The Nation April 15, 2012

I AM NOT THE BEST BUT GOD CHOSE ME –JONATHAN –Page 4

This economy is not growing —Utomi, Sagay, others fault FG –Page 4

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.06, No. 2096

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

APRIL 15, 2012

N200.00

HENRY OKAH TRIAL

Militants threaten MTN, S/African investments –PAGE 2

My miraculous escape –UN Building Blast Survivor –Page 65

No plans to Islamise Osun –Aregbesola From left: Vice President of Kenya, Dr Stephen Musyoka, President Goodluck Jonathan, CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, at the 2nd presidential national prayer breakfast in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: AKIN OLADOKUN

–Page 2

Boko Haram spokesman, Abu Qaqa II, feared killed •Shekau

• Sect will soon be history, says Sambo –PAGE 5

NEWS

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Total shuts down gas production

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OTAL E & P Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) has shut down its gas production at Obite in Ogba/Ndoni/Egbema local Government area of River State following what it called a “technical problem”.

OML 58 as the Obite gas production facilities is called, is a concession operated by TEPNG on behalf old NNPC/Total joint venture.

The company confirmed yesterday that water and gas resurgence points observed in an uninhabited area close to the onshore facilities suggested a technical incident that occurred during drilling operations on the same site, on March 20th.

No injuries were reported but operations had to be shut down while a special task force has been in place with the support of well-control experts in order to implement technical solutions to resolve the situation.

It said it “is working in close collaboration with representatives of the Egi community who reside in the vicinity of the facilities and also with the Nigerian authorities. All necessary means to ensure the protection of nearby communities and personnel and to limit the impact on the environment have been immediately mobilized. Strict monitoring of the environment is ongoing and a safety perimeter has been established. Domestic water analysis and air quality controls are being processed on a daily basis and have not revealed any presence of hydrocarbons or toxic elements.”

Lockerbie bomber ‘critical in Libya hospital’

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BDELBASET Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi, the Libyan convicted of the Lockerbie plane bombing, has been hospitalised in Tripoli in critical condition, a source close to his family said yesterday.

“Abdelbaset has been in hospital since yesterday and his condition is critical,” the source told AFP. “He was admitted on Friday when his health became not so good,” the source said, adding that Megrahi’s relatives were at his bedside.

A Scottish court in 2001 convicted Megrahi of the 1988 bombing that killed 270 people, but he was released on compassionate grounds in 2009 and allowed to return to Libya. Doctors said at the time that he had terminal cancer and had only three months to live.

Militants threaten MTN, S/African investments

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HE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), has threatened to attack South Africa’s investments, including telecoms firm MTN, in the Niger Delta, because of the trial of its leader in Johannesburg.

“Our decision to attack South African investments in the Niger Delta is directly related to the conduct of President (Jacob) Zuma regarding the continued incarceration in South Africa of Henry Okah,” MEND said in an email statement.

Okah is facing trial in South Africa, where he has permanent residence, on charges that he orchestrated twin car bombings — which killed 12 people in Abuja on October 1, 2010 — from his home in Johannesburg. He has denied the charges.

The militant group, in the statement signed by its spokesman, Jomo Gbomo, said its planned attacks on the Nigerian oil industry would also affect all pipelines and facilities remotely related to the oil and gas sector.

The statement said: “Concerning attacks on MTN’s related infrastructure, MEND will issue shortly, a set of guidelines to MTN employees, customers and owners of properties accommodating MTN-related communication equipment.

“These guidelines are intended to minimise civilian casualties and forestall the unnecessary destruction of privately owned properties accommodating MTN equipment.

“Our decision to attack South African investments in the Niger Delta is directly related to the conduct of President Jacob Zuma, regarding the continued incarceration in South Africa of Henry Okah.

“What is happening in South Africa is a travesty of justice, which must be condemned by all. What country on earth, besides Nigeria, will so easily surrender its right to try someone it accuses of masterminding a bombing on its National Day? “Why does the South African government seek the extradition of Shrien Dewani from England, for murder committed in South Africa?

“The South African government is simply being used by the Nigerian government to hold Okah in prison, for as long as it possibly can. The South African government also knowingly provided fabricated evidence to ensure Okah was denied bail in 2010.

“Jacob Zuma’s gain in all this is financial. Sacoil Holdings is a front for Zuma’s financial dealings in Nigeria.

The South African president has also facilitated the award of several contracts in Nigeria to South African gov-

By Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

ernment-owned establishments and individuals in Zuma’s favour.

“After years of fighting for freedom and justice, South Africans now find themselves saddled with yet another typically African, corrupt and dictatorial government.

“We will attack South African investments for the interference of President Jacob Zuma in the judicial process, which has resulted in the perpetual incarceration of Henry Okah.

“It is a shame on all black Africans, that it has taken the government of Jacob Zuma less than four years to undo the work of the great Nelson Mandela and other heroes of the anti-apartheid struggle, abseiling South Africa into the abyss comfortably occupied by countries like Nigeria, Congo and Angola.

“It is apparent from the success of the Nigerian government, that this corrupt and politically-naive South African government understands only the language of force.”

MEND also asked why the Nigerian nation could turn around and declare Okah’s continued detention for almost 19 months without trial, a just action.

It noted that the unconditional offer of amnesty, made in good faith by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua, was

• From Left: Vice President Namadi Sambo, Minister of Agriculture, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, Gov Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State at a meeting of the Vice President with the Nigerian community in Washington DC on Friday

intended to create a conducive atmosphere for dialogue, aimed at addressing the demands of the people of the Niger Delta.

The militant group also said: “A Jonathan presidency and amnesty for militants are not part of our demands and therefore will never be solutions to armed agitation for justice in the Niger Delta.

“President Goodluck Jonathan has mismanaged the goodwill demonstrated

by MEND, by misrepresenting himself and his band of charlatans, as the reason for the relative calm experienced

in the Niger Delta.

“We have never had any respect for Jonathan and today, most Nigerians understand why. To date, not one of the demands put forward to the Yar Adua government has been met, neither has the Nigerian government initiated dialogue aimed at addressing any of our demands.

“We will persist with our attacks on the Nigerian oil industry, due to the inaction of the Nigerian government, concerning our just demands, on behalf of the oppressed people of the Niger

Delta.

“Fighters in the Niger Delta do not possess relevant high school qualifications.

Those being sent abroad are relatives and friends of Jonathan, amnesty committee members etc. The entire process is a fraud on the people of Nigeria who are being promised peace in the Niger Delta, in the absence of justice.” The militant group added that it would “once and for all” expose President Jonathan and his “band of so-called ex-militants and shameless Ijaw elders” for the frauds they are.”

No plans to Islamise Osun — Aregbesola

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HE Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday described as ‘patently false’ and ‘laughable,’ allegations that he was working towards Islamising the state and seceding from the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

In an address to the people of the state, Aregbesola said: “There is a purported security report alleging that I am working towards Islamising the State of Osun and plotting to secede from Nigeria. The first is patently false while the second is laughable.”

Pointing out that Nigeria is a secular state, in which the people are adherents of diverse religious faiths, the governor declared, “I have never hidden the fact that I am a Muslim. This is within my constitutional right as a Nigerian. This notwithstanding, within my own family, there are Christians who practise their choice religion freely, without let or hindrance. It is therefore impracticable for any religious group to lord it over anyone, or for a particular government to Islamise the state as alleged.”

To confirm the warm relationship between him and prominent Christian leaders

By Sam Egburonu

in the country, the governor said: “It is a reflection of our openness, fairness, accommodation and impartiality that prominent Christian religious leaders, including Pastors Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Mathew Ashimolowo of Kingsway International Christian Church in London, Prophet Samuel Abiara of Christ Apostolic Church, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Dominion), Archbishop Nicholas Okoh, Prophet Gabriel Fakeye of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Ayo ni o, among others, have visited me at the Government House and commended our administration for promoting religious harmony in the state.”

On the issue of hijab in schools, he explained that it came up in the last quarter of last year “and it was amicably resolved to the knowledge of all security agencies.”

He also commented on the school uniform, explaining that “the school uniform in our public schools is part of our well-thought-out policy on education reform.

We are constructing state-ofthe-art buildings for our schools. We are also introducing free meals in elementary schools. Computer tablets will be given free to our senior secondary school pupils. It is therefore an infernal mischief straight from the pit of hell for this lofty scheme to be portrayed as an Islamising agenda,” he said.

On the issue of crest, he said, “Our crest is a reflection of our history and proud heritage. Indeed, all the states of Nigeria had their separate crests until 1975 when the military embarked on a more unitary state policy. Even now, other states and regions have their emblems, crests, flags and slogans.”

Reassuring his people, the governor said, “What you are seeing is the handiwork of an overzealous and misguided leadership of a security agency that has mixed up allegiance to the constitution, the Nigerian people and their welfare with the partisan interest of a transient occupier of state office. This intelligence, we must assure you, has been in our possession and we have duly notified President Goodluck Jonathan, who we believe has sensed the ur-

gency in the matter and is working to correct this embarrassing disposition of a tiny leadership of a federal agency capable of causing chaos and destabilisation.

The shenanigan will pass,” Recalling that the eight years preceding the emergence of his administration were characterised by “brigandage, social upheaval, insecurity of life and property, indiscriminate arrests and detention on false charges, and a virtual state of siege,” the governor said his administration has resolved to promote peace in spite of all odds.

As a result of this resolve, “All fears are gone; the exiles are returning home; and the economy of the state is growing in leaps and bounds,” he said, warning that “If there is any threat to peace, we should look in the direction of a party whose national vice chairman vowed recently to make our state ungovernable. This is not going to happen. Our people have vowed not to allow themselves to be provoked. Their collective resolve is to enjoy all aspects of freedom, including freedom from fear, and live in peace and harmony with one another.”

Column

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

The end of an era

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nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Moses Majekodunmi

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ITANS also have their time.

It was said that the great dinosaurs expired because of a sudden and cataclysmic change in weather conditions. As with the dinosaurs, so it may well be with a particular type of exceptional individual. This is the type that seems to defy the laws of gravity.

They hold history and society itself by the scruff of the neck. They had no time for time itself. Charles de Gaulle calls them sacred monsters, and there is every reason to believe that the man Winston Churchill ruefully called “the cross of Loraine” was himself a ranking monstrosity.

But while we mourn the passing and the disappearance of a particular type of great person, we hardly pay attention to the loss of the material base and basis for that particular type of human distinction. The minimalization and miniaturization of greatness is a late twentieth century phenomenon. It is a function of the radical restructuring of capitalism otherwise known as globalization. There are still great people, but they come across so thoroughly familiar and ordinary because greatness has been demystified by great advances in science. The masquerade without a mask is the father of the masquerade with a mask.

In Yorubaland, and probably as well in Nigeria, the curtain is finally drawing on a remarkable era. It was the era of giants. With the passing of Dr Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi and Chief Akin Omoboriowo, two of the most illustrious but controversial Yoruba sons have passed into legend.

They both appeared at critical junctures in the post-independence history of Nigeria and the Yoruba people. Dr Majekodunmi was appointed as Administrator of the old Western Region after the declaration of a state of emergency in the troubled region by the federal authorities.

In the case of Omoboriowo, he was briefly crowned as the governor of Ondo state but the ghastly repercussions of that electoral delinquency were enough to prevent him from reigning. In the history of Nigeria, it was the first time an “elected” governor would be fleeing from his own people in dismal disguise and the first time in history when a returning officer would arrive at his ancestral homestead driven by a military tank.

Wonders will never cease in Nigeria.

In the ensuing mayhem, many

•Akin Omoboriowo

lost their lives and valuable property destroyed. Among the notable casualties were Olaiya Fagbamigbe, a mild-mannered publisher and Tunde Agunbiade, a lawyer, former Action Group youth activist and former president of the then University of Ife Student Union. Agunbiade was said to have commenced a premature celebration of Omoboriowo’s victory but was pounced upon and summarily decapitated by an irate mob.

Half a century and thirty years later respectively, neither the federal authorities nor the electoral umpires appear to be the wiser. A misbegotten federalism in which federal might is deployed to suborn the constituting units and cripple their creative initiatives is still the order of the day in Nigeria.

Despite the bloody consequences of rigging and other electoral malpractices, electoral sanity is still far from these climes. The Nigerian political class has learnt nothing and forgotten nothing.

It is a tragic pity that these two decent and upright gentlemen

would be remembered chiefly for state infractions which cost their people dearly. But for these infractions both could be considered illustrious Yoruba and Nigerian patriots. In the case of Majekodunmi, he was an urbane and apolitical professional who had made a name for himself in the field of medicine.

It was his fame and reputation in the field of medicine which first attracted the attention of Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa who made him his personal physician and later Federal Minister of Health.

To his great credit, Majekodunmi ruled the “wild wild west” wisely and tamely, shunning the limelight and avoiding controversies. Although essentially conservative in nature and outlook, he was not by any stretch of the imagination a rabid reactionary. He was not a man given to frivolity and flippancy. He did what he thought he had to do for the love of his country and his people.

Thereafter, the distinguished physician retreated behind a solid wall of secrecy and utmost rectitude.

He neither court nor sought popular approval and endorsement.

With his impassive and stolid demeanour, the great man never said a word out of place in public. Yet not many people would be aware that Majekodunmi with some of his friends and associates played a sterling behind the scene role in urging General Babangida to de-annul the June 12 1993 presidential election.

It was rumoured that when Babangida sent for him to explain his own side of the story, the old man declined, quietly telling the emissary, a notable Yoruba general, that he should remember that Babangida’s boss, Murtala Mohammed, was his ADC as administrator of the old west. They don’t make Yoruba nobility and aristocracy like that any more.

As the dainty and demure old man passed into resplendent and sagely old age, he had acquired the aura of a Yoruba royalty. It was always a delight to watch him regally shuffling towards the famous table one at the elite Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos on a Tuesday afternoon. Together with his cronies and contemporaries, notably the late Chief Justice, Atanda Fatai-Williams, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo, among other octogenarian notables, they made old age such a pleasurable delight.

But if the cultured and courteous Majekodunmi had a metropolitan sanctuary to retreat to, it was not so for the hardy and provincial Akin Omoboriowo. It appears that after the 1983 electoral fiasco, the cheery and amiable former Awoist spent the rest of his lifetime avoiding the company of his former colleagues and comrades in arms. Perhaps it was the pains of apostasy and ideological degeneracy, but Omoboriowo could no longer look his former colleagues in the eye. A notable exception was when he

Dem Baba and dem Adams A ND while we are still on the subject of departures and what a notable literary scholar has dubbed “the movements of transition”, it is meet to report on some strange subterranean movements in the geo-political space. It is curious that at the very point when General Obasanjo claims to have voluntarily thrown in the towel as the chairman of his party’s board of trustees, he should also be engaged in some frenetic moves across the political chessboard.

The general can tell that to the marines. Nobody believes he would willingly throw in the towel, baring a biological coup d’etat or some even more emphatic political disaster. This case reminds one of a man who has spent an entire lifetime confusing and confounding his political opponents. When he finally died, a disbelieving adversary described it as a brilliant career move.

Nigerians must be prepared for any eventuality from the old warhorse which must include faking his own political demise just to see how the obituaries

would read like. After all in a magic realist fable, a dead despot has been known to spring out of the coffin in his own funeral procession, leaving both foreign dignitaries and noisy pretenders to the throne fleeing for dear life.

This is why every move of the wily one is subject to intense probe and critical strategic interrogation.

Okon has not been spared by the bug. The old general’s surprise visit to Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, the plucky and feisty Governor and Sole Supremo of Edo state politics, has elicited popular curiosity. Something must be cooking. Perhaps it was beginning to dawn on the general that political trenches are more dangerous than war fronts.

One fine morning last week, Okon had barged into snooper’s room almost shoving a newspaper headline into his master’s face. It read: Obasanjo visits Oshiomhole—keeps mum.

“Oga, katakata don burst be dat. It mean say baba don capture dem Adam mama be dat. You know say Adam papa don quench. The problem be say baba

no dey go easy with dem old women. Na gbam gbam and scatter scatter. He get one Ilaje mama minister like dat and dem say dat one come quench for like twenty minutes as baba dey wire am”.

“Okon,” snooper pleaded, trying to suppress his mirth.

“Oga, dis one no be matter of Okon. Abi no be like dat baba come capture dem Excellent Mother? Papa come chase him husband away and dat one go dey take dem Ahiara snuff as baba dey fire him rocket”. The crazy boy continued.

“Okon, get lost, you are a fool”, snooper said in a low tone trying to hush up the crazy boy. But the mad boy refused to be browbeaten.

“But he get one Agatu mama like dat who come teach baba dem plenty sense”, the crazy boy began with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Old woman just dey chew gum and dey paint nail as baba come dey breath like dem Gaiser lorry. She come yab baba say even dem Gboko warder dey do better job”. It was at this point that snooper threw out the mad boy.

showed up at Ikenne shortly before Awo’s burial to pay his last respect to his fallen boss. It was a visit that elicited a famous “o ti pari” exultation from the Awo matriarch herself.

Famously but probably unfairly dubbed “Owoboriomo” (Money has overcome child) by the acerbic Tai Solarin, Omoboriowo was later to demonstrate that he was more motivated by a passion for justice and fair play than by a love of money when he turned down the offer of a ministerial appointment by Alhaji Shehu Shagari . Bode Olowoporoku, his proxy and nominee, was appointed minister instead.

But it was still a bridge too far for Akin Omoboriowo. His former colleagues shunned him like a man with leprosy. Some of them were particularly bitter because they believed that his ascendancy and ideological prominence were unmerited in the first instance. A few believed that he had warmed his way to Awo’s heart through servility and sycophancy. The great Awo himself was not immune to dangerous flattery. They bitterly lamented that through fanatical self-abasement and energetic praise singing, a monkey marionette like Omoboriowo had insinuated himself into the entire Awolowo household including the kitchen. A notable Awoist once confided in snooper of how affronted he was whenever Awo would halt a moving convoy just for Omoboriowo to join him in his car.

They made sure that he paid dearly for it. After the Ondo fiasco, Awolowo himself was known to have tendered an apology to his disaffected followers for his misdirected fondness and strange lapse of judgement. For a man of Omoboriowo’s natural warmth and gregariousness, the grim excommunication must have been a bitter pill to swallow. But apostasy must have its wages.

There is ample evidence that the Ijero-born politician took it all in the chin. He was never to find common cause with his former colleagues again. After the bitter falling out, Omoboriowo mutated fully into an out and out conservative and political reactionary joining force with his old political foes and adversaries. He would never be caught quoting from the Awoism tract he had famously authored. Gone forever were also the trademark cap and Ghandi glasses.

But there are visionary glasses and there are optical illusions. The naked pursuit of power without responsibility often leads to the loss of power and responsibility. Yet political adversity also has its sweet uses. Despite his subsequent marginalization at the level of local politics, Omoboriowo would later leverage his new found influence at the centre as an ardent and sterling champion of Ekiti State.

General Abacha obliged and the rest is history.

The passing of these notable Yoruba sons ought to be an occasion for a sober reflection on the nature of contemporary politics in Nigeria and the quality of our contemporary politicians. Some titans were here. May God grant Pa Majekodunmi and Chief Akin Omoboriowo eternal repose.

News Doctors call off warning strike in Lagos

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

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CTIVITIES resumed fully yesterday at General Hospitals and the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) after doctors called off their three-day warning strike in Lagos.

The chairman of the Medical Guild, Dr Olumuyiwa Odusote, who confirmed the resumption, said the suspension of the strike was to give the government time to resolve issues.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he appealed to residents of the state to prevail on the government to do “what is right in order to prevent another indefinite strike. Our demands are minimal; and we are only asking the government to rise up to what other states have been paying, even though we know that the state’s doctors deserve more than the federal.’’

Also commenting, Dr Oluwajimi Shodipo, the Secretary of the Association of Resident Doctors, LASUTH, said: “We are hoping that the aim of the strike which is to draw the attention of the government will yield good result.

“We pray that the government takes a positive decision to go back to the negotiating table and solve the problem so that residents of Lagos do not suffer. ’’ He urged the people to understand that the strike affected everyone, including the doctors, who also had relations and friends as patients.”

Dr Ibrahim Ogunbi, a senior medical officer at Surulere General Hospital, said: “Doctors are passionate, kind and caring about their patients, but the government needs to live up to its responsibility. ’’

Edo holds Agribusiness Summit

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HE maiden edition of Edo State Agribusiness Investment Summit is to hold on April 23 in Benin.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Abdul Oroh and the Executive Director, Public private Partnership (PPP), Igbinidu Inneh said the summit would be attended by leading international and national professionals in the agribusiness chain.

The summit with the theme “Transforming Agriculture in Edo State”, seeks to articulate and solicit stakeholder participation in policies and incentives which will improve productivity, processing and market access in identified agriculture value chains in which Edo State has comparative advantage. It is aimed at positioning Edo State with its immense natural endowments and geographic location, as a hub for agriculture and agro-allied industries and businesses in Nigeria.

God chose me, even if I’m not the best, Jonathan declares

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan declared yesterday that his leadership of the country is by the grace of God and not necessarily because he is the best person available for the job.

Speaking at a prayer meeting at the State House, Abuja, the President said he and his team were put in charge of the nation’s affairs by divine will.

The breakfast meeting was to seek God’s intervention in the myriad of problems facing the country.

He said :”I always make my supplications to God that, in selecting me as the President of this country, the Vice President, the Governors, members of the national assembly, the ministers, we are not the best material but God knows why

he chose us and we pray He should use us to change this country.

“We believe that with God using us collectively we will be able to transform this country. We all as Nigerians want a better country, we want a country that there would be peace, power, that will take care of our health needs, that we can move freely from one part of the country to the other, that our children will have hope.”

He expressed optimism that the problems were not too much for God to solve and Nigerians only needed to trust Him. “With unwavering faith in God and renewed recommitment to the national cause by us all, I’m confident that Nigeria will emerge from these trying times a stronger,

more united, more stable and more prosperous nation.

“Now than ever before, our nation’s leadership needs to rededicate itself to the realisation of the grand vision of one big strong multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, diverse but united nation which steered our founding fathers. We must live above those primordial tendencies which can only compromise our growth as a nation. We should be guided by the ideals of justice, equity, selflessness and above all the fear of God in every conduct public or private,” he said.

President Jonathan noted that the country can only attain its heights and endowment which God has destined if Nigerians are individually prepared to make the requisite sacrifice as

“championing narrowing sectional causes does not add value to our national development efforts”.

On the promises he made during the electioneering campaign, he said:”Our administration was voted into office by overwhelming majority of Nigerians cutting across ethnic, social, cultural and even political barriers. We therefore owe all Nigerians the sacred duty to toil endlessly for the enhanced welfare and wellbeing of all. This is a duty I have vowed to commit my all to achieve.

“I am aware that the task of national transformation is daunting one, I am, however, more aware that there is nothing that God cannot do. With Him on our side I am confident every stumbling block on our way shall become a stepping stone into national rebirth. I assure you that our trials at all times for the greatest good of the greatest number guided always by the fear of God.”

Earlier in his message, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ayo Oritsejafor said it was pertinent that Nigeria builds an altar.

He identified four altars, the family, church, personal and national altar and said the gathering of the day was that of the national altar and at the national altar there is power to change the situation of Nigeria.

At the service were former Heads of state, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Chief Ernest Shonekan, Kenya’s Vice President , Mr. Kalonzo Musyoka, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Governors Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom, Jonah Jang of Plateau, Peter Obi of Anambra and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo. Also in attendance were members of the federal cabinet and other presidential aides.

The session is the second to be organised by the government.

This economy is not growing —Utomi, Sagay, others fault FG

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From Left: Former Governor of Kano State, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Chairman of the occasion/ Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, Prof Dawood Noibi, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saa'ad Abubakar III and the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tabuwal at the 2012 Nigerian Muslim and Democracy Conference in Abuja yesterday. Photo: NAN

Ibori to be sentenced tomorrow

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ORMER governor of Delta State, James Ibori, is due to be sentenced by a London court tomorrow and Tuesday after pleading guilty on February 27 to 10 charges of fraud and money laundering.

His assets acquired with the fraud proceeds will, consequently be confiscated and returned to Nigeria.

Ibori, governor of the oilrich Delta State between 1999 and 2007, opted for a plea bargain with his British prosecutors in the hope of receiving a lighter sentence.

His trial was originally scheduled to commence in London’s Southwark Crown

Court on February 27 only for him to admit defrauding the state to the tune of $79 million.

The court heard of how Ibori, during his tenure as governor, racked up credit card bills of $200,000 a month and owned a fleet of armoured Range Rovers.

He was on the verge of buying a plane for $20 million when he was arrested in 2010 in Dubai at the request of the Metropolitan Police and extradited to London last year.

Prosecutor Sasha Wass told the court Ibori had accepted he was involved in “wide-scale theft, fraud and

ECOWAS seeks deployment of troops to Mali

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HE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council is pushing for deployment of regional troops to Mali as part of the strategy to ensure territorial integrity of Mali and assist in peace keeping operations.

The council at the end of a meeting in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire said the deployment will go a long way to check rebellion by separatist groups in northern Mali.

It recommended for adop-

From: Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

tion by regional leaders, the report of the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff on the possible deployment of a regional force that will assist Mali secure its territorial integrity and undertake peacekeeping and related operations, saying: “The deployment of the force is part of a strategic approach being pursued by the region to end the rebellion by separatist groups in northern Mali”.

corruption when he was governor of Delta State”.

He was alleged to have used a false date of birth to conceal previous convictions so that he might not be prevented by law from contesting the governorship election. “Mr Ibori tricked his way into public office. He had tricked the Nigerian authorities and the Nigerian voters. He was thus never the legitimate governor of Delta State,” said Wass.

Police detective, Paul Whatmore said : “We are pleased with today’s guilty pleas which mark the culmination of a seven-year inquiry into James Ibori’s corrupt activities. We will now be actively seeking the confiscation of all of his stolen assets so they can be repatriated for the benefit of the people of Delta State.”

His wife, Theresa; sister, Christine Ibori-Idie; associate, Udoamaka Okoronkwo; and London-based solicitor, Bhadresh Gohil have all already been convicted of money laundering.

The British police had earlier dropped corruption charges levelled against Ibori, leaving him to face money laundering charges.

Ibori-Ibie and Okoronkwo-Onuigbo were later sentenced to 21 years in prison in London for their different roles in the case.

HE claim by the Federal Government that Nigeria’s economy is the third fastest growing in the world at 7.68% has been faulted by Professor Pat Utomi, Professor Itse Sagay, and former Executive Director of the Nigerian Mint, Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye.

Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawal Ngama, told journalists at the end of the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in Abuja, on Wednesday that Nigeria is queuing behind Mongolia with 14.9 per cent real growth rate and China with 8.4 per cent real GDP growth rate.

However, the minister was quick to admit that the growth came largely from agriculture and that the growth might not have translated into improved standard of living for Nigerians because of the movement of the nation’s income per capita from $1,200 to $1,400.

Ngama said: “For the quarter which ended on December 31, 2011, Nigeria was third in terms of GDP growth. We recorded a GDP growth of 7.68 per cent in real terms and this is largely due to growth in the non-oil sector. The previous year, 2010, the GDP growth was 8.4 per cent but last year, it dropped to 7.68 per cent because we had a negative growth in the oil sector. So, it means that the non-oil sector is actually resilient and strong enough to carry the economy forward with or without the oil sector.”

Notwithstanding, Utomi, Sagay and Durojaiye said in separate interviews that it is simply a delusion of grandeur to think that the current parlous state of the economy leaves anything to cheer about.

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

Utomi said, “You have to be very careful as to how you bandy figures. You remember the joke about damn lies and bad statistics. There is no question that in terms of nominal growth Nigeria’s economy is growing. But the question to ask yourself is this; do you see the effect on the average Nigerian? The answer is no!” It is through job creation that you can determine growth ultimately and be able to give people better life, he stressed.

Echoing similar sentiments, Sagay described the Federal Government’s claim as simply “A hoax.” He added, “It is pure fiction.

Nigeria is not the third fastest growing economy at all.

With over 78 per cent of the budget devoted to overheads like paying salaries of civil servants and politicians and leaving a dismal 20+ per cent, what growth and development can you have in place? The answer is nothing. And that is why our hospitals, schools all facets of the economy are dead.”

On his part, Durojaiye believes that the Federal Government’s claim is a red herring. Miffed by what he described as gross insensitivity on the part of government, he raised a poser: “I’m an economist of over 40 years experience but the question I would like to ask is there a new criterion for measuring growth? How do you explain the growing level of poverty in the country, especially in northern Nigeria? People should not give us illusory and deceptive statistics. Perhaps, maybe he is talking of where we should be considering the vibrancy of our population, our natural endowment and what have you.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

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PALL of uncertainty is surrounding the whereabouts of the spokesman of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, Abu Qaqa II, following fears yesterday that he might have been killed last week.

Details of the circumstances of his death were hazy last night although security sources claimed he was a victim of growing divisive tendencies in the group which has carried out gun and bomb attacks in different parts of the North for the third year running.

Abu Qaqa II is the pseudo name of Mohammed Anwal Kontagora and he took over from Abu Qaqa 1 who is also known as Abu Dardaa, Mohammed Shuaibu, Mohammed Bello, Abu Tiamiya and Abdulrahman Abdullahi.

Abu Qaqa1 was arrested in Kaduna in February, one of the high profile members of the sect in security custody.

The motive for the killing of Abu Qaqa II was unknown at press time.

Abu Qaqa 1’s father was killed on March 26 in Maiduguri by suspected members of Boko Haram allegedly on the strength of the confessions he (Qaqa) made to interrogators about the operations of the group.

The sect denied his arrest and said the person in security custody is Abu Dardaa.

Security sources said the alleged death of Abu Qaqa II was the prime reason for the Thursday posting of the video message on You Tube

by Abubakar Shekau, the fugitive Boko Haram leader.

In the video recording, Shekau said the government of President Goodluck Jonathan should forget about dismantling Boko Haram as it (government) had boasted.

However, security sources said yesterday:”The self-styled spokesman of the Boko Haram sect “Abu Qaqa” -II, may have been killed last week. He was said to have tried to denounce the sect after intensive trailing by security agencies that saw him changing locations severally.

“Abu Qaqa -II whose real

Boko Haram spokesman, Abu Qaqa II, feared killed • Sect will soon be history says Sambo name is Mohammed Anwal Kontagora was from Kontagora in Niger State. He took the name Abu Qaqa in February this year after the original Abu Qaqa, 42, also known as Abu Dardaa, Mohammed Shuaibu, Mohammed Bello, Abu Tiamiya and Abdulrahman Abdullahi was arrested January this year.

“Kontagora, like his predecessor, is non-Kanuri, so his case as applicable to every non-Kanuri was decided summarily. The sect is said to be shopping for Abu Qaqa -III as its new spokesman. This greatly accounted for its inability to either own up or dissociate itself from the Easter Sunday bomb blast in Kaduna that killed so many commercial motor-

cyclists and tea vendors.

“This again could have forced Imam Abubakar Shekau to personally appear on a YouTube network to reply to a statement credited to President Goodluck.”

But another source added: “I think it is safe to assume that Boko Haram might be changing its media strategy. Going by the modus operandi of Boko Haram, it is not out of place for Imam Shekau to deliver a message. The Imam has been speaking with journalists on the phone in Maiduguri and he has relayed messages previously on YouTube.”

Notwithstanding the situation within the sect, all

military formations, security agencies and paramilitary bodies have been directed to mount 24-hour surveillance on possible hide-outs of Boko Haram members.

Meanwhile, Vice President Namadi Sambo has said incessant bombings, attacks and killings by Boko Haram will soon become history.

Speaking during a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Washington DC, United States of America, he said, “I will like to correct one impression. This issue that Christians are moving from the north and the Muslims are leaving the south is wrong; I beg to disagree with that notion, because it is not happening” He added that the secu-

It now plans to consolidate on flights to its regional routes commencing with the London route on May 16 and the Johannesburg route on May 17.

The Paris route is to follow

in June.

The chairman of the airline and Group Managing Director, the Global Fleet conglomerate, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim told senior journalist in Lagos

By Our reporters

Air Nigeria concludes turnaround, begins international flights

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IR Nigeria Development Company Limited has concluded its two-year turnaround programme, based mainly on financial engineering.

L-R: Mr. Femi Falana, chairman of the occasion, Dr Keziah Awosika and Prof. Ben Nwabueze at the presentation of the book, 'Time to Reclaim Nigeria’ and national colloquium on the Save Nigeria Project in Lagos yesterday. Behind them is the author of the book, Mr Chido Onumah.

EFCC grills ex-directors of Ogundoyin estate over alleged N2b mismanagement

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ORMER directors of the business empire of the late business mogul, Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin are facing probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegation of mismanagement.

The directors, three of whom have faced operatives of the commission in its Lagos office according to reliable sources, are being asked to explain how the fortune of the vast business empire dimmed for the 17 years within which they managed the company.

Ogundoyin, whose business empire was valued at about N2 billion by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Moses Fagbohun, in 1991, hailed

rity challenges in the northern part of the country was an unfortunate problem being created by some hoodlums, people that have terrorist activities in their mind.

He described as false information that Christians were leaving the North based on the attacks of Boko Haram, or that Muslims were leaving the South.

According to Sambo, “The support of all Nigerians, particularly the religious leaders is being sought, so that we will all cooperate and direct Nigerians in the right directions.

Our religious leaders will contribute positively to our peaceful coexistence.”

On the issue of Nigerians voting from the Diaspora, the vice president said the bill is currently before the National Assembly, and that once the bill is passed, the president will sign it into law, and Nigerians abroad will be able to vote.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

from Eruwa, Oyo State. The philanthropist built several business organizations which now operate under the group name: Crown Trust Limited. Fagbohun succeeded Ogundoyin as the CEO when the latter died in 1991.

The invitation and grilling by the EFCC, it was learnt, followed a petition received by the commission over mismanagement of the company. The directors disengaged their services when the EFCC started investigating the case in 2009.

Among the companies that are under the conglomerates are Messrs Metalwood Engineering Limited, a dam and civil engineering construction company which

later transformed to Niko Engineering Limited in 1973; Femo West Africa Limited which specializes in production of army tarpaulin tents, camouflage and paint with other companies in Ibadan and the United Kingdom.

A very reliable source told The Nation that the petition alleged that the fortune of the company plummeted progressively within the period due to lack of accountability and inability to record profit for many years in spite of the huge projects being handled by the firms.

It was further stated that the company owed several local and foreign debts. The foreign debt profile was put at over $500,000 as at the time of their disengagement.

A daughter of the business mogul, Nike, was said to have challenged the directors to produce audited reports in 2008, a move that finally landed in the court, thereby precipitating the disengagement of the directors.

Nike’s efforts, it was learnt, failed to yield the expected result as she died not long after thereby dragging the case back.

The case is being handled by Lagos office of the EFCC. Another Ibadan based director was said to have been quizzed for hours at the commission’s Lagos office during the week, bringing the number of those grilled so far to three. More directors would face the commission according to one of the sources.

Spokesperson for EFCC,

at the weekend that the airline would start with seven flights from Lagos to Gatwick in London each week right from the beginning.

He added that, as new core investors in the airline, he inherited a debt of about $373 million from the Richard Branson-led management of the defunct Virgin Nigeria, which metamorphosed into Air Nigeria, stressing that he was not propelled by a profit motive but rather by the national question.

“First, we had to sort out the identity/name crisis; a period of 60 days was given us

by Richard Branson to change the name. The company was financially distressed and had unavoidable flight delays. We then hired about 30 graduates trained directly by myself to do a fact-finding, diagnostic review and we found a lot of irregularities,” he said.

“United Bank for Africa, for instance, had a loan exposure to Air Nigeria alone to the tune of $275 million (about N36 billion), which threatened to pull down both the airline and the bank. We thus took an AFREXIM long-term loan of $250 million and cleaned up the renegotiated UBA loan.

We also paid out AFREXIM’s loan with a Bank of Industry loan, which we were able to procure at a 2 per cent interest rate. Beyond this, we are not indebted to any other financial institution except the Energy Bank of Ghana, which is a member of our group,” he stated.

Commenting on the controversy concerning discrepancy in fares charged by some foreign airlines in the West African sub-region, Ibrahim said that was not an issue and could not be faulted because of the fluctuating exchange rates of the naira to the dollar, while such currencies as the Ghanaian Cedi was relatively stable, which caused a lot of volatility in airline incomes in Nigeria, a situation that could lead to a loss for them if not charged on their customers’ tickets.

News 5 US Secret Service agents sent home over misconduct allegations

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N undisclosed number of Secret Service agents with President Barack Obama at an international summit in Colombia have been relieved of their assignments and face an investigation over alleged misconduct, a spokesman for the Secret Service said at the weekend.

The Associated Press, citing an anonymous tip, reported that the allegations involved prostitutes in Cartagena, the city hosting the gathering. The AP also said 12 agents were involved. The Washington Post cited the president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, Jon Adler, as saying that the allegations were tied to at least one agent being involved with prostitutes in Cartagena.

Secret Service spokesman Edwin Donovan declined to confirm that the conduct involved prostitutes.

“There have been allegations of misconduct made against Secret Service personnel in Cartagena, Colombia prior to the President’s trip. Because of this, those personnel are being relieved of their assignments, returned to their place of duty, and are being replaced by other Secret Service personnel. The Secret Service takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. This entire matter has been turned over to our Office of Professional Responsibility, which serves as the agency’s internal affairs component,” Donovan said in a statement sent to Yahoo News by email.

Mark off to Israel for medicare From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

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ENATE President, David Mark left Abuja yesterday for Tel-Aviv, Israel, for medical care.

Mark, who was accompanied by his wife Helen, is scheduled to undergo treatment at the Asuta Hospital, according to his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan.

He gave no details of the medicare but said his principal was referred to Israel by his Nigerian doctors.

Mark was seen off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Moshe Ram. Last month, the Senate President was at the National Hospital Abuja where he undertook what was described as minor dental and eye care services.

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News

MDGs project has no time frame, says House Committee chairman From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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HE Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on MDGs, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa has clarified that the project will not terminate in 2015 as widely speculated. The project, he insisted, has no time frame.Doguwa, who represents Tudun-Wada/ Doguwa Federal Constituency, said in Kano yesterday that the MDGs programme in Nigeria is on course. The lawmaker acknowledged that Nigeria has been recognised worldwide for playing significant roles in the Millennium Development project, adding that the country has not been found wanting in the eight goals of the MDGs. While describing the programme as timeless, Doguwa pointed out that it is erroneous to assume the MDGs assignment will terminate after 2015. “This does not mean that if your goal is not achieved by 2015, then the project is a failure”. He noted that the country has done well in goal one and goal two by promoting education and trying to eradicate poverty in the country, and creating job opportunities for young school leavers. On the achievement of MDGs in Nigeria, Doguwa noted that the country is only second to South Africa in terms of development in the area of provision of potable water and fight against HIV/AIDS, health-care services among others.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

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HE State Security Service (SSS) has waded into the crisis rocking the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The examination body has been hit with a leadership crisis between the registrar, Professor Promise Okpala and the newly inaugurated Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU).

The crisis climaxed last Thursday when the union threatened a showdown with NECO management over alleged illegal stay in office by the registrar after expiration of his tenure.

SSS wades into NECO crisis From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

The frosty relationship further nosedived last Friday when the registrar directed the mass transfer of about 200 staff from the headquarters to zonal and state offices.The development led the union to stage a peaceful demonstration in the premises of the council.

But agents of the SSS swooped on the union leaders as soon as the peaceful dem-

• Detains labour leaders onstration was over around 2pm and invited them to its Dutsen Kura office.

It was gathered that the eight-man caretaker executive committee and three congress members of the union who arrived the SSS office at about 3pm were taken before the state director.

This development stunned the union leaders, who report-

Generator fume kills 95year-old, three children • Only survivor in coma

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From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

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be given directives handed down by the management to the SSS.’’After a while, we were made to write statements and we were held for over five hours before we were released on bail but our Secretary was detained and made to pass the night with them’’.Speaking after his release, Aliu said he was asked to go at about 11:30am yesterday.When asked why he was detained, Aliu said, ‘’We were invited but I was detained overnight for asking questions. I was later released at about 11:30 today (Saturday). ‘’We were only invited to be given instruction, but we still gave the security our position.’’Efforts to get the director of SSS failed. A source in his office confirmed the invitation extended to the labour leaders. It was however gathered that the federal government has renewed the appointment of the embattled Registrar of the council for another three years.

Russian bomb excavated in Anambra Council HQ

2015: CPC backs Buhari to run

HE Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) yesterday reaffirmed that all hands are on deck to ensure that its presidential candidate during the 2011 election contest the 2015 Presidential election.

Buhari, CPC said, changed his mind when he saw that the country is experiencing dishonesty and incompetent political leadership.

National Publicity Secretary of the party, Rotimi Fashakin in a statement in Abuja disclosed that the CPC is in alliance and possible merger talks with other progressive coalition partners to give true meaning to democratic governance within the Nigerian polity.

It reads in part: “The Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, has noted the furore engendered by the statement credited to the Party’s National Leader, General Muhamadu Buhari (GMB) while receiving a delegation of political admirers in Kaduna some days ago. ‘’In that occasion, GMB had stated, inter-alia, that owing to the leadership deficit and the truncation of the hope of the common man through the pervasive injustice in the land, he would continue relevant political activism in the run to the 2015 general elections.

“True, GMB told the Nation, during the electioneering campaigns for the 2011 Presidential elections, that he would not be contesting the nation’s subsequent elections.

“Meanwhile, it is our considered opinion that it would be rather pre-emptive to speculate at this time what the choice of these coalition partners shall be.

edly protested that the major issues of agitation by the union were not addressed. After being held for five hours, the union leaders were released at about 8:15pm. But Secretary of the union, Comrade Ibrahim Aliu, passed the night with the security outfit.

He was later released after 17 hours in detention.

Chairman of the caretaker committee of the union, Comrade Abdulrasheed Rabana, said security operatives invited them, but expressed reservations over the detention of the union Secretary by the SSS. Shedding light on the meeting with the SSS, Rabana said, ‘’I led my executive members to honour the invitation of the director of SSS and all we heard at the meeting were those things the registrar have been saying. ‘’We thought we were invited to state our own side of the matter, but we found out that we were only invited to

•Sympathisers in tears ... yesterday (inset) The generating set

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ALAMITY befell Akaeze village in Urum community, Awka North Local Government area of Anambra State on Friday night when a family of four, including 95-yearold Chief Nwankwo Sopuru died of fumes from a generating set.

Other deceased were identified as Chigozie( 7 years), Dubem Nwajideobi(14years) and Favour Nwankwo (7years old)The only survivor, Ogonna Nwajideobi, is on oxygen and battling for life in a hospital in Awka. Two of the boys including the hospitalised female are said to the children of one Charles Nwajideobi, while Favour was the son of the building’s owner.

The four bodies were found dead yesterday morning. Narrating what happened to The Nation yesterday in tears, the bereaved 48- yearold Nwajideobi said his life has been taken away.”I do not know exactly what happened until my daughter recovers and tells the story but for now all I can say is that I have lost two of my sons while my daughter is still in coma.

“My children went to my in-laws’ place to watch television and they decided to sleep there.

“In the morning, around 8am, I went to the house to knock without any response and I decided to go back to my house to collect the spare key to open the place, but what I saw were four dead bodies while my daughter was still

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

breathing. I raised alarm with other people in the house that attracted other people and I discovered that it could be as a result of generating set fume that killed them”.Some sympathisers however attributed the death to poison because the dead children were foaming from their mouths and noses.

The Medical Director of Crest Specialist Hospitals where the survivor is being treated, Dr E.I Onwubuya, told The Nation yesterday that the incident could be due to suffocation.He said: “I do not know about poison, but if you could stay in an enclosure where there is generating set, the carbon monoxide it produces could suffocate or kill somebody.’’He said the survi-

vor has been placed on intensive care, stating “we would do our best to resuscitate her, but life belongs to God”.

•The bereaved Nwajideobi... yesterday

HERE was tension yesterday at the Idemili North Area Council Headquarters, Ogidi, Anambra State, as experts excavated an undetonated Russian- made object suspected to be bombs or rocket launchers. The objects were believed to have been abandoned during the Nigerian/ Biafran war.

The bomb, which looked like a long, sharp metal object, was discovered barely a week ago by a security official attached to the council secretariat.

It was lying about two inches on the earth surface at the council secretariat still under construction in the area. According to the source, the discovery of the weapon prompted the council officials to invite the Nigerian Mine Action Centre for its excavation and possible detonation.

During the excavation exercise yesterday, which was supervised by the leader of the Nigerian Mine Action Centre, Dr. Emeka Uhiegbu, passersby trooped to the council secretariat to catch a glimpse of the exercise.

This almost caused a pandemonium.

Speaking to the chairman of the council, Chief Ralph

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

Asha Nnabuife, shortly after the excavation exercise, Uhiegbu explained that the Nigerian Mine Action Centre acted on the United Nations (UN) resolutions that all countries that had fought wars should demine all landmines suspected to have been buried or abandoned in the cause of war. He stated that his team was working in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence in determining the entire South-East and South-South states where about 50,000 landmines were suspected to have been laid during the 30 month-old war in the country.

He therefore advised people to always report to security agencies any suspicious metal found in their areas of habitation to avoid careless explosion that could lead to casualties.

He noted that undetonated bombs were scattered in several locations in the South-East and SouthSouth zones where soldiers used as camps during the civil war. He also advised those erecting new buildings to be meticulous about the possible existence of explosives as such deadly weapons could be buried below the earth.

We will unseat Mimiko- ACN Aspirant

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GOVERNORSHIP aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Senator Olorunnimbe Farunkanmi at the weekend assured that the party will spare no efforts to unseat the ruling Labour Party(LP).

He described Mimiko’s government as deceitful, alleging it invested N2.5billion on an abandoned Dome which he said has become “a doom”.

Farunkanmi also faulted the new water fountain costing about N75m along

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

Alagbaka Estate. He condemned the project as a misplaced priority which has become a distraction to motorists on the road.

Farunkanmi, who represented Ondo Central Senatorial district from 1999- 2003, said the LP administration failed woefully to revolutionalise agriculture.

The governorship aspirant spoke last week during the declaration of his intention to run.

He noted that Governor Mimiko had also failed to

clarify the alleged N61.63 billion being investigated by the EFCC in the State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission [OSOPADEC].

According to him, “What do we say of the uncompleted tomato factory at Ikare initiated by Chief Adefarati’s regime? Despite the fact that Mimiko has spent over N500m on the completion of the factory, no single tin of tomato is available in the market.”

He regretted that corruption is being celebrated in the state while transparency

has been thrown to the dustbins.

He said: “it is necessary for Ondo State people to embrace ACN that is prepared to better their lots.”

While promising to make life meaningful to indigenes and residents of the state through developmental projects, Farunkanmi said the contest for governorship in the state was not a do-or die affairs.

He stressed that as soon as a candidate emerges, others would rally round such person.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Imo donates buildings to NOUN From: Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

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HE Imo State Government has donated the temporary site and buildings of the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).

NOUN has been operating its Study Centre in a location at the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri.

Governor Rochas Okorocha announced the donation when the management of NOUN led by the Pro- Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Greg Iwu paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri.

The Governor, who described education as key, explained that his administration has prioritised it by declaring free education up to the tertiary level, construction of 305 European standard primary schools in every ward in the state and procurement of learning materials and uniforms for primary and secondary schools students.

He also promised that the state government will assist the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, acquire more lands for expansion to help it meet the requirements for conversion of the institution to a university.

Okoroch a made the promise when Prof. Muktar Mohammed- led Presidential Visitation Panel to the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education paid him a courtesy visit.

He said the state government will complement efforts of the management of Alvan to make the institution attains the status of a University of Education.

News

Education sector structurally deficient, says Jonathan

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HE nation’s education sector has suffered protracted structural deficiency, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday conceded.

He, however, vowed to tackle the deficiencies that characterise the sector and caused its systemic failure.

Jonathan reiterated that the development needed as a nation cannot be accomplished without a sound and robust educational sector.

The President spoke yesterday at the 20th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna.

According to him, “Our nation today finds itself being

From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

distracted from its match towards greatness by ideologues motivated by sundry primordial instincts. ‘’We can only fight them by beaming a thousand points of light at the bastions of darkness and fear and we need our educationists to make this possible.

“We have high expectations of our tertiary institutions and I personally will not tolerate the inefficiencies which are causing our educational system to fail our children. ‘’We are presently effecting a silent revolution in the

delivery of knowledge to our students and this is because of the realisation that the educational sector has, for long, been faced with structural deficiencies.’’

The President, who was represented by the Minister for Education, Professor Ruquayaatu Rufai urged youths to be resilient and determined in the face of daunting challenges.

He assured that their perseverance will not be in vain as his administration is putting everything in place to ensuring that Nigeria is better than they met it.

He called for the establishment of

entrepreneurship training courses in universities with a view to equipping the students with skills necessary to make them job creators rather than job seekers.

The Vice Chancellor of the instituted, Professor Muhammed Audu, said out of the 2506 first degree students that graduated, 34 bagged first class honours, 514 had second class upper; 1,221 made second class lower, while 668 came out with third class honours.

He also said that the university awarded 248 postgraduate diploma certificates, 288 masters’ certificates and 38 doctorate degree certificates.

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•Igbokwe

Fulani herdsman chops off farmer’s arm From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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HE left arm of a farmer in a village near Ipapo

in Itesiwaju Local Government Area was almost chopped off last week during an attack by a Fulani cattle owner.

It was gathered the farmer, who is now lying critically in an undisclosed private hospital, had just harvested some yams when he noticed a Fulani herdsman heading his way with cattle.

The herdsman, it was learnt, ordered the farmer to leave for his cattle to feed on the yams or be dealt with.

When the farmer resisted, the Fulani cattle owner reportedly drew out his dagger apparently to behead him.

The farmer, in an attempt to protect himself, reportedly raised his left arm, which was chopped off in the process.

His scream attracted some villagers who alerted the council’s vigilante group that handed over the apprehended herdsman to the police.

How Nigeria can develop, by senator From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

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Editor loses father

HE death has occurred of Chief Sebastian Igbokwe, a community leader and a Knight of St. Mulumba.

Igbokwe was the father of the Editor of SUNDAY PUNCH, Mr Casmir Igbokwe.

The late Igbokwe, who died at the age of 78, was a devout Catholic and a philanthropist who impacted on the lives of many.

He lived the greater part of his life at Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, where he retired as a teacher in 1990.

He will be buried on Thursday, May 3, 2012 after a funeral mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

He is survived by his wife, Bridget; five children, six grand children, sister, in-laws, nephews and nieces.

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•Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, presenting the Staff of Office to the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Asade Agunloye I, at the coronation ceremony... yesterday.

Six-man FG Visitation Panel in Oko Poly

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six-man visitation panel set up by the Federal Government to look into the performance of institutions is in the Federal Polytechnic Oko in Anambra state.

The team is led by Prof.

Tayo Fashoyin of the University of Lagos.

Other members are Senator Dalha Danzomo; Sir Augustine Eigbe; Mr Jonah Levi Eteli; Ahmed Abdullahi Adamu and Jaafaru Abubarka as the secretary.

On arrival yesterday in Anambra, the team led by the Rector of Oko Polytechnic, Prof Godwin Onu, proceeded to the palace of the traditional ruler of Oko community, Igwe Prof. Laz Ekwueme.

It also paid courtesy calls on the Divisional Police Officer of Ajalli Police station and the Transition Committee Chairman for Orumba South Council area, Hon Emeka Aforka.

Ekwueme noted that the institution had witnessed cordial relationship with the host community.

The recent riot, he explained, could be traced to youthful exuberance.

The paramount ruler said

•Ekwueme, Rector sue for peace From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

the problem was being looked into.

He called on the Federal Government to upgrade the institution to a university.

“If the federal government

elevates this school to the status of a University, you would have done everything for me in this life as a colleague. Let us have what other zones had been given,” Ekwueme said.

Fashoyin said the panel’s mission was to assess the relationship between institutions and their host communities.

Other terms, he said, are judicious management of the resources and evaluation of accreditations of programmes.

Abia denies ban on tricycles •Restricts movements to 10pm

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HE Abia State Government has denied banning the operations of commercial tricycles.

Movements of the tricycles have only been restricted to 10pm for security reasons, government said yesterday.

Operators of tricycles have been lamenting victimisation and arrests after 7pm by security forces.

Many of them alleged they were beaten up by law enforcement officers.

But the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Theodore Orji, Ugochukwu Emezue, told reporters that such harassments were uncalled for.

He said there was no ban whatsoever on commercial

From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

tricycles in the state.

Emezue however said there is a restriction order from

10pm, which he said is for security reasons.

The restriction, he clarified, is not total.

He said security operatives have been instructed to be civil and not be overbearing in the discharge of their duties.

