie, signed for the corporation.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Obi noted that high volume commercial and other socio-economic activities in Onitsha and environs required a structural transport system that would provide alternative and reduce the over dependence on road transportation. He said this would, among other things, solve the problem of traffic congestion and enhance movement of people in the area.

Imo targets N1bn monthly IGR THE Imo State Commissioner for Finance, Deacon John Chike Okafor, has expressed the desire of the state government to raise the internally generated revenue (IGR) to one billion Naira monthly, even as about 20 foreign investors indicate interest to invest in the state.

This was made known during a chat in his office, saying that already about N800 million is being realised monthly as against N300 million of the previous administration. He said that government had put in place necessary modalities to realise the goal.

To this end, he said, government has charged all ministries and parastatals to imbibe its commercialisation policy by engaging in aggressive tax collection and other ventures that would improve revenue.

Onokpite family commiserates with Abubakar THE family of the slain governorship candidate of Citizens Popular Party (CPP) in 2007 and 2011, Chief Ogbe Onokpite, has expressed their heartfelt condolences to the acting Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar over the death of his dear mother recently.

This was made known to newsmen in a statement signed by Mr Diemo Onokpite, the slain politician’s immediate younger brother.

The Onokpites prayed the almighty God to give the IG the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss at this critical time in the life of the I.G. It will be recalled that the IG lost his wife and his professional colleagues, John Haruna and others before the cold hands of death closed in on the mother.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

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USSIA’s President– elect and current Prime Minister Vladmir Putin this week called on his countrymen to forget the pain , anguish of the last Presidential elections that put him in charge of power in the Kremlin after an absence of just four years and unite behind him for Russia’s prosperity. In the UK British PM David Cameron commended Nissan the auto giant for making a new model in its Sunderland factory and noted that was quite good for the beleaguered British economy.

In India the PM Monhoman Singh played host to an unlikely guest, the President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari in a new rapprochement that shows that diplomacy can supplant history and the prospect of economic prosperity can heal even natal , pre and postindependence wounds. Also in Mali coup plotters learnt the hard lesson that being landlocked can mar and emasculate armed men for the simple reason that they need fuel not only for their tanks but to maintain the support the coup had initially garnered for them amongst the populace. Lastly South Sudan seized an oil field belonging to the Republic of Sudan in a war of ret ibution that has the potential to escalate because oil is at stake and its proceeds and availability have made the existence of either of the combatant nations a do or die matter.

My contention, stemming from the items I have highlighted today, is that economic well-being or comfort or call it prosperity gospel - the promise of a better tomorrow - is at the heart of political governance and leadership globally. No matter how strong a leader is, if he can not put food on the table for his countrymen and show evidence of reward for allegiance and loyalty, materially and physically, his days as a leader of his people and nation, are numbered indeed.

That was Vladmir Putin’s latest message to the Russian people and the message sold like hot cakes because Russians know that under Putin their standard of living has risen in the last 12 years because of oil money and the fact that Russia is now playing a major role in the latest global challenges in the Middle East especially Syria and over the Iranian nuclear crisis. This has boosted the ego of the average Russian and the sovereign reputation of Mother Russia in the comity of nations. Which is sharp departure from the Glasnost and Perestroika era of former Soviet leader and Nobel Laureate Mikhail Gorbachev in whose time in office the Soviet Empire collapsed and broke into 15 nations.

This was after the Cold War ended making Russia’s bitter enemy, the US, the sole world power while the former Soviet nations struggled economically to come to terms with the realities of democracy and the market economy - the victorious and ascendant ideologies at the end of the Cold War. Today however the story is different as Russia is calling the shots in the cease fire debacle in Syria and is the major power giving credibility to the peace mission of Kofi Annan, the Arab League

History, democracy and prosperity

and UN envoy on the crisis.

Indeed the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov once boasted that even if the protesters in Syria were armed to the teeth by the west Bashar Assad the embattled President of Syria will not be dislodged in Damascus because Russia is backing him to the hilt like it backed his father Haffez during the Cold War and supplied Syria planes to fight the Israelis then. What the Russian Minister did not add was that Syria, a long time traditional ally of Russia, has remained loyal and bought Russian oil consistently and would not be allowed to go down like the late Muammar Gaddafi of Libya who flirted with the west and signed juicy oil contracts with Britain, France and Italy just before he met his nemesis in the North African Spring uprisings and street protests. That really is the lesson of history - which is that business partners rarely desert each other while the trade transactions are booming to their mutual benefit.

In addition when the times are hard, companies and nations, democracies and dictatorships alike find new pastures, anywhere, to make ends meet and even make profits . At a time when leading investment pundits have cautioned global investors to avoid Europe for obvious reasons the car giant BMW has recently announced that it has made it heaviest quarterly profits from the sales of its Rolls Royce and BMW series in China . Which says a lot about the tastes of Communist leaders and China’s elite for classy cars. I wonder how Chairman Mao former leader of the Commu-

nist Party of China will take that in his grave.

Also in Russia again, Nissan –Renault of France is trying to buy the major interest in Lada the Russsian car behemoth and nobody from the Kremlin has stopped negotiations on grounds of national pride and the deal is about to be consummated.

Similarly the visit of the Pakistani president to India has to be looked at in terms of diplomacy and the economic needs of both nations. Ostensibly the two leaders met over some nagging border disputes involving Siachem Glacier and Sir Creek. But India is a prosperous nations nowadays and a member of the emergent economic power bloc called BRICS involving Brazil , Russia, China and South Africa.

Although both India and Pakistan are nuclear powers India is a close nuclear and trade partner of the US and former colonial master Britain whose PM David Cameron seized the opportunity of visit to India sometime , to chide Pakistan for not doing enough to track down Bin Laden. Now that Bin Laden has been killed literally in the backyard of the Pakistani military in Pakistan, relations have gone sour between the two and the Americans have threatened to cut the massive purse strings it gives Pakistan to fund terrorism. This anti terror largesse has helped Pakistan to make ends meet, and has made a huge difference in this regard with regard to the economic welfare of the Pakistani people.

Now the Indians have al-

ways regarded the governments in Islamabad, either military or civilian, as traditional funders of terrorism on Indian soil in spite of protestations to the contrary .Now the rationale of the visit and the mutual benefits to both India and Pakistan are obvious. The Pakistani President brings the offer of security to India which rewards it by filling the vacuum or lacuna created by the US freezing or reducing anti terror funds over the Bin Laden mishap. Which is a step forward for both nations which were like Siamese twins separated mischievously at independence in 1947 by the British on religious lines. Funding from India will do both the military and politicians in Islamabad a world of good as they jostle for political control in Pakistan. This is because the long suffering Pakistani people seem to have had enough of both but will still endure and tolerate them provided they keep providing the much needed economic succor from whatever foreign source as has been the case for some time now in that terror ridden state.

Lastly let us look at events in Mali and the war of the two Sudans in the context of Nigeria simply because the unfolding drama in the two nations have a lot in common with our nation’s history and democracy . With regard to Mali we have had failed coups before like the Dimka and Okar ones. With regard to Sudan we had our civil war before and like Sudan - either North or South - oil is our economic life line. So there are lessons to be learnt from the events in Bamako and the

bloody oil fields of Sudan.

The first is that ECOWAS can bark and bite and the military in the sub region must learn from this. ECOWAS had earlier successfully done this in recent times in Guinea– Conakry and Niger and paved way for successful elections after coups and that is lesson one.

This time sanctions alone and fuel scarcity did the job as Mali is landlocked. Nigeria played a major role in this regard as the Malian delegation was reportedly received in Abuja by the Nigerian Foreign Minister Mr Gbenga Ashiru who insisted that military intervention in the ECOWAS sub region, especially the Mali coup of March 22 can not stand. This obviously led to the swearing in of the Speaker of the Malian Assembly Dioncounda Traore as Interim President of Mali while the leader of the coup Amadou Sanogo could only save face by promising to do something in 40 days time to move Mali forward.

The Interim government’s mandate from ECOWAS is to organize elections for a democratic dispensation as the two term- presidency of the ousted president expires this April. Of course ECOWAS should now on containing the secession announced by the Tuaregs from Libya who have invaded Northern Mali and declared the Sharia State of Azad. Although the coup leader has refused a 3,000 army from ECOWAS and has asked for equipment instead ,he should be demobilized and put on trial for treason while ECOWAS helps the new democratic government in Bamako to assert control and assume legitimacy.

The Tuareg aggression should be contained and put down in Mali and Nigeria as the arrow head of ECOWAS should see to that urgently .This is because the Boko Haram menace in Nigeria is similar to the Tuareg invasion of Mali. Indeed the military struck in Mali because they said that the ousted government was not giving the army enough ammunition to fight the Tuareg invaders of Northern Mali.

Similarly there are many

Nigerians too who feel the government has not thrown its full weight in containing the Boko Haram terror in the North. A word here is certainly enough for the wise.

Similarly with regard to events in Sudan, South Sudan may be the aggressor today but it was the victim before. There was an agreement between the two nations as at the birth of South Sudan in July last year.

This was that South Sudan which is land locked, should pay fees for oil transportation as the oil pipelines of the oil in the South on the way to the port in Khartoum pass through the territory of Sudan . But Sudan seized both oil proceeds and transport fees prompting South Sudan at the risk of economic suicide to stop exporting oil while it started to build new pipelines to Temu in Kenya which would not be ready in two years time .The recent fighting started when South Sudan seized the Heglig oil field in Sudan ostensibly to show that it too can both bark and bite . The South Sudan President Salva Kiir has reportedly told UN Secretary General Banki Moon that he would march on the Abyei region Oil Field seized by Sudan last year , next .

But two wrongs don’t make a right and unless the South Sudan leadership is ready for a total war which it does not need , it should pull out of the Heglig oil field it has seized and find another way of making Sudan remit its oil proceeds even as it pursues alternative modes of transporting its oil and getting the needed oil proceeds for economic growth and development. Settling scores through aggression is un -progressive and unacceptable in modern times .

South Sudan wants and deserves justice in the way it gets its legitimate oil proceeds and Sudan should be told by the UN to oblige honorably. South Sudan too must be told in clear terms that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands . That is a rule of law that even new born states no matter how highly provoked must learn to accept, and South Sudan can not be an exception .

10 COMMENTARY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Re: As rapists go berserk •Those who rely on force to lunch their spermatic missile into the reproductive garden of women are species of homo erectus that ought to be in the zoo wasting away with lower animals. I think now is the time for us to reengineer our law and judicial system to punish rapists by sending them to Golgotha.

—Ehi, 08076823815) •I agree with you that those in authority do not care about the people. The neo-colonial capitalist political structure is to blame. The ruling class breaks its own rules.

Because there is no institutional autonomy, it controls and subverts the financial bodies, police and judiciary to its ends. In this sense, the state and administration become patrimonial, a throwback to antiquity. State and administration become the property of the ruling class.

—Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna, 08039727512 •If they go berserk, we should deal harder with them individually and collectively. We can deal with them individually by handing the rapists over to the police and other law enforcement agents. And collectively by giving them a treat of a little jungle justice before handing them to the police and other law- enforcement agents. The write-up was detailed and soul-moving. One only hope that the judiciary, the Nigerian Bar Association, National Assembly and the governments would have read through it with a view to making the right propositions and adequate provisions.

—Lanre W, 08033518726

Re: As capacity building becomes an albatross •I urge our legislators not to forget the iconic legislature idol, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, who once said that the parliament must be an instrument of social engineering.

Therefore the few who take to ‘pocket engineering’ in the name of oversight function should remember our good friend- the EFCC. —Ehimare, 08076823815.

•I agree with you that the way things are going is unhealthy to development. But will the ruling class change from this destructive path without the oppressed seizing state power in order to build a society that will cater for the social needs of the people? The answer is NO. —Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna, 08039727512.

•Yomi, I just read your piece on rapists. It is not only sexual rape that stigmatises. Pastors and evangelists rape the happiness of children by accusing them of witchcraft and subjecting them to deliverance because of their high level of ignorance. My children were almost victims.

—08028467471 •If you ask me, I believe the Senate should take another look at this rape issue and come out with a very harsh punishment against those who perpetrate the act for it is almost becoming a way of life.

—Don Ezeala, 08064843000, Port Harcourt

Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913

Re: How about our stones-for-your-loot policy •The House of Representatives should stop deceiving us on probes. How many of such probes had been pursued to a logical conclusion. Let them stop fooling Nigerians about probes.

—Gordon Nnorom, Umukabia, Abia, 08062887535.

•There must be an end to the endless cases of grand larceny in the country. I believe it should make meaning to perpetrators when they are physically rather than being metaphorically stoned. Imagine me paying exorbitant taxes; imagine me having never owed PHCN in Lagos and Ibadan where my family and I reside respectively. Yet we hardly get to enjoy public power supply. In my Ibadan residence, we are practically a local government of some sort providing personal borehole, generating set, community security. Those involved in corruption deserve worse than stoning because the steal funds that would have been used to provide us with basic needs. That has been my fear about democracy and civil-regime. The panel trying the alleged offenders need be careful as they could be stoned if henceforth, they sweep outcome of burning investigation under the carpet. Either democratically or by jungle justice, this country, Nigeria, must be cleansed of corruption.

—Lanre Oseni, Lagos, 08033518726

into potent weapon of custos morum (that is to say – guardian of morals) in Nigeria.

—Ehi, 08076823815. .

•You are a lone voice crying in the wilderness. Power is in the hands of the corrupt who, in turn, must equally protect and defend the corrupt in high places in order to continue to exist. What the people need is the state power to destroy the corrupt or the people will perish.

—Amos Ejimonye, Kaduna, 08039727512 •How I wish you were a civil servant, you will then know what happens during the oversight functions. That is an opportunity to milk the MDAs dry. Our ‘honourables’ would have sent in their requests in advance to the MDA to be visited and ‘preparation’ would have been made. All they just need to do is to show up, collect their ‘thing’ and go back to share. That is ‘oversighting’ according to Nigeria’s politrickcians.

—Seye, Akure, 08033894418.

•Hello Yomi, you are just right on the spot. Even the fellows inside the “rock” cannot escape the stones. You might develop high blood pressure if you pay too much attention to what they do. It is ‘shockingly criminal’. As for our ‘lethieveslator’, oversight is to clean up the treasury. How many of them have Aruma’s qualification?

—08029578973.

•I learnt EFCC is investigating the matter and, if need be prosecute those involved, But before they do that, for Hembe and Cohort in the house, this is their judgment: Even though the prosecution counsel has proven his case beyond every reasonable doubt, however collecting money to travel and not travelling and asking for money to carry out public hearing from the DG, SEC did not violate any laws of the land, but morally, it was wrong. Therefore I found them not guilty of breaking any law.

Shikena.

—Charles Iortyom, Gboko, 07030437547.

•I believe that God lives in the heart of men in form of our conscience. Therefore we do not need stones to bring them back to their senses. Instead, what we need should be morally cultured and philosophically trained minds to transform our conscience

***Readers’ note: Knucklehead will be embarking on a deserved leave in the next few weeks. I hope to be back sometime in April. Cheers.

Reader’s view

A

FTER a tortuous legal tussle between Governor UmaruTanko Al-Makura of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the former governor, Aliyu Akwe Doma, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Supreme Court sitting in Abuja on the 6thof March affirmed the judgments of the two lower courts upholding Al-Makura as the winner of the April 2011 governorship election in Nasarawa State.

It will be recalled that the election tribunal delivered its judgment in Lafia on November 12, 2011, but not satisfied with the outcome, Akwe Doma proceeded to the Appeal Court in Makurdi, and in a unanimous judgment delivered on 7thJanuary 2012, the Appeal Court, led by Justice Audu Aboki, upheld the judgment of the tribunal. Then came the final victory on the 6th of March, when a five-man panel of Supreme Court Justices dismissed the appeal as lacking in merit.

Before the three separate rulings at the tribunal, the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court, there was always palpable tension in the camps of the CPC and the PDP, with each boasting to win the case. In fact, it was reliably gathered that the PDP planned big and prepared the ground to pop the champagne should the Supreme Court rule in its favour. But the reverse was the case, as the court ruled in favour of the ruling party in Nasarawa state: the CPC. Immediately the news of the Supreme Court ruling filtered into Nasarawa State from Abuja, the whole state went wild with celebration.

CPC supporters took to the streets in their thousands to celebrate with Governor Umaru Tanko Al-makura. There was joy and exchange of banter as they celebrated what some of them described as the dawn of a new era in the history of the state.

On his return from Saudi Arabia where he had gone to perform the lesser Hajj, a grand victory rally was held in Al-Makura’s honour at the Lafia township stadium. The venue was filled to capacity with party supporters and friends of the CPC-led government. Various ethnic nationalities adorned their traditional attires and danced to the rendition of their traditional instruments.

Addressing the mammoth crowd that came

For Al-Makura, the storm is over Danjuma JOSEPH

to felicitate with him at the event, the governor restated his government’s commitment to transforming Nasarawa State, as he lamented that the state had been left in the doldrums of underdevelopment and infrastructural decay.

He said: “Our state is lagging behind its peers in terms of infrastructural development, and we have to work two times harder to be able to measure up.”

Al-Makura, used the occasion to thank party faithful, his supporters and the people of Nasarawa State for keeping faith with him throughout the period of the litigation, as he urged them to de-emphasise differences on political grounds and work in unison for the development of the state.

Due to the enormity of the time and attention the court case demanded of him, he could not give his full attention to governance. But having finally emerged victorious, he promised to focus all his attention on providing the required leadership that will turn around the fortunes of the state in the spirit of the manifesto of his party, the CPC. Even with the attendant distractions of the court cases, the CPC-led government under the leadership of Governor Al-Makura, has already recorded milestone achievements with barely 10 months in office. A casual walk through the streets of Lafia will reveal the massive road constructions embarked upon by the present administration in the state. While some have been completed, like the Hospital by-pass, others are at various stages of completion. In addition, Lafia, the capital city of Nasarawa State, has seen the installation of its first traffic light.

In less than 100 days in office, Al-Makura procured transformers which were distributed to all the local government areas in the state to boost power supply where it exists and extend it to areas where it never existed. Regular water supply, which has been a mirage since the

•Al-Makura

creation of the state, is now a self-imposing reality. Efforts are in top gear to complete the Nasarawa Eggon water works in the nearest future. He has also commenced massive renovation and reconstruction of schools and the provision of learning materials in addition to reorganising the civil service, which was hitherto used as a suction tube to misappropriate public funds. “I will not steal your money and I will do everything within my power to stop others from stealing your money,” he told a jubilant crowd at the occasion.

Speaking further, the governor said bribery and corruption has no place in his government and the days when sharing of public funds was the order of the day were over, adding that he would use public funds in executing the various projects that would impart positively on the lives of the people. He promised to make job creation a top priority of his government.

According to Al-Makura, “This judgment is a further confirmation of all the processes that

began with the elections, through the tribunal, the Appeal Court and now the Supreme Court.

And what the Supreme Court did was to confirm not only my election but the verdicts of the two lower courts.” He further said: “This judgment I consider is justice and I am happy and grateful to all that seek justice; all that dispense justice and all that appreciate justice.”

Now that all court proceedings are over, AlMakura also promised to work with all and sundry to promote peace, stability and progress in the state. He said: “I am ready and willing to work with all and sundry so long as whoever is coming on board must exhibit the traits of patriotism that will move the state to the next level.

“I assure the people of the state that this victory is not a victory for Tanko (Al-Makura), it is not a victory even for the CPC, but a victory for patriotic citizens of Nasarawa State from whichever party they come from.” He therefore called on all the citizens of the state to put their political differences behind them and work together for the common good of the state.

“In fact, I am duty-bound, it is an obligation.

The essence of my victory is to see how I can expand the frontiers of friendship, admissibility and association so that together we can have peace, stability and progress in the state,” he stressed.

Dismissing the notion that the state is poor; he added that with the abundant natural and mineral resources in the state, all that is required is a visionary leadership that will work towards harnessing these resources for the benefit of the people.

Now that the lingering tussle has been laid to rest and the people’s mandate has been affirmed by the Supreme Court, Governor AlMakura can now consolidate on his achievements so far, because to whom much is given, much is expected.

•Joseph is the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State.

‘Life as an air hostess’

LIFE & STYLE / 41

Eye-witnesses recount horrors of Kaduna Easter Sunday blast

Thriller/ 19

INTERVIEW/ 18-22

‘There were instances I risked my tenure by telling Abacha my mind’

Weekend

PEOPLE THE NATION, Saturday, APRIL 14, 2012

Relat io

s l r i g d o o 'G ’ e v i l t ' n o d ragedy of Liberia's The t

ex-girl soldiers

nship

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

S

OME scenic night in Sinkor, the rain will pour down “like mad.” Cold to Lucia’s hopes and her secret hurt, it will fall to soak her already drenched corpse.

Lucia, 23, would love to drown in Golden Beach at 2 nd Sinkor. She would like to go while the rain falls heavily and the city sleeps. It seems a fantastic way to go for the “general contractor” and former girl soldier. “Bullet don’t kill me. See, they shoot me in the war…three times. I got four shots on my back, one on my thigh. I didn’t die ‘cos I fight like a man. I fear nobody. You can ask around,” said Lucia proudly showing off her scars.

That Lucia a.k.a Commander Fine-trap, could not be felled by any bullet when she was a “fearless” 14-year-old was as much a stroke of luck as it was a frill of fate. At age 12, she was made to watch as ethnic militia loyal to the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) decapitated her parents and split her pregnant sister’s belly with a battle axe. “Tatiana (her sister) got six months baby (pregnancy) and they rape her; eight of them. They cut her belly open to bring out the child. They say she carrying enemy child (sic). They said my pa was LURD (Liberians United for Reconciliation and Development) rebel but he wasn’t. They say my ma was LURD spy, so they killed ‘em both (sic). They rape my ma and shoot her in the neck. They shoot pa in the neck and cut his head with machete,” recollected Lucia.

Thoroughly shaken and eyes glazed over, Lucia recounted scenes she would rather forget like one seeking desperately to rediscover innocence and her true nature in the depths and darkness that has become her past. Eventually, Lucia was taken into captivity by the men who killed her family.

Like most other girls captured from Lofa County, she was serially raped and kept as a “bush wife” (sex slave) by government forces in a military base not far from Voinjama. At the base, she was forced to do a lot of chores for the soldiers, including general laundry and cooking. She said: “I was very afraid but I got nowhere to run. I spend one year and seven months as bush wife before I escape (sic).” Lucia escaped with Taegbae, a fellow “bush wife” while they were sent to the frontlines with reinforcements to tote medicine for the government forces.

While they escaped, they were captured by rebels from the LURD army. The latter took them back to their base where they gang-raped them continuously for two days until Taegbae asphyxiated to death. The scene was a gory one for Lucia who watched her friend and newly adopted sister choke and bleed to death during the rampant sex with LURD soldiers. “Right there, I decided to carry gun,” said Lucia.

In two months, Lucia became the “Queengirl” and “Number One” (an Alpha concubine of sort) of a fearsome LURD commandant. Two weeks later, she was decorated a commander after she led a very ruthless squad of 20 teenage girls to rescue an ambushed LURD regiment. “We started D-Angels (Death Angels). Only four of us died during the war. They died because they broke the law (girl soldier oath). They break it when nobody know. That is why flying bullet kill them,” said Lucia stressing the danger in flouting their “law” which among other things demanded total loyalty to the group and the whims of the squadron leader.

It gets more interesting: it was an abomination for a D-Angel to date two soldiers at a time or take a fellow soldier’s “bush husband for loving.” It was also an abomination for a D-Angel to sleep with the enemy (government soldier) except she was sent on such mission by her commander. If a Death Angel is raped by the enemy, she must do everything within her power to get killed or take her own life. The idea is to prevent any such soldier from betraying or becoming the weak link of the fearsome regiment.

As a LURD commander, Lucia’s weapon of choice was a “60”; that was an automatic weapon and she wore the ammunition around her chest. Before she became commander, no girl soldier was paid for fighting but members of her elite squad particularly soon received $300 Liberian dollars like every boy soldier.

During her time as commander, Lucia made sure young captive girls didn’t get guns or fight unless they wanted to. According to her, their servitude was restricted to toting supplies and spying for the group.

The rest stayed back at the base to do the chores and cook. They, however, suffered the misfortune of being randomly abused as sex slaves by LURD soldiers, particularly

•A girl soldier patrols the streets of Monrovia with fellow child soldiers

The tragedy of Liberia's ex-girl soldiers Olatunji OLOLADE, Assistant Editor from the lower ranks.

Joining LURD as a fighter, no doubt, accorded Lucia leverage, putting her in vantage position to stave off sexual attacks and slavery. More importantly, it afforded her opportunity to hunt the men who murdered her family and held her as a sex slave for almost two years. Although she never found them, Lucia claimed to have killed “more than enough” government soldiers to pacify her lust for revenge.

Now that the war has ended and Liberia struggles to rebuild, Lucia doesn’t think much of the ongoing transition process. “They say the war is over. Tell me, how? Many people are still carrying gun. They’re robbing poor people to survive. Can’t blame them…you know. Some of my sisters (DAngels) agreed to learn tailoring, some start petty business with disarmament dollars. It’s not working, you know. The money ain’t ever enough. Things are very tough now but me, I’m just very lucky. I run good business.

I supply everything to bars, restaurants, filling stations and hotels,” said Lucia.

“I’m really tired,” she went on, “I’ve seen many, many bad things a child shouldn’t see but I see it. So I grow up very tough. People say me and my girls bad (sic). Yes we bad but I say we just toughing it up (sic). Good girls die. Good girls don’t live. Good girl die during the war. I know someday, I will die but if I wanna go (die), I go in the beach. Golden beach, you know.

Very peaceful…Sometimes, I feel very hot in the head. I see many bad things like nightmare

•Most former girl soldiers hardly get to enjoy the full benefits of DDR efforts

even when I don’t sleep. Makes my head very hot. Makes my body hot too. Makes me wanna jump in the sea, you know, sink peacefully,” said Lucia.

