The Nation April 21, 2013

Kidnapped Ejigbo LCDA boss, Bamigbetan, regains freedom –Page 4

JACKIE APPIAH Nadia Buari is not my rival

–Page ??

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.07, No. 2468

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

N200.00

APRIL 21, 2013

2015: Jonathan in secret meeting with Ooni, 22 Yoruba Obas –Page 4

Boston bombing suspect captured –Page 10

• Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Tele Ikuru, addressing supporters of Governor Rotimi Amaechi at a solidarity rally in front of the Government House, Port Harcourt yesterday, Photo: BISI OLANIYI.

WAEC probes Facebook trade in leaked WASCE question papers –Page 4

Amaechi, Minister at war over Rivers PDP •Amaechi

Temple of justice desecrated, says embattled governor

Wike: I want to be –Page 2 governor in 2015

–Page ??

•Nyesom

NEWS

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Amaechi, Minister at war over Rivers PDP E

MBATTLED Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and his erstwhile associate and confidant, Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Education, yesterday openly drew the battle line in the struggle for the soul of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

Amaechi, whose camp recently lost the control of the party through a court verdict to a rival group led by Wike, called the judgement a desecration of the temple of justice.

He asked Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Maryam Mukhtar to step in with a view to saving the integrity of the judicial arm from further assault.

But Wike, a lawyer and ex-Chief of Staff to Amaechi differed. He said by virtue of his profession, he would not cast aspersion on the judiciary.

He spoke of how he put his life on the line for Amaechi during the intrigues that attended the choice of the party’s governorship candidate for the 2007 election in the state.

Wike said that struggle led to the death of his driver while he himself was almost consumed.

Port Harcourt, the state capital, was all tension for much of yesterday after thousands of Amaechi’s supporters from the 23 local government areas of the state converged on the Government House, demanding a response to Friday’s tumultuous arrival in the city by Mr. Felix Obuah, who was declared the new chairman of the PDP in the state by a Federal High Court, Abuja.

Amaechi, who is already locked in a battle of wits with the Presidency and the national leadership of the party over his perceived interest in the 2015 presidential race, obliged his supporters with a rally at the Government House.

But it was his deputy, Tele Ikuru, an engineer who addressed the crowd on his behalf.

He said: “As a nation, one area we should not allow mud to go into is the judiciary. As a nation, that is one area we should not allow to become a thing of play in the judiciary.

“The temple of justice has been desecrated. Nigeria arise. If we do not rise, we will lose our country. As a nation, any day we allow the temple of justice to be desecrated, we will lose our country.

“Any day a poor man cannot go to the court and state his case and get justice, that country is lost. I therefore call on the judges, particularly the CJN, to very quickly, with alarm, move into this matter.

This is another case for her to prove that she sits at the helm of justice in this country. She will ensure that justice is given to all.

“I was privileged to be part of the Rivers State congress of PDP (on March 17 last year at the Alfred Diete-Spiff

• Temple of justice desecrated, says embattled governor • Wike: I want to be governor in 2015

• President Goodluck Jonathan, right greeting Pastor Paul Adefarasin, founder, House on the Rock, at a ceremony marking the opening of the church’s Rock Cathedral in Lagos yesterday.

From Bisi Olaniyi and Clarice Azuatalam, Port Harcourt Civic Centre, Port Harcourt).

I was privileged to see the votes counted. I was privileged to see the results announced and then suddenly, in broad daylight, somebody said that, that election produced another person.

“When certain people die, their eyes will not close, because they tell broad daylight lies. Those who open their eyes, know what is right, see what is right and say something different. The day they will die, their eyes will never close.”

Another supporter of the Governor, Senator Magnus Abe, also addressed the rally, saying, Rivers’ people would not be slaves in their own country.

Abe, who had served at different times as Information Commissioner, Secretary to the State Government and member of the House of Assembly, said the crisis in the state was the handiwork of those he said were trying to play God. Such politicians, according to him, were desperate for power and money.

He told Amaechi’s supporters not to be afraid.

He wondered why the Godspower Ake-led executive committee of the PDP in the state was dissolved by the court when the March 17, 2012 congress leading to the emergence of the exco, in the first instance, was held in the presence of the three senators from the state.

He said even before now, a Rivers State High Court, sitting at Okehi in Etche LGA of Rivers State had, in a judgment, confirmed Ake as the duly-elected chairman of PDP

in the state.

His words: “Somebody (Chief Felix Obuah, aka Go Round, being backed by Wike and was inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday, also a former chairman of Ogba/Egbema/ Ndoni LGA of Rivers State, where the ex-Governor, Dr. Peter Odili hails from) who neither picked form nor contested election, is now the chairman of PDP in the state.

“Rivers people, hold your peace. Do not go for war.

Judiciary has done it before and will do it again. The will of Rivers people and the will of God will be done.”

The leader of the Rivers House of Assembly, Chid Lloyd told the rally that Amaechi’s loyalists stood by the decision of the Okehi court.

“Truth will prevail. Do not be pushed into doing things that will make you to fight or quarrel. The PDP is united under the leadership of Gov. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi,” he said, adding:”Wike and Obuah want to truncate democracy in Rivers State. We will not allow them to declare emergency rule in the state.”

Wike responded while fielding questions during a radio phone-in programme in the city yesterday, the minister said: “Rivers government is playing politics with federal presence in the state. People should not play politics with every issue. Federal Government should be appreciated.

“I was the director-general of Amaechi campaign organisation in 2011. I was offered a lot of things in 2007, but I stood by Amaechi. My relationship with Amaechi is very cordial, but he is not appreciating the efforts of the Federal Government in Riv-

ers State. You do not intervene in what you have not been invited to.

“I supported Amaechi in 2011. My LGA (Obio/Akpor) gave Amaechi the highest votes during the 2011 governorship election. I do not have personal problems with Amaechi. We may disagree on certain issues.

“My choice is Felix Obuah (newly-inaugurated PDP chairaman). He purchased form. I have no regret for supporting Obuah. I am not standing against somebody (Amaechi) I fought for him in 2007. I supported Amaechi in 2007 and we fought till the end. I was the Commanderin-Chief of that era. I also supported Amaechi in 2011.

Obuah should not be denied his rightful position. I never sponsored Ake’s election.

“There is no confusion. If you feel that you are being denied of your position, you can go to court, without carrying arms and ammunition.

Obuah got judgment on April 15.

“I have the right to have ambition (to be Rivers Governor in 2015). Only God will decide who will be Governor or not. I did not fight dirty for Amaechi. I have the right to report to the police, anybody that is doing anything inimical to peace. Police will do their jobs.

“Some people got exparte order in Port Harcourt.

Nobody said the judge was corrupt. If there is an order from another court, they will say Oga and Madam (President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience) have influenced it. Obuah had inaugurated the LG and ward executives of the party in the state, before they got their court order.

“The Rivers ALGON

members who are supporting Amaechi want to come for second tenure. They believe that if Obuah is the chairman, they will not get the tickets.

They are frustrated.

“I am not a member of Ogboni and I have never belonged to any secret cult/society. My father is a Reverend. When I was fighting for Amaechi, nobody called me an Ogboni member. We know the hardened cultists.”

The Minister of State for education asked the people of the state to continue to give peace a chance, and PDP members to keep supporting Obuah and members of his executive.

Wike, like Amaechi, is Ikwerre.

The Governor said last year that it would be unfair after serving for eight years as Governor, he was succeeded by another person from Ikwerre.

Yesterday’s pro-Amaechi carnival-like rally had his supporters drumming, singing and dancing, leading to traffic congestion on Azikiwe Road and adjoining roads and streets.

Obuah had his own rally on arriving Port Harcourt from Abuja on Friday.

He was accompanied into the city by a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara; ex-governorship candidate, Sergeant Awuse, aka Bulldozer; and Senator Lee Maeba, among other eminent personalities.

Obuah and members of his executive were received by loud drumming, singing and dancing.

While briefly speaking at the airport, Obuah said: “I will unite the party. I will bring back all the aggrieved members, who left the PDP.

The teeming supporters at the airport to receive me indicate that I have the support of party members in the state.”

Ake who was sacked by the Abuja Federal High Court has alleged that Wike is “not alone in the fight against Amaechi. There are others at the top, conspiring to destroy Amaechi’s structure. The party is actually not the target, but the Rivers State Government.”

He spoke while receiving a delegation of council chairmen in the state during a solidarity visit.

He has secured a court injunction in Port Harcourt restraining Obuah and his team from parading themselves as officers of the party pending the determination of the substantive case challenging Obuah and his group.

Meanwhile, the National President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar has described Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State as a pillar of democracy in the current dispensation.

Omar spoke when he led a delegation of top NLC officials on a courtesy call on the Governor in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

The NLC President and other members were in the Rivers State capital for a conference to elect new executive of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services (AUCPTRC).

Omar said: “Nigerians are watching. Nigerians are very, very intelligent people.

They are watching, they know things, they know what is happening(to Amaechi) and they are also passing their own judgment.

“You have been one of the major pillars of democracy in this dispensation and we always like to in our only small way, associate with good things, especially when I recall that when I was here last, you decided to show me some of the projects, that at that time, a lot of them were not even completed but by the time we arrived this time and we passed through some of them, especially primary schools. 3 are completed.

“I have not seen any where the children in public primary schools are learning under such very conducive atmosphere. This is what is required of democracy, for leadership to provide the dividends of democracy to the people practically, not theoretically, and I think that is very abundant in Rivers State.

We believe in what you are doing because we have seen it and we only want to urge you to continue in that direction”.

Governor Amaechi urged the Nigerian Labour Congress to continue to represent the poor and give voice to the voiceless for a better Nigeria.

“I think that basically the greatest voice that the poor can have will not be any other voice than the voice of the workers. “

Column

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Salvation on earth: Two exemplary paradigms (1) T

HE Argentines are having a ball. This column sees no reason why they shouldn’t. In Diego Amanda Maradona and Lionel Messi, they have two of the greatest footballers that the world has ever produced. The mesmerising Messi is currently the world’s best footballer, and like the prodigious Maradona at his prime, he could waltz or blitz his way through a battalion of defenders with the ease and facility of a goldfish in water. The sheer ecstasy of watching these two is the ultimate in orgiastic visual pleasure.

But there are even more profound reasons why the Argentines should feel cool with themselves.

The Catholic world has just elected its first ever Argentine Pope.

Ninety five per cent of Argentines may be devout Catholic, but before now moving the headship of the papacy to the pampas or the whole of Latin America for that matter appeared a long shot in the dark.

Now it has happened.

In addition to this is the economic and political transformation going on in Argentina . Slowly but quite discernibly, Argentina is turning the political and economic corner. In recent decades, Argentines could only live on the glory of the country’s golden age in the last quarter of the nineteenth century leading to early twentieth century.

Decades of brutal military misrule and grinding economic misfortune had sapped the energy and confidence of the people.

It is also perhaps wondrously and intriguingly symbolic that Margaret Thatcher, Argentina’s greatest modern tormentor, should choose to answer the final call at the very moment of Argentinean revival and renaissance. The boulevards of Buenos Aires flared up in jubilation and ululation as the news broke that the nemesis of the nation had joined her ancestors. Famously libeled as a nation of Italians who speak Spanish but think they are English living in Paris, the Argentines appear to be finally rediscovering themselves.

But it is not just the Argentines who are headed for a starry ascent. Virtually the entire continent of South America seemed to be witnessing a continental rebirth and rejuvenation. From Panama to Peru, an entire continent is being shaken and dragged off its rutted and gutted grooves of complacency and sloth. Leading the pack is Brazil which in a decade has lifted more than 50 million people out of poverty into middle class self-sufficiency.

Brazil’s dramatic economic transformation and looming ascendancy as a global power have won grudging respect and concession from the USA. Brazil’s president, a pragmatic disciple of the iconic Lula, has been invited for a full state visit to America, the first time in about two decades that a Brazilian leader is being accorded such a honour by the US. The entire world is watching the developments in Latin America with curiosity and bated breath.

This prodigious human emancipation and stunning optimisation of humanity’s capacity for self-transformation is not the result of a sudden religious conversion or the benevolence of some ancient Aztec or Inca god or goddess. Neither is it as a result of a slavish and sterile imitation and uncreative adaptation of other people’s culture. It is a tribute to the power of visionary and original ideas to re-engineer human society.

•Pope Francis

Anywhere in the ancient and modern world where human society has taken a huge leap forward, we can be sure that some original and transformative ideas are behind the stunning advancement on behalf of all humanity. This was what happened with ancient forms of writing in ancient Egypt and old Babylon, the idea of democracy and revolutionary warfare in the Greek and Roman empires, seafaring in Ancient China, the concept of nation-state in the Iberian peninsula, the Industrial Revolution in England, modern philosophy in France, modern warfare in Germany and the revolutionary refinement of the nation-state paradigm in the US. We can add modern exemplars like Singapore which broke the binary spatial distinction between the First and Third worlds through the brilliant ideas of one exceptional individual and of course the new experiment in the brotherhood of all humanity irrespective of race and religion in post-apartheid South Africa which owes its inspiration to the humane intellectual genius of a man called Nelson Mandela.

As armies of contending ideas wage relentless battle, all that is solid often melts into thin air.

The ideas that finally lifted the Dark Age for Europe came from the Muslim world in its most visionary period and in particular from the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks which led to the exodus of philosophers, thinkers, writers and other cutting-edge contrarians to mainland Europe. In their dark and devious schema, Western historians and intellectuals often project the Dark Age as a

J

UST call her Angel of the morning. She came, she saw and touched the lives of many. May the gentle and generous soul of our own heroic Diva of Ekiti dawn, Funmi Adunni Olayinka, rest in peace. Snooper mourns a great fan of this column and a devout follower of the saucy antics of Okon. She was refinement, good breeding and civility personified, ever so polite and courteous, ever so solicitous of one’s wellbeing. In a crowd, she would go out of her way to ask after the crazy cook.

The world is a stage indeed.

period of global human degeneration. But this is not so. It is a clever attempt to foist a unique European fiasco on the rest of the world.

By the beginning of the tenth century, the Chinese nation was arguably the leading human society.

Its sea-going vessels were described as huge clouds in the sky as a result of the size and sophistication of their masts. Extant artifacts in the Mombasa Museum in modern day Kenya suggest that Chinese sailors had visited the place around the sixth and seventh centuries. But it was around the tenth century that a vicious power struggle lasting for centuries broke out between the mandarinate and the Imperial Chinese feudal court.

At the very period when China should have opened itself to receive fresh ideas from the rest of the world, it closed itself off. A long period of national decline ensued.

Chinese eyes finally opened when the British, from about eight thousand miles away, seized Hong Kong. The Japanese Imperial Army added insult to injury when it invaded and subjected the Chinese to atrocious cruelties. The Boxers’ Uprising was a protest against national humiliation as well as an incipient rebellion against the feudal order. The turmoil eventuated in the Chinese Revolution.

We must now return to our original quarry. Why is it that Latin America is experiencing an economic and political resurgence and rejuvenation while African countries, with the exception of a notable few, are gripped by stark stasis and collective retrogression? We need to establish two historical theses. First is that the religious standing and spiritual state of any society

Requiem The last time Snooper saw her she was dancing on the stage to the mellifluous music of the Highlife maestro, Victor Abimbola Olaiya.

It was at the Lagos City Hall on the anniversary of Olaiya’s 60 years on stage. Little did we know that while we were celebrating one icon, another was bidding the stage a long goodbye. The delectable damsel was a paragon of beauty and noble virtues.

Avid readers of this column should remember that last Septem-

S

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nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu is a reflection of its intellectual stage and mental development and not the other way round. Except in moments of revolutionary crisis, all religions rely on the power of faith rather than the power of ideas. Just stick to your belief system and forget about fancy stuff which may be the handiwork of Lucifer. Unfortunately as Norman Mailer, the rogue American novelist and thinker, famously posited, there may be some devils working for God. See where Martin Luther and the discovery of printing dragged the old Church? And see where the Latin American Liberation theologists were dragging the whole concept of salvation before the Imperial Catholic church pulled the plug in a brilliant intellectual counter-insurgency coordinated by the inevitable and cannily cerebral Cardinal Ratzinger, the first modern Pope on pension.

The second thesis is so simple and self-evident that it amounts to an intellectual scandal when it escapes our intellectuals. It is that the mode of conquest and colonial rationalisation also conditions and in the last instance determines the fate of human emancipation from the ravages of colonialism. Colonisation also has its rich and dark ironies. The first wave of Iberian modernity which allowed the Portuguese and the Spaniards to seize the South American continent was merely a dress rehearsal for the full blown EuroAmerican modernity that was to follow.

So is it that while the Iberians could match the later day colonial masters in the department of colonial cruelty and physical coercion, they were mere toddlers when it came to intellectual sophistication and sheer capacity for psychological intimidation. For example, the Spaniards relied on raw firepower and epochal physical cruelty in their conquest and subjugation of the old Indian empires. At that point in time, only superior technology in armaments separated the two civilisations.

In fact the Incas were ahead in terms of social order even though they practiced human sacrifice on a Fordist scale.

But neither the Spaniards nor the Portuguese could come up with the sociological cum philosophical intimidation behind the French concept of the colonial subject as an “evolué”, or the intellectual coercion behind Lord Lugard’s infamous “dual mandate” which forcibly steamrolled the economy of the colonised into the metropolitan orbit in a crude rehearsal of modern globalisation. And this is not discounting the intellectually ordered millennial messianism that informs the very notion of American Exceptionalism.

With this background in mind, one can now see why it was easier ber when snooper complained and moaned endlessly about spending his last birthday alone in bed amidst a crushing avalanche of books, magazines, journals, periodicals and quarterlies, she promptly responded by sending some rare gourmet’s delight from Ekiti with the stern instruction that it was not for the proletarian palate of the Okons of this world. Alas, both delicacy and delinquent disappeared in a midnight heist the like of which has not been seen before. It was a beautiful soul in a beautiful body. May her kind soul rest in peace.

for the Latin Americans to overcome the contradictions of Iberian colonisation. Raw physical conquests often beget raw physical resistance. It is easier to acquire knowledge of firearms than to acquire the firearms of modern knowledge in a context of unequal exchange. The Iberian conquest spawned several armed rebellions which began almost immediately and became the bloody trademark of the continent for the next 300 years and still counting. In the process, the people developed a heroic culture of militant self-belief and zero tolerance for tyrannical rule.

We can also see why intellectual subjugation is the worst and most deadly form of conquest. It leads directly to spiritual, economic, cultural and political enslavement. With his old religion gone, his culture subverted, his traditional institutions decimated, his modes of knowledge production devastated, the African , unlike the Chinese, the Japanese and the Indians, requires a complete makeover to even minimally function. But even to achieve this requires that he must first overcome the massive inferiority complex engendered by centuries of intellectual slavery in which he has been made to realise that he is surplus to the requirement of humanity. It is akin to being faced by a circular firing squad.

The foregoing also explains why Latin America has thrown up an original riposte to Roman Catholic orthodoxy in the form of Liberation Theology while Nigeria and Africa have come up with an even more showy and stagy version of American prosperity preaching. Both are variants of Liberation theories. But while Liberation Theology preaches individual striving on behalf of communal salvation which is achievable in this world through relentless struggle, Pentecostal/Prosperity doctrine preaches individual salvation through self-liberation from want and poverty which is also achievable in this world through the cultivation of the right attitude. Both have their uses and points of convergence and divergence.

With due respect, the Pentecostal theory of human liberation cannot begin to compare in classical erudition, intellectual rigour and sheer philosophical élan with Liberation Theology. But that is neither here nor there. Both have their practical values and ideological efficacy. While Liberation Theology is in strategic alliance with insurgent groups hoping to bring down unjust and tyrannical states in Latin America, the Pentecostal Church, at least in Nigeria, appears to be in alliance with a delinquent state which it helps to maintain order and stability by transferring to itself part of the state function of providing solace and succour to its citizens. For the fanatical adherents, this is not just an opiate but the oxygen of life itself. Needless to add that it is also an anti-revolutionary carbon monoxide.

This column does not pretend to enjoy a monopoly of wisdom. It remains an interactive session in which readers are encouraged to talk back. Since this is a very weighty matter which involves the destiny of the Black race, readers are invited to ventilate their views before the matter is brought to conclusion in a few weeks’ time.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

News

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has a date with Southwest traditional rulers tomorrow.

Twenty-three obas are due to attend the meeting, an initiative of the President, at the Aso Rock Villa.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, will lead the traditional rulers, sources said last night.

“The obas are going to Abuja at the invitation of the President. He has been reaching out to the traditional institution in Yorubaland for a while now. The meeting is as a result of his incessant rapport with the leadership of the obas in the region.

“He wants the obas to help him reach out to the po-

2015: Jonathan in secret meeting with Ooni, 22 Yoruba obas

By Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor litical elite in the region ahead of the 2015 general election. On many occasions, his emissaries have told our traditional rulers of the President’s desire to have them on his side as he prepares to battle the opposition in 2015, especially in the Southwest which is an opposition stronghold.”

Boko Haram: Amnesty committee will unmask sect —Lemu

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MEMBER of the newly set up Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the north, Sheikh Ahmed Lemu, is confident about the ability of the panel to unmask members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram The sect has claimed responsibility for much of the insurgency in the north over the last few years.

Speaking in an interview with Channels Television monitored in Minna, the respected Islamic cleric said that the lack of confidence in previous government moves, fear of possible arrest and prosecution may have informed the decision of leaders and members of the group to go into hiding.

He, however, expressed hope that the insecurity being experienced in some northern states would soon come to an end, as the committee intends to unveil the group and restore peace to the region.

According to the cleric, the setting up of the committee would help to enliven mutual trust between the government and the sect, stressing that government’s action has created platform for sincere and genuine dialogue with the sect.

Lemu argued that dialogue, and not force, remains the only way out of the security challenges in the northern part.

Faulting the opposition of the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to federal government’s move to grant amnesty to members of Boko Haram, Lemu said government’s olive branch is the best, insisting that the use of brute force will be counterproductive.

He said: ‘’If amnesty was granted the Niger Delta militants in the South South, why not to Boko Haram in the north. The two groups committed the same offence of killing and destruction. I think federal government’s amnesty plan for members of the sect was a right thing.” ‘’The leadership of CAN is in the south and cannot appreciate what we are facing in the north but every Christian here in the north appreciates government’s gesture because we need peace here and there is no price too much to pay for it.’’ he stated.

Describing his appointment as a call to service, the

Jide Orintunsin, Minna former Grand Khadi of Niger State said it is not mandatory for President Jonathan to consult with him before appointing him for any national service.

It was gathered that the Ooni personally handled the invitation of the obas for the meeting.

A few top obas had allegedly held several meeting with the President before now to discuss the viability of Jonathan’s 2015 presidential ambition especially as it concerns voters in the Southwest.

It was gathered that following extensive discussions, it was agreed that a larger contingent of traditional rulers from the region should meet with the president with a view to hearing from him directly on his aspiration and plan for the geo-political zone.

The idea is that the visit will avail them of information to pass on to their subjects on the return from Abuja.

Sources said: “It is no longer news that Jonathan wants to win the Southwest at all cost. This meeting is one of the ways he wants to penetrate the region and he intends to use the traditional rulers to achieve his desire.

“The number of tradi-

tional rulers invited by the organisers for the trip was in excess of the 23 that agreed to go to Abuja tomorrow. Many of the obas contacted declined to be part of the team.

“Many of the obas invited from Osun State turned down the invitation after considering their relationship with the governor of the state. One of the traditional rulers declined to be part of the trip.

He will be on his way out of the country tomorrow as a decoy.”

It was also gathered that the organisers of the trip plan to explain it away as part of the effort to find an enduring solution to the current security challenges in the country.