ENATOR Esther Usman (Southern Kaduna) has declared that only fairness and justice can foster the much-needed peace and development in the nation.

Speaking at a public sitting of the Kaduna State Peace and Reconciliation committee in Kwoi, Jaba local government area of the state, the former Minister of Finance said justice is the only foundation for peace.

She said: ‘’Justice is the foundation of achieving peace, and we must ensure that we do justice to all irrespective of religion or other differences. ‘’Justice is the key word here as a catalyst of peace.

In all our ways, we should because of God preach and practice justice since it is the only way of overcoming our challenges of coexistence.’’

Co-chairman of the committee, Alhaji Abbas Sambo said it is committed to achieving peaceful co-existence.

He charged the communities to be open in making their positions known.

Lawmaker launches empowerment scheme

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HE lawmaker representing Oredo Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon Rasaq Bello-Osagie, has launched an empowerment programme for members of his constituency.

At a well-attended ceremony in Benin City, the lawmarker gave out 10 tricycles and six motorised wheel chairs to disabled persons.

Speaking at the occasion,

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyasere of Benin urged lawmakers to always remember those that voted them into office.

Igbe said lawmakers should emulate Governor Adams Oshiomhole in delivering dividends of democracy to the people they represent and also to help fight poverty.

Hon Rasaq said he decided to launch scheme

tagged “Keke Rasaq Empowerment Scheme” to help the less privileged as well as assist Governor Oshiomhole in reducing poverty in the state.

He explained that the first phase of the distribution of tricycles was to reduce the menace of motor-cycle accidents.

He said, “From my heart, I have given to the people. This is my modest support to the people. This is the first batch.’’

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News

Club elects officers

•Akala

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GBOMOSO Recreation Club (ORC) last week elected a new Executive Committee to run its affairs for the next one year at its 21 st Annual General Meeting.

In the keenly contested election, former Oyo State Governor, Otunba Christopher Alao-Akala, was reelected as President, while Prince Moses Adetunji was elected as Vice President.

Also elected were Sunday Oyewole as General Secretary while Alhaji Yusuff Fatai is Assistant General Secretary.

Shittu Oladimeji bagged the post of Treasurer while Soji Oladokun is Financial Secretary.

Others are Bayo Babatunde as Social Secretary, Gbadamosi Joseph as Bar Secretary.

Ojo Isaac is Sports Secretary while Ademola Dare is Membership Secretary.

Alhaji Fola Bello is Maintenance Secretary with Gbijah Reuben as Ex-Officio I, Col. Adewuyi Bode (Rtd) as Ex-Officio II, while Alhaji Abese Waidi is Rx-Officio III, while Ben Ben Ogunlade is Golf Captain.

‘No place for criminals in Imo’ From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

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MO State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has declared his administration will stop at nothing to flush out hoodlums from the state.

Speaking with reporters after an unscheduled visit to the branch of a bank recently robbed in Owerri, Okorocha disclosed that a security outfit codenamed “Operation – Shot – Down - Imo” will be launched to make the state crime-free.

He urged banks to employ competent security staff and strategies in their operations.Okorocha stated that government will soon disclose dedicated phone lines to the public for distress calls during criminal activities.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

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SUN State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described those accusing him of training militants for religious violence as wicked and hypocritical.

The governor spoke yesterday in Iwo, the headquarters of Iwo Local Government Council Area of the state after the monthly Walk To Live exercise.

Aregbesola said that the people of Yorubaland have never been known for violence, maintaining that Osun State will never be an exception.

According to him, “I want to assure the entire people of Osun that there is no imminent religious crisis in this state as being touted by some wicked people and we will never allow such. ‘’Together with the govern-

Militancy: My accusers are wicked- Aregbesola From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

ment, we must not allow wicked people to come and create crisis in our state. ”We Yorubas are peaceloving and we have never been known for religious crises.

There are several religions in Yorubaland, including the traditional religion and there has not been any crisis.

So, the wicked people should go away with their wickedness.

‘’The hypocrites should go away with their hypocrisy.

Osun will never be a war zone and cannot be destabilised’’.

Aregbesola, who explained the rationale behind the physical fitness exercise, said that it was meant to ensure that the healthy living of the people of the state is restored.

He said: “It has been established that all over the world Africans are those that have the shortest lifespan and the situation was so because many

Fire outbreak at The Nation

A

TRAGEDY was averted yesterday when the photo section of Vintage Press Limited, the corporate headquarters of The Nation Newspaper in Lagos went up in flames.

The cause of the fire, which began around 8.15pm, is unknown.

The fire raged for over one hour, razing the office, which also houses the cartoon section.

Staff and sympathisers

tional Football Association’s (FIFA) Technical Instructor, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde; former Secretary General, Nigeria Football Association, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi and many Nollywood artistes, including Dele Odule, Toyin Adegbola among others. Onigbinde commended the administration of Aregbesola for its initiative in introducing the physical fitness exercise to restore the healthy living of the people.

By Sunday Oguntola

battled to stop the fire from spreading to the press hall and the warehouse where tonnes of newsprint are stored and the plant house until men of the Fire Brigade came to complete the job.

The incident disrupted production for hours.

Workers made frantic distress calls to emergency lines, asking for fire fighters to come to the rescue.

NERC metering inquiry: Aturu promises fairness

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HE Chairman of Metering Inquiry Committee of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission [NERC], Bamidele Aturu, has said that the right of the Nigerians to take the Power Holding Company to court if the agency failed to meet their yearnings will be one of the cardinal points in his committee’s recommendations.

He however reassured Nigerians that epileptic electricity supply will soon be a forgotten issue.

He explained that his committee will soon come out with a blueprint that will enable the federal government to meet the yearnings of the masses of Nigeria on power supply.

Aturu, while addressing stakeholders in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State yesterday, said he accepted to be part of the committee constituted by the Nigerian Elec-

From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

tricity Regulatory Commission [NERC] because he believed that members of his team will proffer measures to solve the problem of irregularity in power supply confronting the nation.

Aturu explained that the task before the committee is to assist the regulator in its task of providing an efficient and fair template to ensure that consumers are equitably billed by having a sound metering system having provided stable light.

The Chief Executive Officer of Power Holding Company of Nigeria PHCN, Yola zonal office, Engineer Shehu Roro, said the PHCN was constrained with drop in supply as the company cannot satisfy its customers satisfactorily because of lack of sufficient power supply to the Yola Zone comprising Adamawa and Taraba.

•A part of the burnt section

ACN condemns public office holders’ Bill in Rivers, Amaechi keeps mum

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Rivers State chapter, yesterday condemned the proposed Public Office Holders (Payment of Pensions) Bill, now before the state House of Assembly.

ACN, through its Rivers Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam, described the Bill as the height of insensitivity to the plight of the suffering people in the state.

The Bill provides for two houses each for former governors of the state in Abuja and Rivers State, as well as three cars to be replaced every three years. They are also entitled to 300% funding for furniture, 20 per cent funding for utility, 10 per cent funding for entertainment and 10 per cent for hous-

‘Institute will serve workers’ interest’ From Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia

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HE Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu yesterday stated that the Institute of Occupation, Safety and Health in Umuahia, Abia State will be beneficial to workers.

The institute, he said, is in line with the decent work programme of international labour organisations.

He spoke with reporters in Aba. Wogu said that the institute will reinforce the Employee Compensation Act which President Goodluck Jonathan signed into law last year.

people do not take physical fitness exercise serious. Apart from medical treatment, people should endeavour to exercise their body for healthy living.”

Among those that participated in the exercise are the Deputy Governor, Chief Titi Grace Laoye-Tomori; the Chief Judge, Justice Olaniyi Ojo; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, other members of the cabinet; Federation of Interna-

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (middle), fielding questions from State House Correspondents during a 3-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”, last Friday. With him are: Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba (right) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Information & Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji (left)

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

ing.

These are in addition to free health for them, their spouses and children.

Their entitlements also include two officials of the State Security Service (SSS) and one female SSS officer, eight police officers for personal and domestic security, domestic staff including a cook, steward and gardener.

But the ACN in a reaction to the provisions of the bill, said: “The thrust of any bill or law should be to promote the welfare of the people and reduce their suffering, as much as is humanly possible. It is a salient feature of any undemocratic, insensitive and corrupt regime to be self-seeking and stubborn.

“If all the provisions outlined in the Bill are made for one former governor, multiplied by the number of past chief executives and their deputies, what else is left to cater for the teeming unemployed youths and thousands that graduate from hundreds of tertiary institutions in the country.

“Of all the challenges confronting Rivers people, all that bothers our dear governor is to continue to live in opulence for life, to perpetuate himself in office indirectly and to beat the constitutional provision of not more than two terms in office. The bill is unpopular, retrogressive, unethical, illegal, corrupt, unconstitutional, inhuman, parasitic, colonial, fraudulent and unacceptable.

“In a civilised society, mere conception of this wickedness that sees only the former governors and their deputies as the only public office holders, leav-

ing out the real workers and live wire of the state economy, will provoke civil unrest and calls for resignation of such conspirators, if not outright impeachment.

“But here, the ruling PDP is shamelessly trying to legalise a corrupt practice.

This idea rather than help cure the corrupt tendencies of the governors, will promote them.”

The opposition party also stated that the Bill failed to talk about what would happen to all the material acquisition of the governors and their deputies, even with all the spoils of the office, whether corrupt or not, while urging the PDP leaders to always think before acting.

ACN declared that the governors and their deputies should not be allowed to become parasites on Rivers treasury through the proposed retrogressive Bill.

Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s spokesman, David Iyofor declined to comment on the ACN statement. When contacted through his MTN line at 9:06 am yesterday, the phone rang out twice. At 9:08 am, he sent a text stating: “Please send a text.”

Emekuku old students meet

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LD students of Emekuku High School, Owerri (formerly Sebastian Academy), Imo State, resident in Lagos are to hold their monthly meeting today.

The meeting holds at the National Institute for Sports, National Stadium, Lagos at 2pm.

NEWS REVIEW

9

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

It’s decision time for next World Bank boss

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HE World Bank’s 25member executive board meets tomorrow to choose its 12th president in what will be the first public contest to lead the institution.

Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonji-Iweala, a former bank director, is competing with Jim Yong Kim, a Korean-American physician and university president for the position, which has gone to an American since the bank was founded after World War II. If she is chosen, Dr Okonjo-Iweala will make history for being the first woman and first non-American to hold the post.

Former Colombian finance minister Jose Antonio Ocampo withdrew from the race on Friday, endorsing Mrs Okonjo-Iweala’s challenge of Mr Kim, President Barack Obama’s choice and the favoured candidate.

Mr Ocampo’s endorsement will likely have little effect after Russia endorsed Mr Kim, an expert on health issues in developing countries and president of Dartmouth College.

“It is clear that this is not based on the merits of the candidates but is a political exercise,” Mr Ocampo said in a statement.

Always considered a dark horse in the three-way race, Mr Ocampo said he would give his support to Mrs Okonjo-Iweala in the hope of unifying “emerging and developing economies around one candidate.”

BRICS group “We will take a position together with the BRICS, making a common choice,” Mr

•Kim

•Ocampo

•Okonjo-Iweala

BACKERS

BACKERS

BACKERS

-United State -Russia -Canada -European countries

-Nigeria -South-Africa -Angola Other African Countries

Brazil Dropped out of the race Friday to back Okonjo

By Immaculate Karambu

Mantega said.

But that plan appeared to have been shot down when Russia broke ranks with other BRICS members and endorsed Mr Kim after he visited Moscow.

“Taking into account professional qualities, experience and the competences of Mr Kim, Russia will support the candidacy of Jim Yong Kim,” Finance minister Anton Siluanov was quoted by the Interfax agency

as saying.

Brazilian World Bank director Rogerio Studart confirmed Mr Ocampo’s departure and acknowledged the BRICS group appeared split despite his country’s efforts.

“So one country is trying to get this common position, and another one is giving its own position,” he told the French news agency AFP. Even so, the BRICS would have had to pull in backing from major European powers to mount a significant challenge to Kim.

Thanks to a tacit agreement, the United States, the Bank’s biggest stakeholder, has always chosen its leader, with support from Europe, which in turn nominates the head of the International Monetary Fund.

That is expected to take place again on Monday, when the Bank’s directors formally meet to discuss who will replace outgoing president Robert Zoellick, the former US diplomat leaving in June at the end of his fiveyear term.

The position is crucial for much of the developing world. The president oversees a staff of some 9,000 economists, development experts and other specialists, and a loan portfolio that hit $258 billion in 2011.

Strong influence Western nations and Japan could have their way, given their strong influence in the bank’s voting process that is based on vote shares apportioned according to a country’s financial contribution.

The United States leads with 15.85 per cent of the vote, followed by Japan with 6.84 per cent.

China moved ahead of Germany (4 per cent), France and the United Kingdom (3.75 per cent each) after its share was raised to 4.42 per cent in 2010 to reflect its growing economic status in the world. India has a 2.91 per cent share, and Russia’s is 2.71 per cent. South Africa’s voting share is less than 1 per cent.

Source: Daily Nation/AFP

CANDIDATES PROFILE

Zoellick

(Outgoing World Bank president)

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigeria)

Jim Yong Kim (United States)

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, 57, is a star on the international economic scene, wearing the bright dresses of her homeland the way her predominantly male counterparts sport dark suits. As a girl, she fetched water from a stream and dodged bullets during the civil war. But she went on to earn an Ivy League education at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Currently Nigeria’s finance minister, she worked many years as an economist at the World Bank, rising to the position of managing director.

An anthropologist and physician, Dr. Kim emigrated to the U.S. from South Korea with his family when he was 5, settling in Iowa.

He was quarterback of his high school’s football team, school president and valedictorian. Dr. Kim, 52, co-founded Partners in Health, a non-profit agency that works in poorer countries, and ran the World Health Organization’s HIV-AIDS program.

One of his WHO initiatives successfully treated three million AIDS patients in 2005.

News Review

10

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Syria’s fragile truce, coups and Bo Easter Sunday suicide bomb kills 40 in Kaduna

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MASSIVE car bomb exploded on Easter Sunday in Kaduna killing at least nine people. Sixteen others were injured, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).The scene of the tragedy was the ever-busy Junction Road/Sardauna Crescent, a short distance from the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. Within minutes, the road was strewn with charred motorcycles and debris. Windows of nearby buildings were blown out by the force of the explosion. The All Nations Christian Assembly Church, which is strongly believed to the target of the attack, was badly damaged. The Easter service was in progress at the time of the explosion. The attack resembled earlier ones by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram. On the same day, operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) repelled an attack on the agency’s Senior Staff Training School, Bauchi. Two of the five Boko Haram members who sneaked into the school to launch the attack were gunned down while the remaining one took to their heels.

Boko Haram members storm Mali to support rebels

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T least 100 members of Nigeria’s Boko Haram have joined forces with the Tuaregs who are controlling the northern part of Mali.

The Boko Haram militants are based in the city of Gao and a Mali official, Abu Sidibe, told the AFP that “ they ‘re not hiding. Some are even able to speak in the local tongue, explaining that they are Boko Haram.” They were said to be among those who attacked the Algerian consulate in Gao recently.

Shaky cease-fire in Syrian conflict

S

YRIAN forces halted attacks on opposition strongholds on Thursday, in line with an UN-brokered truce to end 13 months of bloodshed in Syria, despite skepticism that the cease-fire would hold. Syrian rebels are fully committed to a UN-backed ceasefire which came into effect on Thursday, its spokesman said. The onus is on Syria’s government to keep to its promise to observe the cease-fire, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon told a news conference in Geneva on Thursday.

Annan’s plan set April 10 as the deadline for troop withdrawal and April 12 as the deadline for a complete cease-fire between the Syrian army and opposition groups. Annan said on Thursday that a ceasefire in Syria appears to be holding but Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must carry out all parts of an agreed peace plan. “Syria is apparently experiencing a rare moment of calm on the ground,” Annan said in a statement released as he briefed the UN Security Council.

S

Coup in Guinea-Bissau

OLDIERS in Guinea-Bissau detained the country’s interim president and the former prime minister, cutting short an unfinished presidential election in West Africa’s second military power grab in a month. A military spokesman confirmed the detentions of ex-premier and presidential election front-runner Carlos Gomes Junior and interim President Raimundo Pereira, following assaults by armed soldiers on their homes on Thursday evening. “They are well,” LieutenantColonel Daha Bana na Walna told reporters after a meeting at army headquarters in the capital Bissau between military officers and representatives of political parties in the small, coup-prone former Portuguese colony.

• US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle hosted thousands of children and their parents at the White House’s annual Easter egg roll. The president helped children in the egg-rolling race, played basketball and even performed a few press-ups.

CNPP wants Obasanjo’s failed third term plot probed

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HE Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) on Tuesday called for the investigation of the over N30billion public fund it claimed was blown on former President Olusegun Obasanjo alleged third term plot. Obasanjo said penultimate Friday on television that he had nothing to do with the bid and that it was in fact initiated by the National Assembly. But CNPP reacting through its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, said it was imperative to “know who authorised the opening of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s vault where over N30 billion was withdrawn; the foot soldiers who distributed monies to lobby National Assembly members, chiefs, emirs and sundry characters; and who collected.” The CNPP,he insisted ,was of “the candid view that the Third Term is much ado about the depletion of our natural resources, the failure of Obasanjo regime to complete any project, especially of the federal roads he awarded since assumption of office.”

Sylva not on th

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HE immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, is not on the run, his Media Adviser, Mr.Doifie Ola, has said. The exgovernor has not appeared in public since his exit from the Yenagoa Government

OBITUARY

ENGAGED

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Akin Omoboriowo Moses Majekodunmi –Second Republic deputy governor of announce engagement —First Republic Federal Minister of

H

OLLYWOOD Alisters Angelina Jolie, 36, and Brad Pitt, 48, are engaged to be married, a spokeswoman has confirmed. But no wedding date has yet been set, she added, describing the engagement as “a promise for the future”.

The couple, who are among Hollywood’s most widely recognised celebrities, have been together since 2005. They have six children together, including three adopted children.

They are “very happy” about the news, the spokeswoman said.

Jolie, the daughter of actor Jon Voight and actress Marcheline Bertrand, has starred in blockbuster films such as Mr & Mrs Smith, where she met Pitt. She won an Oscar for her performance in the 1999 film Girl, Interrupted. She was previously married to actors Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton. Pitt had high-profile relationships with actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Anniston, to whom he was married.

C

the Old Ondo State

HIEF Akinwole M i c h a e l Omoboriowo died on Tuesday, aged 80.He passed on at about 6pm at the Ikeja, Lagos residence of his eldest son, Akinwole (Jnr).The lawyer turned politician was a staunch ally of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo until both parted ways in the build up to the 1983 elections with Omoboriowo flying the flag of the then NPN against his former boss, the late Chief Adekunle Ajasin of the UPN .The NPN, using the instrument of state rigged the election massively in favour of Omoboriowo, sparking an unprecedented violent reaction from the people. Scores of prominent politicians were killed in the mayhem while Omoboriowo himself escaped death by the whiskers. His ‘election’ was overturned by the Supreme Court in favour of Ajasin.

Health and the Administrator of the Western Region during the political crisis of 1962

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R. Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi, died at his Ikoyi, Lagos residence on Wednesday. A consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr. Majekodunmi founded the famous St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos in 1968.He was 95 years. He will be buried in his Abeokuta hometown on Tuesday.

News Review

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

d Boko Haram threats T

ACN alleges threat to Aregbesola’s life

HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) alleged on Wednesday threat to the life of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).The plot,the ACN National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said, is within the context of a dastardly plot being engineered by the PDP to “destabilise the Southwest and soften the ground for the PDP ahead of the 2015 general elections,” adding : “The architects of this plot believe that unless the PDP destabilises the Southwest and gets rid of the man they see as an implacable for of the party (PDP),the President’s putative plan to run for re-election in 2015 will be in jeopardy, especially as they are afraid-for reasons best known to them-that the President will not get the backing of the Northwest and the Northeast in his quest for re-election.”

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Fed. Govt approves N2.6b for voter cards

HE Federal Government on Wednesday approved the sum of N2.6billion for the printing of 40million permanent voter cards ahead of the 2015 elections. The unit cost of the electronically enabled voter card is N65 and is expected to be ready within the next seven months. The new cards will replace the 73.5million temporary ones issued in respect of the 2011 polls, according to the Minister of information, Mr. Labaran Maku.

Panel under pressure to pardon sacked Zakari Biu

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HE Police Service Commission (PSC) is under pressure to convert the dismissal of the detained former police commissioner, Mr.Zakari Biu, to retirement. Biu was dismissed from the police on February 22 on the strength of the escape of a Boko Haram operative, Kabiru Sokoto, from police custody. The PSC, it was gathered, says a review of Biu’s case can only be possible if fresh facts warrant it or Biu convinces it beyond reasonable doubt that he had no hand in Kabiru’s escape.

Nigeria is going broke–Okonjo-Iweala not on the run-Aide House. Ola in a statement on Tuesday said Sylva decided to “keep a low profile because he does not want his security to be compromised,” in view of “the brazen disrespect for our laws which those charged with the maintenance of law and order in the land have exhibited since the outbreak of their riotous governorship adventure in Bayelsa State.”

F

INANCE Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo -Iweala painted a gloomy picture of the economy on Thursday when she said in Abuja that the country has only $3.6billion left in the excess crude account.

She told members of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) at a meeting that the implication is that “should the price of oil drop, we have no cushion,” adding that the amount is “not enough to sustain Nigeria for any period of time. She declared that the insistence of the state governors on sharing every kobo accruing to the country was unhealthy for the economy.

11

THE WEEK IN QUOTES “To fight corruption, we need a leader who is not corrupt; who does not allow people around him to be corrupt; and where a local government chairman will not be allowed to be corrupt.”

–Nuhu Ribadu, Chairman, Petroleum Taskforce, in a lecture on ‘National Development and Mismanagement: Forces at Opposite Roles” in Lagos.

“The National Security Adviser (Gen. Patrick Azazi) is a decoration. He is incapable and should be removed immediately. He has not performed up to the required standard.”

–Anglican Bishop of Enugu, The Right Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma, reacting to the Easter Day bombings in Kaduna.

“The Nigerian government should consider creating a Ministry of Northern Affairs or a development commission similar to what it did in response to the Niger Delta crisis.

Northern population are currently trapped between violent extremists on one hand and heavy handed government responses on the other. They need to know that their president is going to extraordinary lengths to fix their problems.”

–Jonnie Carson, U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs on the Nigerian situation, in Washington D.C.

“Immediately I became Senate President, he told me of his intentions and told me how he wanted to achieve it. I initially did not take him seriously until the events began to unfold.”

–Chief Ken Nnamani, former Senate President on the statement by former President Olusegun Obasanjo that he told no one he wanted a third term in office.

Boko Haram threatens Jonathan

A

BUBAKAR Shekau, leader of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, posted a video message on You Tube on Thursday, boasting that the Federal Government was incapable of stopping it. Shekau, in the 14minute message said: “Until now, nobody was able to do that (destroy us),and you too will not be able to do anything, with God’s help.”

PEOPLE OF THE WEEK OLUSEGUN OBASANJO

F

IRST came his unexpected resignation as Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Even while the dust raised by that action had not settled with his legion of critics still sniffing around for the ‘real’ reasons for the resignation, the former President went on television to say he never told anyone he wanted a third term in office and that if he wanted it he knew precisely how to make it happen. Some of the players in the heat of the third term project-for and against- have since taken over from where Obasanjo stopped. Senate President at the time, Chief Ken Nnamani says the former President told him of his intention while Nnamani’s deputy claims the initiative came from the National Assembly

•Chukwuma •Carson

•Ribadu

Man jailed for his saggy jeans

It’s a weird world

Ohio man charged after six puppies found in suitcase

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MAN has been jailed by an American judge for wearing saggy trousers. Twenty-yearold LaMarcus Ramsey was in Autauga County Circuit Court, in Alabama, to enter a plea on a charge of receiving stolen property. Circuit judge John Bush told Ramsey his blue jeans were sagging too low and gave him a three-day sentence for contempt of court.

A

N Ohio man has been charged with animal aban donment after a litter of six English bulldog puppies was found in a suitcase with a tag bearing his name, according to Humane Society authorities.Cyndi Condit, spokeswoman for the Toledo Area Humane Society told Reuters that the man, identified as Howard Davis of Toledo, lived only two blocks from where the suitcase was found.

The mother of the puppies was found pacing around the suitcase, which attracted the attention of a passerby.

“Howard’s name was on the tag of the suitcase and the mother was licensed to him,” Condit said. After the dogs were found April 4 in a Toledo alley, Davis was charged with a second degree misdemeanour, which carries with it a maximum $750 fine and 90 days in jail, according to John Dinon, the Toledo Area Humane Society’s executive director. Davis told investigators that he had given the dogs to a friend in Michigan and that the suitcase had in fact been stolen earlier. There was no explanation as to how the adopted dogs got back from Michigan in the stolen suitcase.

•Nnamani

Students trash crossChannel ferry

A

FERRY company has refused to bring a group of UK students home from France after they went on a drunken rampage. Around 200 students from Manchester wrecked a P&O Dover to Calais ferry and frightened fellow passengers. A P&O spokeswoman said they were forced to take all non-university passengers to an area of the ship which is usually an exclusive lounge so they were “out of harm’s way”.

12

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

COMMENT and ANALYSIS

13

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Festus Eriye efestus2003@yahoo.com 08052135878 (SMS only)

Here comes the Ministry for Northern Affairs

What the war against terror in Nigeria needs is firmness and focus, not another bureaucracy

Lekan Otufodunrin Otufodunrin@thenationonlineng.net 08050498530 (SMS only)

‘My mother is in there (fire)’

I

•Johnnie Carson

•Abubakar Shekau

A

strategy that speeds up development in the region is vital.

But that is as far as it goes. I totally disagree with the ‘one formula fits all’ approach being promoted by the American diplomat and others – particularly his call for the establishment of a Ministry of Northern Affairs in the manner of the Ministry of Niger Delta.

I can already hear some crying ‘A ha!

Tribalist!’ Why can’t that which is good for the goose be sauce for the gander, they would ask?

Such questions arise because our heads are firmly stuck in ethnic prisms. We cannot see that peculiar problems need their own unique solutions.

While we are at it why not have a Ministry of South-West Affairs or a Ministry of SouthEast Problems – given that virtually all geopolitical zones of this country have crippling challenges confronting them? After creating these super-ministries we should ask ourselves whether local and state governments still have any relevance as agents of development.

This sort of thinking is a slippery slope that takes us nowhere. During the 2007 presidential campaign when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar first mooted the idea, I thought it was laughable. I was shocked when Umaru Yar’Adua’s new administration pinched and implemented it with alacrity.

Five years down the line it is debatable whether the Niger Delta Ministry has made any difference as means of reducing or eradicating poverty in the region. These bureaucratic contraptions only enrich the microscopic elite, while dropping tokens of development to the local communities. Economic desperation still pervades the zone. That is why certain key cities like Warri are under siege by armed robbers and kidnappers.

If a semblance of peace exists in the creeks it is not because of the creation of some bu-

DVOCATES of negotiations and appeasement must be nodding in agreement with the suggestions made by the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, on how to deal with the insurgency in the North-East.

Carson, who spoke last Monday at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Washington D.C, called for talks. Blaming extreme poverty for feeding the conflict, he urged the Federal Government to consider creating a Ministry of Northern Affairs or a development commission similar to what it did in response to the Niger Delta crisis.

Whatever Carson says cannot be dismissed lightly. His is an influential voice that governments across the continent listen to. But while his speech was well-reasoned, it hardly broke new ground in the solutions he offered. It was the stereotypical take on what is happening – blame it all on poverty.

It is true that large swathes of the region suffer from poverty, but I have always argued that poverty is not a franchise owned exclusively by the North. An excursion round the country would show that millions of our people are laboring daily under grinding poverty in virtually every zone. And, yet, they have not all set up their own Boko Haram.

More importantly, I have never come across any mission statement of the sect where it made economic demands. It has always been about religious beliefs. This is not your typical uprising driven by hunger.

I rather agree with the position taken by Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) president, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, which sees Boko Haram as the product of extreme religious ideology. He makes the interesting point that were poverty the only explanation, then the likes of Osama bin Laden and the Underwear Bomber, Farouk Abdulmutallab, who had affluent backgrounds would never have become terrorists.

Even if we allow that extreme lack created the environment for the sect to rise, the group has not set out its agenda as that of economic empowerment. It does not promise the wretched of the earth a more prosperous tomorrow. The only swift exit from poverty it offers its clueless followers is to be blown to smithereens by IEDs. Whatever is sustaining the group is not economics: it is something more sinister. It is misguided religious zeal; it is fear on the part of its captive adherents and a certain folly that sees terror as something glamorous and admirable. These bin-Laden wannabes get their kicks posing with AK47s and posting silly, boastful videos on YouTube for 15 seconds of fame.

I have always supported a tough stance in dealing with this group. But I am also aware that while pursuing the military approach, the government has to have a political strategy for winning the hearts of the people in Boko Haram’s recruitment pool. To that extent, I agree with Carson that a comprehensive and broad based

“Whatever is sustaining the group is not economics: it is something more sinister. It is misguided religious zeal; it is fear on the part of its captive adherents and a certain folly that sees terror as something glamorous and admirable. These bin-Laden wannabes get their kicks posing with AK47s and posting silly, boastful videos on YouTube for 15 seconds of fame”

reaucracy; it is because the chief gunmen and warlords were bought off and set up for life.

Their foot soldiers that were herded into rehabilitation camps rise up from to time to time to protest non-payment of their measly allowances.

We can go ahead and offer the same package to Abubakar Shekau and his Boko Haram goons and see how far it gets us. My fear, though, is that the sect will not bite because they are not after bread but martyrdom, vengeance and control.

In their latest YouTube missive to President Goodluck Jonathan, they restated their raison d’être which is to kill Christians and destroy Christianity in Nigeria. They also vowed to kill all Muslims aiding the government’s campaign against the group.

In one pithy sound bite Shekau declared: “You Jonathan cannot stop us like you boasted, instead we will devour you in the three months like you are boasting. If death is your worldly gain, for us, it is eternal victory to die working for Allah. Our joy is to die in Jihad for Allah against infidels like you…”

What do you offer a fanatic with a death wish? A development plan? Certainly not! You send him on his way with dispatch; you defeat him – even if it takes you years. We really don’t have much option in the matter.

People who are remotely interested in dialogue would not send out signals like the Easter holiday massacre in Kaduna. Luckily for the government they don’t have to do much to win the hearts and minds of the people because many of those being slaughtered by Boko Haram are their very own people; the neighbourhoods being devastated are their very own heartland.

Cowardly and senseless killings are no way to pursue any political or religious agenda.

So what can be done going forward?

Firstly, the government must sustain pressure on the sect – with the primary aim of breaking them militarily. We must be realistic and not have any illusions that this will happen in June 2012. It could take a while.

Nigeria should put diplomatic pressure on neighbouring countries such that their territories become increasingly hostile for the sect. Our neighbours have to be made to understand that providing sanctuary for Boko Haram would be costly for them.

On the home front, political pressure should be mounted on Northern local and state governments to justify the huge sums they receive on a monthly basis. Rather than creating new agencies and bureaucracies we should demand that existing structures fulfill their developmental mandates.

While at it, we may also want to investigate this whole business of how the North became so poor. Who impoverished the region and how? When we identify the culprits and make them account, then the entire zone might just begin the long road to rebirth.

HAVE seen many pictures of grief stricken persons, but the picture of Master Bolaji Bankole on the front page of The Punch of April 12 is one of the few that almost made me shed tears. I was really grieved by the picture of the crying young boy and the woman consoling him over the death of his mother in a motor accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway last Wednesday.

Bolaji, the mother, and other passengers were reportedly travelling to Ibadan when the two tyres of their vehicle burst and the driver lost control and hit a culvert. Six of the passengers sustained injuries while four of them, including Bolaji’s mother and a baby were burnt beyond recognition.

As the Federal Road Safety Corps team worked to remove the bodies from the bus, Bolaji pointed to the vehicle wailing “My mother is in there, my mother is in there”.

What an agonizing experience for a young man. I wasn’t surprise when a colleague said she shed some tears when she saw the picture. My sincere condolence to Bolaji and families of others who died in the accident.

The accident is yet another case of endless loss of lives on the notorious LagosIbadan Express way. Over the years the road has become very bad with many instances of avoidable ghastly accidents. Various attempts have been made in the past to repair parts of the road and a major reconstruction work is expected to commence soon, but presently the highway remain a death trap requiring urgent attention.

The contractor handling the rehabilitation of the road and the Ogun State government have been locked in a battle over some issues which have stalled the repair. For the sake of the lives of thousands of people who ply the road daily, the matter should be urgently resolved and the dangerous points fixed ahead of the major repair to be done.

The above accident is likely to have been caused by over-speeding by the runaway driver on the dilapidated road. It is unfortunate that despite repeated warnings, commercial drivers especially don’t heed the advice and are quick to claim that that they have been driving for years and should not be taught how to drive.

I was once involved in an accident on the same road in 1982 when the driver of the vehicle I travelled in from Ibadan ignored our plea not to over speed. I and other passengers were lucky to have survived as the vehicle summersaulted and almost plunged into a ditch.

If we are to reduce accidents on our roads, it is important that drivers abide by speed limits. Officials of the Road Safety should enforce speed limits and penalize those caught violating them. Other traffic regulations including ensuring that vehicles are road worthy should also be enforced.

Perhaps due to the economic situation in the country, many commercial and even private vehicle owners do not regularly maintain their vehicles and are therefore in some cases accidents waiting to happen. Drivers of poorly maintained vehicles have to realise that they are not only endangering their lives, but that of their passengers and other road users.

It used to be that FRSC officials do not behave like policemen who set up toll gates on roads, but that is no longer the case as some of them now openly collect bribes and allow all kinds of road safety violations.

My heart goes out to Bolaji who has been rendered motherless by Wednesday’s accident. I pray that God will grant him the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.

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Ogochukwu Ikeje ohgeeoh@gmail.com 08084235961 (SMS only)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Comment & Analysis

HERE is a lot to thank Mr. Johnnie Carson for. The American who is Assistant Secretary for African Affairs means well for Nigeria and its people. Like you and me, he wants an end to the violence and bloodletting perpetrated by the fundamentalist group Boko Haram. He wants peace and stability in our country which is a major supplier of much needed crude oil to his country. He wants our governments to really govern and develop our people and territory they were inaugurated to administer.

In fact, Carson, speaking recently in Washington, identified the violence in the land, including the Boko Haram onslaught, as a manifestation of the discontent of misgoverned Nigerians. He believes misery is widespread across the landscape and that disenchanted elements are latching onto it to hit back at the government and nearly everyone else.

I agree, to some extent, because we have seen all of that at work in the Niger Delta where a determined civilian army commonly known as militants took the fight to the federal government and virtually everybody else. We have also seen disturbing cases of young people violently robbing their fellow country folks when the robbers would have been better engaged in lawful and fruitful pursuits and helping to build their fatherland.

Carson also believes that misery is far more prevalent in the North than it is anywhere else in the country. To scale back this Northern woe, the American suggested that

A Ministry for the North?

Less talk and more counter-terrorism work will contain Boko Haram, not special Ministry a federal government ministry or development commission be established for the region in the hopes, or perhaps, even conviction, that it will solve the Boko Haram problem. He wants a ministry created for the region just as one was established for the Niger Delta.

I disagree with this idea of setting up a special ministry for the North. Ministries do not in themselves amount to anything. It is people who drive them. It is people who drive policies and programmes and redress wrongs. Carson was right, however, when he observed that poor governance in Nigeria has left health, education, transportation and power infrastructure in shambles. But it worth noting that for each of these sectors which he mentioned there is a ministry even though all the trillions of naira shovelled into them every year have changed little or nothing in the lives and circumstances of the Nigerian people. Even the Niger Delta

Ministry which Carson referred to has had little effect on Niger Deltans since its creation.

Militancy was curtailed in the region by the federal government’s programme of pardon and rehab otherwise known as Amnesty granted the combatants. The Niger Delta Ministry had nothing to do with it. In fact, the face of the region is still ugly in spite of the Ministry. The deprivation subsists. The suffering endures.

The question should rather be how to get Nigerian office holders to perform and not consistently disappoint their people. The instruments and platforms of development have always been there. What has been lacking is the human element to make the instruments and platforms work for the people, rather than against them.

Besides, how can Carson convince Nigerians especially those of other regions that federal government’s neglect is peculiar to

“The North does not need a special Ministry to develop or to contain the belligerence and blood-thirst of Boko Haram. What it needs is its leaders, from the local councils to the state level and beyond, using the funds and resources at their disposal to better the lot of their people. This is also my position on the rest regions of the country but, and this should be stressed, the federal government should drive the process”

the North? Can that argument stick in the Southeast? Or the Southwest? Which part of the country bears the developmental imprint of the federal government worth crowing about? Should a ministry then be created for every region?

The North does not need a special ministry to develop or to contain the belligerence and blood-thirst of Boko Haram. What it needs is its leaders, from the local councils to the state level and beyond, using the funds and resources at their disposal to better the lot of their people. This is also my position on the rest regions of the country but, and this should be stressed, the federal government should drive the process. The Jonathan administration should realise this and inspire developmental change. It must be the spring of inspiration across the land, and not limit itself to party patronage.

Will this help to contain the Boko Haram insurgency? I believe it will but in the in the long term.

In the short term and with the sect’s bombers constantly reinventing themselves and their craft, much more focused counter-terrorism action needs to be taken. The Jonathan administration needs to talk less and work more if it hopes to contain the terrorists. The President and his security personnel have been boasting too much about checking the Islamist fundamentalists. The State Security Service has always said the sect’s days are numbered. Recently, President Jonathan said the group would soon go into oblivion. But these assurances have not deterred the terrorists who continue to hit at Nigerians. At Easter, joy was mixed with utter sorrow as blood flowed yet again in the North.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Comment & Analysis

15

Let’s probe third term agenda We have to revisit the plot, as the CNPP suggested

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T might have sounded like fiction, but it was true, that, in spite of our political development, former President Olusegun Obasanjo tried to play a fast one on Nigerians by surreptitiously seeking an elongation of his two-term mandate of four years each, to three. The good news is that the agenda crashed like a pack of cards, thanks to the eternal vigilance of Nigerians. But in this age when former leaders elsewhere are being held to account for their actions and inactions in office, it is important that we review that plot, not only for its disgusting nature, but more importantly because a lot of the tax-payers money was said to have been spent on the failed bid.

This is one reason we are supporting the call by the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to commence an inquiry into the allegation of how N30 billion was withdrawn from the vaults of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and allegedly spent to further the aborted third term agenda.

Mr. Osita Okechukwu, national publicity secretary of the umbrella body for political parties in the country puts it succinctly: “CNPP calls on EFCC to probe the failed exercise. EFCC is in good stead to carry out this probe because the Chairman of EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde, was the operations man in the commission during this sordid era.” He said further: “We want to know who authorised the opening of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s vault where over N30 billion was withdrawn, the foot soldiers who distributed monies to lobby National Assembly members, chiefs, emirs, obas and sundry characters who collected.’’

The reckless spending witnessed during the period was a depletion of our national revenue base and such irresponsible behaviour could be said to have been largely responsible for failure of the Obasanjo regime to complete many meaningful projects, especially federal roads that are still today begging for attention across the federation.

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HE memorable Passover (or the Feast of Unleavened Bread) was was some hours few hours before the arrest Of Jesus and eventual crucifixion on the Cross of Calvary. During the feast (also known as the Last Supper), Christ broke a bread into pieces after blessing it and shared it with his disciples and later shared a cup of wine after giving thanks to his Heavenly Father – both the bread and the wine respectively symbolising his body and blood that would be wasted on the cross on behalf of humanity in order to atone for the Adamic sin and its consequences of imperfection, suffering and death. Some hours later, Christ was betrayed with thirty silver pieces by one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot. He was sentenced to death under trumped-charges.

In any case, the hopes in Christ’s sacrificial death cannot be underestimated. For one, through his priceless bloodshed on the Cross of Calvary, every true believer, by divine grace, has been made anew, spiritually and humanly wise.

Certainly, this has buoyed hopes for true believers about everlasting life after this earthly sojourn that is replete with uncertainties, pains and sufferings.

As we commemorated the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ last week, there is no gainsaying that this Easter of divine grace is a clarion call to us to lead a life of spirituality,

Without equivocation, all reasonable Nigerians and even international figures and countries were aware of Chief Obasanjo’s plan to stay put in power beyond 2007. He was warned but he ignored admonitions from renowned names like the globally revered Nelson Mandela.

Surprisingly, the same Chief Obasanjo recently in an interview with one of the television stations said that he never “toyed with the idea of a third term and that it was some members of the National Assembly that initiated the move to amend the constitution, with a view to accommodating the plan.’’

However Senator Ibrahim Mantu, former Deputy Senate President and the Chairman of the National Assembly Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) in 2006 publicly declared Chief Obasanjo as the only qualified father and leader of modern Nigeria that deserved another term. Mantu added that Nigeria cannot get to the Promised Land without Obasanjo.

The same Mantu recently said that there was never a time that former President Obasanjo lobbied him to use his position as chairman of the CRC to bend the rules and ensure the passage of the tenure elongation clause. It is sad to note that Nigeria lacks leaders and politicians with valour who can take responsibility for their actions or inactions in office.

President Obasanjo had no respect for the principle of separation of powers and the doctrine of

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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checks and balances during his eight years reign.

With impunity, he had forced the federal legislature to remove their leadership and even on many occasions defied their directives. Even at the state level, we recollect how he used the EFCC to coerce legislatures to remove governors even while sitting outside their legislative jurisdictions. But he would never tolerate the lawmakers to do same to him.

Assuming Chief Obasanjo was not in the know of the third term jamboree, he would have stopped the CRC from inserting a tenure extension clause meant to benefit him personally and probably damage his reputation if it failed - the plan actually failed in the end but at a huge cost to Nigeria. We lost a lot of valuable man-hours tackling the former president to ensure his ambition never materialised, much money went into the project which also led to acrimonies that unduly heated the polity.

Despite the huge amount publicly believed to have been circulated then, Chief Obasanjo, quite unlike him, looked the other way, confirming his involvement in the deal. We ask: why didn’t he call on the EFCC to probe the issue of money allegedly changing hands during the tenure elongation saga? One profound remark admonishing federal lawmakers to do the needful despite pecuniary gains was made by the former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, in his opening address on the day the death knell of tenure elongation was pronounced to wit: “…We should not become political entrepreneurs who pander after personal gains, but rather delegates and trustees of the people who will preserve democratic governance.”

We call on the EFCC to see the call by CNPP for probe of the third term as a national assignment of fundamental significance. It is inconceivable to think that at that period when oil price was at its peak of between $140 and $145 per barrel, the gains of that time, rather than being spent on things that could better the lot of Nigerians, were frittered on the altar of inordinate ambition. All those who allegedly took and gave the money must be brought to book.

LETTERS

The hope of life in Christ’s death piety, chastity, humility, selfless service and self-abnegation. This is especially paramount in our modern society where narcissistic individualism, greed, hubris and self – aggrandisement and the attendant evils are on the ascendancy. Embodying these unsavoury developments is

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OU will agree with me that the President Goodluck Jonathan we used to know after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua and before the 2011 general elections is indeed a rebranded fellow today.

Many transformations have taken place in his life and style of administration. I will raise some salient issues to drive home my point.

President Jonathan who promised to bring heaven to earth gave Nigerians the worst New Year gift any Nigerian President has ever given- both military and civilian- when he completely removed the socalled fuel subsidy on the first day of January, 2012. He thereby caused grievous hardship on many citizens who were made to pay more than twice the initial amount of transportation fare to their

what could be termed “mefirst syndrome”, which is unfolding and threatening to tear apart the basic fabric of our society. On this note, think of the ravaging effects of greed driven acts of impropriety like corruption and mismanagement of public funds in our country to-

day. Rather than emulating the exemplary life of honesty, accountability, altruism and selfsacrifice of Jesus, the interest of many of us today is aroused and propelled by selfishness, greed, avarice, hedonism and selfaggrandisement. Many people today have shunned the ennobling life of self-denial, which

is comparable to bearing the cross of others, as exemplified in Christ’s death. Rather, they have shown a predilection for acquiring material things for themselves like millions or billions of naira worth of mansions that look like the legendary Taj Mahal in India and state of the art cars whose costs can help lift millions of people out of poverty and misery. Disturbingly, some of

The real President Jonathan various destinations after the Christmas festivity. When Nigerians took to the street, though he did not completely back down, but it has been recorded in history that a certain civilian president in the country made the citizens he promised to provide for to pass through untold hardship.

As if that was just a preamble, he made sure that the Governor of his state, Bayelsa, Governor Timipre Sylva was not allowed to get the ticket of their party, PDP for reasons best known to him. And he also made sure that his preferred candidate for the post, Mr. Henry Dickson was not only given the party ticket, but was made to win at the poll through various rigging

process or manipulation.

When we thought that the President was done, he again told Nigerians that he is not a different species from other politicians in the country when he worked round the clock in making sure that other candidates for the chairmanship position of his party stepped down for his preferred candidate, Bamanga Tukur who was later declared unopposed candidate for the position, a move many Northern politicians have described as preparing the ground for him (Jonathan) to have an easy sail in the 2015 Presidential ticket of his party.

I wish to say that with the way President Jonathan is going, I have not seen anything different in what he is doing to what former President Olusegun Obasanjo did while he was in

office. But, should he contest for the 2015 Presidential election, which I am sure he will, he might not get the type of good will he got in the 2011 election as many Nigerians have lost hope in his administration and promises, hence, he will have to repeat the rigging feat of 2007 or even worse to come back to power as Nigerians are now made to believe that the President is very desperate to remain in that stool than what he portrayed in 2011.

History will judge us all and our President will either have his name in the hall of fame or that of shame; only time will tell.

Azowue Emmanuel Political Science and International Relations Dept, University of Abuja

those in desperate pursuit of material things in our midst are hell-bent on grabbing more forgetting that they would not take such acquisitions to the great beyond, because empty-handed we came into this world and in the same manner we are leaving it one day.

Today, the human system is at a crossroads. This is coupled with the high hopes about unfolding of Universalist dreams of globalisation and globalised economy. On the other side of the world situations are heartrending developments like ghastly intra and inter-state armed conflicts virulent ethnic nationalism, religious fundamentalism, threats of nuclear armament, upsurge of crime and violence (including trans-border crimes), terrorism, oppression and injustice.

However, as beneficiaries of Christ’s death, Easter festivity should be a great opportunity for us to recourse to deeper spiritual rumination and self-introspection on our individual lifestyle in order to make it being in conformity with God’s purpose. This should be done in earnest because an unexamined life is not worth living.

May the good Lord, through the inestimable value of the blood of Jesus help us cleanse and heal our deeply troubled land.

By Okechukwu Emeh, Jr Abuja

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Energy crisis: Time for governors to rescue citizens Ropo Sekoni ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

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HE country’s energy crisis seems to be going from bad to worse by the day. At the beginning of President Jonathan’s regime of transformation, he appointed a minister of energy that was believed to carry the magic wand to end the country’s decades of darkness. The President himself even boasted that in a matter of months, Nigerians would throw away their generators because of the abundance of electricity for industrial and domestic use that would come out of the creativity of the energy minister. The dream now appears over and the nation has been returned to the real world of nightmarish darkness.

In place of more megawatts promised in 2011, we now have an avalanche of excuses. Some PHCN officials have been fired for sabotage. PHCN workers who are philosophically opposed to privatization of electricity are also on a war path with the minister

Femi Orebe femi.orebe @thenationonlineng.net 08056504626 (sms only)

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WROTE as follows in a recent online contribution on the rabble rousing efforts of the PDP to claw its way back into any reckoning in the South-West: 'I think it is just as well that on his way out of any meaningful position in the PDP, Obasanjo ensured that the affairs of his party in the South-West was not left in the hands of any of Tunde Adeniran or Ebenezer Babatope neither of who could have deployed disinformation as tactics.

I had only a while ago drawn attention to the immediate nosedive in PDP affairs, at least, far worse than the days of Bode George who, as its South-West National Chairman, never really endeared himself or his party to our people. Yet lies were not his method and this their new, thoroughly un-polished style has the distinct possibility of giving, not Segun Oni, but the entire Ekiti people, names we do not deserve.

In less than three weeks after he took over as their points man in the geo-political zone, three big lies had been told, namely: that A C N governors who are doing everything to cope with paying the N18,000 minimum wage contributed N2Billion each to Tinubu’s birthday celebration- a most unreasonable lie, if you ask me that Aregbesola is sending to Cuba for training –the same Cuba from where they fraudulently procured billion naira eye doctors ( tell me where a state government needs a third party agent to enter into an agreement, officially, with Cuba) - those he would use to execute his seces-

Governors need to look in the direction of renewable energy forms and technologies over the firing of their officials.

Multinational companies producing natural gas are being accused of moving the country further into darkness by not leaving enough gas to power turbines. PHCN itself is believed to owe gas producers over 80 billion naira for natural gas already supplied to it. We are also being told that the water level in the country’s hydro-power plant is too low. There is no way of knowing what the next excuse will be.

Citizens have always been aware that the federal government cannot get the country out of the woods of darkness. The federal government appears to be more capable of governing states than citizens. If the model had been right in the first instance, provision of electricity should not have been an exclusive federal responsibility.

And citizens would not have had to castigate the federal government for failure to provide electricity. It was the mania for unity and control of the states and local communities by the central government that led military dictators and their civilian accomplices to insist that electricity and railway remain on the exclusive list. It is now clear

even to the federal government that the era of deception is over.

Without doubt, the federal government or the president, as ever, is removed from citizens’ direct needs and concerns. It is the state government and the governor that are within earshot of citizens’ complaints and yearnings. If it was not for a constitution that made transmission of electricity an exclusive federal function for decades, people would have been holding their governors and local governments responsible for the darkness in their homes and factories. Perhaps, such complaints would have been heard long ago to the extent that electricity would have been a basic social service to citizens all over the country, the same way it is in civilized countries.

Whether there is any merit to a folk theory that making electricity and railway exclusive federal responsibilities was a deliberate conspiracy to slow states down and keep citizens in a hurry to join the modern world frustrated, it is clear that the federal government is tired of having to be responsible for provision of electricity. This must be why it recently said that states and communities are free to generate,

transmit, and distribute electricity.

Whether governors believe or not, critical citizens are soon going to start asking questions why their governors are not taking advantage of de-regulation of energy.

Governors should get ahead of their citizens in this regard, by quickly turning the challenge inherent in the federal government’s announcement regarding de-regulation of generation and transmission of electricity into an opportunity to provide verifiable service to their citizens.

No other service being provided by the states at present is likely to have much impact without electricity. Health, education, and social security programmes generally amount to little when hospitals have no reliable electricity to chill medications or power health-delivery machines and when school teachers and students have no electricity to provide illumination at night to study, let alone access the web to garner additional information. Only few civil service and parastatal jobs can be created without reliable electricity supply. Governors who want their citizens employed need to invest in energy, even if this is

at the expense of other services they currently provide.

While state governments should pressure the federal government to release funds set aside for white-elephant energy projects, they should initiate a new approach to energy. Governors need to look in the direction of renewable energy forms and technologies.

They should motivate the private sector to get into wind, solar, biomass, biofuel, sea and other forms of hydropower plants. Many countries in the world including India, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are already using the model of multiple energy portfolios that include micro-hydro systems and villagescale and community-scale minigrids to provide electricity for their citizens. For example, over 2 million people in East Africa are now on reliable electricity provided by small and micro energy enterprises.

Governors need to encourage PPP to take advantage of the promise by the African Development Bank to commit funds to renewable energy plants in Nigeria.

They should be prepared to engage their citizens by opening their policy room to citizens to make suggestions on what current services offered by states should be replaced by commitment to energy projects. This is the most effective way to start re-federalizing the country.

South-West PDP: Lies as tactics Our people are much wiser and if the PDP people do not yet know this, then they know nothing at all sion plan- as if secession is a tea party - and this allegation of a long list of what Tinubu owns or does not own’.

I wrote further: I had expected, and said so much then, that with Segun Oni as National Vice-Chairman, PDP politics here will become more nuanced and that the political temperature in the region will be tolerable.

I had warned on that occasion, however, that Oni, rather than his rabble of aides, should drive the process. But I obviously spoke too soon because with the likes of Babade –their regional spokesperson- and others like him being the party’s think tank, we apparently have not seen anything’.