But first she will take care of some personal business: “I got this daughter. I am going to raise her to be very good lady. I put her in school in our former place in Congo Town but there are too many bad boys there. The girls there are bad like the boys. They drink and smoke and sleep around. They fight and cause trouble a lot.

They got no work, they don’t go to school…they just love to do nothing. Don’t want my daughter to be like that. Don’t want her to be like me,” said Lucia with the certitude of one who knows that suicidal yearnings may be delayed for very important reasons, like an innocent child.

There is magic in Lucia’s love for her

child. It belies her vanity and cold pretence for every other kind of love which makes her “gonna do anything for her.”

The same can hardly be said for Beatrice P. a.k.a Ball-breaker. Beatrice recently gave up her daughter for adoption. The 23-year-old claimed it had become too difficult to provide for herself and her seven-year-old daughter. According to her, the child is a product of her eight-month relationship with two of her childhood friends and bush husbands while they served with the AFL. Beatrice was picked up by the AFL during a raid in Bushrod Island to forcefully recruit children to fight on the side of the AFL during the war.

“They grabbed me at Point 4 junction. I was running errand for my ma. I tried to run but they picked me up and throw me in the truck. They said I must join them to fight

‘

Tatiana (her sister) got six months baby (pregnancy) and they rape her; eight of them. They cut her belly open to bring out the child. They say she carrying enemy child (sic). They said my pa was LURD rebel but he wasn’t. They say my ma was LURD spy, so they killed ‘em both (sic).

They rape my ma and shoot her in the neck. They shoot pa in the neck and cut his head with machete...

’

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

but especially with other girl mothers.

In many Liberian communities, former girl soldiers are believed to be sexually active, drug addicted, violent, and unpredictable. Therefore, they are considered useless.

Parents in the larger community consequently fear that their own children will adopt these habits and were reported to make remarks such as “What do you expect of a rebel girl?” “You know they are used to seeing blood,” and “It is better to avoid these rebel girls; otherwise they could wound you.” As a result, many girl mothers could make friends only with other girls who had been associated with fighting forces.

Girl mothers and their children often face community judgment, stigmatisation, and social distancing upon their return from fighting forces - especially when their “bush husbands” continue to be part of their lives.

Their psychological trauma is compounded by the sexual violence that most have encountered, which may include physical injury to their genitals and reproductive organs as well as sexually-transmitted diseases. Also, the girls often experience a sense of shame due to the violation of community norms through their forced involvement in sexual relations outside of the traditional bounds of marriage. At the same time, community members may also feel shame as a result of their inability to protect the girls from these violations.

Adding motherhood to this equation makes reintegration much more difficult for girl mothers than for other girls or boys.

Consequently, some girl mothers do not desire reunification with family members, and, instead, seek new living arrangements.

The non-traditional living situations of girl mothers in war-affected countries are thus altering household patterns and kinship arrangements in many Liberian communities.

•This girl soldier battles to curtail the activities of looters in Monrovia

and protect Monrovia from the baboons (rebel forces). After one week, one of my street friends in Bushrod (an AFL soldier) come to tell me that my pa and sister was dead (sic) and nobody see my ma. He said LURD army attacked our place and killed them. So I decided to fight and get revenge,” said Beatrice.

Beatrice was trained alongside 200 girls and boys by the LURD army. Commenting on the fabled abilities of their girl counterparts, Albert, a former child soldier, said: “These girls who fight, they are big, 16 and older, and they fight just like men. They are strong.

When the fighting is rough, they move right in because they have juju (magic). They are special. They don’t move in on the frontline, but they go ahead when there’s a problem, we would retreat and the ‘wives’ would go forward.”

The lure of service with the black diamond group, among other things, lured Elaine to abscond from home and pitch her tent with the group. Elaine left without saying a word to her family at 13. The former girl soldier and native of Grand Gedeh disclosed that she absconded from their house in Congo town because life became unbearable living with her family. “I didn’t want to keep on suffering. My father was jobless and he drank a lot. He was even too scared to fight. Maybe if he at least fought for or against the government, he might be paid some money but he didn’t. He simply drank and hit us all.

Every time he got drunk, he came to our room and climbed upon me while my younger ones are sleeping. He started acting like I am his wife. Whenever I refused, he beat me. I couldn’t let him continue beating me and forcing himself on me. So I ran away to join my boyfriend. He was a LURD fighter and a hero. He taught me everything I know about survival today,” disclosed Elaine stressing that she had never had cause to regret her action.

But Letla regrets every moment she spent as an AFL fighter. The former AFL soldier particularly rues her involvement in the forced recruitment and enslavement of innocent girls during the war. According to her, she was returning home from school when she was captured and forcibly conscripted into the AFL by child soldiers fighting for the AFL. “They raped me in the truck on the way to the base. At the base, I was made to do many chores. I fetched water, cleaned guns and washed the senior offic-

ers’ uniforms. When I realised that I was going to be raped every day, I offered to become the “bush wife” of one of their most ruthless soldiers. In return, I was protected and nobody else attempted to rape me henceforth. When her “bush husband” got killed on a mission, Letla decided to fight. Soon, she became very popular for her ability to capture and recruit minors, particularly young teenage girls. “I would line them up and supervise their initiation – which involved painful whipping and rape by multiple soldiers. The idea was to break and toughen them up. “ Today Letla struggles with recurrent bouts of depression and nightmares as she keeps seeing gory images from her past. However, asides their personal demons, many girl soldiers or combatants during Liberia’s 14-yearwar have to contend with scorn and hostility from families, friends and other members of their immediate community thus making a sham of the much touted Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) efforts.

The phenomenon of young mothers, or girls who are pregnant, returning from armed groups remains largely unacknowledged. These young mothers, sometimes termed the most vulnerable of all returnees, hardly benefit from formal disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) efforts. Basically, they are invisible in the eyes of those who fund, design and implement DDR programmes. This invisibility stems from several factors particularly sexism, whereby boys and men are privileged, policy priorities that emphasize giving up guns as a pre-requisite for help, and the fact that girl mothers are often not perceived as soldiers. Rather, their involvement with fighting forces is typically dismissed by the act of describing them as the “wives” of soldiers.

Life as a social outcast In relation to their reintegration experiences, the majority of former girl soldiers and mothers disclosed that they had initially experienced support from their parents when they returned home, with parents giving help with cleansing rites, babysitting, obtaining food and clothing, and accessing the health clinic. However, tensions arose when some girls received a payment of about $300 US as part of their formal demobilisation. These tensions arose because the girl mothers and

•A former girl soldier undergoes a cleansing bath their parents had differing plans for use of the money. For example, some girls had made plans for how to use the money with their ex-combatant boyfriends. Parents, instead, expected the money to be used for purposes such as for paying debts, school fees and petty trading. Because of these differences of opinion, the level of family acceptance and care for the girls and their children decreased - even when girls agreed to contribute to financial costs such as meals, medication and clothing for themselves.

Another issue of concern was that some girls who had started small businesses were unable to continue running them either because they needed to take care of their babies themselves, or because business proceeds were used to contribute to the family instead of being re-invested into the business. When the girls were less able to contribute to family finances, and if their boyfriends did not help to support their babies, the girls’ families insulted them and referred to both them and their children as “rebels.”

The result, according to the girls, was that many girl mothers moved out of their family homes to live with their ex-combatant partners. Within the larger community, parents often did not support their children’s friendships with any girls who had previously been associated with fighting forces,

Why girls?

In Sri Lanka, where the Tamil Tigers use suicide bombing as a vital war tactic, girls are recruited because it easier for them to evade government security. This reason also applies to armed opposition groups not necessarily using suicide bombing as a war tactic elsewhere, including many African countries currently or recently embroiled in conflict.

It is important to consider another dimension. Just as in the wider society, men are seeking younger sexual partners in order to avoid HIV/AIDS infection; rebels are recruiting younger girls for the same reasons.

This further emphasizes the view that many wartime practices reflect the attitudes and practices of peacetime society.

According to Nancy Meboh, a Monrovia based missionary and aid worker, many rebel groups are forcibly recruiting young girls with no minimum age of recruitment.

Once a girl shows emerging breasts, she is considered ripe for recruitment and for being handed over to a rebel as a wife. The recruitment of young girls is often a deliberate attempt to provide ‘wives’ free from HIV infection, thus the criteria used for ‘marrying’ girls to rebel men seems to be a sign of puberty,” she said.

The importance of girls to armed opposition groups is glaring. Sierra Leone, a country currently in the process of building peace and reconstructing its society, is a good case study to consider. Between 1992 and 1996 the majority of inhabitants of RUF camps in Sierra Leone were girls. In fact, whilst it was estimated that up to 80 per cent of all RUF forces were children between the ages of seven and 14, 30 per cent of that figure were girls According to Chris Robertson, the head of Save the Children’s Fund (SCF) in Sierra Leone, “negotiating the release of girls is a lot harder than boys.”

Whilst boy combatants are of little value in the post-war period because they performed largely combatant roles, armed groups are reluctant to release girls, despite the fact that the fighting has terminated. The RUF continues to use abducted girls as domestic workers and ‘wives.’ Sometimes RUF commanders formed ‘strong’ bonds with their female captives, telling child protection agents that they wanted to marry them.

In turn, some of the girls in RUF camps claimed to be in love with their captors and did not want to return home.

In the case of Liberia, girl combatants consisted of only one per cent of all child soldiers demobilised further emphasizing the fact that the DDR process in the country still has its shortcomings.

Methods of recruitment Methods used to recruit girls into various armed factions are numerous. The partici•Continued on Page 14

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

•Former girl soldiers learn tailoring, courtesy a rehabilitation programme

The tragedy of Liberia's ex-girl soldiers •Continued from Page 13 pation of girls may be the result of compulsory military service (for example, Cuba and the Philippines); abduction or gang-pressing (for example, Angola, Ethiopia, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Colombia); being born into or adopted by an armed opposition group (for example, Colombia, Sri Lanka and Uganda); being sold or given to armed forces by a parent as a form of a ‘tax’ payment or due to social rejection (for example, Colombia and Cambodia); ‘volunteerism’ because of a desire for protection, survival, to earn an income, further career options, including those relating to the government or military, or because of state violence against families and communities.

In the last decade, girls have become the targets of active recruitment by armed groups in many countries afflicted by conflicts. In Mozambique, RENAMO promised study-abroad scholarships in order to attract adolescent girls and boys into its forces but very few of these scholarships ever materialised.

Uganda provides more recent and betterknown examples: On 10th October 1996, 139 girls were abducted from St. Mary’s College at Aboke in Apac District, northern Uganda by members of the LRA. International attention became focused on this case when the Italian deputy headmistress of the school, Sister Rachel, followed the abductors and managed to secure the release of the majority of the girls.

Like their male peers, many girls make an active decision to participate in conflict and ‘volunteer’ with an armed group, for numerous reasons, including the fact that having a gun is likely to provide greater protection against rape and other abuses.

Consequences of girl soldiering In addition to suffering the same consequences of armed conflict as boy soldiers and other children generally, girl combatants face further challenges due to their combined role as girls and fighters and thus, have specific needs that need to be considered in demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration programmes. These are notably pregnancy and its possible birth complications, made worse by the widespread practice of female genital infibulations in many African countries.

Other factors include abortions (a decision in which the mother often has no say) and its own associated complications. This situation is compounded by the lack of health facilities and medical infrastructure in many war-torn countries.

In addition to emphasising the public health problems mentioned above, the use of girls as sex slaves and ‘wives’ leads to a high incidence of STDs including HIV/AIDs. In fact, nearly 80 per cent of girl abductees who fought and served with government forces and rebel groups in Liberia are said to have sexually transmitted infections.

Girls who have been raped and forced into sexual servitude suffer from abdominal pains, cervical tearing, bleeding and infections, which can result in the increased risk of STDs. This, in turn, can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. As infectious diseases can often be passed onto the offspring of the girls during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, the physical effects of their abuse are passed on to the next generation.

In addition, adolescent girl soldiers frequently suffer from loss of menstruation due to malnutrition and trauma.

•Not a few girl soldiers co-habitate with ex-’bush husbands’ and their kids in abandoned buildings and shanty communities

Psychological effects of conflict on girls are said to differ from those on boys to an extent. Girls who have experienced sexual violence also suffer from shock, shame, low self-esteem, poor concentration, persistent nightmares and depression.

However, according to Dyan Mazurana, Associate Professor and Research Director for Gender, Youth, and Community, Feinstein International Center, girls tend to withdraw more than boys who are more likely to behave with aggression. Girls who have been abducted by armed groups and sexually abused during conflict are often rejected by their communities and find no support there.

True, many families don’t want a rebel child. The fact that they were forced into service often appears to be immaterial.

Counsellors at World Vision for instance, related experiences of fathers rejecting their daughters because they had been ‘tainted’ by their abusers and as a result, it was believed that they had definitely lost all prospects for marriage.

With nowhere to turn, these children often become sex workers. What future do these girls and their children have without family or societal support? The psyche of girl combatants is further assaulted by stigmatisation and taunts in which they are referred to as ‘used goods’ that have lost their taste.

Their children, who have been born as a result of rape, are often branded as ‘children of hate’ or ‘children of bad memories’and suffer from stigmatisation and rejection similar to that experienced by their teenage mothers.

In some cases, these children are then

spurned by their own mothers. According to counselors and social workers in Liberia, the increase in street children in the capital, Monrovia, could partly be due to abandoned children born to girls used as sex slaves.

Additionally, girls who participate in conflicts as active combatants also confront severe challenges reintegrating into family and society. Many young women, whose identities were forged in combat, may have to conceal the role they played in conflict and, for fear of total rejection by their husband’s family, must pretend to be the gentle, soft-spoken and submissive woman that their civilian counterpart is.

Furthermore, it has been argued that the participation of girls and women in conflict can have some positive consequences in the post-war period. In Sierra Leone, the war is seen to have brought opportunities to this group; more women are heads of households as a result of the conflict and a change in gender relations, whereby women can negotiate more effectively, has been noted.

Therefore, it is important to bear in mind the findings of a recent report produced by the Quaker UN Office entitled, ‘The Voices of Girl Soldiers’: These girls exhibited a strong sense of self or they would not have survived. They often felt broken and alone but ultimately not severed from some fundamental sense of who they were or who they could become. Even when stripped of the outward signs of their identity and forced to participate in abusive relationships they were able to maintain some sense of self. They often acted fearless when terrified, and stood up for themselves in the face of brutal treatment and consequences.

They lived with contradictions and intense feelings of ambivalence about supporting the movement and being recognized for their accomplishments and at the same time being perpetrators of violence.

They wanted to be someone and they longed to be valued. The girls continue to pursue life recognising that once others knew that they had served in armed movements, even when it was against their will, they would be viewed as untrustworthy and generally diminished in the minds of others.

Just as child soldiering is not a newly developed phenomenon neither is girl soldiering. Mazurana and colleagues for instance, refer to Joan of Arc as the bestknown Western girl combatant in history.

In 1429 sixteen year-old Joan led an army of 4,000 against the English and successfully expelled them from Orleans.

However, her victory was short-lived as the following year she was captured by Burgundian soldiers and sold to the English who proceeded to burn her at the stake. During the First World War 14-yearold Marina Yurlova found herself at the front lines of battle as a private in the Cossack army, which was used by the Western front in Europe against Germany and Austro-Hungary. Around the same time thousands of miles away another 14-yearold girl, Jesusa Palancares, joined her father to spy for the federales during the Mexican revolution.

In the same vein, African history yields tales of girl fighters; the most intriguing being the female army from the African kingdom of Dahomey, now present-day Benin. During the 18th and 19th centuries the people of Dahomey were said to have regarded female warriors as superior to their male counterparts. Therefore, every three years fathers had to report to the king with daughters aged between nine and fifteen years in order for the fittest to be selected for military duty. In this way the strength of the royal female forces was maintained.

International discussions, peace accords, reports, studies and demobilisation and rehabilitation programmes all use the generic term ‘child soldiers’ to describe children involved in armed conflicts and then proceed to focus primarily on boys as combatants. Girls are usually largely forgotten, ignored or dismissed. If lucky, they will be acknowledged as an appendage, an after-thought in a concluding paragraph or an appendix in the deepest recesses of a book or report.

There is little awareness of the dimensions of the suffering inflicted on girls, or of the many unpalatable roles they are forced to play during conflict. Nobody really cares about them and their war-babies.

Hence most girl combatants are still very much out of the picture; if child soldiers are arguably invisible, then girl soldiers simply disappear from plain sight.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

51-year-old tenant kills Ibadan landlord over 12-month rent arrears S

YMPATHISERS have been thronging the residence of Musiliu Sogunro, an Ibadan, Oyo Statebased landlord who was allegedly killed by one of his tenants called Mukaila Ajadi, on Wednesday March 8, 2012.

Reliable sources told our correspondent that the 42-year-old deceased had challenged another tenant of the building for refusing to move out of her apartment following her inability to pay rent. The argument was what prompted the suspect to join in a reign of invectives on the deceased. The incident happened at Sanyo area of the city.

The confrontation attracted neighbours who tried to b r o k e r truce between the

•Ajayi the suspect.

Inset: The landlord’s lifeless body

Kunle AKINRINADE deceased and his errant tenants but all to no avail.

It was gathered that moments later, the altercation resulted in violence. It was in the process that the furious Ajadi allegedly stabbed his landlord to death with a broken bottle.

A source, who asked not to be named, described the incident as strange and gory. He said: “There was more to the incident than ordinary because of the circumstances that led to the death of Musiliu. He was just talking to a female occupant who had defaulted in her rent and had refused to vacate her apartment at the expiration of a quit notice.

Suddenly, the suspect who was then in his room heard what was going on and rushed outside to join the woman in reproaching the deceased. Then, those around tried fruitlessly to settle the rift between the duo but it was too late. Before, any one knew what was going on, he had stabbed Musiliu to death with a broken bottle.”

Apparently aware that he had overreached himself when Musiliu fell in a pool of his blood, the suspect was said to have gone to the police at Sanyo Police Division, Ibadan, to report that the deceased had stabbed him, showing wounds on his body to the policemen on duty. His ‘condition’ was said to have made the policemen on duty to sympathise with him and asked him to visit hospital for proper treatment.

A source, who asked for anonymity, said:” Can you believe that the suspect (Ajadi) had the effrontery to report the matter to the Police? After killing the deceased, he hurriedly left the scene with the jagged edge of the broken bottle and headed to Sanyo Police Station where he misled policemen on duty to believe that the deceased was the one who stabbed him.

“After showing some wounds on his body to the police officers, they asked him to go to hospital for proper treatment, not knowing that he had killed his landlord. But thank God, sympathisers accompanied the widow of the deceased to the station before the police officers

the suspect, who was then ‘inSuddenly, his room, heard what was going on and rushed outside to join the woman in reproaching the deceased. Then, those around tried fruitlessly to settle the rift between the duo but it was too late. Before, any one knew what was going on, he had stabbed Musiliu to death with a broken bottle...

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realised that they had been tricked by the suspect. Ajadi was later arrested at the hospital where he had gone to treat himself.” His case was immediately moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) at Iyaganku, Ibadan.

The 51-year-old suspect, who moved into the building located in Sanyo Area of Ibadan, Oyo State, in 2007, was also said to have been given a quit notice after he had failed to pay his rent for a year following the death of Musilu’s father, the original owner of the house. But he refused to also vacate his apartment even after Musiliu had taken over ownership of the building.

The deceased, it was gathered, had pleaded with Ajadi and the other female tenant to defray the backlog of rent but the errant tenants had turned deaf ears to the plea.

Mutiu Oloyede, a resident, said:”He had pleaded with the tenant on several occasions to pay up his rent arrears but he refused. Instead of begging, he (Ajadi) would make unsavoury remarks about him, reproaching him for having the effrontery to ask him for money.

“What amazes me most is the fact that the deceased landlord was a man of peace and unassuming. He had even begged those who know Ajadi to plead with him to pay up his rent but the suspect had stood his ground that he would not pay.

It was the recalcitrant posture of Ajadi that made the deceased to give him quit notice so that he could take possession of the apartment.

“It was so unfortunate that Ajadi was not even the one the deceased landlord was talking to on the day of the incident before he interjected in their discussion turning it into his own fight before killing the deceased.

The deceased was rebuking another female occupant who had been asked to quit her apartment. The woman had allegedly moved all her belongings out of her room but deliberately locked the apartment for no just reason and that was why the deceased was condemning her action.

Ajadi used this as an opportunity to fight his landlord which eventually led to his (landlord’s) death. You only need to see how the innocent landlord was brutally stabbed on several parts of his body; it was horrific.”

Our correspondent reliably gathered that the suspect had since been charged to court for murder, while he has been asked to be remanded in Agodi Prison pending the determination of his case.

The Public Relations Officer of Oyo State Police Command, Mrs Olabisi Okuwobi, was yet to respond to enquiries by our correspondent at press time.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

T

HE last has not been heard of the March 26 clash between the students of Federal Polytechnic Oko and youths of the host community.

The clash, which resulted in an impromptu holiday declared by the management of the polytechnic, has continued to generate a lot of heat between the people of the community and those of the polytechnic, culminating in the claim by the town’s PresidentGeneral, Mr. Cyprian Nwamuo, that the property destroyed by the students were in the region of N500 million.

It was gathered that the clash was triggered off by the Ifu Olu festival, (literally meaning preparing for the planting season), during which youths in masquerades attacked students with canes, machetes and other dangerous weapons before the students met on Monday and took a decision to protest the harassment.

As the students were protesting, the youths of the community, sources said, shot into the crowd, injuring no fewer than eight students. An expectant mother, who is also a student of the polytechnic, was said to have lost her three-month-old pregnancy.

The source also disclosed that about three female students were raped by the youths who barricaded the routes to students’ hostels, forcing their way into their rooms and inflicting all manner of assaults on them.

Trouble was said to have started on March 25, 2012 when some masquerades attacked the HND Hostel located a few metres away from the community’s major market.

Some students, it was gathered, were stabbed by the masquerades who wielded dangerous weapons. And when the Students’ Union Government made an attempt to settle the problem, the President was beaten up and he reported the matter to the leadership of the community.

But before then, the masquerades were said to have unleashed different kinds of mayhem on the students and even some indigenes of the community, which caused tension before the March 25 attack on the students’ hostel.

Sources said because of the attack on their president, the students converged the following day, which was a Monday, to assess the situation. There, they decided to march to the palace of the traditional ruler to register their grouse.

The youths of the village blocked the students when they were returning from the palace, provoking the clash in which several students were shot. The attack on the students became so intense that the management of the school decided to roll out about five of its coaster buses to evacuate students from the community with police escorts.

The Secretary General of Oko Community, Mr. Bomboy Onyeagba, who briefed the Rector and Council Chairman of the polytechnic immediately after the clash, said it was apparent that the masquerades were irresponsible, having violated instructions from the traditional ruler of the community that the masquerades’ cultural activities should hold in February. He also hinted at possible infiltration of the masquerades by outsiders and neighbouring communities, adding that they even molested indigenes of the community.

He said: “There is a boy that has a shop over there. The mother works in the Deputy Rector’s office. He lost his father a couple of months ago. Unfortunately, for no just reason, they came and broke his head. When the SUG President

•Trapped students at the polytechnic’s main gate

Untold story of Anambra poly students, indigenes’ bloody clash Noriega EMMA brought the report to the community, we shared his grief. I saw blood oozing out from his elbow.

Around 4 am the following day, I had a call that the crisis was brewing. I called the SUG President and he confirmed it, but I asked him to calm the students so that we would find a way out.”

He disclosed that he got information that the youths of the community retreated when the Police arrived, with the intention of wreaking more havoc on the students who lived in the interior parts of the town, adding that with the help of the anti-cult group, those students in the interior were brought safely to the polytechnic.

“I want to thank the Rector and the polytechnic community for the patience. You see, we share this moment of sorrow. It is like my house is being destroyed. I am down with tears. But please whatever it is, let us pray that by the measures put in place, we don’t see it reoccurring again,” Onwuagba said.

To unravel the cause of the clash, the chairman of Orumba North Local Government, Hon. Emeka Aforka, and the Rector of the polytechnic, Prof. Godwin Onu, instituted two different panels of enquiry with the mandate to unravel the cause and prevention of clashes between the students and

‘

The result of the riot was destruction of property by some students and the indigenes. Students were hunted by indigenes like hunters chasing wild animals.

Students’ lodges were burgled. Students were dispossessed of valuables...

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the host community as the terms of reference.

After attending a few sittings at the panel, the Oko community withdrew from the panel, citing imbalance in the constitution of the committee. They also gave

other conditions, which included unconditional release and discharge of all the villagers who were arrested by the Police at the scene of the clash, especially in connection with the shooting of students.

They also wanted the Chief Security Officer of the polytechnic, Mr. C harles Ezeh, the Anti-Cult Director, Mr. Khaki Abdullahi, and the Legal Adviser, Mr. Stanley Okafor, out of the panel. They also want to produce the secretary of the panel, while the polytechnic produces the chairman. The community in the same letter of withdrawal said: “Unless these conditions are met, we will not guarantee the security and safety of the students when they return.”

However, the institution was summoned to a meeting by the community’s leadership after the incident. And where the polytechnic conceded to the demands of the community and asked the community to drop Hon. Okonkwo Okom from the panel because of his inciting utterances, the community rejected the request and then adjourned the meeting.

It was gathered that immediately after the meeting, the indigenes started blackmailing the polytechnic community, claiming that the students vandalised property estimated at about N500 million, saying that without the students paying for it, none of them would return to the community.

The youths of Oko community also took to the streets a day after

the deadlocked meeting, chanting war songs against the polytechnic and the Police. But for the rapid response by the Anambra State Police Command, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mr. John Nwele, the situation would have degenerated into another assault on the institution.

Some of the youths, sources disclosed, used the opportunity to break into some of the students’ hostels and looted some of their property and personal belongings before security operatives caught up with some of them.

The Rector, Onu, while briefing the Local Government Chairman who came to assess the situation immediately after the clash, said his main concern was to ensure the safety of the students, which he said resulted in the immediate evacuation of the students to nearby towns, including Ekwulobia, Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha to prevent further attacks on the students by the villagers.