An activist and leader of the Yoruba Renaissance Movement (YRM) Dr. Seeni Olaforiju, dismissed the planned meeting as a big disappointment.

His words:”There is no doubt that these traditional rulers are going to Abuja on their own accord. They surely do not have the mandate of their people to go and discuss

politics with Jonathan.

“If they think they can help the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to penetrate the Southwest, then they are joking because they will fail.

Yoruba are no fools and they know their leaders. Jonathan and the obas are just wasting their time.

“What has Jonathan done for the Southwest since he came on board? This is a man we supported when some forces wanted to prevent him from succeeding his late boss.

What we got as a people is nothing but acute marginalisation, disregard and disrespect at the end of the day.

Now he wants to use traditional rulers to hoodwink us.

“The fear of the merging political party is leading Jonathan to seek help where he will not find any. As much as we respect the traditional institution in Yorubaland, we also know how to say no to those who may want to lead us astray. The obas can go to Abuja and enter into whatever agreement they like, we will be waiting for them in 2015.”

• Sympathizers at the residence of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Chairman, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan yesterday in Lagos yesterday.

Photo: MUYIWA HASSAN

Kidnapped Ejigbo LCDA boss, Bamigbetan, regains freedom

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HE abducted Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, was late last night released by his captors.

Although the circumstances of his release were sketchy family sources confirmed his release.

Earlier in the day when news of his release hit the airwaves, relations, friends, associates and well-wishers gathered in his home with the social media re-cycling the news of the release.

In no time, handsets came alive with callers passing on the ‘news’.

It took only a few hours for the 24, Eni iwa Mimo Street, Ejigbo, Lagos residence of the Bamigbetans to begin to feel the impact: sympathis-

By Seun Akioye ers had descended there in their hundreds to come and share in the joy of the release.

They danced, sang and exchanged joyful banters, while they awaited for Bamigbetan to show up.

However, when contacted the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Police Command, Damasus Ozoani, said the Command was not aware of the release.

Inside the house itself, the mood was boisterous, a sharp contrast to the gloom which had pervaded the entire household since the abduction.

As new visitors arrived, they exchanged congratulatory messages with those already there and some prayed that Bamigbetan would arrive

home safely.

By mid-day, the abducted chairman was nowhere to be seen. Yet some of the sympathisers insisted he was on his way home.

Soon, the high hope began to thin out. And so was the crowd, leaving only family members and personal aides.

Now, it was clear it had all been a hoax.

The Information Officer of Ejigbo LCDA, Rabiu Hassan, who had been quoted by a social media as having confirmed Bamigbetan’s freedom said: “I heard like everyone else that he had been released and that he was on his way home. But he has not called me and I have not seen him that is all I can say.”

Some party faithful who remained till late evening said they believed the chairman

had been released and were prepared to wait for his return to the house.

His wife, Fatimo, had to switch off her handset following a barrage of calls from those who wanted to confirm her husband’s release.

At about 6:30 pm, a lorry was driven into the compound to offload canopies and chairs apparently in anticipation of celebration of his freedom.

His driver who was with him at the time of the abduction, Abiodun Olayiwola said he also is in high spirits to welcome his boss. “I want my boss home, I want him back home alive, I am eagerly waiting for him to come back home.”

Bamigbetan was abducted on Monday 15th April, 2013 at about 11:30 pm while returning to his Ejigbo home.

WAEC probes Facebook trade in leaked WASCE question papers

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

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HE West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is probing the activities of fraudsters engaged in trading alleged leaked question papers of the ongoing May/June 2013 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) online .

Head of Public Affairs of the Council in Nigeria, Mr Yusuf Ari, told The Nation that the council has been aware of rogue websites selling question papers and answers of Nigerian public examinations (not only WASCE) for some three years now.

He said the council is currently negotiating with some perpetrators who have asked for payment in recharge cards to establish how they get such question papers.

He said: “We are aware of rogue websites in existence claiming to have our question papers. This has been happening for about three years now not only to us, but JAMB and others. We are even negotiating with one to give us questions for Monday’s paper.

“They have asked us to send recharge cards. We are waiting till Monday to see whether the questions will be real. We want to see how they will get the questions, whether they will go to the exam hall when the paper starts and quickly get it and take it out.”

The paper for Monday is Government.

The Nigeria Examinations Committee (NEC), the highest policy-making organ of the council on examinations matters, has also raised the alarm over the activities of exam fraudsters.

During its 55th meeting in Ikeja between April 15 and 19, the NEC resolved to publish names of de-recognised centres, and upload the Continuous Assessment scores of school candidates and other major decisions on the council’s website.

NEC, in a communiqué, said: “ Members noted the three-year comparison in the incidence of examination malpractice which indicated an increase in the May/June 2012 WASSCE to the May/ June 2011 WASSCE. Collusion and irregular activities, inside and outside the examination hall, were the most prevalent forms of examination malpractice. “ Members believed that the increase recorded in examination malpractice in the May/June 2012 WASSCE, in comparison to the May/June 2011 WASSCE was an indication of better monitoring of the examination by staff of the council and other stakeholders and a spin-off from recent innovations put in place. “Members believed that if the Principal of a school decides that examination malpractice should not be allowed in his or her school, incidences of malpractice will be very minimal in the school.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Ajimobi embarks on N850m renovation of state hospital From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

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HE Oyo State Government has commenced the renovation of the State Hospital, Ibadan (popularly known as Adeoyo Hospital) at the cost of N850 million.

The hospital, which is located off Ring Road in Ibadan, the state capital, is the largest state-owned hospital.

It has been abandoned for several years with visible decays in virtually all sections of the hospital.

But after visiting the hospital last year, Ajimobi promised to rebuild it to enable it play its strategic roles in healthcare delivery, which is a central part of his transformation agenda.

The restructuring, which commenced about one month ago, is due to be completed in June.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who disclosed this while addressing reporters in Ibadan yesterday emphasised the renovation exercise is more of restructuring as most of the units were being redesigned or relocated to different parts with state-of-the-heart medical equipment being supplied.

The Commissioner disclosed that equipment worth N634 million were already being supplied, pointing out that they include theatre, OPD, ENT, Ophthalmology, gynecology and maxilofacial equipment as well as beds.

LAWMA MD calls for medical waste law

By Oziegbe Okoeki

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HE Managing Director, Lagos Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Ola Oresanya, has urged the Assembly to, as a matter of urgency, enact a law that will compel hospitals within the state to properly dispose their medical wastes.

Oresanya made the plea during an inspection tour by the members of the Lagos State House of Assembly to Olusosun dump site.

He charged the lawmakers to ensure that proper measures are taken to prevent people from health hazards occasioned by such waste.

He further stated that the mandate given to his Agency was to use Olusosun dumping site for a period of 30 years.

The mandate, he revealed, will lapse in the next 10 years, stating the site would then be turned to Green Park where people can relax and learn about waste management.

The Deputy Speaker, Taiwo Kolawole, who led the team on the tour, emphasised that the House was pleased about the activities of LAWMA. He stated that they would do what they could to assist the agency to achieve its goals.

News

Falae: Proposed amnesty for Boko Haram is misplaced priority

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F O R M E R presidential candidate, Chief Olu Falae, yesterday described the proposed amnesty for members of the Boko Haram sect by the Federal Government as a misplaced priority.

Falae, who spoke with reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, said granting amnesty to people whose identities remain unknown is ludicrous.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

He explained that the whole idea would be irrational if the beneficiaries of the planned amnesty have not shown any sign of remorse to end hostilities.

Falae, a former Finance Minister and Secretary to the Government of the Federatio(SGF), urged Northern leaders promoting amnesty for members of the sect to state reasons for the

proposition.

According to him: "Amnesty is granted to people who have shown remorse. In fact, we don't know people the Northern monarchs are asking the federal government to grant amnesty.

"What are the grievances of the members of the Boko Haram sect?

Until we know their grievances, we don't know whether it has been

addressed? We don't know if granting amnesty will finally put an end to the violence.

"I have no problem granting amnesty to members of the Boko Haram but the amnesty must be able to bring about the desired peace in the Northern part of the country. In the present situation, it will be a misplaced priority," Falae said.

•L-R: Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan, Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle at the first coronation anniversary of Olu of Ilaro in Ogun State... yesterday

T

HE Anglican Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Rt. Rev. Christopher Omotunde, has warned political office holders against greed and other excesses.

Omotunde spoke at St. Andrews Anglican Church, Okeila, Ado-Ekiti, capital of the state over the weekend at the burial of late Chief Obayemi, a notable Ado-Ekiti indigene and member of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the second republic.

Obayemi was the father of Hon. Fatima Rasaki, wife of General Raji Rasaki (Rtd.), former Military Governor of Lagos State.

The cleric urged political leaders to observe limits in material acquisition, saying "life is a zero sum game, vanity upon vanity, all equals vanity."

He said: "What endure in life are legacies of selflessness, patriotism, and commitment to humanity in all regards."

He equally encouraged Nigerian leaders to eschew violence and unite for the peaceful progress and development of the country, adding "they should endure to forgive their perceived political opponents.

According to the cleric: "politically motivated violence is a disturbing trend in the country today about which something urgent must be done."

Omotunde recalled the times of Chief Obayemi, the Baba Ijo of St. Andrews Anglican Church, Ado-Ekiti, stating that "he forgave all his political adversaries and eventually triumphed over them all. He died an

Avoid greed, violence, cleric warns politicians From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

immensely accomplished man at a ripe old age."

Omotunde further urged Nigerians to halt the unbridled struggle for money and other worldly objects, stating "no one takes anything away from this world. This is where it all ends."

Meanwhile, dignitaries

from across Nigeria on Friday were in attendance at both the church service and reception which followed at Christ's School in the capital to honour General Raji Rasaq and his wife, Fatima Rasaq.

They included former military administrators of Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti States, Rear Admiral Joseph Olaseinde, Rear Admiral

Abiodun Olukoya, Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin and Navy Capt.

Atanda Yusuf respectively.

Others were the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola Alao; Ibadan High Chief, Akogun Lekan Alabi; Senior Chief Lateef Oyelade; and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.

5

AA sues 13 expelled members for slander From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

O

YO State chapter of the Action Alliance (AA) has dragged 13 expelled members of the party to court for misinforming the public about its leadership.

The 13 expelled members allegedly claimed the party did not hold a national convention.

Addressing reporters yesterday at the party secretariat in Providence Court, Mokola, Ibadan, the national leader of AA, Pastor Taiwo Otegbeye, noted the expelled members have been suspended since 2011, alleging they were being used by opposition parties to cause distraction.

He said: "They have been suspended from the party since 24th of November, 2011 for alleged anti-party activities, criminal diversion of party funds, flagrant disrespect for the party constitution and contravention of electoral provision as spelt out in the Electoral Act 2010 as amended, and the letter was issued by our headquarters.

According to him, the national convention of AA held on April 13 at the headquarters of the party in Abuja and new national officers were elected under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The national leader described the expelled members as a bunch of liars and men of shoddy characters, saying that the party has informed their legal adviser and they will be dragged to court to face the wrath of the law.

He said:" Our party, Action Alliance, has gone beyond this level of distraction and will not be deterred by a people who are going nowhere. "

Chairmen endorse Aregbesola for second term

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HE Forum of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Chairmen in Osun State has endorsed the state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for second term in office.

Also, the 332 ward chairmen of the ACN in the state passed a vote of confidence on his leadership.

In a communiqué issued after a special meeting of the forum in Osogbo to assess the progress of the Aregbesola's administration in the last 30 months, the ward chairmen were particularly impressed by the Governor's efforts at banishing poverty and hunger.

They also praised him for reducing unemployment, promoting healthy living, communal peace and progress and reforming the educational system.

The forum mentioned the O'YES, O'REAP, O'MEAL, O SCHOOLS programmes, the O'RENEWAL and the ubiquitous road construction

From: Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

and maintenance projects that are ongoing in the state as proofs that the Governor deserves a second term.

Aregbesola assured the ward chairmen that more spectacular progress will be evident in the coming

months for those who are not blind to see or deaf to hear about the developments in the state.

He also disclosed that his administration has already committed over N1 billion to farmers in the state to boost agriculture in the state.

He stated that there is hardly any state in the

federation with as low a level of value as Osun that can boast of the kind of achievements the state has recorded under his administration.

He encouraged the ward chairmen to stand firm and be prepared for harder work to make the state a model in the country.

Ekiti indigenes in Europe commiserate with Fayemi

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GROUP, Ekiti Professionals in Europe (EPE), has described the death of the state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Funmi Olayinka, as a huge loss.

A press statement by its President, Femi Awoniyi, said the death had robbed the Governor of the state of an able lieutenant with whom he was creating a new culture of governance in the state.

It read: "We commiserate with the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on

his loss of an able deputy with whom he successfully waged the battle against electoral fraud and the repossession of their joint mandate given to them by Ekiti people."

The group paid glowing tributes to Olayinka for her indelible contributions to the development of the state.

"We note with gratitude the tireless efforts of Mrs. Olayinka as the chairperson of the state's Economic Management Team.”

"Drawing from her

experience as a banker and corporate manager, Mrs Olayinka committed herself wholly to the job of reviving the fortunes of the state, an assignment she performed creditably," Awoniyi, who is also the publisher of The African Courier magazine, added.

It called on Fayemi to immortalise Olayinka by establishing a permanent Early Detection Programme in the state's health care delivery system that will be named after her.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

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Group Urges EFCC to Probe Ebonyi’s N40billion debt

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group, Concerned Citizens of Ebonyi State, has raised the alarm over the huge debt problem facing the state.

It called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately probe the administrators of the states, resources.

The president of the group, Mr. Elechi Ikeburu, in a statement stressed that the situation is more alarming because there are no tangible completed infrastructural development projects to march the huge debt profile.

“It is unthinkable that Ebonyi State will have such huge debt without corresponding evidence of completed projects carried out in the state,” the statement stated.

Ebonyi State led the list of the states in the country that failed the domestic debt sustainability analysis undertaken by the Debt Management Office (DMO).

According to DMO, Ebonyi recorded a negative score of 272 per cent, representing her domestic debt stock of N40.239 billion relative to her IGR of N14.778 billion.

It would be recalled a lawmaker from Ebonyi State representing Ezza North/West Constituency, Enyi C. Enyi, recently opposed a motion for a vote of confidence for the Governor and his Deputy, citing the numerous uncompleted projects that litter the state.

Enyi said: “Most of the projects put in place by the present administration are yet to be completed. The ongoing water schemes are yet to be completed, so we are yet to assess its impact on the people of the state.

“It is clear that the road leading to the State House of Assembly is in shambles.

Therefore, it is premature at this point for the state house of assembly to pass a vote of confidence on Governor Martin Elechi and his deputy.”

Shun violence, group tells Nigerians

By Dare Odufowokan

N

IGERIANS have been urged to shun all forms of violent and consider themselves as agents of changes through positive attitudes.

The National Coordinator of Do It Right Foundation, Mr. Dixon Jubri, stated this during a briefing to unveil the Do It Right Jubril lamented that Nigeria is gradually sliding into a state of chaos and the citizens are becoming resentful of the government because of unmet expectations.

He warned: “We may not have a nation in future if nothing is done to salvage the nation from the path of destruction”.

Jubril argued: “As bad as it seems, there are still certain things that binds the nation together.

“If we stand as a people who love Nigeria we would harness all the negative acts and turn it into good for the benefit of the generation yet unborn.”

The Deputy National Coordinator of the Foundation and a human rights activist, Joe Barggie, opined that criticism cannot help any nation.

“We have lost out for a very long time and the best time to start talking to ourselves is now,” he said.

Gloom, sadness as agencies vacate National Theatre

F

EDERAL Government agencies and parastatals at the National Theatre Iganmu Lagos yesterday started vacating the premises following the expiration of a two-week quit order by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke.

Some of the agencies affected are National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), National Gallery of Art (NGA), National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and some private and commercial agencies and business concerns within the large premises.

Employees of the National Gallery of Art (NGA), one of the affected agencies were seen packing some of their equipment and art

By Edozie Udeze

works out of the premises.

One of them confided they have been directed to evacuate some of the art works to safer places.

The source further revealed that although the NGA has not yet secured a new office space within Lagos to house its staff and equipment, the situation was under control.

“We have been mandated to look for and secure an office accommodation at either Ikoyi or Victoria Island. And our best bet as at now is a Federal Government property,” he further disclosed.

Two weeks ago, The Nation published a new arrangement by the Federal Government to lease the premises of the National Theatre out for a Public

Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

The arrangement, which includes the building of a five -star hotel, a shopping mall, multi-level car park, an amusement park, land and water restaurant, among others is expected to take effect immediately.

There was an uneasy calm as people gathered within the artistes village and around the abegi area of the premises, discussing the development in clusters.

Many of them were apprehensive as to where and how they could pack their belongings and close down their kiosks.

A staff of NCAC, who spoke under anonymity, hinted that his agency was still in a dilemma as to where and when to pack.

“Since we do not have enough money to move now, we are still apprehensive. Yes we have been told by our director in Abuja to move”.

It was not clear whether NCAC had secured a new office space as most of the senior staff remained unsure of what to do.

Many private and government business operators wore gloomy looks yesterday, saying they did not know where else to move to.

Some of the affected parastatals in dilemma, it was gathered, include The Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA); Society of Nigerian Artists (SNA); Guild of Professional Artists of Nigeria (GFA); Dancers of National Troupe of Nigeria, Guild of Nigerians Dancers (GOND) and many more.

Lagos Assembly seeks take-off of renal, cardiac centre

By Oziegbe Okoeki

T

HE Lagos State Ministry of Health has been implored to complete and commission the renal and cardiac centre built at the Gbagada General Hospital.

The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos state House of Assembly, Hon. Kolawole Taiwo, stated this when he led other members of the House on inspection of on-going projects in the state on oversight duties.

According to Taiwo, the completion and commissioning of the center which, is equipped with state-of-the—art equipment, will put a stop to foreign medical trip.

He applauded the executive arm for the construction of the centre which he described as the best in Africa.

The centre, which has modern equipment such as dialysis CT-scan machine, renal machine etc is the centre in Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, promised that the centre will be officially opened before the end of the year after recruitment of suitable personnel.

Osun to host information conference

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•L-R: Environmentalist, Dr. Newton Jibunnoh; Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; his wife, Olufunso; and Chairperson, House Committee on Environment, Uche Ekwunife during the UPLIFTing the Environment - Green Awareness Walk in Abeokuta...yesterday

PDP not afraid of probe, says Metuh

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HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is not afraid of probe of the activities of its leaders since 1999.

Its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, stated this in a statement yesterday.

The party asked the oppo-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

sition to prove itself by “accusing the regime of corruption” in the few states it controls as a demonstration of its fidelity to the anti- corruption cause.

Metuh pointed out that the ruling party established the Economic and Financial

Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Crimes Commission (ICPC) and the Freedom of Information Act for the purpose of fighting corruption in the first place.

The PDP hailed the manifesto of the merging All Progressives Congress (APC),

NASS assures MAN of training vessel

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EMBERS of the National Assembly have assured Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Akwa Ibom State, of a training vessel for cadets in the institution.

The Chairman, House Committee on Marine Transport, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, stated this during a tour of the academy as part of its oversight function to the institution yesterday.

According to Ugwuanyi, the committee would get a training vessel for cadets in the academy by collaborating with the federal Ministry of Transport and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

Ugwuanyi stated that the House would support the academy in curbing security challenges through appropriation and by way of providing for the maintenance of the police team that will be sent to the academy by the Inspector General of Police.

The Chairman stated that the Senate and House Committees on Marine Transport would support the institution and see it upgraded to world class standards.

He said: “It is our wish that both committees, the Senate and House Committees on Marine Transport of National Assembly will see that the in-

stitution is upgraded to a world class institution.

“With that at the back of our mind, we have over the years speedily approved your budget and given you the needed support.”

The Chairman also said that the committee had approved additional N2 billion to meet the challenges of the institution.

The Rector, Joshua Okpo, attributed the success of his administration to God and the collective support of management, staff, cadets, and the host community.

He stated the academy was grappling with the security challenges, overstretched facilities and poor funding.

describing it, however, as “a very poor imitation, a bland parody of the manifesto of the Peoples Democratic Party”.

The ruling party scorned at the opposition parties, saying victory would not be offered them by chance and media bombast.

“The leaders and members of the APC are entertaining themselves. The oppositions are in their dream world.

“They are in deep slumber but will soon wake up to the stark reality that it takes more than noise making to defeat the PDP, the only truly national political party in Nigeria, with impregnable structures in every polling booth, every ward, local government and every state of the federation. They will wake up on the eve of 2015 and see us once again in power.

“Those who recited the parable of the bloody baboon and monkey and other fellows who pledged the impossible in desperation, may engage in demagoguery to throw the state into chaos. Nigerians are however wiser,” the statement added

SUN State has concluded arrangements to host this year edition of the National Council on Information conference.

The National Council on Information which is scheduled to hold in September in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, is the highest policy organ for the formulation of information policies in the country.

Making the disclosure during the First Quarter Ministerial Press Conference in Osogbo, the state capital, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Sunday Akere, said Governor Rauf Aregbesola, is already making provisions for the successful hosting of the event, which he said, would attract all information managers from all over the country.

Akere also disclosed that the ministry is packaging a town hall meeting tagged “Gbangba Dekun” in which Aregbesola would meet faceto- face with the people at the grassroots in the three senatorial districts as well as the nine federal constituencies and the local governments.

He said the proposed town hall meeting, which he assured would start soon, will afford the people of the state the opportunity to interact with the governor and discuss their needs.

Fatukasi clocks 50 The President and Founder of Prisoner’s Welfare Restoration International Outreach, Rev. Dayo Fatukasi, today marked his golden jubilee with friends and well-wishers at his Lagos residence.

The Hydrological Engineer and Chairman, Fatus Group of Companies, said: “This would be another opportunity to touch the lives of the less privileged in the society.

“Every year our organisation organises programmes that have helped these people to start life afresh.

“It is very important because they need orientation on how to become better citizens and change the world positively.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

News

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Sacrificing the party to save Nigeria •Text of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu at the party’s convention in Lagos on Friday.

• Tinubu

“

We have come to the place where things must change or we shall sink. For the nation to continue as is constitutes nothing less than an invitation to doom. Such a fate we shall not abide

“

H

ISTORY is upon us, asking something bold of us. Those who hear must respond to its call because history is impatient. If we tarry, history shall not. If we fail to act as the situation requires, history will still move forward and its pen will write an unanswerable verdict against us. All the prior achievements and feats we have recorded in the past will matter little unless we now answer the challenge now facing us.

We have come to the place where things must change or we shall sink. For the nation to continue as is constitutes nothing less than an invitation to doom. Such a fate we shall not abide.

The hour is late and our chance for national progress reduces with each idle moment.

The way Nigeria is governed must change and change dramatically. This means the shape of politics must change.

Nigeria must be a prosperous, secure, safe nation that helps weaker nations attain peace and stability. Instead we are beset by woe on all sides. Boko Haram falls upon our people in the North. MEND in the Niger Delta falls upon us. Kidnapping and robbery encircle the nation as if we have become a training ground for criminal misconduct.

Rich in manpower and material resources, Nigeria should set the agenda for economic development and broadly shared prosperity on the African continent. Today, the opposite is the case. Instead of having a wealth of domestically produced goods in our manufacturing basket, we hold a virtually empty basket. As such, we have become a basket case.

More Nigerians than ever before suffer under the daily grind of poverty. Unemployment is so rampant among our youth that finding a job is no longer the natural progression of life. It is seen as a miracle.

Even then, upon finding work, too many people soon discover they labor for wages below the subsistence level. For them there are too many days left until the end of the month after the money is finished.