Ever the strategist, Obasanjo who was their undisputed leader when the party suffered its worst defeat in the South-West was perceptive enough to have gone to the very nadir of the party's hierarchy to hand pick his men. That way he has guaranteed, a priori, a worse showing for the party in future elections so that no small boy would ever poke a finger in his nose claiming success where he failed dismally. That these men were deliberately handpicked was confirmed on a Channel’s Television interview by my very good friend and classmate , Prof Femi Otubanjo, a Political Science Professor who, in the logic of the PDP, rated both Oni and Oyinlola as their best in the region because –and wait for this – the two men are fighting ‘gubernatorial wars’ that had long been lost to the A C N incumbents.

Reading the body language of

the PDP in the South-West, it is obvious that their toughest challenge is not the yeoman’s efforts of our respective state governors in various sectors of their state’s economy, but the all-pervading peace the region now enjoys in place of the total mayhem and the general insecurity that enveloped the region in their time. Lies are therefore being purveyed with reckless abandon believing that they can thereby inflict a chink on the glowing armour of the A C N. But our people are much wiser and if the PDP people do not yet know this, then they know nothing at all.

I am not by any means suggesting that the A C N is there yet in all areas where the PDP left the South-West: whether in its ruined education, or decayed infrastructure but even the blind can see the purposeful efforts being made by each of the governors in re-engineering the parlous states they inherited some months back.

Schools are returning to the good old days; teachers are not only being trained but, indeed, being themselves examined via structured examinations in a determined train-the- trainers programme which will make them better teachers. This is not as simple as it looks as PDP political acolytes among the teachers, who are used to the easy days of their sinecure appointments, and thoe of them just out to play the spoiler, are fighting back; sending thoroughly inane and scurillous text messages to the Commissioners of Education like the one the hard-working Dr Eniola Ajayi, the Ekiti State Education Commissioner, recently

forwarded to me. This page is too hallowed to allow a rehash of that crude and poorly written message. But the state governments are determined to carry that programme to its logical conclusion because it also has the added advantage of reducing examination malpractices in our schools since well trained, and, competent teachers are most unlikely to resort to anti-social ways of getting their students to pass examinations. Increased salaries and welfare packages for the teachers are also guaranteed to ensure that they can fight back untoward requests from some parents. Overall, these will redound well to standards in our schools.

This is not to forget the fact that in order to improve infrastructure in the schools, the current state governors all have paid up the about 2-3 years’ UBEC counterpart funds which PDP governors failed to pay and for which reason, SUBEB, in all the South-West states, except Lagos, could not access billions of naira which would have tremendously improved our schools.

As you read this, hundreds of schools are being built simultaneously in the states just as much needed tools and equipment are being procured to enhance the learning process.

But that party, in spite of its bewildering atomisation in the South-West, with its more credible leaders dispatched to the back burner of political reckoning, is not going to die a quiet death as its one-time Chairman, Board of Trustees, is out there, assigning duties where he cannot

personally go to eat pounded yam. But God bless the mother of a one-time impeached governor who reminded her son how many days she spent at Ota without the courtesy of an audience. Omo ta ba wi fun, baba je o gbo. We can only hope that a very unsteady Ladoja will learn useful lessons from Mama’s words of advice.

Between now and the next elections, the PDP in the South-West will get much more disoriented, vicious and dangerous. When they were in authority we knew no peace and dangerous assignments are now being given their various roughnecks, their flushed out senators in particular. As federal appointments are not forthcoming from Abuja and, indeed, look like they have dried up, they are going to descend on the region like leeches and God knows that given their antecedents, we cannot put anything beyond them. Indeed, Engr Segun Oni had no qualms in promising to make Osun state ungovernable, an un-rebutted statement which summed up his Vice-Chairmanship for me personally.

Therefore, henceforth for the good people of Yoruba land, for our peace of mind and for the states’ uninterrupted efforts at enhancing development, vigilance will be key. The PDP in its present luckless condition, is too dangerous to be treated with benign neglect. We must all rise up and be our brother’s keeper; we must duly report any and every strange moves we notice or come across.

Our long term development and overall peace in the South-West will be a function of how definitively we nail the PDP here come the next elections. Our guarantee for that will, however, be a sterling performance by our various governments which will, all the more, expose PDP’s vacuity.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Tunji

Adegboyega tunjade@yahoo.co.uk 08054503906 (sms only)

W

ITH the death, on April 10, of former Deputy Governor of the old Ondo State, Chief Akinwale Michael Omoboriowo in Lagos, the usual deceitful encomiums are beginning to pour in from the country’s high places. Those are the places where such habit is common; but it is the people on the street who can give a more accurate epitaph of the dead, particularly when such had held important public offices in their lifetime. As usual, some people have begun posting comments on the Internet that people should not speak ill of the dead. I do not understand what they are saying. I think rather than keep saying this nonsense after people are dead; those who believe in the expression should admonish the likes of Chief Omoboriowo to serve well if and when they find themselves in positions of responsibility. As it is no use crying over spilt milk, so it is no use pleading that history be distorted simply because the subjectmatter is now dead. That cannot be an excuse to stand history on its head.

Chief Omoboriowo, as some claim, might have been more popular than the then Governor Adekunle Ajasin that the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) favoured for the job of governor of the state in 1979.

But by the time the election was held in 1983, it was clear the people voted for the party and not necessarily the person. And that was clear in the spontaneity of the violence that

Postscript, Unlimited!

By

Oyinkan Medubi 08187172799 (SMS only) puchuckles7@gmail.com

L

AST week, we hinted categorically that the problem with this country lies in the decidedly unwholesome sets of values that Nigerians in general have imbibed, which everyone knows will lead the country to self-destruction. We also promised to begin to examine today how we can each change from our cannibalistic urges spurned by state rottenness to more altruistic ones spurned by self-sacrifice for the greater good.

Indeed, there is so much rottenness in the land that were Hamlet the Noble Prince to be placed just once at the centre of the Nigerian drama, he would have no qualms declaring, between stressful gasps, that it is not just that there is ‘something’ rotten in the state; he would go ‘... everything is unspeakably rotten in the state of Nigeria!’ True. For this prince, there would be none of all those doubts, the need to feign madness or even soliloquise on any topic. No sir; he would simply go around thrusting his sword into everyone and letting them know that ‘when it comes to the state, you don’t go around asking intelligent questions such as ‘to be or not to be’; you must take up arms against every self-doubt.’ Taking up arms is exactly what nearly every Nigerian citizen has done, but not against doubt; Nigerians are right now waging a se-

Comment & Analysis

17

Omoboriowo, Owoboriomo: The lesson A message to politicians who are taking after him greeted the declaration by the then Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) of Chief Omoboriowo as winner of the gubernatorial election in the state. Trust the Yoruba people, they swiftly reversed Omoboriowo’s name to Owoboriomo (money transcends children).

Omoboriowo literally means ‘children transcend money’. The insinuation was that Chief Omoboriowo turned the state to the battle field that it became because he had been offered plenty of money by the then ruling National Party of Nigeria (NPN) to ‘capture’ the state in the election, to use the political jargon of the present ruling party. I did not witness the political crisis of the 1960s. Even if I did, I would only have viewed it as scenes from some Hollywood films. It wouldn’t have made sense to me then. But I witnessed that of 1983. Then I was an undergraduate, so I perfectly understood the issues.

Despite Chief Omoboriowo’s ‘landslide’ victory in the election, he could not stay in the state to govern.

He kept running from pillar to post in search of shelter. I recollect the then state radio station trailing him as he fled the state when the heat of the crisis was too much for him. As he kept changing cars in which he was fleeing, the radio station kept

the people updated. Not even the ‘federal might’, with the then ‘killand-go’ that were unleashed on the state by the then Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Adewusi, could guarantee Omoboriowo the haven that he needed. At a point, he had to seek refuge in Lagos. Such was the rage that followed the rigging of the election until the courts reversed the electoral verdict and gave victory to the deserved winner. The point was that at the time of the 1983 general elections, the NPN had become sufficiently discredited to win any free and fair election. Yet, the Omoboriowos of this world gave the party the ‘landslide’ victories all over, even in the least expected places, including the politically sophisticated south-west. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is treading the same path already. But that is a subject for another day.

However, I must say that I am not angry with Chief Omoboriowo for what many have called his disloyalty to his former boss, the then Governor Ajasin. My grouse with him was the way he allowed himself to be used by the NPN to rig the 1983 election in the old Ondo State, a thing that was resisted by the people with riots similar only to the ‘Wet e’ crisis of the 1960s. There is nothing wrong in being ambitious;

“The question of speaking ill or not speaking ill of the dead does not arise; it is better for such people to know, as Shakespeare said, that the evils that men do live after them. As for the good, that is oft interred with their bones. Unfortunately, that is the way it is now with Chief Omoboriowo”

the problem is when ambition metamorphoses to over-ambition and a do-or-die affair, as the late Chief Omoboriowo and the NPN made the 1983 election to become. The fact is that even if he so desires now, Chief Omoboriowo cannot undo what he has done, particularly his role in the 1983 political crisis, a thing that haunted him to the end. Yet, the crisis and the blood-letting that followed were clearly avoidable. And they could have been avoided only if Chief Omoboriowo had been truthful to himself and his conscience by simply accepting the fact that he did not win the governorship election. Even if the NPN was desperate to force the state into the ‘mainstream’ nonsense, it would have been a mission impossible if an Omoboriowo did not make himself available for that devilish agenda.

What most of our politicians forget is that it is not just the offices they occupy that are temporary; life itself is transient. Now, Chief Omoboriowo had alighted from the vehicle called life having reached his own terminus. I was told he was a born-again Christian before his death. I have no proof for or against that; therefore, I would hesitate to comment on the genuineness or otherwise of that claim. At any rate, I know I am not competent to judge the former deputy governor or anyone for that matter. Most importantly, I do not know what transpired between Chief Omoboriowo and his Creator in his last moments.

If a thief could be saved at the point of death, then anything is possible.

However, given the carnage that attended the 1983 crisis, one would

have thought that politicians, especially in Yoruba land, and particularly those who were of age in 1983 would have learnt some lesson about the sanctity of votes. Unfortunately, political developments, especially in 2007, clearly showed that there are still some children of perdition in the region.

Chief Omoboriowo has gone to meet his Creator; we will all do when we get to our various destinations. What comes next is an analysis of what he did on earth for record purposes and these have to be stated exactly as they were; which is what some of us are doing. Even as I write, there are people who are above 80 years or close to it in this country who are still troubling the peace of Nigeria. No one is appealing to them now to turn a new leaf before it is too late. As they say, there is no repentance in the grave.

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. Let someone remind those people about ‘six feet’ now that they are still alive. There is no cheating in photographs; you come out the way you posed for the photographs. History cannot be kind to people who were unkind to history in their lifetime. The question of speaking ill or not speaking ill of the dead does not arise; it is better for such people to know, as Shakespeare said, that the evils that men do live after them. As for the good, that is oft interred with their bones. Unfortunately, that is the way it is now with Chief Omoboriowo.

Every revolution begins with change in the individual! rious war against the self.

At the heart of the Nigerian drama of the absurd are two facts that everyone knows too well. The first is the fact that we as a people appear not to be able to get past the problem posed by the foundational structure of the country; the second is the leadership crisis resulting from this faulty foundation. The cumulative total of the two factors is the crisis of the self, as everyone has been disembodied, so to say. As of today, hemp-smoking armed robber who has consigned himself to a damp dungeon and whom everyone tut-tuts at is really no worse than the chauffeur-ferried pension fund robber or bank debtor because both of them have been disembodied by the rottenness of the state from what is true and noble in them.

Normally, I like to think that everyone has a pedigree. You know what that is, don’t you? It’s the long line of ancestors (with incredible tales) attached to your name. Usually, such tales include how one was a renowned hunter who brought home the tails (not the heads) of lions he singlehandedly killed while alone in the bush. Later on, you may get to hear he had actually picked up a tail from the spot where an elephant had done the poor lion in for effrontery or so.

Who will go into the forest to verify your ancestor’s claim anyway? You may also have heard about an ancestor who conquered all the ladies of the town, and added a few besides (often from the bush) but again, who verifies such things? I could tell you so many tales of some of my own but

you might not believe them. Come to think of it, neither do I, but then, this is why they call them pedigrees.

Anyway, I hold it as an affirmable truth that most of us Nigerians are today a real disgrace to our past ancestors and coming generations. At some point along the line of time to come, when our name is mentioned in the family tree, it is going to be likely that someone would very quickly cover it, and our existence, with a piece of paper. Reason? We would be deemed to have somehow blotted the family’s coat of arms with the dirty ink of racism (oh yes, even in Nigeria), sadism, tribalism, embezzlement, alcoholism, several addictions, selling out the country, armed robbery, unarmed robbery, political god-fatherism, killing innocent people with ‘stray’ bullets, using a motor-cycle to rob and kill people, ferrying pregnant women with children on their backs with a motor-cycle, (dis)honourable politician, managing (or damaging) director, etc. Was it not a motor-cycle robber that was caught in the act by the Lagos state governor himself? Was it not some motor-cycle thieves that robbed some people we know who only stopped to change their vehicle tyre? Eh, was it not?

That’s right, friends, posterity will mark us down for these and more because, in the mad rush of living in Nigeria, we have become disembodied from the dignity that our ancestors represented (some of them anyway), and consequently have all lost our very selves and places in the family tree.

The funny thing is that each one thinks he/she is actually making progress. Someone who grows from stealing millions to billions thinks he/she has made some appreciable progress and even thanks God for it; a motor-cycle robber who used to haul in thousands from snatching ladies’ handbags grows to hauling in millions from snatching brief cases and also thinks he has made progress. Listen, every Nigerian you meet has goals, which he knows and pursues with the vigour he can muster.

These days, when I listen to the radio, I am immensely amused to hear young people spell out what they expect to get from life and country. They say such lively things that make me believe that, indeed, there is very little hope for this country. Every single one of them, to a man and woman, believes so much in the debts the country owes them: energy, water, jobs, housing, few working hours, available food, wealth, husband, wife, friends, children, joy, happiness, etc. I am yet to hear anything about what they are prepared to give in return to the country. Now, tell me, how do you think these ones will not somehow foul up their family trees to get all these things that even Nebuchadnezzar did not have?

True, we have been unfortunate enough to have had a government that was not only inefficient, but even thrived on inefficiency; true also that we have been too docile as a people to have fought back, but surely, that has not been sufficient reason to invalidate our very selves, the core of

who we are. I think that when we are able to find our individual selves again, then we can begin to solve our problems as a nation.

To find our nation again, there is a need to validate the good, decent and dignified in every individual. The government will not do it; it behoves you and I to do it. We all know we have a failed government: it can’t even hold a decent conversation with the people, for goodness’ sakes. Just look at the bungled fuel subsidy saga. Up till today, the government has not been able to explain how the subsidy jumped from less than ten billion naira in the budget to over eight hundred billion naira in less than one and a half years. So, to find the good again, we must look inwards.

Let each man and woman take a good look at him or herself and do a little subtraction or addition. There is every likelihood that what you are now, dear reader, is a multiplication of what your ancestors deposited into your genes (deception), what you identified as your goals (make millions by age thirty), what the country rammed into you when, for instance, it had you going up and down with jerry cans looking for fuel. Naturally, you would find it very easy to slide down the path of buying extra cans of fuel in order to make money off your fellow citizens. So, now you exist as an intrepid thief who may one day end up crucified as a thief. You could however change that destiny by buying extra cans of fuel and giving others. Then, you’ll realise it is so easy to change your family tree descriptions.

18

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Adamu Ciroma and the politics of Boko Haram I

MUST confess I was a bit surprised by President Goodluck Jonathan’s recent claim that politics is to blame for the lingering Boko Haram crisis. I was surprised because I recall that his imprimatur to the existence of Boko Haram elements in his government earned him flaks from the media and opposition parties. So I frankly did not expect that he will once again attempt to be unpretentious and undiplomatic in his comments. However, I could not agree more with the President after reading Adamu Ciroma’s interview with newsdiaryonline.

In the interview, the eminent northern leader and politician carpeted the President for the nation’s security challenges, and placed the Boko Haram problem squarely on his laps. According to Ciroma, the Boko Haram crisis has persisted because President Jonathan does not listen to advice. “When the issues began to be serious in Borno,” Ciroma recalled, “ the elders and leaders of Borno advised the government that they should talk to these people, that they should withdraw the troops from the streets and that they should find a solution to ameliorate the complaints of the Boko Haram elements. A spokesman of the government dismissed their recommendation.” Continuing, Mallam Ciroma said: “Since then, similar recommendations have been made in Kano and elsewhere and they have been equally dismissed. The meaning of this is that the government has stuck to its position, in spite of the advice being given from various parts by citizens who want to see peace and security. So the government has to learn how to listen to people because insecurity is a problem which government has to deal with. It affects people in their normal day-to-day life. So, the number one issue is for government to listen to what people are saying because their present policy so far has not succeeded.”

First of all, I find it strange that throughout the interview, Mallam Ciroma did not deem it fit to condemn the actions of the Boko Haram insurgents. I had expected him to do this, if for nothing else, at least to dismiss insinuations that

T

HE die is cast and the riverine people of Bayelsa State are counting the seconds as they eagerly await the Supreme Court judgment slated for April 20 - less than six days away.

Several stories are flying all over the capital city of Yenagoa and even far in the creeks of this state as allegations are being made that given the likelihood of the no-nonsense stance of the Supreme Court, pressures are being mounted on the distinguished jurists to adjourn sine die, instead of dropping what is generally expected to be a “bombshell.”

Walk the streets of this capital city and the news hits you in the face with the flurry of activities both within and outside the government. There are frenzied allegations of special interest in the corridors of power in Abuja, desperately pushing for an indefinite adjournment so far as that would assuage the feelings of government officials and their coterie of officials who are perhaps anticipating that the judgment would not favor the incumbent Governor Henry Seriake Dickson.

In several circles, at places of work, even schools, the average Bayelsan pupil is not left out in this stage of siege - thus making the political barometer shoot above the gauge. This heightened tension is further exacerbated by the stories making the rounds that should the case tilt towards victory for Chief Timipre Sylva, the likely open escape route for Dickson to explore and avoid a possible loss of face, is for the case to be adjourned indefinitely.

The desperation and anxiety is so feverish that Bayelsans and those living in the capital city accost one another as they meet in public places with such posers defying answers that run thus: Is it possible for eminent Jurists whose reputation and integrity is at stake to cave in to undue interference? Can they really adjourn a judgment already fixed?

The new Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, has set a standard and has given hope to ordinary Nigerians dejected over the years by rubber stamping of judgments. Can this set of emergent jurists emerge as the bastion of hope of the citizenry and a new Nigeria vis-à-vis the transformational programme of President Goodluck Jonathan, and affect all facets viz: executive, legislature and judiciary amongst others?

The questions are many and varied all beg-

• Adamu Ciroma

By Jackson Ekwugum

he has nothing to do with their murderous activities. In the heat of the 2010 electioneering campaign, it would be recalled that the otherwise elder statesman was very vociferous in campaigning for power to remain in the north. He was the one who rallied the Northern troops in the ruling PDP to produce a consensus candidate, and swore that this country would be made ungovernable if the north did not produce the Presi-

dent. As it turned out, the north lost out in the PDP primary and Nigeria has not known peace since then. Of course, there is no direct evidence linking the former journalist and banker with the nihilistic violence that has been foisted on the country but one expected him to use the occasion of the interview to dispel innuendoes about the complicity of the northern political leadership in the Boko Haram insurgency.

Unfortunately, Mallam Ciroma did not do this but insinuated, rather uncharitably, that President Jonathan is the person who does not want peace and security in Nigeria. Otherwise, what does one make of his statement that the government has “stuck to its position in spite of the advice being given from various parts by citizens who want to see peace and security.” I am appalled at the capricious nature of the political class in Nigeria to twist fact and logic to suit their personal demands and preferences - even on such a sensitive matter as terrorism that is threatening to destroy the very fabric of the nation. I think it is disingenuous of Ciroma to accuse the government of repudiating dialogue with Boko Haram, when the latter is the one actually shunning it.

The President, in an interview with Reuters, has openly called for the group to make themselves and their demands known. But so far, to the best of my knowledge, this has not happened.

It is an incontrovertible fact that no serving minister or high-ranking government official has publicly counteracted the President’s position so I cannot fathom the basis of Ciroma’s claim that “a spokesman of the government” undermined the peace process. That offer from the President, I want to believe, is still there on the table; it is up to Boko Haram to take the olive branch. But my considered view is that this will not happen. At least, not until they have brought the government to its knees as they have sworn to do. Sadly, we are a people prone to collective amnesia. We have forgotten that soon after the bombing of the UN house, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, assisted by human rights activist Shehu Sani, took it upon himself to broker peace between Boko Haram and the Federal Government.

Sylva versus Dickson: Panic as Supreme Court gives judgment

•Sylva

•Dickson

By Dr Jasper Yeeboa

ging for answers. But the agonizing aspect is that as you meet your fellow countryman the popular refrain here, as you pose that million dollar question to him or her, is a ferocious-blurting of ‘let’s wait and see, it cannot happen’.

Both sides, Sylva’s and Dickson’s, seem to be on the edge. It is widely believed from the Sylva camp as one interacts with their dyed-in the-wool supporters, that victory is already assured based on precedence. They assert that they have a good case which has literally plunged the Dickson camp and government officials into state of panic - leading to a flurry of activities depicting the worried state of mind.

One scenario that appears to alarm the Sylva camp is one that suggests that since the current CJN, Justice Musdapher, retires in two months time, why not tarry awhile by playing the adjournment card so that his no nonsense posture

that would have rubbed off on the case would have been taken care of by his retirement.

Even then a school of thought believes that the present crop of jurists is made of sterling character and is people of steel, tested, credible. They hold that the Supreme Court as presently constituted has jurists of proven integrity and wisdom, bent on leaving their great names in almond diamonds of the sands of time.

So win or lose, the permutation is that if the Chief Justice bows out after a meritorious service, his successor since he would be handpicked by the Presidency might be goaded to do their bidding by retaining the supposedly anointed son of Aso Rock.

It is unlikely that anyone can bend these wise men and women on the bench to think in the contrary as that might deal a devastating blow on the image of this elitist and upper body of benchers as Nigeria’s last hope of the common man.

He met with Baba Fugu, the late Mohammed Yusuf’s father-in-law, and sought to know the demands of the group for possible negotiation.

Within 24 hours of that meeting, Baba Fugu was assassinated. What does that say of Boko Haram and their interest in dialogue?

Regarding the matter of the Borno Elders that Ciroma referred to, again it is all politics – sadly. Mallam Ciroma was just being economical with the truth here. It is on record that the Borno Elders and Leaders of Thought never made a statement, not as much as a whimper, on the escalating violence in Maiduguri and its environs until the Federal Government was forced to deploy troops there. By this time the violence had gone on for almost a year, and the government had to act to forestall a Somali-type scenario in the state. It is ironical that the same Borno Elders who did not do anything to stem the tide of violence are the ones who turned around to accuse the government of escalating the violence for playing its constitutional –and God-given role to restore law and order. Did Ciroma and the Borno Elders expect the government to sit idly by and watch as Boko Haram turned Borno State into some kind of Afghanistan?

I am all for dialogue if it will bring an end to the current crisis but it must be done under the right atmosphere and right conditions. There have been media reports that Boko Haram wants all its members in prison released as a condition for dialogue. It is inconceivable that the government would accede to such a request. What does that do to the memory of all those killed, maimed and orphaned by their savagery? What is the guarantee that there will even be a dialogue when those prisoners including Abu Qaqa and Kabiru Sokoto Umar the Christmas day bomber are released? We are taught in business not to be afraid to negotiate, but to never negotiate out of fear.

The Federal Government cannot afford to dialogue with Boko Haram from a position of weakness. That will be the case if it accedes to this senseless demand. And that would be the greatest tragedy of all.

Mr. Ekwugum wrote from Lagos.

To bring to fore the present heightened state of tension in Bayelsa, is the widely reported news item in some Nigerian dailies of April 13, 2012, stating that a ‘million-man march’ is being planned to kick off few days before the all important judgment to perhaps do two dirty jobs drum up support for Dickson that he is the peoples choice and second, intimidate the eminent jurists, so that they can capitulate out of fear and go against their conscience.

Dickson’s government seems to be distancing itself from the so-called group which to all intents and purposes, is like Esau’s hands but Jacob’s voice.

Be that as it may, the entire people of the state at home and abroad are feverishly awaiting the April 20 landmark judgment.

Students of contemporary African history and indeed the international community are waiting with rapt attention to see how this testy case is decided. My only prayer is that justice must be seen to be done without caring whose ox is gored.

It was what late Justice Fatai Williams of blessed memory then as Chief Justice of the Federation told his brother justices of the Supreme Court in the celebrated Anambra State gubernatorial tussle between then incumbent Governor Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo and challenger, Chief C.C. Onoh.

Jim had lost at the elections, but won at the fist electioneering court. Onoh appealed and won at the Appeal Court. Jim went further upstairs to Supreme Court and just as the justices were preparing to give their various findings, Fatai-Williams before the traditional bowing of the jurists amongst themselves, left what should occupy the Guinness Book of Law for reference sake.

He said inter alia: “When I was young on the Bench, I relied so much on technicalities. You may have a good case but lost with me on technical grounds. But as I grew older on the Bench, I began to see justice in its true prism of truism and will therefore give judgment based on justice and my conscience so that when I retire to my bed after the day job I can have a very sound sleep.”

What a maxim that should serve for all seasons!!!!

•Dr. Yeeboa writes from Yenagoa

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POLITICS THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Voter apathy debate deepens Following this week’s presentation of INEC’s commissioned report, ‘Voter Apathy and the 2011 Elections in Nigeria,’ causes of political apathy have taken the front burner in Nigeria’s political discourse, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, reports. commented on the report during the week told The Nation that voter apathy is indeed very high in the country. They also alleged that INEC and the government were the primary causes of voter apathy in the country.

•Jonathan

S

INCE Wednesday, April 11, 2012, when Professor Adigun Agbaje, a Lead Researcher and Professor of Political Science, presented the report of the research recently initiated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Friedrich –EbertStiftung, a German non-governmental organisation, concerned political watchers and stakeholders have taken deeper interest in the issues raised by the report.

Entitled, “Voter Apathy and the 2011 Elections in Nigeria,” the report identified government, INEC, the media and politicians as largely responsible for voter apathy in the country.

Pointing out that some of the respondents did not consider election as an important assignment, Agbaje, while presenting the report said it was based on a nationally representative sample of 1,200 respondents randomly selected across 12 states in the six geo-political zones within 27 local government areas and 103 wards.

According to him, the research showed in statistical terms that 49.4 per cent of respondents believe that votes do not count in Nigeria, 28.7 per cent were discouraged by unfulfilled promises by politicians while 14 per cent believed that there is corruption in the system.

About 7.9 per cent see violence during elections as an obstacle.

The report also showed that 57 per cent of the respondents rated the activities of elected officials as “not satisfactory’, 32 per cent rated them as “fairly satisfactory” while 11 per cent rated them “satisfactory.”

He therefore advised that “government should provide support to INEC, fulfill electoral promises, engage in public enlightenment campaign, ensure adequate security for voters, stop corruption, enforce the law and order in the society and non-interference in the electoral process.

The debate: Soon after the release of the report, politicians and democracy observers have come out in large numbers to criticize INEC. One of the first critics of the report was Human Rights lawyer, Femi Aborisade. While questioning the validity of the data provided by INEC, he dismissed suggestions from the report that voter apathy in the country is low.

Most of the politicians who

The Media: One of the major causes of voter apathy, according to the report is the media. Agbeje therefore advised the media do better. “The Press should assist in voter education; provide timely, accurate and factual information, unbiased report, equal coverage and avoiding bribery and corruption,” he said.

Chairman of Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Renewal Committee in Bayelsa State, Comrade Wilfred Frank Ogbotobo told The Nation that INEC was being economical with the truth. “The media can only report what the reporters see on the ground. Instead of blaming the media, INEC should accept responsibility as primary cause of apathy in the country,” he said, adding, that “the media in Nigeria has tried.

The problem is with politicians and the people in power.”

Voters’ intention Another factor the report blamed for the said apathy was voters’ intention. It claimed most voters did not intend to vote. But Aborisade, faulting some of the claims made in the report said, “If we assume that apathy can be measured by voters’ intention, the conclusion we can draw from the presentation of the lead researcher and the research report is that voter apathy is low in Nigeria or almost non-existent. But we all know that this does not conform to reality and our experiences,” he said.

He said voters’ intention alone was not enough to measure vot-

“Agbaje, while presenting the report had urged politicians to deliver dividends of democracy.

As he puts it, “Politicians should fulfill the electoral promise made during campaign, stop violence and do or die politics, educate their supporters and organise peaceful political rally, accepting election results without manipulation, avoiding bribery and corruption.”

•Jega

ers’ apathy. He also pointed out that the report failed to mention the level of voter apathy in Nigeria.

Though Agbaje reportedly countered that the findings of the research he supervised, was scientifically accurate, this is one point most respondents have continued to criticize.

Politicians-Political Parties: Most respondents agreed with the report that politicians, especially the ones in power are responsible for voter apathy in Nigeria.

Agbaje, while presenting the report had urged politicians to deliver dividends of democracy. As he puts it, “Politicians should fulfill the electoral promise made during campaign, stop violence and do or die politics, educate their supporters and organise peaceful political rally, accepting election results without manipulation, avoiding bribery and corruption.”

Okorie pointed out that politicians are the primary cause of apathy. According to him, most politicians do not want to deliver dividends of democracy. “Some of them do not know the importance of fulfilling party manifesto.

In fact, most of the politicians in power believe in their personal agenda as opposed to party manifesto. This has discouraged many.

By carrying personal agenda, the people in power alienate other party members and this has dealt heavy blow on our democracy,”

he said.

INEC: Most politicians, observers and analysts who commented on this issue during the week, identified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the main cause of apathy in Nigeria. They also faulted the report.

Aborisade, for example argued that the sampling carried out in the 12 states was not random as claimed but selective, adding that the 1,200 respondents could not pass for a national representative sample.

Comrade Wilfred said INEC is the major problem we have in Nigerian democracy today.

"I think INEC is the primary problem. Look at what happened in Bayelsa recently.

There must be apathy for as long as people know that their votes do not count," he said. He alleged that INEC, "by failing to do its job dispassionately has succeeded in increasing voter apathy. In Bayelsa, people voted for somebody, but because someone had anointed another, INEC claimed he won.

Why would anybody expect the same voters to be enthusiastic next time? That is the issue. Let INEC stop beating about the bush by blaming Dick and Harry. Let the commission own up to its shortcomings and do a better job, so that voters' confident would be won," he said.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Politics

‘Orji’s achievements have left the opposition behind’ Abia State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Sampson Orji spoke with journalists after the recent commissioning of projects in Umuahia and Aba by Governor Theodore Orji, insisting that the opposition had become panicky as a result of the hugely unfolding dividends of democracy attested by the many completed and yet to be completed projects of the governor.

W

WHAT’S your quarrel with Governor Orji’s critics?

When a critic is constructive and persuasive with superior argument, I will be inclined to think along with him. But what some popular tabloids and columnists seem to celebrate these days is the corrosive, poorly investigated line of journalism that evades the cardinal principles of what, where, when and how while not situating the points of discourse. in their proper perspectives. I feel irresistibly drawn to make a comparison between positive and negative criticisms, when ‘critics’ of Governor T.A Orji in their lopsided analysis not backed by facts expose the real objectives of the sponsors of such criticisms.

On the other hand many reporters, and media chiefs who have had the opportunity to visit Abia State and see for themselves what the governor has done in the last 12 months of his second stay in office, attest to the proactive moves of the state government in terms of infrastructure and structural development of a state that had hitherto not witnessed any meaningful development since inception. The areas of emphasis extend to road construction in the rural areas where the farm gate culture is a way of life for the people, a huge infrastructure reclamation of the commercial city of Aba and of course re-designing Umuahia the state capital to wear the face of a modern state capital.

The list of work in progress is simply impressive and only a discerning and willing observer can patiently take stock of this developmental pace.

The governor recently asked his aides to report the truth not falsehood; why?

His Excellency Governor T.A. Orji could not have asked his aides to report falsehood.

He was only making obvious what ought to be seen as the issues on ground. He has concrete achievements to showcase to everyone and these rattle those who believe governance of the state can be accessed by pandering to falsehood in the public space. The truth is that for every claim made by the state government, the facts are verifiable and since most of the completed and on-going projects are on ground, no previous administration can lay claim to have initiated or completed any. What I am saying in effect is that the governor was right in asking his commissioners, and advisers and all key personnel of his government to report the facts at all times since facts are sacred and verifiable before the public space.

You should know Abia has been the butt of criticism by the opposition whose every activity is aimed at making a cheap point before the electorate. On our part, we are aware that the claim to governance and continuity is in our ability to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people, this is the governor’s focus and he is determined not to be distracted by lopsided criticism while welcoming balanced criticism as a way of improving the policies and programmes set in the Abia blueprint whose input has come from various sources including Abia’s first economic summit sponsored by the state government and which had all eminent sons and daughters of the state such as Okonjo Iweala, and Anya O Anya, making their inputs on the way forward for a balanced developmental pace for the state.

Aba needs a special attention, what is

the programme of the state government for the Enyimba city?

The state government has placed great emphasis on road construction and two Fridays ago, His Excellency Governor Orji commissioned the completion of crucial road networks that have long been an eyesore to the residents and traders of Aba..

The emphasis is to give the people an infrastructure network that can help them in their commercial activities that stretch to the sub-region of West Africa. The essential road networks long identified by government include those connected to neighbouring states such as Rivers and Akwa Ibom, who make use of them to do business in the state. With this in mind the focus extended to the Aba/Owerri Road all the way to Osisioma Junction to Motor Park and down to the Asa – Port Harcourt Road, terminating at the Ala –Oji Express Road. The works ministry in conjunction with the contractors on ground worked on the Bata Opobo Junction from the Bata – Ikot Epkene road junction and now to Ukwu Mango, commissioned by the governor two Fridays ago.

There is no doubt that the Aba resident and businessman today can attest to noticeable changes in a once squalid environment whose key roads were simply impassable.

The work still on ground is enormous after years of poor development and decadence.

Beyond the reconstruction work going on, these streets and roads call for constant maintenance and this philosophy has helped in the reclamation of Osusu Road.

This extends to the Okigwe Road by Ariaria Market as well as the dual expressway from Omme Junction down to John Udeagbala Junction, which is a five kilometre stretch situated along the Port Harcourt – Aba Road.

The Eziukwu Road has also been overlayed with asphalt, and the same is true of the Aba- Agbama Road.

Concrete projects overlayed with asphalt include the Amuzukwu to Umuezeagu Road, the Amuzukwu – Orieugba Road, the Timber Road in Umuahia, and the Obikabia Road There is also the Umuahia – Ohafia Road, Ohafia Arochukwu Road, Nunya – Eluama Road. Aba’’s drainage system has long been a source of concern to the extent the Ukwu Mango stretch was covered with garbage and stalls and houses built on it.

This is history as Ukwu Mango has been reclaimed just as the need to fix the entire drainage system in Aba is a major challenge, with the construction of the Osisioma Modern Motor Park and asphalt overlay of major roads in Aba. What problems were on ground when you assumed duty as Commissioner for Commerce and Industry?

One was stifling bureaucracy and lack of vision to drive the industrial and commercial setting of the state, no demographic profile of trades and traders, and a well articulated design for revamping the mori-

•Orji

bund industries. These industries include among others, the Golden Guinea Breweries, International Glass Industry- Aba, Aba textile Mills, Modern Ceramics-Umuahia, the metallurgical complex, Aba, Abia Hotels, Enyimba Hotels, Aba and many more.

If these industrial complexes are revived, they will be able to absorb over 80 percent of the unemployed people in the state. I inherited all of these and have long given them a prioritised attention.

At the commercial end, there is what we have identified as unwieldy trading activities going on at every nook and corner of Aba, the commercial city of Abia. Such activities turned the city of Aba into one large monolithic market. There was no difference between the residential and trading zones.

Then there is the enormous amount of refuse generated and dumped indiscriminately at every turn both in residential and non-residential parts of the city. Naturally, these have affected drainage as the various outlets for such drainages became blocked.

Notwithstanding the Governor’s directive to relocate these traders to designated markets, they were adamant, prompting him to set up the Environmental and Allied Task Force which is being housed by my ministry.

What is your game plan for resolving these contradictions?

First the basic operation of the task force the Governor inaugurated was primarily to compel compliance to Government directives and instil sanity in the market place. This task force-the Environmental and Allied Task Force, that is, was charged to keep Aba clean and relocate traders to designated markets. We manage the operations of this task force and this has afforded me the opportunity to record a reasonable success so far in terms of sanitising the city. It is painful to Government that the obstinacy of the traders will leave it with no option. Even the Governor daily laments to us that the operations of the task force must be laced with human face. It is a daily operation and it is not cheap. Except for the Governor’s determination, it would have been impossible to sustain the operation beyond one month. So far the exercise itself has opened up new investment opportunities as investors are embarking on construction of new markets.

How do you intend to revive these moribund industries in the state?

“The state government has placed great emphasis on road construction and two Fridays ago, His Excellency Governor Orji commissioned the completion of crucial road networks that have long been an eyesore to the residents and traders of Aba.”

First, I’m carrying out a technical evaluation of these moribund industries to enable us approach foreign investors. This evaluation extends to financial audit. The government’s investment policy will provide entry and exit plans for the investors.

Yet I must admit we have a handicap here. Let me use Golden Guinea Breweries as an example.

Government allocates funds to help maintain the salaries of its skeletal staff as well as keep the plant and its premises in good shape. This allocation remains constant, yet government does not have the latitude to dissolve the board and management because the brewery is a publicly quoted company (Plc). We have approached Budweiser, the Sona Group, Heineken and South Africa Breweries. We cannot just come in to turn around the fortunes of these industries. We cannot just dissolve the board by executive fiat. The situation right now is that we are talking to the management and board to agree with us on the take off plan and we are going to summon an AGM of share holders to fine tune these details Modern Ceramics The ceramic industry was concessioned to the Catholic Church but unfortunately no major turn around has taken place since the take over deal. We are yet to know what their problems are and why the management has not gone into full production IGI With a production line utilisation of 20 percent, we think this is not ideal. We are reviewing Churchgate and its management of IGI. Its tenure and conditions need to be reviewed if we must move forward. The management of Aba Textile Mills also needs to be reviewed as the place is completely comatose. It has been vandalised and converted to a warehouse for imported items.

The governor recently constituted a committee whose charge is to come up with the best and quickest way to resuscitate the industry and put it back on stream irrespective of the management constraints.

Abia Hotels Limited We are talking to a core investor who is going to upgrade the Umuahia section to a three star hotel in partnership with the state government. Arrangement has gone far and we are at the stage of dotting the Is and crossing the Ts. The metallurgical complex needs an injection of funds to complete the various sections. This is one project that requires heavy funding.

Aba with eight big industries holds a potential to employ 40 percent of all the graduates produced in the entire South east.

It is also the governor’s desire to establish modern markets that will accommodate the traders and their associations currently trading in unauthorised places. I share that passion with the governor and we are at an advanced stage of developing these markets in Umuahia and Aba. We have three large markets on the drawing board with the ultra modern complexAbia International Industrial City Centre, attracting a major investor from Spain. The first phase of the complex will have 25,000 stores of international standard. The other two markets have also reached advanced stages. There is the Ukwa Wholesale Market whose development is being undertaken by a local investor. There is also the General Building Materials Market among others, packaged under a PPP arrangement.

Umuahia Umuahia, the state capital is not being left out in the development of modern markets. The Ubani-Ibeku Market located close to the Umuahia/Ozuitem Road is mapped out to accommodate the present Umuahia Main Market. On completion in the next one year, the main market will be relocated to give Umuahia a befitting look. In the same vein, the Ohia Mechanic Village is at 80 percent completion stage and the mechanics are expected to relocate to the market at the end of this month. An industrial market is being built in Umuahia and dealers in timber and building materials, as well as other categories of traders will move in there within the next six months.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Politics

Ondo 2012: Odds against Mimiko’s re-election right opinion that Iroko will succumb to the menacing advance of the opposition in the state.

In this report, Dare Odufowokan uncovers the odds against Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s re-election bid.

G

OVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, like most politicians, is a diehard optimist. If you doubt this, just listen to him talk about how he and his party, the Labour Party (LP), will rout other political parties during the forthcoming governorship election in the Sunshine State.

But if you place his optimism side by side with the political realities on ground in his home state, you may not really agree with the man they call Iroko that the election, billed for next October, will not mark his exit from the Alagbaka Government House, Akure.

These obviously are not the best of times for the Ondo helmsman.

Currently, he is receiving the most severe battering of his political life.

With the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), determined to unseat Mimiko, many of the governor’s allies have jumped ship to align with the opposition.

Some events of the recent past, like the many allegations of fraud

• Mimiko

against the administration and the arrest of some key government functionaries by anti-graft agencies, have also tainted Mimiko’s posturing as the peoples’ politician.

It is on the strength of the above and many more that analysts are predicting that the imminent gubernatorial electoral war may not be an easy one for Mimiko and his party. Many are even of the out-

Ambushed by the opposition Governor Mimiko is in a peculiar situation. His political troubles are really worrisome and he is not hiding the fact that it will take more than an electoral abracadabra to return him to Alagbaka House come October 2012. Sources close to the politician said his greatest source of political worry is the ACN. “Iroko is not bothered by the noise being made by the PDP in recent times. His main concern is about the ACN. He is a smart politician and a good political strategist; so, he can identify a real political threat when he sees one. He is not taking the advances of the ACN easy. And that explains why he is taking steps to block their moves,” a close aide of the Ondo governor said recently.

Aside the activities of the ACN in Mimiko’s home state, he may have become something of a loner in the political theatre of the south west. His position is not an enviable one. Surrounded by five ACN controlled states of the southwest to its west, Ondo shares border with Edo State, another ACN state to its south.

Given the penchant of the people of the region to belong to one political camp, analyst are saying

21

Mimiko may have been ambushed politically as the people of his state may choose to follow their kinsmen in Ekiti, Osun, Oyo, Ogun and Lagos States into the ACN by voting for the party’s candidate as governor in October.

“The people of the state may decide to join the other southwest states in the AC N by voting Mimiko and his party out. It will not be a matter of whether he performed or not. It will simply be because the people want to follow a comfortable political pattern,” Debo Deniran of the Committee for the Advancement of Democracy (CfAD), explained.

Progressivism and Mimiko’s fate “The sun of progressive politics is rising in Yorubaland and there is no doubt in my mind that the sun will soon shine in Ondo state,” Governor Rauf Aregbesola had said while speaking in Owo recently.

“The people of Yorubaland have been unmistakable in their preference for a preferred ideology that bound them together politically and that as they are coming to ascendancy, all other tenets that are not in tandem with our own, must bow and be kicked out. The progressive torrent is emerging into Ondo and just like the sun, it will get to the zenith. It is shining already in other southwest states and we want Ondo to be part of the glory of its brightness and be part of the joy of our traditional political tendency in Yorubaland, which is progressivism,” the Osun Governor added.

Analyzing the political situation in the state, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, said it is very obvious that the people of Ondo State are tired of not being in the main•Continued on Page 23

Mark: Still making his mark

By Paul Mumeh

•Mark

O

ON April 8, 2012, President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator David Alechenu Bonaventure Mark marked his 64th birthday. Many argue that age is just a number, but we must acknowledge that not many have been blessed with the grace of the Almighty God to attain such a milestone.

Born (without a silver spoon) in the nondescript and sleepy village of Akpegede in Otukpo local government area of Benue state in 1948, Mark seems to have been destined for the top. After completing his primary school at St. Francis Catholic Practicing School, Otukpo, Mark proceeded to the prestigious Nigerian Military School, Zaria where he laid the foundation for what turned out to become a remarkable career in the military. After graduation from the Nigerian Defence

Academy (NDA), Zaria, Mark’s professional skills in the military were further sharpened in some of the most elite military training institutes in Europe, Asia and America. What began as a childhood fancy to appear in crisp military camouflages turned out to become a fulfilling career where Mark’s leadership credentials stood as an invaluable asset to all formations that he had the privilege to serve, not the least of which was as Military governor of Niger State and later, Communications Minister.

But whatever exploits Mark achieved during his sojourn in the military pales to insignificance compared to his remarkable stewardship on the political turf. Agreed, battles fought in military combat can be ferocious and deadly. Yet they appear simpler when compared to political battles. In the former, the battle lines are fairly clear and the enemy is more often than not, known. For the latter, the enemy is more often than not, the seemingly innocent neighbour next door, the apparent political ally or the ubiquitous godfather. Here there are no battle lines, no clear enemies and the theatres of war are so fluid as to be indistinguishable. It goes without saying therefore that political battles are more difficult to prosecute, and far less easy to win. It is against this backdrop that we can safely say that winning political wars demands much more than brawns and the quality and quantity of the arsenal in the armory.

It demands a lot of political savvy, prime amongst which is the ability to command followership. And this is where David Mark’s leadership credentials have buffeted the grand posturing of his political opponents and traducers.

When Mark, on the return of democracy in 1999 decided to try his hand in partisan politics, many looked upon him as just another ex-military man seeking to satisfy yet another craving for power and relevance. But as we would suddenly realize, here was a man whose heart was out there with the people, the common men and women in the streets. Mark had no illusions about the toughness of the task he was about to undertake, but his eyes were trained on the objective-to first win the people’s hearts, then votes; which comes with a huge opportunity and privilege to represent his Benue South Senatorial District in the senate.

This, again for Mark was just a means to an end-the opportunity to serve and add value to the lives of his constituents.

The rest, as the old saying goes, is now history. Mark contested the election and won a seat to the senate in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011.

Expectedly and characteristics of politics in our clime, virtually the elections were acrimonious, bitterly fought and won, to state it mildly. To be sure, they were those who felt that going into the senate, or any political office for that matter was “a turn-by-turn” arrangement, where people “will come and chop”, as we say in local parlance in this part of the world, and give way for others. That is why

even when his opponents were trounced resoundingly at the polls, they thought victory and the peoples’ mandate could be secured through the back door- the law courts.

But Mark had a dream, a vision and mission in the National Assembly- to redefine the parameters of leadership where service to the people is the cornerstone. It is this new vision of leadership that he espoused in his first two terms in the senate, ‘marking’ him out as one of the most outstanding lawmakers of the 4th and 5th senate. It therefore left little to the imagination, when in 2007; Mark contested and received the overwhelming mandate of his colleagues to lead the senate as its president in an open, transparent and democratic process. That election was significant in several respects, not least of which was the rebirth of true democracy in the senate.

That was the first time in a long while that the leadership of either House of the National Assembly emerged through a democratic process. There is the tendency to miss the huge significance of that epochal event, but it bears mentioning that the sanity, stability and the now entrenched democratic culture prevailing in the senate today is a direct result of that seemingly innocuous democratic exercise. And we must never miss the point, again that David Mark was, and remains the symbol of that transformation.

As Senate President, Mark has always pursued the pan-Nigeria agenda. The senate under his leadership has earned a reputation for itself for standing up for the ordi-

nary citizen through the passage of laws and motions that aim to improve the material condition of their existence and stabilise the polity. In this wise, two critical interventions of the senate at a time of grave national peril bear some mentioningthe invocation of the Doctrine of Necessity in the wee hours of the Late Yar’Adua presidency and the mediatory role it played during the conflagration spurned by the fuel subsidy removal. In a country so used to holding the national legislature to blame for all manner of ills plaguing the nation, the role of the Senate in the situations under reference was not only a welcome and most desirable breath of fresh air, but more poignantly gave strong indication that we are not doomed after all.

As Mark turned 64, our only hope and prayer is that the Almighty God continues to endow him with the needed strength and wisdom to carry to logical conclusion at the end of his term, the radical transformation and evolution that the 6th and 7th Senate has come to witness under him. Needless to add that all the accolades and recognitions that are daily being bestowed on the President of the Senate are well deserved. But more poignantly, there are a call to spur him for further dedication and selfless service to our fatherland in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

Many happy returns, Mr. Senate President, the man the gavel fits.

•Paul Mumeh, Chief Press Secretary to the President of the Senate, wrote from Abuja

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Politics

Fresh crisis brews in Kogi PDP Dare Odufowokan reports that Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State has angered his predecessor and benefactor, exGovernor Ibrahim Idris, with his reconciliation moves.

T

HE decision of Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State to extend the olive branch to all aggrieved members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a way of further strengthening the party in the state may have stirred crisis in the north central state.

Sources within the party in the state said the new governor may have angered his predecessor and benefactor, former Governor Ibrahim Idris, with his current hobnobbing with some of the aggrieved politicians who are not in the good books of the former Kogi helmsman.

The Nation authoritatively gathered that Idris is not pleased with Wada’s reconciliation moves especially as it concerns some of his very prominent critics. It was gathered that the former governor has already expressed his reservation to some of Wada’s decisions but it appears as if the latter is determined to build a united party irrespective of how his godfather sees his actions.

It would be recalled that the governor has recently announced his readiness to bring back to the party all those who left on account of several allegations and counter allegations that trailed the conduct of the party’s primaries during last year’s general elections as well as the gubernatorial election earlier this year.

Earlier in his maiden broadcast after he was sworn in, following the controversy that trailed the Supreme Court judgment that removed Idris, Wada appealed to all the stakeholders to put events of the past behind them and join hands with him to move the state forward.

Last month, Wada announced the commencement of the peace initiative, when he said he was, in conjunction with the party in the state, working towards reconciling all the aggrieved parties in the state.

“We are working hard through a reconciliation committee and the party leadership in the state. In a few days’ time, all the aggrieved parties will be brought together because I intend to run a very inclusive government. The state belongs to all of us,” he said.

The governor’s move, according to sources in the state, elicited mixed reaction within and outside the party. While a section of the ruling PDP in the state were pleased with the prospect of peace and unity, others saw the move as an attempt by the new governor to chart an independent course for himself, without considering the interest of the Ibrahim Idris’ political family.

Questioned Earlier, Idris’ political family has been rocked by a mild crisis when some of its chieftains complained about the warm reception given to the Kogi State Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah, by the governor,

• Idris

• Wada

when he led the hierarchy of the state judiciary to Gov. Idris Wada at the Government House, some weeks back.

The bone of contention, according to sources, was that some members of the Idris family, said Wada should have sought the opinion of both Idris and the family on how to relate with the Jurist who, it would be recalled, declined an invitation from the ex-governor to swear in Wada in the wake of the crisis that engulfed the state after Idris was removed by the Supreme Court.

The meeting, obviously a fence-mending one, culminated in warm handshakes and group photographs with Wada and his key cabinet members. The Nation learnt that this seemingly harmless official visit angered Idris who is yet to forgive Ajanah for the role he played in the constitutional crisis.

On the Chief Justice’s entourage were the Grand Khadi of the Court of Appeal, Justice Suleiman Olorunfemi and President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Ibrahim Atadoga.

According to sources, it took the intervention of some senior chieftains of the party within and outside the state to put to rest the disagreement generated by the incident between the governor and allies of the former governor. Though Idris was not pleased by the visit, he allegedly prevailed on his associates and aides to forget the incident and continue to believe in Wada’s loyalty to him and his political camp.

Plot against reconciliation Following the resolution of that mild face-off, sources said it was agreed that the reconciliation efforts will take the interest of the Idris camp into consideration over and above any other thing.

“It was resolved that in the interest of everybody, it is important to guide against the hijack of the party by political opponents, who rebelled against the former governor in the build up to the last elections.

Hence, it was agreed that the reconciliation will take the group’s interest into consideration above any other factor.

The plan by Idris’ aides is to use that opportunity to block the return of some people perceived as unrepentant opponents of the group. Such people, sources said, were to be prevented from rejoining

the party at all cost,” our source said.

The Idris camp also complained that the Governor was becoming too close to some of their principal’s known critics all in the process of bringing peace and reconciliation to the party. Wada’s new found warmness towards Senators Smart Adeyemi and Nurudeen Abatemi, both unrepentant critics of Idris, was mentioned as an example.

The Senators’ sins The two senators, though from Kogi State under the umbrella of the PDP, are known for their incessant verbal attacks on the former governor. Their emergence as the party’s candidates was against the wishes of the then governor.

They have also opposed the candidature of Wada during the gubernatorial primaries largely because the latter was Idris’ anointed candidate. However, following the party’s victory at the general election, the warring parties had reconciled briefly.

Another hostility recently broke out between the Senators and Idris when they called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to go after the immediate past governor over his alleged “maladministration, misappropriation and financial recklessness during his nine years in office.”

Adeyemi (PDP, Kogi West) and Abatemi-Usman (PDP, Kogi Central), who were reacting to the former governor’s recent claim that he was instrumental to the election of all current National Assembly members from the state, observed that “instead of quietly enjoying his loot, Idris is busy making false claims.”

Adeyemi said he won his election on his personal merit without the backing of the former governor.