He said if the students were not evacuated, the villagers would continue to attack and maim them in the night because they reside in the villages, adding that he beefed up security around the polytechnic to prevent the villagers from attacking the polytechnic as they had threatened several times.

Onu also promised to foot the bills of all the students who sustained injuries during the clash, adding that the polytechnic’s medical unit was attending to some of the victims.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

•Police escorting students to the polytechnic

•Police taking control of the crisis

•Reconstituted panel in a group photograph with the Polytechnic’s management

‘ •Students returning to school after the clash

Aforka, after banning masquerades from the council, inaugurated a panel of enquiry to ascertain the cause of the crisis and find ways of preventing future occurrence.

But some of the people, who spoke to reporters, said such clashes were becoming a recurring decimal, with students of the polytechnic paying reparation fees to the community.

One of them, Chuks Anene, a resident of Oko, recalled that in 1996, there was a similar clash when the vigilance group of the community was fond of harassing and brutalising students on trumpedup charges, which forced the students to go on the rampage.

“It was called the Aburi riot. Aburi was like the Chief Security Officer of the community. He was said to have intimidated, tortured and victimised students ,which resulted in the riot during which part of his house was torched,’’he said.

He disclosed that at the end of the day, the students were made to pay about N3,600 each as reparation for things destroyed, adding that in 2001 another clash occurred between the students and the villagers where the students paid about N5000 each as reparation.

“I believe that it was those reparations the students were being made to pay that propelled some villagers to molest and provoke the students, knowing that at the end of the day, the students would be asked to pay. If you see the level of animosity exhibited by the villag-

ers during this reprisal attack, it showed that they had pent-up hatred for the students. I wonder why a right-thinking person would shoot at students who were not armed.”

It will be recalled that a day before the matriculation ceremony, a delegation from the community, led by the President General of Oko Peoples Union, Nze Cyprian Nwamuo, paid a visit to the polytechnic.

Top on their agenda was to clarify the rumour of a plan to relocate some departments to Ezira, a nearby community, which Onu dispelled and assured of his resolve to uplift the polytechnic.

It was at the end of the visit that the youth leader of the community, Chime Ezeokoye, told the polytechnic that the youths had earlier planned to disrupt the 28th matriculation ceremony slated for the following day, but that the Rector’s clarification had doused the ensuing bitterness from the youths.

Anene further said he was not surprised that 12 days after the visit, the youths, under the guise of ifu olu festival, started attacking the students and raping some of the female ones. He added that on several occasions, they beat up the President of the Student Union Government who came to rescue the student victims.

It was also gathered that earlier efforts by Prof. Ekwueme to stop the festival did not succeed. Another spirited effort by some mem-

It is very unfortunate that it happened. There was tension on this matter and we have been trying to quell it for a very long time. But they said that masquerades went into a compound and beat some people up. The Students’ Union Government used the opportunity to call for a congress and incited the students to go on the streets

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bers of his cabinet to streamline the festival by numbering masquerades for the sake of identification was also rebuffed by the youths, who protested at the palace of the monarch on the first day of the festival.

The Students’ Union Government, led by its President, Comrade Henry Nwaebilnei, in an interview with newsmen, commended the management of the polytechnic for the manner the crisis was handled.

They said they were highly impressed at the immediate evacuation of students in the heat of the crisis and the swift invitation of security operatives to protect the students against further attacks by the youths of the community.

Nwabineli also noted that the central public address system and the bulk short message service ( SMS) which the school used to disseminate information was remarkable, adding that the immediate and compulsory Easter break also saved the situation.

The students’ head also lauded the management of the polytechnic for the immediate setting up of a panel of enquiry to look into the matter, adding that the concessions the polytechnic made to the community for the sake of peace, especially the dissolution of the existing panel, was a welcome development.

He noted that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) at all levels had intervened in the crisis because they were un-

happy at the molestation of students by the community.

He regretted that some of their female colleagues were raped, while one of them lost her pregnancy during the crisis. He lamented that many of the students sustained machete injuries while others were shot by the youths of the community.

According to him, it was unfortunate that those trigger-happy men who shot the students were being charged for unlawful possession of firearms instead of attempted murder.

“The community should be happy with the students at least for generating income for them and bringing development and social activities to their community. I am surprised that fathers and mothers in the community who should take students as their kids will be molesting and harassing them,” the students’ leader stated.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka, earlier confirmed the arrest of some suspects who shot at the students, adding that they had been charged to court.

Meanwhile, the OPU insists that without the release of the arrested youths, there will be no peace talks.

The body said the detention of the youths was not in good faith as no student was arrested during the clash.

OPU also blamed the students for the clash, saying that the SUG incited the students to go on the ram-

page.

He said: “It is very unfortunate that it happened. There was tension on this matter and we have been trying to quell it for a very long time. But they said that masquerades went into a compound and beat some people up. The Students’ Union Government used the opportunity to call for a congress and incited the students to go on the streets.”

He put the property and other valuable items destroyed at about N500 million.

But peace seemed to be gradually returning to the town with the reconstitution of a 22-man panel of enquiry on the matter to accommodate the demands of the community.

The panel, which was inaugurated on Wednesday by the Rector of the polytechnic, was expected to submit its report in a week’s time.

They are to look at the remote and immediate causes of the clash and find ways of preventing a future occurrence.

The panel is made up of six Oko indigenes, six members from the polytechnic, six students and four others and will be chaired by Ben Ajakemo. The community, led by Okonkwo Okom, is to produce the secretary of the panel.

Inaugurating the panel, Onu urged them to give all the parties fair hearing and use wisdom in submitting its report, so that the report will not be another source of controversy. He said the polytechnic would provide the logistics to ensure that the panel concludes its sitting in time.

Responding, Ajakemo assured that the panel would not disappoint. He promised to ensure equity and fair play, adding that the panel would submit its report in a record time.

But in another development on Thursday, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) called for the relocation of the Polytechnic to a friendlier town.

In a press briefing at Awka, NANS Coordinator for Zone B, Comrade Nwankwo Ezekiel and the Country Representative for West Africa Students Union, Comrade Sheriff Zadok, said they had been “monitoring with keen interest, the events as they unfold at Oko. “We have also mobilised Nigerian students across the zones to be ready to resist any attempt by any group or individuals to impose any levy of any magnitude as reparation or whatever name they may choose to call it. Considering that a virile society is built under the frame work of peace, unity of purpose and progress, anything short of this fundamental principles will prove chaotic, anarchical and retrogressive. We therefore urge everybody to ensure the safety of Nigerian students in Oko whenever they resume.”

They, therefore, called on the Minister of Education, Prof.

Ruquayatu Rufia, to waste no time in sending a proposal to the Federal Executive Council for immediate relocation of the Oko Campus of the Federal Polytechnic to another town that will be ready to receive and treat the Nigerian students as their own.

Commending the Rector for the prompt evacuation of students, NANS noted: “The result of the riot was destruction of property by some students and the indigenes.

Students were hunted by indigenes like hunters chasing wild animals.

Students’ lodges were burgled. Students were dispossessed of valuables. Now, we hear that indigenes who carried out the destruction are praying for the payment of millions of naira as reparation. And as such, we the apex body of Nigerian students will not take or tolerate it.”

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Chief Tom Ikimi is a former Minister of External Affairs under the regime of Gen. Sani Abacha. He is currently a national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Chief Ikimi celebrated his 68th birthday on Tuesday amid glowing tributes from friends and political associates. He later granted interview to journalists. OSAGIE OTABOR was there.

There were instances I risked my tenure by telling Abacha my mind •Tom Ikimi relives life at 68

H

OW do you feel at 68?

I feel very happy at 68 because I am healthy, strong and alert. I am happy that today I can celebrate 68 in Benin City, Edo State, my home state with a lot of freedom. I celebrate it surrounded by friends, family, surrounded by associates and all those who trust in me. I am gratified that I have such people come here to felicitate with me in spite of the shortness of the notice and in spite of the fact it was not a formal celebration. I am 68 today and it is not a landmark age and I am hoping that one day if God permits I will celebrate 70, a biblical age that is allocated to mankind. If I can get to that age, I believe the circumstances in our country will permit the celebration. I am glad that we have enjoyed ourselves. We had a good service in church.

Tell us about your background I am a man of humble birth. My father and mother were ordinary people. They were not elite whatsoever. I was born in 1944 towards the end of the Second World War. That war took

my father away from Nigeria. The expatriate he worked with took him to a distant nation. He settled in Cameroun. Southern Cameroun was part of Nigeria then. While he was there, we believed that we were in our territory. That was where I was born. I attended one of the most prestigious colleges in Southern Cameroun.

In 1961, there was a plebiscite in that country and that part of Nigeria decided to secede from Nigeria to join Cameroun. We found ourselves as aliens in our former country. That was what brought us to Nigeria in 1964. I worked in the Ministry of Works in Benin City. I went to the University in Zaria where I studied Architecture and graduated in 1973.

I was one of the first batches for National Youth Service Corps. I served in Ibadan. When that was over, I went to Lagos, I worked at the best known Architectural firm in the country for two three years. I set up my own practice in 1977. I did some laudable projects in the country and outside this country. I joined politics in the early 80s. I was a member of the Constituent Assembly. Eventually, we set up political parties

which crystallised in the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). I was the first National Chairman of NRC elected not appointed.

We had a very heady contest by the two political parties. There were 30 states in the country at that time. I led the NRC to win 16 and the SDP won 14. In 1992, we came to the point of contesting the presidency. In October that year, out of the blues Military President (Ibrahim) Babangida dissolved the two political parties’ leadership. I believed that action was uncalled for. That was the beginning of the crisis of Nigeria.

Having dissolved the leadership of the two political parties, they could not put it together anymore and that gave birth to shaken leadership in the two political parties. That was when Chief Tony Anenih became leader of the SDP and within three months, they had elections which culminated in the annulment in 1993.

(Chief MKO) Abiola who claimed to have won the election was denied the office.

However, I have done a number of things in our country. The country was in dire strait. I

•Chief Ikimi

became foreign minister in the time of crisis in our country and as many have said and judged, I was able to retain the integrity of Nigeria within the comity of nations in spite of the difficulties we had at the time. I know that people can become Minister of Foreign Affairs in peace time, which is not when you show your mettle. Peace time is routine work. Hold parties and host dinners. In crisis time, that is when you show your mettle. I was the Foreign Affairs Minister in time of crisis in Nigeria and I am happy and I glad that all those who knew me knew that I gave Nigeria its due credit. We were proud to be Nigerians when they listened to me at the United Nations and in the OAU. They were proud to be Nigerians when I addressed the international community, but today we have routine leadership in Nigeria and Nigeria has lost its mettle. It is unfortunate.

How did you feel serving under Gen. Abacha, especially when Saro Wiwa and others were killed?

No one in Nigeria at the time of the military •Continued on Page 22

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Saturday

THRILLER

Eye-witnesses recount horrors r e t s a E a n u d a K f o Sunday blast

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

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B

UT for the bravery displayed by Francis Markus, one of the church security men at the ECWA Goodnews Church along Gwari Road, the casualty figure in the Easter Sunday bomb explosion in Kaduna may have been more. Markus it was that reportedly turned back the suicide bomber from gaining access to the church when he refused to open the barricade placed on the road for him to pass through, even though he claimed to be a resident of a nearby house.

But Markus’ narration appeared to be at variance with the police report on the incident. The state Commissioner of Police had told newsmen after the incident that the vehicle involved was heading for the Kakuri/Sabon Tasha end of the town when the explosion occurred, leaving scores of people dead and several others injured and presently receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state.

Even though Markus may have been the hero, saving several lives, Alhaji Haruna Musa, Village Head of Kabala Costain, is not a happy person having lost one of his children to the blast and the other critically injured as a result of the explosion. Though a sad man, Alhaji Musa does not hold anything against those who caused the death of his son, Ibrahim, a promising medical student with the Bayero University, Kano and Mohammed Aliyu Zakari sustained serious injuries. He declared that since there is a judgement day when everyman will account for his deeds, he has forgiven those who killed his son.

Recounting how the children got mixed up in the whole drama, Alhaji Musa said: “My son with his younger brother went to Tudun Wada to collect some carpet and on their way back, they followed Bachama Road through Sardauna Crescent. It was while on their way that the explosion hit them. So, my senior son, Ibrahim Musa, died on the spot while his younger brother, Mohammed Aliyu Zakari, was taken to St. Gerrad Hospital for treatment.

“He was later transferred to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika upon doctor’s recommendation. He is responding to treatment. It is really unfortunate that these things are happening. The one that died is working with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the other one in critical condition in ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika, is a medical student of the Bayero University, Kano. I cannot take the attackers to be good Christian or Muslims because they are not. I know there is a judgment day and one day each of us will answer for his deeds. There is no religion that preaches violence, but I forgive them, its left for them to repent.”

The Nation investigation revealed that the suicide bomber may have been primed to kill a large crowd of people, possibly worshippers who were observing the Easter. After he was denied access to the churches around Gwari Road, the bomber was said to have returned to the major road, drove to the Lagos Street roundabout and turned, apparently heading towards the Kakuri/Sabon Tasha and Barnawa end of the town where there are many churches observing the Easter Sunday service.

There are indications, however, that the suicide bomber was afraid of the security agents drafted to the churches within the metropolis and therefore tried to avoid them and a possible arrest and therefore drove pass the Assemblies of God Church located a few metres away from the scene of the explosion and along the major road.

Eye-witnesses have it that the driver of the vehicle used for the operation was trying to avoid an Okada man who suddenly drove into the road and in the process, hit the road divider and exploded.

An eye-witness who identified himself as Ibrahim Ismail said: “The car conveying the explosion was trying to avoid colliding with a motorcycle that was coming towards him. He lost control in the process and brushed the road pavement which ignited the

Kaduna Easter Sunday blast:

The casualty figure would have been more — Eye-witnesses •’I’ve forgiven killers of my son’

•Sympathisers in front of a building whose roof was shattered by the explosion

PHOTOS: Tony AKOWE

‘

Suddenly I heard a loud sound that almost blocked my ear. When I looked in front of my car, I saw smoke all over the place while fire was coming out from under my car. The man at the back seat of my car, who is my mechanic, was nowhere to be found, even when I called his mobile phone, it was switched off, and so my fear is that he might have died as a result of the explosion...

Tony AKOWE, Kaduna

explosion”. According to him, “we were coming from this Junction road and there was a commercial motorcyclist driving against traffic. I was coming from this Junction Road and another brand new

’

Honda car was coming from Lagos Street roundabout heading towards Stadium roundabout. On seeing the motorcycle, the driver of the Honda tried to avoid it and he brushed the side of the road leading to the

explosion.

“I saw 11 dead bodies myself. I carried two of the affected persons in my car to 44 Army Reference Hospital. One of them was complaining that he could not hear anything because of the sound of the explosion which affected his ears, while the second lost both eyes to the explosion.

The explosion affected people very well, killed some of the residents of the Sardauna Crescent, including men and women, cake bakers, hawkers, roadside petroleum sellers (Black marketers) and many commercial motorcyclists popularly called Achaba. It affected so many cars, a Honda Civic, Toyota, burnt many motorcycles and a Peugeot car whose occupant was even a woman.”

The explosion was such that cut the vehicle into two and affected houses and business premises located within the area. Incidentally, while some of the people closer to the scene were not badly affected, some others that were metres away got affected by the impact of the explosion. Some of the survivors have

21

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

‘

•Some motor bikes burnt by the blast

•Policemen with the wreckage of the suicide bombing car

•The road on which the explosion occurred

•Another building affected in the viccinity

stories to tell, but none of them could say how they managed to come out of the incident alive.

One of them, who simply identified himself as Tunde, said: “I was driving pass the scene of the incident along with two

other occupants when suddenly I heard a loud sound that almost blocked my ear.

When I looked in front of my car, I saw smoke all over the place while fire was coming out from under my car. The man at the back seat of my car, who is my mechanic, was nowhere

to be found, even when I called his mobile phone, it was switched off, and so my fear is that he might have died as a result of the explosion. In fact I don’t know how to thank God for surviving, this bomb blast.”

But Vincent, who said he was on his way to church when the blast occurred affecting him and his cousin, attributed their miraculous escape to the fact that God answers prayer. According to Vincent, who claimed that he was driving a motor bike directly behind the exploded, “the blood of Jesus is still working and that was what saved us. Otherwise, we would have been dead by now. We thank God for saving our lives.” Some of the business premises affected by the blast included Kent Merchandise Electronic, Amec Technical Ltd, Yem Kem, First Bank plc, De Precious Kitchens, Joetex Ventures Marhaba Hotels, and Fedeco Hotels.

The Nation gathered that acting on information that the Boko Haram sect were planning to attack churches in Kaduna during the Easter celebration, the police and other security operatives in the state had taken proactive measures, which apparently waded off the attacks. It was gathered that the police did not want to be taken unaware in view of previous experiences and therefore drafted its men to keep watch at various churches. While some of the security personnel drafted were in uniform, it was gathered that many others were sent out in mufti and made to work in close collaboration with security departments in the various churches.

One of the measures taken was to prevent unidentified vehicles from going anywhere close to the churches. The security personnel, it was gathered, had instructions to disallow any such vehicles from either going into church premises or passing through the roads leading to the churches while the services lasted. In some of the churches, vehicle owners were told politely to pack their cars far away from the churches, while worshippers were searched before being allowed into the churches for the Easter service.

While families of the victims battle with the medical expenses of their loved one, succour came from the state government who promised to offset the bills on their behalf and also find a way of assisting those who lost their businesses. The state Deputy Governor, Ramalan Mukthar Yero, said the move became necessary as government’s own contribution to the quick recovery of the victims. The government made good its promise when it released about N3.6 million to four of the hospitals where the victims are receiving treatment across the state.

Reacting to the development, the Spiritual leader of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Most Reverend Samuel Abidoye, said the worsening insecurity in the Northern parts of the country was capable of undermining the continued corporate existence of Nigeria. Abidoye said the incessant killings of innocent citizens by suspected suicide bombers, militant religious sects and groups would further undermine the peaceful coexistence of Nigerians.

He noted: “We condemn in the strongest terms last Easter Sunday suicide bomb attack on innocent citizens in Kaduna. These unprovoked and unwarranted attacks on innocent Nigerians are capable of tearing this country apart, if care is not taken. The relative peace in the country is being further overstretched by these killings.” He warned that the much-needed economic growth and development of the country will continue to elude the nation unless the Federal Government demonstrates serious commitment to effectively addressing the worsening problem of insecurity confronting the nation.

The spiritual leader added:“The Federal Government should take practical steps to check the activities of the group alleged to be the mastermind of these heinous acts. It should strengthen the intelligence arm of our security agencies. This is the only way the war against terrorism can be won. We pray that this country does not turn out to become a failed state like Somalia due to the activities of terror groups”.

The one that died is working with the NBTE and the other one in critical condition in ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika, is a medical student of the Bayero University, Kano. I cannot take the attackers to be good Christian or Muslims because they are not. I know there is a judgment day and one day each of us will answer for his deeds.

There is no religion that preaches violence, but I forgive them, its left for them to repent

’

He asked the government to probe the circumstances surrounding the Easter day suicide bomb attack in Kaduna and similar incidents in different parts of the country. The clergyman said setting up such a probe into these attacks on innocent Nigerians had become imperative because of the similarity in the modus operandi of the perpetrators.

In his words, “the Federal Government should as a matter of urgency launch a massive investigation into why in spite of initial warnings, our security agencies usually fail to check the occurrence of these attacks on innocent Nigerians. You can see that the modus operandi of the perpetrators of these attacks has always been similar. So, why can’t our security agencies get to the roots of all these attacks? Is it not surprising that the police could come out to say that they were trailing the suspected suicide bomber instead of apprehending him?” he said.

On his part, the Secretary General of the Textile Workers Union, Isa Aremu, blamed the government for the rise in terrorist activities in the country due to the increasing rate of unemployment as a result of government’s failure to revive the textile industry. Aremu, who is also the Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), while leading members of the union on a visit to hospitals in the state to sympathise with victims, described the Easter Sunday explosion in Kaduna as senseless killings of the oppressed and self-employed class which could have been avoided if the government had been up to its responsibilities. He noted that it was sad that even women and children were not spared, pointing out that “the victims of the bomb blast were mainly Okada riders, food vendors, children and women who were in the poor class of the society. That was bad enough.

Armed and pen robbers are not so callously killed as we witnessed last Sunday,” he said.

Aremu argued that “government must demonstrate it is government of all regardless of one’s status or class. A terror attack on one is a terror attack on all our humanity. Government at all levels must intensify efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people regardless of their class or status and Labour will like to partner in this respect. But more than ever before, the weekend tragedy shows that the forces of mass destruction are not relenting either,” he said.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Edo 2012: ‘Even in Anenih’s zone, Oshiomhole will win’ •Continued from Page 18 from Gowon to Abacha could say that they were there and were able to influence the actions of the military. The period of military rule in Nigeria denied the generation of Nigerians the opportunity to take the destiny of their country in their own hands. When I was there as the minister, it was my duty to advise the military in the best interest of our country and I know that the advice I gave to Gen. Abacha, he took very well. I had no difficulty in advising him in the best interest of Nigeria.

There are many who had difficulty in advising their leaders in the best interest of the country because they believe their position could be jeopardised if they do so. I did not do that. There were instances when I risked my tenure when I told Gen. Abacha how I felt. People didn’t know, I was the one who authored budget speeches for the Head of State. I wrote the entire budget. I was the one who wrote all the important speeches for the Head of State. I wrote them in my best interest. Even the one that inaugurated the National Assembly. When I wrote that speech, I recalled one item which the Head of State looked over a number of times and accepted the phrase. I wrote: ‘This is the process that we shall not be participant...’ Because I did not think that the new government that would take place after the president would be the one the military would participate in.

I was in Abacha government believing that he was there as a transition government that would hand over to a civilian administration.

Abacha was a good man. He was a man who had the best interest of the country at heart. I was the one that wrote the proposal for the Petroleum Trust Fund. With the PTF, we were able to do a lot for Nigeria. This was one example of what he could do at a time. During the time of Gen. Abacha, the price of petrol was only $8 per barrel. With that price, the foreign exchange with the dollar was stabilised at N80 for a long time.

Immediately he left, from $8 per barrel, it jumped to $120 under Obasanjo and Nigeria had an incredible fortune that has been mishandled.

No one can tell me that a man who ran this country with $8 dollar per barrel and someone who ran the same country with $120 will put our nation in a situation it finds itself that cannot even build any infrastructure for electricity for our country.

You spoke about the opposition coming together in your speech. Do you think it will work?

I have tried it before. I struggled to bring the opposition together. In the last tenure, I fought hard to ensure we come together. During the time of the election, I did not succeed for various reasons. But that does not deter me. I don’t think that Nigeria should have only one option. The option of the PDP is not the right option for our country. We should have alternative option and I will continue to fight for that option. I know that people have not gotten the capacity to continue the struggle. You see what has happened in Egypt, Tunisia and in other nations, you see people fighting for what they believe in.

Our people cannot fight at all for what they believe in. Look at the fuel subsidy protest. After one week, we couldn’t stand it. again. I hope we can fight to put together the opposition. I have been in discussion with the leadership of other parties. I think some of them are listening. This is the best time for us to put together the opposition because when it comes close to elections, people will have personal interest. I have never fought because I want anything personal. I have had my time and at 68, I am not looking for positions. I am looking for legacies I can bequeathe to the coming generations.

Do you think ACN can defeat the PDP in Edo? We will win this election. This should be a referendum and not an election. It should be to find out what the people say whether they appreciate what is happening. It should be a referendum. I am talking of a candidate who has shown that it is possible to harness the resources of the state or the betterment of our people. We have never seen it before. Only fools and people who do not understand will discard this and decide to choose otherwise because of

‘

It is a referendum which will determine how many percentages of our people understand what is happening in our state. I believe that under normal circumstances without any interference with the electoral process, ACN will emerge out of the governorship election with not less than 80 percent of the votes

’

tribal consideration. I am assured that even in Edo South, Comrade Oshiomhole has overwhelming support, in Edo North and Central where the leader of the other party, Chief Anenih comes from, you will be surprised that, Oshiomhole will win there. I have no difficulty whatsoever. It is a referendum which will determine how many percentages of our people understand what is happening in our state. I believe that under normal circumstances without any interference with the electoral process, ACN will emerge out of the governorship election with not less than 80 percent of the votes.

If you were made a minister again, will you repeat what you did before?

The situation determines the process, it determines the decisions that you take. The situation that Nigeria finds itself at a time determined what we did. If we found ourselves in those same circumstances and I am asked to play the role that I played, I will play it in the best interest of Nigeria. I will not sit in any forum when the nation is denigrated and I will say it is right and walk away saying our nation is a useless nation. I will not do that.

No matter how it is, if I am the one that has been picked upon to defend our country, I will defend our country to the last. I am happy that I never let our country down. Nigeria was respected anywhere I went. I went to the OAU. They would not make a decision until I speak for Nigeria. After I spoke, they would shake my hands saying I had spoken for Africa and the third world. If I have done that, I believe I have done that in the best interest of the people of the world, the world of the 212 nations then of the non-aligned movement.

If it happens again, it depends on the situation we found ourselves.

Since I left office, no one has indicted me, nobody has asked me to come and explain anything. No one has accused me of

of that reason, I believe we need to talk about the relations we have in Nigeria.

Why did you opt for Architecture?

I read Architecture and I have proved that I am a good architect. I have worked in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. I am the architect of the OAU headquarters in Addis Ababa. It still exists.

I am the architect of the on-going Edo State central hospital.

What is your relationship with women?

I am divorced. I am not married now. I was married and have four children. They are in the international system. They have all graduated.

My first son is in California. They graduated from Ivory league universities. People that graduated from Ivory league believe they have their destinies in their own hands. I’m not in a hurry to find a wife now but I am available.

How do you spend weekends?

I am in politics and once you are in politics, it is full time. We have this election in July. I settle all the problems and quarrels and hold all the meetings. I don’t have a dull moment. When I am dull, I go to play golf. If a lady turns around and feels we can live together, no problem.

How do you see ACN in Edo? Edo State is much better now than before ACN came to power. Things are happening.