With too little food and more tears in their eyes than drinkable water in their cups, they stare into the darkness of despair on a constant basis.

This is not the way of a great nation. It is the way of heartless and mean governance that puts the interests of small elite above the interests of the common working man and woman who are the soul and backbone of this nation.

We should have a vast land transportation system that moves our active, energetic population safely and moves our goods and produce cheaply.

Instead, our roads have become portals of death where people perish by the dozens — one accident after another.

Yet, those in command do nothing for the average Nigerian who is forced to run this gauntlet of death for his daily crumbs of bread. Instead, those who could improve this situation for the good of all do just enough to make things better for themselves.

Where the road is bad, they budget for it, still the road gets worse off. Where the road is impassable, they offer excuses and empty promises. The touted improvement in electricity supply is now a mirage. In the midst of petrol dollars and abundance of

natural gas Nigerians are without a commensurate standard of living. Our billions are embezzled and shared to cronies.

The slogan of the ruling party is power, but corruption is the fuel that powers their government.

In a prior age, an arrogant ruler reportedly once scoffed regarding her starving population, “let them eat cake.” Today, our rulers scoff at our people “let them face death.”

The current way of governance makes nation building impossible. What it does is make poverty and the erosion of a just society inevitable.

We have gathered at this hour and in this place to put an end to this national corrosion.

We have assembled to bring a new day and a new Nigeria to our people.

The Nigerian people are decent and hard-working people.

They also are long –suffering.

Just because they are long –suffering does not mean they should be forced to suffer until death comes.

Our people have had enough of having nothing. The current government’s trademark is to throw empty words and hollow action at our problems as if doing nothing will cause our troubles to leave from sheer boredom. Instead, trouble mounts.

If this is the government’s idea of transformation, I will have none of it. It seems their notion of change is to go from slow motion to no motion at all.

If they want to stand still, that is their right. However, they have no right to force the whole nation to stagnate with them.

We have things to accomplish and progress to make for the good of the people.

If they have nothing to offer except the nothing they have been giving us, let’s join hands with others to sweep them aside. so that we can keep pushing through and move this nation upward and forward.

This is why we hold our convention today. This convention portends the coming of great political change. A storm is brewing. Don’t be frightened. It is a positive storm with a positive wind. Those things that have no roots and offer no solution to the plight of the people shall be swept away. This storm will change the political terrain forever. I am not afraid of this storm. I welcome it because the storm is us- our new vision. Our new party.

I stand to tell you that for the good of Nigeria this must be the last and final convention of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN. As one of the national leaders of this party, I have dedicated myself to our political collaboration. I am attached to it in the strongest way. I am proud of what we have accomplished.

Had we not held fast in the Southwest against onslaught and intrigue, Nigeria would effectively be a one party state.

When history rights its tale of

the past decade, it will say the ACN preserved Nigerian democracy when it came under great threat.

But we must enter a new phase if poverty and want are to be lifted from the backs of our people. Given the destructive nature of PDP governance, we can no longer be satisfied with preserving democratic practice and with serving as the opposition. The first step in changing Nigeria for the better is to change government for the better.

Weighing all things in the balance, if I must decide between the existence of this party and the improvement of Nigeria, I must choose the improvement of Nigeria. That is our duty and responsibility. While it would be most comfortable to remain with our party as is, with its unique symbol, manifesto and constitution, we are not here to do what is comfortable. We are here to do what is right for our people and our country.

We are here to answer to a greater, higher calling. That calling is the love of Nigeria.

To rescue Nigeria from the blight of misgoverance, we must join hands with likeminded progressives in other parties and organisations. We must sacrifice our current parti-

san identity to create a larger one capable of assuming leadership at the national level.

This and only this offers the best chance for Nigeria at this stage.

We dare not miss this chance because we cannot be sure of another.

I ask you my brothers and sisters to take pride in what ACN has accomplished but to have the vision and courage to see that our national imperatives require us to enter a new phase of political maturity, sacrifice and cooperation in order to bring an era of progressive governance to the whole of Nigeria and not just part of it. If we must end the ACN identity to form a new party so that Nigeria can survive and our people can live better life and face a rewarding future., then so be it.

We shall do this with serious yet happy purpose and no regrets. May your chests fill with pride at what we have done and may your hearts fill with optimism at the better future that we shall create.

Join me today in voting to move our party into merger with the ANPP, CPC, other parties and organisations to form the All Progressives

Congress, APC. I assure you that the place we are going will be your house of political fulfillment.

We shall have a meaningful voice in the APC. The principles of democracy, justice, visionary governance and liberty that shaped the ACN shall carry over into the APC. The new party will be as welcome a home as the ACN. It will just be a bigger house for a larger political family.

It shall be this family that saves Nigeria by bringing to the people the creative policies that promote wide prosperity, employment, infrastructural overhaul, education, health care, civil rights, peace, stability and justice.

Thus vote with me to close the historic and noble chapter on the ACN so that we can begin a new and bigger book called the APC. For us this is not a sad ending, it is but the beginning of a great beginning. Let us do what is right so that when history writes its account of this day, it shall write that we lived up to our moral duties by doing what the moment required.

For a better Nigeria, the ACN must join with other parties to merge into the APC. This is our last best hope.

There is nothing else to do.

Thank you and God bless this convention and God Bless Nigeria.

8

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

NEWS REVIEW

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

F

OR many Nigerians, especially the Muslim folk, the name Dr. Ahmed Gumi needs no introduction. A trained medical doctor, the renowned Islamic scholar is noted for his frank views on issues of national importance and has sometimes found himself involved in some controversies.

A graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU, Zaria, the Saudi Arabia-based Nigerian Islamic scholar is the son of one of Nigeria's greatest Islamic scholars and winner of the King Fahd Prize, the late Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi. Since the death of his father, Gumi has always returned to the country during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan to conduct Tafsir at the Sultan Bello Mosque, regarded as Kaduna's Central Mosque. Since the beginning of the current security challenge in the country, occasioned by activities of the Boko Haram insurgence, he has remained very critical of their activities and has sometimes, branded them un-Islamic.. During one of his Tafsirs, he told those who cared to listen that there was nothing Islamic in the activities of the insurgent group, asking them and those who kill in the name of Islam to desist and ask for forgiveness before the wrath of Allah descend on them.

Interestingly, no Islamic scholar in the north had spoken against activities of the group in such a direct manner and there are those who believe that his statement against the group marked him out as a potential target of attack.

Unconfirmed reports have it that one of the bomb explosions within Kaduna metropolis was actually targeted at him because of his statement. Two suspected suicide bombers riding on a motor bike had died a few metres to his house along Moddibo Adama Road near the state House of Assembly on a day Gumi was to round off the 2012 Tafsir at the Sultan Bello Mosque.

The essential Sheikh Ahmed Gumi Tony Akowe profiles the enigmatic Islamic scholar, Sheikh Gumi A potential target Even though security sources said that the two suicide bombers who were carrying a television set were heading for the mosque where Gumi was to be with thousands of Muslims, he was of the belief that they were planting the bomb along the road where he was supposed to follow while going to the mosque. He was quoted to have said in an interview that he got information about an attempt to eliminate him before the incident happened, expressing surprise that the security agents never bothered to inform him to be careful.

He said, "My name was among the list drawn up for elimination by the so-called Boko Haram. This information was there two days in the Nigerian Army headquarters and I heard it in the morning before the incident. Nobody told me officially that your life was under threat. I had just finished an interview with a newspaper and was to leave for the mosque. We have a convoy that do follow Ali Akilu Road on the way to the mosque. Two men on a motor bike were placed to watch our convoy.

When our first car passed through the road, they quickly went a few metres to plant the explosive so that when my car approached the place, they can now use remote to detonate it. Unfortunately for them, I did not follow the usual route. Two minutes later, we heard a loud explosion. So

• Jadesimi

powerful it was that it shook our house, you can go there and see the hole by the roadside. I quickly sent two of my boys to go and take pictures if possible. On reaching there, one of the bombers was still alive. One of them had a pistol, which I supposed was meant to finish the job in the event that the explosion did not kill me. The supposed Boko Haram bombers that targeted me that day are not Muslims. So, this Boko Haram thing is a creation of western powers. They will kill whoever criticises Boko Haram and say it is Boko Haram. They will have to wash their hands from the blood of innocent Nigerians that are being killed daily. They kill in churches, they kill in mosques and they target anyone that they think poses a threat to their heinous crime. The foreign enemy got our government as an umbrella to operate. That is what is going on and I don't know what they stand to gain."

A foreign ploy He is a firm believer in the fact that the Boko Haram insurgency is a creation of a few persons who want to destabilise the country for their own gains. In an interview with a Kaduna-based media outfit, Dr. Gumi accused the United States of America (USA) of being the brain behind the insurgence. He said "the issue of Boko Haram in its current formation is super-imposed from

America, who wants to balkanise Nigeria for their benefit. There was an American security expert, who once wrote extensively about the Boko Haram. He said it is true there is Boko Haram but the present consistent bombings and killings are the handwork of foreign elements who want to balkanise Nigeria. For example, there was a letter circulated in the western part of Nigeria marked 'top secret' purportedly written and signed by one Datti Ahmed, dated as far back as February 2011. That is almost a year before the bombings started. My attention was drawn to the letter by a friend. The content of the letter indicates that some Muslim leaders have a plan to publicly condemn Boko Haram while they will secretly encourage and support Boko Haram to attack churches and some Christian clerics. I know they are indirectly alleging that the letter was signed by our Dr Datti Ahmed.

In the said letter, the names of Generals Buhari, Babangida, Gov. Isa Yuguda, myself and even Sanusi Lamido Sanusi were alleged to have participated in that meeting. I was supposed to be the chief strategist and the outside contact of the group. You can see how stupid and ridiculous that fabrication can be. Gen. Buhari is an intelligent officer and so is Gen. Babangida and myself. How can we put it on paper if actually such a meeting took place? This is the

handiwork of those who want to pitch Christians against the Muslims.

Remember the letter was distributed only in the southern part of the country where Christians are in the majority.

There was also another letter purportedly written by one Christian Boko Haram called Akhwat Akwop.

The letter allegedly threatened to attack Muslims in the north. The letter was distributed in the northern part of the country. This is meant to incite Muslims also against Christians so that we could start killing ourselves for eventual break up of Nigeria. It is part of the American policy to always seek to break any country that has oil into smaller units. So, all what you are seeing in the name of Boko Haram is a foreign destabilisation plot using some fifth columnists within the Nigerian security circle. Now the north has found oil along Maiduguri and even Sokoto. That is why they predicted that Nigeria is going to break up into pieces to allow them to suck our oil."

When the Jonathan administration finally succumbed to pressure to grant amnesty to members of the Boko Haram Islamic group, Dr. Gumi was among prominent Nigerians who condemned the action, saying rather than grant them amnesty, the group should have been exterminated. He said in a sermon placed on his Facebook page that the clamour for amnesty was hypocritical and that the group ought to be crushed. He was of the opinion that Prophet Mohammed (SAW) would have personally led in exterminating the sect, adding that "every individual in this nation is concerned about the future. Nigeria is catalytically deteriorating. Today, the national discourse is on corruption and amnesty for terrorism. Corruption is incurable, it is only suppressed. That is by genuine ethics/faith illumination campaigns, W.A.I, Re-

•Contd. on page 10

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

News Review/World

Strong quake hit China, kills 156

A

powerful earthquake struck the steep hills of China's southwestern Sichuan province yesterday, leaving at least 156 people dead and more than 5,500 injured, nearly five years after a devastating quake wreaked widespread damage across the region.

Yesterday's quake, while not as destructive as the one in 2008, toppled buildings, triggered landslides and disrupted phone and power connections in mountainous Lushan county. The village of Longmen was hit particularly hard, with authorities saying nearly all the buildings there had been destroyed in a frightening minute-long shaking by the quake.

"It was such a big quake that everyone was scared," said a woman who answered the phone at a kindergarten hours later and declined to give her name. "We all fled for our lives."

Rescuers turned the square outside the Lushan County Hospital into a triage center, where medical personnel bandaged bleeding victims, according to footage on China Central Television. Rescuers dynamited boulders that had fallen across roads to reach Longmen and other damaged areas lying farther up the mountain valleys, state media reported.

The China Earthquake Administration said at least 156 people had died, including 96 in Lushan. In the jurisdiction of Ya'an, which administers Lushan, 19 people were reported missing and more than 5,500 people were injured, the administration said.

The quake - measured by the earthquake administration at magnitude-7.0 .

Boston Marathon bombing: Second suspect caught W ITH the surviving suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings lying seriously wounded in a hospital, investigators worked yesterday to find a motive and whether the ethnic Chechen brothers accused in the attack acted alone.

Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, was captured late on Friday after a gunfight with police that ended a daylong manhunt and sent waves of relief and jubilation throughout Boston. His brother Tamerlan, 26, was killed on Thursday in a shootout with police.

Tsarnaev was being treated at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

in Boston, said spokeswoman Kelly Lawman, who said the FBI would provide updates on his condition.

It was not clear when he would be charged.

Tsarnaev had been hiding in a boat parked in the backyard of a house in the suburb of Watertown, police said. A resident called police after spotting blood on the boat. Police said he was bleeding and in serious condition when admitted to hospital.

President Barack Obama said after the capture that questions

remained from the bombings, including whether the two suspects received any help.

Early indications are that the suspects acted alone, the Watertown Police Chief Edward Deveau told CNN yesterday.

"From what I know right now, these two acted together and alone," he said. "But as far as this little cell or this little group, I think we got our guys."

Monday's bombing at the worldfamous Boston Marathon was

• An injured woman is carried into Lushan People's hospital on a stretcher after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Lushan county, Sichuan Province yesterday.

AFP PHOTO

described by Obama as an act of terrorism and was the worst such attack on U.S. soil since September 11, 2001. The brothers are suspected of setting off bombs made in pressure cookers and packed with ball bearings and nails at the crowded finish line, killing three people and injuring 176.

The family of 8-year-old bombing victim Martin Richard welcomed the arrest of Tsarnaev. "Our community is once again safe from these two men," the family said in a statement.

The brothers had not been under surveillance as possible militants, U.S. government officials said. But the FBI said on Friday that it interviewed Tamerlan in 2011 at the request of a foreign government, which it did not identify.

"The request stated that it was based on information that he was a follower of radical Islam and a strong believer, and that he had changed drastically since 2010 as he prepared to leave the United States for travel to the country's region to join unspecified underground groups," the FBI statement said.

The matter was closed when the FBI "did not find any terrorism activity, domestic or foreign."

The FBI statement was the first evidence that the family had come to security officials' attention after they emigrated to the United States about a decade ago.

The brothers spent their early years in a small community of Chechens in the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan, a mainly Muslim nation of 5.5 million. The family moved in 2001 to Dagestan, a southern Russian province that lies at the heart of a violent Islamist insurgency and where their parents now live.

The essential Sheikh Ahmed Gumi •Contd. from page 9 brand Nigeria etc. and an effective system of accountability (i.e. check and balance) or what can be summed up as good governance."

He believed that members of the sect have disrespect for the Quran or Hadith or anything scholarly, saying "they have their own interpretation. Anything short of that is part of the enemy that should be killed. So, on what basis should there be dialogue or amnesty? It is a creed that must be crushed; it is a creed the prophet - alaihis Salamwished he was alive to exterminate." But he believes that the present administration does not have the moral ground to end the Boko Haram insurgency while condemning the activities of the Joint Task Force. He said: "A whole region is made to suffer economically, socially and politically because of this blind war on terror. The present dispensation has everything to gain in refusing the 'amnesty' call for political reasons, that is why it is recalcitrant. Otherwise, if the need to crush BH is genuine, it would have been achieved since. Boko Haram members are armed individuals hiding among the civilian population. They do not control any high fire power to be engaged in a war. Therefore, there is absolutely no need -what so everto deploy and ultimately exhaust the military in road blocks all over the spheres of their activities. What are needed are very good intelligence, special strike squads and the genuine cooperation of the civilian population which can never be achieved through intimidation."

Frank talk With his frankness, the Islamic scholar has often stirred

controversies. One of such is his call on President Jonathan to resign and the other being a statement credited to him that the late Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa of Kaduna State and Gen. Andrew Azazi were killed in a helicopter crash because they were plotting against Islam. He said of President Jonathan: "The conviction of (Henry) Okah, to me, is the conviction of MEND as the first terrorist bomb attack the nation witnessed, which Jonathan hastily used the SSS to exonerate and then implicate innocent people. Was he misled into that? Anyhow, this was exactly the dilemma Jesus Christ went through - the persecution of an innocent man of God in the hands of people that claim piety and speak on behalf of God. This is an anti-Christ activity. It is shameful. This incidence has made me not see Jonathan on the right of the spectrum. He can still be good but he is definitely mired in evil.

Evil that either directly kills innocent people or evil that masks killers or evil that takes advantage from the murder of the innocents for political gains. If Jonathan should be a true man of God, let him repent and step down. An Amnesty International report has affirmed to that. That will also stop any pretext of Boko Haram, the evil that permeated Islam - the ravening grievous wolves in sheep's clothing. Boko Haram, either genuinely a northern political ploy as claimed, or a smear from the clandestine security agents for his political advantage."

Gumi is also quoted by Sahara Reporters, the US-based Nigerian online journal as saying that it is wrong to compel anyone to practice Islam saying that there is no compulsion on non-Muslims to convert to Islam. The online journal claimed that Gumi was reacting to reports that Boko Haram asked

•Gumi President Goodluck Jonathan to convert to Islam. Quoting an undisclosed source, it said, "Mallam made it clear today that there is no compulsion and forceful conversion to our Islamic religion. He explained that enemies of Islam and some misguided Muslims are responsible for creating confusion and division among Muslim Ummah. He made it clear that Muslims are not against Christians or any religion, but wondered why it is that whenever the talk about Sharia comes up, some lie and throw up all kinds of falsehood that there is a plot to Islamise Nigeria."

At the wedding of two of Vice President Namadi Sambo's daughters at the Sultan Bello Mosque in Kaduna, he again stirred another controversy. He was reported to have publicly admonished the leader of the Derica sect, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, for reciting the Salatul fatih (salutation of the Prophet of Islam), an issue which generated serious debate in the media. While not denying the

statement credited to him, he was quick to defend himself, saying, "I think the media guys are always eager to get something to publish so that they will sell their papers. What happened was that the VP invited people of different inclinations from different parts of the country to the wedding of his daughters and I was invited. After the wedding, I and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi were called to cap up the occasion with prayers.

Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi did his own prayer and then recited this Salatul faith which I called controversial.

When he finished, I was given the microphone and I said that when Muslims gather together in such a big place with the nation's leaders, it will be an offence or sin against Allah if we disperse without admonishing ourselves on what is beneficial to our religion. I said, okay, let me admonish us, after finishing my own prayer I started. First, I said the first Wasiyya that is paramount to us is that we should fear Allah. Allah advised us

in the Qur'an that we should fear.

The second advice was unity.

Allah says in the Qur'an that you should come together and unite and you should not be divided. So on this note, I gave an example. I said to Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi 'for you to recite Salatul Fatih in this mosque where Sunnah of the Prophet is established is unthoughtful.’ If he hadthought out well, he wouldn't have recited it there. I said whatever you recite or you do that will cause a division among Muslims, the Prophet doesn't like it. The Prophet said, "My nation and Ummah (community) will never come together on something that is bad."

So when you hold on tight to something and the whole Ummah does not agree with you, then you should know that you are holding to something very controversial. If you do prayer or pay Zakat, can anybody oppose you? So when you do something that is known in religion, nobody will oppose you. That is why the Prophet said the nation will never unite on something that is bad, meaning it will only unite on something that is good. So when you have a controversial issue, don't bring it into the nation. I said this to teach them. If you need the unity of Muslims, don't bring your sectional belief or ideology to Muslims. If he had recited the Salatul Fatih inside him, I wouldn't have objected. Even God preferred the prayer done silently."

What is clear is that Dr. Gumi is a man who does not run away from controversies and does not believe in not rocking the boat or ruffling feathers. He has proved that he is a true chip off the old block. A true reflection of his father; a man who says his mind no matter whose ox is gored.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

News Review/World

11

Intellectual fraud is stealing your W economic future

AR and ideas are the primary factors determining the cast and color of human history. A bad idea is often more dangerous than an army. A terrible idea, widely accepted, can inflict damage no weapon can achieve. To achieve military victory, an army must assert itself to subdue the foe. One who plants a wrong idea in the head of an adversary need not spend a drop of sweat. He can enjoy the luxury of watching his victim self-destruct.

Because of the minatory quality of erroneous economic concepts, this column often focuses on this theme to warn against the indoctrination the world attempts against you. Money Power, the global elite, claims it wants you to prosper. They lie. Your prosperity would require they forget their economic mastery of you.

Forfeiting their mastery means to forfeiting their profits and exalted station. Why would people whose economic creed is the utility of greed suddenly turn selfless to benefit weak and imperfect strangers? They preach you may reach prosperity only if you do as they say. They hire smart people to write books and craft elaborate theories to convince you about the veracity of their assertions. What they neglect to tell you is that the advice they provide you was not the advice they followed. The books and theorems they recommend you digest are such that you eating this select diet will nourish them more than it does you.

In 2009, Ivy League economists Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff authored a book This Time is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly.

They also wrote a paper Growth in a Time of Debt. Both works contend slow economic growth always plagues nations with debt-to-GDP ratios exceeding 90 percent. Put another way, economic growth depends on national governments running no or low deficits. Their work becoming an intellectual chevron for the conservative elite worldwide, the two authors were instant darlings of the corporate media, the establishment intelligentsia, and international financial institutions.

The authors proudly hawked their wares on CNN and other stations. The book received the 2011 Gold Medal Award from the Council of Foreign Relations, America's most prestigious foreign affairs organization that heavily influences government policy. The book garnered accolades from USA Today as "One of the Best Books to Make Sense of the Financial Crisis." Moreover, their paper has become one of the most cited economic short pieces of the past quarter century.

The fanfare would not have been so disastrous had it been limited to this intellectual exhibitionism. Purporting to expose and explain financial folly, their works would be used to justify financial policy folly worse than any since the 1930s Great Depression. The IMF and EU would seize upon their work to cram fiscal austerity down the throats of the member states along the northern tier of the Mediterranean.

England would voluntarily minister the loopy tonic to itself courtesy of a Tory government with the flinty predilection for believing anything that imposes hardship on the poor must be good.

Governments around the world slashed budgets, believing this exercise in "fiscal consolidation" would miraculously unleash growth. They were correct.

Several economic indicators did grow. The length of unemployment lines grew. The number of people living in poverty's harsh domain grew.

Business failures grew. The number of people who went without food, school and medical care grew. The number of people made homeless grew. The number of people who tossed themselves from windows or put guns to their head from sheer financial hopelessness grew. The living conditions of most residents in the austerity nations grew worse. These were the growth aspects of the ReinhartRogoff principle. In other words, the fiscal austerity their conclusion supported also caused the list of nations suffering economic recession or depression to grow.

• The rich purchase the truth; the mighty take it; the poor must suffer it.

•Kenneth Rogoff and Carmen Reinhart

BRIAN BROWNE

While the two authors raked in handsome payoffs for their work, people suffered and died because of their twisted contribution to economic alchemy. In an earlier column, I offered a brief critique of this and related economic works that seem to celebrate the prospect of cutting off money to the poor.

First, the authors likely inverted the causal relationship between growth and debt. High debt ratios are not the likely causes of low growth. Low growth causes high debt more so than the obverse. If the authors had embraced the more accurate cause and effect relationship they would have arrived at policy recommendations materially different from the austerity they came to espouse. A more accurate view of causality would have led to the conclusion that high growth is the predicate to debt reduction. Sustained growth becomes unattainable when government spending is slashed at a time when the private sector remains too frail and fragile to expand by its own accord.