“I take exception to such a comment from former governor Idris knowing well the pains I passed through during the election period. How can he make such a comment? If he has the fear of God, he should not even mention any matter concerning members of the National Assembly because we know the role he played. We know how he frustrated everybody in the election.

“I know what I went through. I contested the primary election and indeed the general election with one of his able lieu-

tenants, former commissioner of local government in Kogi State, T.J Faniyi and you all know the relationship between the Chief Executive and whoever presides over the local government ministry.

“They used the resources of the state to challenge us, to confront me. But thank God that the people appreciated my contribution and my election was annulled twice until the third one that I was able to win.

“If he has helped anyone at all that person cannot be more than his son, who is a member of the House of Representatives.

After all, we have only two PDP senators in the Senate the third senator is from ANPP,” he said.

Determined Wada It is for the above reasons and more that the camp of the former governor would want Wada to steer clear of the senators and others like them within the ruling party.

Sources even said the former governor, who earlier pretended not to be bothered by the budding romance between his successor and his political opponents, is now so worried that he has expressed his reservation towards the entire reconciliation process, especially the way Wada is handling it.

This is where the bubble may burst as, according to aides of the two allies, the governor is not ready to abandon his peace initiatives.

“The governor wants to run an all inclusive administration. He has seen what division and disunity can do to a government and a party. He doesn’t want that to happen during his time, so he wants to bring everybody on board in the interest of the state.

“He will continue with the peace initiative though he will also try to carry his predecessor along. He wants everybody to remain in the party so he will not do anything that will chase out those who are now inside just because he wants to bring in those outside.

“He is a wise leader and a smart politician. As the new leader of the party in the state, he will find a way of ensuring that everybody is happy at the end of the day,” a senior aide of the governor said while confirming the governor’s current dilemma.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

A

AS politicians make frantic realignments towards the coveted November 2012 gubernatorial election in Edo State, a cross section of Edo political elites are canvassing for public debate for aspirants. Chairman of State Produce from Edo North Senatorial zone, High Chief Aremiyawu Momoh, for example, said such a debate would be the best thing that could happen to Edo people and in the history of electoral process because it would avail them the opportunity to hear from the aspirants regarding programmes and plans for implementations.

He also pointed out that the engagement would afford the people opportunity to be better informed on the state of affairs in Edo State under the present governor, Adams Oshiomhole. “The gubernatorial candidates should be able to tell the people their reasons for wanting to be governor.”

Aremiyawu noted that the forthcoming elections would be based on issues and not monetary or material inducements. “What you have done or the area you have contributed towards the development of Edo State will decide who wins or who loses in the contest,” he said, adding that the forum would enable Edo people to ask the aspirants what they have done to deserve to be governor of the State.

Praising Oshiomhole because of his developmental strides in the area of education, health, roads, including the hitherto difficult Ibie road, Anegbete road, which was abandoned since late Ambrose Ali’s government, transportation, job creation, revival of comatose industries and factories, conversion of criminal havens in Benin city to tourists sites, he argued that other contestants will have to prove have to prove that they can do better.

“The governor and his commissioners are working to ensure the state moves forward and not because of the monetary benefit therein”, the Produce Boss who on assumption as Chairman of the Produce Board had introduced some positive innovations that have currently enhanced revenue from that sector to the state purse. He urged Edo people to support Oshiomhole to secure second term victory in the 2012 to enable him complete the on-going good works.

He noted that Edo politics used to be in favour of highest bidder, but added that gone are the days when people’s aspiration, interests and preferences were toyed with.

Politics

23

2012 Edo elections: Public debate for aspirants Political elites and close associates of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State are challenging other aspirants to this year’s governorship election to a public debate with the governor, reports Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

•Oshiomhole

“The era of sharing bags of rice to gain electorate’s vote or sympathy is over in Edo State,” he said, adding, “Electing officials for political positions is now based on credibility. There must be awareness and glaring track record of achievement to convince and canvas for the votes. You might just be inviting the wrath of people if you are not delivering on your campaign promises af-

•Aremiyawu

ter they have given you their mandate”, he warned.

Aremiyawu confessed he never had it so well and urged Nigerians to shun politics of bitterness, hatred, destructive criticisms for sustained development across the country.

He explained that one prominent issue that is expected to dominate discourse to-

wards the ride to the forthcoming elections in Edo State is security. According to him, unlike what obtained before, Edo is currently enjoying peace.

Commenting on this sensitive issue in his country home recently, the Chairman of Edo State Produce stated that the constructive engagement of restless youth in the state by his office and other agencies helped a great deal in reducing crime drastically.

Apart from the improved revenue profile generated for the state government, Aremiyawu revealed that he currently employs 1602 people under the Edo state Produce from 140 employees in the previous regime. “Some of these youths, who were idle before are now constructively engaged and earning their living from the job they are doing and not thinking of crime, car theft, and armed robbery. This is how we are also complementing Oshiomhole’s effort at developing Edo State”.

Another factor, he said, was the creation and operations of the Vigilante (Local security outfit) in Edo state. While commending the effort of former Commissioner of Police who is now Assistant Inspector General of Police, D.O. Omojola, for his dogged fight against crime and criminality, which culminated in the low crime rate currently enjoyed in the Edo, he charged traditional rulers to join forces with the state government to expose criminals amongst well meaning and peace loving Nigerians in their respective domains.

While thanking God for the development in Edo State, he said Oshiomhole needs support of the people to further transform the state.

Ondo 2012: Odds against Mimiko’s re-election stream of Southwest politics. According to the Kwara-born politician, it is clear to all in Ondo State today that the state is clamouring for an ACN government.

“The issue of regional integration is what is dear to every South westerner; and they also understand that this will be much more feasible under one single political umbrella.

So, we have no doubt in our mind that we are on the right track both on the issue of regional integration and the fact that it is also going to be a major campaign issue and a major campaign for the ACN,” he said.

But Mimiko believes the talk about progressivism as being canvassed by his opponents, especially the AC N, cannot hold water. He can still be a progressive and even contribute to the economic integration of the south-west while still in the LP, he insisted. “We are of the opinion that there must be economic integration of the southwest, but the issue of one political party dominating the zone, I believe, is a fallacy.

Similarity in our value system is of paramount importance to us. I want to tell you that today, Labour Party is redefining progressivism,” Mimiko replied his critics.

his camp. Among them are Senator Robert Borofice, who was elected to the Senate on the Labour Party platform; Dr. Olu Agunloye, who was a close associate of Mimiko prior to the 2011 election and had sought to use the Labour platform to contest election to the Senate and the erstwhile chairman of Labour Party in the state, Dr. Olaiya Oni. Other big ‘fishes’ caught by the opposition ACN while fishing in Mimiko’s territory, are former commissioner for transport in the state, Otunba Omoniyi Omodara, who is never tired of accusing Mimiko of inflicting the impending political doom on himself by betraying a promise he made to the leadership of the AC N during the struggle to reclaim his mandate from the PDP. Others are Dr. Banji Opeke, a former Ondo State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) member, Akinsunmola Akinro, a former local government chairman in OkeIgbo area of the state and many others.

With the defection of these chieftains from the LP, political analysts said that the political fortune of Mimiko and his party currently hangs in the balance, especially in the council areas where these politicians are regarded as grassroots political giants and leaders.

LP’s losses, ACN’s gains While it is comfortable for Mimiko and his men to say they are not bothered about the activities of the PDP in the state, the same cannot be said about the ACN which, in the last few months, has raised the stake as many prominent politicians from the Governor’s camp have decamped into its fold.

The ACN has successfully pulled some of Mimiko’s closest associates from within

The Akoko agenda and second term myth Another issue that may nail Mimiko’s hope of a return in October is the myth surrounding the office of Ondo State, where no governor has ever got a second term in Ondo State. While it may be difficult to prove the efficacy of the myth, one sure thing is that no governor has ever served the state twice.

Ironically, this issue is always topical during debates whenever a seating gover-

•Continued from Page 21

nor seeks another term. Aspirants seeking to displace such governor and their parties are never tired of reminding the people of the myth at times like that. As a gubernatorial candidate, Mimiko was not an exception.

Mimiko, who teamed up with PDP’s former governor, Olusegun Agagu, in 2003, to defeat Adebayo Adefarati of the Alliance for Democracy and ensured that Agagu did not have a second term in office, had on both occasion, utilised the existence of the said myth to immense advantage.

Now, some people in the state are canvassing the argument that since Mimiko had made it clear with his two former bosses that it was not possible for any governor to rule the state for two terms, he too should forget about the idea of coming back in 2013.

Analysts are also talking about a plot code-named ‘Akoko Agenda’ as one other reason why Mimiko may not be re-elected.

Majority of the aspirants currently jostling to unseat Mimiko from the Alagbaka Government House are from the Akoko division of the state in the Ondo North senatorial district. This may be because of an alleged arrangement that ceded the governorship to the area this time around.

Those who have signified their interest from the area included Dr Tunji Abayomi, Dr Olu Agunloye, Mrs. Jumoke Anifowose, Prof Robert Ajayi Boroffice, Mr. Joseph Ajatta, Jamiu Ekungba, Rotimi Akeredolu, Segun Ojo, among others.

When he was being hosted by his kinsmen after he resigned his position as the chairman of the LP, Dr Oni said he left the ruling party in order to ensure that a man from any of the four local governments become the governor of the state in 2013. Since his exit, many prominent party members

have joined him in a bid to achieve the ambition.

Failed pact with PDP Burdened by the task of stopping the menacing ACN, Mimiko allegedly sought an alliance with the PDP in the state but the resultant pact failed even before it took off. The Ondo State chapter of the PDP was later to refute an allegation that the party in the state is planning to form an alliance with the governor.

In a press statement signed by the party’s Director of Publicity, Mr. Ayo Fadaka, and made available to newsmen in Akure recently, PDP said there is no pact between it and Mimiko. The party said rather than for the PDP to form an alliance with Mimiko, it will commit itself to wrestling power from the incumbent governor in the forthcoming election in the state.

“In view of the foregoing, we feel duty bound to refute in all entirety that it is absolutely impossible and comprehensively not feasible for the PDP in Ondo State to have any dealing whatsoever with a Dr Mimiko, who is an absolutely unreliable politician.

“It would have been better for the governor to look for ways of curtailing the exodus of people from the Labour Party to other parties in the state rather than looking for ways of dragging the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party to the issue of fake alliance that will never work.

“Any party that sponsors Mimiko during the election has already failed as his many tricks and insincerity have finally taken its toll on him,” the statement said in parts.

With all these odds against him, it is left to be seen how Governor Mimiko will make good his promise to return to Alagbaka House in October.

24

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Politics

Political Politics

Political

turf

ripples

with Bolade Omonijo boladeomonijo@yahoo.com

…And the men died

The news that jolted Makarfi

M

F

ORMER Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, may have regained his senatorial seat which was earlier awarded to Yussuf Baba Ahmed of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), but what many people may not know yet is that the distinguished Senator was actually scared by the events that led to the prolonged legal battle he had to wage to reclaim the seat.

It would be recalled that the former governor’s loss in Kaduna north senatorial district at the April 2011 senatorial poll was one of the high profile losses of the entire electoral process.

The former governor, who had occupied the seat since 2007, while recounting his travails in trying to reclaim the seat, recently told a close aide how the news of his purported loss shocked him beyond words.

Makarfi, who was Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, recently celebrated his successful legal battle in Abuja when he hosted some of his colleagues in the senate alongside other friends and associates.

He said the January 13 judgment of the Appeal Court, which returned him to the senate, came as a big respite for him as he was indeed very worried by the entire events that led to the legal tussle.

“The Senator was very sincere in telling us how shocked he was when he heard that he •Makarfi lost the election. I think he never thought it possible for him to be rigged out in Kaduna State. He must have felt that as a former governor, who ruled for eight years and then installed his preferred successor, he was in charge of the game.

He learnt quite a lesson from what happened and he is not hiding the fact that he was jolted,” an associate of the Senator told Ripples.

•Obi

Boring night at Awka Government House

A

FORMER governor, in the South-East geopolitical zone (names withheld), had what he described as the greatest shock of his life when he paid a visit to Governor Peter Obi in Awka.

The former governor obviously expected a lavish ball - endless supply of drinking, chewing and eating stuffs, plus finest ‘virgins’ to chose from, and such like, as was the case in his days.

But to his utmost surprise, as the evening gradually gave way to the night, the few officials in the Government House left one after the other.

Soon, only his host, Governor Obi, and he were left in the mighty house.

First, he thought it was a huge joke, but when his host started reading and working so hard with his calculators and such like, without paying much attention to the jokes he tried to poke in order to enliven the place, he was forced to ask: ‘Peter, don’t tell me this is the way you stay in this place alone, making endless calculations… I can’t take this, I am bored. This is not the Awka Government House I am used to. In fact, I can’t think of any Government House like this. I can’t bear it this weekend…

Ripples learnt that the fun-seeking former governor later left the Government House that night for a more cozy and fun-friendly hotel accommodation in town.

It is not certain if Obi agreed to pick up the hotel bill plus the total costs for the settlement of the drinks, food, and the ‘virgins.’

The trials of Brother Airhiavbere

I

F the news filtering in from the camp of Maj. Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Demo cratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is anything to go by, it is not safe to say all is well with the gubernatorial ambition of the Benin-born retired soldier.

The first shock was when his kinsmen told him to perish the thought of being governor as they were not willing to cast their votes for him. This is talking about the people of Agbodo community where the General hails from. Some of his people said the PDP candidate has not done enough to deserve their support.

In a jiffy, Airhiavbere rushed back home to settle the matter with his brothers and sisters. That was when another palaver reared its head for him. Eyewitnesses gossiped that he was reminded of some controversies surrounding the way his father handled certain community funds when he was alive. The palaver did not end there, as his political antagonists instigated some people to insist Airhiavbere must first resolve the controversy if he wants to

address the community on his ambition.

Confused, Brother Airhiavbere ran back to Benin, angry. While there, his people continued to call on him to return home and resolve the embarrassing matter. As if all the above are not enough for one person, trouble started in his party over who should be his running mate. And that is where his trial really took a turn for the worse.

Because of these, his associates are already expressing fear that the retired soldier may lose the support of the Presidency in his bid to govern Edo State. This is because, they have received the gist that the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadohme, has vowed to work against Airhiavbere if his preferred candidate is not selected as the running mate.

So, as the leaders of the party, under the guidance and counseling of Chief Tony Anenih, are bent on installing their own man as the deputy governorship candidate, it is left to be seen how Airhiavbere will weather the •Airhiavbere storms through.

ANY great and illustrious Nigerians have departed the world in the past few months. Just before last year ended, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Biafra legend and Nigerian rebel) took his exit. So did the founder and publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru. Earlier this year, Professor Sam Aluko, the great economist and social critic, as well as Chief Mathew Mbu, the youngest Nigerian ever to be appointed a minister, breathed their last.

Just last week, it was the turn of Chief Akin Omoboriowo and Chief Moses Adekojo Majekodunmi to leave loved ones grieving. The two men had played prominent roles in Nigeria’s political past. At the time that death came calling, Omoboriowo, 80, was no longer relevant in the political setting of Ekiti State.

Few remember that he once belonged to the inner circle of men who ate with Awo on the same table.

He authored a book on Awoism, praising and recommending the political thought and philosophy of the departed sage to all and sundry. He left University of Ife ostensibly to work for the advancement of the political fortunes of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. At a point, he was regarded as selfless. He desired, and was qualified to seek the office of governor of old Ondo State, but, on the basis of seniority in the camp, Awo preferred Chief Adekunle Ajasin who was a founding Vice President of the Action Congress. Omoboriowo accepted to serve as Ajasin’s deputy at the return to civil rule in 1979.

But, that was how much the man from Ijero could endure.

He found it unthinkable and unacceptable when he was told to allow the Owo chief another term in 1983. Omoboriowo hit the roof and decided to kick away the platform he had lauded to high heavens. It did not occur to him that his book, Awoism, was seen as reflecting his deep thoughts. He turned round to denounce the philosophy. It was the beginning of sunset. His political sun set at noon as the move to the National Party of Nigeria from the Unity Party of Nigeria marked his first death.

He contested the 1983 governorship election on the platform of the NPN, connived and colluded with the Lagos powers-that-be to manipulate the poll in his favour and it took the doggedness of the Ondo-Ekiti people to restore Ajasin to power. Like Akintola before him, Omoboriowo was no longer regarded as a man of the people; he could not be associated with progressives, decades before his death. Yet, the conservative fold that had lured him away from his allies would not give him a pride of place after the 1983 debacle.

The story of Dr. Majekodunmi is a little different. For many, it tells and tastes sweet. Only a few who have deep understanding of the Nigerian political history would ever think of mentioning the name of the great doctor on the same page with Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Ayo Rosiji, Hon. Akerele, Harold Sodipo and others. But, they flocked together in the First Republic.

At the point of death, Dr. Majekodunmi had picked himself up. Hardly would men of the younger generation ever link him with Nigerian politics. But, a few would remember that he was once found a willing tool to destabilize the Western Region. After serving as minister in the Balewa government at independence, when the Northern Peoples Congress government at the centre decided to knock the Action Group into its desired shape, it needed allies in at least one of the other regions. The East was firmly controlled by the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), but a splinter group had emerged in the West after the calamitous 1962 AG Jos convention. The Akintola NNDP offered a perfect opportunity to chase the progressives away from the West.

To do the job, Majekodunmi was appointed the Administrator as an emergency was procured and declared in the troubled region. Awolowo, through the Coker Commission of Inquiry and a dubious treasonable felony trial and conviction had been taken off the scene. Majekodunmi was left to perfect the system of bring Akintola to power after the emergency. Leading members of the AG had either been remanded in detention camps or sentenced to terms of imprisonment. The regional parliamentary election of 1965 was organised to work from answer to the question.

Majekodunmi played a major role. That is the position of history.

However, the man cannot be denied a prominent place in the society at the point of death. Originally an Egba man, he was a respected Lagos chief and socialite. He had the vision of a private hospital that works at a time it was not in vogue. His St. Nicholas Hospital, founded in 1967, was the first tertiary health institution in the country. Thus, he contributed positively in that respect to the growth of the society. From the collapse of the First Republic till he died last Wednesday, he resisted the temptation to return to politicking.

In the next few weeks, up to the burial of the men, encomiums would be showered on them. It s said that no one should speak ill of the dead, even if he were an Adedibu or Adelakun. Thus, many are unlikely to balance the stories.

Ultimately, it is historians, not revisionists, who would be called upon to locate men after their departure in the correct pages of history. All we can do now is call attention to their deeds and misdeeds.

The deeds of men, good and ill, live after them.

25

COVER THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

•Pa Afolabi’s house in Ado-Ekiti

PHOTOS: TAIWO ABIODUN

• Masts between Oluwadare and Ogundipe’s buildings, Ibadan

These killer masts

•Medical report of Afolabi from UTH, Ado_Ekiti

S

ITTING in front of his modest house in Ado-Ekiti Pa Afolabi Oyekanmi, a septuagenarian cuts the picture of an unhappy old man. He is unhappy at the goings on around him. In the past few months he has been crying over the telecommunication mast erected about three metres away from his house.

In a faint voice couched in tears, he lamented, “My health is deteriorating fast. Many times I would either have hypotension (low blood pressure) or hypertension, and other kinds of feelings.” He traced his health ordeals to the telecom masts erected a few meters away from his house by one of the telecom companies operating in the country.

According to him, “The first time the communication mast was tested, I ran away with my family and could not sleep at home for days as we could not withstand it. The fume coming out from the big generator was killing, the sound was deafening while the thick odour, heat and vibration were too much a burden to bear. “ He added that medical report from the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti revealed that he is suffering from a disease caused by the radiation from

•Civil Engineer’s report on Ogundipe’s building

•Mrs Ogundipe’s Medical report from UCH, Ibadan

In recent past, there have been reports about dangers posed by masts erected by telecommunications companies across the country, Taiwo Abiodun investigates the claims and counter-claims in this report the telecom mast.

He has therefore called on the communication company to save his soul and that of his family by removing the mast from where it is erected!

Narrating how it all started, he said “I have been living here since 2006, but suddenly my neighbour brought some people here to inspect the land in 2008. I inquired what they were trying to do but the owner of the parcel of the land only smiled and told me it was just a construction of a building. In a nutshell, a mast was erected. They started keeping some of the materials in my house.’’

Oyekanmi while narrating his ordeal would cast a glance at the mast and then his fragile body and fumes: “I regret entertaining these people and their materials. I curse the day the mast was erected here. I was

informed that they are planning to come back and start the engine again, but I can assure you that it will not last. If I die the telecom company is responsible. I will fight with the last pint of my blood if they ever come back here to start the engine”, the 72year -old man vowed.

To buttress his point that the telecom mast was the cause of his bad health, he brought out files containing heaps of letters and petitions he had written to various institutions and organisations about his ordeal. Displaying the medical report of the state of his health, he said “This is my medical report from the hospital, now I am very, very sick and I know how much I spend to buy drugs.”

The medical report from the Ado-Ekiti Teaching Hospital indicates that he is suffering from some ailments caused

by radiation from the telecommunication mast erected by a telecom firm with the number [T3756].

According to him, “I faced horror. I saw hell. I became sick and was rushed to the hospital several times. When I recovered I decided to write petitions to the House of Assembly, Ministry of Environment and Public Complaints Commission. I went to the governor and I also went to Ibadan, the zonal office of the telecom firm. Thank God that Governor Kayode Fayemi stepped into the matter.” He said after the governor’s intervention the mast was no longer used. However, of recent workers from the telecom firm have been coming around and boasting that they’ll soon start business there, because they have been buying drugs for hospitals and equipping them.

The septuagenarian’s wife, a retired school principal added in frustration, “It is a pity that we don’t have a law in this country, and even if we do, nobody obeys the law or may be some are bigger than the law’’ A medical report from the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti about Pa •Continued on Page 24

26

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Cover

•Continued from Page 23 Oyekanmi’s health dated January 18, 2011 with hospital card number161830 reads: “This elderly man who is a subsistent farmer was brought into the Accident and Emergency Unit of our hospital on 16/1/11 at 10:50pm with complaints of loss of consciousness associated with convulsions. He is not a known epileptic, diabetic, hypertensive or asthmatic. Findings on examinations showed lowish BP 90/50 mmHg and subsequent follow up showed low blood sugar RBS 4.7mmol/ L. He is presently being managed as a case of seizure disorder.…….Precipitant of the disorder may include machinery vibrations, twinkling light flashes height and depth, hypoglycaemia and hypotension. It is apparent that locating the (company name mention) mast too close to their house is detrimental and hazardous to his medical condition if not the cause.

Kindly give necessary assistance to address the problem.”

The medical record was signed by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Adeleye T.E In the face of the threat by the telecom company to return to put its mast to use again, the old man has vowed to fight to finish with the company if they resurface again to start the engine.

The havoc caused by these masts are spreading, in Ibadan. A mast with number T3938, was alleged to have caused a lot of havoc in Unique Estate, off Olounda Road.

While some have deserted their homes others find it hard to take that choice because they have nowhere to go. Most of the residents now keep their windows locked round the clock as if that would save them from the effects!

For Dr. A. Ogundipe, his family members are all in trouble as they are all suffering from one ailment or the other.

Mrs. Adebusola Ogundipe was diagnosed of blood cancer (leukaemia) while some of the children are suffering from memory loss coupled with nose - bleeding.

Mrs. Ogundipe who is a Biology teacher at N.O. Idowu Comprehensive High School, Ibadan said: “We are the first set of people to build a house here, but suddenly we saw the owner of this small land who came to erect a mast here. We fought tooth and nail to make sure it was not erected in 2008 because we know the implications. My husband is a veterinary doctor and he too tried to resist the owner and the mast’s engineers from erecting it, but they said the telecom company (names withheld) has paid the ransom for the lives of every Nigerian to the presidency so they can erect their masts anywhere that suits them in the country.”

According to her, the problem started from the heavy smoke coming from the firm’s generating set. She observed that “Despite the fact that we close all our windows and doors to stop the smoke from the generator from coming in, we began to inhale it. Whenever the telecom mast is workingm our beddings would be vibrating, forcing us to be sleeping on the floor. The walls have cracked and we have nowhere to go.”

This according to her was the genesis of her health challenges, “I started feeling dizzy and bleeding from the noser and at the initial stage, I did not tell my husband until it persisted. I ended up at the University Teaching Hospital, Ibadan where I underwent series of tests, including T Scan. It was there that I was told that I have leukaemia. The doctor advised us to pack out of the house since the result showed that we are exposed to radio activity. I have spent a lot on drugs and I feel for my husband. If I die today, blame the company which brought their mast

Many dangers of masts

•Omobola Johnson, Minister of Communication and Technology

into our area.’’

The diagnosis and losses From the medical report dated July 8, 2011 from the University Teaching Hospital [UCH], Ibadan, the medical director wrote: “Mrs. Ogundipe has been residing at her current address since 2006 during which she had enjoyed sound health. But in 2008 a telecommunication base station was cited next to her house and since then the family had experienced noise and vibrations. The most recent alteration in her health was the nose bleeding and the sensation of pain and tingling in the legs. These were also noted in her children……However, the hematologic study conducted revealed neutropenia, lymphocytosis and platelet count of 147,000 per cmm. While PTT test was 41 and control 32,[prolonged].The features appear to be in keeping with leukaemia.”

The report further advised her to relocate to avoid further exposure to radiation from the telecommunication base station. She is also expected to report regularly at the hospital to monitor her blood profile. The letter was signed by Dr. A. A. Adeosun [Consultant ENT Surgeon].

In an emotion - choked voice, she said helplessly, “The result says there was a long ray radiation and it affected me. We were advised by the doctor to pack out of the house.’’ The father of the house is of the belief that the mast is gradually ruining the life of his entire family because, apart from his wife, his children too are showing signs of being unwell.

They are frequently having bleeding noses, loss of memory and tingling pains in their legs.

Meanwhile, a civil engineering company, Hea-Bond Engineers (Consultant and Project developers), which carried out a test on the surrounding buildings came out with findings that are not cheering. The report which was dated July 13, 2011, read in part: “Site measurement showed that Dr. Ogundipe’s house wall is 3.7m from the perimeter base wall of the mast station while it is 3.65m away from Mr. Oluwadare’s house block wall.

Dr. Ogundipe also has a well located in front of his house which is 4.8m away to

•Pa Afolabi

the block wall.

“While on site noise emanated from the generator which powers the station and there is vibration on the foundation soil around the area. Close examinations on both houses situate to the left and right of the base station shows cracks in some areas such as window edges etc. …Structurally, the daily continuous vibration being transmitted through the soil could cause cracks in the foundation and walls of the buildings especially the walls of the well located in front of the houses”.

The letter was signed by A. Dare, an engineer.

Ogundipe is unhappy that the atmosphere has been poisoned as result of the presence of the masts.

He is still counting his losses “Some of my domestic animals like goats have died as a result of this radio activity.

Some developed tumours, some just bled to death while some suffered paralysis and some died suddenly. One of the goats was heavily pregnant but we later saw it somersault under the mast and it died. It was like a film.

The reason why it had serious effect on them is that the animals used to sleep under the masts.

My chickens are dying, I hardly rear any again. Our well water has been polluted and contaminated. The pawpaw tree we have in our compound no longer produces ripe fruit, they just fall off the tree without being ripe.”

He accused the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) of flouting the radius metres for sighting of masts as suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO), adding that telecomm companies are flouting the laid down rules by erecting their masts at about two or three metres to where people live.

He lamented that “Many people are affected. Some have abandoned their houses and went back to their villages either to die or go for treatment. I know a man who left here for his home town; he had all the symptoms my wife and children have.’’

Another resident identified as Mr Oludare, who lives close to the Ogundipes, has abandoned his

•Mrs. Ogundipe

house to rent a place in another part of the city.

When The Nation visited the National Environmental Standard Regulations Enforcement Agency [NESREA], Mrs Eunice Oyibo Eze, the Deputy Director, in her Lagos office, she blamed all the telecom firms for not adhering to laid down rules. According to her, “We all know the effect of radioactive material. It causes cancer, that is why we asked the telecom industries to obey the rules and make sure they install the masts 10 metres to the wall of a residential building.’’

She accused some of the landlords of colluding with the firms by erecting the masts “anywhere in the compound without following the modalities and this is what is causing all these illnesses especially cancer.

In fact any of the telecom industries found guilty must be punished.’’

Speaking on the dangers of the masts, she observed that not “only is the noise coming from the generating set causes hearing loss but also the fumes is dangerous while the vibration coming from the it causes walls of building to crack.

The oil spillage contaminate underground water and the engine oil contains high level of lead and could contaminate water from the well. The lead too is dangerous to one’s health’’ Flouting the rules Eze said there is a regulation gazetted by the Federal Government on the erection of telecom masts and that this would be enforced strictly without compromise. On prosecution of offenders, she said: “The telecom industry should be prosecuted for flouting the laws. They take laws into their hands and behave as if there is no law guiding their industry and that was because nobody had been checking them before. Now, NESREA is the first to bring out regulations on telecom. And it is there to enforce the law.”

She acknowledged the fact that many are dying in silence as a result of careless erection of masts by

telecom firms.

Worried by the indiscriminate location of Global System for Mobile Telecommunication [GSM] masts across the country, the House of Representatives has raised a panel to further look into the issue. At a plenary session recently, it decried the indiscriminate erection of masts and the flouting of all safety rules. The House mentioned listed the culprits as MTN, Glo, Airtel, Etisalat, Visafone, Multilinks, among others as the major service providers who site their base stations within 20 meters from the residents’ offices, schools, business buildings, petrol stations and other public places. It observed that; “This indiscriminate location of base stations will lead to environmental h a z a r d s t h r o u g h electromagnetic pollution as a result of radiation. Radiation from these base stations could pose serious health challenges and damage to chromosomes.”

Some doctors spoken to described the matter as serious and in need of urgent attention by concerned authorities. The doctors, who do not want their names in print, agreed with the report of the medical directors who linked some of the symptoms in their patients to the telecom masts. They were unanimous in asking for the firms to compensate the victims.

However, when contacted, the telecom firms refused to speak on the matter. For instance, when contacted Andrew Okeleke, the External Communications Manager of MTN declined to have an audience with the reporter but asked him to send his questions and the medical reports of the complainants to him by e mail.

This was done and after waiting for several weeks without any reply, repeated visits were made to the office, yet the reporter was not allowed to see him or any official. The same routine was followed in other telecom firms without any success.

The question is: for how long will these masts be allowed to pose health threat to people?

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

I’ve been hurt by people I trusted –Halima Abubakar –PAGES 36-37

30

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Kehinde Falode Tel: 08023689894 (sms)

E-mail: kehinde.falode@thenationonlineng.net

What’s hot on the high street?

S

•Aina davies

TREET style is when the everyday person puts together amazing outfits on a realistic budget. And it is more than a runway inspiration. Though I enjoy fashion/runway shows,I love street style much better.

Street style gives you the opportunity to experiment with things which in most cases bring out the best in you.

We pick out the most desirable pieces that are hot on the street It is the season of the waist accessory; accentuate yours with floral cute small belts Lace-embellished pencil skirt is a real show stopper.

Floral trousers like the floral dress are a must that we cannot do without this season Also floral knickers-line shorts will be all the rage Monochrome and neon dresses are making it bang on trend!

Statement Ankara or prints blazer is our musthave item Now it's time for shirt stripes Teaming blazer with jeans and a tee for a chic look is still going strong and hotter by day.

Make oriental fashion statement from scarf prints in pants (trousers) or dress High pump shoes in all manners of heels One of today's hottest pearl styles is to wear multiple strands of pearls as wrist or neck ornament Every woman likes to look different from the rest of the lot. Selecting f a s h i o n accessories that are unique can •Toolz achieve this idea.

Transport yourself back to the 1960s with amazing tie blouse.

Tie blouse is a great everyday basic top for anytime of the year.

•Mimi Udez

•Nonye

•Moriam Musa

•Omodunni

30

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Kehinde Falode Tel: 08023689894 (sms)

E-mail: kehinde.falode@thenationonlineng.net

What’s hot on the high street?

S

•Aina davies

TREET style is when the everyday person puts together amazing outfits on a realistic budget. And it is more than a runway inspiration. Though I enjoy fashion/runway shows,I love street style much better.

Street style gives you the opportunity to experiment with things which in most cases bring out the best in you.

We pick out the most desirable pieces that are hot on the street It is the season of the waist accessory; accentuate yours with floral cute small belts Lace-embellished pencil skirt is a real show stopper.

Floral trousers like the floral dress are a must that we cannot do without this season Also floral knickers-line shorts will be all the rage Monochrome and neon dresses are making it bang on trend!

Statement Ankara or prints blazer is our musthave item Now it's time for shirt stripes Teaming blazer with jeans and a tee for a chic look is still going strong and hotter by day.

Make oriental fashion statement from scarf prints in pants (trousers) or dress High pump shoes in all manners of heels One of today's hottest pearl styles is to wear multiple strands of pearls as wrist or neck ornament Every woman likes to look different from the rest of the lot. Selecting f a s h i o n accessories that are unique can •Toolz achieve this idea.

Transport yourself back to the 1960s with amazing tie blouse.

Tie blouse is a great everyday basic top for anytime of the year.

•Mimi Udez

•Nonye

•Moriam Musa

•Omodunni

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

31

Nude make-up for your eyes & lips •Princess Polo •Omotola Jalade Ekehinde

•Tiffany

•Vixen

T

HE nude look is amazing! All you need to do is invest some money in coming up with quality make-up shades that go with your skin tone. Eyes are the best features, and to add to their appeal the nude look works the best.

If you are interested in a natural look, then don't go for eyeliners or heavy make-up. Instead, you can apply mascara for curling your eye lashes and highlighting the same.

For the perfect look, brush a blusher on your eyelids Apply a lip balm on your lips. This will soften your lips and give them a smoother touch.

Use a lip liner for outlining your lips. Go for a shade that matches with the shade of your foundation. After you are done with the outline, colour the lips using a neutral shade.

Apply a coat of lip gloss for a perfect nude look. QED!

•Toyin Lawani

•Stephanie Okereke

32

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

•Trendy tunic isolated on a white background

•Tie Neck

•Ebele

•Funke Adefope

Trendy tunic isolated on a white background

•Damilola Adegbite

•Simple and classic, but still extremely chic

•Stripes shirt

•IB Douglas

•Nifemi Arowojolu

Embellish your look with a tunic top •Ndidi Obioha

N

EED to embellish your look?

Then go for a tunic top! They can be worn for most occasions, either as casuals or party dresses; it all depends on the accompanying accessories.

Tunic tops are something any fashionable person should have in their wardrobe. Below are styling tips that you can use when wearing your tunic tops. They are stylish, comfortable and simple: •Pair with pants (trousers), pumps or wedge shoes and also add a cute handbag or clutch to give it a sophisticated look. Top the look with single pearls necklace

for a formal event.

•For a casual, all this look needs is a pair of good jeans, any high heels or flat shoes and a statement piece for an accessory, plus vintage sunglasses to top the look.

•As dress; another great styling tip when using tunic tops is to use it as a dress. Just slip it on and put on a good pair of shoes, either high heel if you are going for a more dressed-up look or a pair of flats if you are going for a more casual look. But for both looks, the most important accessory is the belt. Cinch the waist to create shape for your tunic top!

•Long Pearl Necklace

•Silke kjole med flæser by Vanessa Bruno Athe

•Judith Clutch Champagne Evening Purses.

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

33

As much as we love attending shows and parties, more often than not, the red carpet is what gets everyone talking. The fear of the fashion police always has a way of bringing out the best of celebrities on the red carpet. But sometimes there are fearless offenders. Reports Kehinde Falode Photos: NIYI ADENIRAN

ESTANOL OYELESE made her floral gown look picture perfect with her simple make-up and jewels. The dress is such a statement, so the simple accessories make the outfit an overall.

Kudos!

OLUWATOSI N AJAYI looks fetching, but there is nothing extraordinary about the overall ensemble. He overlooked the basic rule of men fashionalways match your belt with your shoes.

Oops!

Fashion designer UGONNA OMERUO, looked stunning in a twocoloured turquoise blue and pink gown, accented perfectly by a chunky necklace, cute clutch purse and knocked-off the look with turquoise blue peep-toes shoes

by Italian designer Zanotti Giuseppina.

Kudos!

EKU EDEWOR worked the red carpet in an emerald green frill skirt and embellished long sleeve top that did a fabulous job of showing off her figure.

Kudos!

'Kelekele love' girl TIWA SAVAGE donned a super pink gown, gold pumps and few accessories. The pink highlighted her porcelain skin and slightly tinted weaves, while the understated jewellery completed the extremely glamorous look.

Kudos!

34

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Multi-talented singer, Essence Uwale Okoro, popularly known as Essence, reveals her favourite things to Kehinde Falode

Favourite book

Favourite bag designer

Changes, by Danielle Steel

Louis Vuitton

Favourite sunglasses

Prada

Favourite wrist watch

Favourite fashion quote

Raymond Weil

So many women are all-vogue on the outside and vague on the inside - Mary Kay

Favourite Nigerian designer

Favourite makeup

Joy Opene couture

Favourite perfume All designer perfumes!

(Gucci, Dior, Armani etc)

Smokey!

Favourite colour Any colour that looks good on me, especially black

Essence’s

top Favourite actress Charlize Theron

10

THEATRE

With VICTOR AKANDE

I

N the Nigerian entertainment scene, one fad that is fast spreading like wild fire in the harmattan is the penchant for the Range Rover car model, especially among young Nollywood actresses. From the Range Rover to Range Sport series, the craze for this automobile is mind-boggling.

Those actresses who missed out from the fad in 2011 when it was trendy seem determined not to be left out as most of them now flaunt their Range models via the different social media platforms.

What is it with this wonder-on-wheel that has gotten scores of thespians, and a few music young stars attracted to it?

Apart from the fact that it's one of the most expensive cars right now, only the users can tell.

In the past, the worth or relevance of an artiste, especially the thespian, was mostly determined by how much work they get from movie producers. This was long before the era of endorsement from corporate organisations.

For musicians, the popularity of their songs vis-à-vis the number of shows or performances their brand were able to attract was the claim to their fame, but these days the criteria are changing across all the genres of entertainment and across the globe. Perhaps Nollywood actors and their music counterparts are copycats of the luxurious lifestyles of their Hollywood counterparts; some of whom are demigods with unprecedented global followership.

With the growing popularity of secret societies in that part of the world, the most talked about being the Illuminati and the overwhelming affluence attributed to those identified as it members, like Jay Z, Kanye West, Rihanna, and Eminem, to mention a few, it is only a matter of time before these supposed superstars command a larger than life image. It suffices to say that if you can't beat them, you join them.

The rippling effect of the lifestyle of these superstars in no small way has opened another phase of showbiz in Africa and particularly in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

With the growing glam that's associated with showbiz all over the world, practitioners in the Nigerian entertainment industry, notwithstanding that it may not be as viable as Hollywood, are beginning to rub shoulders and measure up with the lifestyle of the aforementioned superstars that have global acceptance.

The growing influence and acceptance of Nigerian entertainment have further closed the gap between their superstars and ours over here, but not without its own price. What then is the price for us?

The price we have to pay is simple, but it is something that is starting to take a negative toll on the kind of 'lifestyle' that

•Laide Bakare

t

BIGSCREEN

Tel: 08077408676

SOUND TRACK

plus

35

e-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

N

Chika Ike:

Y

Bisi Ibidapo Obe:

D

Ini Edo:

Y

Laide Bakare:

S

Susan Peters:

OLLYWOOD actress, Chika Ike's profile has been on a steady rise for obvious reasons, one of which is the opening of her new boutique called Nancy Fancy in Abuja amid pomp and ceremony. Colleagues stormed the venue in their numbers and close sources said they were marveled at the structure and goods in the store which many said must have cost her a fortune. Recently, the actress also joined the league of entertainers who ride a Range Rover said to be worth the sum of N12.9 million. A close source even said that the actress's Range is the latest Range Sport 2011 model.

Madly in love with Range Rover is expected of our stars. It may be difficult for our stars to surpass their Hollywood colleagues in this fashion of expensive showoff, but they will go a long way (they are already making a mark). How they do this is a function of the big price they have to pay. No wonder why some of them have turned themselves into drug couriers to say the least.

Right now, it is no longer the demand for an actor or a performer that determines his or her wealth and popularity, it is how much they are able to compete with politicians in terms of what car they ride or with the wives of the politicians in the type of dress they wear.

One thing that keeps baffling even their colleagues is that some of these actresses cannot even boast of featuring in five movies in a year (even if they do, how much is an artiste's fee in Nollywood?), yet their profile is on a steady rise because they have the financial power to create ripples that brings them to public glare.

An actress was once quoted to have said, “Nna na wa o; I wonder how this babe makes her money. Only recently she opened a big boutique in Abuja now she bought a Range among other numerous things.”

Listening to her, one feels sorry because she's one out of the thousands of them who may not have toed the odd path to sudden wealth. It is no news that most female actors go for abroad-based husbands just to land a better living condition and join the league of 'big girls celebrities’ in the industry.

PAGE

automobiles, we take a look at those who are proud owners of the Range auto brands:

•Chika Ike

Mercy Michael

GISTS

ORUBA actress, Bisi Ibidapo, needs no introduction. Popularly referred to as Omo Logbalogo, the actress is among the A-list in the Yoruba sector of Nollywood. Gists from the rumour mills also have it that the actress who has been linked to several musicians in the past has joined the league of actresses to have bought a Range Rover worth over N12 million.

ARK-skinned Nollywood diva and Glo ambassador, Ini Edo, who recently premiered her latest flick, I'll take my chances, has also taken her chance by acquiring a Range Rover.

The Peace Ambassador is one of the A-list actresses in the industry and she has several awards to show for it. The actress who recently delved into movie production is not relenting on her efforts on the movie scene as her latest movie was released amid rave reviews.

This is not to say that some thespians do not work hard, and with the era of corporate endorsements, land big deals, but the numbers of those with questionable fortune is overwhelming.

There are unconfirmed reports that most actresses who flaunt so much money and who live in choice areas within the Lagos metropolis are glorified prostitutes who use their screen presence to advantage. Other reports have it that most of them are pimped for rich musicians, business moguls, politicians, captains of industry, marketers, white expatriates and internet fraudsters popularly referred to as 'Yahoo boys'.

As much as it is their fundamental human right to desire a good life, the need to 'belong' is driving so many of our female entertainers, especially actresses, really crazy. It is only to plead that in their role model persona, the female or male artiste should learn not to teach their fans the wrong way.

Only recently, the newest kid on the block, Davido, was in Malaysia where he bought himself a necklace worth N2m among other indulgences in a bid to spoil himself, according to him. This kind of extravagance doesn't add up to such an act as a youth ambassador. Even among their colleagues, some of whom have put in years of hard work into their careers can't boast of lavishing N2m on an automobile not to talk of spending so much on a necklace. What about their fans who are constantly lured into scam, prostitution and other social vices in order to enrich themselves and live the life of a star?

Without casting any aspersion on our actresses for desiring expensive

ORUBA actress Laide Bakare is also one of the actresses in the class of Range Rover owners. The actress who recently denied having an auto crash with her Range automobile is one thespian whose profile is on the rise. With the rebranding of her production outfit 'Simline International', the actress who is armed with a certificate from the prestigious New York Film academy is set to make a bold statement with a host of projects coming from her stable.

USAN Peters may not be as popular as her other colleagues who are proud owners of the Range Rover model, but she's certainly not new in the world of make-believe. The actress who is a member of the Emem Isong Royal Art family has in recent times been more visible in movies than in the past. She also drives a Range Rover according to a close source.

W

Davido:

ITH barely six months on the Nigerian music scene, rave of the moment David Adeleke, a.k.a Omo Baba Olowo, needs no introduction. The 19 year old who was only last week confirmed as the face of MTN Pulse- a new offering from the telecoms giant has joined the league of artistes with Range Rover series. This of course will not come as a surprise to colleagues and fans of the artiste who have followed his rising profile in recent times. Like someone said, “If he can spend N2m on necklace what is in a Range Rover that he cannot afford?” Like him or hate him, you cannot but talk about this star who has taken the music scene by storm with his hit single Damiduro.

36

Entertainment

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

I've been hurt by people I trusted — Halima Abubakar

She is described as controversial uarters, but Halima in some q quarters, Abubakar sa ys she is one of the says most misunderstood actresses on the scene.

With a career sspanning panning over a decade, she sa ys she is set to break says new g rounds. She reveals more in grounds. this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

C

ONGRATULATIONS, you recently won an award which adds to your collection…

Thank you very much. I must confess, my journey as an actress has been a very long one; coming from where I was in the past. It is a privilege and blessing to be so honoured and I want to use this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported me all this while. I see it as an opportunity to do more and I am really humbled.

Last year you raised an alarm on hackers who compromised your Facebook account.

How were you able to deal with the issue?

I met a young man who wanted to work for me; I gave him a free hand and he opened a facebook account for me. But he had a hidden agenda as he decided to hijack the platform for fraudulent devices. It was an evil thing for him to do because if he didn't want to work for me in the first place he shouldn't have started. I have come to discover that no matter how people preach about love; there are still some people who don't want to love anyone because I was extremely nice to the guy in question. It wasn't really a stranger that hijacked it; it was someone I knew.

How challenging has your acting career been thus far?

It has been extremely challenging because sometimes, if not all the time, I tend to battle with weight problems, headache, sleepless nights and hunger because you have to look good for the camera. There are a lot of challenges attached to being an actress and it is not just reading the scripts alone. It takes a

strong mental disposition to cope with acting.

Would it be okay to sum up that you thrived in controversy when you started out as an actress?

I grew up in the industry because I started quite young and everything that I have been through is a learning process for me.

Nobody is perfect; if you are perfect then you are evil because no one is infallible. I am not perfect and we all grew up to learn things. Sometimes you are not too young to learn certain things and at the same time you cannot be too old to learn something new.

Last year you used your status as a celebrity to urge Nigerians to come out to vote at the last elections on social media.

What explains that motive?

I felt I was doing something right but then I noticed that things were actually not right at all. It was done to encourage Nigerians to vote. I was called to be part of the process but I just decided to do what I had to do out of free will. I didn't vote but I encouraged Nigerians to go out and vote. The same thing happened with the subsidy protests because I like to get involved when people are doing their thing so that when it gets to my turn; people will support me too.

What was it like shooting your first movie?

It was hectic because I wasn't on set as a producer; I was on set as an actress. I wanted the stress off me; so, I engaged a producer that I have worked with in the past named Stanley Ebuninne. He helped in coordinating and also ensured that the project was finished in good time. If it was left to me alone I would have been frustrated and maybe call off the production halfway because it was not fun shooting.

How many movies have you produced on your own?

It is just one, The Mistresses and it is not out yet. We are about to start editing the movie and it is getting so much mention.

The thriller will be out any time from now and we will continue editing until we get a final product that will be released into the market.

What's the movie all about?

The storyline is all about love because I am a lover girl. It's an emotional movie about lies, truth, regret, heartbreak and the things that generally happen when you are in a relationship.

Are you in love at the moment?

Yes I am…

Do you think it will end in marriage?

I don't know why people are so particular about marriage. Do you know how many couples are out of their marriages at the moment? Or you just want me to invite you for a wedding and you come, eat and dance and the next thing you hear is that my marriage is crashed? The truth is that if I even get married; I am not the type that would invite people to come and eat free food. I am not the type that would go for a celebrity wedding. I would rather opt for a low key wedding, move into my husband's house, have kids and live happily ever after.

You recently bought a dress worth $1500…

At some point in one's life you have to spend money buying something even if it is outrageously expensive. It was my birthday and I bought the dress last year. I wanted to wear the dress if I had a party but I did not; I decided to wear the dress later for an event.

You have to look good sometimes and some people are of the opinion that the dress does not cost that much and the whole thing is hype. I don't owe any apologies for buying the dress for that amount because there are people out there who own clothes that are more expensive. I understand that the dress is expensive but it is a vintage design.

Rumours made the rounds last year that you were involved in a relationship that almost ended in marriage; how true was that?

Yes, I heard that too but I do not know where the rumour emanated from; I don't know any guy named Osas. They said he is

discover I have come to how that no matter out ab people preach some still love; there are n't want people who do ecause I b to love anyone nice to was extremely on. It sti the guy in que anger str wasn't really a ; it was that hijacked it ew someone I kn an oil baron and if you ask me; the rumour mongers really wished me well by linking me with an oil baron. I say amen to that (general laughter). My boyfriend's name is not Osas and I want them to keep on guessing.

What is it about your boyfriend that attracted you?

I don't think there is any particular thing that attracted me to him; we just clicked. He advises me and makes me laugh a lot. It doesn't take too much to win my heart when I want it to be won. We just struck the right cord and he is a good person.

Would you consider yourself as a misunderstood actress?

Yes, I consider myself as one; 80% of the time. But it is okay, it just makes me serious to an extent. It is good at least; it keeps people off my business.

Who really is Halima Abubakar?

At this stage, I think there is no way I can convince people about who I am. People already have an idea about who I am but I don't bear the semblance of the person they think that I am. I am an amazing person and you can discover that if you know me. You might look at me and say that I am arrogant, not nice and not friendly. We all have issues as human beings but the truth is that it is not so most of the times.

What plans do you have for the near future?

I could deviate into movie production because I love being behind the camera too. I may stay off acting in the future and embrace movie production. Something new may crop up but I know that I would at some stage in my career embrace movie production.

Have you ever thought of making a movie out of your life experiences?

That would be one of the most touching and exciting movies to watch when it is eventually released. My life story is touching and extensive; if I begin to reel out my life experiences the movie may turn out to be one of many parts.

What was growing up like for you?

It was very hard growing up. It wasn't that hard initially but it got to a stage where smiling was difficult. I have gone through so much I must say and recalling those times makes my heart really heavy.

Would you say the experiences you had while growing up has made you as bottled up as you are today?

It has; because in life it is not just about meeting people that have offended you.

Those who offended you in the past may be from your immediate or extended family. My immediate family I would say is the best one can have; we have been through a lot: through laughter, rejection, good times and bad times. Nonetheless, we've been able to pull through and it is amazing how we were able

to do it because everyone that was supposed to lend a helping hand abandoned us but God was on our side.

As one who has gone through so much in life to be where you are today, what gives you succor?

When you have an upbringing where your mother continues to drum it in your ears not to exchange evil for evil; you just have to heed her words. I have gone through a lot in the hands of people and I have gotten more hurt that good. You only get hurt when you allow it and that happened for me because I trust people so easily. My trust for people has gotten me hurt in the process and I think the world likes people that are mean. I could be vindictive only because someone hurts me; I would forgive you and not talk about it but I won't forget.

Tell us about your involvement with charity?

That is really close to my heart; it is something that I Iove doing. While growing up, I found it hard to feed. I begged for food and nobody offered me food; getting a cup of rice was really hard. Today, I can imagine scores of kids who are hungry and need food to eat. Sometimes, when people are in traffic they wind up immediately a beggar approaches. So, I try as much as possible to give food to whoever needs it. These days, it is very hard for people to give you a helping hand and some people take things by force.

That is why; there are a lot of reported cases of armed robbery. There are people lying sick in hospitals with no one ready to pay their bills while there are people who are willing to sponsor politicians to the tune of millions of naira. There are people who are greedy, unkind and malicious. The hatred being displayed in the world today is alarming and there seems to be some people who have no soul.

Due to the incessant bomb attacks in Kano; you had to relocate your parents from Kano; how are they faring in their new abode?

My dad already migrated from Kano two years ago to start a farm house; we are into poultry and livestock business. They are faring well and we give glory to God; at least they are safe now.

Do you consider yourself as an evolving actress?

Oh yeah! I am not a stereotype actress; I see myself as an evolving actress and I am also one that seeks ways to develop myself in other areas.

37

Enters Adaora clothing line!

N

OLLYWOOD actress Adaora Ukoh is set to expand her celebrity status; having joined the league of entertainers to own a clothing line. The new feat is called Adaora and will be launched in a couple of weeks.

According to the actress who is busy putting plans together for the launch of the outfit, Adaora is a plussized clothing Line aimed at embracing the true curves of the plus sized African woman. In her words, “every woman is beautiful and beauty

comes from within”.

Gist from rumour has it that the actress has been able to woo plus-sized celebrities, the Ibru sisters, Gloria, Elvina and Obukome as one of her long line-up of models for her project.

As part of preparation for the launch, the actress, we gathered has outlined designs for the runway-red carpet diva, Plump Bohemian Chick, The Party Rider, Voluptous Vixen, The Office Lady, Classic Casual, The Turban African Queen and many others.