Oshiomhole is working in all parts of the state.

Lucky (Igbinedion) did not do anything. Edo State is better than Delta with all the money the latter has. If Oshiomhole had not done well, I will be the first to say so.

P D P

corruption. I may not be a rich man because I did not steal from the government coffers but I am happy. I did my best when I have the opportunity to do so.

Do you think Sovereign National Conference will solve the problem of Nigeria?

In those days, I did not believe in Sovereign National Conference but gradually, I have changed my position because of what I have seen of Nigeria. I am now moving in the direction of SNC. I believe we need to talk about our country. We need to talk about our relationship between sections of this nation. I cannot accept a situation where Nigerians will live in a particular part of the country and because they are Christians and they are bombed in a church on Christmas day. That was one of the saddest days of my life. I am a Catholic and I cannot accept a situation where Christians are massacred and because

•Chief Ikimi

leaders have been coming to me. They have been asking me to work with them but I don’t understand why I should do that. I am a man of integrity and my integrity is something I will not mortgage for a mess of porridge.

LOCATION

BACKSTAGE

SNAPSHOT

REEL NEWS

MUSIC

SCREEN

Edited by: VICTOR AKANDE

Tel: 08077408676

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

ntertainment

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012, 2012

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Ghanaian actor

o l e m u D n Joh

Why sex thrives in Ghana movies

24

STANDh BY! Wit

VICTOR AKANDE E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com Tel: 08077408676 (SMS only)

THINK

nt part of An importa s of any the succes is its civilisation late the mu ability to e t led to the a factors th f other success o s.—Eric civilisation rt Reine

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

SNAPSHOTS

Muma Gee in messy ejection tale

Re: MOPPICON, not the messiah!

For all the Chika Ibeziems

S

ILENCE is often times golden! But when dealing with the likes of Chika Ibeziams, whom referred Professor Omo Omoruyi had once aptly described as “the unknowns, using the platforms of the popular public commentators to write themselves into public relevance”, silence will definitely be counter productive. I am not by this piece dignifying the Communication scholar in Enugu, who by his own admission is not “a filmmaker” with a response. I am instead positively using his hastilydrawn rejoinder to reinforce the salient points of my earlier write-up on MOPPICON, still for better public enlightenment and bring to a close any further debate on the subject from my side.

Nowhere in my article did I claim to be a movie aficionado, whatever it means and I am not a “so called” defined as “someone claiming to be what he/she is not”. I am happy that Mr. Ibeziem's independent search about me was able to establish my respectable pedigree in the creative industry; I am happier still that Ibeziem from his peripheral position acknowledged that the movie industry is at present in a chaotic situation though he is wrong to have averred that this is due to lack of a regulatory framework. And I am happiest that despite his jaundiced views and undue haste in condemning me, decency obliged him to admit that I am motivated by my “lofty dreams for the industry”.

Every artiste by inclination is an attention-seeker! We use our craft, talent or skills to positively influence our environment by being the centre of the public attention. It is not true that I only saw merit in what I either initiated or a part of. Coalition of Nollywood Guilds and Associations, CONGA is peopled by those who knew and respect me a lot. I was aware of their coming together and launch at Eko Hotel. I have already attained a status in the industry that put me in the category of those that do not have to be part of a movement before their views or opinions will count or matter! It is called “Statesmen” in politics and “Veterans” in our industry.

My write-up counseled CONGA to first research into what hobbled all the previous

Writes Yinka Ogundaisi

industry”. But there is already a regulatory framework for the efforts at forging an umbrella industry! Please read the body for the industry to learn enabling laws of the NFVCB, from the mistakes of the past. I and NCC. What is only missing also highlighted the common is the process of admitting new grouse of other important entrants and management of the people whose opinions the existing members. This is why I decision-makers value or said that there is nothing new depend on before taking their that the MOPPICON legislation decisions. Ibeziem may need to will achieve that cannot be do further research but this similarly achieved now working Yinka Ogundaisi is not through our existing Guilds and frustrated because of any Associations. movement that I am not a part There is a key difference of. If anything I am angry at the between APCON and seeming lethargy and inability of MOPPICON and it is that the the various Guilds and skills for advertising are Associations leaders (beyond the learnable while creative arts handful that formed CONGA) to engagement flows from a certain rise above their egos and latent talent that is inborn to personal differences to forge an develop. This is where the acceptable national umbrella for consideration of constitutional the industry. Does Mr. Ibeziem guarantee of free expression know that within the same which the MOPPICON bill may segment of the industry, we be seen as curtailing as opposed have AMP, and ANCOP? This is to the wholly learnable skills of beside ANTP for Yoruba, a advertising comes in. Above all similar one in Kano, Calabar, Jos these is that we cannot wait any and in Benin. Rather than a longer for MOPPICON or any concerted efforts at uniting this new law in the face of the fragmentation, the peripheral industry urgent needs. observers like Ibeziem will In all the countries of the West, rather we pursue the long it is the unions and associations tortuous road to MOPPICON that control their industries legislation while in the without an overt legislative meantime people continue to die lever! If our existing Guilds and and businesses keep folding up! Associations cannot come Right now what will make together now, MOPPICON law banks lend to Producers is to will not do it for them after have things done as obtained in being enacted. I worked with Hollywood and Bollywood; NFVCB's to produce their new reliable collateral and systemic distribution framework. What I loan repayments which the said is that none of the licensed much vilified distribution distributors are active now framework of NFVCB stands for. because of certain factors which I doubt if the MOPPICON law if we care to look at in their will achieve this! favour, will immediately make According to Chuka, the major them fully operational and save objective of MOPPICON is to the industry away from its “streamline and provide a present abyss. This is not the regulatory framework for the same as Ibeziem's assertion that NDF has failed to produce . . .! It is good news that FEC has now considered MOPPICON bill, but there was the ENDOWMENT FUNDS FOR THE ARTS also approved by the same FEC years ago! Why has it not been implemented? It is due to the same contradictions pervasive in the industry which observers; the likes of Ibeziems will not allow those of us directly concerned to find effective answers to.

Finally, I am not opposed to MOPPICON; I only believe that the efforts being expended on it now are better utilized on what will immediately and positively change the fortunes of the practioners.

I am not opposed to MOPPICON; I only believe that the efforts being expended on it now are better utilized on what will immediately and positively change the fortunes of the practioners

WRITE TO US! Do you watch Nollywood movies? What do you think of the Nigerian motion picture industry? Send your review of any movie or short essay on any topic of your choice about the film industry in not more than 200 words. Send entries by e-mail to: victor_akande@yahoo.com or SMS your short comments to 08077408676

Uduak Ekah marks birthday with hubby

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

RE ELNEW S

Emirates woos the world with Hello Tomorrow trailer

R

EPLACING the old slogan that prides on 'Keep Discovering' catch phrase, Emirate, it appears is through with adventure and as since moved on, consolidating on its years of success, with an obvious optimism in what the future portends, as wittily captured in its “Hello Tomorrow” mantra.

Via the Youtube and other social media, the global advertising campaign has begun spreading the message around the world. Apparently, the new branding is designed to appeal to the younger generation who have embraced the digital world and are open to exciting new experiences.

In line with the age of consumer engagement on and off social media, Emirates recently launched this new international brand platform and direction, which positions the global airline as the enabler of global connectivity and meaningful experiences.

"Our new corporate image and global marketing campaign both underline the confidence we have in our existing products and services, and the vision we have

R

for the future growth of the airline," said Sir Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group. “Emirates is not just offering a way to connect people from point A to point B but is the catalyst to connect people's hopes, dreams and aspirations.

Emirates is connecting people and cultures creating relevant and meaningful experiences that are shaping the world.”

Reflecting an effort to target a younger audience, the “Hello Tomorrow” campaign is currently debuting with vignettes of the TV spots on Emirates newly launched Facebook channel. The TV commercials, viewable on http://www.youtube.com/emirate s, outdoor and print ads broke on Wednesday around the world.

“The “Hello Tomorrow” campaign is at the vanguard of the trend for global brands to spark movements not simply do advertising, connecting people, communities and encouraging them to join together to make a positive impact on society,” added Scott Goodson, Chairman of Strawberry Frog, Emirates lead communications partner.

Nigerian Footnote for launch today

ADISSON Blu Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos would wear a different mood today, as 'The Nigerian Footnote', a monthly publication of GMT Media Services will be presented to the public in a glamorous ceremony.

The new magazine, according to its publishers, “is coming with a unique style of writing and news reportage that will look beyond the traditional “two sides of any argument”. It is structured to hunt for not only the “news but the news behind the news” with the idea of examining the last grain of information available before the news.”

Chairman and Publisher, Chief Ebi Odeigah, who made this known also added that his team will uphold the principles of ethical conduct that will constitute factual, balanced and fair reporting.

The public presentation he said will be chaired by Chief (Dr.)

Sonny Iwedike Odogwu, Ide Ahaba, while the magazine will be reviewed by Prof. Ben Egede of the Department of English, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

Other dignitaries expected at the occasion are the Senate President, Senator David Mark; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, Presidential Adviser on Performance, Monitoring and Evaluation, Prof. Monye; Governors Batunde Fashola, Patrick Yokowa, Aliyu Babangida of Lagos, Kaduna and Niger states respectively, all South-South governors, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the Chairman Chris-Matel Holdings Ltd, Peter Okocha and chief executives of banks, stock brokerage and insurance firms, as well as those in the academia and the general public.

•L-R: Head PR, Airtel Nigeria, Emmnuel Otokhine; Head Brand and Communication Airtel, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu and CEO African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, during a media conference

All is set for AMAA 2012!

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OPULAR Hollywood stars like Morris Chestnut, Lynn Whitfield, Maya Gilbert and Rockmund Dumbar have been announced as special guests in this year's edition of Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) which holds at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites on April 22.

Organisers announced at a world press conference on Wednesday, April 11 in Lagos, that plans are on to ensure that the event records the best output, in spite of the fact that it was moving from Yenagoa, Bayelsa state where it has been hosted for six years since its inception in 2005.

Although the event held in Abuja in 2008, this is the first time that Lagos state will be playing host to the reward scheme which is perhaps the largest African gathering of film stars, filmmakers and movie buffs on the Nigerian soil.

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, founder and CEO of AMAA, said at the conference that the choice of Lagos is due to consideration of logistics.

She is however optimistic that, as an event which portrays the tourism potentials of Nigeria, Lagos state is enriched enough to

thrill the AMAA guests who will be from storming the country for the event.

She noted that out of about 180 nominees, only 48 are Nigerians while others are either from other African countries or the Diaspora.

This, she said, is the reason the nomination unveiling party is usually moved around each year to enable the world know it is an African affair.

Osigwe assured that the award night as been packaged along other side attractions which includes music from the likes of Nigerian mega star, 2face Idibia; Vivian, an exciting music star from Senegal as well as Nigeria's internationally-recognised star, Bukola Elemide popularly known as Asa. Recalling the various support garnered by the AMAA brand, Osigwe acknowledge the involvement of Lagos state government, telecommunication company, Airtel and others in the scheme.

"We are happy to have Lagos State Government and Airtel on board and other sponsors like Arik Air, Lufthansa, Bayelsa State Government who are still behind

us. It is a big year for AMAA as we turn Eighth, and there will be lots of films from several countries in the world and other areas of excellence for which AMAA is known,” she said.

Wangi Mba Uzoukwu, head of Brands and Communication of Airtel who represented the telecom company's CEO, said "We are delighted to partner with AMAA as it is a platform for us to contribute to the growth of the African movie industry. The coming together of the two brands is significant in many ways and goes to show the interest of Airtel as a brand that connects with its customers."

The Head of AMAA Screening Committee, Shaibu Husseini, explained at the event that the nominations were arrived at after a very rigorous and painstaking process, adding that the same will be employed in deciding the eventual winners as members of the jury will be on ground from April 15.

The ceremony will be hosted by Haiti-born Hollywood star, Jimmy Jean- Louis and actor O.C Ukeje of the Amstel Malta Box Office fame.

True Citizen goes to cinema

T

HE new movie by actor Elvis Chuks of the Super Story fame was on Easter Friday opened to public viewing.

Entitled True Citizen, the showing of the movie witnessed an unprecedented number of fans at the Genesis Cinema, Victoria Island.

With a very unusual cast, the

likes of veteran actor and lecturer, Alex Usifo Omiagbo, winner of the BBA All stars, Uti Nwachukwu, Former Mr. Nigeria, Bryan Okwara, Mr. World Runner up, Kenneth Okolie, Clara Onukogu, Clara Iweh and Melvin Odua were amongst the star attraction of the film.

Relieving his experience on the

•True Citizen

set of the movie to a curious fan Uti said, “I enjoyed everyday spent during the making of this movie. With veterans also starring in this flick, it made it more fun and I learnt some things from the veteran actor, Alex Usifo, you don't get on set with such an experienced act everyday''.

Underlining what Uti said, veteran actor Alex Usifo refused to take all the accolades rained on him by co-actor Uti, he quipped, “Who says a veteran cannot also learn one or two things from a young actor? I did learn from this young cast, they reminded me of the days I started acting, I saw promise in these young people.

The experience on set with them was simply priceless, it was fun all the day and at the same time very challenging”.

The flick centres on staying true to one's belief and conviction, encouraging the spirit of patriotism and choosing to stay within the confines of the law as opposed to peddling in social vices.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Abdulateef Momodu, popularly known as Latmo, says he is poised to introduce a different genre of music to the already saturated music scene.

Speaking to OVWE MEDEME on his upcoming album and sundry issues, the budding artiste relives his journey into music and its attendant challenges.

How Mercy emerged emer ged Nigerian Idol

I lost my childhood F while growing up—Latmo H

OW did you delve into music?

My journey into music started about 11 years ago. I used to write songs and two years after I started writing, I decided to record my songs. So far, the journey has been very hectic. It has been rough and tough. There have been lots of ups and downs but I try to focus on my destination because it is what I want to do and not what any one is forcing me to do.

So far, how many tracks do you have?

Presently, I have a couple of singles but two of them, Sisi To Nlo and Honey easily stand out. Also, my album is due for release later in the month. It took this long because I don't want to give my fans just anything. The album goes by the title, Pains for Love.

Why that particular title?

I titled it Pains for Love because I am a very emotional person. Love revolves around me so I can't but talk about it.

Also, it is an issue that affects everybody one way or the other. Our society is the way it is today because to an extent, we lack love. When you hear the album, you will know where I am coming from when I talk about love.

How would you describe your genre of music?

As an artiste, I don't like limiting myself to a particular genre. Basically, I would say that I am into Rhythm and Blues but I also do Highlife. I try to sink into what is inside of me and bring it out for people to see rather than just doing what people want to hear. I want to do music for the future and not for the present. I think that these days, a lot of people do Hip Hop because they believe it sells and that is what everybody does. I don't want to be caught in the bandwagon mentality and allow my creativity to suffer.

Highlife music is perceived as being for the elderly. How do you hope to sell this to your fans?

When I say, I do Highlife; it is not the way you know it. Mine comes with a different blend. People need to listen to it and have a feel of what I am talking about. Though, I call it Highlife music, it comes with a different flavour. I have tried to modernise it to suit the present scheme of music. It is something new

that I am introducing. In the song Honey, I featured Fatai Rolling Dollars and it was an awesome experience. Rolling Dollars is one musician I respect so much. Everybody knows he is legendary.

Working with him is one of the greatest experiences I've had so far.

What was working with Fatai Rolling Dollars like?

Fatai Rolling Dollars is a legend. I never dreamt in my life that I would sing side-by-side him. To me, he is the greatest Highlife musician alive. I learnt a lot of valuable things from him, stuff I cannot learn in any college. Like I said, it was an awesome experience working with the legend. I also worked with Anogiri and the experience was awesome. Being of my generation, we paired well in the studio.

The music industry has grown to become challenging. How do you hope to survive?

Surviving in the Nigerian music industry is not a difficult thing. The basic ingredient is just to be you. I just want to be myself and not somebody else. I want to do what I know and not what somebody else is doing or the kind of music that people perceive as being

I was an adult even as an infant. Even when it was time for me to play with my peers, I was always on a calculative mode, thinking of how to make a little dough for myself. I wasn't from a rich family so I had to do without a lot of things. I also had to fend for myself to an extent

sellable. I cannot tamper with my creativity. I want to be me. I want to create a position for myself and not compete with somebody else.

How many tracks does your album have?

The album boasts of 15 tracks. I sang in Yoruba, English and Etsako languages and most of my themes are based on the stuff I see happening around me.

So far, what challenges have you faced?

The challenge I've faced so far is one that is peculiar to every industry, and that is finance. Financially, it has been challenging. Also, there is the fact that a whole lot of people did not believe in my dreams when I first started. Before now, people perceive musicians like a bunch of lowlife but the industry is expanding and that notion is beginning to fade.

What label are you signed to?

Currently, I am under Freshflow Entertainment. They are a new talent management and consulting company located in Festac Town.

How long have you been with them?

I got signed on to the label sometime in August 2011. It was funny how I met them. The CEO, Noah Yakub saw me perform and felt I was a raw talent so he decided to aid my career. So far, it has been a smooth sail and it will remain like that.

What was growing up like?

I was deprived of a lot of things while growing up because of the financial status of my family. In one simple sentence, it took away my childhood. I was an adult even as an infant. Even when it was time for me to play with my peers, I was always on a calculative mode, thinking of how to make a little dough for myself. I wasn't from a rich family so I had to do without a lot of things. I also had to fend for myself to an extent.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Festac and it wasn't funny, neither was it easy. Festac is a place for tough people only. It has produced a whole lot of successful artistes including the legendary Tuface whom we all look up to.

OR the second time running, a lady has again picked the coveted prize of one of Nigeria's leading musical reality show, and bearing the title of the Nigerian Idol in the second edition of the Etisalat sponsored reality show which came to a wrap last Sunday.

The close of the show followed six months of dancing and singing for assessments both by the in-house judges and the voting public. And after series of elimination of contestants from the multitude of contestants to the top 12, Port Harcourt girl, Mercy Chinwo, the eventual winner had been pushing through; her energy never waning, as so, her support by fans. But she had a match in Joe Blue with whom she hit the stage for the final showdown, until the young man from Akwa Ibom state bowed to her supremacy when she played Fela Anikulapo-Kuti's Zombie. Joe Blue had played and acted Olori Oko, and played it equally well. It was one of such rare competitions that didn't divide the crowd. Everyone was in agreement with Mercy's victory. Thus, she succeeds Yeka Onka, the maiden edition winner, carting away the cash prize of N7.5 million and a brand new Hyundai SUV. The grand finale was witnessed by the Chairman of Etisalat Nigeria, Hakeem Belo-Osagie who handed some of the prizes to the new Nigerian Idol.

Blue, on his part became N1.5 million richer for coming second while Stephen Onochie who emerged the second runner up smiled home with N1milllion for his effort.

For the top three winners, Mercy, Blue and Onochie, their journey to fame and fortune on the platform of Nigerian Idol started last October when they filed out for audition at the audition centres in Enugu, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos for the music talent show.

27

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

C

RYSTALS, D'Rays, Quantum Vibes, Soul Rhythm, Da Blingz and Golden Clef, were the six bands unveiled by Nigerian Breweries Plc in its current edition of Star Quest, a band-based music reality show.

The night of debut for the bands, made up of six members each, gave a little account of what viewers and fans alike should expect from the budding talents who seek the coveted cash prize of N3.6 million, a record contract worth N7.5 million, a brand new minivan, and one year's accommodation in a choice area in Lagos state.

The six bands were formed from the 36 qualifiers from the Star Quest 2012 Grand Audition. The qualifiers made their way to Star Fameland, where they grouped themselves into the six bands.

The days leading to their first performance as musical bands before a live audience found them engaging in several rehearsal sessions. And when the night did come, they did well enough to justify their qualification from the Grand Audition.

The first band to mount the stage was The Crystals led by Godwin Edim Inyang.

Then the Quantum Vibes with keyboardist Fatola James as bandleader. Quantum Vibes was followed by Golden Clef as they sustained the tempo, with their enactment of 'Port Harcourt Boy, by Duncan.

Others were Soul Rythm, led by Alfred Ayokanmi; Da Blingz led by Wily Emmanuel, and D'Rays led by Eguh Tobore.

Three out of the six bands are expected to be eliminated via audience SMS votes leaving the remaining three to vie for the final position.

2 Star Quest 201

Tee A returns!

P

OPULAR Master of Ceremonies and comedian, Tunde Adewale otherwise known as Tee A has returned with a new season of his family TV show; Tyme Out with Tee A..

In its third season, the wholesome African variety comedy TV show is also a celebration of Africa's entertainment talents. The comedian says the new edition promises to be very entertaining as the TV programme which usually consists of a mix of interactive stand-up comedy, drama sketches, interviews and musical performances is back with an exciting twist.

He added that the segment tagged “Rave of the moment” with Tee A and Prof. Abbey will also have new additions which will entertain matured adults who want to unwind with their families. This segment, it would be noted, showcases serious issues in a light mannered and satirical way.

Said Tee A; “The show has grown more than we even anticipated. We are in over 17 countries now and the show has grown in such a short time that I am amazed at the success. We also now have a lot of international viewers around the world.”

As part of the new changes, the show's recording has now moved from LTV studios to the ultra modern KOGA studios in Oregun, Lagos.

Among the guests to be expected in the new season are Onyeka Onwenu, Tiwa Savage, Nse Ikpe Etim, Tonto Dikeh, W4 and Adewale Ayuba. Others are Joseph Benjamin, Chuddy K, Eku Edewor, Brymo among many others.

bands make a debut Glo Laffta Fest lights up Uyo, Asaba

G

LOBACOM'S entertainment roadshow, Glo Laffta Fest will linger in the memory of some residents of Uyo and Asaba, as perhaps the best moments of their last Easter Holidays, as the show provided the best of music and comedy show in the two cities.

The Uyo show was held on Easter Monday at the Amazing Grace Event Center, Ibom Imo area of the town, and paraded the best hands in the nation's entertainment industry. It was anchored by ace comedian, Basketmouth and featured other Stars such as BOvi, I Go Dye, 2Cantalk, Osama, Buchi, "If you see me Ego" crooner, Djinee, MI and a guest

appearance by DAm The Humorous.

The Uyo event was the third in the series to bring fun and entertainment to its millions of subscribers across the states of the federation, during the Easter festivity, as similar events had taken place in Asaba on Good Friday and Oshogbo on Easter Saturday.

At the Asaba show which was held at the expansive hall of the Orchid Hotel & Suites, residents of the state capital and the neighbouring towns trooped out in thousands to attend the show.

Anchored by the ever resourceful Basketmouth, the show brought out the creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the array of Nigerian artists who were on hand to entertain the people free of charge. Comedians, from the weird Akpororo, to Bovi, Buchi and I Go Dye, collaborated with musicians such as going to tell tales that will reflect the Uncle O, Djinee, Whizz Boy and African year concert, Brother Segun Korode NE of personal struggles of Christians in says stories will flow in songs, Nigeria's Rapper Number One, MI, to make the mimes, recitations and dances which this present day. foremost event, which had in attendance the ace 'The audience will see how Jesus is actor and Delta State Commissioner for the choir is famous for. gospel singers, the the panacea to all that plagues and This year's concert according to Cherubim and Seraphim Arts, Culture and Tourism, Richard Brother Korode is for the audience to ails mankind, it will also be a Movement Church Choir, Mofe-Damijo, a memorable night. definitive restatement of the power reinforce their reliance on God, Surulere Lagos will on Saturday, Those who attended both shows were regardless of the circumstances they of the cross over challenges of pain, April 14, hold its yearly Easter also given the opportunity to showcase fear and anxiety'. find themselves. 'Our concert this celebrations. The theme for this their talents in the singing and dancing The concert will kick off at 10am year's choir day concert is Jehovah year shall be an eclectic mixture of competitions that attracted fantastic inside the church premises,” Brother prizes, just as the best swag attendee was dance, drama and poetry under the Rohi, (Our God of Refuge). A Korode. statement by the secretary of this ministration of the Holy Spirit. It is also rewarded.

C&S choir celebrates Jehovah Rohi

O

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By

Harry Iwuala

Today Norwich v Man City Sunderland v Wolverhampton West Brom v QPR Swansea v Blackburn Sunday Man Utd v Aston Villa Monday Arsenal v Wigan

van Persie Arsenal Rooney Man Utd Aguero Man City Yakubu Blackburn Dempsey Fulham Ba Newcastle Dzeko Man City Adebayor Tottenham Holt Norwich Balotelli Man City Lampard Chelsea Sturridge Chelsea Graham Swansea Bale Tottenham Hernandez Man Utd Defoe Tottenham

Man Utd Man City Arsenal Tottenham Newcastle Chelsea Everton Liverpool Fulham Norwich Sunderland Stoke West Brom Swansea Aston Villa QPR Wigan Bolton Blackburn

Ronaldo Madrid Messi Barca Falcao Atletico Higuain Madrid Benzema Madrid Llorente Bilbao Soldado Valencia Kone Levante Castro Real Betis Sanchez Barca Vela Real Sociedad Manu Sevilla Xavi Barca Michu Vallecano

40 39 22 20 17 16 16 13 13 10 10 10 10 10

33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 33 32 33 33 32 33

25 23 20 17 17 16 13 12 11 11 11 11 11 10 7 8 7 9 7

4 5 4 8 8 9 8 10 10 10 9 9 6 9 14 7 10 2 7

4 5 9 8 8 8 12 11 12 12 13 13 16 14 11 18 16 21 19

78 79 66 57 50 56 38 40 43 46 42 32 39 35 35 38 31 36 45

28 26 41 38 42 38 34 36 43 52 41 45 47 44 44 56 57 65 70

27 22 19 16 16 16 13 13 13 13 11 10 10 10 10 10

50 53 25 19 8 18 4 4 0 -6 1 -13 -8 -9 -9 -18 -26 -29 -25

79 74 64 59 59 57 47 46 43 43 42 42 39 39 35 31 31 29

Top Scorers Ibra AC Milan 23 Di Natale Udinese 21 Milito Inter 20 Cavani Napoli 19 Palacio Genoa 17 Denis Atalanta 15 Jovetic Fiorentina13 Miccoli Palermo 12 Klose Lazio 12 Giovinco Parma 12 Michele Lecce 11 Calaio Siena 11 Osvaldo Roma 11 Matri Juve 10 Di Vaio Bologna 10 Nocerino AC Milan 9 Lavezzi Napoli 9

Inside The

Glass House WITH AMINU MAIGARI

AKINLOYE

AT LARGE

08050246155 atlarge84@yahoo.com

38

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

W L O H L Y OOD Marley to stream on Facebook

Kristina, Rihanna bid for ‘Whitney’ role

A •Bob Marley

T

HE Bob Marley documentary Marley will stream on Facebook simultaneously during its theatrical opening, a signal that social media may also play a role in shifting movie release windows.