Second, their research was dubious because they failed to differentiate between eras when nations were constrained by the gold standard and the modern era based on national currencies with flexible exchange rates. Today, most sovereign money is fiat currency. This currency is not pegged to gold. Nations have an unlimited ability to issue currency.

Insolvency and default are not their problems. Such nations can always pay provided their bills are denominated in local money.

Sovereign debt ratios may have been important in earlier times but are less important today. Thus, the USA Today award crediting the duo with explaining the recent financial crisis is a demonstration of well-heeled

ignorance. If this duo adequately explained any financial crisis, it was not the one of a few years ago. It was one of a few centuries ago. Their book has little relevance to modern economics. At best, it is a work of economic history. As you read further, you might conclude it belongs to that arcane, little known literary genre, economic fiction. As a manual for modern economics it constitutes the abysmal triumph of prejudice and bias over truth and objectivity. Its solutions are akin to caring for a hemophiliac by bleeding him with leeches.

Third, designating a 90 percent debt ratio as the breaking point smacked of intellectual caprice. No empirical evidence warrants this designation. This designation was not an objective finding intended to illuminate how things work. It was an arbitrary decision meant to advance a subjective purpose.

These flaws render their influential work suspect. However, a more detailed analysis of their mathematics expose the work as an emblem of gross incompetence or outright fraud. After writing their book, Reinhart and Rogoff were highly reluctant to release their data.

Today, the two probably wish they had behaved more like seasoned confidence artists who always destroy the incriminating paper trail. Had they not begrudgingly released their data, they might have gotten away with their delinquency.

A few weeks ago, the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) of the University of Massachusetts published a document titled Does High Public Debt Consistently Stifle Economic Growth? A Critique of Reinhart and Rogoff. After a thorough scrubbing of the data, PERI concluded

the duo's thesis contradicts the information used to support it. In their work, the tandem asserted nations with debt ratios exceeding the 90 percent threshold suffered -0.1 percent negative GDP growth. In recalculating the data, PERI found Reinhart/Rogoff were wrong to the point of indecency.

Reinhart/Rogoff's research stumbled upon data showing high growth but highly indebted nations.

The authors merely ignored these nations and tossed aside the associated data. This allowed the writers to continue on their merry way to the conclusion they preordained. Include these inconvenient nations in the analytic mix as PERI did, the tale is a different one. Nations exceeding a 90 percent ratio attained 2.2 percent growth rates. This pace approximated the rate for nations below the contrived threshold. In short, the threshold is a meaningless contrivance. The Reinhart/Rogoff thesis is good for nothing except to fill a waste receptacle.

Truth has been revealed but will quickly be ignored because those who control the truth don't want you to learn of it. Reinhart/Rogoff's work will still be widely cited by the establishment and its agents. They want you to accept an untruth as truth.

They want you to live by it although there is no real life to it or in it. Their work is a dead letter masquerading as a parade. Conversely, the astute PERI refutation will not make the front page. Its authors will not be guests on internationally televised talk shows.

At most, their findings will be a shortrun ticker at the bottom of the television screen. In the main, it will never be considered by policy makers who remain committed to Reinhart/ Rogoff notwithstanding that the duo represents financial scholarship's equivalent of Typhoid Mary and Blackbeard.

For the damage done, the couple should be run out of town. Had they been physicians, they would be in court on charges of negligence.

Instead, they still participate in the elite cocktail circuit as respected academicians.

Their misconduct is not a fluke. It is part of a systematic distortion of the truth in the service of a financialist elite and ideology that abetted the destitution of billions of human beings in order to elevate the profits of a few

hundred thousand people. In its paper Growth Forecast Errors and Fiscal Multipliers, even the IMF finally admitted austerity was a draconian cloud with a jaundiced lining.

Following the Reinhart/Rogoff postulate, the IMF forced nations into austerity, claiming reduced governmental expenditures would stimulate growth. Reality has forced the IMF into a semi-public mea culpa. In this recent paper, the Fund acknowledged its woeful underestimation of government expenditures multiplier effect on economic growth. Due to its ideological bias, the IMF arbitrarily assumed a dollar of government spending would contribute less than a dollar to economic growth. This fiction enabled the IMF to press governments to cut their budgets.

Under this scenario, budget reductions would not impair economic growth.

Sadly, this scenario existed only in the IMF's mind. It had no place in reality.

The multiplier effect of government spending was of a magnitude significantly higher than the IMF's assumption. Now, the IMF admits to a government spending multiplier of 1.5, meaning every dollar of government spending produces $1.50 dollars in growth. By any standard, this reveals government spending as an effective catalyst for economic growth. It also means reduced government spending would cause overall GDP to drop more precipitously than the cut in government expenditure. Thus, when the IMF muscled nations to reduce government spending, GDP growth would not occur.

The tactic would precipitate a downward spiral, immersing whole nations in recession or worse.

The EU apparently did not want to be outdone by the IMF and the Reinhart/ Rogoff tag team. When shoving the misnamed "bailout" down the Cypriot throat, the EU claimed the impact would be negative growth of -4.9 percent over two years for the island nation. With the bitter pill now swallowed, the EU readjusted it forecast. The new two- year projection is negative growth of -12.6 percent. The difference is jarring. The first is staunch hardship. The second is sheer doom. To call this a rescue package is to invest in the humor of the gallows. The Cypriot economy will be compressed like an overripe pea smashed by a falling anvil.

Objectively, the victims of this grand theft should be in hot revolt. Instead, they accept it as fate inescapable. They believe what they have been taught without realizing what they have learned enchains their minds with the densest of fetters.

Despite the ample economic wreckage visible all around, most people embrace the elite fiction. Africa's leaders are most taken by the formulas and theories of this mean elite. Too many of our people want to be accepted into the international club. They will sell both soul and nation for a rear seat at the festivities. They want to appear to understand the events vaticinated by the financial world's high priests and their missionaries stationed in our nations.

The extent to which we believe the disciples of austerity is the extent to which we have been led to lead ourselves to the slaughterhouse. To do what we are told is to seal our fate to its worst version.

A fundamental economic truth is that nations with weak, collapsing private sectors must resort to government deficit spending to pull them from deflation's gravitational pull.

Innovative, targeted government deficit spending is the best and almost only resort for nations where the bulk of the population suffers chronic recession and high employment. It is an inanity to believe less money and reduced aggregate demand will blossom into greater economic growth. This only happens in books written by the like of Reinhart/ Rogoff. However, we don't live in books. We exist in the real world.

Until we learn this key lesson, real world prosperity will evade us just as much as the truth evades Reinhart/ Rogoff, the IMF and EU. 08060340825 (sms only)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

13

COMMENT and ANALYSIS TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Talakawa Liberation Herald (9)

Are there any signs or resources of hope in this troubled land (and this earth)? (3)

BY BIODUN JEYIFO I begin this concluding piece in the series with the very last paragraph in last week's column which ended with three questions that will frame this essay. Here is the paragraph:

W

E can be sure that no ruler in Nigeria will ever bring out the tanks and the troops to stop the vast throng of worshippers, the sea of humanity going to or coming from an MFM revival; as a matter of fact, this is something that would warm their hearts. We can also deduce from the two cases of Obasanjo’s “Third Term” bid and the Turai Yar’ Adua “palace coup” that when the masses intervene to clean up the mess created by our political class, the powers that be will also not bring out the troops and the tanks. Since they did so when the masses were on the move during the fuel subsidy removal strike, three questions arise. One: Which of these instances of mass movement and action constitutes a real source of hope for our country and its teeming masses of the looted and the disenfranchised? Two: Are these three different cases in fact unrelated? Three: What is the point in asking this sort of questions?

My answer to these questions may surprise many of my readers and it is this: Each of these three instances of mass movement and action in Nigeria is potentially a valid source of hope for our country. Freedom is indivisible and hope exists on many levels and wears many masks. The true mark of democracy in our country and our world is that people must have the freedom to assemble, to march and to act in the public sphere for religious, ceremonial, festive or political reasons, as long as they do so without hindering or negating the freedom of others. For this reason, it is a very retrograde thing, a mark of the sorry state of our current experiment in non-military democratic governance for one kind of mass movement and action to be allowed while another kind is met with maximum use of force and intimidation. Let me put this contention in concrete terms.

In last week’s column, I mentioned the endless sea of worshippers coming from a mass revivalist meeting of the MFM. To this I added the observation that no government, no ruler in Nigeria would ever dare to bring out the troops and the armored tanks to stop this endless throng of the faithful giving expression to their deepest faith and hope in God and divine grace, even if they stop the flow of traffic in a major city for two hours. To this we can add the fact that that all travelers on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway routinely encounter even a much bigger assemblage of communicants at the altar of religious epiphany at the “Redeem Junction”, an assemblage so vast that quite often all traffic on the most important artery of the national highway grid comes to a complete stop for hours on end. Again, we can safely assume that no government, state or federal, has it in mind to put a stop to this phenomenon that is probably without any parallel in our country or our continent.

By contrast, consider this: In early January 2012, at the height of the very successful nation-wide strike against the removal of oil subsidies by the administration of Goodluck Jonathan, an equally mammoth procession of protesters that started at the Lagos State House of Assembly and headed towards the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota was met by the troops and tanks of the 9th Brigade of the Nigerian Army that was personally supervised by the brigade commander, Brigadier-General Sani Muazu. Not only did the general and his men stop the march, Muazu, as reported in The Guard-

•National Assembly: Are we practising kwashiokor democracy?

ian of January 17, 2012, actually stated that once the government and the trade unions had declared that the strike was over, the protest march had become illegal and could not be permitted to take place notwithstanding the fact that this was a completely peaceful protest march that was led by legislators, academics and very prominent citizens.

It is heartening to report that this extremely warped and stunted definition of the democratic legality of mass protests and marches in our country was vigorously contested by many prominent politicians and citizens, among them Governor Fashola of Lagos State. But there is more to this matter than verbal condemnation of the severe restriction placed by the Nigerian state on the freedom of the Nigerian masses to organize protests against the horrific conditions and realities that they face on a daily, even hourly basis. Let me explain what I mean by this assertion and in doing so bring the discussion closer to our fears and anxieties about the forthcoming state and federal elections of 2015 concerning statements that have been made - and are still being made by many of our politicians that these may well be the last set of elections in the country we currently know as Nigeria.

Basically, to me this state of affairs means that, once again, we are at a conjunctural moment in the politics of democratic governance in our country. There are three principal features to this conjuncture. We can deal quickly with the first two of these features. One: Only on the basis of another implosion will Jonathan get the nomination of the ruling party, the PDP; if internal democracy prevails in the run of primaries within the party before the general elections, he will not get the nomination for another term in office. But internal democracy has never been a notable feature within the PDP and we are not about to see a reversal of this defining feature of the party. Two: The other parties confidently expect that even with its looming implosion, the PDP will still rig the elections for the simple reason that it will use its incumbency and its control of the apparatus and the instruments of “legal” violence

lodged in the armed forces to cow the opposition parties and the populace into submission. Against this, the opposition parties are readying themselves for a “final showdown”.

Three: In neither of these two scenarios of the ruling party and the opposition parties respectively is the generality of the Nigerian masses, acting in their own interests, a factor of any real significance. Permit me to elaborate a little on this third feature of our conjuncture which, as I have observed, is, in my opinion, of far greater import than the other two features.

The PDP, with its abysmally poor record in office, knows only too well that with the exception of a few places primarily in the South-south, it will never win nationwide on the basis of the popular support of the generality or plurality of the Nigerian masses. Furthermore, with its incumbency and its control of the apparatus and instruments of “legal” violence, the PDP is near absolute in sidelining the masses of Nigerians acting in their own interests. In contrast to this, the opposition parties are counting on the hope that the masses will not stand for another rigging of the elections and will rise up in revolt if the attempt is made once again by the PDP. However, in the meantime in the run-up to 2015, these opposition parties are doing little or nothing to prepare the Nigerian masses to intervene decisively in 2015 by taking up and fighting for their cause, their interests. In this, I think the opposition parties are putting their faith, their hope in the fact that every time that the ruling party has more or less imploded and brought the country to the edge of catastrophe, it has been the intervention of the Nigerian masses that has saved the day. In other words, one side, the side of the ruling party, has no place for the interests, the intervention of the masses of Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country; the other side, the side of the combined forces of the opposition parties, has only a very limited place for mass or popular intervention, this being on the day of judgment in 2015.

As I reflect on these matters, my mind goes to an allegory in Shakespeare’s Coriolanus that is based on a fascinating analogy between the human body and the body politic. In this

allegory which Shakespeare in fact borrowed from ancient Greek and Roman sources, all the other parts of the body – the head, the arms, the ears, the eyes and the tongue – stage a revolt against the belly on the bitter claim that, unlike each of these body parts that has a vital function for the health and wellbeing of the entirety of the body, the belly does nothing but simply consumes all the food that enters the body. In vain did the body protest that it does not merely consume everything that comes to it but actually processes all its intakes and converts them to nutrients that it then redistributes to all the other parts of the body. In their revolt, the other parts of the body withdraw from participation in transmitting food to the belly.

Soon, however, they begin to wither, to atrophy because they find that each body part alone by itself cannot complete the cycle of consumption and redistribution that keeps all the parts of the body healthy and fit for performing their allotted functions.

I have drawn attention to the fact that Shakespeare borrowed this allegory from ancient Greek and Roman sources. To this I must now add my feeling that Shakespeare’s Greek and Roman sources themselves were drawing on oral, popular sources that we find in almost every society and culture in the world in which a bloated stomach that is counterpoised to atrophied limbs is the ultimate mark of the diseased body, whether of the physical body or of the body politic. The kwashiorkor belly is of course the most grotesque mark of this kind of diseased body in which consumption has gone totally askew of redistribution. I don’t think I am overstating the case if I describe our current experiment in democratic governance since 1999 as a “kwashiorkor democracy” in which the collective belly of our political elites is a grotesque counterpoint to the shrunken, misshapen limbs of the masses of our peoples.

Do I also overstate the facts if I say, ruefully, that most Nigerians in all parts of our country see nearly all our politicians and political parties in the image of the bloated belly that consumes everything and leaves nothing to the limbs, the other parts of the national body politic? The intervention of the masses of Nigerians across the length and breadth of the country is one of the few sources of hope for the country as we look ahead in anxiety and fear to 2015. For this hope to be realized, the work of preparing the masses for that intervention must begin now.

Let us begin to see this not only in words but also in deeds, in policies and practices that make the crucial link between consumption and redistribution not a dream, not a fantasy on the horizon of the future but palpable realities in the lives of the vast majority of our peoples.

Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

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Festus Eriye efestus2003@yahoo.com sms only: 08116759748

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Comment & Analysis

HEN our super patriots want to reassure us that predictions of Nigeria’s demise are grossly exaggerated, they argue from the position that a shooting war between the constituent parts – something in the mould of the Biafran Civil War – is highly improbable.

But if you reverse that to look at the disintegration scenario from the point of a badly constructed house collapsing in a heap, then it suddenly doesn’t look so farfetched. Before our very eyes the country is being transformed into a jungle where only the best armed can survive. From Bokostan in the North-East to the Niger-Delta creeks gunmen have overrun the place.

To the north, Boko Haram have with their crude bombs bludgeoned the might of the Nigerian state into submission. It’s a measure of the triumph of terror that today we are chasing after the insurgents – begging them to accept a generous amnesty, when it should be the other way round.

In Plateau State, the military Special Task Force (STF) is running around in circles trying to break the unending cycle of bloodletting.

But for every attack they foil, there are five more cases of cold-blooded murder of hapless villagers – producing a grim and mounting toll in casualties, and widening the chasm between feuding tribes and communities.

Last Monday in Lagos, unknown gunmen snatched Kehinde Bamgbetan, chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), riddling his SUV with bullets in the process. As at the time of writing this he was still in the hands of captors who were demanding $1 million for his release.

That same week, the police paraded some sorry fellows who confessed to the kidnapping of the mother of Finance Minister, Ngozi

A disintegration foretold Okonjo-Iweala. Among the suspects was a former servant in the palace. Those two were just a few of a litany of kidnapping stories that have become daily fare in newspapers.

Where amnesty for Boko Haram or the exploits of daredevil kidnappers are not dominating the headlines, the latest exploits of our army of armed robbers fill the gap. A couple of weeks ago some of them laid siege to Nigeria’s highest profile gateway – Murtala Muhammed International Airport – killed a couple of policemen and bureau de change operators, and carted away millions in foreign currencies.

In many cities, areas that used to be safe havens have now lost their innocence. In Lagos in recent weeks, robbers have roamed free along the Lekki corridor – paying courtesy calls at places like Victoria Garden City. At about the same period, a Briton was snatched as he stood outside his residence on Victoria Island.

Increasingly, authorities at federal, state and local government levels are discovering that areas over which they can assert proper control are shrinking by the day.

Large swathes of border territory between Nigeria and Cameroon, and the countryside up north, have become no-man’s land where Boko Haram militants roam free and kill at will.

In this veritable Bokostan being a government official is no guarantee of security. Last year, the insurgents took potshots at a residence of Vice President Namadi Sambo. Not too long ago, the country home of the Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Bala James Ngilari, came under attack with fatal consequences.

The one region over which the government loved to gloat that it had restored order – the Niger-Delta creeks – is stirring once again. Two

weekends ago, some gunmen who may or may not be members of a resurrected Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), ambushed and killed 12 policemen in a contingent providing protection for a retired militant who had come to bury his mother.

Until now, it was fashionable in analysing security challenges facing Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to blame it all – especially in Bokostan – on disaffected politicians who had vowed to make Nigeria ungovernable for the “interloper” president from the creeks. But to continue to credit what is unfolding across the country to this bunch is to ascribe to them powers that they don’t have.

It is equally tempting to blame the crisis on poverty and the parlous state of the economy. But that again will not tell the whole story because for all the talk of the state of things, the Nigerian economy is much bigger and more muscular than it was 10 or 15 years ago.

If poverty was really the issue here, then no one will be able to walk around because all those living below the poverty line will be carrying guns, knives, machetes and slingshots – robbing their neighbours.

Again, poverty doesn’t explain the Boko Haram phenomenon. In fact, in all their grievances they never mention poverty, but rather speak of Sharia and avenging themselves against Christians over imaginary injuries.

Poverty alone doesn’t explain the rash of kidnappings sweeping the land. These crimes are often executed by gangs who have been at it for a while and have developed a taste for easy millions and the good life. They may have been propelled initially by lack, but

“We are raising a generation of kidnappers when all we feed them is a diet of games shows and reality TV that sell the fantasy that mind-boggling millions are just one dance step away. Moral instruction is a no-no; and history is just that – history – in many schools and homes”

greed has since taken over as motivator.

What we are seeing is the result of the relentless erosion of societal values which started in the 80s, and was encouraged by a succession of clueless military juntas and civilian administrations.

We cast aside all the things that organised and stable societies everywhere value – hard work, thrift, honesty and modesty and replaced them with a celebration of vulgar wealth and ostentation. Politicians and persons in public office are only too glad to announce their arriviste status with obscene displays of opulence.

While they are at it, universities remain shut for the better of a year on account of disputes over salaries. Pensioners who have served their nation for upwards of four decades are dropping dead on verification queues, while those who should care are taking care of themselves.

By our actions we emphasise that the only thing that counts is cash and its ostentatious display. We send the wrong signals to young people and are aghast when they grab pistols to hasten their access to riches.

We are raising a generation of kidnappers when all we feed them is a diet of games shows and reality TV that sell the fantasy that mindboggling millions are just one dance step away.

Moral instruction is a no-no; and history is just that – history – in many schools and homes.

Our national football team wins a tournament and the president, governors and sundry moneybags go crazy doling out millions, lands and exotic cars. When last did someone in leadership honour the best student in mathematics or physics in Nigeria with millions, and choice land in Abuja? I cannot imagine the British Prime Minister opening the vault and handing out gold bars to footballers even if England wins the World Cup! The difference? The values we celebrate.

The further we drift down this road, the more we cement our internal collapse. The answer is not in ephemeral solutions like state police or the creation of another security apparatus. It is for Nigeria to return to the basic values upon which decent societies are built.

It requires leadership. The president and his team can take the lead if they have the will, and if they care.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Comment & Analysis

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Social inequality in the North Mass illiteracy in the region is a drag on national development

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OVERNOR of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, threw a bombshell on April 11 when he addressed the Isaac Moghalu Foundation Leadership Lecture and Symposium in Abuja.

Dwelling on Women in Leadership: the Education Pipeline, the CBN governor lamented the status of girls and women in the North, a region that has relentlessly come under fire in recent times, as insurgents have made the zone unattractive for foreign and domestic investors.

The statistics he reeled out were frightening. He disclosed that more than 90 per cent of women and girls in the North West are unable to complete their secondary school education. He pointed out that, contrasted with figures from the South West where less than 10 per cent of girls stay out of schools, the inequality underlying such indices could be responsible for the restlessness, poverty and consequent insecurity in the North.

The 51-year-old CBN governor said: “We are only treating the symptoms, not the ailment. We are spending so much on security, compared to education and healthcare services. We cannot succeed in security without fixing the original problems.”

Questions have been asked about the performance of governments of the northern states in the past 52 years. Culturally, girls and women have been suppressed over the years, thus widening the inequality gap, not only between men and women in the region, but also dragging down the rate of development in the country. A survey by the British Council last year indicated that 80 per cent of women aged between 20 and 29 in eight states of the North were unable to read and write, the corresponding figure for the South

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BAFEMI Awolowo University, Ile Ife remains Nigeria’s cum Africa’s foremost centre of learning. The University is reputed to be among the best designed estates in the world, and no human being no matter how biased ever visits the Great Ife, without coming out with a special kind of feeling about the university’s exquisite beauty and candour. However, beyond and beneath the physical beauty of OAU is a strong tradition of scholarship that has continued to hold its own anywhere in the world. Little wonder the university was recently ranked the best in Nigeria by the popular webometric university ranking organisation.

Not that the ranking in itself says anything new about the university, but in a country bedevilled by a myriad of negatives, the well-deserved ranking serves as a pointer of hope for the nation. As a Great Ife alumnus, one is quite confident everywhere one goes. This has led many people to erroneously

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HEN most banks across the world deem it wise to introduce the use of automated machine teller, otherwise known as ATM, most people welcomed the noble idea of fast withdrawal of money without hitches.

Nigeria did key into such high technology to bring the country at the same pedestal with other countries using the ATM.

was 54 per cent. The British Council’s Gender in Nigeria report further indicated that 94 per cent of women in Jigawa State and 42 per cent of the men in the state were illiterates.

The document also brought up the shameful fact that two-thirds of girls between 15 and 19 years in the North are unable to read an English sentence, while, in the South, the figure is 10 per cent. Consequently, given the population of women and girls in the North and the poor literacy level in the region, Nigeria has been unable to advance towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal on education, especially of the female folk. Nigeria ranks 111 th of 134 countries on the Gender Equality Index.

The rate of poverty, too, is growing very fast.

While the national poverty rate in 1980 was put at 28 per cent, it has now almost doubled.

The goal of education for all by 2015 is now a mirage as the token steps being taken by the federal and Northern states are not yielding results. At a point, the Babangida administration came up with the nomadic education plan to attract children of the Fulani herdsmen to the classrooms. It did not succeed.

Currently, the Jonathan government is setting up almajiri model schools. This may go the same way as those hungrier for education could TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

•Editor Festus Eriye •Deputy Editor Olayinka Oyegbile •Associate Editors Taiwo Ogundipe Sam Egburonu

•Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi

find their way to the schools and take over, thereby defeating the aims for which they were established.