Wannabes stormed Tinsel audition

I

N droves, aspiring artistes of all ages thronged Protea Hotel, Maryland venue of the audition of popular Mnet Africa sitcom, Tinsel. Held on April 4th and 5th, producer of the TV Series, Rogers Ofime, explains that the auditions stems from the fact that new characters are set to come on board as a new season is about to begin.

“We are currently scripting and as the script evolves, there will be new actors that will come on board, some major, some minor. The whole essence of the audition is to take care of those characters. We need quality actors that will interpret the roles that will spring up for the fifth season.

According to ofime, it is very difficult to determine how many slots are open.

With over 260 episodes for the approaching 5th season, he said that, characters would come up. “Ours is to build stories and then as characters come up, we look at what our viewers want. What Mnet intends to do with Tinsel is also to

give birth to people with skills and who have got great talents on the inside but are still very raw. What we also do with Tinsel is to groom them, make them become great talents to be reckoned with,” he further explains.

In the words of Mnet's Olayinka Epega, as the series evolves it hopes to explore more viewing platforms including terrestrial stations. “We are open to ensuring that more Nigerians are a part of what it is that we are doing. We don't want to restrict it to certain platforms or group of people. The idea is to make sure that what it is that we are doing on Mnet and Tinsel is constantly in the minds of every Nigerian and every African,” she says.

Shot on location in Lagos, Nigeria, Tinsel is Mnet Africa's first ever Nigerian soap-opera, originally created as localized content for international cast on. It tells a compelling storyline of romance, passion and intrigue in a world of glamour.

Entertainment

38

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Evangelist Ebenezer Obey remains one of Nigeria's evergreen artistes to have successfully withstood the test of time. The Juju maestro who clocked 70 recently spoke to AHMED BOULOR about his life in the last seven decades and the state of the Nigerian nation

S

IR, can you take us through your journey in the last seventy years?

I give thanks to God Almighty and I return all the glory and honour to His Holy name because of the journey, God has been with me right from the start. He is the architect of my life; His love purposed and arranged my life to be what it has been in the last seventy years.

Coming to this world can not be possible without Him and He said man should come, reign and have dominion on earth.

Can you recall how your parents met each other?

My parents met in Idogo, Ogun State and I was conceived in Idogo where my parents lived. My mother used to come to Lagos for ante-natal at Martin Street Hospital. Eventually I was given birth to at the hospital. After my birth, my mother returned to Idogo where I grew up. It was always from school to the church choir, and the gift of music started in my school days at Idogo. Everything started in Idogo, I came to Lagos and finished my elementary school. Oba Fatai Irawo happened to be my school mate and what I thought was a hobby became my profession. To the glory of God, I rose to become a star. Back in those days, I used to call myself “the future star” and it came to pass in my life. I became that future star. My music got into almost every corner of the world. I released so many records; even the ones I released 40 years ago are still very relevant now.

Sir, you are highly philosophical in your lyrics, how did you come about this? Is it in-born or did you learn it?

I will call it the gift of God. It is very easy for me to compose songs, not everybody can do that. It's not just about becoming a composer, it doesn't start and end there, but what kind of songs are you composing? That is the question. If you can compose good songs, it will become a point of reference because good songs last forever. People would want to play it everywhere and listen to it all the time.

People know an artiste for his qualities.

Were your parents musicians?

My parents were not musicians. My father was a carpenter, my mother came from Kesi family of Owu, Abeokuta and their village is Abese in Ifo Local government. Every Owu son and daughter must have a village. My mum appealed to me not to go into music because “your father is woken up daily by drummers, why then should you go into music?” She always asked me that.

Do you find yourself under pressure to satisfy your listeners?

That must be a good pressure. I don't call it pressure because pressure is what you are doing out of pain and hardship.

When you are good in what you do, it is a good pressure. People book performance up to six months and one year in advance.

I enjoy doing it; in fact, good music cannot come from pain. It has to come from the mind that is flowing and settled.

If it looks like pressure, that must be a good pressure How do you get inspired when composing songs?

If I lie down on the bed it comes. Early in the morning when I wake up and go to the toilet, it comes. It can come anywhere even on stage. You can't compose when you are occupied; no, that's why it comes when people cannot disturb me, on my bed and in the toilet.

Can you forget Mr. Cress?

d e r i p s n i t e g I s g n o s e t i r to w in the toiler Otbey —Evang. Ebeneze

I can never forget Mr. Cress, I used to call him my father, and I thank God to have sent the man to me at my point of need. I wanted to be discovered, I knew I had something in me. When you have good things in you, you must not allow it to die until you find a way to deliver them. If I didn't have the opportunity to be heard all those songs could have died in me. That's the main reason I trekked from Mushin to Lagos because there was no technology that allows you to record and take your demo to the producer. I didn't have the money. I trekked all the way to Afrodisia Studio on Lagos Island. I met the secretary who said I could not see the Managing Director, that the person I ought to see was the Artiste Manager and he was on leave.

And he told me to return in six weeks. The argument continued and the MD called through the intercom to know the cause of the noise. The secretary responded that there is a young man who said he is a future star, who wanted to see him, to whom he said no.

So, the MD exclaimed 'future star'? Send him in'. Can you see one of the reasons that can't make me forget him? So, I told him I'm a future star, I want you to record me and don't pay me, my records will sell, after the records are sold then pay me. He looked at me, speechless, so he called one Mr. Ogunbayo and said “I think this young man should be given a chance”. I went for audition.

Marketers were called to present their purchase bid. He said if it was not up to five hundred purchase bids of records then I can't be promoted. Mine was short of 19 but they all knew my capabilities.

That was how he ordered for 19 to guarantee my stay and that was the first time the MD did that. That's why I said I can never forget him.

What gave you the courage to trek from Mushin to Lagos?

I didn't want my talent to die in me.

My album sale was always rated to be either Gold or Platinum. I never had

Silver. My success is the grace of God. I thank God Almighty. Fifteen years after I went into ministry and came back for special appearance people still love my music.

You marked your 70th birthday and showcased Idogo, is it true that the building you commissioned in honour of your wife started about 35 years ago?

I always like to showcase the town wherever I go, I speak about Idogo, but they know my father is from Orile Kesi. I was born and I grew up there, this gave me the opportunity to always speak good about the town, because the town is my foundation. After I came into ministry I've held about four crusades at Idogo. Idogo is our mission field and I always went there with my wife.

Each time we hold our crusades we always face the church, so as I entered the church and looked at the hall, Holy Spirit asked me “why don't you finish the hall? I heard him clearly so I thanked the Lord, told my wife and we prayed. To the glory of God, we completed the hall after about 35 years.

Tell us about the Horse and Donkey story which was the story of a father, his son and the donkey?

The meaning of the song is that “no matter what you do, you can never satisfy people”.

From the crawling stage of a child, if he or she damages anyone's material, an enemy is made at that tender age. After growing up, if he has a bicycle and does not allow his peers to ride, he makes another round of enemies. If he is brilliant in school and comes first, he becomes the enemy of others behind. If he is loved by the boss due to his diligence, they will call him names. You can't definitely please the world. That reminded me of the story of a man, who rode on a donkey, while his son walked beside him. People chastised him for not putting his son on the donkey, so he came down and put his son on the donkey. As a result, they rode on the donkey. Again, people met them and said “ah, you and your son want to kill the

...When I wake up and go to the toilet, it comes.

It can come anywhere even on stage. You can't compose when you're occupied; no that's why it comes when people cannot disturb me, on my bed and in the toilet

donkey”? Then, they came down and started trekking. Yet again, people accused them by saying “you are slaves to humanity, you are trekking while the donkey is moving freely” That was how the man remembered one of my songs that says “there is no way you can please the world” As a General Overseer, do you think the Church is doing enough in preaching the gospel?

As much as we are trying, we can never do enough because everybody must hear the gospel. We must preach the gospel and tell the people what is bad. There is nothing any man wants, if he is doing the will of God that he won't get. We can not do enough; we must continue to press forward.

Some of the social and economic ills you sang about in the past are still commonplace, what do you think is the problem?

It is because we do not heed to good advice. Our leaders pay lip service to policies. For example, if we produce enough food for ourselves we cannot produce enough for the world.

What do you have to say about corruption in the land?

It is because our system allows it, people in the present dispensation want to amass wealth as much as others that have gone and those who do it; do not get punished. When offenders are punished, people will stop.

How do you combine being a General Overseer with your special appearances?

Music is what I have done throughout my life time; I laid it down for ministerial work. I started special appearances with those who partner with us in God's work.

I pick my appearances, and people who don't come to church started coming when we do special appearance. I thought people would have forgotten about me after quitting the stage for about 15 years but their response was massive.

So, special appearances became another outreach and no one can give me songs on special appearance.

Do you consider yourself happier now with special appearances given the fact that music is all you have done in your life time?

All the fifteen years I sang in churches was not for the money. Even if you give me something, it can never be compared to other stage performances. But God sees the heart of man and knows how to compensate him. So I've always been happy and still a happy person.

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Tunes of 13th

Cape Town T

•Hugh Masekela

Jazz Festival

Anny Emmanuel's birthday with Orphans

S

th

HE just concluded 13 edition of the popular Cape Town International Jazz festival has again lived to its billing as Africa's grandest annual gathering of lovers of the jazz genre. The explosive population was thrilled by an array of international jazz icons who held the crowd spellbound with their scintillating live performances for the two days that the festival lasted.

With tickets for the show sold out as usual, over 40 fusions of international and local musical stars had performed on five different stages across the two unforgettable nights. The festival was further enriched with side attractions including display and sales of art works and portraits of great jazz artistes of yesteryear, as well as numerous branded souvenir to keep memories of the event alive.

The opening night had HHP, the South African sensational lyricist, performing at the Bassline stage. The mammoth audience at the stage indicated the love South Africans reserve for HHP, who is touted to be the Jay Z of the rainbow nation. This South African sensation wowed the audience so much so that his album was sold out in Cape Town music stores the next day.

However, the biggest stage, Kippies, where the renowned saxophonist, Dave Koz from the USA, performed erupted as Dave delivers electrifying performance to the full capacity audience.

First, Koz who was returning to the festival after performing at the 12th edition in 2011 captivated the audience as he trumpeted the South African national

39

•James Ingram

anthem which drew large chorus from the audience before reeling out plenty of his tunes. Dave's special duet with the legendary Patti Austin left the audience yearning for more.

At the same time Koz was entertaining the audience in Kippies, lovers of soul music pitched their tent with the talented American R&B/Soul singer, Allen Stone, at the Basil stage. Stone thrilled the audience with his hit 2011 self titled album which catapulted him to #9 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart.

The majestic Cape Town International Convention Centre, venue of the festival, had fun seekers and lovers of jazz music moving in droves around all stages, and hailing each act or group of artistes each time they put up appreciable performances.

There were also the likes of Kevin Mahogany, Jean Grae, Steve Tyrell, Moreirra, and Zamajobe mounting different stages at the memorable show, even as the jazz famous James Ingram put

ENSATIONAL Gospel singer Anny Emmanuel celebrated her birthday at the orphanage recently.

Born on April 4, this year's celebration was held at the Heritage Homes situated at Anthony village in Lagos.

Aside friends and relatives coming together to celebrate with Anny, as she is fondly called, at the Heritage Homes, the artiste’s major take was her fun time with the orphans therein.

Few of her colleagues like Sammie Okposo, Essence and Dj Gosporella were also on hand to give her support, sharing in the moment with the underprivileged.

With so much to eat and drink, DJ •Lauryn Hill Roland was on standby, dishing out up electrifying songs from Anny's album and other duet performance with Patti artistes, as the children and well wishers Austin to round off the night with took to the dance floor. their 1983 hit song "Baby, Come to An overjoyed Anny was filled with Me", a song which went top of the hearty laughter all through as she was Billboard Hot 100 in February same year. shown love from the children and well wishers. The children had lots of fun The second night was even more electrifying with the performances of the with lots of gift from Anny.

It would be recalled that the artiste South African music icon, Hugh released her first album, Mercy, in 2009 Masekela. Masekela's performance alongside two upcoming artistes was a to a critical acclaim. The album greatly special tribute to the late songbird of announced her arrival on the music South Africa, Miriam Makeba. scene. She was also a nominee at the 2010 edition of the Nigeria Music Video Third World Band, a Jamaican group Awards (NMVA). Her 19 tracker that rocked Lagos in the 90s lifted the sophomore album titled Time with songs 'Rastafarians' off the ground with their like Yabo, stay with me and many others many reggae/jazz hits including 'Lagos had collaborations from talented acts Jump' which they did as part of their like Kefee, Soul-E, Sammie Okposo and Nigerian tour then.

Mekoyo.

Lauryn Hill, the last minute replacement for Jill Scot who could not make it to the festival, somewhat disappointed teeming fans at the Kippies.

Though she officially closed the festival, very many fans departed the venue due to her poor performance on stage. Ms Hill, however, salvaged her image with a last minute wonderful performance of one of her “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” album tracks to the admiration of the crowd.

•Third World Band

Naeto C engages Nicole

R

AP artiste, Naetochukwu Chikwe, otherwise called as Naeto C, was on Monday April 9, 2012 engaged to his heartthrob, Nicole Chukwueke, in Owerri, Imo State.

The 30-year-old son of former Aviation and Transport Minister, Chief Mrs. Kema Chikwe, Nigeria's Ambassador to Ireland, we gathered, is already putting finishing touches to the wedding proper.

The Lagos leg of the wedding is set for July 21, 2012 and feelers have indicated that the wedding is planned to be a big one.

Incidentally, Naeto C and Nicole's elder brother, Osi Uwenyiora, were school mates at Atlantic Hall, Epe, Lagos before Osi later moved to Auburn High School, in the US.

40

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

CINEMA GUIDE

BIG

LAGOS

PICTURE Supported by: SILVERBIRD CINEMAS

Titanic: Disaster feels good on 3D

J

AMES Cameron's Titanic, the spectacular epic which ranked as the most expensive film in Hollywood history at the time of its release, and became the most successful has been recreated to highlight the ill-fated maiden voyage of Titanic and the tragic sea disaster of April 15, 1912 in thrilling effect of 3D. Written and directed by James Cameron, the 1999 DVD release which remake hits the theaters this month with new effects that add a sliver of depth to the doomed cruise liner's final, magnificent wreckage is indeed a refresher.

The 3D effect makes this love story even more compelling; beating with the hearts of its two perfectly matched Hollywood lover stars.

DiCaprio is still irresistible as scruffy thirdclass passenger Jack Dawson, and Winslet is a gauzy vision as society girl Rose DeWitt Bukater. No doubt, the 3D effect has added to the gleam of this classic. Titanic into 3D would only make an audience to better comprehend the ship's colossal dimensions and the colossal scale of the disaster itself, therefore driving home the big significance of the basic human drives love, jealousy, courage and greed that steam the plot towards its inevitable tragic conclusion.

Titanic Featured Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet and Billy Zane Genre: Drama Running Time194 min Trespass Featured Actors: Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman and Cam Gigandet Genre: Comedy Running Time: 91 min Dr Seuss'- The Lorax 3D Featured Actors: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Danny DeVito Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time86 min 21 Jump Street Featured Actors: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube Genre: Comedy and Sequel Running Time109 Mins Machine Gun Preacher Featured Actors: Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Shannon Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time129 min Phone Swap Featured Actors: Wale Ojo, Nse Etim Ikpe, and Ghanaian Superstar, Lydia Forson Genre: Comedy Running Time Wrath of the Titans Featured Actors: Sam

ABUJA Running Time: 86 min Wrath of the Titans Featured Actors: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Rosamund Pike Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 99 min The Scores Featured Actors: Aremu Afolayan, saheed balogun ,Eniola olaniyan , Olumide Bakare,sunkanmi omobolanle Genre: Drama Phone Swap Featured Actors: Wale Ojo, Nse Etim Ikpe, and Ghanaian Superstar, Lydia Forson Genre: Comedy

Trespass: thriller with proximal violence

I

N a private, wealthy community, priority is placed on security and no exception is made for the Miller family's estate. Behind their pristine walls and manicured gardens, Kyle (Nicolas Cage), a fast-talking businessman, has entrusted the mansion's renovation to his stunning wife, Sarah (Nicole Kidman). But between making those big decisions and keeping tabs on their defiant teenage daughter (Liana Liberato), Sarah often finds herself distracted by a young, handsome worker (Cam Gigandet) at their home. Nothing

is what it seems, and it will take a group of cold-blooded criminals led by Elias (Ben Mendelsohn), who have been planning a vicious home invasion for months, to bring the Miller family together. Kyle, Sarah and Avery will take the ultimate risk to make it out with their lives.

1 hr. 25 minutes running, this suspenseful drama written by Karl Gajdusek and directed by Joel Schumacher stars Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman in a unique

Worthington, Liam Neeson and Rosamund Pike Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 99 min Best Exortic Marigold Hotel Genre: Action/Adventure Contraband Genre: Action/Adventure John Carter Featured Actors: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time132 min Man on a Ledge Featured Actors: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks and Jamie Bell Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time102 min

performance is sure to engage the film buff. With no boring moment, as soon as masked thugs break into the house of the wellto-do couple and start waving guns around, the viewer is also stuck in the nasty situation, flowing with the tension that the movie creates.

But after 45 minutes, the movie seems to have shown all its tricks.

So nothing builds further.

However, Cage provides the best dramatic moments.

Trespass Featured Actors: Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman and Cam Gigandet Genre: Drama Running Time: 91 min True Citizens Featured Actors: Uti Nwachukwu, Alex Usifo, Brian Okwara, Clareth Onukogu, Keneth Okolie, Clara Iweh, and Melvin Odua.

Genre: Action/Adventure Dr Seuss' the Lorax Featured Actors: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Danny DeVito Genre: Drama

Man on a Ledge Featured Actors: Sam Worthington, Elizabeth Banks and Jamie Bell Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 102 min Mr. and Mrs. Featured Actors: Nse Ikpe Etim and Joseph Benjamin Genre: Comedy and Sequel John Carter Featured Actors: Taylor Kitsch, Lynn Collins and Willem Dafoe Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time132 min

PORT HARCOURT The Ides of March Featured Actors: Paul Giamatti, George Clooney and Philip Seymour Hoffman Genre: Drama Running Time: 101 Mins True Citizen Genre: Drama Running Time: 97 Mins 21 Jump Street Featured Actors: Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum and Ice Cube Genre: Comedy and Sequel Running Time: 109 Mins Dr. Seuss' The Lorax Featured Actors: Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Danny DeVito Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 86 Mins

Trespass Featured Actors: Nicolas Cage, Nicole Kidman and Cam Gigandet Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 91 Mins Wrath of the Titans Featured Actors: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Rosamund Pike Genre: Action/Adventure Phone Swap Genre: Drama Running Time: 70 Mins Machine Gun Preacher Featured Actors: Gerard Butler, Michelle Monaghan and Michael Shannon Genre: Action/Adventure Running Time: 129

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Many years ago, Erelu Sumbo Famuyibo occupied the front row in the league of female socialites in the country. But she has since mellowed down and is enjoying every bit of her private life. A few days back, the beautiful wife of Otunba Reuben Famuyibo, politician and chairman of cable television station, FSTV, clocked 50 and celebrated it in a big way. She spoke to Kayode Alfred about her life so far, lessons she has learnt, and much more

41

o t e r o m s i e Ther g n i y t r a p n a life th 0 5 @ o b i y Erelu Famu

H

OW do you feel clocking the milestone age of 50? I can't thank God enough. I feel so much joy, happiness and peace.

God has really been merciful to me.

Would you say you are fulfilled so far?

Of course, I'm fulfilled. The joy of the Lord has been my strength. What else could I possibly ask for? I'm close to God, my children are doing very well and more importantly, we're all in good health.

You were once the toast at most social events many years back, but it seems you have mellowed down. What explains this turn-around?

That was during the military days. Then for me and my husband, every Sunday was like a party day. We were the toast of popular musicians. But when I temporarily relocated to England, I saw life in another perspective.

Youthful exuberance played a major part in our social life in those days, because we wanted to be everywhere at the same time. But I thank God that such things don't appeal to me anymore.

There is more to life than partying all the time.

Do you sometimes miss those days?

The truth is I don't even wish to relive them.

What are the lessons that life has taught you at 50?

To be closer to God, be myself at all times and never be a copycat. At 50, I want to hear no evil and speak no evil.

Why did you move to England some years ago?

I was in the UK for 10 years, because I needed a safe and secure environment where I can live in peace with my family. You'll recall that at that time; the country had recurring security challenges and I just couldn't cope with that. Another reason for my relocation was because I wanted my kids to have good education and to be closer to them.

Do you feel 50 at all?

Quite honestly, I don't feel like a 50 year old woman. I feel like I'm still in my 30's or 40's.

You and your husband have been an item for ages, so how has marriage been like?

I'll be lying if I say it's all been smooth sailing. It's been stormy, chaotic and at the same time peaceful to the glory

of God. How did you handle the pressures and downturns of marriage?

Well, it never crossed my mind to walk out of my marriage, and that is why I advise people who walk out of their marriages to walk back. I mean it's just not the best decision. Marriage is all about endurance, tolerance and perseverance and also the ability to tolerate each other.

Tell us about the happy memories of the past.

Our courtship days were wonderful and just thinking about it give me dimples. My husband was then a student at the University of Ife and I was at the School of Nursing at the University of Ibadan. I remember he would buy tickets to take me abroad on holidays. He was a good cook. He cooked for me and still does. He also shops for me, so anything good you see on me, he bought it.

How did you meet?

I met my husband when I was 17 through Gbenga Obembe at my mother's shop in Gbagi about 33 years ago. We had a humble start, because he had no money. But God has been kind and merciful to us over the years. I love my husband so much and only death could make me leave him. I lost my father when I was five years old and Reuben has been there for me always.

Is there something you desire now?

My wish is that I want God to elevate my husband politically. He has paid his dues and done so much for his community. I am confident his time will come.

When did you become a Deaconess?

It was in 1999 during my stay in England.

Then I was a church worker at the Christ United Pentecostal Ministry and was very active. Of course, I continued when I came back to Nigeria t the Church Hill International.

Would you encourage your husband to contest for a political office again after the disappointment of the past?

Well, if he decides to contest again, we would both seek God's consent, but personally I don't want anyone to pressurize him to contest.

But if the right opportunity comes, we would pray and I'm sure God would show us the way to go.

What's your specific birthday wish?

I want God to touch my family politically, spiritually and financially.

What's the birthday gift you got from your husband?

I had a birthday party which was a big gift in itself. If anything comes thereafter, I would gladly take it, but I'm not a materialistic person.

How do you spend your free time?

I love being with my husband and kids and also cooking for people.

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Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

&

Ebenezer Obey joins septuagenarian club

OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL (08033572821) raphseg2003@yahoo.com

V

ETERAN juju artisteturned-evangelist, Chief Ebenezer Fabiyi popularly known as Ebenezer Obey on April 3, 2012, rolled out the drums to celebrate his life as a new member of the 'septuagenarian club'.

Coming just a few months after he lost his wife of almost 50 years, Juliana, the 70th birthday party was the celebration of a man, whose contributions to the development of the music industry in Nigeria has elevated him to the status of a living legend.

To kick-start the event was a church service at Decross international Church, Lagos, founded by the celebrant. The party train later moved to the 10 degrees event centre, Ikeja, where dignitaries from all walks of life, turned up to honour Fabiyi.

•King Sunny Ade and Evan. Ebenezer Obey

•L-R: Pastor Ayo Oritsajafor and Evangelist Timi Oshukoya

•L-R: Iyalode Alaba Lawson and Osile of Oke Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuosho

•Pastor Tunde and Mrs Laide Bakare

•Sen . and Mrs Olorunnibe Mamora

•L-R: Onyeka Onwenu and Dunni Olanrewaju

•L-R: Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade and Deji of Akure, Oba Adesida

•L-R: Mr Kola Komolafe and Pastor Ituah Ighodalo

•L-R: Pastor Adelakun, Tony Okoroji, Dele Abiodun and Fatai Rolling Dollar

•L-R: Wasiu Ayinde Anifowoshe and Sir Shina Peters

•L-R: Alhaja Bisi Abiola and Mrs Sola Ademosu

•L-R: Mrs Yewande Onileere, Hajia Abah Folawiyo and Mrs Opral Benson

•Prince Bola Ajibola

•Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande

•Prince Bode Osinusi

Gen. Oladipo Diya marks 68th Birthday Former Chief of General Staff, General Oladipo Diya (retd) penultimate week hosted a close circle of friends and associates to mark his 68th birthday.

The low-key ceremony took place at his G.R.A, Ikeja residence.

•L-R: Reverend Zaccheus Sanyaolu; Oba Olusegun Adedeji Onagoruwa (Alaye of Odogbolu) and General Oladipo Diya

•L-R: Sen. Anthony Adefuye, Chief Muyiwa Okenla and Prince Emmanuel Adesanya

Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

43

Double celebration for ex-NDDC boss, Power Aginighan

By Shola O'Neil

I

T was double celebration for Pastor Power Ziakede Aginighan, (aka PZ), former Acting Managing Director/CEO and immediate past Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), recently when his daughter, Timadi, got married to her heart-throb, Mr. Akanimoh Bassey Nkanga.

The marriage ceremony took place at the bride's father's residence in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was chaired by a former Minister of Aviation, Alabo Tonye Graham Douglas, who also represented Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark. The star-studded nuptials also coincided with the 30th wedding anniversary of the former NDDC boss and his •Couple: Akanimoh and Timadi wife, Amerikaere.

•Bride’s parents, Pastor and Deaconess Power Aginighan

•Alabo and Mrs Tonye Graham Douglas

•Chief and Mrs Bernard Edewor

•Groom’s parents, Obong and Deaconess Bassey Nkanga

•L-R: Prof C.A Dime, Chief Joshua Benamaisia and Prof Kimse Okoko

•L-R: Dr Gabriel Okara, and Chief and Mrs M.T Akobo

•Chief Gordon Bozimo and wife, Megan

•L-R: Hon. Dan Yingi, Hon. Newworld Safugha, Chief Solomon Ogba.

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Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Social KAYODE ALFRED

(E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com, Tel: 08035733605, 08099400057)

Timi Alaibe celebrates at 50

T

IMI Alaibe, the former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Developme nt Commission (NDDC), is having a cause to s m i l e again. A few years ago, the politician lost his loving wife, an incident that hit him really hard. Alaibe has since put his political and personal setbacks behind him and is facing future challenges w i t h f o r t itude. SC can reveal that the former Presidential Adviser will be clocking 50 on June 1 0 a n d sources say he is planning a megacelebration where he will gat her family and friends t o rejoice a n d •Alaibe thank God for His mercies.

Karen Koshoni makes first appearance

When Jay Jay Okocha lost his cool

F

ORMER football star Austin Jay Jay Okocha is one man who no one wants to cross right now. It seems the normally cool, calm and collected soccer star is at his wits end.

At the recent Easter AY comedy show, Jay Jay lost his cool with a pick-pocket who lifted his wallet.

Before anyone could say ‘Jay’, he had turned on the offender and dealt him a couple of hard blows and slaps. It took the timely intervention of those around to quell the onslaught of Okocha's anger. But quite unlike him, Okocha did not turn up at the event with his lovely wife, Nkechi, on his arm.

She came in separately later during the event.

•Okocha

Y

•Koshoni

OU could not have forgotten so soon the unsavoury break-up of popular Lagos big girl, Karen Koshoni, and her estranged husband, Patrick Koshoni (Jnr.). The couple broke up after years of being married. After the marriage that lasted for just a fleeting moment of happiness, the couple found out so many unpalatable things about each other, and rather than settling everything amicably, they decided to move on with their lives separately. Well after the storm raised by their separation which they celebrated in the media simmered, Karen appears to be getting her groove back as she was sighted at Funke Bucknor's book launch many days ago. With her new look, she no longer seems to be sulking over her failed marriage. The whirlwind that threatened to sweep her away from the social space has finally calmed down, and the beautiful lady who had an elaborate 40th birthday last year at Radisson Blu Hotel on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, Lagos, is pleased with herself at the moment.

About the impending wedding of Bisola Dejonwo

A

WHILE back, it seemed as if Bisola Dejonwo, daughter of top society lady, Wosilat Okoya-Seriki, had found love again. Previously linked to a popular top Lagos government official, many believed her love story was at an end especially after the sizzling romance she shared with him.

Follo wing their break-up, she held on for 'Mr. Right' in the hope that he would come along, and a little over a year back, her prayers were answered. In her late 20's, Bisola Dejonwo, no doubt, has a laudable pedigree. Her mother, Wosilat Okoya-Seriki, is the younger sister of billionaire businessman, Alhaji Rasaq Okoya of the Eleganza fame. Taking after her mother with her dazzling looks and her swanky dress sense, it took no time before she was swept off her feet again, this time by loveable silver spoon kid, Jide Tokan. For many, it was a relationship they believed was altar-bound, with wedding rumours trailing them for months. But surprisingly after almost a year, nothing has been heard of the duo, with reports claiming the relationship may have collapsed leaving Bisola desolate and frustrated.

•Dejonwo

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Between sports participation and education (2)

2012 FIFA U-20 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

Expect an away win — Oparanozie T ALCONETS star striker, Desire Ugochi Oparanozie received criticisms in the wake of her performance in Nigeria’s U-20 Women’s team’s 3-0 defeat of the Young Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe in the first leg of the second round of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Qualifier in Abeokuta two weeks ago.

In this interview with NATIONSPORT’S TUNDE LIADI, the Imo State-born player narrated why she wasn’t at her best in the match and what she has learnt from the knocks she got from Nigerians. She also explained how the Falconets are preparing for the second leg tie in Harare among other issues.

EXCERPTS How did you manage the criticisms that trailed your performance in the first leg played in Abeokuta?

Thank you very much. I think the criticisms have made me a better player and it has also made me to improve in some aspects of my game. I welcomed the criticisms and have worked harder ever since to ensure that the mistakes I made in the first leg do not repeat themsel ves again in

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Har are. I am now a better player. The coaches have also called me and have advised me on what to do to ensure what happened in Abeokuta does not occur again.

Desire, what actually went wrong on that day?

Well, to be frank with you, I will say I was burdened with the desire to satisfy the yearnings of my fans and Nigerians as a whole. I need to tell you that before we got to the field on the day of the match, we were told to aim at 7-0 when we hadn’t even scored one goal.

The expectation from Nigerians was too much on us and it psychologically affected me and a few others. I was constantly told to ensure I scored three goals among other factors, but thank God we won and that 3-0 margin cannot be erased in Zimbabwe, by God’s grace.

The coach of the Super Falcons, Kadiri Ikhana was seen sharing some thoughts with you shortly after the match. What was he telling you?

Coach Ikhana was also advising me. He knows what I can do and he admitted it was not the real me that played in the last game. He gave me

some hints on how to improve to become a better striker and how I could manage added pressure that comes with the game.

Did he tell you anything about the Super Falcons?

No, he didn’t mention it at all. It was solely on the Nigeria versus Zimbabwe Under 20 Qualifier.

The Falconets are facing Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday (today). What should we be expecting from you players and have the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and your coaches put targets before you and the rest?

No, we are more relaxed this time round and the pressure that came with the first leg has become a dead issue. Thank God we won the first leg well at home. We have been told to enjoy our game but not to play to the gallery and forget why we came to Zimbabwe.

We are going to do everything possible to gladden the hearts of Nigerians by the time the match ends on Sunday.

What are you promising Nigerians?

It is total victory and nothing more. We are not going to be satisfied with a draw. We want to make it

a

•Ugochi Oparanozie

dou ble and doing that in their backyard will atone for our inability to convert most of the chances that came our way in Abeokuta.

HE first part of this article was published last week in this column. Below is a continuation.

REQUIREMENTS FOR EFFECTIVE SPORTS PARTICIPATION FOR EDUCATIONAL GAINS Having analysed the dimensions of sports participation in schools, it is necessary also to outline the independent variables that would be needed for effective sports participation at all levels.

(1) Instructional Sports participation (i). A good quality and adequately structured physical education and sports curriculum (ii). Regular instructional lessons in the practical and knowledge areas. (iii). Scheduled lessons of a minimum of twice a week and of not less than twice a week and of 45 minutes per lesson. (iv). Engagement of qualified and competent physical education and sports teachers (v). Provision of basic sports facilities and equipment. (vi). Provision of incentives for physical teachers (vii). Provision of basic textual materials.

2. INTRAMURAL SPORTS PARTICIPATION i. Scheduled intramural sports hours of a minimum of one hour, twice a week. ii. Provision of basic sports facilities and equipment. iii. Structured intramural sports programmes. iv. Basic sports facilities and equipment.

3. EXTRAMURAL/INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS PROGRAMMES i. A structured and scheduled programme of not less than one hour, twice a week. ii. Competent P.E. and sports teachers/Coaches iii. Scheduled sports competitions. iv. Incentives and rewards for excelling pupils and students. v. Sports facilities and equipment. vi. Identification of sports talents for further training and competition at higher levels.

Vii. Organisation of extra instructional lessons for student athletes viii. Education and sports counseling lessons for the productive student athlete.

CONSTRAINTS OF EFFECTIVE HARMONY OF SPORTS AND EDUCATION 1) Absence of or insufficient availability of quality human resources for sports education in schools.

2) Poor quality of sports infrastructure in schools.

3) Annihilation of physical education and sports in the school curriculum by educational agencies.

4) Absence of a coherent school physical education and sports policy.

5) Poor school sports infrastructure and equipment.

6) Non-availability of incentives for school athletes.

7) Incoherent intramural and extramural school sports programmes.

8) Poor or no funding for school sports programmes.

The observable outcome of the foregoing constraints is the decimation of school sports participation in all ramifications with the consequent erosion of its educational benefits. This also means a break down of the bond between sports and education with its perpetual negative impact on students and society in Nigeria.

WHAT IS THE FORWARD? Inspite of the mentioned constraints to sports participation in the schools, we must continue to look forward with hope for a better future. It is my view that this can be achieved if we do the following: 1. Institutionalisation of a national school physical education and sports policy.

A well articulated and implemented school physical education and sports policy must be in place. This would provide a pan Nigerian guide for school sports participation.

2. Arising from (1) above, it is an imperative that a national physical education and sports curriculum must be designed and implemented with sanctions for violators.

3. Educational agencies such as UBEC, Superb and others must recognise the importance of the relationship of sports and education and evolve prioritised strategies for actualising optimum sports participation in schools. School physical education and sports must be made a mandatory experience for all pupils and students in schools in a sustainable manner.

4. Education agencies in Nigeria must be made to ensure the provision of basic sports infrastructure and human resources for sports participation.

All schools need a minimum of one qualified and competent school physical education and sports teacher.

5. Along with the instructional curriculum, all schools must be made to design and implement quality intramural and extramural / interscholastic school sports programmes.

6. Regular monitoring and evaluation strategies by educational MDAS at national and state levels must be carried out regularly.

7. A basket of reward and incentive system must be in place.

8. School athletes need regular counseling about the possibilities and gains of combining sports participation and education. (a) A special educational arrangement must be made for the education of illiterate, out of school and retired athletes by government

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

47

VOL 1 NO. 037

The dancing bank (1) W

E set sail again on a voyage towards acceptable standards in professionalism and an attempt to establish a grand rule that says there is a limit to everything – even freedom. So, considering what is commonly touted as creative license and all such expression of adventure, it is very important to know that there is a threshold beyond which the danger of “over-do” sets in.

Let us consider the functions, power and essence of advertising, in setting the mood for today's consideration. To begin, advertising is about makingknown. To that extent, the essentials remain the transfer of information. We also know information can either be true or false. We also appreciate that nobody will deliberately set out to harm his/herself, information about self, most of time, is based on truth.

So, if advertising or advert messages are those deliberate attempts to SELL for own-good, they should be given to truth or believability. So, without deep professional engagement, commonsense counts credibility (among others) as characteristic of advert messages.

As a function, advertising is known to be a very influential instrument of persuasion. To that extent, it has assumed the position of trade stimulation, basically. Hence the history of advertising started as a demonstration of one man's attempt to activate sales in such a small and basic format that he started out knocking on neighbours' doors to physically inform them of his offer.

That is how the science of advertising and brands management started. We can cause all sorts of coloration and narration, perhaps supported by legion of theories and business models, but the basic function of advertising is MAKING-KNOWN. Finally, the power of advertising: it is a mind-influencer, so powerful it influences decision-making process towards action. It is quite potent in this regard. The in-built psychological impact drives far beyond the ordinary, touching on the very delicate issue of needs and basic issue of survival that immediately connects with the instinct that drive safety considerations. So at the end, advertising messages go a long way in persuading the message recipient towards making decisions he/she always thinks is in their own best interest. That may be given as a reflection of the need to communicate at wit-end of hard-sell when a brand says it exists “in your best interest”. That is why the kernel of advert messages is the promise the brands they represent makes. So, MC&A DIGEST says it is the only marketing communications and advertising, run by experienced professionals … it immediately connects with reference point for top-end professional analysis, news and enlightenment on brands management, its target audience, leading on to all kinds of interpretation and reaction. That is the power of advertising.

Thus far, we have considered the basics in brands communications at the level of general reference, within the scope of non-professionals, we need to drive a bit into that level of professional consideration that will enable deeper insights into the conduct and consequences of some of us professionals in the business of advertising and marketing communication.

In consideration of some of those imperatives in the creative process, we cannot move away from the importance of vital elements like brand personality and character in relation to its brand-world, its market. Whether you call them love-marks, key offer-

ing, value-essence, unique selling-points or singleminded proposition, it all amounts to the same thing if we know we are talking of the target-user's interaction with the brand and the gains thereof, as a result of that experience. So, no matter what is said of or for any given brand, the most important consideration would be the value and quality of the targetuser's experience of such brand. That is why credibility is distinct among other character traits of any brand's communication or advertising.

Secondly is the issue of CREDULITY – that willingness to believe…on the part of the consumer or market, in this case…without proper or adequate evi-

dence. The dictionary also sees credulity as that state of mind where everything is accepted; gullibility. In terms of target audience-brand relationship, gullibility d6es not count in the negative. In fact the successful brand is one that has achieved such level of trust from among its target market. So, as a marketing and campaign objective, a brand should aim to build up its equity to that point where its market believes and trusts it for whatever it says.

Now that owes a lot to any brand's pedigree. In other words, what is the brand known for?

So many brands in our local market today have lost touch with who they are, in the true sense of it.

Considering the level of professionalism prevalent, we at MC&A DIGEST ascribe that disconnect to negligence and laziness – and at sometimes, confusion.

A sincere brand health-check will reveal the true market perception of any brand.

We are persuaded that of all we have mentioned above, nothing is strange or new to the average practitioner, except that some of us have been so given to arm-chair practice, a lot have been permitted by way of inappropriate attention to details. But here is the likely strange one: THE DANCING (FIDELITY) BANK! Varying reactions on account of the Fidelity Bank TVC came from across segments of the viewing and banking public, on account of the intended message – putting it in brief. From the perspective of nonprofessionals, all they say is “what is this...?” that question can be interpreted severally, from the professional standpoint. To begin:

1. What was/is the campaign objective?

2. Who is the target audience?

3. What was the campaign intended to achieve?

4. What is the marketing objective (for which the TV concept was developed) There could be more questions, but the above are basic preliminary strategic considerations that are true and sure, to guide against mistakes of strategic direction and focus. We have always talked about the importance of the creative brief forms in the creative process. May we repeat that the creative brief forms are the basic essential guide towards functional creativity, for purpose of campaign conceptualization and generation.

The creative team behind the Fidelity Bank TV campaign will surely have a rationale for the piece of creativity. But let us consider a few things about that TV commercial that could help explain why it attracted so much murmur, as follows: •BRAND ATTRIBUTES. By every sense of imagination, it is difficult to connect or relate dancing (especially in the atmosphere and nature portrayed in Fidelity's treatment) a bank brand. I vividly remember when we played with a similar concept for one of the merchant banks in the early 1990s. in that treatment, we used music and jolly feel in establishing happiness in celebration of success as a result of the bank's support towards their client's success – at construction site.

In the case of our Fidelity experiment, even the lay man finds it difficult to relate with the admixture of young adults in a funny assemblage that seems like a music group.

To make it worse, models dressed in costumes branded in the bank's colours were dancing in a simulated banking hall, not attending to customers. In fact the setting and treatment look like a confused assemblage and a joke.· •THE MESSAGE (and resonance). So, what was the message in that commercial? It was all channel noise. Despite my effort at trying to connect with the message in that commercial, nothing registers…because so much happens so fast that nothing registers. The audio delivery is like muffles, probably because the band had so much to say in so limited time there was nothing to leave with the target audience. All I remember is the band leader with the bowler hat swinging his head from side to side in pretense of being lost in creativity and vocal delivery. Na wa O. Consequently, the entire commercial leaves no message for recall, not to mention resonance and single mindedness.

•TARGET AUDIENCE. From the commercial, it is difficult to appropriately profile the target audience. Let us assume the campaign is targeted at male/ female young adult, career people, given to good life, appreciates fun but focused in life; they will relate with the bank on their terms – appreciating the yuppie life style prevalent…. But how do even the models in that commercial represent such market segment?

Or could it be one should looking at it from the position of joyous banking service providers free of frills, trendy and not given to 'old school'? …To continued next week *This page is open to sponsorship and advert placement.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Irresponsible parents pay for their children to pass exams Omolola Famuyiwa Omotosho is the Executive Director of Cares Global Network, Public Relations specialist and a Counsellor with a passion for grooming young children for the future. Speaking with Rita Ohai, she sheds light on her active involvement in youth development and the need to educate children on the importance of the African culture

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ROM your exper ience, what can you say is the major cultural difference between children who are trained on home soil and those who are raised abroad?

I have had the opportunity of working with kids abroad and so I know for a fact that most of the kids raised here are more culturally aware of their African or Nigerian heritage, but unfortunately we have a situation whereby children who are born here do not even want to speak their Nigerian languages anymore.

Another major difference you would immediately notice is the difference in the culture of respect. Overseas, you would have a child walk up to you and call you, who is old enough to be her mother, by name. That is something you would never find here.

What do you think are the key factors that have led Nigerian children to shy away from their native dialects?

Basically, I think it all boils down to westernisation. Some parents do not even want their children to speak their local languages and you hear things like "Don't speak vernacular". And one begins to wonder why they are calling their native languages vernacular. Parents have not really been able to pass down our culture.

I also think the media is responsible for this trend. They paint the picture that everything 'western' is better and then kids get

the impression that they need to adopt you have faced here that have helped speaking 'phonee' (phonetics) and drop shape the person you have and will their native dialects so that they can ‘fit become. in’. What they do not realise is that What are some of the flaws you see knowing your culture deeply adds to in the kind of child-rearing skills most you wealth of experience, knowledge parents apply these days? and even your construction of English.

Our values have deteriorated over Having worked with children time. In comparison to when I was through your organisation, what is growing up, I think parents were more y o u r t a k e o n g o v e r n m e n t ' s conscious of the future of their kids. If a involvement in their development? child erred, they would not hesitate to Our government has done a lot, but correct the child, even if they had to they can still do more because these smack the child on the bum, but these children need to be attended to right days, a child would misbehave now if we are going to have productive repeatedly and nobody would make an future. If the government says basic issue out of it. Before you know it, the education is free, then it should be kid becomes an uncontrollable totally free and should not be hoodlum. substandard.

These days, we hear and see cases of We need more skill training centres parents paying for their kids to pass for the young ones and they need a lot of WAEC and JAMB exams at all cost. We counselling to correct wrong ideas tend to blame the system, but believe it because most children have been forced or not, the parents are responsible; to believe that you are nobody or because if you pay for a child to enter inadequate if you do not go to the the University with grades he or she did University. They need to learn to not independently work for, that child maximise the opportunities that come will want to pay his or her way through their way at an early age, because time life and will most likely fail. will not wait for any one. I have been A lot of young people no longer want advocating for a Ministry of Child to greet 'Good morning ma or sir', you Affairs because what we have on would rather hear just 'Good morning'. ground now only caters to youths from Where did the 'Ma' or 'Sir' go to? I think 15 years and above and nothing for we owe it to our children to imbibe in those under 13 years. them the right kind of values because it If there was would have a long- term productive one thing you effect in their lives Our values have could change and the lives of de teriorated over tim about the those they e.

In comparism to whe Nigerian encounter. nI child, what growing up, I think was Could you share pa would it be? were more consciou rents some of your s of the It would be c h i l d h o o d future of their kids . If a child their belief experiences with erred, they would no system. They t hesitate us? to correct the child n e e d t o , even if I had interesting b e l i e v e i n they had to smack the ch parents who were ild on bum but these days themselves as quite strict but they , a ch ild Nigerians. would misbehave re allowed us explore. pe They need to My siblings and I and nobody would atedly m ake an have that were members of the is su e ou t of it. Before you conviction girls guide and the know it, the kid be that they can comes an boys scout. My mum uncontrollable hood make it here was very daring. She lum. and work on would let us take a bus strengthening t o s c h o o l their sense of identity. There are a lot of unaccompanied at pretty young ages resources in this country and they need and my dad would have a fit about it. to be proud of their heritage. Some of My parents passed to us discipline these kids wake up in the morning and without being forceful, they just show wish they were not Nigerians, but I you right and wrong, and then ask you keep saying that it is the challenges that to choose.

New WOMAN

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Feeling overwhelmed? ...tips for women to find peace of mind Judy is a marketing manager for a real estate company who travels on business and has a one-year old daughter. In 2 minutes, she can tell you story of her hectic life: her nanny unexpectedly quit, she's negotiating complex business deals, she's building a house, selling her own condo, and her administrative assistant recently crossed over.

She feels her husband does not understand the time commitment involved in mothering. To make matters worse, she was worried about losing weight and looking beautiful.

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S a consequence of today's pace, women do feel overwhelmed by responsibilities at work and home.

We're often torn by our innate desire to nurture everyone, but want to express our gifts in the form of professional work. How can we develop a more robust connection with spirit, especially on the days it seems to be going down the tubes? And what can we do to stop feeling overwhelmed?

Take Charge of Your Own Behaviour Life seems to be getting more stressful by the day. Women need to multi-task just to keep up with a career, family and social life.

Often women are too hard on themselves because society trains them to be "womanhelper extroverts." Praised by what we do for others, and rewarded accordingly, we put our own needs last. Societal messages encouraging women to "over-achieve" can reside in unrealistic media images and the nuances of close relationships.

Problems with this type of cultural or family conditioning can result in choosing the wrong career to please parents or spouses or having a lack of confidence in decisionmaking. Take charge of your own behaviour by affirming your innate capabilities are enough. Find a moment to appreciate YOU and be receptive to appreciation from others.

Many women are not taught from a young age how to spend time cultivating a sense of self-worth. Lack of self-esteem can spill into marriage and the workplace later in life and affect relationships at all levels. Here is an affirmation for self-appreciation that can help you get on a positive track to a self-image of success and worthiness: "I am a unique and beloved individual who has already changed the world by being present. I shine no matter what my family says. I love what I can do!"

Be Aware of Your True Self

Empowerment comes from awareness of your true or authentic self. Our natural state of being is unlimited spirit. Harnessing that idea through conscious awareness takes effort. It's about having the mental discipline to create your day before you put on your pantyhose. It means knowing, from the core of your being, you already own that power.

You are, in fact, an individual spark of the Divine. That's a pretty big thought. We are already important, loved, and appreciated by being in this enormous, unlimited equation.

Focus on that more often and you won't create negative self- talk or self-criticism that often drives overwhelming feelings of selfdoubt and worry.

Make sure your work life resonates with your spiritual needs. "Work" at the fundamental level must nurture the most closely held set of values and ideas of what your gift to humanity is. Remember, overdoing and managing unrealistic expectations reinforced by the media and our culture of perfection - anything from having perfect body to managing a Fortune 500 company while single-handedly raising 5 children - is not a divine idea. It's a collection of human idea bordering on the bizarre that might have been designed to sell more consumer products like day planners and diet pills.

Take a breath and separate what's important and what isn't. Love who you are and generate positive feelings about what you already contribute to the world - not what anyone else may expect. You already have the ability to transform life. You can give birth to creative ideas by your very presence. Your life is a sacred expression of your soul put into motion. Value being female and your expression on this planet.

That is a very powerful belief!

•Traditional wedding between Morin-at Iyabode Oshun and Mr. Oladodu Teslim Abiodun held recently at Abule Egba in Lagos

Stay in the Powerful, Present Moment You most powerful moments in life are spent in the present. Getting stuck in the past holds you behind. True empowerment stems from living now, not reacting to now from a mindset of the past or living with worry about what might happen tomorrow, next month, or next year. Every day, no matter what has happened to you in the past, is a new opportunity to begin painting your life on a new canvas.

Over the years, I've experimented with ways to release the past and move forward

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with a positive attitude, living life joyfully in the present moment. I've noticed when I start my day without any clear direction of how I choose to think, I don't get the results I want.

Instead of spending time regurgitating old problems, choose to move loss, disappointment, and feelings of non-success far from your mind. Make your perception of reality pleasant and meaningful. Don't spend time dredging up ancient family history or old problems that occurred years ago.

Practice forgiveness daily until it becomes automatic. You will feel lighter!

Learn to Say No Saying "no" is about mental strength, selfvalue, and positive expectation. If you spend time wondering what everyone thinks of you after you say "no", you'll never choose any life situation that truly meets your needs. Before you say "yes" ask: * Does this task bring me joy? * Does it move me toward a future vision of where I want to be personally, professionally, or emotionally? * If I choose this task, will I feel good about my contribution to my family, friends, or a cause? Will I feel good about myself? * Can I do this task with a full heart and not resent anyone afterwards?

Use affirmative thinking to stay on track.

Say: "I commit to doing at least one thing for myself today."

Experiencing peace of mind is a daily discipline. It's reached by prioritizing and setting boundaries, but also by cultivating a spiritual connection. No matter what your wisdom tradition, remember to love the Divine presence within. Revisit those qualities and ideas that spirit represents. And learn to let worries go more easily and find ways to live lightly by choosing to play more often or simply slow down to enjoy the view.

You will find life is a more authentic expression of who you are -- your female inspired, spirit-powered self!

Source: Charlene M. Proctor, Ph.D at personalgrowthplanet.com

Relationships Deola Ojo

08027454533 (text) Pastordeegfc@yahoo.com

Questions and Answers April 2012 Continued from last week

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a, I have been in a relationship for the past 3 years now. But I don't seem to understand my fiancé anymore. She no longer gives a damn about my future. Just last Sunday she ended my call simply because she wanted to say hi to a friend. Ma, please I really need help. I do not know what to do. Right now, we are no longer calling each other and I am in Kogi state and she is in Rivers state.

You need to find out if her feelings about you has changed. You will need to have a face to face discussion. I would advice you to travel to Rivers state to see her. If it is impossible for you to travel to see her, then you may need to have a video call through skype or yahoo. She needs to be able to express herself sincerely and if she feels that the relationship is over, you need to part ways amicably. While you may feel hurt that she wants to part ways after three years of a relationship, it may be the best decision for now. It is never to your advantage if you force an unwilling person to continue a relationship. She may still be interested in you, but may be upset about something you did. You need to find out if you have offended her. Perhaps you did something which you never really apologized for. She might have expected you to know what you did and to fix it without telling you that you offended her. women can be a bit complex.

This is why it is important to communicate often, discuss differences and settle disagreements promptly. I pray things work out between the two of you.

I was able to read your article on the nation newspaper on April 1. I was moved by the message. What a wonderful work you did, keep up the good work. Is it possible to get the first part of this article

and any other articles written by you?

Dear Readers, Thank you for your kind comments. For previous articles, kindly go t o t h e n a t i o n w e b s i t e www.thenationonlineng.net you can also get more info on www.gfconline.org What happens if a man finds his fiancé having sex with another guy and now the girl is saying she is sorry and wants to continue the relationship? What should the guy do, should he break the relationship? Mind you they were planning to get married in eight months time.

If my brother or my son came to me and told me that he met his fiancé having sex with another guy, would I allow him to continue the relationship? The answer will be a flat No! A lady who is not faithful during courtship will most probably not be faithful after marriage. She may have reasons why she allowed this terrible incident to occur, but whatever the reason, she will have to bear the consequences. It is quite worrisome that they already had a wedding planned. Eight months to a wedding is a very short time. At this time in their relationship, she should not be so close to another guy that they can have sex together. This is why two-timing is so wrong. She might have had the other guy as a boyfriend while she was not sure that the relationship with her fiancée will lead to marriage. It is possible that when she told the other guy that she was now engaged to be married to someone else, he either did not want to let her go or wanted to have a last fling. Perhaps she herself decided to have one last sexual encounter with this boyfriend. The marriage should not go on if a partner is already showing signs of infidelity. What if she does not change after marriage and continues to see this guy or starts having other boyfriends?