Such day-and-date releases have become increasingly common in recent years for smaller

independent films. But this will be the first such U.S. film to stream concurrently on the social media behemoth while opening in theaters.

The film, directed by Kevin Macdonald, will be available for a $6.99 rental beginning April 20th. A portion of the proceeds from Facebook sales will benefit Save the Children, the

charity for needy children.

Marley is also being released via video-ondemand on April 20.

Facebook began hosting movie rentals in March 2011.

Digital delivery of new releases and older films has been a highly competitive frontier, particularly among Google Inc.'s YouTube, Apple Inc.'s iTunes and subscription service Netflix.

biopic on the late pop star Whitney Houston is in the offing. But the choice of who to play the role of the late singer is yet to be decided.

According to reports, Whitney's daughter Bobbi Kristina an aspiring actress who was recently enlisted in Tyler Perry comedy series For Better or Worse cast strongly believes she is the perfect person to handle the role.

Another star who is bidding for the script is Barbados-born diva Rihanna. "That would be something I would have to give my entire life to do, because I would really want to pull it off. Whoever does it has to do a good job." Rihanna explained

Kanye West surprises Kim Kardashian

A

LWAYS plunging into one drama or the other, Kim Kardashian's life is a neverending series.

The successful model's rumoured lover. No, confirmed lover Kanye West during one of their recent dates surprised her by

securing an entire floor of a toy store called "FAO Schwartz" to enable them learn piano.

The couple employed a trained hand to teach them "Chopsticks" on the same piano Tom Hanks used in BIG (a romantic comedy movie.)

•Kanye West with Kardashian

Crane over Ghollywood

I

T seems Ghanaian actors have caught the music bug in recent times. Whether it is singing for charity or singing in TV commercials, the actors have been in the news for venturing into music one way or the other. Joining the phenomenon is Majid Michel who just finished a dance single titled, 'My Love To You'.

The actor who has been touring North America for some time now, recorded the single with his producer brother, Sputnic (Sputnic Music Group) in Los Angeles. Although much is not known about Majid's music talent, he is a 'fun guy' and so doing dance music should have some interesting results once the song is mixed and mastered.

Majid records first single

T

HE Motor Court in Accra yesterday convicted Mzbel, a popular female musician, and two others for trafficrelated offences. Mzbel, known as Nana Akua Amoah, Maxwell Mensah, a businessman, and

•Mzbel

Tade Ogidan returns with Family on Fire

Mzbel and friends convicted

Emmanuel Edem Lordzoh, a student, were consequently fined a total of GH¢1,600 or in default face various terms in prison.

The three were arrested in June 2011 and put before court for assaulting a police officer and obstructing a police officer from executing his duties.

They had pleaded not guilty to the offences but changed their pleas when they appeared before the court in Accra Tuesday. The convicts were said to have committed the offence with a Mitsubishi vehicle, with registration number GR 9470-11, at Tudu in Accra about 12.40 p.m. on June 4, 2011.

D

Mercy MICHAEL

IRECTOR of Diamond Ring and Madam Dearest, Tade Ogidan is in the news again.

The filmmaker, who is one of the pioneers of what today is called Nollywood, is back with a flick he called Family on Fire after several years of production. The film which was shot on location in Lagos and London was premiered on Easter Monday in the Scorpio Hall of the All Seasons Plaza, Ikeja amidst pomp and pageantry.

Asides the razzmatazz, there was an apparent testimony from the crowd that the movie is above average when compared to many of its kind. It would be recalled that Family on Fire is one of the entries nominated for the Africa Movie Academy Awards which comes up later in the month.

The premiere witnessed the presence of dignitaries from all walks of life. Among them were government officials, Nollywood Stakeholders, movie and music stars, Media Heads as well as movie lovers who stormed the venue in glitz and glam, and taking their turns on the red carpet while the cameramen clicked away for over three uninterrupted hours. The refreshment spots had varieties for guests to nibble on before heading for the hall.

The First Lady of Lagos State, Dame Abimbola Fashola was Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries present include Industrialist Chief Okoya Thomas, Gen. Oladipo Diya, Senator Anthony Adefuye, and Entourage from Oyo State. From the entertainment industry were the likes of Taiwo Ajayi Lycet, Bukky Ajayi, Shola Shobowale, Segun Arinze, Kingley Ogoro, Charles Novia, Lilian Ama, Roni Diko, Yemi Sholade, Jide Alabi, Soni Irabor, Uche Macaulay, Mahmood Ali-Balogun, among others. Billed to start at 5:30pm the event commenced about 8pm with a speech by Tade Ogidan. He spoke on the decaying family values while urging parents to wake up to their responsibility which is the theme of the movie Family on Fire.

Anchored by popular comedian Teju Babyface, guests couldn't help laughing their hearts out to his witty jokes throughout the event. It was the turn of Nollywood actor Basorge Tariah Junior to entertain the guests with his guitar. After his stellar performance of ever green song 'No Woman no cry', one question on the lips of many was when did the actor get into music?

Actor turned TV presenter Bimbo Manuel, of the Checkmate fame, took his turn on the stage as Director. In his traditional Yoruba Buba and Sokoto with Damask, he took the guests on a journey to illustrate the danger of negligence on the part of parents towards their children. It was an electrifying performance put up by some young boys and girls.

Finally, it was time see the long awaited Family and Fire which parades stars like Saidi Balogun, Shola Shobowale, Segun Arinse, Iya Awero (Lanre Hassan), Shola Fosudo, and others.

The story centers on Kunle (Saidi Balogun) whose mother handles with kid gloves and as a result he becomes irresponsible. Kunle who is a drug peddler puts large quantity of cocaine in his mother's luggage as she travels to visit his elder brothers Femi and Wale in London. The aftermath was a chain of violence that went overboard in portrayal of the vicious lives of drug peddlers.

39

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Go on yourkeeps soul continue sing!

I’m 60,Whitney, she’s 55 may but she me as atosecret

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EAR Adeola, keep up the good work in your Hearts column. I need your advice on a matter of great concern to me. I am 60 years old, with two degrees with grown up children but separated from my wife.

My current relationship with a 55 year-old woman is the subject of this mail. She is also separated from her husband with grown up children.

I assumed that we would live together with no distraction, since we have no children to care for. Unfortunately, her children do not accept me, they are convinced that I’m a gold digger and below the level of my partner.

My partner professes love and a pledge for life but has refused to formally inform her children of our relationship. It has been hide-and-seek, even in the apartment that is rented and paid for by me. I have to keep quiet when she is on the phone to her children or quit the house as in a recent incidence when one of the daughters visited from abroad. I have sacrificed this long on the altar of love and what we have shared and been through together. I have complained severally and it is always a plea for time to sort things out.

I’m at my wits end and need to put this matter to rest.

I need a relationship where the parties are willing to commit themselves to the welfare of each other. I’m not getting younger and need a lifelong partner for old age. I do not know the challenges of my partner but it is either she spells out her limitations or I will move on with my life. It is painful, but what are my options. Thank you. Dr. P. Dear Sir, when one partner in a relationship wants to keep the relationship a secret, then there could be many

factors responsible. I will try to highlight some of them here.

Your woman is in her 50s and she has grown children. Depending on how long she has been separated from her husband and the number of relationships she has had in that time, she might feel terribly uncomfortable to introduce yet another man to her children.

If in the time she and her husband have been separated, she has had some unfortunate relationships and heartbreaks, the children might have warned her never to try another relationship again and just try to settle down to her roles as a mother and maybe a grandmother.

It is also possible that before she met you, there was a certain religious standard they set in their family that excluded pre-marital sex. Age has nothing to do with this rule in most cases. In fact, the older you get in some circles, the more you’re expected to be responsible and strict about avoidance of pre-marital sex.

It could also be that the woman is shy, old-school and very uncomfortable about introducing you to her children. If that is the case, it is easy to deal with that. Prove yourself to be a big uncle (if coming as their father won’t be acceptable since they may be close to their father). Be real with them and don’t try too hard to win their friendship as this may send the wrong signals. If you have the children’s phone numbers, call them once in a while to find out about their lives. Accepting you may be slow, but they may get used to you as an aspect of their mother’s life they can’t ignore and gradually, they may begin to warm up to you.

However, if all efforts fail and they continue to see you as an enemy despite paying their mother’s rent, you may have no choice than to make her leave the house. Maybe they don’t know you’re the one paying the rent. If she gets a quit notice, they will appreciate what you have done for her.

There are many women out there who would be willing to have a man like you as their partner. Let’s see how it goes with this woman first before you think of moving on. IT shall be well with your soul.

My wife aborted a pregnancy for another man right under my roof Dear ma, kudos to you for the way you answer people’s questions. I am at a cross road. My wife of nine years aborted a pregnancy for another man right under my roof. The man lives a block away from our rented apartment. I stayed away from her sexually for about three months when I suspected her movement. We have three children together. I am a product of a broken home myself.

Even though I don’t want my children to suffer the same fate, but can I ever trust my so called wife again? Please advise me. F. Dear F, it is really devastating when one partner cheats in marriage, especially if it is the woman. It’s even more biting if it is done under your nose as it happened in your own case. Worse still is the fact that she got pregnant when you were sure you were not touching her. As pro-life as I am, I think it was wise of her to have had an abortion because it is not acceptable anywhere for your wife to carry another man’s pregnancy under your roof.

I know you have suffered but it would be reasonable to consider the reasons why she was driven to infidelity. Do you have financial problems at the moment and you have encouraged her one way or the other to go and solicit for help from people?

If the answer to that question is yes, then, both of you need to go for serious counseling because you have both missed

it somewhere.

The moment a man sits at home and resigns to fate and lets the woman go and beg for food and money to pay bills and school fees, he’s exposing her to all sorts of ills, most of which is adultery. It may get to a stage where the woman is left to choose between playing ball in the hands of the men she goes to, or coming back emptyhanded to the visible hunger on her children’s faces.

You will need sit down and be open to each other on this matter. And of course, she has to be remorseful. No matter what excuses she has, she must realize that it is a shame to be one man’s wife and to be honouring another man’s bed. She must ask for forgiveness from God. And you must be ready to forgive her. It takes time, but it is possible. Trust also takes time to come back but it is also possible to trust her again if she truly changes for the better.

On your part, get back to the drawing pad and see where you can seek help. If a job is not forth coming, look inwards at the talents imbedded in you and start working on them gradually until money starts coming. If you’re still alive, the woman cannot be the major breadwinner.

If on the other hand she just has hot pants and you alone cannot satisfy her sexually, then, I’m sorry, she has to go no matter how much you want to keep this marriage for the sake of your children. Even your children would not be proud of a

mother who gives her honour to men other than their father. It doesn’t give you dignity in the council of me men.

Gradually rebuild your life again but note that without God in your life (and home), all efforts are in vain.

Hearts With Adeola Agoro

E-mail: libranadeola@yahoo.co.uk

Should I tell my guy about my child?

Hi Aunty, I’m a girl of 22 and I’ll in a relationship that has the potentials of leading into marriage. However, I made a mistake when I was 18 that resulted in a child. Should I tell my guy about the child?

My dear, never refer to what happened that made you become a mother a mistake. If it was a mistake, then you’re saying in essence that your child is a mistake. You’re coming with that child into any relationship you go to. In fact, be so proud of that child that he becomes your identity. Hiding the fact that you have a child would create a gap between you and your child and if you’re unlucky in marriage, you may go back begging your child to forgive you but the scars of rejection are already embedded in his/her young heart.

The longer it takes to tell this guy about the child, the more difficult it gets. Tell him now. If he takes you like that - good. If not, let him go. There’s a man somewhere who will love you and your child and go the whole hog with you.

He’s short like me and doesn’t possess what I want in a man Well done Sis Adeola. I’m P, 22 years old and a nurse. There’s a guy I presume loves me, he even waited for me until I was through school but I don’t love him a bit. Maybe it’s because he doesn’t possess what I want in a man – he’s short like me. What do I do?

Sister Nurse, I really can’t start preaching love when it’s not any-

Common mistakes in new relationships You avoid confrontation Communication is often the solution to solving problems, so if you avoid talking about them, they’ll only get bigger. A small argument now is much better than a painful fight later. Avoiding confrontation also means agreeing with her dismissively but not sticking to your word. For instance, if she says, “Don’t fart around me,” and you say, “Okay,” mean it.

You take her for granted In order to keep the glow of a relationship alive, seduction needs to be a lifelong effort. One of the biggest traps men fall into is getting too comfortable with a woman. You stop taking her out on dates. You no longer care about your appearance. You stop being attentive, ignoring details about her and missing important things she may say in passing. If your woman is special to you, show it. Always treat her like it’s your first month together.

You always initiate sex A man should show initiative chiefly outside the bedroom. When it comes to sex, it should be an equal game. Don’t let the burden of starting sex fall entirely on you. Coax her into bringing out her inner beast once in a while. She may even discover a roaring sensuality she never knew she had, and enrich your sex lives that much more.

You forgive all her mistakes too easily She should be on her best behavior during your first year together, so you shouldn’t let her annoying habits slide. She will get used to them, or worse yet, make them even more grating. If not shaving her legs irks you, let her know. You should never tolerate annoying behavior, such as screaming at you or making fun of you in public. If you sweep it all under the rug, it will blow up eventually.

•From left: Mr. Gbadebo Olamerun, Cordinator Senior Citizens Care Foundation (SCCF); Prof Adetown Ogunsheye, Matron SCCF; Mr. Jide Taiwo, Chief Executive Officer, SCCF and Chief (Dr) HID Awolowo , during the presentation of the Senior Citizenship Certificate by SCCF to Chief (Dr) Awolowo at Ikenne Remo, Ogun State.

You tell her you love her too soon and too often These three little words demand a prodigious amount of frugality, lest they become meaningless. Yes, women long to hear it all the time, but its overuse will jade even the most demanding of romantics. Save it for very rare occasions; make her beg for them.

And only say them when you really, really mean it.

where near your door as far as this guy is concerned. Love is not blind as people want you to believe and it’s not abstract. For some, they love because the person is nice and generous, for some it’s because the person is good looking and presentable while for others it’s because the person id from a certain class of family. So you see, we all know what kick-starts our hearts to love.

In your own case, you don’t feel anything for this man because he doesn’t have any of your requirements for love. He’s short when you probably want a tall man. If you settle for the person your heart doesn’t really love, you may keep searching for what you truly desire till you find it. Many who fall into the acts of unfaithfulness found themselves settling for people they only just managed to marry.

Remain good friends with this guy but let him know you can only be friends for reasons best known to you. Don’t go and tell him that he’s short o. Save him that kind of talk.

He’s far older than me, what do you think?

My name is Stephanie and I’M 23. I’m dating a guy of 32 years old and we love each other so much.

He’s a lawyer and he wants to open a shop for me. I have a child but that is not stopping him from wanting to marry me. What do you think about the age difference?

Really, sometimes I don’t know why people create problems where there is none. So you think 9 years age difference is a big deal? I wonder what you would say about men who are 20 years older than their women. Common, relax and enjoy the relationship.

From you to me Hi Sister Adeola, your job is well appreciated by many Nigerians out there. – David (08160839670).

Hello Adeola, your advices are first class. I really love your work, keep it up. (08067312246).

Lost contacts Please connect me with any of the following ASP Momoh children: Hakeem, Rasak, Yesufu and Bello. All of us lived in Central Police Station Barracks along Marina Road, old post office, Sokoto in Sokoto State between 1982 and 1985. My name is Sonny Odu now living in Port-Harcourt. Please call: 08067409709. Thanks you.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

T

HOUGH Chief Etah, my latest ‘sugar daddy’ treated me well, he was not as generous as the late Chief T who spoilt me with plenty of gifts and money.

However, I had certain plans for Chief Etah. After graduation, I had no intention of working for anybody but to be a businesswoman. My plan was to set up a business - a top class boutique as well as a beauty centre with a spa and other services. I hoped Chief would bankroll it and help me establish the business.

Shortly before our final exams, one of his friends, who was celebrating his 60th birthday asked me to arrange for some girls who will, as he said, ‘spice up’ the private party he was having for a select group of friends. He was paying me a good ‘commission’ for the job, so I contacted a couple of girls I knew who were into ‘runs’ in my school.

One of them was Tracy, who was in 200-level and a girl I liked. I had taken her with me on some other high-profile parties I had attended and she was always well-behaved unlike some of the other girls who behaved more like cheap, street prostitutes than students.

With the two girls from my school and five others ‘recruited’ from another campus in town, we set out for the venue of the party one late evening.

It was raining heavily that day but inside the small bus that had been sent to convey us to the party, it was warm and cosy. Tracy and I sat together and we chatted during the ride. She confided in me that she was going to use the money from that evening’s party to open a new shop for her mother. She said her mum was the only one struggling to sponsor her through school after her father abandoned the family and ran away with another woman.

“My mother has really suffered. She has been working so hard all these years to take care of me and my younger brother and sister. It’s time I started helping her,” she said.

We continued talking and laughing as the rain fell heavily outside.

Perhaps, due to the dull weather, I became drowsy after a while and I think I must have fallen asleep.

In the ritualists’ den I woke up a few hours later and found myself lying

on the bare floor in a long, open hall. It was poorly lit and I could not see very well.

Then as my eyes got used to the darkness, I noticed a few figures also lying around. I was in a confused state of mind as I didn’t know where I was or how I got there. Then I remembered. We had been in a bus sent by Chief Etah’s friend to attend his birthday party in town. ‘So, why am I here then,’ I wondered. I thought about Tracy and the other girls. Not too far away, I could see someone that looked like her. I could tell by the outfit she wore earlier that evening- a black mini-skirt with a bright pink, skimpy top that showed off her big boobs.

I tried to sit up so I could go to her but my limbs were so weak as if I had been drugged. I couldn’t speak either-I could open my mouth but no words came out.

Fear gripped me then.

Had we been kidnapped?

What was going to happen to us? Were we all going to die?

Shortly after, a man, tall and heavily built came in, picked one of the figures on the ground- one of the girls in the bus and left. He came in twice more until it came to my turn. He picked me and took me to another room, a smaller one this time. There was a man sitting at the other side of the room wearing a red robe with half of his face painted black and white. He looked scary and I got really frightened on seeing him. The man who brought me in made me kneel down to face the strange-looking man in the red robe.

He stretched a short stick tied with a red piece of cloth and some cowries on it towards me, all the while chanting some words I didn’t understand. All kinds of thoughts were going through my mind at this point. I kept wondering what I was doing in such a strange place, with these scary-looking people. Were they planning to kill us? And why was I so weak, helpless as if there were no bones in my body. It all seemed so unreal like a bad dream. I tried to shout for help but no sound came from my mouth. I simply knelt there like a mindless zombie.

Suddenly, another man burst into the room.

•Ms Oyindamola Adegunle cutting her first birthday cake

IT HAPPENED TO ME

40

My quest for the high life led me into the hands of ritualists (3) “Stop! Stop! She’s not one of them!” I heard him shout at the red-robed man, who looked up at him in surprise.

I could hear them arguing for a while then the red-garbed man waved the wand over my head a few times. I must have passed out for that was the last thing I remembered.

I woke up sometime later in another room. I was alone.

I managed to sit up and I took stock of my surroundings. The room looked like a storeroom as there were all kinds of broken chairs, electronics and other stuff there.

I tried getting up but I was still very weak. By now, I knew that the other girls and I were in danger, from the words of the man that had rushed into the room where the red-robed man had been.

Who were they? Were they kidnappers or ritualists? I suspected the latter going by the last incident I could remember. So, were we all going to die? What did that man mean when he said I was not one of them? All kinds of thoughts were swirling round my mind.

Then I heard voices outside the door of the room. I pretended to be asleep as the door opened.

“She’s still unconscious.

Are you sure she’s ok?”

“Don’t worry. I got there on time to stop Baba. But how could you have been so careless. You could have put us in serious trouble.”

“I’m sorry. I told that idiot, Bugsky not to take her into the building with the other girls but he must have forgotten. You know how he is whenever he has taken some weed…”

From what I could glean from their conversation after they had gone, I was able to piece together what had happened. Instead of taking us to the venue of the ‘supposed’ party, we had been driven somewhere else. We had been taken to a shrine to

be ‘sacrificed’ for rituals! But who could have been behind it? Was it Chief Etah’s friend?

Was Chief Etah aware of it or his friend was acting alone? God, how could this have happened to me, I thought. I had heard horrible stories of some girls disappearing after going out on dates with men. But I never knew it could ever happen to me. Afterall, I didn’t stand on street corners like cheap prostitutes. I thought those were the kind of girls who were vulnerable to this kind of thing.

What was going to happen to me now? My blood ran cold when I remembered what the two men said about the other girls.

“They’ve all been taken care of.”

So, the girls were all dead then, including Tracy. Tracy, so pretty, so vivacious with so many dreams and plans for her mother. Gone, just like that! It was horrible to even think about it. I thought of her mother, and my parents too and how they would feel when they found out about my disappearance from school They would be devastated. Tears of sorrow, of regret snaked down my face at such thoughts…

I was kept in that room for what seemed like eternity without food or water. I had not taken a bath for days and I was still in same clothes I wore on the night of the party.

I was conscious for most of the time as I could hear people talking outside the room. Then, one day, I was given some food which I reluctantly ate because I felt I needed my strength if I wanted to stay alive. I was then blindfolded and taken out of the room to a car. They drove for a long time then the car stopped and I was dumped by the roadside and they left. After removing the blindfold, I found myself by the side of a narrow, un-

paved road that looked more like a bush path. Thick bush flanked the road on both sides and there was not a soul in sight. I rested there for a while then I managed to get up and I started walking with uneven steps in the opposite direction from where we came. I was just glad to be alive, that by a miracle, I had been saved from certain death at the hands of those evil men…

With much effort, I made it to a main road with more traffic. And luckily, I was able to get a kind-hearted man who stopped for me to take me home.

That was how I narrowly escaped death. My parents were shocked on seeing me, at my rough and dishevelled appearance. For days, I was in a state of shock and I could not talk much. My dad brought a doctor who gave me sedatives which made me sleep most of the time.

After some days, I recovered enough to tell them what had happened to me. I didn’t give the full details, though. I left out the bit about the party so that my nefarious activities at school would not be exposed.

I told them I had boarded a bus to visit a friend in town and we were hypnotised and taken to a ritualist’s den. They were just so happy that I was alive, they did not press me too much on how I had escaped from there.

It’s been nearly five years since the incident and I have yet to put the horrible events of those dark days behind me. My life has not been stable since then. I have been unable to settle down to any job or even start on the business I was planning to do. Not only that, I keep getting nightmares at night.

I often see Tracy’s face in my dreams with her eyes, sad and accusatory. I feel guilty and responsible for her

death and those of the other girls. It was my greed and quest for wealth that caused all the trouble and today I’m full of regrets about the bad life I had lived.

If I had not taken them to that ‘party’ they would still be alive today. My conscience bothers me every daily and I have no peace of mind. It has reached a stage that I want to confess everything to my parents, all my escapades in school with rich, old men and the properties I have. I also want to go and look for Tracy’s mother to tell her everything and beg for forgiveness.

Perhaps then, I will find peace and be able to move on with my life. Please I need your advice quickly before I lose my mind and do something terrible to myself...

Concluded.

Names have been changed for privacy’s sake

Watch out for next week’s thriller!!!

Viki was a young lady in her thirties, with a good job and bright prospects in life.

Sometime last year, she got connected to Deni, a UKbased guy through the internet. They kept in touch by phone, email and other means and exchanged pictures. With time, Viki fell in love with him, though she had never seen him in person.

It seemed to be mutual.

After a year of on-line dating, Deni returned home to Nigeria. They immediately got engaged and made plans for their wedding in the middle of this year. Then, a few months before the wedding, Viki found out terrible secrets about her fiancé’s life abroad that threatened the union...

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LIFE

Society Profile

THE NATION, Saturday, APRIL 14, 2012

STYLE Gossip Interviews

n a s a e f i ‘L ’ s s e t s o h air

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THE NATION SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

With KAYODE ALFRED E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com TEL:08035733605

Lanre Babalola retreats

&STYLE

LIFE

Society Profile

Gossip Interviews

&STYLE

LIFE

Society Profile

Gossip Interviews

THE NATION SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

TEL:08035733605 Sekibo celebrates wife's release from kidnappers' den

43

Break-up rumour trails Gbenga Babalola, Teju Adedibu

High Society mourns Ugochi Ihejiahi

Where is Kenny Duyile?

What's up with A-bar?

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

‘It’s interesting to see passengers’ fright whenever there is turbulence in the air, but I’m used to it’ Ifeyinwa Odo is a woman of many parts who is making waves on the fashion scene. The Creative Director of Misiano, a Lagis-based fashion house, is also into art. She is also a gospel singer and an air hostess with Arik Airline.

In this in interview with KEHINDE FALODE, she shares her passion for fashion, family life and other sundry issues.

Y

•Ifeyinwa

OU must be a very busy woman.

How are you able to cope with being into fashion, arts, music and also functioning as an air hostess?

Well, it is actually by the grace of God that I am able to pull them together. I have passion and energy for what I do. It is like having four or five kids, loving them and giving them all the time and attention they need.

Are you then a jack of all trades?