As Mallam Sanusi pointed out last year in a speech directed at entrepreneurs in the North, the region has remained poor, partly because of cultural practices that limit the education and productive engagement of women. This must be tackled by all in the public and private sectors. The disaster in the North should not be of concern to the region alone, but the whole country. As the country is thinking of ways to confront the security challenges, attention must be paid to the large army of illiterates and unemployed in the North. Education would reduce the pool from which arsonists and terrorists draw, and motivate the young to dispel rumours and false information.

In tackling the menace, early marriage and child bearing must be confronted headlong through mass education and campaign. The British Council survey indicated that more than 50 per cent of women in the North get married before they attain the age of 16 and are expected to give birth within the first year of marriage.

This is a major reason for the high percentage of illiteracy and ignorance in the region. So, governments at all levels should come up with incentives to encourage the girl child to embrace education. As a first step, all governments, especially in the North, should abolish the payment of levies and fees by girls and young women.

The National Gender Policy, informed by the Beijing Plan of Action and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, formulated in 2006, is yet to be faithfully implemented. The policy should now be given fillip and closely monitored by the media and civil society groups.

LETTERS

Still on gay marriage In his definition of family, Mr Anyaduba posits that ‘family is a social unit of biologically related people’ and I wonder why he should bring in biology when all the gay people in this world are as a matter of fact anti-biology. This is because, the nature or biology (for those like Anyaduba who don’t believe in God) already cuts out the roles of man and woman sexually. Not done, Mr Anyaduba goes on to tell us that ‘gay marriage is not a threat to marriage (as we know it) and family’. This greatly contradicts all that gay disease is about because one of the natural offshoots of heterosexual people is procreation and that only happens when a man’s semen fertilizes the female egg. This is irrespective of all the break-

believe that Great Ife Alumni are unnecessarily proud!

It is against this background that I read with trepidation a piece in The Nation on Sunday, April 7, 2013 in defence of gay marriage written by one Arthur Anyaduba, who claims to be of the Postgraduate School, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. In the piece, Mr Anyaduba launched into endless diatribe against Mr Femi Fanikayode and other protagonists of the marriage institution whom he nebulously categorised as ‘Religionists’. He went wild claiming that no ‘God or deities ordained at any time one mode of sexuality’ and therefore, ‘no one pattern must be enforced for people to follow’!

Indeed, in a relatively free

society like Nigeria, it is assumed that people should express themselves as one of the fundamental rights of humans.

However, even in the expression of one’s opinion there are boundaries because where one’s right stops other’s begin.

In his defence of gay marriage, Mr Anyaduba vehemently argues that gay marriage is a norm the world over, therefore we must necessarily toe that line. I then begin to wonder where his facts emanate from and even if that be the case, must we, Nigerians, necessarily join the bandwagon.

Again, it baffles me that the protagonists of this set of people suffering from the gay disease base their argument upon that ‘others’ are doing it, why not Nigeria.

Nigerians also welcomed the use of the ATM to enable them have easy way of money collection as the case worldwide, but the case has been of pain and anguish before collection of money for some time now.

When Nigerians approach most of this machines to withdraw money, it’s always one form of disappointment or the other, sometime :unable to dispense cash or

Pain, anguish at ATM network problems. This has to stop to enable Nigerian feel the impact of easy way of collect money.

Formerly, Nigerians always experienced hardship buying petroleum products before they embarked on holidays to see their loved ones during any festivities, but the case now is spending

most of their times at ATM machines to secure money to meet family needs in their various homes.

If urgent steps are not taken, the much talked about cashless policy of the Central Bank would be a mirage, with the way most of the ATM machines are not properly being maintained for

throughs of modern science. And the society is peopled by products of man and woman relationship!

In one breath, Anyaduba argues that no society should determine how people should live, yet in another breath he says that ‘all marriages are products of socio-political and religious situations’ yet he and his ilk are vehemently denying the majority of the Nigerian society the right to determine how we may live in our own land.

The university community, and especially the Great Ife is a place of progressive research to harness the powers and resources of nature to better the lot of human societies, it’s appalling when some sick people now want to use the rights given them by society to work against nature. The motto of OAU reads: For Learning and Culture. And to all its content the Great Ife has abided by this solemn declarathe benefit of their customers.

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive of stopping the charge of one hundred naira for interbank withdrawal has gone a long way to bringing relief to many customers, whose joy is now being hampered with most of the ATMs not dispensing cash to their customers Equally, the Central Bbank of Nigeria should as

tion. As an undergraduate and a campus journalist at OAU. I once interviewed Dapo, a notoriously ‘proud’ gay young man who traversed the OAU campus then, and after a long chat with me I could not but have pity on him as he came off as a young man that was irredeemably sick. After wandering in the wilderness of gay community that took him from Ife to Lagos, London and other European Cities, Dapo a few months ago had a sexchange surgery and today carries herself as a woman somewhere in the Netherlands. The moral of Dapo’s story is that nature and biology have designed human beings in a finite way and have apportioned biological roles accordingly. So, if anyone contracts the gay disease and decides to take the role of a man or woman as the case may be, science now has a lee way-Go do sex change!

It is a fatal and escapist at best for people to argue ‘rights’ in the defence of illness as a way of life!

By Mazi Moses Idika Maitama, Abuja. matter of urgency direct all commercial banks to update their ATM machines to ameliorate the sufferings of bank customers.

We hope those banks whose ATM machines have not been functioning would overhaul them for the good of the customers transacting business with them.

By Bala Nayashi, Lokoja, Kogi State.

SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 500 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS: sundaynation@yahoo.com

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Comment & Analysis

Ropo Sekoni ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

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PART from the traditional definition of democracy as a government of the people, by the people and for the people, one abiding dimension of democracy is that it is a system of government that is driven by choice on the part of the electorate, the traditional owners of any democratic nationstate's sovereignty. Looking at Nigeria's democracy two years before the 2015 election, it appears there are serious challenges to the choice aspect of democracy in the country.

What is on the electoral horizon barely two years before the 2015 election is a politics of fear or fear mongering. Before President Jonathan came to power in 2011 on his own steam as presidential candidate of the PDP, Nigeria's political space was free and agog with political campaigns by several presidential candidates that got narrowed down to three candidates from three distinct parties: PDP, ACN, and CPC. However, there was no clear manifesto from the party that brought President Jonathan to power. The closest to a plan of action on his part was the promise of transformation. Transformation

Femi Orebe

Democracy without choice?

The words that are needed from political parties are words that assure voters of a level playing field for all parties was a word that was attractive and even intoxicating to voters, who had lived for decades under various military and civilian rulers that did not bring noticeable progress to most citizens.

For anybody to promise transformation in a country with about 20,000 kilometres of tarred highways, with a railway without coaches; with houses and factories powered by generators; with an educational system on its knees; and with a security architecture unfit for a federation of nationalities; it was as good as promising a government of miracles. Millions of voters crossed party lines to vote for President Jonathan, the presidential candidate of the PDP. It will be uncharitable to say two years on the throne that the rest is history on politics or ethic of transformation.

Now five years away from the 2015 election, President Jonathan's party men are effusive in the use of vocabularies that are reminiscent of President Obasanjo's characterisation of the 2007 election as do-ordie. Vocabularies attributed to the President and leaders of his party smack of fear mongering. Instead of giving Nigerians any indication about what PDP is committed to do for Nigerians between now and 2015, PDP leaders are deliberately heating the polity with military dic-

tion: capturing 32 states; accepting the challenge of the 2015 election as war, etc. It is not democratic to give voters any reason to be afraid of elections.

Furthermore, at the national level, efforts by opposition parties to merge and give the electorate two major political parties to choose from in the next election are perceived to be frustrated by the ruling party, at whose door step opposition party leaders put the blame about the sudden emergence of political parties and organisations with the acronym APC. The effect of the perception that there are invisible government hands behind the birth of several organisations to snatch the acronym APC from the party to emerge from the merger of ACN, CPC, and ANPP is that there are politicians that are afraid of new parties that are big enough to give the ruling PDP stiff competition in 2015. If a new party with the right size and spread to challenge the ruling party is frustrated in any way, it is the voters that are disrespected.

Democratic political competition for votes is generally one that is driven by ideas and performance of parties in competition for citizens' votes. President Jonathan has promised many times that he wants to be remembered as one president that has encouraged free and fair elec-

tion. Free and fair election is not just about what happens in polling booths or at vote counting stations; it is also about readiness of party leaders to present their ideas and records of performance to the electorate while leaving the voters to make their choice without intimidation, coercion, or cajolement of opposition parties.

The country needs to hear what each political party has to offer as vision, strategies and policies to achieve direly needed change. It will need a political party that is not afraid of coming to terms with Nigeria's diversity, not a party that sees development and unity as synonyms. Voters need to hear from political parties that are willing and able to address the problem of infrastructure head-on, without having to blame power outage on too much or too little water in the dam or no natural gas to power the turbines, etc. Voters are waiting to hear from all parties that have plans and methods for addressing the problem of limited spaces for thousands of post-secondary students that desire to obtain tertiary training, instead of the millions of students that now roam the streets in search of visa to North America, Britain, Australia, South Africa, and even Ghana in search of university education.

The Nigerian electorate will need

to see from all parties willing to rule Nigeria in 2015 blueprints for reducing the number of able-bodied young men and women that roam in the millions the streets or offices of unemployment. Voters need to hear from all political parties what plans they have for preventing the death of 1,000 Nigerian children from malaria every day.

Millions of Nigerians who asked for political re-structuring of the federation are still craving to hear from political parties that want to work towards purposive unity among Nigerian nationalities through a programme of equal opportunity for all citizens and all cultures; of equity and justice in revenue allocation; fiscal federalism; sustainable appropriate security architecture for the country; infrastructure renewal that covers the whole country; free and compulsory education for the first twelve years of schooling in public schools; strategies for achieving nation-wide religious tolerance and harmony; unapologetic attitude towards any form of terrorism, etc.

These are some of the issues that voters are craving to hear political parties and their leaders address with honesty and sincerity, not bellicose words that evoke two years before 2015 the picture of war and blood.

The words that are needed from political parties are words that assure voters of a level playing field for all parties, respect for the rights of all parties to contest for power; and respect for citizens' right to choose the leaders they desire.

Nigeria: Before amnesty becomes amnesia

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

Had government gone the way of dialogue it should not have been difficult for it to see the reasonableness of all that Malam Shehu Sani had been saying

I

Orji's request takes the cake. o mebiri emebi, biko nu...’

And second one, on the same Orji macabre request: ‘We are gradually descending from being ridiculous to being insane, playing politics with everything including precious human lives. The logic, as warped as it may appear, is that if the northern leaders are getting money for their Boko Haram (terrorists), he can as well ask for his kidnappers too. After all, terrorism and kidnapping are both crimes and the funds to be used will come from the commonwealth - the theory of 'whatever is good for the goose should also be good for the gander'.

Preposterous, I dare say but then, is n’t this our friend of the popular shrine?

Both quotes point to how serious, or otherwise, a country we are as well as what manner of leaders we have but , more critically, it calls to question our process of leadership recruitment which is as warped as we are rudderless.

What then is amnesty?

Generally, amnesty is defined as any governmental pardon for past offenses or crimes, especially political ones. Granting amnesty goes beyond a pardon, in that it forgives the said offense completely.

Indeed, a key part of the definition is the fact that amnesty is granted before any trial or conviction so Asari Dokubo could not have been right with his postulation that “the government can only put in two things – exercise prerogative of mercy after a person is convicted or when a person is under trial to put a nolle Prosequi but you cannot see somebody and declare him a criminal and give him a pardon’.

Amnesty has also been described (Tom Tancredo, for instance, a Colorado, U.S politician, and former

WILL, forever, be proud of our web portal: ekitipnupo@yahoogroups.com, an Indigenous Think-Tank and Intellectual Round-Table, agglomerating no less than two thousand Ekiti compatriots, both at home and in the Diaspora and on which no single issue, however supposedly minor, concerning the state, in particular, and Nigeria in general, passes us bye.

Witness the following remarks by two members of the forum, distinguished Professors in their own right, one of Chemical Engineering, and the other of Agric Economics, on the topic of the moment in Nigeria –Amnesty.

First: ‘My heart nearly stopped beating yesterday when, listening to local Nigerian news, I heard that the Governor of Abia State was asking for amnesty for the 5000 kidnappers in his state, and that they should be paid compensation or monthly wages "like is being done in the Niger-Delta."

5000 kidnappers in Abia State alone? I asked.

And already identified?

And it was no April Fool, or an Onion radio station...

Is this is a sick joke or what? What now does amnesty mean in Nigeria?

How do you give amnesty to: 1. Those who have not accepted that they are criminals that must be "amnestied"?

2. Those who have not asked for it, even if they accept criminality?

3. Those whose total number at a point of amnesty you have not identified?

4. those whose stream of replenishment - after granting some amnesty that must be based on certain terms - you are not able to stem?

I don't understand it - " - but this

Presidential candidate) as a terrible policy, as well as terrible politics because by offering it you are rewarding people for breaking the law." Please note though, that this unrealistic G.O.P politician had American illegal immigrants in mind.

Nothing demonstrates the wrongheadedness of President Jonathan’s amnesty offer than the following response by the Boko Haram leader, Abubjakar Shekau: “Surprisingly, the Nigerian government is talking about granting us amnesty. What wrong have we done? On the contrary, it is we that should grant you pardon,” and followed it up by listing what he called the state’s atrocities against Muslims.

Were the Jonathan government serious, that was the point at which it should have realised that what the problem called for, was dialogue, rather than any sterile offer of amnesty. I have, on this page, been an unrepentant advocate of dialogue even when it was neither trendy nor politically correct to, as much, as mention it. I recently upped the ante by asking for an all-inclusive National conference at which Nigeria’s many demons can be objectively and critically interrogated.

Had government gone the way of dialogue it should not have been difficult for it to see the reasonableness of all that Malam Shehu Sani had been saying, ad nauseam.

Shehu Sani, prominent civil rights activist, who single-handedly interacted with Boko Haram up to a point former President Olusegun Obasanjo did not mind joining the chorus, has literally been having a dialogue with the deaf on the issue of Boko Haram. Before he

respectfully declined to serve on the Jonathan Amnesty Committee, he had warned endlessly that the first step was to establish a credible link with Boko Haram through those who know the group and who they, in turn can trust. Given the literal ribaldry going on, Sani has ruled out the possibility of Boko Haram leadership accepting the proposed amnesty because you cannot give amnesty to a people who do not want amnesty. Said Sani, “First of all, government set up a committee whose members nobody knows (that has since been corrected) - but he went on: “If you set up a committee with big people who do not have access to the leadership of Boko Haram, you are simply wasting your time.” He even doubts whether the cheer-leading Northern governors are in touch with Boko Haram at all. The last I remember, personally, were some groveling Northern governors, serving and past, literally on their knees, begging Boko Haram leaders, asking for forgiveness. The manner in which they pleaded, you would have thought they took any of Shekau’s many wives!

Nor was Sani done. He alleged that the motivating factor in all this talk about amnesty is money –kudi – which some Northern leaders are already eyeing. And he cautioned: ‘the Federal Government must not dangle money before Boko Haram as money cannot solve the problem of Boko Haram. They have not made financial request and secondly they are not fighting because they need money’, he concluded.

And I say it would be such a shame if these Northern éminence grise have forgotten so soon that, driven by religious fundamentalism, Osama Bin Laden thought nothing of his riches but how to cause

maximum damage to humanity. He was known to have spent copious time in the desert where he had work camps and led a totally ascetic life style. How come any government would wish to grant these his ‘evil’ heirs, tonnes of money which would most probably end up in arms procurement and more havoc. (Evil - not my word, but that of respected Alhaji Bamanga Tukur of the Gen Murtala/Nigerian Port Authority fame, a happy throw back to the days Nigeria had leaders.

The fact that highly regarded Dr Datti Ahmed, President, Sharia Supreme Council in Nigeria has also declined participation in the committee work says much about its reasonableness long term usefulness.

Without a doubt this will also go the way of other actions and promises of President Jonathan, and here, power readily comes to mind.

I will therefore respectfully suggest to Mr President to immediately disband this ill-advised Amnesty Committee, and in its place, commence two quick processes, namely, inaugurate an appropriate committee to commence a discreet dialogue and negotiations with Boko Haram leaders through those individuals they trust, and put in place, a tidy and efficient enumeration of ALL the victims of Boko Haram’s unmitigated terrorism with a view to cogently assisting them or their dependants . Government should also draw up a Marshall plan which will, unlike these loquacious governors, aggressively infuse real socioeconomic development in Northern Nigeria which age long feudalism has brought to its knees. The plan should aim directly at tuning the youth around because they constitute the literally rootless, and mostly illiterate, field from which they recruit suicide bombers on the titillating promise of heavenly virgins.

Comment & Analysis

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Tunji

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

I

N an emergency like the Boston bombings of April 15, one should naturally feel sad that some demented minds could go to the extent that the bombers went, either to settle scores, or for whatever reason. One wonders what point they wanted to make, and whether the victims were supposed to be their targets. Some say that is the way of terrorists. Even if I grudgingly concede that to them, I cannot understand why governments have to be caught napping all of the times in such emergencies, and we then have a situation where it seems there is no one in control; or at best, that it is the terrorists that are in charge.

Since the world is now a global village, I was privileged, like millions of others all over the world, to watch the Boston bombings almost live, as well as the reactions of the relevant authorities in the United States to the ugly incident.

One cannot but be reflective about the way the tragedy was handled.

There was no undue panic; first responders - police at all levels, emergency workers and all, did their job admirably. It was as if they had been expecting the blasts.

But, perhaps the most fascinating thing about it all, to me, was the way President Barack Obama responded to the crisis. I am not an American.

Yet, when, on Monday we were told that Obama was going to address the press on the incident, I was resolute not to go to bed until I have heard him speak. Millions of other Nigerians did same. Despite the fact that we were far from the scene of

Postscript, Unlimited!

By

Oyinkan Medubi 07057012862 (SMS only) puchuckles7@gmail.com

I

HAVE always thought that the best job is one that involves travelling all over the world and reporting all you see for the media.

Just imagine: you are paid to feed your eyes with the most beautiful sights, indulge your palate with the most delicious dishes, relax your body with the most sensuous experiences, and still have your salary waiting for you. Is that the life or what?!

Don't know much about her but the life and political times of the former British Prime Minister, Baroness Thatcher who died earlier this month, have always fascinated me. So we are going over to Britain today to see what lessons we can learn from her, hoping that someone will cover my expenses.

I believe Mrs. Margaret Thatcher provides a good example for us in Nigeria of what to do or not do with public office. She is said to have started early in politics, from the 1950s, yet, she never allowed herself to be cast in any political frame other than that of a reformer. Till she left office, she never stopped seeking how to change people's perceptions, carve a comfort zone where people and the government could meet, and to forge a higher level of Statecraft.

17

Boston bombings: Obama for third term Did you hear the US president speak? How did you feel? the bombings, we were still interested in what the US president had to say. Obama was pregnant and we were anxious to see what he would give birth to. After such an incident, any American president would be. And it was almost certain Obama was going to say things one could connect with.

We were not disappointed. In just three minutes or so, Obama was done; he had said all that needed to be said: We cannot say where this is coming from, at least immediately, and what the motive could be.

Compare this with the 2010 bombing in Abuja in which 12 people were killed. Hardly had the crime been committed than our President, Goodluck Jonathan, came out to say who the criminals could not have been. It has turned out that that same person who heads the militants the president vouched for is now serving jail term in South Africa for the crime.

Then, Obama sympathised with the victims and their relatives.

Finally, he assured that America would not rest until those responsible for the crime had been brought to book. Obama might not have used our 'gazette' expression: 'We are on top of the situation', but Americans knew their government was 'on top of the situation'. And coming from a man with Obama's

pedigree, there was enough assurance that the evil doers would not go unpunished. Americans believe him; they know that when their president promises, he delivers.

It is only a matter of time; those responsible for the bombings would be unmasked and made to pay for their crime. As we write, suspects are being trailed. This is the kind of thing that gives hope to the citizenry and makes them take their government seriously.

Even before that short but great address, you could see a business-like Obama. His mood depicted the magnitude of the pains he was going through. Three Americans killed and over 150 others injured in a single incident was just too many. As he sat with two officials in the White House monitoring developments, none of them made the mistake of smiling, not to talk of laughing. I do not know how many people noticed this. In Nigeria, you must see some top government officials laughing in the midst of such calamity. If you doubt me, check your record. Each time I see such a thing, I ask myself: Oh God, why are we like this? But I quickly adjust when I remember that we have been adjudged the 'happiest people on earth'. So, there is nothing wrong even if we express pleasant feeling wherever and whenever, as if we

“Perhaps the most annoying thing is that in spite of the fact that Obama has done so well, it has not occurred to anyone in America to call for third term for him. Here, sycophants sing the praise of lazy people, many of whom by incomprehensible means of fortune find themselves in positions of authority, and start promoting them for more terms even before they complete the first year in their first term.�

have inhaled an overdose of laughing gas.

Again, when Obama delivered his speech at an interfaith service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston on Thursday, a speech described by the Business Insider as 'both solemn and uplifting', he left no one in doubt that he is not a president that is prepared to be delivering such graveside orations all the time; rather, it was a terse warning to the criminals, the "small, stunted individuals" responsible for Monday's bombings at the Boston marathon: "Yes, we will find you.

And yes, you will face justice, Obama said. And he meant it.

When he described Boston in personal tones, you could still find the panache of a president in control; when he waxed philosophical, you will still notice the confidence of a president who is truly in charge.

When he gave hope, Americans believed him: "you can bet" the 118th Boston Marathon will be run next year on Patriot's Day."We may be momentarily knocked off our feet, but we'll pick ourselves up. We'll keep going. We'll finish the race," Obama said. His words are like an oracle's; because it is almost certain the event will hold as he promised if Christ tarried in coming. There is a great world of difference when a leader assures his people that all is well, yet that leader holds himself up somewhere, while asking the led to 'go about their lawful duties'.

Those who went on such 'lawful duties' and lost their lives and limbs to Boko Haram are not likely to benefit anything when the terrorists get their own pill, amnesty.

When Obama went to Boston, he had no cause to remind the people that he did not have to be there. If he

ever had such slip of tongue, both he and his party are finished; pure and simple, because votes count in America. He knew it was his responsibility to be there, to see things for himself, comfort the victims, and condole with the relatives of the dead. That was part of the reasons why Americans elected him; they need someone on whose shoulders to lean on in emergencies. It is not all about balls and foreign policy. Charity must begin at home. Obama's speech in Boston was commended even by failed presidential candidate Mitt Romney who described it as 'superb'.

Perhaps the most annoying thing is that in spite of the fact that Obama has done so well, it has not occurred to anyone in America to call for third term for him. Here, sycophants sing the praise of lazy people, many of whom by incomprehensible means of fortune find themselves in positions of authority, and start promoting them for more terms even before they complete the first year in their first term. President Jonathan has just given his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) a marching order to 'bring into the party's kitty 32 of the 36 states in the country in 2015; that is nine more than the party presently controls. The first question that readily comes into mind is what makes the president think he is such a particularly attractive product.

What can the president point at as his achievements to make him the toast of Nigerians in the 2015 elections?

Obviously, the PDP is like the person who is counting billions in his dream, he had better be told to work harder so that he would not die of hunger. But the president and his PDP can keep on dreaming. After all, dreams are free; but votes are sacred.

Second term! Second term!!