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Arts & Life

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

Jibowu jam

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

NOT even the normally laid-back residents of Jibowu Street were prepared for the early Monday morning calamity. At the middle of the point where the street met the crossroads lay the still body of ‘Sergeant Fiba’, the ubiquitous one-eyed vagabond whose ‘in-your-face’ methods made him the scourge of motorists and pedestrians, but whose concern for crossing students ensured general compliance with occasionally misinterpreted traffic rules before and after school hours.

Confronted by the startling spectacle, his fellow urchins sat as a restrained bunch for once. There would be no relentless coaxing of money from passing drivers and conductors for a while; no spontaneous fights; no broken bottles; no knives embedded in unwary backs. Left to signpost unruly lifestyle were bottles and sachets of adulterated liquor either in callused hands or on the floor in front of Paddy Chuks’ provision store, which doubled as a watering hole and lookout for the touts.

In unusually low tones, they disputed the cause of death, but not for very long as talk invariably shifted to organisation of the approaching December street carnival. As to whether the demise was brought about by natural causes or some hidden purpose, residents of Jibowu and adjoining streets sensed that none of the debating lot in their council-approved green and white uniform (the idea of legalised touting somewhat skewed by the incongruous fit of the collector’s attire) had a clue. Consensus melted at the most logical point though: Sergeant Fiba evidently suffered from a debilitating illness that in the last few weeks of his life impeded movement and greatly altered his skin tone and texture.

Once capable of explosive sprinting that belied his spindly limbs in pursuit of recalcitrant motorists, he turned undeniably languid; once jetblack with a head of perpetually full hair, he grew massive warts and patchy hair on already coarse skin. Besides, unknown to all but the most perceptive, his rousing refrain of “Find this money!” to fatigued colleagues began to take on less resonance. Nor did he brandish his curved bamboo cane with the oppression of old.

If residents thought Sergeant Fiba’s death heralded minimal mugging and reduced burglary, however, they missed the point. By late evening, following delayed evacuation of the corpse by the police, the ruffians were beginning to find their voice, and their feet, arms, heads, weapons and whatever it was that lent their blows compelling trademark effect. It was the Yuletide period after all, and Jibowu could not afford to be seen as lacking ‘action’ in the conference of Lagos streets, agreed the rascals.

On carnival night, mothers’ early evening ushering of their brood indoors and fathers’ hastened steps on the streets with provisions firmly tucked in armpits barely exaggerated the melee that ensued in the name of revelling. In less than an hour, loudspeakers spewing the lewd lyrics of indigenous crossover artistes at the venue close to the junction were matched in noise production by a commotion residents quickly identified as that generated by a massive street fight.

Drugged and drunken, the touts and their sympathisers expressed themselves in typical bottle-breaking, punch-throwing and weapon-wielding manner until the police, apparently forewarned, arrived and broke up the party, to the relief of decent folks witnessing the cacophony behind shut window panes in dread of an ugly spillover. The next morning, from an account given somebody by somebody who heard somebody who knew somebody very close to one of the participants in the fracas, the urchins found themselves, to their surprise, victims of a committee’s abuse of power.

Funds painstakingly raised through coercion of street users and from the more affluent within the circle were allegedly embezzled by the carnival planning committee which, confronted by evidence, revolted. The whole affair fizzled out with a procession of the aggrieved headed in the direction of the committee chair’s abode with the outcome of the meeting yet to be released months after. It’s a situation entirely agreeable to residents of the street, nevertheless, for as one remarked, the boys “deserved what they got for partying when they should be mourning”.

QUOTE Fortune knocks but once, but misfortune has much more patience.

—Author Unknown

Jokes Humour Doctored Jokes DOCTOR: I have some bad news and some very bad news.

Patient: Well, might as well give me the bad news first.

Doctor: The lab called with your test results. They said you have 24 hours to live.

Patient: 24 HOURS! That’s terrible!! WHAT could be WORSE? What’s the very bad news?

Doctor: I’ve been trying to reach you since yesterday. ********** A MAN goes to his doctor for a complete checkup. He hasn’t been feeling well and wants to find out if he’s ill. After the checkup the doctor comes out with the results of the examination.

“I’m afraid I have some bad news. You’re dying and you don’t have much time,” the doctor says.

“Oh no, that’s terrible. How long have I got?” the man asks.

“10 ...” says the doctor.

“10? 10 what? Months? Weeks? What?!” he asks desperately.

“10...9...8...7...”

********** A FOOTBALL manager who had high blood pressure was at the doctor’s office for a checkup.

“Remember,” the doctor said, “don’t get excited, don’t get mad, and forget about football when you’re off the field.”

“By the way,” he added, “how come you substituted your hardworking captain last Saturday with 10 minutes to go and the score tied at 1-1?” ********** A MAN went to see his doctor because he was suffering from a miserable cold. His doctor prescribed some pills, but they didn’t help.

On his next visit the doctor gave him a shot, but that didn’t do any good.

On his third visit the doctor told the man, “Go home and take a hot bath. As soon as you finish bathing throw open all the windows and stand at the doorway.”

“But doc,” protested the patient, “if I do that, I’ll get pneumonia.”

“I know,” said the doctor, “I can cure pneumonia.”

•Culled from the Internet

C

OMMON Writer’s Fountain mistakes to avoid: Try using a single word on your word count. Look at your word count for a group of words. It would be a good only after your first draft if finished and you’re idea to take help from the Thesaurus, ready to edit it.

If you spend up too many words in building because in writing, finding the perfect a story, you may find yourself stuck when word is important.

Although, it may appear confusing, you trying to wrap up the story. All stories need a should not concentrate on your word count beginning, middle and end. Keep equal space after you write each sentence. When you’re for each part. writing your first draft, do not focus entirely Short story specifics: Most people have an opinion that writing novels is a bigger and more difficult task Peculiar facts – human nature: •The attachment of the human skin to than writing short stories. While this is true to some extent, it certainly does not mean muscles is what causes dimples.

•The acid in your stomach is strong enough that anyone can write and more importantly to dissolve razor blades. If your stomach succeed in becoming a short story writer. didn’t produce a new layer of mucous every Writing short stories is an art and only those who have practice, patience and a passion two weeks, it would digest itself.

•The human brain cell can hold five times for writing can produce short stories which as much information as the Encyclopedia they can take pride in. If you have a desire to write short stories, you can begin with Britannica.

•It takes the food seven seconds to get from these guidelines: Reading lots of short stories will help your mouth to your stomach and food can get to your stomach even if you are hanging you grasp the style and pattern of short stories. You will also learn how to draw upside down.

•The lungs are the only organ in the body and define your characters, structure your plots and choose right words for your story. that can float on water.

THE ARTS

51

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

‘Publishing has been Y fulfilling for me’ Ibiso Graham-Douglas never knew her love for books would turn into a career. But the CEO of Paperworth Books who initially started out as a book store owner has been promoting Tomorrow Died Yesterday, a novel set in the Niger-Delta, and the first book published under her outfit. In this online interview with Joe Agbro Jr., she talks on publishing and how to get Nigerians reading again

• Graham-Douglas

OUR growing up years I was born and raised in Nigeria, one of 11 children. My parents always stressed the importance and value of education and the need for us to take it seriously. My early education was in Nigeria. I attended primary and secondary school in Port-Harcourt at the Staff School Abuloma and Federal Government Girls’ College Abuloma, respectively. I then proceeded to the UK where I obtained a General National Vocational Qualification in Business and Finance and studied Financial Services and Politics at the London Guildhall University. I then obtained a Masters in Publishing from the University of the Arts London, and a certificate in New Creative Ventures from the London Business School.

And what sort of books did you read as a child?

My earliest memory of reading as a child was in primary school, reading the pacesetter series. As I grew older, I moved unto all kinds of books – all kinds of novels, philosophy, history, self-help etc. At the moment, I read a lot of fiction, history and of course the bible.

You initially were selling books?

Have you always wanted to do that?

Yes, I started my stint in the book industry as a bookseller. I still have the bookshop in Port Harcourt and still curate lists and execute library projects. I didn’t know I was going to work in the book business. Growing up, I never gave much thought to the processes involved in producing books. The inspiration for my bookshop was from the Bookworm bookshop in Lagos. I remember going there to get books and thought that it would be great to replicate a store like that in Port Harcourt.

What was the reaction of your family when they knew that selling books was what you wanted to do with your life?

I’ve been blessed to have very supportive family and friends, especially my mum. And although my foray in the book business has been challenging, they’ve been supportive and I am thankful for this. I guess it is because we are a family that values the importance of education beyond the walls of schools so we tend to see what I do as a calling as well as a profession.

What made you decide to go into publishing?

I absolutely love to read, in fact, I think I may be addicted! My passion for books and reading led me to open a bookshop and subsequently set up a book club. As a natural progression from that, I started to realise that the most effective way to make a positive impact on society was to actually generate content. Publish our own organic indigenous stories - written by Nigerians for Nigerians and maybe other audiences eventually.

You’re making great efforts to promote the first book you published, ‘Tomorrow Died yesterday’.

What would you say about your experience as its publisher?

Publishing the book Tomorrow Died Yesterday by Chimeka Garricks has been a growing and fulfilling experience for me. Its reception has been phenomenal and this encourages me to keep doing what I do. It also helps that Chimeka wrote a fantastic story and that has been the main thrust of our promotional efforts. He has written a story that I feel every Nigerian should read. So my aim is to ensure that everyone who wants to read it gets to read it.

A lot of Nigerians take on selfpublishing nowadays. What’s your take on that?

I’m not a fan of self-publishing because as an author, you do not

have an impartial view and opinion of your work. Secondly, when publishing a particular piece of work, it is important to adopt a holistic approach to its production thinking beyond its printing to actually getting it to your target audience and I find this is something some authors do not properly consider. Finally, I think self-publishing impedes specialisation of publishing skills. It has not created room for our potential editors, book designers and book marketers to grow and thrive because they have had to work under the instructions of the authors who quite often have little knowledge of the publishing process.

What can we expect from you after Tomorrow Died Yesterday?

You can expect even more books from me – a collection of short stories and a couple of non-fiction titles as we remain committed to harnessing literary creativity especially in the genre of fiction.

You recently started a project about getting people and corporate bodies to donate 5, 000 books for distribution to school children and on the World Books Day (April 23) as designated by UNESCO. How has the initiative been received?

Yes, we are appealing to everyone to commemorate world book day this year by giving out books.

One of the main constraints of reading in our parts of the world is that very often, people do have access to the kinds of books they want to read in the contexts that they are familiar with. That is why we thought that all of us collectively can make a difference with this initiative in our local communities.

The titles on the recommended reading list are books I am very familiar with and our book club has read. They are all interesting stories about Nigeria, written and published here in Nigeria.

So far, people have been very supportive and encouraging, promising to give books to school children, orphans, drivers, hairdressers etc. We appeal to everyone who does something to let us know about it. More information on this is available on our blog www.paperworthbooks.wordpress.com.

Many say Nigerians don’t read.

Do you think we really have a reading problem in the country?

O yes we do and it is quite worrying as people will rather watch TV and listen to music than read. But the thing is that of the three, reading is the most beneficial for us –quickest way to relax us, makes us smarter, improves communication skills, improves our memory and helps boost our literacy levels. So, it is so important that we endeavour to imbibe it as a habit. I tell people to read, as widely and as broadly as possible.

Read anything, Read what you like and want- religious books, novels, history, philosophy. The most important this is that you engage your mind.

If yes, what is a way out to get Nigerians reading again?

I think to get more Nigerians to read, requires multi-stakeholder partnering - government, private, industry and individual concerted efforts. I also think we need to adopt a holistic approach to strengthen every actor of the book chain – authors, publishers, booksellers and readers. So that authors write about things that people want to read with influence from publishers who in turn have support from public and private sectors and adopt strategies that would better enable booksellers reach target audience. I also think that investment in books for culture and entertainment and not solely for academic purposes is important.

52

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Arts/Reviews

BOOKS

J.K. Rowling’s next book: Horrors in North Korean Hell ‘The Casual Vacancy’ W I

T may lack wizards and witches, but J.K. Rowling and her publisher are hoping her first novel for adults, “The Casual Vacancy,” will have the magic touch.

The book’s title was announced Thursday by Little, Brown & Co. along with a brief plot synopsis and publication date.

The publisher said the “blackly comic” tale of rivalry and duplicity in a small English town would be available worldwide on Sept. 27.

The book will be Rowling’s first post-Potter effort. Her seven-volume saga about the adventures of a boy wizard became one of the most successful fictional series in history and led to a series of extremely popular films.

The new book, aimed at a grown-up audience, will be set in a seemingly idyllic English town called Pagford which is described as far more menacing than its pretty facade would indicate.

It opens with the sudden death of a popular man whose unexpected demise shocks the town. The battle for his seat on the local council sets off “the biggest war the town has yet seen,” with rich people fighting poor, parents battling their teenagers, and wives in conflict with their husbands.

•J.K Rowling

The publisher said the 480page novel will be sold as an e-book and audio download as well as in traditional hardback form.

The seven Harry Potter novels have sold 450 million copies and have been translated into 74 languages.

Rowling’s final Potter offering, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” was published in 2007. She published a short Potter spin-off collection of stories, “The Tales Of Beedle The Bard,” in 2008.

Rowling said earlier this year she wanted to reach an adult audience, but kept the book’s name and publication date secret until Thursday.

Jon Howells of British book store chain, Waterstones,

said “The Casual Vacancy” would likely be the year’s best-selling novel.

He said the synopsis came as a surprise and suggested similarities to the work of popular mystery writers Alexander McCall Smith and Mark Haddon, children’s writers who had a huge adult hit with “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime.”

“We were all expecting some sort of crime or mystery novel, but she has, refreshingly, surprised us all,” Howells said.

“The plot sounds like it will have hints of Mark Haddon and McCall Smith, and the promise of black comedy is very beguiling.”

US Consulate, others launch SmARTpower

A

S part of effort towards promoting intercultural dialogue through art in Nigeria, the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States of America, Department of State, in collaboration with The Bronx Museum of the Arts, New York, and the Women and Youths Art Foundation, Nigeria, launched the SmaRTpower Sharing Culture Collaboration Workshop with an America artist, Brett Cook, last week at the Omenka Gallery, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The interactive workshop titled Sharing Culture in Nigeria had over 50 participants drawn from groups compris-

By Adeola Ogunlade

ing civil society, artists, photographers, government representatives, students and actors.

Speaking at the event, the Senior Cultural Staff of the United States Consulate office, Lagos, Bene Uche, said that the programme is set towards building on the United States of America Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton’s vision of smart power diplomacy which embraces the use of full range of diplomatic tools in visual arts to bring people together and foster greater understanding.

She said, “Sharing Culture SmART power is com-

’One Missing Ingredient’ for launch

T

HE launch of Femi Onasanya’s book, One Missing Ingredient, is scheduled for 10am on 24 April, 2012 at the Function Hall of the MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

The book, a repository of motivational nuggets and exploratory research work on the basic intrinsic factors affecting personal development and actualization of human set goals, is Onasanya’s debut in public writing. The South Bank University, London, graduate identifies persistence and patience as these factors.

The book uses real life experiences of various notable people to explain these factors which aid in realising career goals, marital success and personal

fulfilment, among others.

Corporate mogul and former chairman, Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, will chair the occasion, while former President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Mrs. Adenike Adeniran, is the chief launcher.

Onasanya is a London-based personal development enthusiast and life coach.

mitted to creating an experience where international participants transform themselves through collaboration, and then by the nature of that ongoing evolution, transform the world.”

The Senior Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Poverty Eradication, Idowu Senbanjo, who applauded the initiative, said, “this is a fresh approach to promoting art and culture which would help give a voice to the voiceless artists in Nigeria.”

The Executive Director of Women and Youth Art Foundation, Professor Peju Layiwola, said that the foundation is partnering with smArtpower initiative because the project is directed at people to people diplomacy through the arts.

“We are committed toward fostering good group relations and cultural exchange, inculcating the spirit of hardwork, and using art in less traditional ways-to extend the frontiers of art making in order to impact society in positive ways and particularly using art as a means of transforming people, spaces and societies,” she said.

Brett Cook would be conducting his first workshop at the Department of Creative Arts of the University of Lagos from 13th to 18th April, 2012 and the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ibadan and ALL Saints College, Jericho, Ibadan where his works will be also be mounted in public space.

HEN Blaine Harden wrote his shocking 2008 profile of Shin Dong-hyuk for The Washington Post, Mr. Shin was living in Seoul, South Korea, and already a published author. He had written “Escape to the Outside World,” a 2007 Korean-language account of his horrific upbringing.

Mr. Shin was born in a North Korean forced-labour camp and then found his way to freedom. There were some problems with playing back this account verbatim. So, Mr. Harden’s dramatic front-page article, “North Korean Prison Camp Escapee Tells of Horrors, Worries About Those Left Behind,” took care to include a disclaimer: “Shin’s story could not be independently verified, but it has been vetted and vouched for by leading human-rights activists and members of defector organizations in Seoul,” The Post article said.

Unfortunately, the disclaimer turned out to be necessary. As Mr. Harden now acknowledges in “Escape From Camp 14,” his blunt, best-selling book about Mr. Shin’s life, Mr. Shin had built his own memoir upon a gigantic lie.

In his account, Mr. Shin claimed to have been a helpless innocent witness to the execution of his mother and brother when he was only 14.

He had indeed been helpless, and he had the torture marks to prove it.

But, as Mr. Harden discovered about a year into the interviewing process for this book, Mr. Shin’s original account omitted a crucial detail: He was responsible for the executions. He had snitched to a prison guard about an escape his mother and brother were planning, knowing full well that escape plans were punishable by death.

Mr. Shin admitted to Mr. Harden that he had made this trade-off to get more food and an easier job at school. And he said he had done it without regrets. He thought that his mother and brother deserved to die.

“In writing this book, I have sometimes struggled to trust him,” Mr. Harden writes understandably in “Escape From Camp 14.” Mr. Harden tries to fathom a cryptic, troubled and not entirely sympathetic young man whose circumstances lend themselves to exaggeration.

What’s more, the new book uses dialogue borrowed from Mr. Shin’s disingenuous 2007 version. “Escape From Camp 14” also includes simple line drawings (as Mr. Shin’s book had) that give the most traumatic parts of his story — torture, imprisonment, maiming, executions — the look of action comics. The most benign of these pictures carries this caption: “Children in the camps scavenged constantly for food, eating rats, insects and undigested kernels of corn they found in cow dung.”

Readers may well be won over by the sharp, declarative, young-adult style of Mr. Harden’s adventure writing.

They will respond to urgent

• Shin Dong-hyuk, the subject of “Escape From Camp 14.”

By Janet Maslin

concern about conditions in North Korean prison camps, which are now visible via satellite photographs. And most misgivings about “Escape From Camp 14” will be outweighed by the power of a fast, brutal read.

This is not a familiar prison camp story; as Mr. Harden points out, Shin Dong-hyuk is not Elie Wiesel. “God did not disappear or die,” Mr. Harden writes. “Shin had never heard of him.”

Mr. Shin did not spend his imprisonment missing love, joy, civilization or comfort, because he had never experienced such things. As the spawn of a “reward marriage” — considered “the ultimate bonus for hard work and reliable snitching” — he had no real family ties.

The book says that he regarded his mother as a rival for food and was right to do so; she once beat him with a hoe for eating her lunch. As a young child, he saw schoolmates maimed or even killed for minor transgressions and he learned to obey the camp’s totalitarian rules.

Much of this book’s impact comes from its nonstop parade of ghastly details. Mr. Harden writes of how prisoners harvested frozen human excrement — chipped from toilets — to make up for North

Korea’s shortage of other fertilizer; how eating rats could help stave off pellagra; how a former North Korean Army officer in another camp, despairing, jumped down a coal mine shaft, hoping to die.

But “Shin’s misery never skidded into complete hopelessness,” Mr. Harden writes in typically plain, forthright style. “He had no hope to lose, no past to mourn, no pride to defend. He did not find it degrading to lick soup off the floor. He was not ashamed to beg a guard for forgiveness. It didn’t trouble his conscience to betray a friend for food.

These were merely survival skills, not motives for suicide.”

Not even the peremptory chopping off of part of Mr. Shin’s middle finger — an event that warrants only two paragraphs in Mr. Harden’s parade of horrors — was enough to set Mr. Shin’s escape plans in motion.

But “Escape From Camp 14” offers no easy answers about how Mr. Shin can deal with a newly guilty conscience, a lack of introspection, a checkered work history and the difficult adjustment to post-traumatic life. He had remarkable powers of endurance against the toughest physical torment.

Those powers are being tested still.

Culled from New York Times

UNIBEN hosts 6th ICOSELS conference

T

HE 6th International Conference of Students of English and Literary Studies (ICOSELS) will hold at the University of Benin, Benin City, from April 16 to 19, 2012, with guests expected to arrive on April 15. The conference is to be hosted by the Department of English and Literature, UNIBEN. Keynote speakers at the conference are former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Dr. Wale Okediran, and Head of Department, Business Administration, UNIBEN and novelist, Prof. Festus Iyayi. The theme of the conference is, ‘Language, Literature and Cultural Decolonisation’.

Chief host of the conference is the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, and the host is Prof.

George Eriyamremu, while the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Ogo Ofuani, will chair the conference. A host of other academics expected to play several roles during

the conference include the Head of Department, English and Literature, Dr. Kola C. Eke, Staff Adviser, Mr. E.I. Jamgbadi and Mr. Ekundayo Bode Steven. The guest lead paper will be presented by Prof. Ibrahim Bello from University of Kano, while Prof.

Tony Afejuku will present the host lead paper.

A statement from English and Literature Students Association (ELSA) president, Mr. Inuaghata A. Amayo, said Edo State Commissioners for Education and Agriculture, Messrs Ekpenisi Omorotiomwan and Abdul Oroh respectively, would grace the event as special guests. Literary critic, poet and Environmental Rights Action director, Mr. Nimmo Bassey, will also be in attendance.

Conveners of the conference include ELSA president, Amayo, Abugu Chinelo, Akinkuolie Muyiwa and Ehis Ayere.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

53

Coasting home on free train ride —PAGE 55

‘I’m first a wife and then an officer’ Kalafite Adeyemi is the Osun State Police Commissioner.

One of the most senior females on the force, she discusses the challenges faced by women in a male -dominated force and other issues in this interview in Osogbo with Tunde Busari

I

•Adeyemi

T was supposed to be a brief interview, considering the volume of traffic of visitors awaiting her attention, but by the time the session kicked off in her newly refurbished office, it was a smooth voyage into the career of Kalafite Helen Adeyemi (nee Dadin-Alli), Commissioner of Police, Osun State Command. She has set a record being the first woman to command the state since it was carved out of the former Oyo State in 1991.

Her composure in a well fitted navy blue shirt on top of a pair of black trousers could cause identity crisis save for her feminine hairstyle. To those who have followed her career progression from Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), she hardly carries herself as a woman because of the demand of her job which inevitably makes her to rub shoulders with men and also dish out orders to those working under her. However, this, she attests, does not remove the fact that she is a wife and a mother.

An officer and a wife She affirms: “Yes, I am a wife to my husband and no position can change that. Bible has placed husband above his wife regardless of whatever the wife achieves. So, mine is not different and I am happy I am blessed with a husband who is always there for me. This job makes me a better wife because it goes with discipline which every wife requires to keep her matrimonial home.”

Going down memory lane, she remembers that her father (Mr. Franklin Dadin-Alli) had long dreamt of a graduate daughter holding a respectable position in the civil service or the corporate world. He was therefore not impressed when she disclosed to him her choice of a career in the Nigeria Police.

But her mother, an incurable admirer of the police uniform, would later convince her father to rather pray for their daughter to break the jinx and set a record in the family. Today, Adeyemi, by all standards, is a success story and pride of the parents, her Ogugbolor community in Rivers State and the entire womenfolk.

“My father was not keen about my choice simply because it was unfashionable then to see graduate women picking a career in the police. It was odd, so to say. This is what informed his position until my mother was able to persuade him. In fact, it was a memorable experience, and thank God we are all happy today,” she said.

With a degree in Psychology and another one in Law, capping it up with a Master also in Law, Adeyemi is intellectually armed enough to confront the rigour of the male-dominated Force. And coupled with her dogged determination to conquer the myth surrounding gen-

der discrimination and also to make her parents proud, she is now a role model to hundreds of young female officers across the length and breadth of the nation, having excelled in all her designations in the Force.

Remarkably, less than one month into her resumption at Osun State Command located at the popular Oke-fia, Osogbo, regular callers to the premises have seen an unprecedented transformation, particularly in the attitude of the rank and file, majority of whom were hitherto known for their crass indifference to sanitation and right attitude to work.

A Divisional Police Officer (DPO) was the CP’s first scapegoat when she recently paid an unscheduled visit to the division in mufti and saw a badly-maintained office. She quietly left the division only to expose the DPO during her meeting with senior officers at the headquarters. So, in line with the reform the Acting Inspector General, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar is currently carrying out, the entire command knows Adeyemi is in Osun on a more serious mission to cleanse it of the misfits in uniform.

“I can only do my best and make the best impact in the career of officers and men in the command. Our profession, with all sincerity, is a noble job that gives you opportunities to express yourself and fulfill your dream. Being a woman also makes it better in the sense that it makes you a complete being having undergone the same training with men; I mean the tough trainings one needs to weather the storm of life.

That is why I always encourage more women to enlist in the Force because of lots of opportunities they stand to enjoy legally as members of security agencies of Nigeria,” she said assuredly.

Ironically, when Adeyemi enlisted in 1984 as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) after she had successfully completed her youth service scheme at the Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin with outstanding performance which attracted her to the then Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Buba Fika, she was the only female from Rivers State among her Course 12 mates.

Brain and brawn But by the time the training commenced, she put her gender awareness behind her and slugged it out with her male counterparts: jogging, running, climbing and shooting during training sessions. A particular training programme at the popular Ghosa in Borno State, however, remains evergreen in her memory for it reminded her of her physiological make and almost broke her spirit. Even though all of the cadets including male tasted the bitter pill, ladies were most tormented.

She recalls: “As we arrived the officers just •Continued on Page 55

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Life

A priest and a mystery cheque Waiting at an airport, a mystery man appeared to a Catholic priest and presented him with a cheque which served as the seed for a home for destitute. Okodili Ndidi in Onitsha recently visited the home and reports.

L

•Akam

IFE is full of mysteries and turns that are difficult to explain and understand.

When some of these mysteries come so pass, it becomes more difficult to explain and any attempt to do that sounds like fantasy to the ears.

Now how do you explain this: that a man receives a cheque from a total stranger whose face he did not see and then walks into a bank and finds out that the cheque is not a dud.

God works in mysterious ways and His ways are hard to fathom, especially to the unbeliever! That is the incredible story of Monsignor John Bosco Akam, a Catholic Priest and founder of the Voice of the Voiceless Foundation and Home for the Disabled, Onitsha.

The mystery cheque Some years ago, Monsignor Akam had arrived at the Heathrow Airport in London and while waiting for his host to pick him up, according to him, “As I stood at a corner wondering what may have kept him, somebody tapped me on the shoulder and asked if I was from Africa and I said yes. Suddenly, he dipped his hand in his breast pocket and gave me a cheque.

“I looked at the cheque and the amount of money was more than what I had ever seen on a single cheque. I quickly turned to see the man but he was nowhere to be found, I did not take a close look at him to recognise him, neither did we exchange contacts before he vanished. At that point I looked behind me and saw the driver that was supposed to pick me and we drove away. That was how I got the money to build this centre for the disabled and destitute.”

The priest, who will be celebrating 36 years of his priesthood this year, said the prayers of the inmates of the centre who were hitherto struggling for space at the gate house attracted the mercy of God who provided the money. He said before he embarked on the fateful journey, he had summoned all the inmates and told them “that they should pray fervently so that God would provide the money to build a befitting place for them.” The cheque presented to him by the mysterious person was the answer to the inmates’ prayers.

Still confounded Still basking in the surprise and mystery of the cheque, when Akam got to his friend’s place, He narrated further: “I showed him the cheque. At first we thought that it was a dud cheque but when my friend went to check it out at Lloyds Bank, the money was right there and that was how I rushed back to Nigeria after my official engagement and built this home called Villa Misercordae Dei, which means, a home where God’s mercy is practised. Many a times, we say many things in the air, hold seminars and conferences but we achieve little or nothing in the practical. So that is why the practical dimension of showing God’s mercy struck me at a point in time in 1985 and gradually, I developed special interest for the physically challenged and orphans.”

Through the cheque the centre was built and it has been able to provide sound education, healthcare, security and comfort to hundreds of physically challenged persons including orphans and destitutes. This has given lots of satisfaction to Akam who said, “It feeds my soul to live among these special people, they are my closest friends and the fact that they are so poor that they cannot pay me back in any way is my driving force. Even if I die today

most of them cannot even attend my funeral because they can’t afford it. And that is the point I don’t give to people to receive any form of gratification from them”.

Attributing the success of the centre to the unseen hand of God, Akam disclosed that funds have continued to come for the work through inexplicable means. He explained that the low publicity of the activities of the centre was to keep it below the radar to avoid distraction and undue interference.

“You would notice that we don’t often publicise our works of charity. This is because we want to remain focused and committed to our vision. My Austrian friend once advised me to operate below the radar so that I don’t get shot down, and ever since, we have been doing a lot without making much noise. And our vision is not just to see the inmates through school, but through life where we provide them with meaningful employment and close monitoring to ensure that they become successful citizens who will in turn assist others. Today, we have many of them that are doing their compulsory one year service and several others that will graduate soon and we have secured job placements for them.”

Homely atmosphere A tour of the centre show, that the inmates live in well furnished apartments with highly dedicated staff who attend to their needs. One of them who spoke to The Nation on Sunday, Mr. Chibuzor Obiora, is currently doing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. He said that the centre has afforded him and others the opportunity to develop their potentials. He noted that the priest has given their lives meaning. “I was the first inmate to come to this centre and through the years I have been shown immeasurable love and support and today I am what I am because of this centre, and I am grateful.”

He said most of the inmates whose lives have been touched would remain eternally grateful to Akam for offering them a lifeline and making their lives better.

A life of service However, to the priest, doing what he is doing is for him a passion and it has been the major thrust of his faith in the last 36 years.

According to him, he has no regrets over his decision to live his life among this class of people who were abhorred by the society and rejected by their own.

He maintained that his life was humbled by the fact that despite the challenges of the disabled inmates, they still appreciate God daily., “It beats me to know that these disabled people who are confined to their wheel chairs still love and appreciate God, even in the midst of their challenges, and this has taught me to use whatever I have to make life meaningful for the under privileged and destitutes,”he said.

The priest appealed to Nigerians and those in leadership positions to treat the poor and needy, especially those with physical challenges with compassion, adding that they can become responsible citizens if given the opportunity.

“Some of the inmates are from average families but were abandoned because of their conditions, while their siblings were given better opportunities. Such discrimination is unfair, because before God we are all equal, able or disabled. We are all the children of God, he stated”

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

55

Coasting home on free train ride Festive periods are usually accompanied by lots of travel. Joe Agbro Jr. last week monitored those who travelled by train and reports.

•One of the coaches that conveyed the passengers to Osogbo

•Mrs. Adejuwon with her children on board the train

A

FEW days to the last Easter holiday, Mrs. Tosin Adejuwon was upbeat and full of smiles. At the Iddo Railway Terminus she was in company of her entire family. She was there to enjoy her first train ride in life!

Mrs. Adejuwon, a business woman, had seen the advert of the free train ride on Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s Facebook wall. The state government had announced that it was going to offer free train ride to all travellers from Lagos to Osogbo during the period of the Easter holiday. She had decided to seize the opportunity to travel by train with her entire family so as to have a feel of what it means to travel by rail.

Sitting with the family in one of the first class coaches, with a glint of pride and joy in her eyes, she said, “It is the first time we’re travelling by train.” She was there in the cool coach with her husband beside her, while the children played on the aisle, as cool air wafted

from the air-conditioner.

She radiated joy and contentment while looking forward to a smooth ride, saying, “I am enjoying it already.”

In another of the coaches too was Moshood Babatunde, an estate agent, who was travelling to Ibadan. When he was approached about his view on the trip, he lauded the initiative and said, “It is part of the dividends of democracy. And I hope other state governments can follow this.”

Speaking in Yoruba, Mrs. Comfort Oladipo, an indigene of Ede, Osun State, who was on her way home said it was not her first time of benefitting from the gesture. She lauded the Osun State government for this. “He will be there for long,” she prayed, while commending the Osun Youth Employment Scheme (OYES) also initiated by Aregbesola.

The free train ride which is running for the third cycle is an initiative of Governor Aregbesola,

PHOTOS: JOE AGBRO JR.

usually embarked upon during festive periods when most people from Lagos like to travel home.

The ride begins in Lagos and terminates in Osogbo, the capital.

During the last Easter, the train left for Osogbo from the Iddo terminus at 1pm on Thursday, dropping passengers along the different stations. It returned to Lagos the following day. On Saturday it left Lagos again for Osogbo at 10am. The final shuttle left Osogbo on Easter Monday at 12 noon for Lagos.

At the departure from Iddo, over 1, 500 people registered while it picked more passengers along the route. Passengers are free to disembark at any of the stations when they get to their destinations, while the final point of disembarkation was Osogbo.

Olufemi Ifaturoti, the Director-General of the Osun State Bureau of Social Services (BOSS), said the essence of the free train ride was to ensure that commerce is restored in the state. According to

•Inside the first class coach

him, “Osogbo used to be the headquarters of commerce in those days. But all that has changed over time. We started what is known as O-Hub (Osun Mid-Regional Market).

The whole idea is that fresh farm produce (from Osun) will be delivered to Lagos and sold at Osun prices while manufactured goods would be taken to Osun and sold at Lagos prices.”

He added that the ter-

rible condition of Nigerian roads made the rails a good alternative. “Rail is longer but it is safer because your goods would arrive there. No armed robbers and no police checkpoints.”

But, according to Ifaturoti, equally important was the need to re-unite families. “So, we ensure that every Easter, Eid-el-Kabir, and Christmas, we provide them free opportunity to go and celebrate.”

This move by Osun State is good boost for rail transportation which is struggling for recovery. Niyi Alli, the director of operations of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, said “people are becoming more and more aware of the services we provide. The trains have been moribund for some time and this is one of the ways to encourage partnership with the various state governments.”

Adeyemi: combining brain and brawn •Continued on Page 53

greeted us and said they had a peculiar way of formally ushering in new cadets. Before we knew it they had fired tear gas everywhere. It was tougher as a lady because we felt the impact deep down our body. Whenever I reflect and recall the picture of that period, I smile and give thanks to God for seeing me this far because it was very tough and challenging”.

Adeyemi, no doubt has gone through different stages of service in the force, starting from Plateau State Command soon after leaving the training school. She would go ahead to serve at the former Anambra State Command, then to the Force Headquarters where she was the Officer-in-Charge at the General Investigation and Human Trafficking at the Force Criminal Investigation Department.

She was also Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of administration in Nasarawa State Command, and later Plateau State Command and Zone 6, comprising Cross-River, Ebonyi, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom States. Her legal education came to bear when she was posted to the Police Staff College, Jos where

she did not only teach Law but was also assigned the enviable role of course coordinator, the assignment she discharged conscientiously until her current posting to Osun State.

“I cannot be fair to ascribe the modest success I recorded in these offices to myself. Without divine support it would not have been possible. Dr. (Mrs) Margaret Hatt also shares from the glory because of the role she played. None of the posts posed a serious challenge because my being considered for the post was based on the fact that they found me suitable to hold them. Your gender is secondary when we are talking of competence.

“That is why I must always put in my best wherever I am posted to so that other women coming after me will be respected while holding the posts. Because the likes of Mrs. Ojomo, Mrs. Okoronkwo and other successful women officers who had held sensitive posts did well. It makes it difficult for me to underperform. This goes to say gender plays a little role in your performance in your chosen career,” she stated.

This factor particularly inspired her greatly as she became a member of the committee that drafted the bill which gave Mrs. Titi Atiku-

Abubakar’s Women’s Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation (WOTCLEF) legal strength to wage war against sundry criminals who profit in abuse of their fellow beings.

Working closely with the former Rivers State first lady, Justice Mary Odili, Adeyemi passionately devoted her time and deployed all her intellectual energy into the project as a woman determined to rescue innocent ladies from the claws of the traffickers. But beyond this, she is more passionate with the opportunities which Zone 6 offered her as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of investigation.

“In that capacity, I was able to prove my mettle as a police officer and a lawyer. Something about women in the Force is that you have to prove your competence to earn respect of your seniors and your colleagues. That was more or less my guiding principle. I can say in the beginning it was challenging because I came to the zone from the North. There were many cases to treat and this exposed me to a lot of things.

“I am the only female DC to have been saddled with that responsibility in the history of Nigeria Police. I give glory to God for seeing me through

because it was not an easy task. One needed to be extra careful because the parties to cases know how to use court to seek justice. And this must be encouraged as against resorting to violence which in the end never resolves the matter but aggravates and creates more confusion,” she said.

Aside from Justice Through The Law: A police Investigation Perspective, the book she wrote to educate the public on what the police go through in the course of investigating cases, she is currently planning to write another book to guide wives of policemen on the best way to meet the challenges that go with their husbands’ job. This book will certainly reveal the activist side of Adeyemi as she says she is always touched when family of deceased officers spoil for war soon after the death of their bread winners.

“This is an unfortunate experience but real.

And I have played some useful role in mediating in some of these problems in the past. What I always tell the women is to be focused in order to cope with any challenge that may come their way,” she said.

She is married to Adeyemi, a retired Librarian.

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Your HEALTH THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Keeping the bone healthy T

HE body structure is defined by bones which the human body forms until the age of 35. These bones allow people to move, store calcium that nourishes our bodies and protect internal organs from injury. When this important structure is not taken care of, degenerative bone diseases such as osteoporosis can threaten the health of the bones as people age.

We all know the bone strengthening benefits from consuming lots of dairy products, and fruits and vegetables but there is a lot more to know.

Speaking on the importance of sticking to a healthy diet to help sustain our bones over a long period of time, Agnes Chidinuba, a trained nutritionist, says, "Diets that are significantly high in protein (like many low-carb diets) can lead to loss of calcium in the body's system. Studies have shown that plant protein helps to retain more calcium in the bones than animal protein. While fish and reduced fat dairy products don't seem to be a problem, other animal protein should be taken in moderation if you are concerned about your bone health."

She further stated that diets which are high in sodium can also lead to a loss of sodium in the urine, especially in postmenopausal women.

With symptom-less diseases like osteoporosis on the rise globally, it is becoming increasingly important to pay attention to our bodies at an early age. Dr Seun Fatokun of Health Sinai Hospital, Igando, says, "People may not know that they have osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that a sudden strain, bump or fall causes a hip fracture or a vertebral collapse. Unfortunately, in many cases, the first real 'symptom' is a broken bone. Loss of height, with the gradual curvature of the back, may be the only physical sign of osteoporosis and the best ways to prevent it and to protect your bones is to do exercises that help in strengthening bones. Also, taking in adequate calcium and doing regular exercises when you are young is an investment that will pay off years later."

Research has shown that high alcohol intake can inhibit your ability to absorb calcium. In the elderly, drinking causes a loss of balance and can therefore increase the risk

of falling. And for heavy soft-drink or soda drinkers many studies report that carbonated soft drinks also increase the loss of bone.

Unfortunately, the loss of calcium and other minerals from the bones is a gradual process which goes on steadily for a long time before it becomes evident.

There is no flashing red light to warn us that our bodies are losing calcium and it is usually not apparent until loose teeth, receding gums, or a fractured hip show how brittle and chalky the bones have become.To prevent this downward spiral, here are a few suggested steps to take: Step 1 Take care of your bones by getting enough calcium in your diet. Calcium increases bone mass, making them stronger. Dairy products, almonds, dark green vegetables such as broccoli, and tofu are all good sources of dietary calcium. Many ready-to-eat breakfast cereals are fortified with the nutrient as well.

Step 2 An inactive person should start these exercises slowly and gradually increase their intensity: brisk walking, jogging and climbing stairs are especially good. Exercise on a daily basis to keep your bones healthy. Both aerobic exercises such as jogging or playing sports, and strength training can prevent the loss of bone mass. It is recommended that exercising for 30 minutes several days each week is good for optimum bone health. People who are already frail from low bone density may benefit from yoga or other low-impact movements.

Step 3 Stop smoking, or remain smoke-free if you are a nonsmoker, to take care of your bones. Nicotine can be harmful to the bones and may also limit the amount of calcium that is absorbed into the body. People who smoke

may have a higher-than-normal risk of fracturing bones.

Step 4 Caffeine should be consumed in moderation if you are concerned about bone density. The consumption of more than four cups of coffee has been linked to lower bone density in women and a higher fracture risk. This may be caused by caffeine blocking calcium absorption. A good alternative is tea, because it has less caffeine and may actually increase your bone density. Tea may also strengthen bones because of flavonoids and fluoride that naturally occur in it.

57

BUSINESS

We support, not takeover companies --AMCON boss

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

How credible are credit rating agencies?

The cloud of doubt surrounding the activities of some rating agencies whose pronouncements in the past are at variance with the true state of affairs may have created a lot of credibility gap in the system, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

T

HERE is complete dissonance between reality and the picture painted by most of these rating agencies out there.

This was the submission made by experts at a public forum in Lagos recently.

The experts who pulled a lot of punches were unsparing of their criticisms of Standard and Poors, Fitch and Moodys, touted as the world’s biggest three rating agencies.

Firing the first salvo, Dr. Chris Onalo, Registrar/Chief Executive, Institute of Credit Administration (ICA), in an interview with The Nation expressed dissatisfaction with the ratings carried out by some of these agencies, especially in the country.

The outcome of their findings, according to him, “could be suspect because there is paucity of reliable data to work with compared to what obtains abroad.”

Citing a hypothetical situation, the Kogi-state born technocrat observed that there is a sense in which the results of the surveys conducted by some of these agencies could be doctored.

“Where a state government invites these rating agencies like say S& P to score its performance bearing in mind there are obvious gaps in what is being reported when compared to the reality on ground, this is bad practice in credit management”, he stressed.

Echoing similar views, Dr. Austin Nweze, of the Pan African University also acknowledge the fact that the challenge of proper data is at the centre of the credibility crisis plaguing most of these rating agencies.

Specifically, he said the National Bureau of Statistics and the Central Bank of Nigeria, often trade figures and records that are incorrect, thereby leaving a lot of room for conjecture.

In a related development, the Federal Government on Wednesday revealed that Nigeria is now classified as a lower middle-income country with total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of N10 trillion.

The classification, which the government admitted has not practically translated into improved standards of living for the citizens, was as a result of the movement of the nation’s income per capita from $1,200 to $1,400.

Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama, told journalists at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting yesterday that Nigeria is now the third fastest growing economy in the world with last year’s growth rate of 7.68 per cent.

According to him, Nigeria is queuing behind Mongolia with 14.9 per cent real growth rate and China with 8.4 per cent real GDP growth rate.

Ngama, who briefed journalists

•Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama

•Dr. Olusegun Aganga

•Dr. Austin Nweze

alongside with Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, disclosed that the 7.68 per cent growth came largely from agriculture. But he admitted that the growth rate might not have translated into improved standard of living for Nigerians because of “great income disparity within the country.”

According to the minister of state, “the gap between the poor and the rich in Nigeria might be the longest in Africa. We must ensure inclusive growth, growth that is just and well distributed. But the potential of the Nigerian economy show clearly that this country is still the number one destination for investment. Besides, as we tackle the other challenges delaying our growth, it shows clearly that there is a lot of confidence in the Nigerian economy. We, as a result, will now work harder on our competitiveness.”

He explained that “for the quarter which ended on December 31, 2011, Nigeria was third in terms of GDP growth. We recorded a GDP growth of 7.68 per cent in real terms and this is largely due to growth in the non-oil sector. The previous year, 2010, the GDP growth was 8.4 per cent but last year, it dropped to 7.68 per cent because we had a negative growth in the oil sector.

So, it means that the non-oil sector is actually resilient and strong enough to carry the economy forward with or without the oil sector.

“But the more important story out of it is that as a nation, we have our Vision 20-2020, we have the objective of having one of the world strongest economies by the year 202020. All the other countries, apart from China, that are ahead of Nigeria are growing at a slower rate than Nigeria. When those ahead of you are growing slower, it means that in the next eight years, we will

achieve our objective of being one of the strongest economies in the world.

As at last December, our total GDP was more that N10 trillion. And that is a growth that is unprecedented, despite our challenges.”

On using locally-produced products to execute Federal Government contracts, the President asked the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga, to list out all items that can be produced within Nigeria.

A high ranking on the ease of doing business index means the regulatory environment is more conducive to the starting and operation of a local firm. This index averages the country’s percentile rankings on 10 topics, made up of a variety of indicators, giving equal weight to each topic. The rankings for all economies are bench marked to June 2011.

On ease of starting a business, Nigeria was ranked 116 . For obtaining a construction permit, 84th, getting electricity for a local firm was ranked 176th and for registering property, 180th.

For getting credit, 78th and for protecting investors it ranked 65th while it came a distant 138 th for paying taxes.

For trading across borders it scored 149 and pooled 97 th for enforcing contracts and for resolving insolvency it ranked 99th.

It would be recalled that S&P last year expressed confidence in the Nigerian economy, as it upgraded its outlook on the country’s credit rating to positive, from stable.

The upgrade, according to a statement by the rating agency, is inspired by the restructuring undertaken by the Federal Government and the strengthening of the banking sector.

Standard and Poor’s also affirmed Nigeria’s current rating — ‘B+/B’ long-and short-term issuer credit ratings and the ‘ngA+/ngA-1’

long- and short-term Nigeria national scale ratings, while the transfer and convertibility (T&C) assessment remains unchanged at ‘B+’. At ‘B+/B’, Nigeria is three steps away from the minimum investment grade.

Criticisms against credit rating agencies Credit rating agencies do not downgrade companies promptly enough. For example, Enron’s rating remained at investment grade four days before the company went bankrupt, despite the fact that credit rating agencies had been aware of the company’s problems for months.

Or, for example, Moody’s gave Freddie Mac preferred stock the top rating until Warren Buffett talked about Freddie on CNBC and on the next day Moody’s downgraded Freddie to one tick above junk bonds.

Some empirical studies have documented that yield spreads of corporate bonds start to expand as credit quality deteriorates but before a rating downgrade, implying that the market often leads a downgrade and questioning the informational value of credit ratings.

It is however instructive to note that Agusto & Co’s Credit Ratings, a foremost rating agency in the country is widely acclaimed locally and globally.

According to a source at the company, who would not be named, “Augusto relies on a database of information that it has built since 1992.”

Augusto is the only company in Nigeria to periodically provide indepth reports on at least 20 sectors of the economy, which includes: banking, insurance, oil & gas ( upstream & downstream), textiles, breweries, cement, telecommunication, spare parts, construction, personal care, pharmaceuticals, rice, sugar, hotels, soft drinks, real estate, aviation, asset management.

-- Page 59

Briefs Alliance for Green Revolution gets new president

K

OFI Annan, Chair of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) over the weekend announced the appointment of a renowned African business leader from Kenya, Ms Jane Karuku, as the new president of the organisation.

Ms Karuku was selected after an exhaustive international search process. She joins AGRA from Telkom Kenya a subsidiary of France Telecom-Orange where she has been Deputy Chief Executive. She takes over from Dr Namanga Ngongi who is retiring after five years as the first president of AGRA. “Hundreds of thousands of poor rural households in Africa have already benefited from AGRA’s work and under Ms Karuku’s leadership we can look forward to continued success in moving African farmers along a path to prosperity and ensuring food security,” said Annan.

Ms Karuku’s career has spanned over 20 years, most of which has been spent in the agricultural sector. She has held senior positions in a number of successful international corporate entities including Farmers Choice and Cadbury Limited where she served as the managing director with responsibility for 14 countries in the East and Central African region.

“Smallholder farming is a way of life in Africa, full of challenges and equally full of huge opportunities. I am very excited and feel privileged to be part of the journey to transform the lives of millions of smallholder farmers, and look forward to when we can look back and celebrate this transformation as a ‘gift’ to the people of Africa and its future generations,” said Ms Karuku.

Ogun partners forum on youth’s empowerment

O

GUN State hosted youths drawn from all over the states at the Ikenne Town Hall over the weekend to provide skills set aimed at creating job opportunities in rural communities, especially in the area of agriculture.

Tagged: “Creating job opportunities in rural communities for young people –The Agric option”, the forum attracted participants from the public and private sector.

According to the organisers, the forum became necessary to enable the teaming youths harness opportunities available in the agric sub-sector.

It would be recalled that the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun at an investors’ forum hinted of plans to give a discount of 80 per cent on the cost of land for investment in agriculture in any part of the state.

Pastor Tosin Onayiga, the facilitator of the forum said the seminar was aimed at educating the young people in rural communities on how they can go to into agric co-operatives to create jobs for themselves.

Among dignitaries at the forum some of whom were represented include Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Sola DavidBorha, the Managing Director and CEO of Stanbic IBTC, Bar. Segun Odubela, Commissioner for Education, Bar. Sunday Adeniyi, Chairman, Ikenne Local Government.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

Business Intelligence

NEW brand of extra larger beer has been launched in Ibadan by Guinness Nigeria PLC. The product was also launched in Aba simultaneously.

Dubic Extra Lager, according to the Managing Director of the brewing company, Mr. Delvin Hainsworth, is a unique beer with a refreshing taste wearing a royal purple

A

Dubic beer berths in Ibadan From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

logo.

Hainsworth said: “Guinness Nigeria has a tradition of continuously delivering great brands to our consumers. Dubic Extra Lager is a

premium value brand that will not only bring excitement to consumers but also give them the opportunity to connect with their heritage.

With a refreshingly unique taste, Dubic is the beer consumers deserve’’.

PHOTO SHOP

During a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, the governor expressed his delight that Ibadan had been strategically chosen to launch Dubic Extra Lager. He said: “It is a privilege to have Guinness Nigeria launch Dubic Extra Lager in Ibadan. Guinness Nigeria is a great company with a great heritage as Ibadan is also a city with great heritage. We are honoured to have you here with us.”

As part of the event in Ibadan was the signing Memorandum of Understand-

ing (MoU) by both the brewery company (Guinness Nigeria Plc) and the state government on the sponsorship of the state-owned Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan.

In his brief remark, the Guinness Director, Marketing and Innovation, Ruari Towmey said it was a privilege to work with the Ibadan darling football club and expressed hope for a very exciting future with the club.

At the event where the Dubic Larger Beer branded jersey for the club was pre-

sented to the state Commissioner for Sports, Dapo LamAdesina the company’s boss said it was the first time of sponsoring any football club in Nigeria.

While maintaining that the organization would keep its side of the agreement, Ruari recalled that Guinness had been a worthy partner with government in the country for sports development saying, “this is not going to be different as far as we are concerned”.

Guinness Nigeria Plc is also the brewer of Guinness Stout, Harp Lager, Harp Lime and Malta Guinness. A socially responsible corporate entity, Guinness Nigeria encourages responsible drinking.

Dangote Ibese Cement operates at full capacity •Targets 16,000 metric tonnes daily production

F •From left: Ruairi Twomey, Marketing and Innovation Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc and Mutiu Adepoju Club Manager Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan at the media parley to unveil the Shirt Sponsorship deal between Dubic Extra Larger Beer and Shooting Stars FC , during the launch of Dubic Extra Larger Beer, in Ibadan, recently

•From left: Dr. Adetunji Haastrup, president of the Human Resources Development Institute being decorated by Dr. David Friday Moses president ICPM at the inauguration of the first HRDI executive in Lagos, recently

OLLOWING the successful commissioning of the new six million metric tonne per annum Ibese Cement Plant by President Goodluck Jonathan, last February, the plant is at the moment operating at a full capacity.

The plant which is expected to produce six million metric tonnes cement annually, will be taking Dangote’s total production to 20.25Mta. Worried by the drain on the nation’s foreign reserves, the government introduced the Backward Integration Policy through which importers of the product were encouraged to set up manufacturing plants in the country since most of the raw materials needed for cement production were available locally.

In response to the challenge, the Dangote Group, which before then had been manufacturing cement at a smaller scale as well as augment by import, decided to change focus and concentrate on indigenous manufacturing.

This gave birth to the $1bn Ibese plant under the umbrella of Dangote Cement Plc, which is strategically located in Ibese village, Ilaro,

By Toba Agboola

Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The Greenfield plant, which is reputed to be the biggest in sub-Saharan Africa, consists of two production lines with annual capacity of three million metric tonnes each and a vertical roller mill with capacity to grind high moisture materials and low consumption ordered on Loesche of Germany.

It operates on gas with a 22kilometre long pipeline for the supply of gas to the cement plant and the power plant from Itori, also in Ogun State, to Ibese.