I am not. Like I said earlier, it is all about your gifts or talents. That thing that is in you, which you can use for the benefit of humanity, and the kind of passion and vision you need to have in pursuing your purpose here on earth. You have got to define what your life is all about, have an identity so that people can relate with you and vice versa. Once you are on track about your gifts, you’ll see that life becomes worth living. The energy is supplied and so you run your race.

How long have you been in fashion business?

I have been in fashion business officially as far back as 2005. Although prior to that, I had been designing and making clothes for people, even as a student.

How about the challenges?

The problems in the industry, like power, need to be addressed very quickly. This is because of the recent development in the industry. Most of the time, we designers have to power our machines so that we can meet deadlines and achieve much. I know this is one major problem we are facing.

What drives you?

The fact that there is life and my life has to count; the desire to pour what is in me into others, knowing that at the end of the day, someone would benefit from what I give. It could be a mere word of encouragement, transforming knowledge of what I do to others, or just my smile!

I noticed you are not wearing a ring. Are you still looking for the perfect man?

Please, I am not searching. I am married!

What is it like to be in the air all the time?

It can be very interesting and can also be adventurous. You travel to different places, you learn how to be hospitable and kind to people you have never met. And sometimes when there is turbulence, you see people’s reaction. But I am used to it. Like I always say, it is by God’s grace.

Were there moments you feared for your life in flight?

There was never a time I was afraid. Fear is not part of my life, even though I walk through the valley of the shadow death...

Who has been the biggest influence on your life?

My dad, mum and fathers in Christ—Bishop David Benenoch and Bishop Obi Onubuog. They were the ones who really influenced my life. My dad, as an academic, ensured I was properly schooled in the arts with literature being one of my best subjects. I remember he would make me read aloud to him every morning during the holidays, and he would teach me diction and tenses until I excelled in it.

At that time, my mum was a dressmaker. That was how I learnt to sew and knit. And my spiritual fathers influenced me by teaching me what kingdom life is really all about and how that life in me can radiate to others, because we are the light of the world.

When in life have you felt most alone?

That was when I lost all I had in a fire incident. I l a t e r realised that all through, God was with me.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Surulere (Lagos). I used to be a tomboy (laughs), played a lot, did the back flip.

And then at night, my dad would tell us stories.

What is your best memory of childhood?

As a child, I was very respectful. At the close of school day, I would carry my teacher’s bag without her telling me to, and follow her to her car. I did it continuously until one day, I forgot to carry it and nobody did. She became upset, because back in the days, there were certain virtues. So, she called out everyone to flog us. But when I came out, she told me to go back to my seat and used me as a good example.

Generally, growing up was fun!

What are your best memories of the university?

University life was liberal. My best moment was when I got my call-up letter to serve in Cross River State, because my set had issues.

So, it was glorious because I was moving on to the next level.

What is your beauty routine like?

My beauty routine is quite simple. I exercise a lot, drink lots of water and cleanse my face before sleeping. Also, I eat fruits regularly because they are good for the skin. I do not use a particular body cream and I rid myself of negative emotions like anger, malice etc. I smile a lot and live a thankful life.

What determines what you wear?

What I wear depends on my mood, or if I have an event to attend, then I wear what suits that event. At times it could be the kind of fabric, colour and the style that goes with it.

What is your definition of style?

Style is personal. It depends on the individual. And you must know what fits you, not just wearing whatever you see or because it is expensive or its in vogue. Sometimes, it could be an old vintage chiffon on top of Ankara skirt that would make you look different and unique.

How do you unwind? Or is it all work and no play?

It is not all work. I try to get some real good sleep so I can be on top of my game. Sometimes I swim and float on water. It is a good therapy.

I read books, newspapers and sketch or write.

Do you design for both sexes?

Yes, I design for both sexes. There’s actually no issue about that. As a professional, you‘ve got to do your stuff without sentiments. It’s business and n o t pleasure, remember?

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

SOCIETY

45

Pomp as ex-NBA boss Olanipekun donates ultra-modern vicarage to church E

VEN the congenital miser among the select crowd that graced the occasion could not but express pleasant shock at the spectacle which as adjudged by all, is an architectural wonder.

“Its finishing is superlative!” That came from the lips of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekiti State, Mr. Dayo Akinlaja.

Awe-struck, The Most Revd. (Dr.) Samuel Adedayo Abe, the Ekiti Diocesan Bishop and Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ondo who sanctified and thus declared the structure open amid earthshaking applause described it as “a miracle.”

“It is a miracle that has happened here today. The donor has amply actualised the injunction that you must spend money for God because whatever you have is from Him. And the more you give, the more you receive. Oh, this is inspiring,” he declared as he shook his head in affirmation.

At the centre of it all is the legal luminary and philanthropic Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Wole Oladapo Olanipekun, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

The event was the dedication of an ultra-modern ‘The Isaac Olanipekun Memorial Vicarage’ built and donated by the accomplished legal giant in the sprawling compound of his home church, St. Peter’s Church, Oke ‘Kere, Ikere, Ekiti State, where he is the Baba Ijo, last Saturday.

The comprehensively furnished and tastefully equipped edifice, according to its builder/architect, Yusuf Adeoye of I-JUNT Construction Co. Ltd, Abuja, took just three months! “We started work on December 17, last year, including the interlocking on the floor of the compound and here we are today,” he enthused.

Sources estimated the cost of the edifice at between N20 million and N25 million. It might be the truth as besides modern electronic items and what have you, even all the refrigerators in the apartments were well stocked with drinks!

Profus prayers flowed from the mouths of majority of other prominent indigenes of the town who were joined by Olanipekun’s friends from across and beyond the state to be part of the joy of the day.

Of particular amazement to most people in attendance is the legal icon’s uncommon capacity for philanthropy. Apart from lifting the glory of the town, for 14 years running now, as they fondly recalled, he has brought meaning to the lives of countless indigent Nigerians through the multi-million-naira Chief Wole Olanipekun Scholarship Award he instituted in memory of his late mother, Iyaafin Lydia Bosede Olanipekun.

Two years ago, he donated a N22million well-equipped internetcompliant computer centre to his alma mater, Amoye Grammar School, Ikere-Ekiti. It was a few months after doling out about 25 motor bikes to some idle hands in the town.

In groups, dignitaries at the event strolled in and out of the edifice with praises for the donor amid heaves of satisfaction and apparent challenge by the gesture.

Among them were: Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; Ekiti State Chief Judge, Mr. Simeon Ayodeji Daramola; former deputy governor

•The vicarage donated

by Chief Olanipekun

•From left: The Most Rev. (Dr.) Samuel Adedayo Abe, Chief Olanipekun and his wife at the dedication of the vicarage

Dada ALADELOKUN, Assistant Editor of Ekiti State, Chief Abiodun Aluko; Chief Dayo Okondo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); Mr. Sola Adewumi of Equitorial Energy Ltd., Lagos and all members of trustees of the donor’s scholarship board.

All the formalities over, the church’s choir took the centre stage, keeping legs busy with pulsating drumbeats aided by scintillating lyrics. Olanipekun, his delectable wife, Princess Omolara, Akinlaja and some others could not help doing a dance. It was like a contest.

As it earlier took place in his palatial ‘Iyaniwura House’ country home where throats of guests played host to hot pounded yam and assorted meat personally prepared and served by Princess Omolara, foods and drinks flowed to the satisfaction of all.

Afterwards, it was time for cakecutting. Both members of the clergy

•Abe declaring the Vicarage open

and the laity jostled to hold the knife, just to be a part of Olanipekun’s glorious moment.

Of course, many expressed their views over the gesture. Ven. Dr. Samuel Idowu Falode, the Vicar-inCharge of the church, described Olanipekun’s gesture as “a visible example and manifestation of your (Olanipekun’s) numerous acts of philanthropy in the church, Ikere

town, Ekiti State and Nigeria in general. I salute you, a great man of God, a legal icon, a man of enviable character and a worthy leader of his people.”

The church, in its appreciation message signed by its secretary, Chief Olufemi Abidakun and two others, said inter alia: “Our own Chief Olanipekun, in the mould of David’s generosity, has given

nearly all his private treasures to the church because of his devotion to the temple of his God. “A cursory look at the outer and inner beauty and ornament of St. Peter’s Church will reveal unmistakably, the imprint of Chief Olanipekun: landscaping, donation of pulpit, pews, generator and now, this magnificent structure comparable to any other mansion around.

Such is his love for this church that he has sacrificed his own professional calling or personal pleasure to attend to matters of interest to us on many occasions.”

But why would the legal luminary not rather buy a private jet with his money instead of the gesture as many would? This The Nation asked him. Responding, he said: “With what it has pleased God to bless me with, I have always gracefully offered to share in the joy and the burden of this community from where I rose and more importantly, the time has come for us to practicalise Christianity.

“I have noticed a total disconnect between what we practise in our various churches in the urban cities and what goes on in the local areas where people serve God with their whole hearts without anything. The issue of the vicarage did not just come yesterday. I would confess that I have ‘plagiarised.’ It was over 10 years ago when my wife and I saw the dedication of one built for a church at Ile-Oluji by an individual. Then, I told my wife I could do it for our church. Though I had the means then, I did not do it but God reminded me three years ago and I felt it was to get it actualised.”

“Most importantly,” he added as he made copious biblical allusions, “I have long realised that whatever you have in life belongs to God and the best you can do is to commit all to His glory.”

Virtually all in attendance were agreed that the gesture should serve as a lesson to the rich in the land who do not appreciate why God singled them out among others. Perhaps they said it all!

46

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

•Tory Burch miller thong

Show off pretty pedicures with chic thong F

ASHIONABLE thong sandals are the rave of the moment. They are simple, trendy, elegant and cozy footwear. Pair them with skinny jeans, skirt or short. You can never go wrong with one.

They are the best for casuals, and besides looking adorable, they have just enough heels to help your legs show off your sexy toes.

•Naughty Monkey spidey thong sandals

•Volatile Marshmallow floral thong sandals

•Thong embellished with stones

•J.Renee spruce thong sandals

•N.Y.L.A. Razzy thong sandals

•Chioma Nwankwo

•Ebele

•Yetunde Animashaun

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Glam up wT ith pearls HE common fashion accessories these days at socials are all about pearls. Pair them with casual or party clothes as seen on celebrities or models on the runway. And one of today’s hottest pearl styles is to wear multiple strands of pearls to take your look from demure to dramatic. This sassy secret has worked wonders since the beginning of its emergence.

Pearls tips Team plain pearls with busy blouses.

Multi strands of pearls necklace never fails to look ladylike.

Add glamour to a casual look with a single statement big pearl ring or stud earrings.

Strings of pearls mixed with chains give a glint and toughen things up.

•Adding white or cream pearl strands to this casual dress instantly makes it more formal.

Helen Paul THEODORA CHIMONEZ

Three-row stretchable bracelet

Jose Maria Barrera peach chandelier earrings

Chandelier pearl earrings

Firm celebrates hair stylists Foremost artificial hair manufacturer, Lorna

Nigeria Ltd, makers of Amigos and Darling weavons has splashed various gift items on Lagos hair stylists as rewards for outstanding creativity.

At the event held at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, Marketing /Sales Director of the company, Titilola Igri-Offor, said the reason for the ceremony was “to bring out new hair styles, teach professionals the latest trends in the market and above all celebrate with stylists and beauticians.”

Expatiating further, she said:”We started this event in 2011 with 7,000 stylists, and today, we have selected the best hair stylists in town from five different groups to demonstrate creativity and new styles with our weavons and braids. We would not stop in our quest to lead the market with quality and latest fashionable hair styles to make women classy and glamorous.”

Pearls cleaning Toxic nails polish A Department of Toxic Substances Control report in California determined that some nail polishes commonly advertised as being chemical-free actually have high levels of agents known to cause birth defects.

Because of their delicate nature, special care must be taken when cleaning. After you wear pearls, just wipe them off with a soft cloth which may be dry or damp.

This will prevent dirt from accumulating and keep perspiration, which is slightly acidic, from eating away at the pearl nacre. You can even use a drop of olive oil on the cloth to help maintain their lustre. But if pearls have not been kept clean for a long time, they can be cleaned by your jeweller or they can be cleaned using a special pearl cleaner.

-Only use jewellery cleaners labelled as safe for pearls.

-Never steam-clean pearls.

-Never use or expose pearls to dish or wash detergents, bleaches, powdered cleansers or baking soda -Never use toothbrushes, scouring pads or abrasive materials to clean pearls.

-Do not wear pearls when their string is wet. Wet strings stretch and attract dirt which is hard to remove.

-Do not hang pearls to dry.

-Take your pearls off when applying cosmetics, hair spray, perfume, or when swimming.

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SOCIETY

THE NATION SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Olofa honours ex-army chief at 70

A

LHAJA Rafat Bola Shittu, Chief Execu tive of Sholab Nigeria Limited, celebrated her 70th birthday on Saturday April 11.

The ceremony, which was held at Offa, Kwara State, was organised by the children of the host who described the event as a way of showing appreciation for what “our loving mother did for us to make us great in life”.

The highlights of the birthday included a visit to the Palace of Olofa of Offa,

Gbenga KUTELU

His Royal Highness, Oba Mufutau Muhammed, Gbadamosi Esuwoye II, and a tournament at the Golf Club. Golfers were drawn from Lagos, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory.

The winners were rewarded with different prizes.

The children of Alhaja Shittu donated a modern mosque to the Muslim community in Offa. The mosque, named Masjid Noor Mosque, which was officially commissioned by Oba Muhammed,

is at Olofa Way. The Olofa said he was happy to honour Alhaja Shittu who retired from the Nigerian Army as a Lieutenant with his presence because of her selfless contributions to the development her town, Offa.

Dignitaries on the occasion included the former President of Nasrullahi Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), Alhaji Abu Salami; Chairman, Integrated Ventures, Chief Tajudeen Gbadamosi, Ajiroba of Offa; and Executive Director, Strategy, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum Secretariat, Alhaji Taiwo Shittu.

•The host and her husband, Alhaji Salman Shittu •From left: Majeed, Hakeem and Rasak (children of the host)

•Oba Muhammed

•Alhaji Muhydeen Salman Hussain, Chief Iman of Offa

•Alhaji Abu Salami

•Queen Salawa Abeni performing on the occasion

•Mr Rasheed Ogunnaike and wife, Muinat

•From left: Alhaja Foluke Shittu and Marjanca Shittu

•Prof. Suleiman Adeyemi (left) and Alhaji Rasheed Oladipo

•Masjid Noor Mosque

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

I

•The ‘armoury’ built inside a bus where the suspects hid their weapons. Inset: the bus

‘I served only as armourer to robbery gang because the Bible says we should not kill’ Ebele BONIFACE magnate. I have two beautiful wives and five lovely children. I am a devout Christian. I attend the Redeemed Christian Church of God. I had been with this gang for more than four years. But I do not follow the gang to robbery scenes.

“What I usually did was to take the bus they use as an armoury very close to the robbery scene. Once they finish the robbery operation, I would drive it back to my house.

They used to give me money ranging from N50,000 to N100,000, depending on the nature of the opera-

tion.

“I didn’t follow them to the scene because I didn’t want to kill anybody and I didn’t want anybody to shoot me. The Bible tells me that whoever kills by the sword will surely die by the sword.

“We are 11 in number, but some of us are dead now. The dead include our leader, Sule Fatai aka Olisemo. He died while exchanging gunfire with SARS operatives who used his wife to track him at Akute. Others include Shina, who died in the Oshodi operation, Femi Mercauley, Sule Small and Kehinde who died trying to escape when SARS men stormed our hideout.

•Oyebade

“Those who are still alive but still at large include Sule Pin, Wale Okeh, Ope aka Pastor, Abey,

What I usually did was to take the bus they used as an armoury very close to the robbery scene. Once they finished the robbery operation, I would drive it back to my house... I didn’t follow them to the scene because I didn’t want to kill anybody and I didn’t want anybody to shoot me. The Bible tells me that whoever kills by the sword will surely die by the sword...

‘

‘

N spite of losing five of their members to the superior fire power of operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command, some members of an 11-man robbery gang, who killed three police officers, a pregnant woman, an okada (commercial motorcycle) rider and one other person are still on the prowl in Lagos and its environs.

After tracking the gang for some time, a crack team of SARS led by the Officer in Charge, Abba Kyari, a Superintendent of Police, had stormed their hideout at Ikoro Road, Abule Egba, Lagos, shooting five of them dead and capturing one who tried to escape in a commercial bus popularly called danfo.

The remaining five members of the gang, however, escaped with three AK47 rifles.

Upon a search carried out on the bus, the police discovered that the gang was using the back seat of the bus as its armoury. There they found four AK 47 rifles, one pump action rifle and two pistols. They also found recharge cards worth thousands of naira, which was believed to be part of the recharge cards the gang had looted when they stormed a recharge card centre at Allen Avenue some time last year.

Most of the rifles and pistols were believed to have been seized from police officers the gang had shot dead during some of their operations in Lagos. According to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Umaru A. Manko, one of the two pistols was snatched from an Inspector the gang shot dead at Thermocool shop at Oshodi on November 2 last year. They had also killed a police corporal called Samuel Churchill, a nine-month pregnant woman and three other people that day. The two police officers shot dead during the confrontation were attached to the Akinpelu Police Station in Lagos.

According to SARS’ investigation, one of the AK47 rifles was snatched from one Corporal Idowu Ohiolebo when the gang robbed a supermarket on December 24, 2010. They were also said to have killed another CPL Idowu on the spot and seriously wounded one other police officer. The criminal record of the late leader of the gang, Sule Fatai, who SARS operatives shot dead after using one of his wives to trace him to Akute, showed that the gang’s lawyer had successfully secured his bail when he was remanded in prison for armed robbery, but his release resulted in the death of more than six innocent citizens in the hands of gang members.

The development has generated a debate on the propriety of granting suspected armed robbers bail.

Consequent upon this, Manko, the new Commissioner of Police, has vowed to report the ugly development to the Chief Judge of Lagos State to call the magistrate that granted the bail to order during the next state security meeting. Manko was responding to a question from reporters during a press conference in Lagos on how he intended to stop the idea of granting bail to notorious armed robbery suspects in the law courts.

Indeed, a journalist at the conference recalled how a robbery suspect granted bail had met him on the road and raised his shirt to show him a pistol, after which he told the journalist that he was one of the robbery suspects granted bail. He said he was back to business and warned the reporter not to ‘poke nose’.

Narrating his relationship with the gang, Tunde Oyebade, a 46year-old indigene of Akure, Ondo State, arrested when the police stormed their hideout recently, said: “I am a furniture maker, aluminum fabricator and transport

Saheed and my humble self. Bode is an armed robber but he is not in our gang; he belongs to Alhaja’s gang.”

Narrating the development that resulted in their arrest, he said: “When Sule Fatai died, Small Sule, who was the second in command, took over. But Okeh, who was the third in command, refused to accept Small Sule as the new leader.

This made the gang to split into two, with one led by Small Sule and the other led by Okeh. This division made Small Sule not to trust me.

•Continued on Page 56

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INTERVIEW

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

I refused to pertake in rituals during my initiation; I instead shared ‘the grace’ with the kingmakers —Redeemed Church pastor-turned-monarch pastor-turned Today, Oba Kehinde Adeboye Olugbenle, mounts the throne as Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Ogun State.

In this interview with KUNLE AKINRINADE, the trained estate surveyor and pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Alpha Parish, Abuja, recalls the intrigues that preceeded his selection. He also explains how he plans to adapt to life as a clergy-turned-traditional ruler

D

•Oba Olugbenle

ID you have any premonition that you would one day be crowned the traditional ruler of Ilaro town?

I never had any premonition that my ruling house, Asade Agunloye, would produce the next king or that I would become the Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland after the death of the late Oba Adekambi Tella. It was after his death that the jostle for the stool started. I was then in the United States of America.

When I returned, I was asked by the family to prepare myself for the position. ‘Prepare for what?

Am I the only male child in the family?’ I asked. I never took them seriously.

Later, the family, after series of meetings with the kingmakers, was asked to present a candidate for the throne. I was informed that I had been chosen as one of the candidates. When it became obvious that I was the favourite, all kinds of tales started flying

around; that I was not old enough to occupy the throne, among many other things that people did to frustrate my selection.

My twin brother and I are the male children in our own lineage (Olugbenle family) of the ruling house, and we were both qualified for the throne. Interestingly, my twin brother and I are pastors in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). That even made the whole thing more interesting. But it was later resolved through prayers. My twin brother prayed about it and said that I was the one chosen to rule.

I prayed about it too.

Attempts were made to frustrate the process for my emergence. But we thank God for Governor Ibikunle Amosun, who stood by the truth. I also know that when God speaks, He does not just speak but finishes whatever He has said. I got five votes while my uncle who was also in the race got four. So, my ascen-

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

INTERVIEW

51

‘Why I won’t take a second wife even though tradition demands ‘ it’ If there is only one Oba in Yorubaland that has one wife, it will be me. So, I hope that answers your question...

‘

•Oba Olugbenle

liefs?

I know what the Christian religion demands and the people in charge here know my stance on issues like that, particularly considering my calling as a pastor.

You cannot find incisions or armlets on my body because I believe in God. So, it is about holding on to your belief. I don’t share in any fetish objects or drink alcohol.

That means I cannot even take such during libations.

‘

Have you been to Iledi (sacred chamber of the initiates) as part of the rites of ascension?

Yes, I went there and I shared the grace with the people there because that’s my calling as a cleric (laughs).

Really?

Yes, I was there and there was nothing horrific. I prayed before I went there and also prayed with them. Even during the prayers, you would be surprised to hear

them say ‘in Jesus name’. Don’t forget that some of them are Christians, although you may refer to them as nominal Christians.

How constant were you with home while you were away in Abuja?

I have been very constant, and that even confirms why I built a house here. Otherwise, I would have attended to you probably in our family house.

Would you take a new wife like

I was there and there was nothing horrific. I prayed before I went there and also prayed with them. Even during the prayers, you would be surprised to hear them say ‘in Jesus name’. Don’t forget that some of them are Christians, although you may refer to them as nominal Christians...

‘

sion was the will of God and not that of man.

Tell us frankly how your twin brother felt?

Both of us prayed together and it was revealed that I was the chosen one. He told me how he had prayed about the matter and confirmed that God told him that I was the one chosen for the throne.

He still prays for me to date, despite the fact that he works with Chevron in Warri, Delta State and he is part and parcel of the process for my emergence and enthronement. So, there was no misgiving between the two of us. We both sought God’s direction and counselling through prayers on the matter.

Besides, the entire family supported me. If it were possible, they would have nominated me as the sole candidate of the ruling house.

But I thank God that despite the court action which some aggrieved parties took, the will of God still prevailed.

But your name did not even come up initially, particularly during the last administration when the tussle for the throne started?

Well, there was never a time during the last administration when a nomination was made. Some people just wanted to cajole the public through the media to hype a particular name and I was not in any way bothered about that.

Even the election among the kingmakers was not mentioned in the newspapers. I would not go into media contest over the stool because I believed that if it was God’s wish, I would be crowned as king.

I kept praying throughout the selection process and God really proved Himself as my strength.

Even though there were others in the race, I know the kind of anointing I have. Remember that King David was not at home when the Spirit of God told Prophet Samuel to ask his parents to bring him from the bush to be anointed as king.

Were you not scared that you might be hurt?

At 45, why should I fear death?

I know that greater is He that lives in me than he that lives in the world. Even when some members of my family were nursing the fear that I might be killed, I told them that if that happened, it would mean that Jesus was not alive anymore. So, I did not nurse any fear that someone would harm me. I am a child of God. What is your disposition to traditional rites or the fetish practices associated with the installation of monarchs in Yorubaland?

What I know is that an oba does not wear egungun’s (masquerade’s) regalia or participate in rituals. So, mine is just to play the role expected of me as the custodian of the traditional authority. Traditional institutions nowadays are subjected to government authority and nothing can be done outside of the extant laws of the land.

So, are you saying that the rites of ascension to the throne are not a negation of your Christian be-

some of your contemporaries in Yorubaland?

If there is only one Oba in Yorubaland that has one wife, it will be me. So, I hope that answers your question.

What will be your focus as paramount ruler of Yewaland?

I want to ensure that there is unity and oneness in terms of goals as a people, so that we can expand further in terms of development. There must be unity of purpose because so many things have eluded us in the recent past because of disunity. Also the title ’paramount ruler of Yewaland’ would have to be reflected, not just Olu of Ilaro, as a motivation to coordinate all the other Yewa communities and towns properly for the good of the entire Yewaland.

Importantly, I want to see the rebranding of Yewaland through the annual celebration of YewaAyewa Day, to attract the sons and daughters of Yewa to identify with the development of our great territory. Above all, I want to see a land that is spiritually revived and cleansed of all forces of darkness militating against the peace and progress of Yewaland.

I want to achieve this through regular revival and prayers among our religious bodies.

Can you recall your early life and school days?

I was born on December 4, 1966 to the late Prince Adejumo Olugbenle and Mrs. Adenike Olugbenle. I started elementary education at Methodist Primary School and later attended Anglican Grammar School, Ilaro with my twin brother. And because my father wanted the best for his children, he later enrolled us at Eko Boys High School, Mushin, Lagos, which happened to be his alma mata. And with the coming of the Jakande administration in Lagos State, I switched to New State High School, Mushin, to complete my education while my twin brother, Taiwo, was left to complete his secondary education at Eko Boys High School.

After completing my secondary education, I studied Estate Management at Yaba College of Technology and graduated in 1990.I later earned an M.Sc degree in Housing Development and Management at the University of Ibadan in 2006. I have been working as an estate surveyor since then. And to the glory of God, I was appointed a Managing Partner of Akin Olawore & Co in 1998.

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FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Maintaining purity in courtship (2)

D

ear Reader, Last week, I started this teaching on how to maintain purity in courtship by showing you the purpose of courtship.

This week, however, I shall continue with that teaching. Some begin quite well in the spirit, but mess up half way by engaging themselves in the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21). All categories of uncleanness are referred to as the works of the flesh. Since courtship is not marriage, you have no marriage rights over the other until marriage is contracted.

Marriage is an honourable thing when the bed is undefiled (Hebrews 13:4). Once the bed is defiled, that marriage has lost its honour. What you do with the bed during courtship amounts to laying a foundation for what your

marriage will be like when you get into it. The law of sowing and reaping still holds here (Genesis 8:22).