The Thatcherian Spirit Mrs. Thatcher took on Britain for Britain's good Funny thing. I have lost count of the number of times I have been referred to as 'Thatcher!' for being a little forceful. But that's nothing. For ages now, any woman who so much as gives an order in the slightest of peremptory tones is also instantly branded 'Thatcher!' Make no mistake, that is not meant to be approbatory; it is actually a complaint. Obviously, only a male is allowed to give orders; so I say, let's see how much male order can make a pot of soup.

To the people in Britain, the former Prime Minister stands for many things, most of them controversial mainly because she undertook policies that put the interests of Britain on top of a few of the people's comforts. She took Britain on for Britain's good. Need I draw the contrast to our country for you? Aren't we surrounded by a president's office, state governors' offices, local government chairmen's offices and all kinds of offices preferring to sit atop state funds instead of really being on top of situations? Ha! There are so many lessons to learn from this Thatcherian spirit, the iron lady's no nonsense approach to governance. To begin with there was her unalloyed, unparallel and unquestionable allegiance to everything Britain. Her patriotism not only gave her momentum, it was her enablement, her strength, her push. Leaving Britain better than she found it was her goal.

In the course of that, she did make some mistakes. For instance, she was said to have admitted that the public uproar that followed her stopping

free milk in a section of public schools was not worth the political cost. So yes, she was human, but a realistic human. She stated: '... It is our duty to look after ourselves and then also help to look after our neighbour and life is a reciprocal business and people have got the entitlements too much in mind without the obligations.'

Naturally. People anywhere are more interested in what they can obtain from the government. While most people have an eye to lifting up their country through patriotic actions though, any blind man can see that Nigerians, au contraire, jostle for 'positions of power' to be able to embezzle and don't care a fig if the place dries up after them. This is why practically all our public institutions and infrastructures have collapsed.

Then there is the matter of her famed frugality. Oh boy, this is certainly not for Nigerians.

According to reports, she is said to have even paid for her ironing board while in government. Once, when a governor in my state had to leave the government house on account of expiry of term, he not only went with everything in the blessed house, even his towns' people came to his assistance by literally sweeping the place dry on his behalf. Their rationale? 'Government house belongs to everybody. This is our time to eat. We don't know when it will be our turn again, so let us pack as much as we can now o.' Oh well, who can beat that kind of logic?

Then there's Mrs. Thatcher's resoluteness to make a difference.

Her history shows that since going

into politics, she has been the author of so many policies. True, many of these policies have not gone down well with her peers and country men and women; she nevertheless, has made her mark in education, politics, economy, European Common market, and other social concerns.

Obviously, she was single minded in any and everything she did. This we really could learn. Just look at us in Nigeria. We not only sit on top of national funds, many of us in politics have no idea what we are there for.

To most Nigerians, being in government is an invitation to 'come and eat', so now we are busy eating the state dry. Most of us think that governance is all about acquiring all the women (if we are men), or all the diamonds (if we are women), or all the houses (if we are both) there are in this world.

Listen people, I remember reporting here once what one of the richest men in the world said. When asked how many houses he owned, he replied, 'just one'. Then he explained that it was a lot easier to pay hotel bills for one or two nights in cities here and there when he travelled than to look after two houses. What does one need two houses for? Yeah, what on earth do Nigerians have to go hankering after one hundred houses for? The spirit of competition? A decidedly destructive one that surely is!

Let me tell you what unhealthy competition does. Once, two men found themselves in a fierce tussle for the obaship of their little town.

One was already the Oba and the other wished to unseat him because

everyone agreed the Oba was very wicked and no one liked him.

However, no one could do anything about their dislike except this man.

The Oba hopeful then consulted the best, oldest and wisest medicine man he could find to make for him a magic powder or concoction that would unseat his rival. But the wily Oba loved his seat and watched it carefully. He had every powder to counter any his rival could bring.

Obviously, the medicine man's powder did not work.

Quite desperate now, the hopeful had to do some thinking, and to do that, he consulted an old wizened man to help him. One fine morning, the Oba woke up and found a mound of human waste in front of his palace.

Since he knew he did not do it, it had to be from his enemy. So, they want to try me eh, he thought as he stormed back inside to fetch his most potent retaliatory powder. This he proceeded to sprinkle on the mound in great malevolence to ensure that whoever produced it would not live to see the next day. Looking up, he saw his only enemy smiling in front of him, and that one made only two statements as he turned away, 'The waste is yours. I followed you into the bush to bring it back'.

So, folks, that is what competition does: No one wins, neither the victor who finds his soul stooping to conquer nor the loser who may be made to descend into the earth. Rather than compete to amass mounds of unneeded state funds, let us adopt the Thatcherian spirit. It stands for patriotism, frugality, resoluteness and great achievements. It will help us learn to put the country first and ensure we live through posterity.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Comment & Analysis

18

A people in denial

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

God bless America OR days, I have been following with great interest the developments in the Boston Marathon blast in the United States in which three persons died and about 180 were injured.

Again, America, the world’s most powerful nation literarily came under attack. Though not of the magnitude of the 9/11 attack, the incident reinforced the danger of terrorism globally despite the efforts to curb the disturbing trend.

An otherwise peaceful event which has held annually for years turned tragic just when some of the runners started crossing the finish line. While one of the suspected bombers was killed in a shootout, there has been a massive manhunt for the other as at press time.

My heart goes to the victims of the attack and their families. One can only imagine the agony the victims are experiencing considering the components of the bomb that sprayed nails, ball bearings and other metal fragments into the crowd. I listened to the head of the medical team in one of the hospitals where the victims are being treated and remember him talking of a number of amputations that have been done to save lives.

I am still haunted by the smile of the eight year old Martin Richard who was killed while standing by the finish line with his family when an explosion tore through the area. Richard’s mother, Denise, suffered a brain injury and his 6year-old sister, Jane, reportedly lost a leg.

It’s difficult to understand why some people will choose to cause grievous harm to others to make whatever point they have or protest against anything. We can only hope that the security agencies will get to the root of this particular case and prevent a reccurrence.

One particular thing that has struck me about the whole incident is how the efforts of the first responders, rescue team, medical team and others have been repeatedly acknowledged by all, including President Barrack Obama.

Unlike in our country, their ‘heroic sacrifice’ did not go unacknowledged.

They must be very proud of themselves and will not hesitate to rise up to the occasion if they have another opportunity to do so.

America and other developed nations have a way of demonstrating that the life of every of their citizens matters through the way the governments respond to crisis. This is what is evident in the handling of the Boston blast.

In an incident in which only three persons died, the response at all levels has been massive. President Obama has not only spoken on the matter, he has been part of the special service for the victims during which he assured that the bombers would be found and held ‘accountable’.

In order to get the only two suspects, security agents have launched a manhunt for them with the Boston city almost shut down. I have been intrigued by the amount of information that has been shared with the public by the security to get the suspects. The access given to the media during the operation has been incredible.

The willingness of the people, including their families, to speak on what they know about the suspects is very commendable.

There is indeed a lot for us to learn on how to handle situation like this. The lessons must not be lost on us as we join the world in sympathising with America over this unfortunate incident.

F

•Catholic Church in Madalla: Bombed by Boko Haram

“B

OKO Haram has not committed any wrong to deserve amnesty. Surprisingly the Nigerian government is talking about granting us amnesty. What wrong have we done? On the contrary, it is we that should grant you (government) pardon”- Abubakar Shekau, the spokesman and leader of Boko Haram speaking to the French News Agency AFP. Whilst our President is still busy offering amnesty to those who have rejected it and whilst the Nigerian people and intelligensia are involved in a barren and futile debate about the merits and demerits of granting amnesty to terrorists, Boko Haram continues to kill, maim and destroy. It is clear to me that our people are in denial and that our government is deluded, irresponsible and insensitive. As we are busy debating about amnesty or no amnesty for Boko Haram, the Niger Delta terrorist organisation known as MEND have quietly given us notice about their sinister plans for our country. After killing 14 policemen in a ruthless attack just last week they have told us through their spokesman, one Jomo Gbomo, that it is their intention to “start killing muslims and attacking mosques as from 31st may, 2013 in order to protect and save christianity in Nigeria”. This was warning and statement of intent was published and reported in the American website magazine called Bloomberg.com on the 14th April 2013.

Yet despite all these troubling signs and signals the Nigerian people and the Nigerian Government, in their usual manner, are still napping and pretending as if all is well. Perhaps we all deserve what is coming. A people that do not even have the guts to courageously demand that their government rise up to the occassion and do their job by protecting the lives and property of its citizens deserve prayer and pity. When Boko Haram and MEND finally face one another in a terrible war of reprisal killings and bombings that is when our people will understand the implications of tolerating a government that is incapable of doing its job and confronting terror with a firm and decisive hand.

It is very clear to me that Pastor Tunde Bakare’s assertion that President Goodluck Jonathan’s destiny is to “bankrupt and balkanise Nigeria” and that he is merely “dancing to the drum beat of his destiny” may will be prophetic. Meanwhile Nigeria continues to bleed and die as many of her citizens are bombed to pieces, maimed and have their throats slit open every day by islamist terrorists who do not know, or care to know, the meaning of peace, restraint, decency or dialogue. President Goodluck Jonathan has

By Femi Fani-Kayode

handed our country over to a bunch of butchers who have no value for human life. Under his watch our people continue to die and die whilst he sits in the Presidential Villa and drinks champagne.

Worst still is the sheer irresponsibility and shameless behaviour of one or two of our northern governers who, instead of attempting to provide more security for their people in their respective domains, are besides themselves trying to either get on the lucrative gravy train known as the Boko Haram Amnesty Commitee or are actually speaking for Boko Haram and explaining their actions. If the latter were not the case how do you explain the illogical and frankly absurd contribution from my old friend Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi state who said that ‘’the real Boko Haram will accept amnesty’’ and that ‘’it is their criminal and political sect members that are rejecting the offer?’’ (Leadership Newspaper, 15th April, 2013).

I have three questions here. Since when has a democratically elected governor of one of the largest and most important states in northern Nigeria and a man that was a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under President Obasanjo’s government for almost eight good years become the official spokesman for Boko Haram? How come he appears to know who is who within that terrorist organisation and the attitude and nature of each of it’s factions and why does he seek to absolve his preferred faction of the evil that they have collectively visited on the Nigerian people in the last two years? The third question is this- since when has any part or faction of Boko Haram not been criminal and political? I daresay that every part and every faction of this wicked organisation of heartless men and women is not only criminal but they are also political and religious.

Boko Haram is an islamist organisation who are dedicated to imposing and establishing an islamic fundamentalist state in northern Nigeria through the use of violence. They also wish to wipe out christianity and true islam in the north and they reject the idea of living in a country where christians can take any position of leadership let alone be President. Yet these are the type of people that Governor Isa Yuguda and a number of other northern leaders is now speaking for and trying to absolve? A vicious group of people that have slaughtered no less than 4,200 Nigerians and non-Nigerians in the last two years and that have burnt down and bombed virtually every church that existed in some commiunities and states in the north? If anyone doubts that they should find out from the catholics what happened to 50 of the 52 churches that they estab-

lished in Borno state.

The implication of Yuguda’s contribution is that there is a faction of Boko Haram that is wholesome and righteous. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Every single person and group that is a part of or is in any way associated with Boko Haram is evil, is destructive and has blood on their hands. And anyone, no matter how highly placed, reverred or distinguished, that tries to rationalise their actions or absolve them of their murderous ways is equally evil and equally guilty of murder. Nigeria is a country in denial where leaders are always ready, willing and able to rationalise, defend and forgive the actions of beasts. Yet this has not always been so. Remember the public beheading of Gideon Akaluka in Kano in the 90’s by an irate mob of islamists for allegedly using a page of the koran as toilet paper and General Sani Abacha’s decisive response to such madness?

When Abacha was in power he knew exactly how to handle the islamist tendency that plagued Kano in his time, including those that organised and incited the mob to kill Akaluka. He had them killed quietly one after the other until the problem was solved and the plague of islamist terror was abated. One of the leaders of those that killed Akaluka, as a consequence of his royal connections, survived and escaped death only because he was hidden in a Sokoto prison for two years whilst Abacha was told that he had been killed.

That individual certainly came bouncing back into the public space and the circles of power and has now reached ‘’high places’’ but that is a story for another day. How I wish that the present leadership of our country could learn a lesson or two from General Sani Abacha’s approach to the islamist rebellion that we have been confronted with. They can also learn a lot from the approach of another moderate muslim by the name of Kamel Attaturk who was the founder and father of the modern Turkish state. He knew what to do to the islamist terrorists in his midst and he did it without thinking twice or batting an eyelid.

Yet sadly Nigeria is not blessed with such leaders today. Instead we are saddled with a President who, only a few weeks ago, described Boko Haram as his ‘’siblings’’. We have a President who does not appreciate the fact that it is his job to provide security for our nation and to protect the Nigerian people from the enemy within and the enemy without. We have a President who is on his knees morning, day and night begging the islamist terrorists to accept an amnesty that they never asked for in the first place and which they have consistently rejected. We have a President and a people that just don’t know what they are up against. We have a President and a people that are suffering from the worst form of denial.

May God save Nigeria and may He send us a deliverer.

POLITICS

19

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Given Babangida’s position, both as a former military president and as one of Nigeria’s most powerful political godfathers alive, all stakeholders in the country, including the Presidency, have since gone back to their political chessboard to either factor in the person of Tambuwal in their 2015 presidential calculation or seek a way of ensuring the plans of his sponsors are rubbished. This development, according to insiders, has deepened the already icy relationship between the Speaker and some top leaders at the Presidency.

Notwithstanding clear signals that President Goodluck Jonathan is poised to contest for reelection in 2015, Babangida had said pointedly that Tambuwal’s performance and conduct in office had shown that he had the capacity “to sustain the labour of our heroes past,” adding, “When leaders like Tamuwal delivered on their electoral promise, we advise them to try something higher. For Tambuwal, your guess is as good as mine. Well done.”

• Tambuwal

Associate editor, Sam Egburonu, reports that General Ibrahim Babangida’s recent advice that the Speaker of House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, should vie for a higher office has further complicated the 2015 puzzle.

S

INCE he emerged the country’s Number Four citizen, rather unexpectedly, many myths have been created around the Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

While some say the chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have been adopted by unseen hands as the bridge between the conservatives and the progressives in Nigeria’s political equation, others, especially his political rivals, insist he is only an opportunist who is being used by the opposition to get back at the ruling party.

As a result of these conflicting perspectives,

Between Tambuwal and Jonathan Even before Babangida’s open endorsement of Tambuwal for a “higher office,” which Presidency sources said was a mere confirmation of what has been suspected; it has been one long endless battle between the Speaker and the Presidency.

Starting from the case of subsidy management probe, the issue of Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), where the House demanded Madam Arunma Oteh’s exit, to the 2012 implementation controversy, the Speaker has dared to be as blunt as possible and this has further fuelled the suspicion.

For example, at the peak of the 2012 Budget implementation controversy, Tambuwal was unsparing. After the initial disagreements, which delayed the presentation of the 2013 budget by President Jonathan, Tambuwal shocked the PDP leadership when, at the budget presentation venue, he still spoke his mind while presenting the vote of thanks.

He had said, “I would have been done with my vote of thanks at this point, except that the mention of certain salient points of critical importance to our collective resolve for good governance is compelling. Mr. President Sir, given that the 469 elected members of the National Assembly have closer interaction with the nooks and crannies of the nation, we are privileged to feel the people’s pulse more intensely and we feel same on behalf and for the benefit and guidance of all the arms of government.

“Surely Mr. President and his deputy, being the elected officials on the other side cannot be expected to be in 109 Senatorial Districts; worse still, 360 Federal Constituencies.

Therefore, when we feel this pulse, we are duty bound to communicate to you.

“As I speak, interim field oversight reports from H o u s e Committees on the 2012 budget implementa-

2015 and the Tambuwal puzzle every action taken by the Speaker, since his emergence, has been a subject of intricate scrutiny and controversy. His leadership style at the lower House, coupled with his bluntness has not helped matters, thus making him one of the most watched and discussed political leaders in the country.

So, when on Saturday, April 6, 2013, at the investiture of Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the Vanguard Man of the Year, former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, called on Tambuwal to consider running for a higher office, based on his “outstanding performance,” both his political rivals and close observers came to the conclusion that the Speaker may have been endorsed by some powerful political caucus to contest the 2015 presidential election.

tion are clearly unimpressive both in terms of releases as well as utilisation and this is a great challenge to all of us. It is important to state, at this point, the clear provisions of Section 8 of the Appropriation Act to the effect that approved budgeted funds shall be released to MDAs ‘as at when due’. This is sadly observed more in breach.”

Although Jonathan tried to keep an open face after that clear disapproval of his government’s style by an influential member of his political party, insiders told The Nation that since then, the leadership of PDP, especially the elders had given up on hopes that the youthful Speaker would learn to play the game the way PDP would want it. They had therefore drawn a line, with some of them declaring Tambuwal as one of the disloyal members, whose actions

must be carefully noted in order to avoid a form of political implosion.

But close associates of the Speaker, reacting to these criticisms, have argued that Tambuwal is not really an opponent of the ruling party or of Jonathan, but an independently minded leader, determined to say his mind in all circumstances.

So far, the presidency and the ruling party are not impressed by such denials and so, the Presidential aides, especially those responsible for 2015, have been allegedly briefed to follow up on Bagangida’s recent puzzle and Tambuwal’s card.

How the Tambuwal factor started Although some aides and associates of Tambuwal would, as Babangida alluded while endorsing him, trace the Tambuwal factor to his performance, the fact is that the political intrigues that threw him up and installed him as the Speaker of the House, at a time his NorthWest zone was not expected to produce a Speaker, were really responsible for the attention he has attracted since then.

It would be recalled that the events of June 1, 2011, running up to June 6, 2011, when he finally emerged, sowed the seed of discord between Tambuwal and the leadership of PDP. The party had zoned the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives to the South-West but partly because the zone had less than 10 out of the 360 members of the House, Tambuwal easily got the support of radical and progressive members of the House, most of who wanted to challenge the status quo. Together, they made a mess of PDP’s calculations.

Perhaps, in a bid to sustain the popularity he garnered within the house during that intriguing week, Tambuwal had since remained on the side of the people whenever issues of national interest put the people on one side against the federal government of PDP. Another major factor that has continued to worry the PDP leadership is Tambuwal’s alleged closeness with the opposition political parties. An aide of the Speaker, who requested not to be named since his principal has not given him permission to speak on the matter, explained that Tambuwal, who is not unaware of the factors that made his emergence possible, is relating to all because he wants to carry everybody along. “The Speaker, though a passionate member of PDP, is not unaware of his position as Speaker of the House, who must carry everybody along,” he said.

Tambuwal: the man, his politics Born January 10, 1966 in Tambuwal village, Sokoto State, Tambuwal studied law at Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto.

He began his political career, according to official records, between 1999 and 2000, “while working as Personal Assistant on Legislative Affairs to Senator Abdullahi Wali, the then Senate Leader.

“In 2003, he ran for a legislative seat as representative of the Kebbi/Tambuwal Federal Constituency. He was elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).”

Few months to the 2007 general elections, he reportedly defected to the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) alongside the former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa. But when the DPP denied return tickets to former ANPP legislators, Tambuwal returned to the ANPP, where he got ticket for the election.

He was to join the PDP in 2007, alongside the former ANPP governorship candidate for Sokoto State, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko.

In 2005, he became the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, a position he held until he defected to the PDP. When he was re-elected to the House in 2007, he was elected Deputy Chief Whip of the House.

So, fundamentally, Tambuwal has been linked more with the progressives than core conservatives and this, said an insider, is the source of the suspicion of the leadership of PDP. Given his deep association with progressives in the opposition political parties before and now, the fear within PDP and the presidency, according to a top PDP official, is that “Tambuwal’s alleged ambition to vie for a higher office, an agenda of some forces strongly opposed to Jonathan’s 2015 reelection bids, enjoys his tacit support.”

While PDP may be worried by Tambuwal’s style, our findings show that the Speaker is currently enjoying some popularity because of his perceived transparent style of leadership at the House.

20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Politics

Fears over freedom of expression Political debates and commentaries may be getting increasingly risky, following recent actions against media organisations, reports Sunday Oguntola

R

IVERS State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, was the first to raise the alarm. Nigeria, he warned, was sliding back to the era of dictatorship. Many dismiss his pronouncement as politically-motivated, given his running battles with the Presidency. But subsequent events have started making many give his observation a closer look.

The last weeks have been really traumatic and bumpy for freedom of speech, especially the media. A Kaduna-based private radio station recently had a raw experience. The Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) imposed a fine of N2million on the popular station for airing the comment of a listener on its Hausa programme “ina dalili”.

The caller, during the phone-in discussion programme, frowned at the planned tour of the good governance team to Kaduna State, describing it as a waste. The caller went on to suggest the Governor should have expended the N150 million it cost to host the Minister of Informa-

tion, Mr. Labaran Maku and his team, on developmental projects.

For many, that was a personal opinion on a public issue that every Nigerian is entitled to. But the NBC, the regulatory body, thought otherwise. It imposed the fine on Liberty Radio FM and ordered the station to feature the minister as a guest.

Farouk Mohammed, a public analyst admitted the NBC has the right to impose fines but pointed out the station had done nothing wrong in the particular circumstance.

Mohammed said: “What the caller said is completely his opinion, which he is entitled to. He never abused or called government officials names. He simply said the tour gulped too much public funds. I find curious NBC considers such statements offensive.”

According to him, such clampdown will discourage Nigerians from airing their views on public issues and frightens stations from sampling opinions. “Are they saying we can’t say what government is doing

is bad again? When has it become offensive and abusive to disagree with government officials? This is a dangerous trend that we must all resist to guard our hard-earned democracy, “he added.

The FRCN, Kaduna Zonal office, it was also gathered, was fined N2 million for airing a live interview on its programme Hanu Dayawa with former Zamfara State Governor, Ahmed Sani Yerima, who vowed to lead a protest should the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) fail to register the All Progressive Congress (APC).

Yerima was detained for hours for allegedly making what was considered a politically inflammatory remark. The NBC felt likewise and imposed the fine on the station. The Zonal Director of FRCN Kaduna, Malam Ladan Salihu, however stated the station was only queried, but not fined.

On allegations that the presenter of the programme was suspended, he said he was only queried. He was quoted to have said: “Yes we queried him because he took his eyes off the ball and allowed the guest to make remarks that ordinarily he should have guided him on. The query we issued him was normal in the civil service.”

Observers and political analysts

•Maku feel such repression of freedom of speech is inimical to the nation’s political development and culture. They pointed out it will not only spread fear but also gag political debates and constructive criticism of government policies and activities.

All these are coming after the security agents recently raided and arrested reporters of The Leadership newspaper over the publication of a story the federal government considered false.

The National President of NUJ,

Malam Muhammad Garba, stated such actions are unbecoming in a democratic setting. According to him: “We are surprised that in recent times, we are seeing high cases of intimidation, arrest and assault on our colleagues, and I think this should not be because we are in a democracy. We can only witness this type of thing, probably during the military era.’’

As 2015 gets closer, there are fears the situation may get messier with freedom of expression becoming more targets of attacks.

Boko Haram: A people’s alternative to peace •Continued from lastweek

B

Y 1830, some terms of truce was declared between Sokoto and Kukawa in the 13th century. The prowess of Borno extended to the port of Kabara near Timbuktu, where currently, Islamic groups were recently expunged by the French and allied forces. Borno had made efforts to expand its purist Islamic norms to the other parts of Nigeria or the Northern hemisphere. For instance, in the autumn of 1825, Bornu army’s attempt to take over Kano was repelled by 124,000 Fulani soldiers, half of the number of soldiers deployed by Alaafin of Oyo to guard Yoruba territory almost a century earlier. The Borno army captured the Bauchi flag, while the Fulani soldiers also captured silver timbre. Realizing the balance of forces, peace accord was signed at around the time the Nigerian nation began to emerge.