The purpose built power plant is a dual firing 123 megawatts station that runs on gas and low pour fuel oil. It was built by Siemens.

Speaking with journalists during a facility tour of the plant, the Group Chief Executive, Dangote Cement, Mr. Daijeet Ghai said the plant is at the moment producing 12,000 metric tonnes daily, adding that it will soon hit its expected daily production capacity of 16,000 metric tonnes.

The Dangote boss, explained that the feat recorded

by Dangote Ibese plant remained a remarkable achievement considering the fact that

it took off fully two months ago.

“Ordinarily it is expected that a new plant cannot begin to produce at optimal capacity in two months. Production activity, especially for a new plant takes time before it begins to produce optimally,”he said.

The achievement, according to him, is the fruit of the Federal Government’s 2002 backward integration policy for the cement sector which was designed to transform Nigeria from net exporter to a self-sufficient nation and subsequent exporter of cement.

In addition, he said, the Ibese plant will substantially boost the supply of cement in the Nigeria market, while increased supply from the plant will help stabilize supply to the market and ultimately bring down market price of cement.

It would be recalled that at the commissioning of the plant last February, the President/Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said the realisation of the plant was a watershed in the history of the nation, as Nigeria would transit from being the world’s number one importer of cement to self-sufficiency and a net exporter of the product.

MARBLE AND GRANITE CARE Kitchen Renovation: Marble vs. granite countertops – Part 2

T

HE advantages and disadvantages of marble First of all, Marble is a metamorphic rock. Its basic ingredient can be found everywhere from limestone to baking soda, from calcium carbonate to lime (white wash). The basic ingredient goes by many other names depending on its application and its form.

Limestone, a sedimentary form of calcium, which is found naturally in the earth, undergoes intense heat and pressure within the earth to be formed into what we know as marble.

This rock can also be exposed to heat and grinding

to become a filler ingredient for medications, writing paper, plaster of Paris, lime (white wash), and cement hardener. This means that marble, although beautiful and durable, is porous and very easily destroyed by any type of acid, heat, or water.

Even with a seal coating applied religiously every year, no types of chemicals may be used to wash the countertops made from it. It cannot take much abuse from water, acids such as lemon or orange juice, or high heat from pans.

These will all destroy the seal coating and the marble beneath.

Since marble is so porous, it is also easily stained. One

single scratch can allow liquids or even oxidation from the air to leak under the seal coating and stain the marble.

This doesn’t mean that it should not be used. Marble is ideal for use in low traffic areas or for sculpting amazing art out of. But for the high traffic use of a kitchen countertop, a floor, or a bathroom countertop, marble just means high maintenance.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Granite Granite is also a metamorphic rock. It is a composite of quartz, silicon, feldspar, mica, and several other minerals. It too is formed under high pressure and

heat. It is also just as beautiful. It is not as porous as marble and is resistant to chemicals and acids. The presence of quartz in granite provides the granite with a durability and hardness unlike that of soft marble.

Granite is more stain resistant and wear resistant than marble. While it is not perfect, granite holds up far better in high traffic uses such as counter tops and flooring. With a proper seal coating on granite and with proper care, granite will last for many years without scratching, staining, chipping, or wearing away. If properly cared for, granite

may not need to be resealed every year.

Whether you choose granite or marble is up to you. For the stone that is better for the high traffic use of countertops, the answer should be clear, granite will simply hold up better. When properly cared for under normal conditions, granite is easier to care for and is resistant to staining, chemicals, heat, and fracturing.

Granite is available in more colours and patterns and can be custom ordered for less than marble.

For more information on Marble/Granite Care, Sales and Delivery contact: Mike Anazodo – Email: info@maldinimarbles.com, Tel: 01-8934967 Maldini Marble and Granite Company

Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

INTERVIEW

T

HE news media has been abuzz with report over the high level of indebtedness of Arik Air, touted as the national carrier. Considering the position this airline occupies in the country don’t you think its financial mess portends a bad omen in the industry?

I would like to clarify certain assumptions you have made. The first one is that Arik Air is not the national carrier. Saying Arik Air is a national carrier has serious implications. Arik is simply the largest airline operating in Nigeria today. And there are many companies out there that got themselves where they could not salvage their debts.

Many of these companies are larger than Arik, some are smaller than Arik. It happened in America, like General Motors, there is American International Group. Even Citibank got into some financial turmoil. So it is not unusual that when you have an economic downturn larger companies have problems with their debts and Arik is not different.

And when that happens, it becomes important to sit down and see how to support such companies. That is done all over the world.

So, the things you said about Arik being in a mess, I don’t think is true. Arik has done something we need in Nigeria. It has got brand new planes. If you fly Arik Airlines, you know you’re in the best planes because they are very well maintained planes. Besides, it employs many Nigerians and provides services to very many people in Nigeria and if anything happens to Arik, I think that we will all suffer for it. So, let’s give Arik some credit for what they have done. But it is not appropriate for AMCON to discuss the details of individual companies because there is the issue of confidentiality. But we have suggestion son how Arik can be better as well as how many other companies can be better. So, all we can say is that at the moment we are talking to Arik and we have a partnership with Arik, we have no problem with Arik. And we keep talking with them because the goal is to make Arik something that Nigerians can be proud of.

From what you have said, you are optimistic that the proposal you have forwarded to Arik is capable of turning its fortunes around for good?

We are very positive about that. We think Arik would be eventually an airline that Nigerians would be very proud of.

Recently, AMCON got some specialist firms to undertake valuation for some projects.

What is the outcome of that exercise?

As you know, AMCON took over 10000 loans and almost all loans have collateral. It is our duty to prepare valuation. So what we are doing is that any loan that we have we’re sending our own independent valuers to value it so that we will have in our records. Most of the valuation of those assets was done between 2006 and 2007. And we cannot as a responsible institution rely on that at this given time or accept valuation from other people; hence we have to carry out fresh valuation to reflect present realities on ground. It is just the responsible banking practice, it does not mean anything.

Another question that has become hotly debated is that AMCON is seen as a receivership company out to take over other companies who may have fallen on evil days on account of their insolvency. Does the AMCON Act give the Corporation the powers to take over companies outright?

AMCON is not a receivership company.

AMCON is not a liquidating company.

AMCON is a resolution vehicle. The primary function of AMCON is to resolve the bank issues, ensure that the economy grows. So we are not a receiver. But AMCON Act gives us the power to act a receiver, where it feels that that is the only way to get the company to pay up its debts.

We have certain powers in debt recovery but we have to follow the laws of the country.

But we are not primarily a receiver. We are not designed to take over companies; we don’t want to take over companies. Rather we want to support these companies. But in the cases where the only way is to get value into that bank or company then we do that, especially where the business is usually no longer productive.

But a business that is viable and the debtor is responsible, we want to work with them and get them back on their feet. So the whole insinuations about AMCON as a re-

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We support, not takeover companies - AMCON boss Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, Managing Director, Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has over 26 years experience in international finance. Before his appointment at AMCON, he was the Managing Director, Madison Park Advisers LLC, New York City, an investment advisory firm specializing in investment consulting, brokering of fixedincome securities, venture capital activities. He also had a stint at Kidder Peabody and Company as a marketer of mortgage-backed bonds before joining Goldman Sachs where he worked between 1984 and 1992, and rose to become the Vice President. Chike-Obi, who is one of the scions of the famous Prof. Chike Obi, the first Nigerian to bag a PhD in mathematics is a chip of the old block. Highly cerebral and articulate, he suffers no fools gladly. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf he brings the public up to speed on the activities of the corporation among other related issues

•Chike-Obi

ceiver out to take over other peoples companies is a misrepresentation. We do not have the staff, or what it takes to run the numerous businesses in Nigeria. But we want to support them to enable us get our money back.

We are aware that AMCON has gotten the say-so of the Federal Government to get high profile debtors in state and local governments across the country to pay up their debts by deducting same at source from their monthly allocations before the end of this month. Is that option feasible?

What the AMCON Act stipulates is that if a state or a local government owes AMCON and does not see reasons to discuss with AMCON, we have the option of declaring those states insolvent. But that has severe consequences. And instead of going that route, it is more responsible to make reasonable deductions at the end of the month. So, it is been worked out. Many of the states have come to discuss with AMCON on repayment plans outside the monthly allocations and we are discussing.

I’m aware that Jigawa is one of the states that have paid up its debts. Would you want to be specific on the other states that are in discussions with AMCON? That must be true. But we do not want to do that because of the issue of confidentiality.

It has been alleged in some quarters that hedge fund investors are to blame for the crash we actually witnessed in the nation’s capital market. As an expert in the field of endeavour, do you share such sentiments?

I think that what causes crashes and what caused the crash are complicated matters. I don’t think it’s a simple thing. I think certainly in Nigeria, there was an excessive buying of capital market stocks, where proper valuation no longer had any meaning. I think that the oil crash mattered, and I think that the drop in the naira’s value mattered and the impact of the international economy also mattered. Because if you are an international investor in America, and your stock in America has dropped by say 50 per cent and your stock in Nigeria is up, what you do is that you want to sell the one that is up to reduce your losses elsewhere.

So, I think that all of that applied. There was obviously some fraud, some bad dealing. But all of these had to happen at once to have the crash that we had. So, it is not a small issue.

But something else may happen. You know nothing is certain in life. But what we know is that what happened in the past will not happen again. As managers and leaders, we will try to handle this crisis when it comes. But you can never predict every crisis.

AMCON moreorless came on stream as

a resolution vehicle to get the banks out of financial crisis…

(Cuts) Not just the banks but the bulk of the debts and the economy.

The question I wish to ask is how prepared is AMCON towards guiding against the incidence of crisis. Is there an exit plan or if you may a safety net in place to prevent any untoward crisis in the financial service sector?

What happened before, what caused the last one will not cause the next one. I can tell you that. But can oil prices go from where they are to $20? Who knows? I don’t know, you don’t know! So, things may happen. But what we know is that we know knew what happened and we know what the issues are and we know what we will do and we will make sure that what happened in the past doesn’t happen again. And that is the best we can do. If we see something that will be a danger to the economy, I’m sure we have what it takes to prevent such...

The domestic bond we are told is valued at about N5.6 trillion, what slice of this does AMCON has?

AMCON has no domestic debts.

AMCON’s debt is a contingent liability of the government with a clear plan of how we are going to pay it. We do not expect it to ever become part of the national debts and this question has been asked by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), by Standards and Poors (S&P), Fitch during their rating exercises and they are satisfied that AMCON’s debts cannot become part of the national wealth. And so part of our education process, of course, is to let people know how we intend to finance our debts and to let people know that this is not part of the national wealth and we have convinced very sophisticated people about this.

I share your optimism…

It is not optimism, it is a fact.

I understand AMCON gets to borrow at the rate of 13 per cent...

Yes currently...

What is the source of funding for AMCON? We issue bonds and when we do they give us money. So, to answer your question, our source of funding is the bond we issue.

So, what is in it for AMCON beyond...

AMCON is a resolution vehicle. It is not a profit-making venture. It is not designed to make profit; it is designed to solve problems.

And what is in it for us is that we are trying to make sure that our banks are healthy, our banks are lending gain. That is what is in it for us. That’s our job.. I can tell you if we weren’t part of the banking system, the banks would have collapsed. You will not be able to go to the bank today. That’s what is in for us as AMCON and as Nigerians that we have one of the healthiest banking systems in the world today...

AMCON seems to me as an adhoc thing, which may eventually transmute to something else if the mess in the financial sector blows over. Does AMCON has a lifespan?

There is no lifespan for AMCON in the law. But the lifespan for AMCON is in our minds. We would like, when this whole matter has been resolved and the bonds have been paid, we want AMCON to get smaller and smaller and very small eventually. Having said that, there is no legal lifespan for AMCON...

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Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2011

COMPANY NEWS

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HE Director-General, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema has described as “low” participation of local operators in the nation’s capital market.

According to him, over 81 per cent of the capital market activities are still foreigndriven while 9 per cent out of the remaining 19 per cent locally driven activities are institutional, an indication that the operations in the capital market was skewed in favour of foreign investors.

He made this disclosure at a business luncheon organised by the Academy of Entrepreneur Studies (AES), held at the Lekki Oxford Hotels, Lagos.

While delivering his paper, titled: “The stock exchange as a financing option for long term business expansion”, Onyema recalled that the global financial crisis which was triggered by sub-prime mortgage crash, the Nigerian banking crisis, low broker-dealer participation rates and unfavourable interest rates among many other things, are some of the factors responsible for the declining investor confidence and trust in the capital market.

The NSE boss was however quick to add that the focus of the NSE is to revitalize the capital market for mobilisation of funds required to finance businesses, for development and wealth creation through efficient mobilisation of domestic and international savings and the channeling of the savings to the productive sectors of the economy.

For firms that are yet to get listed on the Exchange, he recommended that they should do so, as according to

Over 80% market activities Beyond Talent foreign -NSE boss By Adetayo Okusanya Email: adetayookusanya@hotmail.com

Are you a big picture thinker?

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•From left: Former governor of Ekiti State, Otunba Niyi Adebayo; President, Governing Council, AES Excellence Club, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu; CEO, Nigeria Stock Exchange, Mr. Oscar Onyema and T3 Communications CEO/MD Chief Kingsley Ozobia, the business luncheon in Lagos recently

By Oluwatayo Alofun

him, there are benefits to be derived in being a member of the Exchange.

Being listed on the Exchange, he assured, brings a wide range of improved brand equity such as visibility through inclusion in indices and portfolios; growth through access to capital and lower cost of borrowing; greater public confidence through listing discipline among others.

While the NSE boss acknowledged that he is not unaware of the Global competitive index of 2011-2012 which

has put Nigeria on the 127th position out of 142 countries in term of business environment, he said that the NSE has a vision to become the gateway to Africa markets and ultimately to achieve a total of $1 trillion in market capitalization by 2016.

This according to the DG will be achieved through targeted business development efforts, strong regulatory environment, 21st century technology strategies, growth enabling market structure and first-rate investor protection programme.

Some of the dignatries in

attendance include prominent politicians, diplomat corp, former and serving government functionaries, businessmen, academia, the media such as the former governor of Ekiti state, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, Minister of Labour and Productivity, represented by Mr. Essah Aniefiok Etim.

Others include President, Governing Board, AES Excellence Club, Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu and the commercial counselor of United State Embassy in Nigeria, Mrs. Rebecca Armand.

Edo to receive $75 million from the World Bank

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

The approved credit will be in the form of budget support similar to that which was extended to the State of Lagos in 2011.

A statement from the World Bank 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,” said Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria.

She congratulated the state government for its commitment towards reforms and urged the authorities to stay

AST week I wrote about “The 7 Steps to Building a Successful Personal Brand” and during the week I found myself expounding further on the principles of personal brand management with a colleague. Our conversation was very rewarding and I was extremely pleased when, at last, he had a “light bulb” moment, which is what I refer to as a “moment of clarity”. He wanted to know the distinction between the personal brand management workshop that I run and other personal effectiveness courses such as personality profiling, time management, effective communication, goal setting etc.

My response to him was that while many personal effectiveness courses are tactical by nature and address specific knowledge and skill gaps, personal brand management is a strategic approach to career management that weaves together an individual’s knowledge base, preferences, competencies, talents, strengths, experiences, track record and accomplishments, with the aim of building credibility and trust with others, which in turn creates goodwill and name recognition. Attending a time management course, for example, is like going to the doctor to fix a headache. Attending a personal branding workshop is like working with your doctor to develop and execute an overall health improvement and health maintenance plan. Personal brand management is big picture thinking.

You can have all the degrees and certifications in the world, if you lack credibility, trust and goodwill in the minds of your manager, colleagues, subordinates, customers and strategic partners, you will only be fractionally successful in accomplishing your career goals. Many professionals often make the mistake of piling up training hours filled with random courses without a clear strategy of how these courses will add to their brand power, either because these courses are the latest fad or because these individuals want to be seen as interested in learning and continuous improvement. For others, such courses are a way to impress stakeholders with titles, certificates and degrees, which often look good on paper but in reality lack substantive value and fall short of expectations because they are not supported by passion, authenticity and results.

In their book, “Be Your Own Brand”, David McNally and Karl D Speak describe the three factors that influence the perception of your brand value. The first is your role in the life and realities of your stakeholders. The role you play must be important to them, such that they are willing to give you credit for your ability to proficiently solve their problems and meet their needs. The more relevant, consistent, reliable and significantly differentiated your role is from the role of others, the more credit you will earn. Find an organization in which the knowledge, skills and talent that you possess is essential to its survival and you will always be relevant and valuable.

The second factor is your performance standard. People make judgments about your competence and how well you do what you do. Your manager, colleagues, customers, etc. will give you extra credit when you deliver the level of performance and quality of output that meet and exceed their needs, wants and expectations, in matters that are important to them. You must do so consistently over time and in a way that sets you apart from your competition. An illustration of standards that I love to use is from a United States Army advertisement, which uses the phrase “There is Strong, and there is Army Strong!” Personal brand management helps you discover the areas where you can become the standard that others try to emulate.

The third factor is your style, which is comprised of your personality, appearance and emotional footprint. Your vibe and personality influence the experience that others have when interacting with you. People make judgments about how you communicate and act i.e. your tone, body language, attitude, facial expression, dressing etc. Have you ever heard this before, “It is not what you did, but how you did it”? The way you personalize your interaction with your stakeholders can create positive of negative resonance, which can in turn build or destroy emotional connections. When your stakeholders perceive your style as relevant, consistent and distinct, they will give you credit that will translate into goodwill and name recognition.

Investments in building a strong personal brand established on the right role, the right standards and the right style, will over time deliver the following returns: (1) You will command a premium on your salary or professional fees, (2) You will be highly sought after by others, (3) Your name will be recognized outside of your team, (4) You will be asked to take on greater challenges, (5) You will become the go-to person on issues, and (6) People will be willing to wait for the opportunity to benefit from your services. If you do not believe me, just ask King Sunny Ade (KSA)!

Bottom line let your personal brand strategy drive your professional development plan.

Stories from Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja the course.

Among the reforms on improving the management of public resources include the enactment of a public procurement law, sanitizing the payroll through 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. These policy reforms will ensure value for money in the utilization of public resources.

Critical reforms for improving the investment climate focus on establishing 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.

In education, the state government has been working on improving the quality of education so that the education system meets the demands and needs of the employment market. One key reform undertaken aims at improving governance at institutional level through the establishment of

school-based management committees (SBMCs) in technical and vocational education institutions. SBMCs will ensure that communities are involved in school decision-making, that will lead to improved student achievement and other outcomes as the local people demand closer monitoring of school personnel, better student evaluations, a closer match between the school’s needs and its policies, and a more efficient use of resources.

Besides, the state is also piloting an education management information system to ensure that there is adequate, accurate, and up to date infor-

mation for planning, monitoring, and implementation of policies and programs for improving the quality of education.

“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 recognized by the World Bank will ensure that the state obtains value for money in the utilization of the funds,” said Adams Oshiomhole, the Executive Governor of Edo State.

...Supports Adamawa, Nasarawa, Ondo too

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ITH the Millennium Development Goals falling due in 2015, three Nigerian states— Adamawa, Nasarawa and Ondo—are rolling out bold healthcare reforms that will focus on results at public health facilities.

The reforms signal improved care for over 9 million people, of whom nearly 4 million are women aged 1549 and children under age five.

A statement from the World Bank said, “every year, about 400,000 pregnant women need care in these states, where the chances of giving birth with skilled help can be as low as 1 in 7. With

World Bank support of US$150 million, the Nigeria State Health Program aims to get more women to health facilities that offer lifesaving services including skilled attendance during childbirth and immunization for babies.”

Marie Francoise MarieNelly, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, said at the weekend that “three states in Nigeria are leading the way for others by rewarding health facilities for tangible results, I hope that they will show how public money can be invested smartly to get closer to the Millennium Development Goals.

• Okusanya is CEO of ReadinessEdge

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WORLD NEWS W

HEN Per Anders Langeroed heard about the bomb explosion in downtown Oslo, he wrote reassuringly to his Facebook friends that he was “safe on Utoya.”

Moments later, even greater mayhem was unleashed on the island youth camp outside the Norwegian capital. Scores of mostly teenage victims were slaughtered as Langeroed and others fled into a frigid lake to escape the rampaging gunman.

Those who survived Norway’s worst peacetime massacre on July 22 are bracing for the horror of Utoya island to return when the trial of confessed killer Anders Behring Breivik begins on Monday.

“I dread the trial,” Langeroed, a 26-year-old master’s student, told The Associated Press. “It will come back. Stories. Questions. Could I have saved others? Could I have done more? I survived by pure chance.”

Breivik, a 33-year-old Norwegian, faces terrorism and premeditated murder charges for the bombing in Oslo’s government district and the shooting spree at the governing Labor Party’s annual youth camp on Utoya. Eight people died in Oslo and 69 were killed on the island, in a lake some 40 kilometers (25 miles) northwest of the Norwegian capital.

Breivik surrendered to a SWAT team on the island and confessed to both attacks, but rejects criminal guilt. The attacks, he claims, were necessary to protect Norway from being overrun by Muslims. The targets: members of Norway’s leftleaning political establishment, which Breivik accused of destroying his country by allowing immigration from Muslim countries. Official statistics show about 2 percent of Norway’s population of 5 million are now members of Islamic religious societies.

Breivik, who portrays himself as a modern-day crusader, is not likely to show any remorse during the trial.

Even his defense lawyers say his only regret is that the death toll wasn’t higher.

“It is difficult to understand, but I am telling you this to prepare people for his testimony,” said Geir Lippestad, who heads Breivik’s defense team.

The survivors and close relatives of those who died can take off from work or school to attend the trial, which is scheduled for 10 weeks. Some will testify as witnesses.

Langeroed will be in Berlin for the first two weeks, to get away from it all and to focus on his studies. In fact, he doesn’t know if he will attend the trial at all.

Others feel the need to face the killer in court, even though they know it will be uncomfortable.

“I do not know how I will react, I do not think you can prepare for it,” said Stine Renate Haaheim, a 27-year-old Labor Party lawmaker who escaped the massacre by swimming from the island.

“The trial will surely be gruesome,” she told AP in Parliament’s canteen. “But I think it is something we have to go through to reconcile ourselves with what has happened.”

She said she recently sought

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

France questions suspect over serial murders

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RENCH police detained a suspect yesterday for questioning over a spate of fatal shootings in a Paris suburb in the last few months which had raised fears a serial killer was on the loose, a police source said.

Police were searching the home of the suspect, who French media said was a 33-year-old man, in the suburb of Essonne.

The shooting of a woman in Essonne in early April by a man on a motorbike sent shivers through France, coming days after an al Qaeda-inspired gunman shot dead three soldiers, a rabbi and three Jewish children in southwestern France in March.

Police hunted down that gunman in a matter of days and shot him dead after a long standoff at his home in the city of Toulouse.

The drama briefly boosted President Nicolas Sarkozy in opinion polls for a looming presidential election by thrusting a spotlight on security issues and the incumbent’s strong law-and-order record over Socialist challenger Francois Hollande.

Prosecutors said earlier this month that the Essonne gunman had used the same 7.65 mm calibre semi-automatic pistol in three other shootings in the same area over the five previous months.

The government vowed to throw all its resources into hunting down the killer and placed 100 investigators on the case.

Afghan peace council gets new chairman

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Norway massacre survivors brace for killer’s trial help from a psychologist to deal with the trauma and feels better now. But the killer’s name still upsets her — she calls him “that man.” She doesn’t want to give him the attention he seems to crave, and said the huge media focus during the trial will be frustrating.

One huge question mark is if the trial will provide any answers. How did a quiet boy from Oslo turned into a mass killer? What fuelled his hatred of Muslims? Why cut down dozens of innocent teens who had nothing to do with government immigration policies?

Haaheim pauses and looks out the window.

“But I don’t think it will give any meaning to what has happened,” she said.

Why a Norwegian would inflict such violence on his own people is unfathomable to most in this oil-rich nation, known

for mediating international conflicts and for awarding the Nobel Peace Prize.

Breivik was found insane in one examination that recommended committing him to compulsory psychiatric care, while another assessment found him mentally competent to be sent to prison. It’s up to the judges in Oslo’s district court to decide which diagnosis they find most believable.

The maximum prison term is 21 years, but the sentence can be prolonged for inmates who are deemed a danger to society under a seldom-used provision in Norwegian law. Many legal experts believe that could be evoked in this case.

Hajin Barzingi, a 19-yearold Utoya survivor, said she will attend the trial to support her sister, who will testify as a witness.

She’s also curious to hear what witnesses who knew

Breivik have to say.

“Do they share some of his views, did they notice something special about him?” she asked.

Langeroed said he escaped Breivik twice on that rainy evening on Utoya, where nearly 600 members of Labor Party youth groups from around Norway were meeting for their traditional summer retreat.

He jumped out of a window of a crowded cafe building when the gunman, disguised as a police officer, entered with guns ablaze. Later, hiding behind a rock by the shore, he saw Breivik gunning down victims in the water and on land.

The gunman then pointed his weapon at Langeroed.

“I heard a shot as I dived into the water and swam as far as I could,” the student said.

When he came to the surface to breathe, Langeroed saw Breivik aiming at him anew. He

dived again, heard the crack of another shot, but somehow escaped that bullet as well.

Once out of range, he joined other survivors who grasped onto a buoy on the chilly lake.

Langeroed was wearing only boxer shorts, his skin blue with cold, when a German tourist picked them up in a boat.

Langeroed said the attacks have strengthened his political commitment.

“Suddenly it has become important to fight for democracy,” he says.But he has also changed in other ways. By reflex, he always looks for the emergency exit when he enters a building. He tries not think about Breivik — but he really wants him to stay in prison for the rest of his life.

“It would be an unimaginable burden to meet him on the subway 20 years from now,” Langeroed said. culled from AP

HE son of a former Afghan peace council chairman killed by a suicide bomber was elected yesterday to succeed his father as head of the group tasked with reaching out to the Taliban to find a political resolution to the decade-long war.

It is hoped that having a new leader after seven months with no one at the helm will give impetus to the group, which has been in the background of insurgent talks with the U.S., Afghan and other world leaders.

News of Salahuddin Rabbani’s election comes as officials in Kabul are meeting with leaders of another militant group, Hizbi-Islami, in an effort to bring an end to more than ten years of fighting.

Part of the U.S.-led coalition’s exit strategy is to gradually transfer security responsibility to Afghan forces. Another tack is to pull the Taliban and other militant factions into political discussions with the Afghan government.

The 70-plus members of the Afghan High Peace Council chose Rabbani, an ethnic Tajik and former ambassador to Turkey, to lead the group in an open election, according to a statement released by Karzai’s office. Rabbani is the son of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani who was killed Sept. 20, 2011 in his home by a suicide bomber posing as a peace emissary from the Taliban.

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World News

World marks Titanic centenary

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ROM Titanic’s birthplace in a Belfast shipyard to its resting place in the North Atlantic, thousands were gathering yesterday to remember the cruise ship that embarked on its maiden voyage as an icon of Edwardian luxury but became, in a few dark hours 100 years ago, an enduring emblem of tragedy.

The ship was travelling from England to New York, carrying everyone from plutocrats to penniless emigrants, when it struck an iceberg at 11:40 p.m. on April 14, 1912. It sank at 2:20 a.m. on April 15, with the loss of more than 1,500 of the 2,208 passengers and crew.

Aboard the Balmoral, a cruise ship that is taking 1,309 history buffs and descendants of Titanic victims on the route of the doomed voyage, passengers and crew will hold two memorial services at the site of the disaster, 400 miles (640 kilometers) off the coast of Newfoundland — one marking the time when the ship hit the iceberg, the other the moment it sank below the waves.

The cruise seeks to recreate the experience onboard the Titanic — minus the disaster. Many passengers have dressed in period costume for elaborate balls and a formal dinner recreating the last meal served aboard the ship.

Another cruise ship, Journey, left New York on Tuesday to join Balmoral at the site.

Sudan air raid kills ‘five’

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Sudanese plane bombed Bentiu, capital of South Sudan’s oil-rich border state of Unity, yesterday, killing five civilians and wounding six, a local government spokesman said.

Gideon Gatfan, spokesman of the Unity state government, said one bomb fell beside a car market near a bridge which was the target of the raid.

“Five traders have been killed,” he told AFP. “The bomb fell next to a place where cars are being sold.

“We also found that six people were wounded including one woman and they are now admitted to Bentiu Hospital,” he said.

Gatfan said earlier that the raid had failed to destroy the bridge, which links Bentiu to a road leading to the border between Sudan and South Sudan some 60 kilometres (35 miles) to the north, the theatre of fierce clashes in recent days.

It was the second air raid reported by South Sudanese officials on Bentiu since Thursday.

The Sudanese military in Khartoum could not be reached for comment.

The South Sudan army claimed yesterday to still be in control of the oil hub of Heglig after Khartoum said it had launched an offensive to recapture the area seized

by Juba’s forces on Thursday.

The clashes are the worst since South Sudan’s independence from Sudan last July under a 2005 peace accord and have brought the two former foes the closest yet to a return to outright war.

Nine dead as Syrian troops, rebels clash

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YRIAN troops and rebel gunmen carried out attacks across Syria yesterday, killing at least nine people in a surge of violence that threatened a U.N.brokered cease-fire. The bloodshed came as the U.N. Security Council considered whether to send the first wave of military observers to monitor the fragile truce between the two sides.

The heaviest fighting was reported in the central city of

Homs where regime forces shelled rebel-held neighborhoods, while rebel fighters fired rocket-propelled grenades at an area of regime loyalists. In Aleppo, Syria’s largest city, regime forces opened fire on mourners at a funeral, while rebel gunmen ambushed a car carrying soldiers in the southern province of Daraa.

The two sides have traded allegations of scattered violations since the truce

formally took effect Thursday.

However, Saturday’s reports of the use of heavier weapons suggested the cease-fire was coming under increasing jeopardy.

The cease-fire is at the center of a broadly backed peace plan by special envoy Kofi Annan. It is aimed at ending the 13-month-old conflict that has killed over 9,000 people and launching talks on the country’s political future.

Indian couples sit as passages are read from the Guru Granth Sahib (Sikh Holy Book) during a mass marriage ceremony for some 166 low-income couples from the India-Pakistan border area at Gurdwara Baba Jallan Dass in the village of Naushehra Dhala, yesterday. Marriage is a costly affair in India prompting some parents to arrange mass marriage ceremony.

AFP PHOTO

World powers seek to ease nuclear deadlock with Iran

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RAN and six world powers began rare talks yesterday to try to halt a downward diplomatic spiral over Tehran’s nuclear program and ease fears of a new Middle East war.

The talks, in Istanbul, the first between Iran and the six powers in 15 months, are unlikely to yield any major breakthrough but Western diplomats hope to see readiness from Tehran to start to discuss issues of substance.

That, they say, would mark a big change in Iran’s attitude from the last meeting when it refused even to talk about its nuclear program and could be enough for scheduling a second round of talks next month, possibly in Baghdad.

Such an outcome could, at least for the time being, dampen speculation that Israel might launch military strikes on Iranian atomic sites to prevent its enemy from obtaining nuclear arms.

The morning round of talks were “completely different” from the previous meeting 15 months ago and Iranian chief nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili had not stated the kind of preconditions that he did in the last meeting in early 2011, a diplomat said.

“He seems to have come with an objective to get into a process which is a serious process,” said the envoy, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “I would say it has been a useful morning’s work.”

Both sides say they are ready at the meeting to work

towards resolving the deepening dispute over the nuclear program which the West suspects is geared towards achieving a nuclear arms capability, but which Iran says has purely peaceful purposes.

“What we are here to do is to find ways in which we can build confidence between us and ways in which we can demonstrate that Iran is moving away from a nuclear weapons program,” said European Union foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton who is also the main representative of the United States, France, Russia, China, Germany and Britain at the talks.

“For their own reasons, each side wants to give diplomacy a chance at this point, to start a process rather than to force a quick fix,” said analyst Michael Adler at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

The United States cut diplomatic ties in 1980 after Iranian students held 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days and the two sides have held very rare one-to-one meetings since then.

The West accuses Iran of seeking to develop a nuclear weapons capability. Israel believed to be the only Middle East state with an atomic arsenal - sees Iran’s atomic plans as a threat to its existence.

Iran has threatened to retaliate for any attack by closing a major oil shipping route.

Iran, one of the world’s largest oil producers, says its nuclear program is a peaceful

attempt to generate electricity and medical isotopes for cancer patients.

But its refusal to halt nuclear work which can have both civilian and military uses has been punished with intensifying U.S. and EU sanctions against its lifeblood oil exports.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012 U.N. Security Council members prepared for a vote yesterday after meeting behind closed doors for several hours the day before to discuss rival drafts by the U.S. and its European allies and by Russia, Syria’s most important council ally.

Both called for the deployment of an advance team of up to 30 unarmed military observers to initiate contacts with both sides and begin to report on implementation of “a full cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties.”

Homs is one of the cities hit hardest by the regime crackdown on mass protests that erupted in March 2011 and sought President Bashar Assad’s ouster.

Sporadic shelling by regime forces began late Friday and continued yesterday, said the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an activist group. The Observatory said one civilian was killed, the first to die in a shelling attack since the ceasefire.

“I can see black smoke billowing from a building that was hit in Jouret el-Shayah,” local activist Tarek Badrakhan, based in the neighborhood of Khaldiyeh, told The Associated Press via Skype.

Badrakhan said the body of the man remained in the street for several hours, with people unable to approach it due to the shelling and sniper fire.

Syria’s state-run news agency SANA, meanwhile, said rebel fighters fired rocketpropelled grenades at the Homs neighborhood of Zahra, a stronghold of regime supporters. The agency said rebels fired two grenades, waited for people to gather and then fired a third, killing one person and wounding 12.

In the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, four people were killed when security forces opened fire on a funeral procession, the Observatory said.

Activists have reported a total of 17 people killed by regime forces since Thursday, while five people were killed in apparent rebel attacks. Those numbers are still much smaller than the norm before the truce.

Indonesia finds missing asylum seeker boat

I

NDONESIAN authorities said yesterday they had found a boat reported missing en route to Australia and that the dozens of asylum seekers it was carrying were believed to have fled.

Authorities had been searching for the boat since the mostly Afghan asylum seekers on board made a distress call to Australia on Wednesday, saying they were in rough seas and their boat was sinking.

Refugee advocates who said 60 asylum seekers were on board alerted Australian authorities, who passed on the information to Indonesian officials.

Indonesian authorities said they had located the missing vessel late on Friday on Lombok island, which lies just east of the popular resort island of Bali, although residents said they spotted the asylum seekers on Wednesday.

“People in Lombok informed us that they saw the boat arrive on the shore on Wednesday, and that people came ashore and ran off,” Nanang Sigit, a search and rescue official in West Nusa

Tenggara province told AFP. “We were not alerted immediately, so we only found the boat Friday night.

We’re now working with police and are conducting a search on the island.”

Mataram city search and rescue chief Marsudi said some residents reported spotting the asylum seekers in a forest.

“Some members of the community reported that they saw foreigners in the jungle around 10 kilometres (six miles) from the beach where the boat was spotted,” Marsudi said.

Each year thousands of refugees — many in recent months from Afghanistan — try to make the perilous journey through Indonesian waters in hopes of seeking asylum in Australia.

Many of the overloaded and rickety boats used by people smugglers for the journey do not make it.

Last week, a Singaporeregistered tanker rescued around 120 Australia-bound asylum seekers — all men and mostly Afghans and some Iranians — from their sinking wooden boat.

South Korea hunts for rocket debris

S

OUTH KOREA stepped up an operation yesterday to retrieve debris from North Korea’s failed rocket launch, officials said, apparently in competition with Russia and China.

The operation began on Friday after the North’s rocket exploded mid-air about two minutes after blast-off and its debris came down in the Yellow Sea. South Korean officials have said some large chunks may have fallen into the country’s exclusive economic zone off the west coast.

“There has been no luck yet in our operation,” a defence ministry spokesman told AFP, adding South Korean ships were combing a wide area well off two southwestern ports — Pyeongtaek and Gunsan.

Warships from China, Russia and the United States have also launched their own operations, he said, declining to give details.

Cable news network YTN said the South’s operation involved a dozen navy ships, backed by helicopters.

The operation came despite North Korea’s warning last week that any attempt to retrieve its rocket debris would face a “ruthless” retaliation.

12 killed in Yemen attack

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L-QAIDA fighters attacked a security checkpoint in a southern Yemeni city yesterday and killed four troops while losing eight of their own, a security official said.

Militants in pickup trucks assaulted the security post in the outskirts of the port city of Aden, the official said. Another three al-Qaida fighters and one security force member were wounded.

In a separate incident, militants kidnapped a senior intelligence officer and two soldiers in the town of Radda south of the capital Sanaa, another official said.

Officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak to the press.

Al-Qaida, which has had a presence in Yemen for years, expanded its influence during last year’s political upheaval when millions of Yemenis rallied across the country demanding the ouster of their longtime ruler Ali Abdullah Saleh. The militant group seized control of several towns in the south during that time.

Saleh stepped down in February and the new president Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi has pledged to restructure the Yemeni army and purge it of loyalists to the former ruler in order to be able to combat the terror network.

On Friday, the Yemeni Defense Ministry said that the death toll among al-Qaida militants in clashes in Abyan province had reached nearly 200. Armed civilians helped the military in the weeklong battle in several towns in Abyan including Lawder and Moudia.

Al-Qaida’s branch in Yemen, known as al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, is one of the movement’s most dangerous offshoots.

Essay

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

63

If justice is blind how come it never sees black?

Hatred is the cauldron wherein injustice is brewed

• Obama

T

HIS week, I want to further examine the Trayvon Martin homicide because it is profoundly instructive. After nearly two months filled with protests and a international media barrage, George Zimmerman was finally charged with the murder of the teenager. For Black America, justice turns its ways slowly if at all. But for the media exposure, Zimmerman would still be walking free despite the obvious flaws in his account of the killing. While relieved that the legal system was made to awaken to its barest responsibilities in this instance, we also must wonder how many other similar cases never reached the media and thus have passed by with justice left unattended.

For Black America, this episode provides extra, unnecessary evidence that little of substance has changed in the age of Obama. To be born a Black American is not to be born with a target. It is to be born a target. One’s parents must give birth to an adequately precocial social tightrope walker instinctively attuned to balancing themselves against the ill–winds of injustice. You learn fast the ways of injustice or you do not learn at all. You simply fall into the grave or into prison which is but a grave-intraining for those whom society has marked to expire before their time. To reach adulthood, one has to be sufficiently aware and agile to dodge enough of the incessant tides of injustice so that one does not get swept away.

As with many of the young Blacks of his generation, Trayvon Martin did not fully realize this special obligation. They have been deceived that violent racism was a historic fact but not a living reality. Partially due to that living lie, the young man is dead. Travyon was so preoccupied with minding his own business he did not realize he had to mind the environment into which he strolled. He did not fully appreciate that any place in America could become a precipitant danger to him, not because of any fault of his but due to who he was. The average White man’s encounter with the real or selfappointed arm of the law tend to be little more than a friendly inconvenience. For a Black man, the encounter can transmogrify into fatal jeopardy.

As the tale of his killing unfolds, the young teenager’ only fault seems to be his lack of appreciation for the danger imposed upon him by skin color. Other than this, the boy seems blameless. Unfortunately, the world can be unforgiving. Because he got too comfortable with his surroundings and was not primed for the danger, his fine for this slight transgression against the rules of racism was his very life.

This is too steep a price to incur for being a carefree teenager. The moral of story is that a Black person must take great care in being carefree lest he be gunned down for simply walking home. What happened to Travyon is not unique. It is just the most publicized and latest of a deadly tradition that predates the founding of the American republic. The racist backlash against black indignation has been harsh and immediate. Neo-Nazis have taken to patrolling the streets of Sanford, Florida, the town

• Trayvon Martin

By Brian Browns

where Trayvon was killed. The Nazis assert their presence is needed to protect Whites.

Strange. A young black man is killed by a White vigilante and the conservative response is to assembly a greater number of vigilantes possessed of an even more tumescent racism.

In the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, two Whites embarked on a shooting spree, killing five Blacks and wounding others. Pouring acid on the national wound, a prominent conservative White journalist penned a column that White parents should instruct their children to avoid public places where Blacks are likely to frequent, not to live in cities governed by Black officials and to scrutinize Black political candidates more thoroughly than White candidates.

Again, a Black person gets killed and the conservative reaction is to fear a nonexistent black menace. This is the modern day version of fear of a slave revolt; it is an apparition used to legitimate racial hatred.

What goes for America goes for the rest of the world. For the past five hundred years, Blacks have been the most despised humans on the planet. There has been nothing that cannot be properly done to another human being that has not been done to Black people. Any cruelty meted to Black people has been deemed condign. The race has been enslaved and colonized. It has been shorn of its history, ridiculed for its culture, and inveigled for its resources.

No other race has been subject to such systemic racism for so long. No other race has been the perennial butt of pseudo-scientific claims of inferiority. The quackery of craniology in the 19th century and of intelligence testing in the 20th century have been used to label the Black race the lesser one. If anything gets broken, it is the Black man who did it. If a thing is stolen, the Black man’s pocket is the one first checked although history shows that Whites have stolen more from Blacks and from each other than Blacks have ever taken of them. Things remain so bad that Blacks are blamed for being to blame. Justice is blind yet it somehow does not see Black. Injustice, with its penetrating eye, catches us every time. This ramifies in two ways.

First, we believe the nonsense said about us. Scientifically and intellectually, we know it to be false. Yet, psychological and emotionally, we are skewed and scarred in the main.

The conditioning has worked. Thus, we give our lives the same low value others do. World over, Black on Black violence does the work that the slave or colonial masters once had to labor at themselves. This Black on Black violence can be person against person, house against house, clan against clan or nation against nation. We kill each other at the slightest perturbation. The esteem afforded by Blacks to other races is startling by comparison. Second, a Black man is safe nowhere save in his dreams but a White man in Africa is as safe as a babe in maternal arms. Rarely will anything happen to him although he can come and go,

•George Zimmerman

do and say as he pleases. Should a Black African attempt the same behavior in West, the African will be on the next departing vessel.

Whites are at home everywhere while Blacks are the universal squatters. After 500 years, it should be time for a great turning? We have tasted our fill of the bitter offal the world dishes to us.

This brings us back to Trayvon Martin. So often, the turning begins with a single person or incident. Last year’s Arab Spring was literally ignited when a distraught Tunisian selfimmolated. His doleful act caused an awakening, changing an entire region. The Martin case has the potential to recalibrate America’s peculiar racial equation. It also serves as an alarm to Africa that racial struggle is far from over.

The nations of this continent should be more aware of this primitive aspect of non-African nations’ foreign policies.

As more evidence unfolds, the more the shooter, George Zimmerman, looked like a murderer let free. Mr. Zimmerman claimed self defense and the authorities gave his version the credence of canon. Yet, facts show that Zimmerman pursued the teenager. Just a mere citizen and not a law enforcement officer, Zimmerman held no legal authority to do this.

Responsibility for any confrontation that ensued rests on the man’s shoulders. He was the aggressor. If anyone had the right to claim self defense, it would be lad who can no longer talk for himself.

Zimmerman’s recount of the confrontation is stuffed with fiction. The over 250 pound man claimed the 160 pound boy manhandled him to the ground and started beating him mercilessly, forcefully pounding his head on the concrete sidewalk. At some point, fearing for his life, he shot the boy. This makes no sense. That the boy could so easily bring to ground someone nearly one hundred pounds heavier is dubious. Worse, the man claimed that while the boy was pummeling him, the boy also managed to pin the man’s arms to the man’s side.

This account travesties common sense. A person knocked to the ground instinctively raises his arms. It is highly improbable Zimmerman would have been knocked to the ground yet not have raised his arms. Zimmerman lies about the position of his arms because he was seeking to explain how he could retrieve the gun while under such a vicious attack. His explanation further compounds his overall accounts improbability. That the man could manage to exert such control of himself and Trayvon and show such strength and dexterity at one moment is inconsistent with the assertion that Trayvon had severely constrained and dominated the man.

Additionally, since most people go to ground with their hands extended, the most likely way the man could have shot if the boy were atop him would require the man to already have the gun in his hand as he went down.

If the man was openly displaying his firearm, this shows the young Martin was not an aggressor but was in fear of his life. It is much

more reasonable that he was in mortal danger from the man’s gun than the man was from the boy’s alleged punches. There are countless accounts of people being killed by gunshot. It is very rare that one hears of a 250 pound adult male beaten to death on a suburban lawn by the bare hands of a skinny teenager. However, even the scenario with the man brandishing the gun from below the boy does not make sense. Unless possessed of a death wish, the unarmed boy would not have assaulted a large man brandishing a weapon. Moreover, had he been atop the man, he would have tried to disarm the man instead of punching the man while he held a revolver. No one does what Zimmerman said Trayvon did.

Putting further lie to Zimmerman’s tale is an eyewitness who has stated the altercation did not take place on the sidewalk but in the grass. This eyewitness also suggests that Zimmerman had young Trayvon pinned to the ground not vice versa. Film of Zimmerman shortly after the incident shows no signs of the wounds to the head and nose he alleges. On the film footage, his clothes show no apparent blood. The lack of blood is rather odd for a man claiming his nose was broken. Unofficial forensic voice experts have examined the tape of the emergency call. Their verdict is that the voice pleading for help was Trayvon’s not Zimmerman’s.

Despite the lack of credibility of Zimmerman’s account, it took a national effort of conscience just to effectuate he man’s arrest two months after the fact. The system, it seems, did not want to do anything more than believe Zimmerman. When that blatant favoritism proved untenable due to the public glare, the system then wanted to do a as thorough an investigation as possible to ensure Zimmerman was treated fairly. I have no qualms with Zimmerman being treated fairly but do ponder why Black suspects in less questionable circumstances never seem to enjoy the deference shown Zimmerman.

Making matters worse, conservative America jumped to Zimmerman’s defense despite the implausible quality of his defense.

Trayvon had recently been suspended from school for being in possession of a bag that had marijuana residue on it. That Trayvon was suspended for suspicion of using marijuana without any direct evidence against him is another example of the system’s relative injustice. A similarly situated White student likely would not have been so harshly punished. The boy’s suspension has led conservative throats to chortle Travyon was a criminal thug and that Zimmerman acted righteously. A bit of marijuana dust on one of his possessions now renders a Black youth suitable for a street execution. Conservatives went as far as to post on the internet pictures of young Black men in menacing poses, claiming the pictures were of Trayvon engaging in prior criminality. These were all lies.

One nationally broadcast journalist went so far as to assert Trayvon was to blame for wearing a “hoodie,” a garment popular with teenagers of all stripes. Both White and Black youths wear hoodies. When a white youth wears the garment, he is being cool with little stigma attached. When a Black boy dons it, he is perceived as a violent criminal. It is absurd to claim the boy was complicit in his own slaying simply because of his wardrobe. This is as vile as the bigotry that a woman who dressed a certain way is guilty of her own rape. Most securities and banking crimes in America are perpetuated

by White men in business suits. However, should a Black police officer, let alone a Black social activist, start tackling White, briefcase-toting denizens of Wall Street, that person would be spending a large portion of his immediate future behind bars. Conservatives would not call him a hero nor would the people he assaulted be blamed for wearing the garb of criminals.

In the end, a boy is dead. Yet, thus far the man holding the gun was almost set free despite the mount of evidence and logic that undermine his stated defense. The man was allowed to walk because he enjoyed the protection of an unstated defense: his victim was Black in a place where being Black does not account for much. Thus the life he spent was not seen as sufficiently valuable to warrant inconveniencing the assailant by charging him with the murder of a fellow human being. The stool of inferiority remains reserved for Blacks. The world has not advanced to a place where the inferior obtain justice. The way to obtain justice is not to plead for it but to terminate our inferior political and economic status. Until then, the world will constantly turn yet hardly move forward.

APRIL 15, 2012

64

With Joe Agbro Jr. 08056745268

Hello children, Trust you all enjoyed your Easter holiday and you’re enjoying the break from school. However, do try to keep up on your school work as you help your parents and guardians

•The Easter Bunny Children’s funfair organized by Mystique World and StarDust Comics, publishers and distributors of the fast-selling moral instruction series for kids titled Young Emeralds held on Easter Monday at Ogudu Playground, Ogudu GRA, Lagos. Mystique World Nigeria and StarDust Comics are both children entertainment outfits that caters for children fun activities

WORD WHEEL

This is an open ended puzzle. How many words of three or more letters, each including the letter at centre of the wheel, can you make from this diagram? We’ve found 51, including one nine-letter word. Can you do better?

Riddles with Bisoye Ajayi 1. I am something I come down from the sky and disturb human beings?

2. I am something I and my brothers appear after a heavy rainfall what are we?

Miss Ajayi is a JSS 1 student of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos.

PUZZLE

BIRTHDAY

3. The girl who received the red card was convinced it came from Ethan.

4. Neither Millie nor Miss Motson received a pink card.

First Names: Lily, Millie, Molly Surnames: Hanson, Jetson, Motson Colours: Blue, pink, red Boys: Adam, Dylan, Ethan

•Little Rahmat Yusuf cutting her birthday cake. She turned one on March 3rd 2012

Boy Adam Ethan Dylan

•Winners of the Spelling Bee competition organised

by Ojokoro L o c a l Council Development Area, Lagos, recently

Miss Jetson received her card, she thought it was from Adam.

2. When Molly received her blue coloured card, she told Miss Hanson and together they worked out who the card was from. It didn’t occur to either of them that it was from Freddie!

Puzzle Answer: Name Colour LilyJetson Pink MillieHanson Red Molly Motson Blue

•Pupil of Denice Nursery and Primary School, Ogudu, Ojota, Lagos during their excursion to Baiyeku sea/boat ferry, Ikorodu, Lagos

FREDDIE was in love - with three girls from his school! He couldn’t decide which one he wanted to give his heart to so he sent all three a Valentine’s card. But poor Freddie was out of luck - each girl thought the card came from someone else and Freddie was left on the sideline.

From the clues below, can you work out the name of each potential sweetheart, the colour of each card Freddie sent and the name of the boy each girl believed the card was sent by?

1. Unluckily for Freddie, when

Word wheel NINE LETTER WORDS: Headcount Ache, ached, cathode, chant, chat, cheat, chute, death, detach, douche, each, echo, etch, had, hand, handout, hat, hate, hated, haunt, haunted, head, heat, hen, hod, hoe, hoed, hone, honed, hot, hound, hue, hunt, hunted, hut, notch, notched, oath, ouch, teach, tench, than, thane, the, then, thou, thud, touch, touched

Send in your stories, poems, articles, games, puzzles, riddles and jokes to sundaynation@yahoo.com

Answer to Riddles:

1. Rain

2. Rainbow

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

EBERE WABARA

65

WORDSWORTH 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

Gaffes on Mark’s Day

T

WO kindergarten howlers from Vanguard of April 10 welcome us this week: “PENGASSAN strike: FG summons stakeholders meeting for Thursday” Why not stakeholders’ meeting?

“Our people should have faith don’t (sic) loose (lose) hope….”

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER, published copious flaws in its SUNDAY COMMENT of April 8: “While our nation, as it has been acknowledged by many, has enough for the need of majority (a majority) of our people….”

“We therefore use this Easter season to call for a renewed patriotism in Nigerians even as we seek to restore the power of moral indignation in (to) our citizenry.” Yank off ‘a’ preceding ‘renewed’ as we head for the last two infractions from the Apapa-based weekly under review.

“At another levels (level), we must raise the standards of public behaviour.”

“Our political office holders must learn to imbibe the ethics (ethic) of hard work and integrity in their respective offices.”

THE GUARDIAN on Saturday of April 7 nurtured two Front Page sub-headline blunders: “Southeast bound (Southeast-bound) passengers stranded at Lagos Airport” “JTF says Kano not under any threat, as it deploys armoured vehicles on (to) major streets” NATIONAL MIRROR headlines and Editorial of April 6 contributed the next six infelicities: “Obasanjo commended over (for/on) resignation as BoT chair” “Facilities at AOCOED excites (why this?) NCCE team” “I had it rough at (in) the beginning—Proprietress, Carol School” “CAF mourns late Somalia FA boss” A rewrite: CAF mourns Somali FA boss. Do we mourn someone who is alive?

“CSR: Between philantropy and palliatives” Brands and marketing: philanthropy “...Toure’s kids’ gloves treatment of the Tuareg rebels (rebels’) insurgence as its main reason to....” (Editorial) All the facts, all the sides: kid gloves.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY of April 8 contained a catalogue of so-

lecisms, especially the congratulatory advertorials on Senate President David Mark’s 64th Birthday: “Akwa Ibom Commissioner dies in motor accident” (Headline) Now the first sentence: “Immediate past Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Akwa Ibom....”