To maintain purity in courtship, therefore, go in search of knowledge to know what to do during courtship. When you know what to do during courtship, you will be occupied with godliness and have a fulfilled one. The following are the various ways to maintain purity in courtship: Discuss your visions and goals together: In other not to engage in the works of the flesh, this is the time to discuss about your visions and goals together. This is a very important point to note. Goals and plans for the future ought to be made clear to each other. Marriage is for help, hence, it is a decision made by you to help the other party fulfill his or her goals and

vision in life and vice versa.

Before I married my husband, I had known what direction he wanted to take. I had known his level of love for God, his character and his integrity. Ours was quite a long courtship but I have no regrets. It has really helped me in being able to understand the kind of person he is and because of that, we have enjoyed every bit of our marriage.

A broken courtship is better than a broken marriage though. So, when you discover differences that boarder on incompatibility, it is wiser to dissolve the relationship instead of being another number on the divorce list or another broken marriage amongst many.

Check for maturity: Since the period of courtship is a time of proving all things, it is wisdom to prove his or her maturity. In God’s concept, marriage is for men and women, not for boys and girls (Genesis 2:22 & 24). Maturity is required before marriage. One need to mature spiritually, physically and emotionally and this must be addressed in courtship.

However, maturity can be determined from two viewpoints: age and ability to handle life situations. These two put together, help

in determining how mature an individual is. One that is mature for marriage should be able to assume responsibility for his or her actions, and take up the welfare of his or her spouse and children.

If you are not mature enough to be a parent, then you are not mature enough for marriage. Adulthood is a basic requirement for success in marriage.

Pray Together: As believers in Christ, you need to take time out to pray together and share God’s Word together. Pray together with the purpose of ascertaining your partner’s spiritual depth and maturity, and genuine love for God. Play games, visit friends together: In the process of doing this, you get to know who your partner’s real friends are. This is another way of knowing whom you are about marrying (Proverbs 20:13).

Visit family members: It is wise you don’t rush into this step, until your conviction is strengthened and you are becoming surer of your partner. By so doing, you owe

your integrity not only to God but also to your family. From the foregoing, you need the wisdom to be able to really discern the kind of man or woman you want to live the rest of your life with.

You need the grace of God to maintain purity in courtship. If this is your desire, then you need to become born again by saying this prayer in faith: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner.

Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am born again!

Congratulations! Till I come your way again next week, call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com Tel. No: 234-1-7747546-8; 07026385437, 07094254102 For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches, and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work and Building a Successful Family.

Chickenpox can lead to death, if not well-managed In Nigeria as well as some parts of the world, many people are of the opinion that chickenpox is a disease common among children. Little do they know that both thee young and old are often affected by the lifethreatening disease, which can be mild or severe by leading to death.

Risikat RAMONI examines the disease the affects both young and old.

C

HICKENPOX is an itchy rash of spots that look like blisters which can appear all over the body and be accompanied by flulike symptoms.

When it affects children, chickenpox is usually a fairly mild illness producing a temperature, cough and an itchy rash. But when adults catch chickenpox it can be a far more serious problem.

A person usually has only one episode of chickenpox, but the virus causing the disease can lie dormant within the body and cause a different type of skin eruption later in life.

Chickenpox is usually a mild illness, but can affect some infants, teens, adults, and people with weak immune systems more severely.

Some people can develop serious bacterial infections involving the skin, lungs, bones, joints, and the

brain (encephalitis).

Causes Chickenpox is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV).

Symptoms The symptoms vary in individuals. Some people have a fever, abdominal pain, sore throat, runny nose, cough, tiredness, headache, dehydration or a vague sick feeling a day or two before the rash appears.

These symptoms may last for a few days, and fever stays in the range of 100° to 102° F (37.7° to 38.8° C), though in rare cases may be higher. Younger kids often have milder symptoms and fewer blisters than older children or adults.

Symptoms usually go away without treatment, but because the infection is very contagious, an infected person should stay home and

•The best way of treating a mild chickenpox infection is by staying at home and avoid spreading it

rest until the symptoms are gone.

Those it affects Both children and adults are at risk. Particularly at risk are smokers, those with lung disease and pregnant women.

How it spreads Chickenpox is very contagious and can easily spread. Chickenpox causes a red, itchy skin rash that usually appears first on the abdomen or back and face, and then spreads to almost everywhere else on the body, including the scalp, mouth, nose, ears, and genitals.

It spreads rapidly via airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing, direct contact with the rash, or contact with sheets or clothes recently used by an infected person.

After being exposed to the virus, it can take three or four weeks for the first spots to appear.

Most people with a sibling who has been infected will likely get it as well. It starts from about two days before the rash appears until all the blisters are crusted over.

To help keep the virus from spreading, uninfected people should wash their hands frequently, particularly before eating and after using the bathroom. The infected person, be it a child or an adult should be kept away from unvaccinated relatives as much as possible.

What to avoid It is wise to avoid the sun during a chickenpox infection and also soon after because the skin is more susceptible to being burned.

Heat and sweating (often caused by spending too much time in the sun) will make the pox itch more. If this is a problem, putting cold, wet cloths on the affected areas should bring some relief.

Caring for an infected person Caregivers (relatives, friends or nurses) should consult a medical personnel in order to know how best to care for the person.

•It is pertinent for people to

know that baths do not spread the rash.

•Use cool wet compresses or give baths in cool or lukewarm water every three to four hours for the first few days.

•Pat (don't rub) the body dry.

•Put calamine lotion on itchy areas (but don't use it on the face, especially near the eyes).

•Serve foods that are cold, soft, and bland because chickenpox in the mouth may make drinking or eating difficult. Avoid feeding the person anything highly acidic or especially salty.

•Apply pain-relieving creams to sores in the genital area.

•Ask the doctor about using over-the-counter medication for itching.

•Trim fingernails and keep them clean to help lessen the effects of scratching, including broken blisters and infection.

Never use aspirin to reduce pain or fever in kids with chickenpox because aspirin has been associated with the serious disease Reye syndrome, which can lead to liver failure and even death. The available option is paracetamol to help the fever.

Complications Dr Rod Pearce, of the Australian Medical Association and immunisation spokesperson said, Chickenpox is usually a mild illness in healthy children, uncomfortable and itchy. But there can be complications ranging from scarring through to bacterial infections which can involve many sites of the body including the skin, tissues under the skin, bone, blood, and joints. Others include; pneumonia, brain damage or swelling of the brain, and on the rare occasion, death.

Complications are more likely in adults and people with poor immunity, such as those on chemotherapy.

Once someone is infected with chickenpox, the virus stays in the body for life and may cause the very painful rash of shingles down the track. Shingles can occur at any age but it is most common after 50.

Treatment Most chickenpox infections re-

•When complications arise, individuals infected should be taken to the hospital before it leads to death quire no special medical treatment.

The best way to get rid of chicken pox is to take plenty of rest (bed and home rest) until the spots are crusted over.

But sometimes, there are problems.

A virus causes chickenpox, so antibiotics are not often prescribed.

However, antibiotics may be required if the sores become infected by bacteria. This is pretty common among children because they often scratch and pick at the blisters.

An antiviral medicine may be prescribed for people with chickenpox who are at risk for complications. The drug, which can make the infection less severe, must be given within the first 24 hours after the rash appears.

An infection normally gives lifelong immunity to further attacks.

Chickenpox and Pregnancy Pregnant women and anyone with immune system problems should not be near a person with chickenpox. If a pregnant woman who has not had chickenpox in the past contracts it (especially in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy), the fetus is at risk for birth defects and Continued on Page 53

FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Tiredness

T

HE human being is fi nite in all perfections.

This means that if he is nice, his niceness has a limit; if he is patient, his patience has a limit; if he is forgiving his forgiving has a limit; if he is good, his goodness has a limit.

A common stupid mistake we make is to keep taking someone for granted until we place the straw that breaks the camel’s back. We should always remember that human beings are finite in all perfections. On the other hand, theologians tell us that God is infinite in all perfections, and we may experience that personally.

On the topic of tiredness, we consider the ordinary human being with a finite human nature living in a world of good and evil, either of which can easily overwhelm the ordinary man’s limitations. There is a point that a human being reaches that he or she ends up lying, or cheating, or stealing, or hating, or destroying, or killing, or committing suicide. Nazitype experimenters on human beings know this all too well.

We do not need such evil investigations to understand nature. Common sense and experience of ordinary life suffice to guard our own life and our relationships with other human beings.

H

ALF of all cancers could be prevented if people just adopted healthier behaviours, US scientists have argued.

Smoking is blamed for a third of all cancer cases and being overweight leads to another 20 percent of the deadly burden.

For instance, up to three quarters of lung cancer cases could be avoided if people did not smoke, said the review article in the US journal Science Translational Medicine.

Science has shown that plenty of other cancers can also be prevented, either with vaccines to prevent human papillomavirus and hepatitis, which can cause cervical and liver cancers, or by protecting against sun exposure, which can cause skin cancer.

Society as a whole must recognise the need for these

Tiredness can come from experiences that are too great or experiences that are too chronic. A student studying to face exams can get tired of studying but the fact that there is an exam date keeps him or her going against the tiredness until the exam date.

He or she knows that an opportunity to rest and unwind is at hand. In aspects of life where a definite hurdle in sight can be passed, the possibility of an end restrains one’s psyche from “losing it”.

On the other hand, there are experiences that one may be tired of and there is no light at the end of the tunnel. These are the situations that very often break down human beings, destroy human nature, change people’s personalities, or cause humans to turn to evil solutions.

The uncertainty of an end to tiredness turns one to look for distractions from the situation which may be as bad as indulgence in drugs, drink, sex, or extremisms. In unbearable situations, an escape is sought and this can be in irreversible evils such as sabotage, vandalism, murder, or suicide. Overwhelming tiredness can result in the sufferer sinking into definite vice such as envy, anger, hatred, or resentment; or the person out

rightly losing it - going depressed, melancholic, rebellious, vicious, malicious, or insane. In present day America, every now and then, somebody takes a gun and goes on a shooting spree. In present day Nigeria, many people at all levels of society gulp public or private funds.

We can get tired of all sorts of experiences and situations: a relationship, loneliness, an environment, a job, joblessness, poverty, difficulties, suffering, pain, lack, interferences, monotony, stereotypes, a family problem, oppression, persecution, victimization, unmet needs and desires, enmities, rivalries, exploitation, as well as religious, social, economic, or political problems.

Many of us live with chronic moans and groans.

Tiredness can be physical, emotional, psychological, mental, or spiritual. Physical tiredness is perhaps the easiest to bear and to recover from and usually we know how to recover from such through nourishment, rest, and sleep.

Emotional, mental, and spiritual tiredness are not always easy to recognize, to accept, to deal with, or to recover from.

Because of this, they are a source of many evils, sudden catastrophes, and irreparable damages in personal lives, in families, and in social life.

Different persons have their own thresholds (or safe limits) for tiredness, whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual tiredness. Immaturity is characterized by a low threshold for all these.

Commonly, the more mature or the more trained we are within our physical, mental or spiritual capacities, the higher our thresholds and the further

she is at risk for more health complications than if she had been infected when she was not pregnant. If she develops chickenpox just before or after the child is born, the newborn is at risk for serious health complications and can even die at birth (stillbirth).

There is no risk to the developing baby if the woman develops other complications during the pregnancy.

If a pregnant woman has had chickenpox before the pregnancy, the baby will be protected from infection for

Dr. ’Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please Email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910

50% of cancers can be prevented changes and take seriously an attempt to instil healthier habits, said the researchers.

Society needs to get healthier.

“It’s time we made an investment in implementing what we know,” said lead author Graham Colditz, an epidemiologist at the Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri.

Exercising, eating right and refraining from smoking are key ways to prevent up to half of the 577,000 deaths from cancer in the United States expected this year, a toll that is second only to heart disease, according to the study.

But a series of obstacles

to change are well enshrined in a society that will see an estimated 1,638,910 new cancer cases diagnosed this year.

They include scepticism that cancer can be prevented and the habit of intervening too late in life to stop or prevent cancer that has already taken root.

Also, much of the research on cancer focuses on treatment instead of prevention, and tends to take a shortterm view rather than a long-term approach.

“Humans are impatient, and that human trait itself is an obstacle to cancer prevention,” said the study.

Income gaps make problems worse Complicating those factors are the income gaps between the upper and lower

Chickenpox can lead to death, if not well-managed Continued from Page 52

we can go without getting tired. For example, an athlete could take the physical strains that most humans cannot undergo. An academic can read technical papers all day long whereas most people would abandon them in in half an hour. A nun might have no need for human love, or children, or personal properties because she is conditioned to live a celibate life whereas most humans would suffer emotionally without these.

Sometimes we hear such comments as: “I don’t know how she puts up with that man; if I were in her shoes, I would have killed him!” Spouses have sometimes done away with their other half because they got “tired” of some suffering and of having to forgive.

Tiredness of some sort is inevitable along the courses of our lives. It often leads to negative situations such as crises but may be channelled to positive situations such as transitions. Commonly, we seek to escape: a prisoner runs away from prison, a family breaks up, a nation goes into revolution. The plethora of factors that make us tired are very different from one individual to another but the experience of tiredness is still the same thing. We will therefore consider coping with and dealing with physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and spiritual tiredness.

the first few months of life, since the mother's immunity gets passed on to the baby through the placenta and breast milk.

Those at risk for severe disease or serious complications — such as newborns whose mothers had chickenpox at the time of delivery, patients with leukemia or immune deficiencies, and kids receiving drugs that suppress the immune system — may be given varicella zoster immune globulin after exposure to chickenpox to reduce

its severity.

Chickenpox in pregnancy can damage the baby and can even cause stillbirths.

Prevention According to medical practitioners, it can be prevented by getting the chickenpox (varicella-zoster) vaccine between the ages of 12 to 15 months old and a booster shot at four to six years old.

The vaccine is about 70 percent to 85 percent effective at preventing mild infection, and more than 95 percent effective in preventing moderate to severe forms of the infection.

social classes that mean poor people tend to be more exposed to cancer risk factors than the wealthy.

“Pollution and crime, poor public transportation, lack of parks for play and exercise, and absence of nearby supermarkets for fresh food hinder the adoption and sustained practise of a lifestyle that minimises the risk of cancer and other diseases,” said the study.

“As in other countries, social stratification in the United States exacerbates lifestyle differences such as access to health care, especially prevention and early detection services.

“Mammograms, colon screening, diet and nutrition support, smoking cessation resources and sun protection mechanisms are simply less available to the poor.”

That means any bid to overcome deep social imbalances must be supported by policy changes, said co-author Sarah Gehlert, professor of racial and ethnic diversity at the Brown School of Social Work and the School of Medicine.

“After working in public health for 25 years, I’ve learned that if we want to change health, we need to change policy,” she said.

“Stricter tobacco policy is a good example. But we can’t make policy change on our own. We can tell the story, but it requires a critical mass of people to talk more forcefully about the need for change.”

(AFP, March 2012)

53 Coping with diseases with Prof. Dayo Oyekole

H

Genital herpes

erpes is a generic name for a group of viruses that cause a variety of diseases. The ailments people generally associate with herpes are those that produce small blisters on the skin, which open and are replaced by a crust before they heal completely. Genital herpes is caused by a virus called herpes simplex (HSV2), which causes crusted sores, commonly around the lips and mouth (“cold sores”) and the genitalia. The infectious condition itself is also known as herpes simplex.

The virus is intermittently present in the mouth of healthy carriers and is spread by personal contact; genital herpes is spread by sexual contact with an infected person and is a venereal disease. Although some forms can be transmitted through the air or by contact with infected articles (especially towels) used by someone with active herpes, infection usually occurs through direct physical contact.

An attack begins with itching of the skin in the affected area, quickly followed by redness and swelling. Within a few hours fragile blisters (vesicles) appear and rupture to exude a sticky serum like fluid which rapidly crusts. Unless secondary infection with bacteria occurs, the lesions heal without scarring within about a week.

Because herpes blisters individually are the size of a pinhead or smaller, they may not be easily visible. Generally, the affected area will be red, tender, and mildly to severely painful. Fever, headache, and general malaise may also be present.

Genital herpes infections may cause a painful cervicitis (inflammation of the cervix) in women, with ulceration and a vaginal discharge. The results of recent research studies have suggested that women who develop herpes cervicitis may have an increased risk of developing cancer of the cervix in later years. The condition is now seen as a reason for regular screening by Pap smears, which can detect early cancerous changes at a stage when treatment is simple and curative.

In men the genital infection is usually less severe. However, those whose immune response is impaired (such as cancer patients, HIV/AIDS sufferers or organ transplant recipients) can be very susceptible to herpes infection.

Genital herpes may be passed from a pregnant woman to her baby during delivery. Babies infected during birth by their mothers’ active genital herpes are very likely to die or suffer severe brain damage because they have little or no resistance to the virus.

Once the virus enters the body, in stays there for the rest of the person’s life, unless a natural remedy is applied. Recurrent attacks may occur, usually during periods when the person is feeling run down, anxious, or depressed, before menstruation, or after sexual intercourse.

In holistic lifecare, the best prospect of prevention and total cure of genital herpes is in going back to nature in terms of personal hygiene, protected sexual contact and use of potent herbal remedies. Also, a body kept healthy by proper nutrition and exercise has the best chance of keeping the virus under control.

The holistic remedy being suggested for total cure of Genital Herpes is a combination of natural extracts of Eugenia caryophylatta, Citrus lemonis, Euphorbia unispina, Hypericum perforatum and Echinacea augustifolia.

For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, OgbereTioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

54

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

Lagos was in a festive mood on Easter Monday as the Lagos Carnival was held on the Lagos Island. The carnival train danced through some designated streets before finally ending up at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) where a crowd was waiting.

OKORIE UGURU captured the event.

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HE music from loud speakers was blaring in full force enveloping the arena and making sure the carnival atmosphere was created. The middle of the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) became a large dance floor where thousands shuffled to the music beat. It was a day of fun for many and like it is in the character of average Lagos residents, most needed no second invitation.

They all gathered for the 2012 Lagos Carnival which marked the grand finale of the 2012 Black Heritage Festival (BHF).

The BHF is annually organized to be “inspired by the spirit of convergence for which Lagos remains pre-eminent. The Lagos Black Heritage Festival celebrates African creativity within a carnivalesque of traditionaland contemporary dance, music, painting and photo exposition, drama, design and fashion display.”

It was a befitting climax for a week-long annual cultural and artistic fiesta in Lagos. The carnival’s theme was Eko for Show and the participants put no one in doubt as to what that means. While it lasted, the participants put up a

show from the streets of Lagos Island to the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Marina, Lagos the terminal point for the carnival train and also the venue where Lagosians gathered in their thousands to enjoy the Easter holiday and enjoy the spectacle that was put together by the carnival organizers.

The activities had kicked off with the children’s carnival in the early morning hours. The children danced through some selected cities in their costumes before making their way to the TBS. The children’s carnival train had participants from different designated schools within Lagos . The children put quite a show.

They succeeded in entertaining the early visitors to the TBS as the dance to the blaring music and displaying some deft dance steps and some spicing the display with some acrobatics.

Most who had trooped into the Tafawa Balewa Square waited patiently for the adult carnival which kicked off in full after the children’s carnival procession had ended.

The adult carnival procession started from some designated points like Falomo through Awolowo Road . The train

•A section of Freedom Park

When Lagosians thrilled to culture from there made its way through the long street dancing and generally having a good time. However, one of the drawbacks for the train was that since most of the buildings were

more of commercial than residential, there were spots where people were not available to watch the train. But it was to the credit of the participants that it did not in anyway dampen

Titbits

Titbits A

•Abuja Sheraton

their enthusiasm as they danced along unperturbed.

Also along the streets, unlike the former editions where the carnival train had to struggle with vehicles on the carnival

routes, the vehicular movement was well controlled, except for the ubiquitous commercial motorcyclists who were a major source of discomfort and danger along the route.

As the carnival train danced through the streets, one could not, but appreciate the huge burst of colours that the streets turn into. The streets come to life with music and esoteric costume designs that left onlookers with pleasant experience of the fun.

The carnival train made its way finally to the TBS

Sheraton Abuja overhauls facilities

BUJA Sheraton has brought key facilities to replace some of the old obsolete ones.

This, according to manager, Mr. Morten Ebbesen, is part of the efforts to turnaround the hotel and reposition it as a major player in the Abuja hospitality industry.

The manager was speaking in a chat with some travel journalists.

He said: “For some time now we had to focus on the backbone of the hotel.

Obviously a hotel without proper power, air conditioning and so on, is not really going to function.

What we did in the last two years was to focus on

chillers.

“We focused on getting new chillers , we got new generators, and they were installed. So, we now have about three generators, 1.8 kilowatts each. So, on a good day, we have 4.6 kilowatts which is much more than the hotel requires. So, we are well much on top of the issue with power.

“The chillers are okay.

We have to go through the whole hog, for A to Z of what we need to do in order to get the backbone of the hotel right. This has been quite intensive on our cash reserve. We are talking about a billion naira.

We’ve got the hotel water proof from the roofing and

•Ebbesen so on. We can now start what everybody wants us to do which are the cosmet-

ics of the rooms, corridors, restaurants, lobby and so on. “ He said hotel has a threeyear plan of which all the critical aspects of the hotel will be overhauled for the better.

“It is a three-year plan.

We have the model room ready. The model room is essential because it is our one opportunity to showcase what we really want.

We had a lot of input from Starwood. There is input from the owners, designers and so on. So we now have one model room done which is the prototype of the standard we want to achieve in the future,“he said.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

•Photos: Scenes at the carnival where the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, his wife, Abimbola, former Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan, members of the state Executive Council stayed glued to their seats as the carnival groups made their presentations.

The participating adult band included Campos, Lafiaji, Epetedo, Oko Faji, Olowogbowo, Locomotion, Obalende, Isale-Eko and Woro Group. Other groups came from Mushin , Ikeja, Ebute-Metta, Alagomeji, Sango, Ago-Egba, Araromi Fanti, Odi-Olowo, Sports City, Surulere, Kilo, Ilasamaja, Agege and Epe. Speaking at the event, Fashola said he looked forward to a carnival next year that would be fully driven by the private sector, while the state, as a government, supports it with traffic management, security and medical support for emergencies.

“The capacity of tourism to stimulate the economy is no longer in dispute as our transport facilities, such as ferry terminals, Eti OsaLekki-Epe Expressway, Badagry Expressway, the light rail, Mile Two and Mile 12 roads, come to completion. It will open the

way to all other destinations and tourist assets in our dear state.

“I am also sure that with a dedicated Ministry of Tourism, formulating the policies, giving support, releasing energy and harnessing the enthusiasm of the ever-dynamic Lagos youth, our journey to a new frontier of tourism economy has just begun,” he stated.

He said the BHF, which climaxed with the Lagos Carnival, was the state’s answer to tourism as a critical driver of its economy and supporter of small businesses and cottage industries such as fashion, arts, craft and services, all of which make up the festival.

“Our critical investment in infrastructure and support for the private sector have made our state a first choice in West Africa for hospitality facilities such as new hotels, restaurants, cafes and other tourism-related ventures. Not long ago, we lived up to our ratings as the fashion capital of Africa when we hosted 34 countries in the Arise Fashion Show,”he said.

The governor said all the outfits and costumes used for the carnival was made

at the Lagos skills acquisition centres.

His words: “All the costumes you see here today were made by only 3,000 artisans that we engaged, using the skills like tailoring, tie and dye, accessory making, millinery and welding. Over 24,000 suppliers of various materials were involved, building capacity for the youth and stimulating commerce.”

As the governor finished his speech and made his way from the podium, many were left wondering how he and his entourage were going to navigate their way out of the mammoth crowd at the venue. Suddenly there was a perfect decoy. From the speakers came the recognizable voice of one of Nigerians’ top music artistes, Whizkid, as he mounted the stage.

The crowd reacted with eager anticipation. While it was still wondering where artise was, the governor left the venue.

The Lagos Carnival was fun, and it is gradually becoming something Lagosians would be looking forward to annually.

There are still areas for improvement. There was a tremendous effort to cordon

off motorists from the carnival routes, but this could still be improved upon. The provision was made for materials for the costumes, but the creativity in the area of costume designs could still be improved upon.

Overall, it was a spectacle that one would look forward to next year.

Titbits I

GBOBI Sabe in the Yaba Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State was agog on Saturday, April 7 as indigenes and residents celebrated the Gelede Festival amid pomp and ceremony.

Gaily-dressed women, men and children were in a merry mood as they watched the Gelede masquerades singing and dancing. It was a carnival of culture.

The Amona Oba 1 of Igbobi Sabe, Chief Philip Fadeseyi Oguntoyinbo, said: “We have been celebrating the Gelede Festival for years. As you can see, it is a festival that is very rich in culture.”

Igbobi Sabe agog for Gelede Festival Tokunbo OGUNSAMI

The oba-elect of Igbobi Sabe, Lateef Ademola Salami, said Gelede Festival is a festival of fun and relaxation.

He said:”Gelede Festival is meant for relaxation.

This is why it is held at night when everybody will be around. Ketu people are the indigenes of Igbobi Sabe. In those days, they were predominantly farmers and hunters. Gelede Festival is a forum where all indigenes and residents of Igbobi Sabe interact, relax and have fun.

“Gelede is an ancient festival. As I said earlier, we are Ketu people. Alaketu, our progenitor, was the eldest child of Oduduwa, the father of the Yoruba. We are cousins to the Awori.

Gelede is a rich festival. We are making efforts to ensure it does not go into extinction. Apart from Igbobi Sabe, Gelede Festival is celebrated on Lagos Island.

“The festival is meant to entertain people. Gelede is not a deity. When we were young, Gelede Festival was a week-long activity. Although it is no longer so, we will not allow it to go

into extinction. This is why we are encouraging our youths to take an interest in the festival.”

The oba-elect urged the government to promote culture because it is a good source of revenue, adding that the Gelede Festival, if wellpackaged, will attract tourists and generate revenue for the government.