In all the ancient battles, the Shuwa Arabs supported the El Kanemi who is known to be the direct descendant of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (SAW), through his mother. They are believed to have migrated from Baghdad, in Iraq. There are historical reasons to suggest that the uprising may continue to receive unprecedented support from unlikely quarters in the Middle-East.

It should be realized that the break-up of Boko Haram into factions appear to reflect the old rivalry between the North West and the North East which has been explained earlier. It now appears that at least three extremist groups, the Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan, Boko Haram (Jamaa Ahlal-suunah Li-dawa wa al-Jihad) and other fringe less known Islamic groups have emerged in the North each representing varying ideologies of Is-

•Jonathan

lam. In the Zaria province lay the prominence of the Shiite which mystical root is Iran. There is now the obvious fear that apart from the on-going confrontation with the state, intra-Islam insurgence, based on ideological cleavages, like in the case of Pakistan and Iraq is not unlikely in the future. This portends serious danger to the conservative caliphate which has been holding on to power since 1804 to the disadvantage of the poor, impoverished Northern masses.

We should recollect that in 1981, the Maitasine group re-launched its own mode of Islam which was crushed by the government of Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

Viewed critically, Boko Haram is a radical, revolutionary Islamic movement that is questioning orthodox political and economic traditions in Nigeria but which is most proclaimed in the North where political leaders literarily feed on the misery of the people. Today, Boko Haram appears to be exploring the deep-seated poverty in the North, the public distrust of the

authorities and the ethnic cleavages in Nigeria to strengthen its recruitment base. Ab initio, the group may have started as a front for politicians seeking political power, the reality now is that it has assumed the status of a cultural and religious movement capable of drawing sympathy from an angry and disenchanted Northern Muslim audience, and of course with great potentials of drumming huge support from millions of angry and hungry people spread across the Maghreb region where the exclusion from economic and political contest has been their lot.

There have been harsh criticisms of the group for its campaign of violence and blood, with some describing the group as a bunch of anarchists. These criticisms sometimes come with blind rage that it often makes constructive engagement difficult to conceive and suggesting that a solution would only come when the group has been exterminated.

To me, the group appears to be genuinely driven by the Philoso-

phy of an Islamic theocratic state.

Military regimes left a terrible legacy that the civilian administration has done little to correct, a culture of viewing the people with disdain especially by armed personnel, reckless killings of innocent people without authority sanction of the law enforcement agents responsible and the rise of state-sponsored armed cult groups in academic institutions.

Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sanni Abacha should be held responsible for this. People started believing that justice is quicker when a victim results to often violent self –help.

What should be done? The current arrogant posture of state and power will not resolve this crisis.

We need honest and meaningful approach to stopping the senseless killings and the thickening air of uncertainty that makes us to dangerously hold our breath, not knowing when the next stream of blood will flow. To save the unending human carnage, this is the time to enter into genuine, constructive dialogue with Boko Haram. Are we not astonished that the elite from the core-North has been calling on the FG to dialogue with the group? This must involve giving concession for the right of the group to participate in democratic elections. This may sound awkward, but an Islamic Party controlling a part of the country should not be seen as anti-thetical to democracy, once the party enjoys the full support of the majority of the population.

This must not be limited to Boko Haram alone, the siege mentality that defines national party politics and the electoral process in a plural society must vanish. Locals, ethnic groups, environmental, social movements and other groups that seek political power driven by particular interests, either ethnic or religious, must be

allowed to register their political parties and contest in their own area of cultural jurisdiction. We should learn from other states.

After several years of bloody confrontations, Egypt had no option than to allow the Muslim Brotherhood to seek political power through the electoral contest. The government should conduct a honest referendum in the North East and North West: do the people want Sharia or not.?

The second solution is to decentralize the security structure and unburden the Presidency. Let President Goodluck Jonathan has less to trouble his valued head with: state and community police, regional military commands, regional democratic and social institutions.

Thirdly, the troubled states should announce Amnesty, but this must be backed with meeting the contending powers at least halfway. There should also be a policy to retrieve all weapons in the hands of non-state actors across the country. This should be the condition for the Amnesty. States and local governments should run a data base of all residents. A lot of Northern leaders criticize the government for inactivity but they are scared stiff of applying the effective stop-break to the state of blood.

They do not want the country to be restructured but are rather contended with keeping the rot to their own short-sighted advantage.

I ask, why should these demands offend others when our experience in the past 100 years has seen us squelching through blood, war and endless strife? The country is floundering. We must act fast.

Adeoye, a human right activist, journalist and CNN African Journalist of the Year 2000, wrote in from Lagos.

Concluded

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Senator Joel Danlami Ikenya was the governorship candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Taraba State for the 2011 polls. Before then, he was a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on whose platform he represented Taraba South district in the senate. He spoke to FANEN IHYONGO on a wide range of issues affecting the nation and his home state, Taraba. Excerpts

I

S the opposition satisfied with the Peoples Democratic Partyled administration in Taraba State?

We have decided to be quiet not because we are satisfied with the PDP government. We have kept quiet for long because elections were conducted and a government was formed. And during the electioneering, we went round and told people that the PDP in the state has no people-oriented programmes and cannot deliver; it has no vision or dream for the state and it came to pass. Today, we are in the second tenure of Danbaba Suntai. From May 29, 2007 to date is about six years. Within the period, there has been no single project to commission despite the huge amount of money the Suntai administration has collected from the Federation Account.

The administration has, from 2007 to date, collected over N350 billion apart from internally generated revenues, loans and other colossal injections. These are facts. So, the opposition is quiet not because the PDP government is performing. No. We are keeping quiet because we told people from the beginning that these people don’t have the masses at heart and they don’t care about the people who die every day in the hospitals. Our hospitals are not even up to what in 1983, General Mohammadu Buhari said have been turned into mere consulting clinics.

Today the hospitals are not even like clinics; they are synonymous with people hawking drugs.

We are watching and taking stoke of what they are doing to tell the people at the appropriate time. We said it before and I am saying it again, for posterity and our conscience. The opposition, as it is today, is working hard to see the coalescing of the four political parties –ACN, CPC, ANPP and APGA into the All Progressive Congress (APC). I am in Jalingo because of the membership card validation exercise for all members in the 16 local government areas. I brought materials for them from Abuja, they are working on them to put our structures together.

On April 27, we are having a national convention in Lagos to endorse the merger plan. We shall have the final rally in Abuja for all the parties to submit their registration certificates, so that we shall go ahead and empower our party leaders to do the final registration of APC as a party.

Do you think the APC will have the means to win the presidency and the governorship elections in 2015 polls?

Our weapon and strength are in the unity that we have. We have understood why the opposition is being defeated. We are being defeated not because we don’t have the peo-

Politics

Power must shift to Taraba South in 2015 -Ikenya •Ikenya ple but because we are divided. But this time, we are putting our heads together to have a cohesive and formidable political party that will take over power from the PDP. Not just because we want to rule, but to perform better than the PDP, by developing this country in the interest of the masses.

The confusion and infightings in the PDP are also to our advantage.

We understand they are divided over the presidency and governorship interests in the states. Besides, there are other individual members of PDP who want their interests to override others’. Look at what is happening in Taraba State today; there are many camps in the PDP. We in the opposition have learnt a lot of lessons through the democratic process.

So, we are working hard to put in place a superior platform for people to come in, so that we can defeat the PDP in 2015 and deliver dividends of democracy to the people.

We shall continue to expose the failures of the PDP. If there was any magic to perform, the PDP would have made it happen a long time ago.

It is about 14 years (from 1999 to 2013) that the PDP is ruling this country.

But it has not done anything spectacular. I believe we can uproot the PDP in the new platform.

Don’t you think the opposition would be rigged out as it alleged in the last election?

We believe that in every process there is always room for improvement. On our part -as the opposition, we are going to mobilise our people. Not only to mobilize people, we shall educate them as well. Some of the things that happened to us in the last election were a result of ignorance on the part of our people. Some of us were asking for one man one vote but the PDP did not and does not believe in one man one vote. PDP believes in using the resources of the people to fight the people.

In the coming election, our people are going to be fully mobilised as it is done in Lagos, Osun and Edo states. You can’t rig election in these states because the people are well mobilised and informed. Look at what happened in Edo State, even

some of the people who call themselves political godfathers lost their polling units. I want to say our case is different here because of lack of mobilisation and voter education.

However, we have taken note of these things and we are working hard to see that the mandate of the people is not taken away by force henceforth. People should allow free and fair elections to hold.

If for the past 14 to 15 years you could not perform, why do you want to be re-elected? The people will not allow it. Our state today is crumbling; everybody is in a state of confusion without knowing what tomorrow holds. This is so because of bad governance in the state. If you look at the quantum of funds that the state government of Taraba has collected from Abuja and the internal generated revenues, it amounts to over N400 billion.

Yet you cannot see anything on ground. I just want to say that we are working hard to educate people and we are making it in such a way that there won’t be any form of violence.

“

From May 29, 2007 to date is about six years. Within the period, there has been no single project to commission despite the huge amount of money the Suntai administration has collected from the Federation Account.

”

What is hindering the official registration of APC by INEC? The issue of registration of APC is being tackled at the national level.

I believe nothing good comes easy, so these obstacles are normal. Everyone in Nigeria knows that it is the CPC, ACN, ANPP and APGA that came out very clear that they are merging to be known as APC. Everybody, including those in government, knows that we are the real APC. Whoever is behind the frustration will not succeed.

I understand you have the ambition to contest for governorship of the state. Are you not going to impose yourself or muzzle the APC to your interest?

If the parties merge, it is going to be the most popular party in the state.

I will be a fool to think I am the only one qualified to contest the number one position of the state in its platform. I want to assure you that APC is going to be very transparent, with internal democracy.

And the primaries are going to be conducted by the national secretariat of the party. The party has credible people, people who are honest, people who are fair and people who believe that democracy is a government of the people for the people by the people. So, I am not going to impose myself. I am going to contest but I will accept every outcome of the election at various levels, believing God that there wouldn’t be any injustice.

The need for power shift is now a major concern to the people of Taraba south, who believe it is their turn to produce governor in 2015. What is your candid opinion?

We are part of Taraba and we are also indigenes of the state. We believe it is our turn to produce the next governor of the state. In the northern part of the state, Jolly Nyame was governor from 1992 to 1993. He bounced back in 1999 till 2007. He handed over the baton of power to central zone which produced the incumbent governor, Danbaba Suntai.

This means that by 2015, the north and central zones would have ruled for eighteen years.

Therefore, it will only be fair if

21

we are given the slot. This is a very serious battle and we shall ensure that power is shifted to us. We shall insist on our rights, we shall insist on justice and I believe that it will be given to us.

Everyone knows it, and the people we have been supporting know that it is our turn to govern this state too. There shouldn’t be any manipulation. Some people are calling for a Muslim governor in the state. I share their views, in the sense that we also have Muslims in southern part of the state. If the stakeholders want a Muslim governor in 2015, fine, but he should come from Taraba south. We have prominent and well educated Muslims from the southern part of the state who have all it takes to govern Taraba.

Do you feel betrayed by the former Governor, Rev. Jolly Nyame, for making efforts to return to the PDP fold?

I am not betrayed. He consulted me but I refused to go back with him.

I know how he (Nyame) fought for the survival of PDP in Taraba State.

During his administration, he fought all the oppositions. He fought to see that PDP won all the elections. We are all his products.

During his tenures, I was elected member of the House of Assembly, member of the House of Representatives and also as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I don’t feel betrayed by his action at all. For someone who served the state for 10years, and felt that the PDP is his brain child, I see no reason why he should not be allowed to go back to the party he nurtured. Nevertheless, Rev. Nyame is still respected by the opposition. He is the father of all.

The door is still open for him in the APC because so many people have ganged up against him in the PDP. I see no reason why they have ganged up against him because he is not going to contest to be governor again. But the people in the state chapter of the PDP are working very hard to see that he does not return to PDP. We, on our part, are praying and working hard to see that we build a formidable structure before the elections. At any moment he wants to join the opposition, we shall embrace him.

As a former lawmaker, is it proper to make the Acting Governor, Alhaji Garba Umar, the substantive governor because of the prolonged absence of Danbaba Suntai who was involved in a plane crash last year?

The people calling for the acting governor to be sworn in as substantive governor are ignorant of the provisions of the constitution. They are overzealous people, who believe that it is only the acting governor that can give them what they want.

The process of succession took place when Governor Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State died and his deputy Mukthar Ramalan Yero took over.

The process comes to play when the boss is dead, when he is impeached or incapacitated. Governor Suntai only had a crash of which anybody could as well have. He survived but sustained injuries and is receiving treatment abroad. We should be sympathetic and prayerful, as human beings. Nobody should wish another person dead. I believe that the acting governor is doing very well because he is a matured person. He is handling the situation very maturely. I commend him because if it were other people they would have turned the state upside down. The man (Umar) must be a very wise man. He knows where he is coming from, how he was picked to be deputy governor and who brought him onboard.

He knows that he did not buy or lobby for his present position. He was doing his things and providence saw him. God’s favour located and picked him as deputy governor and now as the acting governor. He is thanking God that he was brought only as a deputy governor and in five days, he became an acting governor of the state. Those who are giving him a lot of pressure to dissolve the cabinet so that he can be made the governor are making a big mistake.

22

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Politics

Adamawa PDP crisis ta

The initial optimism that the solution to the crisis bedeviling the Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was at sight may be a forlorn hope if the hard-line posture of a faction loyal to the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, is anything to go by, reports Remi Adelowo

T

HE crisis that has been rocking the Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last one year may not be over soon.

For some time now, the state Governor, Muritala Nyako, and the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, have been embroiled in a bitter contest over the control of the party apparatus in the state.

Trouble erupted about a year ago when Tukur, shortly on assumption of office, dissolved the state executive council of the party led by Alhaji Mijinyawa Kugama. Expectedly, Nyako kicked against this decision.

He was reported to have described Tukur’s action as ‘unwarranted and a clear attempt to denigrate his status as the leader of the party in the state.’ Tukur, on his part, refused to back down. And thus the battle line was drawn.

Worried that the crisis, if unchecked, could jeopardise the future of the party in the state, President Goodluck Jonathan, set up a committee headed by the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido, to find a lasting solution to the issue.

With the caliber of the members of the committee, many PDP stakeholders in the state and beyond were confident that the Lamido panel would do justice to the matter. After about five months, the committee finally submitted its report to the President.

The recommendations In one of its recommendations, the committee proposed the retention of the ward and local government executives, pointing out that these arms were not dissolved by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party from the outset.

Perhaps to prove its neutrality, it further recommended the harmonisation of the two main factions in the party-the Mijinyawa Kugama and Joel Madaki executives, while urging the factions to work together in the interest of the party.

The discordant tunes These resolutions led to mixed reactions from the factions battling for the control of the party.

The state Secretary of the Madaki-led faction, Alhaji Tahir Shehu, dismissed the recommendations as ambiguous and failing to address the core issues that led to the crisis in the first place.

Giving an insight into the issue, Shehu said the NWC of the party had assigned the Ambassador Umar Damagun-led caretaker committee to conduct fresh congresses at the ward, local, and state levels.

He disclosed that prior to the party congresses, the NWC had written a letter to the Chairman of the Independent National Elec-

•Tukur

toral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, notifying him of the dates slated for the conduct of the ward, local and state congresses.

The letter, he reportedly said, was signed by the National Chairman of the party, Tukur,

and former National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Shehu was also reported to have said that the caretaker committee has since completed its assignment and subsequently handed over

Diya, the lachrymose General O

OLADIPO Diya, the Odogbolu –born General is in the news again after many years of silence and licking of wounds.

In the last one week or so, Nigerian newspapers were awash with the syndicated interview Diya granted to some journalists in which he raised issues bordering on the type of security guards befitting his status as a former Chief of Defence Staff and alleged unpaid allowances.

Diya’s interview came on the heels of the pardon granted him alongside Alamieseigha by President Jonathan.

It should be recalled that the lucky Diya was the Chief of General Staff during the overlordship of General Sanni Abacha until he was cashiered off by the regime he tirelessly worked for as its number two man. Diya, Tajudeen Olarewaju and Abdulkareem Adisa (Abacha’s Ministers of Communications and Works respectively) were arrested, tried and found guilty of conspiring with others to violently topple the government of Abacha. They were sentenced to death by a Military Tribunal.

But following pressures from several quarters within and outside Nigeria,the death penalty was commuted to life imprisonment. The death of Abacha paved way for the eventual release of Diya from prison by the Gen.Abdulsalam Abubakar’s regime.

Diya was the hatchet man that saw to it that the June 12, 1993, election, won by Chief M.K.O Abiola who incidentally was from the same Ogun State as Diya, would not be revalidated.

The struggle for the revalidation of Abiola’s mandate, freely given to him by the Nigerian people took such a national dimension that surprised the likes of Diya, who were on the other side of the divide.

The struggle, anchored by the politically resourceful and resolute Campaign for Democracy (CD), a movement that had over 30 rights groups and political platforms that subscribed to it, was so intense that Babangida, the man who annulled the election, had to ‘step aside’ and appointed the hapless Interim Government of Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Nigerians did not give the Interim Government an opportunity to operate because of its illegal and usurping status. This much was shown in the decision of a Federal High Court which declared the Interim Government ille-

•Diya

By Chijioke Uwasomba gal, paving the way for Abacha’s coup, which had been on the wings.

Most Nigerians might not have known that it was this same Diya that went to the embassies with documents purported to have emanated from the June 12 campaigners calling for a military solution in the resolution of the logjam that the June 12, 1993 election crisis had become. No doubt, there were prominent voices in the June 12 Movement, who, out of desperation, naively thought that since the unnecessary June12 crisis was caused by the military, it was incumbent on the latter to resolve the imbroglio. It needs to be stated that these desperate voices were not dominant but Diya took advantage of their views and interactions with him to urge his master, Abacha,

and others in their clique to take over power immediately after the Interim Government was declared illegal.

The Campaign for Democracy was the first casualty in the intrigues engineered by Diya and his cohorts as a result of the June 12, 1993 crisis.

The CD and some of the cells that were relevant in the strident opposition given to the military have not been able to recover their voices arising from the bilious and divisive stratagems that Diya injected into the CD platform.

Today, the CD is a shell and shadow of its former self. The organisation was such a powerful voice to the point that it became an alternative government. But with Diya’s penetration of the organisation, the rest as they say, is history.

Having conquered CD and fought other opposition groups like NADECO, Diya was seen strutting about the length and breadth of Nigeria providing Abacha with the strategies and tactics to bomb the opposition to complete surrender. In the South-Western part of the country where he comes from, he tried to upstage the authentic Yoruba political establishment ably represented by the Afenifere by creating the ill-fated, second eleven IMERIN group. As he jockeyed about and around demobilising the June 12 forces, he and his other henchmen, like Tajudeen Olarewaju and Abdulkareem Adisa (the thoroughly grammatically challenged one), were busy fawning and servilely working for Abacha. Their cringing knew no limits as they wore all kinds of Abacha-embossed badges to display their loyalty to their boss.

To the best of my knowledge, no court of competent jurisdiction has reversed the judgment of the Military Tribunal that found Diya and co guilty of an attempt to violently overthrow the regime of Abacha. As part of the political manipulation to give Alamieseigha a wide berth for political relevance in 2015, the Jonathan administration decided to include names like Diya to give the pardon a geo-political configuration.

It should also be remembered that in those dark days of Abacha’s dictatorship, Diya, Adisa and others of their ilk had been shown in a video cowering, like wounded dogs, kneeling, crying and begging Abacha for forgiveness, thereby portraying themselves as chocolate soldiers. They never denied participating in the alleged coup but were only weeping and paying their allegiance to their boss, Abacha.

Many discerning Nigerians saw it as a comeuppance to a set of people who went even beyond reason to ingratiate themselves to Abacha with a view to enjoying the available lucre on the table for members of the inner cabinet of Sanni Abacha.

Now, Diya has started another canticle, asking for military guards as opposed to the police security he is currently enjoying. He has suddenly remembered that he rose to the position of Chief of Defence Staff and therefore must be treated as such. The military authorities will soon be asked to compute all his allowances and pay to a man who should always be thankful to providence for its intervention in his life after all that he did to Nigerians as he worked assiduously to ensure that Abiola never became the President of Nigeria.

Does Diya even think about those thousands of Nigerians who died prematurely as a result of the brutal activities of the regime that he served with everything that he had? There is no limit to chicaneries in Nigeria among its ruling elite!

Diya is complaining of police security and looks forward to a military one very soon.

Does he know about many Nigerians killed everyday for lack of security? Does he remember about the goons that were stuffing out the lives of Nigerians when he was the CGS? Does he really believe himself in his recent interview? Is it not better he remains silent and thank his God for being alive today?

Many Nigerians are not as lucky as Oladipo Diya. It may not be surprising if in a few years time Diya is made the President of Nigeria or something very influential. After all, Nigeria is a country of many possibilities and ‘magicality’. * Uwasomba is of the Department of English, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-ife.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Politics

Political Politics

is takes new turn

•Nyako

the party’s control to the Madaki-led executive. He picked holes in the Lamido Committee’s position that the NWC did not dissolve the wards and local government executives of the party with the Kugama-led state executive.

In a counter-response, Shehu’s counterpart in the Kugama-led faction, Chief Phineas Pwanohoma Elisha, said the recommendations of the Lamido Committee has affirmed the announcement of the party’s Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Sam Sam Jaja, which rescinded the earlier decision of the NWC, which had dissolved the Kugama-led executive on October 17 last year.

He added that the NWC announcement did not dissolve the ward and local government executives alongside the Kugama-led executive. Elisha, however, extended an olive branch to the Madaki

faction, while promising that his group was prepared to obey the decision of the Lamido Committee.

Madaki faction not shifting ground The Madaki faction, believed to have the backing of Tukur, has spurned the olive branch of the Kugama faction. Pointedly accusing the Lamido Committee of bias, its secretary, Tahir Shehu, said the proposed harmonisation of the factions was not only partial, but lopsided in favour of the Governor’s camp.

He further accused the Lamido panel of not giving a fair hearing to his faction.

He was quoted thus: “Right from the time the Lamido Committee was formed, we officially wrote them that we wanted to pay them a courtesy call, but he (Lamido) refused.

“That was why when the committee

Political

ripples Ajimobi goes for broke

T

HE fragile alliance between ruling Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Accord Party (AP) in Oyo State has finally snapped with the decision of Governor Abiola Ajimobi to relieve the nominees of AP in government of their appointments. Citing the bellicose and uncooperative attitude of AP leader in the state, Rashidi Ladoja, towards the government as the reason for his action, Ajimobi’s decision, sources revealed, was taken after wide consultations with major stakeholders in the state, who warned him of the danger of continued romance w i t h Ladoja.

concluded its report, we sent a protest letter that we did not accept its recommendations. The committee did not hear from anybody on our side. How can we then recognise a committee that is onesided?”

While the Madaki faction is talking tough, the Mijinyawa-led executive, in its quest for peace in the party, has reportedly conceded existing seven vacancies of party positions to its rival.

Sources in the party revealed that real reason of the crisis in the Adamawa PDP runs deep. For Tukur, he is alleged to have an axe to grind with Nyako over the latter’s lack of support for his (Tukur) chairmanship aspiration, accusing the Governor of only backing him following the President’s insistence.

In the run-up to the national convention, which threw up Tukur, the North East caucus of the party had, at a miniconvention held in Bauchi, nominated Dr. Musa Babayo as its candidate for the national chairmanship of PDP. An intense horse trading embarked upon by the President’s loyalists eventually paved the way for Tukur’s emergence as National Chairman.