The misleading headline gives the impression that it is a serving commissioner! Next time: excommissioner.

“Woman arrested for killing mum” It is obvious that the sub-editor who treated this story has never heard of ‘matricide’! So, woman arrested for matricide.

“The elevation of some police officers and retirement of 13 Assistant Inspectors General has (have) led to some bad blood (delete the word preceding ‘bad blood’) in the force....” Elevation and retirement are distinct milestones that cannot be collapsed into singularity!

“When Hafeez Ringim, then an Assistant Inspector General (a comma) was elevated to the rank of Inspector General (another comma) all his seniors (DIGs) had to retire.” Not true: they were retired to pave way for the Ringim ultimate disaster!

Now to the David Mark anniversary gaffes: “You have undoubtedly brought to bear stability and credibility to (on) the National Assembly.” Let us ignore the convoluted lexical arrangement to save space and time.

(From Senator (Dr.) Aloysius A. Etok JP, FCIMAN PDP, Akwa Ibom North West, Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment & Public Service) “My dear distinguish Senator Mark...Indeed, we are celebrating a statesman whose dedication and service to his fatherland is (are) worthy of emulation.” On the plateau: My (Our) dear distinguished Senator....

(From Da. Jonah David Jang, Governor, Plateau State) “Your unassailable wisdom and sterling qualities have made you stand out as trustworthy and reliable leader.”

Happy Birthday: a (note the article) trustworthy and reliable leader.

“Your ability to work out (answer/do) knotty political puzzles...makes you worth (worthy) of emulation.” (From Senator Gilbert Nnaji, Chairman, Senate Committee

on Communications) “Indeed, its (it’s) really a pleasure working with you....” (From The Senators of the 7 th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria) “Boss, on your 64 th birthday (sic), I, my wife and the people of Ondo North Senatorial District....” (Signed by Senator (Professor) Robert Ajayi Boroffice OON) Congratulations, Senate President, the goofs notwithstanding! From the people of Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State, my wife and I…. Take note of the signature sequence.

Finally on Mark: “As you add another year, your sacrifices and invaluable contributions to the strengthening and deepening of democratic governance in our country is (are) acknowledged and celebrated.” (Fullpage Advert, THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER, April 8, signed

by Sen. (Dr.) Joy Emordi, CON, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters). “...so he could not have seen fire and tell (told) me to put my hand.” Alternatively, he cannot see fire and tell me to put my hand. “...the APGA governorship candidate in Abia State at (in) the April 2011 elections....”

“Why change your wardrobe every five minutes while all it takes is a different accessories.” All it takes are different accessories.

Last but not least from last week’s edition of this medium: “Gen. Charles Airhiavbere should blame PDP over (for) the death of female students in Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma” (Full-page Advert Signed by Edosa Efosa Osazuwa, Bini Truth Movement 2012) “Like water and oil, they can never mix, talkless blend.” ‘Talkless’ is balderdash. Employ let alone/not to talk of’. “…the dignity of a matured (mature) politician....”

“For those who may have forgotten, the legislators tore at each other’s (one another’s) throat and flung chairs at themselves (one another), forcing David Mark to beat a hasty retreat for dear life.”

“The wild drunken, licentious revelry that precede many of these attacks in (on) the campus are often ignored.”

One of the United Nations building bomb blast victims, member Hembadoon Feese on a wheel chair during her welcome back thankgiving mass at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama Abuja. With her were former CAN Chairman, Most Rev. Dr, John Onaiyekan (right) and Rev Father, Aloyos Onah (left).

PHOTO AKIN OLADOKUN.

My miraculous escape— UN buildng blast survivor

A

SURVIVOR of the August 29,2011 bomb attack on the Abuja office of the United Nations (UN) , Member Feese, returned to Nigeria on Friday from medical treatment in the UK, full of praise to God for His mercies.

She offered thanksgiving at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Abuja where she made a passionate case for the revival of the nation’s health sector, and spoke on her miraculous escape from death.

The Islamic sect,Boko Haram, claimed responsibility for the bombing which claimed over 40 lives.

Member , in her testimony at the service, pleaded with the Federal Government to quickly address the bad state of the health sector in the country and dialogue with the sect.

Her words: “I went to the UN building to collect data for my convocation and the bomb exploded. I schooled in the University of Sussex.

“Firstly, I will like to thank Nigerians for praying for me constantly. Without their prayers, I would not be alive today. I will also like to call the attention of government to the health care system in Nigeria. They have to take a serious step backward and start from the beginning because this can happen to anybody.

“Without health care no one can survive, so they need to take health care delivery system seriously.

From: Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

“For those who were behind the attack, I will like to pray to them and beg them to stop because violence will never be the answer. They can get what they want in a more different way without attacking innocent people.

“I will like to beg them to stop and hold a meeting with the Federal Government .They don’t need to attack innocent people.So they should sign a deal with the government”.

She commented further on the health care system“Even a minister can collapse today and if there is no first aid it will affect everyone.

“So they should focus on health care and not just be buying planes but things that will affect the general population of the country.”

Her mother, Mrs. Nguyan Feese, commended Nigerians and the Federal Government for their support for he,saying:”When you are into the kind of situation we are, you will know that the health sector really needed attention.

“When we went to the best hospital in the country which is the National Hospital, we realised that we didn’t have what it takes to deal with the situation.

“We need to look at the whole health sector, the primary health care, the secondary and the tertiary at least to ensure that Nigerians have a place where they can

receive health support especially now that we have insecurity situation in the country. Apart from that a lot of issues with malaria, diarrhoea, typhoid; all of these need quick attention on a daily basis.

“I now know that people who are in special need, need special attention. The 26th of August 2011 was actually a black day for me because I went to work only to be called that a bomb had gone off at the UN House. I knew my daughter was there but I was hoping, like every other mother, that a miracle would happen and nothing would happen to her. Unfortunately, it was not so.”

She said Member has been on therapy for seven and half months and is still recovering.

According to her, “She can stand but we don’t want to push it. When she got to the hospital, they said she only had 3.5 percent chance of survival. Doctors who attended to her never believed that she could talk let alone get on her feet”.

Present at the thanksgiving ceremony were the Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, FRSC Corp Marshal, Osita Chidoka, former. PDP Chairman, Chief Audu Ogbe, former president , Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr. John Onaiyekan,and former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasiru elRufai, among other dignitaries.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 15, 2012

66 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ADUBU

WARRI

AKINLIE

OGUNWUSI

AKINYEMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adubu Fayoke Odunayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joshua Fayoke Odunayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PETER

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Peter Agnes Lokutan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajayi Agnes Lokutan. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

SANNI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sanni Adebukonla Fausat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kasali Adebukonla Fausat. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADENUGA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Shakirat Bukola Adenuga, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shakirat Adenuga-Olayinka. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ODEY

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odey Theresa Ochuole, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojeka Theresa Ochuole. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ATABOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Blessing Oritsewoyinmi Isreal Atabor, now wish to be known and addressed as Princess (Mrs.) Blessing Oritsewoyinmi Osas Atabor. All former documents remain valid. UBA, Nigerian Immigration Service, Abuja and general public should take note.

ATABO

I, formerly known and addressed as Stanley Paul Audu Atabo, now wish to be known and addressed as Prince Isreal Stanley Paul Audu Atabor. All former documents remain valid. NAFDAC, Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, WAEC, Mount Saint Gabriel’s Secondary School, Makurdi, UBA, Nigerian Immigration Service, Abuja and general public should take note.

OLAIYA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaiya, Jumoke Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. SeyiObembe Olajumoke Damilola. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ADEBANJO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Afusat Adeola Adebanjo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Afusat Adeola Oladipupo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OZABOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Ozabor Abosede Oyindamola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akile Abosede Oyindamola. All former documents remain valid. Imeko/ Afon Local govt. and general public should take note.

ABIKHUI

I, formerly known and addressed as Abikhui Lydia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyeka Lydia. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OYEWOLE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ruth Aina Oyewole, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akanbi Ruth Aina. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education, Abeokuta, Ifo local govt. and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Warri Tamaraemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbotuoma Tamaraemi. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should take note.

RILWAN

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Rilwan Omolara Sekinat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kasim Omolara Sekinat. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EDAFE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edafe Augustina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Augustina Aduviere. All former documents remain valid. Delta State University, Abraka and general public should take note.

AGU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Roselyn Ogechukwu Agu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osuji Roselyn Ogechukwu. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ONU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onu Judith Ogechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Alake Judith Ogechukwu. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Prison Service and general public should take note.

AYANWALE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Funmilola Ayandara Ayanwale, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Funmilola Ayandara Ayorinde. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

TOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Charity Tor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Charity Bokyaa. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi and general public should take note.

UWUILEKHUE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Osaretin Ruth Igbinevbo Uwuilekhue, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Osaretin Ruth Gininwa. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PETERSIDE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ambila Francis Peterside, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ambila Koko Obot. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NWANOSIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Delight Ogechi Nwanosike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Delight Ogechi Nwanosike. All former documents remain valid. Federal High Court of Nigeria, UNIPORT and general public should take note.

ATUGO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Etipoju Queen Atugo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Etipoju Queen Kpokpowei.

All former documents remain valid.

Federal High Court of Nigeria, and general public should take note.

ORIYOMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Michael Babatunde Oriyomi, now wish to be known and addressed as Abdulkadri Babatunde Yusuf. All former documents remain valid. American Embassy and general public should take note.

OYEWOLE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Yusuf Fatimat Titilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akanbi Fatimat Titilayo. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyewole Eunice Funmilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abegunde Eunice Funmilola. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State govt. Service Commission and general public should take note.

AZUMA

AYENI

YUSUF

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ujunwa Akunna Azuma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ujunwa Akunna Oray. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ONYEKWERE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyekwere Ujunwa Eucharia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ukaegbu Ujunwa Eucharia. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ayeni Morenike Eunice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Owolabi Morenike Eunice. All former documents remain valid. Federal University of Technology (FUTA) and general public should take note.

SUNDAY

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sunday Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anataogu Esther. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinlie Mary Oluwamuyiwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omotola Mary Oluwamuyiwa. All former documents remain valid.

Odigbo Local govt., Ore and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunwusi Victoria Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eyinade Victoria Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid.

University College Hospital Management and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinyemi Olayinka Racheal, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bola-Agemo, Olayinka Racheal. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State University, Ojo, Oto-Awori LCDA and general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I,Oguntimehin Florence Omolabake is the same person as Ogunmolawa Omolabake Oladeji, Ogunmolawa Deji Labake, Ogunmolawa Labake Oladeji, Oladeji Ogunmolawa, Oguntimehin Florence Labake. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Ondo State, UNN, Nsukka and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeleye Titilayo Adeolu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maknjuola Titilayo Adeolu. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State SUBEB and general public should take note.

ADELEYE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Mrs. Agboola Esther Folake is the same and one person as Ojekunle Folake and Olumide Folake. Now wish to be known as Mrs. Agboola Estehr Folake. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

SOWADE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sowade Aderonke Ola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwarotimi Aderonke Ola. All former documents remain valid. Odigbo Local govt., Ore and general public should take note.

PELEMO

I, formerly known and addressed as Oluwatosin Elizabeth Pelemo, now wish to be known and addressed as Oke Elizabeth Oluwatosin Pelemo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

FAMOSE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Famose, Oluwafisayo Adebola , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Awotoye, Oluwafisayo Adebola. All former documents remain valid. Covenant University and general public should take note.

OGUNTIMEHIN

I, formerly known and addressed as Oguntimehin Bilikis Abiodun , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aderonmu Bilikis Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MUHAMMAD

I, formerly known and addressed as Muhammad Amotul-Azeez Adebimpe , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Babatunde Amotul-Azeez Adebimpe. All former documents remain valid.

Lagos State University, NYSC and general public should take note.

SALAMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Salami Fasilat Olajumoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeduntan Fasilat Olajumoke. All former documents remain valid. Dr. Femi Jolaosho Chamber’s and general public should take note.

ALIMI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alimi Rahmotalai Kehinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adetola Rahmotai Kehinde. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

OGUNJINRIN

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunjinrin Paulina Adesayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tijani Paulina Adesayo. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB and general public should take note.

ALLI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mariam Aledeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mariam Onifade. All former documents remain valid. Auchi Polytechinc, Lagos State government and general public should take note.

ALUKO

OYIBO

CONFIRMATION OF NAME This is to confirm that I Mr. Emmanuel Oluropo Mathew and Oluropo Mathew Ogunfeitimi are one and the same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Emmanuel Oluropo Mathew. All former documents remain valid.

Auchi Polytechinc, Lagos State government and general public should take note.

SULIMON

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chidozie Ojiagu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chidozie Awari. All former documents remain valid. The Nigeria Police and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aluko Anike Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abiodun Nike Esther. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyibo Elohor Aghogho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Johnson Elohor Agogho. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rashidat Adeola Sulimon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Malik, Rashidat Adeola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADETUNJI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Francisca Adebisi Adetunji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Francisca Adebisi Onikoyi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. Austine

ELELU

I,formerly known and addressed as Elelu Jibola Mujidat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odunlani Jibola Mujidat. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AINA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aina Oluwaseun Rosemary, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adedeji Oluwaseun Rosemary. All former documents remain valid. Equity Resort Hotel, Ijebu-Ode and general public should take note.

EGBO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egbo Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Christiana Haruna-Ujah. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

ALAKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alake Damilola Dorcas, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adewale Damilola Dorcas. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OJIAGU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Itoro Paul Nkonduok, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rita Peter Essien. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SULAIMON

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Sulaimon Modinat Kikelomo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Soyoye Modinat Kikelomo. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

NWANKWO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwankwo Ngozi Juliana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nduagwuike Ngozi Juliana. All former documents remain valid. PHCN and general public should take note.

WILLIAMS

I, formerly known and addressed as Ifeoma Williams, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Egwuekwe Ifeoma Mary Ann. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ADEOJO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeojo Blessing Damilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adesina Blessing Damilola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

BELLO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bello Bukky Josephine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bukky Bello Teidi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKABUSI

SAIBU

CHUKWUEMEKA

JENYO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olajumoke Ganiyat Jenyo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olajumoke Jenyo-Bada. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

RAYMOND

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Depo Bidemi Raymond Oladepe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yusuf Bidemi Abiodun Oladepe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKHIGBE

I,formerly known and addressed as Mr. Godfrey Oziengbe Akhigbe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Immanuel Godfrey Akhigbe. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NNADI

IFEANYI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adanne Ifeanyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adanne Lene. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adesida Temilade Catherine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayanboye Temilade Catherine. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinwe Mary-Hilda Chukwuemeka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinwe Mary-Hilda Onuachu. All former documents remain valid.

EMTS Etisalat and general public should take note.

AIJAFOR

I, formerly known and addressed as Aijafor Ijeoma Juliet, now wish to be known and addressed as Igbo Ijeoma Juliet. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Okeowo Emiola Christianah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olowojoba Emiola Christianah. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ALATISE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Saibu Omosola Selimotu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odejayi Omosola Susan. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commission and general public should take note.

DAVIDS

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Janet Bola Davids, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Janet Bola Brandt. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MOLOKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Molokwu Vivian Nkiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwachukwu Vivian Nkiruka. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akagbusi Stella Adanna, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Evan Stella Adanna. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Deborah Alatise, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Doja Deborah Alatise. All former documents remain valid. US Embassy and general public should take note.

WAGBARA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fanny Ole Wagbara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fanny Wahuruole DonaldAdedeji. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Osaji Okwuanyusi Anthony, Osaji Azuka Anthony and Osaji Anthony Dibia refers to one and the same person. Now wish to be known as Osaji Anthony Dibia. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Nnadi Mary Chibuzor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akanador Mary Chibuzor. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ITORO

OGUNYALE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunyale Olayemi Taibat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oloyede Olayemi Taibat. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Prisions Service and general public should take note.

ALEDEH

I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Alli Akeem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Alli Akeem Faith. All former documents remain valid. College of Education Demostration Secondary School, Ikere Ekiti and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADESIDA

LEMOHA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lemoha Chinedu Lauretta, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ukaeru Chinedu Lauretta. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ELU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Elu, Fisayo Ayomide, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ade-John Fisayo Ayomide. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ADEYEFA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyefa Elizabeth Omotunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyemi Elizabeth Omotunde. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OKEOWO

BALOGUN

I,formerly known and addressed as Balogun Modupe Muminat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olukoya Modupe Muminat.

All former documents remain valid.

The SUBEB Lagos Ikorodu LGEA, Skye Bank Plc. and general public take note.

FAROMBI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Farombi Oluseyi Olaide, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Balogun Oluseyi Olaide. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC, Osun Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

ADESUYI

I,formerly known and addressed as Adesuyi Opeyemi Christianah, now wish to be known and addressed as Akintade Opeyemi Christianah. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ODE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ode Ihio Eunice, now wish to be known and addressed as Ugbeikwu Ihio Eunice. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force General public take note.

AKINDUTIRE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Akindutire Oluyemisi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emeka Helen Oluyemisi All former documents remain valid.

Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti and general public take note.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just (N4,500. NEW RATE effective from 20th of March) The payment can be made through FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number 1892030011219 Account Name - VINTAGE PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to gbengaodejide@yahoo.com or thenation_advert@yahoo.com For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, Emailgbengaodejide @yahoo.com or our offices nationwide.

Note this! Change of name is now published every Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Akpabio condoles IG Abubakar M

• Akpabio (right) with Abubakar during the visit.

T

HE Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio has consoled the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mohammed D. Abubakar on the demise of his mother, Hajiya Aishatu Abubakar.

Chief Akpabio, who paid

a condolence visit to Abubakar in Abuja, described the death of Hajiya Aishatu as a “tragic, painful and unfortunate incident.”

According to Governor Akpabio, “we heard about the tragic incident of the demise of

your mother and I was mandated by the good people of Akwa Ibom State to come and commiserate with you and your family.”

Governor Akpabio added: “It is a very challenging period for you. Not too

long ago, you lost your dear wife and this one followed. ‘’The loss of a mother is very painful. We just want you to be consoled that she had lived long enough to mentor you and see you become the source of pride to the nation.”

The Governor, who was accompanied in the visit by the former Minister of Petroleum, Atuekong Don Etiebet, said Akwa Ibom people were praying for the IG knowing it was God who placed him there at the moment.

He expressed the hope that through the Acting Inspector General, the needed transformation in the Police would come to pass and prayed God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The Acting Inspector General of Police, who described Governor Akpabio as a brother and a friend, thanked him for the “show of love, care and concern.”

He said such show of love has strengthened him and given him cause to know that life is worth living after such tragedies.

Amosun harps on development as new Olu of Ilaro gets staff of office

O

GUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, yesterday presented the Staff of Office to the new Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle.

He urged the monarch to concentrate on the task of accelerating the pace of socio-economic development in Yewaland.

Amosun also charged all the sons and daughters

of Ilaro community to cooperate with the new king.

The governor said, experience has shown that no meaningful development can take place in an environment of rancour and acrimony.”

Amosun reiterated the determination of his administration to continue the implementation of its five cardinal programmes of affordable qualitative

education, efficient healthcare delivery, increased agricultural production/industrialization, affordable housing/urban renewal, rural and infrastructural development and employment generation.

“The present administration,” he added, “has rehabilitated Owode-Ilaro road and will soon com-

mence the dualisation of the Ilaro-Papalanto road.

These are federal roads but they are crucial to the economic development of Ilaro town and Yewaland in general.”

Olugbenle thanked the government and the people of the state for the peaceful succession to the throne and promised to be the father of all who will rule with the fear of God.

News

EMBERS of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State yesterday resigned from the party.

They said they were joining the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) because they do not want Edo State to end up in ‘deep pockets’.

The former PDP members described the PDP in the state as ‘the meal ticket of a godfather and some individuals still stranded in his political backyard.’

They added politicians peddling ethnic agenda were out of business.

Addressing journalists yesterday, former Chairman of PDP in Oredo, Matthias Ogunsiyi said they could no longer pretend that Edo State

A

67

PDP members resign in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin has been revived and transformed into a centre of massive and people-centred development.

According to him, “In the PDP, we were made to believe that Edo State could not work.

Now we have been proved wrong. We no longer find fulfilment in a political party that offers no hope for Edo people.

“Today, we offer our goodwill and support to be part of the movement for change and progress represented by Governor Oshiomhole and the ACN”.

Jibodu for burial

COMMUNITY leader, Lady (Princess) Juliana Simisola Jibodu.

She was 77.

Jibodu is survived by her husband, Sir (Chief) O.A. Jibodu and children.

A service of songs will takes place on Wednesday,

18th April at her residence 3, Jibodu-Oyinbosun Close, off High Court Road, Sagamu by 5.00 pm.

Funeral service holds at Methodist Church, Ijoku, Sagamu on Friday, 20th April by 10.00am.

Interment follows immediately after at Methodist Cemetery, Oko Sagamu.

Izagbo celebrates 60th birthday

B

USINESSMAN and prominent Delta State politician, Chief Austin Izagbo, turned 60 yesterday.

He marked the milestone with the presentation of a book titled ‘’Rebranding Nigeria’’ in Lagos.

Mazi (Dr) Sam Ohuabunwa, MON wrote the foreword of the book.

Izagbo, the owner of

Caniz Limited and Crown Media Limited, was a former commissioner and Chairman of Nigeria Republican Party (NRC) in Delta State.

He was also a Public Relations Manager of the Nigeria National Supply Company (NNSC) before venturing into private business.

WORSHIP

68

NEWS Lagos pastor remains in kidnappers’ den

By Sunday Oguntola and Nwanosike Onu, Akwa

O

VER a month after his abduction in Akwa, Anambra State, the whereabouts of General Overseer of Mountain of Liberation and Miracles Ministries, Ojodu Lagos, Prophet Chris Okafor, remains unknown.

The flamboyant preacher was abducted on his way to Lagos around Psychiatric Hospital, Nawfia, Akwa on his way to Lagos after conducting a five-day crusade in the town.

Two police orderlies attached to him and his personal assistant died during exchange of gunshots with the abductors.

Since the incident on March 11, there has been no clues on the whereabouts of the handsome preacher.

Sources said over N25m have been paid to the abductors who are said to be adamant.

Some of them said the abducted preacher has been making phone calls to close associates, soliciting financial support to pay his kidnappers.

One of them said, ‘‘I have spoken to him more than five times. He has been frantic about us helping out. This is really a mess and we have no clues as to why a man of God will undergo such an ordeal.’’

A deacon in his church (name withheld) has been coordinating the fund-raising drive.

He reportedly took the ransom to the kidnappers a few weeks ago in a bush somewhere in Akwa.

There are fears that the abductors may be waiting to get as much as possible before eliminating the preacher popular for fire-spitting miracles.

However, there are also insinuations that he might have arranged the incident to bail himself out of financial predicament.

Okafor was said to be owing many people before the incident.

This theory however appears untrue considering that three lives were killed during the operations.

Critics are however wondering why the three dead bodies have been found or recovered.

Police spokesman in Anambra State, Emeka Chukwuemeka, stated that the command was working round the clock to rescue Okafor.

According to him, “we are not sleeping over it, but for anybody to insinuate that the police were a party to the man’s ordeal is unfortunate.”

However, he said that their people or church members should come-up with any clue on how to reach his abductors for further actions.

“Up till now, no brother or sister of his or any member of his church has reached us and you know the police can not work in isolation,” Chukwuemeka said.

Dupe Olulana ready with new album • Embarks on ECOWAS music tour

R

ENOWNED gospel singer, Evangelist Dupe Olulana, has concluded works on her new album.

Producer and husband of the multiple award- winning singer, Pastor Kola Olulana, disclosed that the newest album titled‘’ Gbigbo wiwe’’,which means Holy Spirit in Egun, the major indigenous language in Benin Republic will be launched next month at the French Village, Badagry Lagos.

He also stated that the gospel icon will also embark on a revolutionary music missionary tour in West Africa.

The tour, he said, will take Olulana to Benin Republic, Togo, Ghana, Liberia, Cote’ivoire and Gambia.

According to him, ‘’For the past seven years, Dupe Olulana has been undertaking a music missionary outreach to West Africa and has

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

INTERVIEW

‘Boko Haram is religious bigotry’ Y OU are a fire-spitting minister yet you look calm and gentle oneon-one. Why is this?

The unction is to function. We are here for a dialogue, a meeting and there is no need to operate like one is preaching. If the anointing falls now how do we record this interview?

What have you been up to lately?

We have been working on dedication of a 25,000 auditorium tagged City of Testimonies in Calabar by over 70 clergymen from 15 nations. The significance is just the faithfulness of God. We laid the foundation in 2000 and it has taken 12 long years to complete it. We thank God we did eventually. So, it is really a big deal for us.

Why did it take that long?

Nothing more than money stopped us. We could not finish earlier because of funds and we couldn’t steal anyway.

And you are not ashamed to admit you have needs unlike many other preachers?

I am not at all. We have heavy needs. Any minister that says he does not have needs is deceiving people and putting undue pressure on them. That is why people get into all forms of shady deals. For us, we have needs and are not afraid to say so.

They were challenges but God has been there for us.

His grace has been more than sufficient for us.

Why did you take on the title of a Bishop?

You see Bishopric is not a title and that is why many people do not realise. It is about responsibility. Bible says ‘’whoever desires the office of a Bishop desires a good work…’’ So, it is a work really and not a title. It has allowed one to speak to the conscience of the nation and

been overwhelmly accepted. ‘’This we wish to continue as new doors are opening for us daily to reach out with Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,” he said, while explaining their vision for the ECOWAS tour.

The new album released on her private label Hosanna records has 5 tracks.

• Isong

address leaders across board.

We have registered our impact in governmental affairs so that we can chart a well defined path for us.

There have been talks that the South South region has been getting too much from federation lately. How do you react to this?

I don’t believe so. When it was cocoa, the west collected more. When it was groundnut, the north got it.

Now, it is oil and we deserve whatever we get. In fact, we have not got enough. People are just looking for how to paint us black. Why can’t they generate incomes too? Is the north producing oil or kerosene? Does what we get compensate for the degradation

in the riverine communities where everything has been distorted?

Many people are alleging the Boko Haram insurgency is all about agitations for greater resources. Do you believe this?

I think the Boko Haram is all about stupidity. Really, what are they fighting for?

Nobody seems to know. Nobody has said what the organisation is fighting for.

Maybe negotiation will reveal this What kind of negotiation? Negotiation on what basis? If I took your laptop and you shouted I should give you and I failed to, then you can adopt another strategy to get it. At that point

between when I took it and when you are shouting, we could negotiate. But if you just come over and slap me, beating my wife, how can I begin to negotiate with you? Can they please tell us what they want first? Instead of doing that, they are killing people and making the nation insecure.

Maybe the sect is after political power then I don’t believe so. I believe it is pure religious bigotry. It is about Islamisation of Nigeria. That is the real agenda. But of course, some politicians might be using the group to achieve their selfish goals but it is primarily about religion. There is no politics involved at all.

How come the church is caught unawares?

Well, you know the power of the church is God. There is no way we could have pre-empted this. But don’t worry God has always shown up when it matters most. He will destabilise all their plans.

Should Christians fight back then?

Christians should never attack anybody. But if you are attacked and you bring out your neck, you have committed suicide. You are going to hell fire. There is a provision in the constitution for self defence. It is constitutional and biblical. The Bible says if your right or left hand is hindering you, you can cut it off.

So, if Boko Haram is our faulty hands, we shall cut them off. We don’t have to fight them directly. Our weapons of warfare are not carnal; we shall deploy them shortly and God will move on our behalf.

NEWS

T •Olulana

Bishop Emma Isong is Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Rivers State and General Overseer of Christian Central Chapel International, Calabar. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on national issues and his church’s strides

HE Apostolic Church, Ijegun District Centre, Lagos last week dedicated its new auditorium with songs and praise to God. The event, which attracted a large congregation, began earlier in the week with a seminar.

Six articulate men of God who delivered lecture at the seminar titled “Repositioning of the church to fulfill the great commission” bemoaned the drifting of churches from preaching of soul winning to prosperity.

They described the trend as the sign of end time prophesied in the Bible, but encouraged members of the church to remain consistent to its teaching and philosophy.

Clerics bemoan infiltration

By Tunde Busari

Elder Solesi Oluranti, one of the speakers, said the proliferation of churches has posed danger to Christendom.

Oluranti said the earlier generation churches are facing a temptation of embracing the new practices of the modern churches, copy their activities and make practices amenable.

“We envy their crowd, their popularity, and we question our age long practices. ‘’We clamour for watering down, after all, we do not want to continue to lose membership. We need to remember Jesus’ ques-

tion to the remaining ones, asking ‘Do you also want to go away? John 6:35-6,” he said.

He admonished pastors to intensify efforts in preaching the gospel of salvation.

But he warned the pastors not to win the souls with diluted teachings or messages of miracles and blessing as this will be counterproductive.

Pastor Jeremiah Olorunmojo, in his lecture, taken from anthropological perspective, urged the pastors to study and understand every essence of their target converts to effectively penetrate their souls.

He said, “In taking the gospel message to a target

people, the culture, life styles, environment and the level of understanding (development) of these people must be studied and understood.”

Other lecturers at the seminar includeed: Pastor Solomon Wkopeti, Overseer Emmanuel Beyekusi, Overseer Elias Aluko and Elder Gideon Olutola.

The lecturers all encouraged The Apostolic Church to remain steadfast in its doctrine and resist temptation to disappoint their faithful .

They also called on the Christain Association of Nigeria (CAN) to rise up to the challenge of infiltration by the biblical wolf.

Worship

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

69

Provide amenities for Nigerians, cleric begs Jonathan P RIMATE of The African Church, His Grace The Most Rev. Emmanuel Udofia, has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to provide basic necessities and make living more comfortable for Nigerians.

He lamented the massive lack in the land, saying the federal government must initiate policies aimed at addressing them.

Udofia spoke with reporters last Thursday.

He said, ‘’Nigerians are groaning and suffering.

Something urgent must be done. President Jonathan must give the people the basic needs of life.’’

The recent hike in prices

Stories by Sunday Oguntola

of petroleum products, the cleric stated, has further impoverished Nigerians.

He said the federal government must invest proceeds from the recent removal of subsidy on productive ventures that will alleviate the sufferings of Nigeria.

He identified corruption, nepotism and greed as major challenges facing Nigeria.

The government, he said, must eliminate favouritism and provide level-playing field for Nigerians to exhibit their Godgiven talents.

Udofia also urged Nige-

rians to eschew vices, stating that the recent proliferation of fake drugs in the country is worrisome and condemnable.

He applauded the Acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, on removal of roadblocks across the nation.

The move, he said, has restored dignity to the police force.

He urged Abubakar not to relent but embark on further reforms of the force.

The cleric said the return of mission schools is a positive development, stating that schools run by the church have recorded excellent results in recent examinations.

from within and outside the country.

Dedicating the new complex, Rev. Felix Omobude said the event represents the goodness and faithfulness to the ministry and its vision, Apostle Lawrence Achudume.

He described Achudume as a passionate lover of God and preacher of the word.

On the significance of the new complex, Omobude said ‘’it represents the faithfulness

of God to this ministry. But it is also a signpost of greater things to come. ‘’This is not the best thing to happen to VLBC. The best is still far ahead and this ministry will continue to be on the cutting edge.’’

Achudume appreciated members for believing in the vision of the ministry. He pledged to commit greater resources and fervor to spreading the gospel as well as touching lives.

He said the new complex will enhance the efficiency of the ministry in fulfilling the great commission.

VLBC commissions new office complex

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HERE was intense jubilation last Sunday at Victory Life Bible Church (VLBC) Abeokuta in Ogun State during the dedication of an ultra-modern office complex for the ministry.

The dedication coincided with the take-off of the 2012 Holy Convocation of the church with theme ‘’beyond the natural’’.

The convocation attracted prominent preachers

• Udofia (middle) flanked by The Rector of African Church College of Education, Ven Aderemi Adetubo (left) and Chairman, Protocol and Website Committee of the church, Mr. Babatunde Odufuwa, at the parley

New Christian body emerges • Seeks end to Boko Haram threat

C

HRISTIANS drawn from all the 17 States in the South last week formed a new organisation known as Southern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

The organisation, they said, ‘’ will also serve as a voice for Southern Christians irrespective of church affiliation and denomination.’’

The body also elected Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh as its chairman and Archbishop

George Amu as vice chairman.

Apostle Joseph Ajujungwa will serve as secretary of the group.

The body, in a ten-point communiqué issued at the end of its extra-ordinary meeting in Lagos, condemned the incessant bombing and blood letting in Northern Nigeria.

It also commiserated with Christians who have suffered unprovoked violence and destruction of lives and proper-

ties.

It called on the federal government and security forces to stop at nothing to bring perpetrators of the violence to book.

It also appealed to Northern political and religious leaders to consider ways of fighting the Boko Haram menace before it consumes the nation.

Southern CAN also solicited for unity among Christians, saying a divided house cannot stand.

10,000 women for Okonkwo’s free cervical screening

N

• Omobude (centre) cutting the tape to commission the complex. With him are Apostle and Mrs Achudume

‘Only God will stop Boko Haram’

S

PIRITUAL head of Inri Evangelical Spiritual Church Lagos, Primate Elijah Babatunde, has declared that only God will tackle the Boko Haram insurgency.

Boko Haram, he said, has acquired so much power and expertise that it cannot be surmounted by security forces and the federal government.

Babatunde said the Islamic sect will fizzle out because God is set to intervene.

He spoke last Friday in chat in Lagos.

According to him, ‘’There is nothing the government can do about Boko Haram. They can only try but

they will not overcome the group. ‘’Boko Haram had so much time to plan and execute their agenda, which is to make Nigeria ungovernable for President Goodluck Jonathan. ‘’You notice they have sophisticated weapons and know what they are doing.

At the rate they are operating, only God can stop them.’’

He called for increased security consciousness in Lagos and other parts of the South West, warning that the Boko Haram is planning a major attack in the commercial nerve of the nation. ‘’Their plan is to attack

Lagos and prove nobody can stop them. We must guard against this by all means,’’ the cleric stated.

He faulted the cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The policy, he argued, is doomed to fail.

Babatunde urged Nigerians not to give up, recalling how he predicted Joyce Banda will become the President of Malawi sometime last year. ‘’When I told her, she said it was impossible because no woman has ever led Malawi. But see what God has done for her now and that is why we must never give up,’’ he reiterated.

O fewer than 10,000 rural women will benefit from a free cervical cancer screening project, courtesy of the Resident Pastor of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Peace Okonkwo.

The project is part of activities to mark her 60th birthday on June 10.

The screening will be officially unveiled at a PEACE concert slated for June 3rd at the Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

A statement by Chairperson, Organising Committee of the 60 th birthday, Rev. (Mrs.) Oluwayomi Uteh, stated that the free screening commences on 9th June at

TREM headquarters, Anthony Oke, Lagos.

Artistes expected to perform at the concert include Minister Genier Chenir from USA, Onyenka Owenu, Midnight Crew, Buchi, Temitayo George, Tolu Odukoya and an orchestral group from Archbishop Vining Memorial Church, among others.

Dr. (Mrs.) Peace Okonkwo was born on the 10th of June 1952.

She gave her life to Christ in 1974 at the Scripture Union fellowship.

She is a graduate of the Morris Cerullo School of Ministry and Rhema Bible Training Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

•Bishop Peace Okonkwo

WHAT AND WHERE

Family training school holds

T

HE monthly family school trainings of t he Rea l Wo m a n Fou nd a t i on a im e d a t educating women on key biblical family values

holds on April 16-17.

The training has courses on personal finance, career development, personal health & hygiene as well as home & family

safety.

It holds at Life Skills Training Centre for Women, 6 Jubilee Road, Magodo, Off CMD Road, Shangisha Lagos.

anniversary thanksgiving and induction of newly elected officers of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Lagos State Chapter.

The theme of the event,

which holds at Chapel of Christ The Light, Ikeja, is ‘’create in me a new heart’’.

Time is 10am.

The induction holds on Friday, 20th April.

Atilade for OAIC’s induction

C

HAIRMAN of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) South West region, Archbishop Magnus Atilade is expected to be the guest speaker at the 21st

70

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012

Protecting your family heritage (1)

The quest for revival Bishop Abraham Olaleye

REVIVAL HOUR

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REMBLE, you women who are at ease; Be troubled, you complacent ones; Strip yourselves, make yourselves bare, And gird sackcloth on your waists. People shall mourn upon their breasts For the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine. On the land of my people will come up thorns and briers, Yes, on all the happy homes in the joyous city; Because the palaces will be forsaken, The bustling city will be deserted. The forts and towers will become lairs forever, A joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks - Until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, And the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, And the fruitful field is counted as a forest’’ Isaiah 32: 11-15.

This message of Prophet Isaiah is as important to the church today as it was to Israel then. Like the church today, the people became complacent in their devotion to God. They lost their love for Jehovah who redeemed them from their enemies. Their lives depended no longer on the Lord but on the idols they pursued daily. Truly speaking, the church has taken her eyes away from the Lord and totally embraced the world and everything in it.

We have sown to the flesh and we are busy

reaping corruption. Sadly, we do not seem to spot the problem. Christian marriage, the holy institution that the Lord created and hallowed, is under attack as many of them are daily dissolved in the law courts.

Family values are disintegrating fast as fathers are no longer responsible for leadership in the home.

Wives have taken over an assignment that is naturally not theirs. Children have no role models in the home hence the movie stars and musical stars are the ones inspiring them.

At the other end, the world is lost without the knowledge of God and like Sodom and Gomorrah sinking fast into destruction.

The church which is responsible for bringing the world to God is so compromised that she is not in her God-given position to effect any change. As a matter of fact, the church is faced with her own challenges hence, society is denied of the healing and solution to her myriads of challenges.

Righteousness which exalts a nation and the fear of God which is the beginning of true wisdom is challenged. The truth which is the foundation of our faith and that has the power to set us free is begging for attention. Evil thrives in society because the church in its present position has lost her place of authority as the salt and light of the world.

Her salt has lost its flavour and her light has gone dim.

Our quest for materialism which is the god of the modern day has become a distraction and snare to us.

We’ve abandoned our rightful place to pursue ‘the things’ Jesus promised would follow us if we seek His Kingdom. The Priests who are supposed to teach and impart the knowledge

of God to the people have abandoned their responsibilities to promote the vanities and frivolities of life. They have succumbed to the wish of the people to preach and teach only what they want to hear.

Simply put, our spiritual leaders have been reduced to seers who divine for fees.

The cheering news is that God is on top of all these challenges and is responding to the cries of the remnant who through their daily prayers are asking, ‘’Will You be angry with us forever? Will You prolong Your anger to all generations? Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?’’ Psalm 85:6.

God’s desire for His church right now is to embrace Isaiah’s counsel “Strip yourselves, make yourselves bare, And gird sackcloth on your waists”.

Yes, it’s time to see our true spiritual condition and beg the Lord to pour His Spirit upon us. Only His Spirit can bring us healing and deliverance. A thousand vigils and a thousand anointing services with rivers of oil will make no difference. More prosperity and breakthrough seminars will most likely aggravate the Lord’s holy indignation at a time like this. Repentance, I mean genuine repentance will help us. The Psalmist says that the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, and a broken and a contrite heart the Lord will not despise - Psalm 51:17 If as His people who are called by His name will truly turn from our wicked ways and seek Him, He will hear us from heaven, forgive our sins and heal our land.

When the Lord becomes the pursuit of our heart, He will give us Revival.

Archbishop Sam Amaga

Family Heritage

E

XCEPT the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep(Psalm 127:1-2).

It takes Godly parents and Godly children to build a Godly family.

Always, how the family fares is how the society will fare. So also, how the family goes, is how the nation will eventually go.

The welfare of the family will determine the welfare of the city. Nations are not made up of things but of families. Every national census counts human beings from families not trees or animals. How the family goes so goes the nation and the society.

Every city is only as Godly as the families are.

Every nation is only as Godly as the families are.

Every great and good things that must happen in life first of all start in a family.

When we say our leaders are corrupt – tell me, these leaders came from families. They did not jump from the moon to become leaders.

If the families give Godly attention to raising Godly children, the nation will be ruled by Godly leaders. Leaders in every nation are only a reflection of the families in that nation for these leaders are coming from the families.

The only hope therefore that this nation will have is for families to go back to the Lord – raise children in the fear and the wisdom of God. ‘’Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it’’ (Proverbs 22:6).

Why does God want children trained?

1. By training your children in the wisdom and fear of God, you are passing on to your next generation stability of wisdom.

“And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.” Isaiah 33:6.

As your children grow in Godly wisdom, they are stable in life even in the midst of disaster.

• It is the wisdom they walk in that will make them last.

• It will make them not to fall into wrong decisions and empty future.

• If they must grow in Godly wisdom, you must be strong in Godly wisdom yourself.

• Families that are not strong in Godly wisdom are not stable.

• Families that are not strong in Godly wisdom cannot raise children with Godly wisdom. It takes training your children in the wisdom of God to preserve your children’s future. ‘’Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life’’ (Proverbs 4:10-13).

2. God wants you to

train your children because of the wealth of wisdom; and above all they will rise to be great leaders in their generation.

TOTAL FREEDOM Parents are too busy on their jobs andBy businesses Davidto minister to their children.

Training your children will make them to encounter the peaceful wealth of wisdom, the stable future in wisdom and the protection and prosperity in wisdom.

The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens. By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion: So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck. Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.

When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

(Proverbs 3:19-26).

3. Children are known for their energy, adventure and lack of focus, so it takes the wisdom of parents to knock out foolishness from their heart and protect their future. ‘’Young people are prone to foolishness and fads; the cure comes through tough minded discipline. ‘’Proverbs 22:15 (Message) The price of foolishness is always the future. Sometimes it may be too late to reverse, but the Godly mentoring of parents today will produce results for them.

Encounter: Archbishop Sam Amaga @ Salem Mission House, Mabushi Abuja.

E-mail: archbishop@saleminternational.net Phone: 08023018836

NEWS

•L-R: A business Consultant Sir Olusegun George; an Information Technology Consultant, Bro. Victor Olajide; conference PRO, Methodist Church Nigeria, Bro. Aramide Noibi and Secretary The Light Bearers, Wesley Cathedral Olowogbowo Lagos, Bro Adesegun Akitoye at a function recently

•Members of District 1, Ladies Auxiliary, Knights of Saint John International during a charity visit to National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos to donate items and cash… recently

QUOTABLE

http://www.thenationonlineng.net

“It is particularly worrisome because this (Dame Patience Jonathan) is not an elected person and I think we all, including security agencies, must know how they pander to our high officers, especially VIP’s movement, at the risk and expense of citizens and tax payers who money was used to fuel all the vehicles that were used to block the roads against those who pay the money.”

SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO. 2096

—Governor Babatunde Fashola on traffic jam caused by First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan’s visit

I

N the light of the general understanding that President Goodluck Jonathan is actually in his first term in office, it makes sense for anyone hoping to unseat him in 2015 to begin preparations now, even if those preparations are not visible. Former military head of state, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, is of such cultural and political mettle that he can safely begin preparations and shout them from rooftops.

Receiving supporters in Kaduna a few days ago, the laconic former army general told his visitors of his interest in the 2015 presidential election. Whenever Buhari speaks, there is always a hint of passion and mission in his voice, and depending on which side of him you stand, his zealousness or passion is sometimes described pejoratively as fatalism or provocatively as messianism. “I am still in until the polity is sanitised and people enjoy the fruits of democracy at all levels of government,” he told the supporters who admonished him not to abandon the people or fail to support them in the coming local government election in Kaduna State.

If Buhari goes ahead to contest, it will be his fourth time of vying for the Nigerian presidential stool believed by most analysts to be closer to dictatorship than democracy, and also thought to be the most powerful in the presidential system of government anywhere. He had vied in 2003, 2007 and 2011. If he comes out again in 2015, he will be doing so with the distinct drawbacks of his 73 years age, his ramrod-straight style which has changed little since he first threw his hat into the ring, and his encumbered politics which has benefited from little introspection and extensive study over the years. But it will be within his right to contest, for in spite of his many weaknesses, and his reluctance to correct them, he is still eminently qualified and even much better than anyone who has shown interest in the seat so far, including the incumbent.

Buhari predicates his interest on two compelling objectives: the need to sanitise the Nigerian polity; and the need to ensure that the people enjoy the fruits of democracy at all levels of government. These are truly lofty objectives, even if they do not in any way indicate that their prime mover understands these constructs or the mechanics of their delivery. Since men began to run for public office, they have always adumbrated lofty goals, but often failed miserably to accomplish them. The last three presidents illustrate this seemingly unbridgeable chasm between ambition and reality. There is obviously still so much indiscipline in the polity that it leaves ample room for someone like Buhari with an unusual approach to sanitizing the polity, someone with more than a passing interest in regimenting the society. Neither in the time of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, nor under the late Umaru Yar’Adua, nor still under Jonathan was any form of discipline, not to talk of semblance of order, evident.

Even when he lost in 2003, 2007 and 2011, Buhari was still much more accomplished than

If Buhari should run again in 2015

• Jonathan

•Buhari

his opponents in every department. He stood taller and more virtuous than all his three main rivals, the incontestable apotheosis of our Romantic notion of bravery, self-sacrifice and eternal verities. His politics, as politics is understood everywhere, may stand in painful contradiction to his private and public principles, but this is partly because he has a limited understanding of the rubrics of politics. He seems to feel diminished every time he climbed down from a selfimposed height to achieve consensus or tradeoff.

And he seems to have imposed on himself an inalienable and unalterable Hammurabi Code of social, cultural and political behavior outside the more limber purview of the constitution. It made him look awkwardly anachronistic, but by a quaint time warp, he seems to believe he is in fact far ahead of his time.

When he contested in 2011, the wine of his political conduct seemed to have finally matured.

He was seen by millions of his supporters as someone they could swear by, someone who would neither sell his principles nor in turn be bought. In this department, he stands in direct opposition to Obasanjo and Jonathan, two gentlemen constrained by their insufferable and amoral politics to show no scruples whatsoever in trading principles or in mortgaging their character.

Yet, even in his full bloom, Buhari was only

imperceptibly democratic. This weakness was lost on his numerous supporters, for in the fog of their indeterminate ambitions, they see their man as much better than the pretentious and appalling democrats who kept trouncing him in elections.

On the surface, Buhari does not seem to have slowed down. He has retained a physical agility that belies his age. There is also nothing to show he has slowed down mentally, for he retains a firm grasp of subjects that catch his fancy and an understanding of what he thinks he needs to do to remake the country. But whether those ideas are the right ones the country needs is a different matter. In fact, the more appropriate question should be whether Buhari’s ideas of country, democracy and rule of law have ever been right, that is assuming those ideas are really coherent and form a full body of perspectives for the remaking of a country that has virtually broken down under the weight of venal, brutal and mediocre leadership.

I suspect that his desire to contest in 2015 is anchored on his general belief that he represents a more disciplined and honest alternative to those who have won elections into the coveted office since 1999. He is doubtless a better alternative than all three, and if the choice came down to one between Buhari and Jonathan, he

Boko Haram issues threats of its own

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N Thursday, the Islamist sect, Boko Haram, finally responded to the vow

by President Goodluck Jonathan to put the sect in strict subjection to the law by June.

The president made the vow while speaking to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency during his trip to South Korea in late March to attend a world summit on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. When the president made that statement, many of us felt it was red rag to a bull.

And so it has turned out. Making his own counterthreat, Boko Haram spiritual leader Abubakar Shekau promised that his sect would devour Jonathan’s government by or before June.

It is apparent that both Jonathan and Shekau are bluffing. It was overly ambitious of the president to give a timeline for the humbling of the increasingly violent, expressive and daring sect.

He is not able to castrate the sect at the time of his choosing any more than the former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Hafiz Ringim, could crush it when in a moment of zealousness in Borno he declared that the sect’s days were numbered. The media rightly published the Boko Haram counterthreat, for the country was en-

titled to know whatever threats their president faced. The intelligence community is, however, miffed that the media gratifies Boko Haram with ample reporting. They did not say whether the ample reports were an exaggeration, or whether reports of their own successes in the battle against the sect were deliberately and mischievously underplayed.

It will take time for the government to defeat Boko Haram, for it is propelled by a curious mix of factors, some of them inimical to the longterm interests of those who at the moment show the sect sympathy. I still think, as I have written in this place several times, that it is silly to suggest the sect is driven essentially by socio-economic factors. If this were so, it would make nonsense of the revival and indeed popularity of doctrinaire Islam in some countries around the world. The problem with such fundamentalist revival is not its appearance, over which Muslims need not be ashamed, but its management by a multiethnic and secular government. By living in denial, and perhaps too by applying dishonest intellectualism to it, we have allowed the problem to fester badly.

If by some miracle we can sustain the coun-

try beyond 2015 through a sound change of leadership, I believe we can outlast the Boko Haram revolt and defeat it. The revolt should, however, be a lesson for us to urgently curb recklessness in government, enthrone social and economic justice, and boldly pursue a secularist ideology on which the survival and stability of our country depends. We must not panic into embracing the shortsighted American analysis of the Boko Haram crisis, nor take counsel from a country which itself has set and lived by the principle of not negotiating with terror.

We put the wrong foot forward by negotiating with the coup plotters of Mali when we should have stuck to principles; and if care is not taken, we might find ourselves treating the mutinous troops of Guinea-Bissau with kid gloves rather than with iron fist. But the worst blunder we could make is to imagine that if we dialogued with Boko Haram, the sect would limit itself to economic concessions. Indeed, if they did, it would prove that all along it was a sponsored revolt to pressure the federation into making huge regional concessions on the scale of what the Niger Delta received.

would still be a much better alternative. I go further. If the country found itself saddled with Jonathan when they had the option of going with Buhari, it would be a disaster of untold proportions. There is indeed no settling the precedence between Buhari and Jonathan.

But the country will be faced once again, as it had always been, not merely with a choice between one capable person and another moron, but with the need to contend with the dynamics of Nigeria’s regional, ethnic, religious and economic politics. He who navigates these treacherous waters fairly more robustly will probably carry the day. In spite of the electoral malpractices evident in the 2011 elections, Jonathan appeared to have navigated the waters more adroitly than Buhari did. Buhari relied on his personal qualities, which were no doubt towering, but Jonathan relied on cutting deals, building consensus and generally presenting himself as a safe potential president, someone more amenable to the gentle demands of democracy and rule of law.

The electorate squirmed endlessly before going to the ballot, for they suspected that Jonathan’s safeness and gentility masked the trait of someone in whom dwelt implacable extremes: the extreme of pernicious ignorance about the demands and workings of a modern society; and the extreme of intemperate opposition to the principles and practice of democracy.

Since they had to make a choice in a restricted field of electable candidates, the voters gambled on Jonathan. They rue their hasty choice today; but they do not regret their repudiation of Buhari.

I think the country is disillusioned with Jonathan. He has not only failed to perform, he has also failed to inspire, either by rhetoric or by plain words. Apart from proving to be quite naïve on some issues and embarrassingly antidemocratic sometimes, he has also resorted more and more to the support of his kinsmen whose utterances and actions since May last year have proved clannish, provincial and counterproductive. It is unlikely that Jonathan can present himself as a safe candidate in 2015, or even project any quality capable of shifting the opinion of the electorate in his favour. In the unlikely event he gets the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) mandate, he is even more unlikely to get a national mandate, for the same dynamics and forces that made his election possible and that of Buhari impossible in 2011 are arrayed determinedly against both his person and his election in 2015. These forces have nothing to do with Boko Haram, as Jonathan’s kinsmen hysterically opine.

But here indeed is the crux of the matter.

Buhari has kept his fine attributes, but those attributes have never been sufficient, nor sometimes even necessary, to get a politician elected into high office. If he couldn’t undertake the personal revolution required to convince the whole country instead of a regional bloc in 2011, his finest hour, I doubt whether Buhari can make the transition at 73. He needs a unique type of politics to cobble together both a winning formula and a coalition, but it is precisely that kind of politics that Buhari by nature finds abhorrent. He has about two years to find a platform or a group to help him construct the politics that can get him elected. But I doubt whether the forces placed to do that will find it worth their while. I suspect they will go for a much younger, more appealing, less divisive and more modern politician around which they can weave a broad consensus to reclaim power from the humiliating and embarrassing clannishness overwhelming the country.

In the 1960s, the Southwest discovered that, as wronged as it was by the federal government, it could nonetheless not hold the country to ransom. In the mid-60s the Southeast similarly made the same discovery. In the Fourth Republic, the North (liberally and expansively defined) has discovered to its shock that it is also quite unable to hold the country to ransom.

By 2015, the Ijaw and any other minority group will discover to their eternal dismay that they cannot hold the country to ransom. This is our great moment of epiphany. The forces that will deliver the presidency to an individual or party in 2015 simply do not favour Jonathan or Buhari.

Someone else from any part of the country will become president if the unity of the country is not to become untenable.

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