People from all walks of life graced the event.

They included the monarch of Owode-Ketu in Ogun State, Oba James Ademola Ayeni.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

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T has been grief all the way for the family of a taxi driver whose life was allegedly cut short by touts at a motor park in Idanre, Ondo State, on March 30, 2012.

Muyiwa Alabi, a 37-year-old taxi driver, was said to have left his park in Oba-Ile and headed home to give his wife some money for feeding in the hope that he would return to the park later in the day. But he was allegedly beaten to death by some members of the transporters’ union at Idanre Motor Park.

An eyewitness, simply identified as Wole, said Alabi was on his way home when he was flagged down by his attackers who accused him of picking their passengers. The ensuing verbal exchange snowballed into a physical confrontation as Alabi’s assailants ignored pleas by onlookers that they should not take the law into their own hands.

Wole said: “He was going to Idanre in his vehicle. On getting to Idanre Motor Park in Akure, some commercial drivers at the park flagged him down and accused him of picking their passengers. He told them that he had no passenger in his vehicle and that he too was a member of Oba-Ile MotorPark.

“He pleaded with them that he was on his way home to give his wife some money for food because he had no money on him when he was leaving home in the morning. But all his pleas fell on the deaf ears of his killers.

“Some people at the scene even pleaded with them to let him go and not to take the law into their hands, but they insisted on beating him. It was while they were beating him that he died and they abandoned his corpse at roadside and deflated the tyres of his car.”

Recalling the life of the deceased, his sister, Mrs. Dupe Owoeye, explained that her brother was not a rascal but an unassuming individual, adding that law enforcement agents were indifferent to the plight of the family.

She said: “My brother was a very quiet person and a disciplined man with a sense of diligence. He never for once fought or quarrelled with anyone because he was a pacifist.

Those who killed him are saying that an unidentified commercial motorcyclist was responsible for his death. But my question is how would a motorcyclist quarrel with a taxi driver over passengers? Yet, the Police are not doing anything to apprehend his killers who are still walking free because they are highly ‘connected’.

“Muyiwa is my only brother and he is sur-

Who killed Ondo transporter?

•He was beaten to death by motor park men —Eye-witness •Police: he was knocked down by Okada

•Alabi

Kunle AKINRINADE vived by a wife and two children who still need the care and affection of their father. He was beaten to death for no just cause and his body was left on the side of the road as if

he had no family.”

The deceased’s wife, Kemi, explained her husband’s last moments before his untimely death, saying: “My husband had left home on the day of the incident without leaving any money for us, which was very unsual. When I asked him for our feeding allowance, he said he had no money on him, but he promised to come back home as soon as he got some money.

“True to his words, he called to say that he was already on his way home to give me money. I did not know it was going to be our last conversation. He was not only a perfect gentleman but a dutiful husband and father. He never joked with his family’s welfare, and that accounted for his decision to come back home in order to give us money, but he was killed on his way home.

“Now, I have no one to fend for me and my kids. Please, don’t let us suffer in vain.

He was our breadwinner.”

Speaking further, the 32-year-old widow explained how some chieftains of the transport union at the Idanre Motor Park had offered to sponsor the funeral of her husband, a gesture the family turned down.

“All we want in this matter is justice, because some leaders of the motor park have made moves to bury the matter by offering to sponsor the burial of my husband, but his family rejected their offer on the grounds that it is immoral. How can you deny culpability in a crime and yet offer to take care of the cost of burying the deceased? Isn’t that a contradiction?”

Our correspondent gathered that the matter was reported at the B Police Division, Akure while a suspect had been arrested over the incident. A source, who asked not to be named, explained that the suspect told the Police that he knew nothing about the incident.

He said: “A suspect arrested in connection with the incident told the Police that he only saw some men beating Muyiwa with sticks and that he was mistakenly hit

with a big stick on the head by one of the men when he tried to intervene. He was later rushed to a nearby hospital where he was later revived and that was where policemen came to arrest him.

“But those who beat the man to death were many, and that leaves more questions than answers as to the rationale behind arresting just one person instead of all those who committed the crime.

“The perpetrators of the crime should be fished out by the Police and made to face the law for their unguarded action which led to the death of the innocent transporter.

No one has the right to take another man’s life. Human blood is sacred.”

Efforts made to speak with members of the Idanre Motor Park Association were fruitless.

Those who were around when our correspondent visited the park declined comments, saying that the chairman of the association was not around.

The spokesman of Ondo State Police Command, Mr. Aremu Adeniran, a Deputy Supretendent of Police(DSP) in a telephone conversation told our correspondent that the deceased was knocked dead by a commercial motrocylist.

“It was a case of accident and not that of murder. According to our findings, the deceased was truly accosted by members of the transport union at Idanre Motor Park who alleged that he was picking their passengers but they later left him alone. Then, he dashed across the road and saw one commercial motorcyclists who happened to be his acquaintance and an argument ensued between them.He was said to have picked up a big stick and attempted to hit the Okada man. Unfortunately for him,he was hit by the same Okada man who tried to run away from him.Even a medical doctor who was driving past was almost romped into the matter but we have been able to know that the doctor had nothing to do with the matter.”

‘I served only as armourer to robbery gang because the Bible says we should not kill’

,

•Continued from Page 49 Hence, he called for the sharing of the gang’s weapons. Sule collected three AK47 rifles and some locally made short guns. He did not touch service pistols because the bullets are harder to get than those of locally made pistols, some of which can use catridges.

“When Small Sule was arrested, he was sent to Ibara Prisons in Ogun State. When he secured his bail, he rested for only two days and started operating again. In one of the operations, he was shot dead by SARS operatives. Wale took over the leadership of the second group. His members included Ope aka Pastor and one other person whose name I don’t know. Members of my group included Sule, Alfa, Saheed, Abbey and Ite-ego.

“My house is at No. 9 Shokunmi Street, Aboru Estate, Abule Egba. I live there with my family. When SARS men came, they opened fire.

In the exchange of gunfire, we lost some of our men and the rest escaped. I jumped into our bus and wanted to speed off, but one of the SARS operatives pointed a gun at me, threatening to shatter my skull if I did not stop.

“When they searched the bus, they saw the rifles and the recharge cards where they were hidden in the back seats. I was taken to SARS office with the bus.

“I could not expose the gang because of the money they were giv-

My wives did not know that I associated with armed robbers. Even when SARS operative came to my house... they did not believe that I could be friends with armed robbers because I am a very quiet gentleman. I don’t smoke and I don’t take alcohol

,

•The arms and ammunition seized from the suspect ing me as their armourer. They were also very dangerous and I would be endangering my life I dare reporting them to the Police.

“My wives did not know that I associated with armed robbers.

Even when SARS operative came to my house at No. 9, Shokunmi Street, Aboru Estate, Abule-Egba and exchanged gunfire with gang members, they did not believe that I could be friends with armed robbers because I am a very quiet

gentleman. I don’t smoke and I don’t take alcohol.

“If I regain my freedom, I will be careful with whom I associate with.

It is better to be a barrow pusher than to be an armed robber. Robbery suspects are treated like animals. They call us ‘bush meat’. Even when you are very sick, the nurse who treats inmates would say our treatment is a complete waste of resources. She treats armed robbery suspects as lepers. She used to tell

us that we place value on our lives but don’t place value on other people’s lives. She does not know that we can repent if given the opportunity.

“I used to go to church every Sunday. I used to find it difficult to pray once a day, but now I pray three times a day in the cell.

“I was welcomed with three dirty slaps when I told the other inmates in my confirmed armed robbers’ cell that I was only an armourer to the gang and that I do not follow them to the scenes of robbery. Even in the cell, they are still wicked. So, armed robbers are naturally wicked. I regret associating with them.”

On why he became the gang’s armourer, he said: “See, I did not know that Sule Fatai was a gang leader. He was a big man. He was also an omo onile (site thug). He used to sell land. One day, he took me to an automobile shop and bought a bus. He told me he intended to use

it for commercial purposes, but he wanted it to be in my custody for some time.

“One day, I saw him bring out a rifle from the bus and I was shocked. I asked him what he was using the guns and rifles for and he said he used them for works at the sites with the 10 other men that were working with him. When I told him that I would be in trouble driving a bus that contained rifles and pistols, he told me not to worry because policemen were aware that an omo onile of his calibre would carry sophisticated weapons.

“My eyes opened when he was arrested for armed robbery and remanded in prison. He even has a lawyer whose work is to seek for bail any time he or any member of the gang was charged to court. So, with the money they were giving me after every successful operation and the backing of the gang’s lawyer, I could not think of leaving the gang until I was arrested.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012

HURIWA condemns invitation of rights chief by police

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HE purported invita tion of the Chairman, Governing Board of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, by the police has been condemned.

The civil society community in Nigeria yesterday strongly condemned the invitation for questioning over his statement that the police routinely kill scores of Nigerians in police detention facilities in the country every year.

The Human Rights Writers’ Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Executive Director, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the National Director of Media Affairs, Miss Zainab Yusuf, said the holder of the office of the Inspector General of Police lacks the constitutional power of summon which, it said, belongs only to competent courts of law in line with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Besides, the group said the commission as an independent organ is not within the sphere of control of the office of the Inspector General of Police, and, therefore, the chairman of the commission cannot validly be queried by the holder of the office of the Inspector General of Police.

HURIWA argued that Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, who currently functions as an Acting Inspector General of Police, ought to know that his office is not recognized

Firm boosts employment, trains youths

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S a way of tackling e m p l o y m e n t problem in the country, a security outfit, Artezia Security System, has embarked on training programme for the Nigerian youths.

The outfit said it was ready to assist individuals build and grow a profitable business career in security systems installation which includes the close circuit television (CCTV) system, access control, fire alarm and intruder alarm.

In line with this, the company has introduced a training programme to facilitate the learning of skills to become a security system installer and be their own boss.

According to Artezia Security System boss, Mr. Ayodeji Thomas, “Taking into consideration the unemployment level in the country, the company is now more than determined to empower as many citizens of this country as are willing to change the status quo”.

With security being the next big thing in Nigeria and beyond, Thomas said it would be a platform for individuals to increase their potential market size of security systems solutions and warrant their need to become more actively involved in the provision of these systems to grow their businesses.

Sanni ONOGU, Abuja by the constitution, and, as such, is an illegal position.

“We wonder why a holder of an illegal office of ‘Acting’ Inspector General of Police not recognized by the Constitution of Nigeria could muster courage to issue an illegal instruction directed at a validly appointed head of a statutory institution that is operationally and financially independent,” HURIWA stated.

A letter from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja cited by journalists directed the human rights panel’s boss to appear by 11am yesterday before the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of criminal investigation, Mr. Peter Yisa

Gana.

But HURIWA dismissed the purported police invitation of the chairman of the commission as “another attempt by a notoriously incompetent police establishment to undermine the exercise of freedom of expression and the independence of the nation’s premier rights body”.

HURIWA referred to the United States of America’s Supreme Court Justice Benjamin Cardozo’s verdict which described the freedom of expression as “the matrix, and the indispensable condition of nearly every form of freedom”. It also faulted the claim by the police authority that the allegation of serial extra-judicial execution of suspects by police amounted to a breach of national security.

59 NEWS Continued from Back Page are “paper weights”, with no political bases in their states of origin.

Lulu, Uchegbulam and Ogunjobi will win any football election, if allowed to run even with the NFF Bill.

Why? They have structures in the six zones.

It was quite interesting to read the minister’s revelation that FIFA funds must be accounted for. The world soccer ruling body could also avail the document to the affiliate body’s government, if the need arises, as in proven cases of fraud.

I laughed my heart out when the Minister said that 90 per cent of sports writers were on the payroll of the divides in the NFF crisis. I wished he had named the pay masters and sports writers (benefactors). He did say that he confronted sports writers with this allegation at a forum he had with them.

Who were those at that meet-

Kwara CAN petitions governor over demolition

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HE Kwara State chap ter of the Christian As sociation of Nigeria (CAN) has petitioned Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed over the unlawful destruction of property belonging to Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel) in Ilorin, the state capital.

Property allegedly demolished was in the region of N78million.

The property, located in Sango area of the metropolis, was allegedly demolished by some Moslem youths in Ajegunle community, opposed to an erection

of church in the area.

Also petitioned are the state Director of State Security Service (SSS), Commissioner of Police, Commandant, 22nd Armoured Brigade, Sobi, General-Secretary, National CAN, Northern states CAN, state chapter of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Presiding Bishop, Living Faith Church, Chairman, Kwara State Committee on Religious Matters and all heads of churches in the state.

A statement jointly signed

by Rev. Folaranmi and Rev. Corlenius Fawenu said:

“Refer to our letter on the unlawful destruction of properties, theft, criminal trespass, mischief, breach of fundamental rights of worship and religion and public nuisance dated April 5, 2012.

“To our greatest disappointment, the culprits who carried out the dastardly act have not been arrested, detained or prosecuted nor damage paid to the Living Faith Church. Instead, the Commissioner of Police summoned us to a meeting on Friday, April 6 to convey the purported ‘stop work’

Whodunnit ing and what did they tell the minister?

Sports writers are employees of credible organisations. Hence, such blanket ministerial accusation presents us people unworthy to represent our organisations, even though the minister was magnanimous to say that such corrupt tendencies are not restricted to journalists. Interestingly, a clan to which, he accepts, he belongs.

Cry for Nigeria I’m very sad. My heart bleeds that Nigeria is now 60 th on FIFA’s monthly ranking. Yet, some people are celebrating the fact that they got FIFA’s attention and commendations over what predictably amounts to fragile peace.

Those countries atop Nigeria have no need talking with FIFA because their government officials have allowed their football federations to run as business concerns.

What these civilised climes did was to provide seed money, most times loans, to the football federations. The officials recapitalise such money to enable them be self-financing.

Such obnoxious laws as Decree 101 don’t exist. Nor do we have supervisory bodies breathing down their necks wanting to find out how government funds have been spent.

Fraud or sharp practices are dealt with by the appropriate agencies and culprits punished. Those aspiring into offices in their soccer federations state what they have achieved in the past with domestic clubs. Hence, there is always stability.

This setting ensures that these civilised countries, soccer federations can optimally utilise all the marketing windows available to them, beginning with hosting big games between countries outside theirs, television rights and other sponsorship packages that dovetail into their domestic leagues.

Eagles can only improve on their FIFA ranking, if the NFF is allowed room to correct their mistakes. This attitude of painting NFF officials as being corrupt will not encourage any credible country to do business with them.

I’m excited that Nigerians have acknowledged

Stephen Keshi’s courage in rebuilding the Eagles. But he won’t achieve much, if the supervisory body keeps hounding NFF chiefs across the globe.

If there is evidence to show that NFF chiefs have misappropriated money given to them, the matter should be tabled before EFCC operatives, who would do their job. It is a shame that we are ranked 60th ,yet we have players in every league in the world.

The bickering between the NFF and its supervisory body must stop. Football belongs to the people and they have a right to watch it and enjoy all their attributes that make them fall over themselves, watching Europe leagues in viewing centres across the nation.

I trust Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi to stop the rot soon. Good luck chief.

Yak for Manchester United?

Many would laugh their hearts out over the chances of Yakubu Aiyegbeni playing for Manchester United.

They would say that Yak is too old as if Michael Owen or Ryan Gigs or Paul schools are younger. They would sneer at the argument that yak ranks among the top scorers in the English premier league even though his side Blackburn are swimming in the murky relegation waters.

With 16 goals for Blackburn and about seven matches to go, Yak has secured for himself a juicy contract with any English Premier League side next season. My prayer is for Yak to cross the 20-goal mark this season. He has done it for Everton, Middleborough etc.

We need to celebrate our players so that they can attract good deals in Europe.

Having our players play for big clubs could increase the Super Eagles’ profile for international friendlies.

Most big countries like to confront countries with top league stars. The only recognised star in the Eagles is John Mikel Obi. Except we play big nations, we won’t be able to cause any upset in FIFA’s ranking.

PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform the general public that the parcel of land in front of Late Rev. Stephen Ekwufolu’s house has not been declared for sale by Onuegbu Family in Umudinya Village Awuda Nnobi. Beware of Fraudsters EDWIN .A. ONUEGBU Head of the Family

PUBLIC NOTICE RESTORATION OUTREACH AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL This is to inform the general public that the above named church has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Act of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Pastor Victor Okechukwu Agah -----------------------General Overseer 2.

Pastor (Mrs) Christiana Okechukwu 3.

Brother Paul Ozoemena Okereafor 4.

Sister Ngozi Priscilla Njoga 5.

Brother Charles Eze AIMS/OBJECTIVES 1.

To preach and spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all Nations 2.

To preach, teach and propagate the word of God through electronic, print media and distribute magazines, pamphlets to all mankind, etc.

Any objection should be forwarded to the Registrar-general, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198 Garki Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: BARRISTER DOZIE UWASOMBA

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Tomorrow in THE NATION PUNCHLINE

SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.7, NO. 2095

It is when they die and people start writing about their legacy that some people will now remember that it is not good to speak ill of the dead. If people who had always been on the side of falsehood remain political rascals even to the point of death, I wonder how history could be kind to them —Tunji Adegboyega

I

N spite of continued deadly strikes by Boko Haram such as the fatal bombings in Kaduna at Easter or the recent killings in Borno and Kano states, it is obvious that the Nigerian security agencies are beginning to have an upper hand in the battle against the fanatical sect. The arrest of some of its key operatives such as Kabiru Sokoto and Abu Qaqa has noticeably weakened the efficacy of Boko Haram. Yet, as government intensifies its counter insurgency offensive against Boko Haram, it must also act decisively to tackle the pervasive poverty that provides fertile ground for irrational religious fundamentalism to flourish in the North. This seems to me to be the import of the very incisive and insightful analysis of the Boko Haram phenomenon by the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mr. Johnnie Carson.

According to Mr. Carson, “In a country where nearly 100 million people live on less than one dollar a day, that desperation is most felt in the northern states where Muslims are the majority and the group is most active. Nigerians are hungry for progress and improvement in their lives but Northern Nigerians feel this need more acutely. Life in Nigeria may be tough for many, but life in the North is grim for almost all. There is a strong sentiment throughout the country – but especially in the North – that government is not on the side of the people and that their poverty is a result of government neglect, corruption and abuse. Although Boko Haram is reviled throughout Nigeria and offers no practical solutions to the country’s problems, a growing minority of certain northern ethnic groups regard them favourably. Boko Haram capitalizes on popular frustrations with the nation’s leaders”.

The clarity and cogency of this analysis is so apparent that I find it difficult to understand why the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, finds it so offensive. Indeed, before his arrest, the spokesman of Boko Haram, Abu Qaqa, had confirmed Mr. Johnnie Carson’s thesis when he said: “It’s the secular state that is responsible for the woes we are seeing today. People should understand that we are not saying we have to rule Nigeria but we have been motivated by the stark injustice in the land. Poor people are tired of the injustice, people are crying for saviours and they know the Messiahs are Boko Haram…If the masses don’t like us they would have exposed us by now. When Islam comes everyone would be happy”.

Of course, this may be sheer bunkum; an attempt to rationalize evil. But it is undeni-

CAN President, the United States and Boko Haram

‘ Oritsejafor able that the gross ineptitude of the Nigerian State, its monstrous corruption, exploitation and impoverishment of the vast majority of the Nigerian people has provided Boko Haram ample opportunity to mislead millions of people and justify its horrendous acts of destruction.

An enraged Pastor Oritsejafor says: “We reject the reason being peddled by the American government and some Boko Haram apologists in the North that poverty and injustice is the spark for the sect members’ action”. The Pastor argues that the kind of arms and ammunition used by the sect “can only be purchased by those with heavy financial

It is his South-South kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan, that the CAN President should direct his anger at.

Jonathan is the most divisive figure in Nigeria today. But for his insatiable but cleverly disguised lust for power and utter lack of fidelity to principles that resulted in the truncation of the zoning policy of his party, Nigeria would not be enmeshed in today’s intractable crisis

’

power”. But he ought to know that terrorism is a well organized global network with funds and arms funnelled to areas made vulnerable by poverty such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Chad, Yemen and now northern Nigeria.

Now, consider this most astonishing statement by Pastor Oritsejafor: “A fair comparison of any other region with the North shows that the section referred to by Carson has been the greatest beneficiary of the project called Nigeria”. I can only conclude from this kind

of reasoning that this man most probably does not live in Nigeria. Yes, the Northern elite may have dominated power for the better part of post-independence Nigerian history.

But that has only resulted in the criminal enrichment of the region’s power elite (military and civilian) rather than the economic empowerment of the majority of the populace.

Even the blind can see the debilitating poverty that envelopes the North. In any case, Obasanjo was in power for eight years. Did that translate into any meaningful development in the South West? I am told that the Ijaw elite hovering around ‘their son’, President Goodluck Jonathan, are today enjoying the best time of their lives. Is that translating into improved living conditions for the vast majority of the long suffering people of the Niger Delta? Criminal elite enrichment must not be confused with genuine development for the benefit of the people.

Has Pastor Oritsejafor asked himself why anyone would decide to wilfully terminate his life through suicide bombing? Is it likely that such suicide bombers have any meaningful stake this side of eternity? Is that not why they will be so eager to jump at the illusory promise of instantly accessing paradise through voluntary self-immolation? Despite his undeniable love for the Lord Jesus Christ, is this beloved Pastor willing to go to heaven anytime soon? Unlike the suicide bomber, Pastor Oritsejafor has every reason to want his tenancy on earth extended. Surely, he will want ample time on earth to save more souls and enjoy a little more prosperity down here before transiting into eternal bliss in heaven.

The most annoying part of the CAN President’s statement is his declaration that “The North has been in leadership for the greater part of Nigeria’s golden jubilee and its greatest annoyance seems to be the displacement from this position because this same section of the region believes that they are born to rule’. Now, this is absolute nonsense. The CAN President is speaking here not as a cleric but a South-South political partisan. Was it not this same Northern political elite he excoriates that made it possible for Obasanjo to emerge as President in 1999 in atonement for the annulment by IBB of the June 12, 1993, Presidential election?

It is his South-South kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan, that the CAN President should direct his anger at. Jonathan is the most divisive figure in Nigeria today. But for his insatiable but cleverly disguised lust for power and utter lack of fidelity to principles that resulted in the truncation of the zoning policy of his party, Nigeria would not be enmeshed in today’s intractable crisis.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Whodunnit

I

T all started as a rumour. Then it became a major story in town: the office of a top shot at the National Sports Commission (NSC), Abuja had been burgled.

One cynic pestered my telephone lines with updates on the burglary. I wasn’t amused. I assumed that it was another faux pas trap even though it wasn’t a Fools Day (April 1). I quickly switched off my phones, but on a second thought, logged onto the internet for some hints on what I thought was an impossible mission.

And there it was. The NSC spokesman had sent the report, perhaps to avoid distortions.

The message was unambiguous: the office of the NSC DG had been burgled. Gone were his computer and the secretary’s.

The calls came like a whirlwind. I was careful to avoid making any statement on the issue. I was, however, sure that the DG, thanks to his sophistication, would not have stored all his information in the stolen computer. So, when insinuations were made, I avoided them like a plaque.

Would there be an investigation panel like

we saw when money vanished from the vaults at the NFF? Would the Police swoop on the Secretariat to make arrests? How come nobody heard or saw the burglars as they broke into the office? Was it an insider job?

Who could have done it?

One thing that the NSC chiefs did creditably is that they treated the theft as an internal affair. But, they should update Nigerians, if arrests have been made or the stolen items recovered by the Police.

Ruminating on the burglars’ escapade at the NSC, I read Minister Bolaji Abdullahi’s interview on the NFF crisis. I was excited that he answered questions that agitated my mind. The minister admitted that he directed NFF’s executive board members to resign, stressing that this master stroke provided the platform for them to negotiate the peace treaty. Does this not amount to a mockery of the statutes since they were elected onto the board by the Congress?

The Minister’s conviction that there are more aggrieved people to be spoken to is commendable, but he should also include Sani Lulu, Amanze Uchegbulem, Taiwo Ogunjobi and Bolaji Ojo-Oba. I agree with the Minister on allowing the

court to decide the quartet’s fate. Lulu, Uchegbulam, Ogunjobi and Ojo-Oba are the fall guys in the NFF crisis. In one breath the Congress was stampeded to endorse the quartet’s kamikaze impeachment. Yet, during another Congress, they were absolved of blame.

Minister sir, this crisis started when it appeared that Lulu, Uchegbulem and Ogunjobi were on the verge of returning to the NFF board, having been returned unopposed in their zones to contest the last NFF elections.

Although reservations were made about certain portions of the electoral guidelines and the fact that the body’s chairman was a personal attorney to one of the impeached NFF men, nothing changed about the guidelines that ushered in the Aminu Maigari-led NFF board.

What stood out was the fact that the exclusion of Lulu, Uchegbulam, Ogunjobi and OjoOba from the elections meant a new dawn, especially after Maigari and other former board members had been used to impeach the quartet, albeit to massage the ego of President Goodluck Jonathan, who had to rescind his decision to stop Nigeria from participating in football competitions, fol-

lowing the advice of the Presidential Task Force constituted to ensure that the Super Eagles qualified for South Africa 2010 World Cup. President Jonathan said he took his decision based on the persuasion of Nigerians on the social network, Facebook, where they highlighted the implications of his decision that had been hidden from him by PTF. It was, therefore, absurd for those in the NSC at that time to sacrifice Lulu, Uchegbulam, Ogunjobi and Ojo-Oba on the altar of massaging President Jonathan’s ego, only to return to the trenches when Maigari, the man used to impeach the quartet, decided to be his own man by sticking to FIFA’s statutes.

Minister sir, the resolution of NFF’s crisis will not be complete if you don’t parley with Lulu, Uchegbulam and Ogunjobi. I am sure that the issues surrounding their presence in the court are financial. But, they hold the ace in any election into the NFF, having enjoyed a lot of goodwill from the electorate in the six geo- political zones.

Minister sir, no matter how perfect the NFF would be, Lulu, Uchegbulam and Ogunjobi will run -the -rule of what happens on the next election. And the crisis will return because those that some NSC chiefs are positioning for the next NFF elections

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