Also linked to the non-resolution of the crisis is the alleged plot by Tukur to ensure that his eldest son, Awwal (who is currently his father’s special adviser), emerges as the next Governor of the state in 2015. “Taking control of the party structures in the state now is vital to realising this objective,” said a source in the party.

The personality clash between Tukur and Nyako had pitched majority of the latter’s colleagues against the National Chairman, whom they accused of running the party like a private estate.

The Governors viewed the development as a “signal from Tukur, and by extension the Presidency to undermine their influence in the party and clip the wings of recalcitrant governors.”

In the thinking of these Governors, if Tukur is allowed to have his way this time, he will be emboldened in the future to mete out the same treatment to other governors who “falls out of line.”

With the hard-line stance of the Tukur-backed Joel Madaki faction, it remains to be seen how the crisis in the Adamawa State chapter of the PDP will be resolved.

Abiodun Akinlade romances LP?

H

IS close associates are not willing to talk about it, and neither is the man at the centre of it all, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade, a member of the House of Representatives from Yewa in Ogun State, ready to confirm the rumour.

The story within the state’s political circles is about his alleged plan to contest for the 2015 governorship election on the platform of the Labour Party (LP).

Sources revealed that Akinlade with a few members of the State House of Assembly have been holding series of meetings with the leadership of LP to perfect modalities for their movement from the ACN to the party.

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turf

with Bolade Omonijo boladeomonijo@yahoo.com

Falae, Fasehun …The gathering cloud

B

Y all standards, Chief Oluyemisi Falae and Dr. Frederick Fasehun are leading lights of Yoruba land and notable Nigerians. They are both septuagenarians and became politicians when statesmen were in short supply, having been swept aside by the Babangida away-with-old-politicians gale.

At the time they came up, they realised that the only way to stand any chance of making a mark in the public square of their immediate environment was to associate with the progressive or pseudo-progressive camp.

As soon as the lid on formation of political parties was lifted by the IBB regime, Fasehun joined the fray by founding what he called Labour Party and applied to the Humphrey Nwosu National Electoral Commission for registration. He was denied. Falae who had served as the brain box of the Babangida ultra right economic agenda also migrated to the Social Democratic Party, that was closer to progressive ideology of the two parties established by the regime.

As a mainstream politician, that was the last time anyone heard anything of the medical doctor. However, with the truncation of the popular mandate handed Chief MKO Abiola and the usurpation of the throne by dark-goggled General Sani Abacha, the opportunity presented itself for Fasehun to seize a platform for relevance. He came up with an Oodua Peoples Congress, ostensibly a Yoruba resistance movement.

Since then, he has skirted around the political scene and imposed himself on the consciousness of the people with an ill-defined ideology.

Falae shone briefly in 1999. He had moved around as a presidential aspirant on the platform of the SDP in the last phase of the Babangida reign. As a top civil servant who was Secretary to that notorious administration, Falae had no problem convincing the powers behind the SDP throne that IBB would be too pleased to hand over Nigeria to him. Money was not a consideration as he had more than enough to spend.

But, like others, he was outsmarted by the administration.

At the inception of the Fourth Republic, he was back on the rustlings. He kis most remembered today for his heroics at D’Rovans Hotel, Ibadan where he overpowered a more experienced and better grounded Chief Bala Ige as elders of Afenifere met to pick the presidential candidate for Alliance for Democracy.

There, the seed of destruction of AD was sown. He moved on to pair Alhaji Umaru Shinkafi of the All Peoples Party in a bid to set the tone for the Republic.

The duo was defeated by the more connected Peoples Democratic Party. And, as a politician without a place in the hearts of the people, especially of the South West, Falae immediately faded away. In 2003, he had lost relevance even in his Ondo State that the PDP defeated the AD. Both men now want to be seen again as men of substance. They will do anything to court power and demonstrated the hunger in the last Ondo State governorship election where they quickly embraced the Labour Party administration. Now, they have changed tactics. As the people are discussing All Progressives Congress as a mega party, Falae jumped in and announced that he was leading another coalition. He probably thought Nigerians are dumb. None of the parties he is coordinating has the muscle to make any impact anywhere in the country. He, the principal promoter, is not in position to deliver a local government area.

Fasehun wants to resuscitate the Unity Party of Nigeria, believing that the nostalgia in the region would aid the move. There are suggestions that contractors have seized the scene for pecuniary reasons. For whatever reason that Falae is lending himself to a movement that could bring back ugly memories of the First Republic should remember the outcome of the nefarious activities of the hirelings of the age.

The cloud is gathering. It is time for Yoruba to think.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW

‘Why I will live up to 120’ Rev (Dr) Samuel T. Akande, former General Secretary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention was the first preacher to vie for election in Nigeria. As a presidential aspirant under the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC), he attracted criticisms from many quarters. He spoke last week with Sunday Oguntola in his Ibadan home on the experiment, his many battles as a church leader and life in retirement.

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OU clocked 87 some weeks back. How does it feel at 87?

Well, I still feel young and very active. I eat well twice in a day in the morning and evening. In the afternoon, I just take snacks. But sometimes I just drink cold water only and that is sufficient for me. Sometimes, I eat groundnuts, which Americans call peanuts. I do a lot of walking-exercise every time in the morning. I walk around our big compound for about 35 minutes.

My brain is still alert. I just completed works on the third edition of my book, The courage to live. I did the Yoruba version of it. The foreword was written by the late Chief S.O Adebo. I am working on another book, which is being published in the United States of America. The Nigerian edition will follow shortly. So, I try to keep young and active every time.

You retired some 17 years ago, what have you been doing?

I retired as the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Baptist Convention at 65 after I served there for 40 years. I was first a pastor, then lecturer at the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomoso. Then, I became the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and retired as General Secretary/Chief Executive. When I was serving as the secretary in Nigeria, I was also serving as the secretary of the World Baptist Alliance in Africa.

That position took me to not less than 49 countries in the world. Now, I feel fulfilled and I thank God. When I was In retirement, I am rundeclared the ning a school, which my wife and I founded some 18 years winner and lifted ago in Texas, USA. We call it up, I had only International Institute of Evangelism that trains evan- N500 in my pocket gelists and teachers of the and I was afraid world. It is an inter-denominational school. It was regsomeone might istered here in Nigeria in tuck his hands into 2000. We meet regularly every Saturday at Immanuel my pocket as they School, Samanda, Ibadan. were lifting me up In the early 90s, you made history as the first and take the preacher to contest an elecmoney. So, I held tion. What gave you the audacity to contest the presion tight to my dential election under the defunct National Republi- pocket to preserve can Convention (NRC)? the money. Some I never thought of it unof them noticed til 1992 when some people came from Lagos. I can’t reand came when I member whether they were Baptists or not. They said was bought down. people were pointing out They said ‘what that since former President Ibarahim Babangida had as- kind of a president sured he was going, credible would you be if Nigerians like me can make a difference. I was born in you can hold on to Awe near Oyo but raised in common N500?

Ghana. Having been a minister of the gospel who will not compromise and care so much about the welfare of the nation, they thought I would make a difference. When that message kept coming, I went to pray and felt the Lord seemed to be saying to me ‘you don’t have money but you could contest elections and you might win’.

At that time, Baptists would not hear that one of them, let alone their chief executive officer was vying for election. But because I felt God wanted me to do it, I went into it and registered with NRC. As soon as some of these Baptists heard that I had registered, they began to call for my resignation. One of the men who called for my resignation at that time eventually became a civilian president of this country. He is a Baptist. But I didn’t care.

I went into it and began to mobilise, telling everyone I was going to be President.

There was this man called Chief Adeseun Ogundoyin from Eruwa. I went to him and said, ‘Ogundoyin, I’d like to contest presidential election. How do I go about it?’ The first question he asked me was how much I was earning. I said N1, 341. That was my pension, what I was being paid despite having five academic degrees, all from America. Then he said ‘since you are interested, I will help you. I will speak to Babangida that I have a candidate’.

Right there, he went ahead and talked to Babangida, who said I could contest. So, I went around canvassing people.

The first amount he gave me was N10, 000. I never saw that amount of money before…

(Interjects) Even as chief executive of a large church like the Baptist Convention? … Of course, I wasn’t receiving that much. I was only signing

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•Akande

•Continued on Page 25

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW

They said the moment he came before me with the money, he just died. I simply said, ‘that is your business.’

Are you bothered by such allegations and bad perceptions?

Who cares? I am not at all. God is my protection. People are free to believe whatever they want about me but I know my hands are clean. That is why I believe I cannot die now. I am going on to 120 years. One of our lecturers in the school who turned 73 recently was visited by students. They prayed he would live to be 90 and he said, ‘No o, I don’t want to be alive up to 90’. I was like, ‘That is your business.’ I am going up to 120.

What else would you be doing till then?

I would simply be seeing all my children and grandchildren. I have five children and they are all American citizens. I want to see my great, great grandchildren. What is wrong with that? I still want to enjoy life in Nigeria. This house is on a three-and-half plot of land that somebody gave to us. I went to preach at the wedding of his daughter and printed out my sermon outline. He was so happy that he gave me a plot in Ojodu, Lagos and I said I can never live in Lagos again. I said I would take a land anywhere in Ibadan.

He brought me here and handed it over to me. His name was Chief Supo Morohundiya, a successful lawyer and native of Ibadan.

Somebody then came and asked why I was not building it then.

The man helped me with cement and started building for me then he stopped. I took over until someone else completed it for us.

You mean you did not receive a house from the Convention?

No, there was nothing like that. I understand they do that now.

But in my own case, that was how I got the house.

What has changed in Nigeria between then and now?

You see people were not running after money then. There was contentment and satisfaction with everything people had. From 1952-1955, I was in Abeokuta as pastor in Owu Baptist Church.

Until then, this country was fine. But the elections of 1965 opened our eyes to the possibility of rigging. I was a member of the Federal Electoral Commission. In those days, we called it Western Region Electoral Commission. I used to have a picture all the members took somewhere. Only two of us are alive; others have died. The other man is in Ile-Ife, a lawyer. Mr. Esua was our chairman. I noticed that there would be troubles. Some of the politicians who have big names today and others who have died would come to our meetings and boast of winning.

They would say, ‘We are going to win whether you like it or not. Those of you who will not cooperate will be dealt with.’ I was particularly singled out for intimidation When I became and harassment. They said, ‘if you are not careful, your General Secretary, stomach will become so big that it will burst’. We heard each time we went to all of that. I didn’t know that the convention and the secretary was already in they would ask a league with them.

One day, something question, I was terrible happened. Our Secalways at a loss. This retary was Mr. Ojerinola while his immediate predewas because we cessor was Mr. Oke. Oke would have tough was walking from his office when gunmen aimed 30-40 questions at him. They thought he because they just was Ojerinola. They were going to kill him. He was wanted me to fail. I’d hit and he died. I preached be rubbing my at his funeral service. That was the introduction of viohands, thinking of lence in the nation’s electoral history. how to answer the The day of the election questions.

Suddenly, was fixed and I went on to Abeokuta. I was the elec- I’d remember I had a toral officer for Abeokuta. I ring on and start went to a polling booth and saw a woman ‘pregnant’ rubbing it. Somehow with voter cards. I didn’t the answer would know that other members of the commission had been come and they would compromised. They had signed that the election was be shouting, ‘he has free and fair. But Esua did come o. He is not sign. They brought the bewitching us o’. letter to me in Abeokuta. I said I can never sign such a letter. I accompanied three other members to England where we were to print the ballot papers. We were to print it in Stuttgart, Germany and I kept on telling them not to rig. They felt I would disturb them. They decided to drop me in Nigeria and went back to England to print the papers. When they came back, they declared a terrible result. That episode led to military intervention in this country. The truth is, I don’t know if Nigerians can ever change. We keep showing we are not ready for change.

Are you still angry with the Nigerian Baptist Convention on some of the ill-treatments you spoke about?

I am not angry again. Those who did it God has dealt with them. I don’t attend Convention sessions again because I am too old for that. But you see all the young boys who are there now don’t listen to advice. Yet, none of them was born when I entered the gospel ministry. One of the retired General Secretaries was four years old when I joined the ministry. They don’t ask me for advice and I don’t need them to ask me. There was one of my successors who packed all my documents to one side.

Another one living in the house that I built for them ordered his family to be cooking close to the plaque that registered my name to obliterate it. It took another Secretary to undo that injustice. So, I have been through a lot but I have forgiven them. I believe the reason why God has preserved my life is to confirm that I am their leader. I am still their Baba. They cannot wish me away.

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There were also allegations that you were diabolical. How true were they?

Yes, I heard all of that too. They accused me of using talisman to bewitch them. You see I had a ring. You know people can be so stupid. I bought it for $100 from the US when I graduated. When anybody graduates from America with cum laude, it means he has graduated so well with honour. So, I was putting the ring on just for decoration.

When I became General Secretary, each time we went to the convention and they would ask a question, I was always at a loss.

This was because we would have tough 30-40 questions because they just wanted me to fail. I’d be rubbing my hands, thinking of how to answer the questions. Suddenly, I’d remember I had a ring on and start rubbing it. Somehow the answer would come and they would be shouting, ‘he has come o. He is bewitching us o’.

When I realised that, I discovered I had something to make them fear me. So, from that time, at conventions I‘d raise the ring and be rubbing it. They would keep shouting openly that I was using talisman. If anybody died in those days and we had confrontations before then, they would say I was responsible for it. There was the case of one pastor in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State. I helped him go to America for his degree. But he loved women too much and I knew this even before he left. We had moved the wife after he left from their official residence on the orders of the Convention. She then went to report me to people in Oke-Ogun.

When the husband returned, the woman had rented a house owned by an Alhaji in Felele area of Ibadan. This Alhaji had a beautiful young lady that the pastor was having an affair with. The Alhaji went to Molete Baptist to meet the elders and told the pastor to be very careful. But in the meantime when this man was going to America, he owed the Nigerian Baptist Convention N90, 000 and I used to write to him to pay up but he did not bulge. He kept reporting that I was harassing him.

So, one day, he had an affair with this lady again. He refused to stop because it was already part of his nature. He took his bath and walked away from the house. Unfortunately, he had contacted a charm that forbids one from crossing a river. The moment he crossed it, he fell down and died in front of a woman selling beans.

When people heard he was dead, they said, ‘Akande had killed him’. In fact, the people in his town till date believe I killed him.

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•Continued from Page 24 cheques for people. I never received that much. So, I began to campaign and the time came for me to contest the election at the state level. Many people kept criticising but I insisted I’d go into it since God said I should. But I didn’t know that God had a different plan for calling me into it. I went into it and the day of election came here in Ibadan. I won here. At that time, there was no Ondo, Ekiti or Osun states. They all came together and voted for me.

When I was declared the winner and lifted up, I had only N500 in my pocket and I was afraid someone might tuck his hands into my pocket as they were lifting me up and take the money. So, I held on tight to my pocket to preserve the money.

Some of them noticed and came when I was bought down. They said ‘what kind of a president would you be if you can hold on to common N500? Then we went to Port-Harcourt for the National Convention where I also contested. As soon as we got there, people from Oyo State, now Osun, Ondo and Ekiti said ‘don’t vote for this Akande. He would not allow us to chop’. With that kind of message going round, I did not win there. I said to them, ‘you will continue to chop but you will chop and chop until you have stomach ache’ Don’t we all have it now? Since then, I have never shown interest in politics again.

But then later, I discovered that during the time I was in politics, God helped me. Before then, I didn’t have a house or a car…

As Baptist Convention President and General Secretary?

I never did. I was earning N1, 341 until I retired. What can one do with that kind of money? Then, Ogundoyin bought me two cars- a Mercedes Benz and Toyota Station Wagon. He gave me money to complete this house where we now live. Then, I realised God diverted me to politics so that He could bless me. Since then, I stopped talking politics because we haven’t made any progress at all. We are still where we were before I contested.

Is that because you have given up on Nigeria?

Sometimes one wishes to give up on Nigeria. There is no progress, development or change. Things are going from bad to worse and we are making many bad names around the world.

My wife and I travelled to America one day to visit our children.

We both have tribal marks. As soon as we landed in one airport and they saw our marks, they moved us to one side since they were sure we are Nigerians. They set Alsatian dogs on us. They were sniffing our bodies for cocaine. We were begging saying we spent over 15 years in the United States and our children have been there. They just wouldn’t listen to us. They released us after a thorough search.

But I am hoping that maybe one day God will raise up a leader who will be tough on the citizens. Any leader that is not tough and straightforward cannot transform this country. I had a lot of problems when I was General Secretary of the Convention.

The war was too much because I was not ready to compromise and people wanted me to. That was why they kept saying Sometimes one Akande is bad. I have no probwishes to give up lems over such perception. Today, I am a happy man. on Nigeria. There Yes, people really hated your guts and said many ter- is no progress, derible things about you. How do velopment or you react to them? change.

Things Don’t mind them. They just wanted me to compromise. are going from They wanted me to see somebad to worse and thing that is black and say it is white. If any Baptist Church in we are making those days tried to change our many bad names mode of worship, I would go there straight and wage war around the against them. I would threaten world. to remove them from the Convention. Today, things have changed; many Baptist Churches have become Pentecostal. They are no longer Baptists. If I heard of any pastor who did something bad, I would report straight to the ministerial board.

But if I found the board was dilly-dallying, I would go straight to that church and tell them your pastor is not doing well. Because of that, they said I was confrontational and dictatorial.

Were you not?

Yes, I was because I was raised in Ghana. I went to High School in Cape Coast from 1945-1949. I taught for two years in Ghana in a town called Suhun. The very same night I got there, I met the lady who became my wife. She bought food for me and I soon as I saw her, my heart went to her. From December 15, 1949 we went into courtship until December 15 1956 when we got married. We have been married for 56 years and four months.

But you see when I was General Secretary, they prefer that I see things and look away. I knew that people were very dishonest then even in the church. As Secretary, I gave out contracts to people and they would approach me with my own ‘share’ after completion. Of course, I’d flatly refuse. One of the leaders came to me one day and advised me to compromise; that I was too tough on the people.

My reaction was that if God was behind my election, no man would be able to remove me. They tried all kinds of things. I was President from May 1, 1977 to April 30, 1979. I became Secretary from May 1, 1979 to April 30, 1991. In the last year, people wanted to remove me and I insisted they would not succeed. I retired gloriously on April 30, 1991.

Sometime in October 1990, I had got ready and packed my things for Ede where we were to meet for the monthly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Convention. As I was about to leave the Baptist building, I got a telephone call from one of the officers of the Convention not to attend the meeting. He said there were two lorry-loads of ‘kill-and-go’ policemen to arrest me. I was already in politics then. I heard the policemen accused me of bringing thugs to the meeting venue. I knew where it came from. They were the women leaders of the Baptist Convention and I never went. The policemen waited to no avail. They wanted to disgrace me and take me to Ilesa prison.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Politics

‘Katsina has not borrowed to execute projects’ In this interview, Mustapha Kankia, Commissioner for both Works and Transport ministries in Katsina State, explains to Adetutu Audu how the state government is executing many ongoing projects, among other issues.

M

INISTRY of works appears to have the biggest chunk of the state government budget, why is this?

I think it is so generally, probably because of the nature of what they do, mostly capital intensive projects. Of course, capital intensive projects would take slightly larger percentage of the budget. This is so because a single kilometre of road can cost so much. This ministry is not only into roads, we are in charge of housing, transportation and road maintenance. For all these three, they have agencies, parastatals.

We have the Katsina Housing Authority, a parastatal under the Ministry of Works. There is Katsina State Transport Authority, still under the Works Ministry and we have Katsina Roads Maintenance Agency. So if you put all these agencies together, coupled with the ministry, you see that it is quite a huge amount of resources that go into our activities.

Why is government building a new Government House when there is a functioning one?

The current government house as you can see is a government house inherited from the colonial masters. It was actually the district officer’s residence then. Then successive governments were just adjusting one thing or the other. As a matter of fact, the office of the Deputy Governor, that is the exact office of the District Officer at that time. So, subsequent governments were just adding one structure today and another tomorrow. At the end of the day, it is a collection of structure did by different people with different thinking. Sometimes, there is a conflicts like accommodation, power supply, quarters and the government activities is ever expanding. For example, among all the first generation universities, only university of Ife appears to be the best because it was

the only university that started afresh from a virgin land, a development concept from the beginning. Therefore it can go in the direction you want it to go. That is why it is better than most of the other first generation universities.

Now, we have a chance here to do it properly. We have a Governor who is not thinking about now. We are thinking of the next 50years. As a matter of fact, all our projects here are for the future. They are there to provide platform for growth and development.

How? My principal is a manager of resources. He manages men and material so that he gets the best for the state. The way the funding of the place is done is like this: We receive fund just like any state from the Federation Account, we manage it properly such that what accrues from the investment is now pumped into the government house project. The Governor has generated over N8b in the last six years accrued from constant generation of the investment.

So, the government house is being given to the people of Katsina as a gift free of charge. The target of the project is about N5b but we have spent about 3b.

Why build another governor’s lodge in Abuja when you could possibly manage the previous one?

The condition we met it was not just habitable. It had developed cracks and in dilapidated condition. It has reached an extent where the governor’s lodge is no longer governor’s lodge because the Governor can’t really spend the night and at the same time work in it, because it is not only about sleeping there but also working there and attending to state issues from there. So, it became inhabitable. So, it was now either to completely knock it down or remodel it. And so we remodeled it. So, it is not a new building as you claimed, it was a

• Kankia remodeled building. We spent about N400m on it. And don’t talk about the cost because that amount is something that can be spent by the governor for a couple of years in a rented building. If you calculate the amount you would have paid on rent for say four years in Abuja, you will agree with me that it is a wise financial decision on the part of the Governor. The lodge is now in place such that all his staff can lodge there comfortably. Even northern governor’s forum and governor’s forum meetings are held there sometimes, that tells you how habitable it is now.

There have been arguments over federal roads in all the states, what type of collaboration do you have with the federal government

in terms federal roads in your state?

Generally, the state government is interested in partnering with any developmental agency that will bring development to the people. Let me give you a classical example of the extent of commitment of the state government towards that policy. You will recall that the President established 11 universities recently.

Out of the 11, one was in Katsina State. That one, among the other 10, was the first to matriculate students. The reason is simple. The Governor committed over N1b for the project.

He gave them a secondary school to take off. It was remodeled as new classrooms, staff quarters were added; provided hostels and immediately gave them certificate of occupancy. He pumped over N1b into the project as the state contribution to the federal school. The students are in their second year of learning. Another one was the expansion of the Katsina airport. It was an aerodrome. The previous administration started the expansion programme. My principal completed it with a new runway of 3.6kilometer long,100 meters wide, enough to carry any Boeing 747, which is the international standard.

He told the federal government, look I can do this and refund me later. Of course the approval took time but that is the kind of commitment I am talking about. Currently, the state government is looking at the Zobe water Dam scheme. The Zobe dam is one of the largest dams we have. It was started more than 30 years ago. And he has been trying to convince the federal government, come please let us talk, I can do this and then you reimburse me later.

There is another one, Jibia irrigation scheme. It is federal government owned. It was lying down for nothing and it can be used for irrigation but it had technical problems of pumping machines and channels through which you carry the water to the various farm lands were broken. The governor came into the picture, supplied the generators and as I speak with you now, it is working.

What are you doing in housing?

My ministry is saddled with the provision of affordable housing through the Katsina State Housing Authority. From 2007 to date, we have so far built 1772 housing units which were segmented into three. We are financing these projects with proceeds from investments.

When you adopt such style, you can achieve a lot within a short space of time. With all that we are doing, we have not borrowed a kobo both within the country and outside to execute all these projects.

Kalu, a man of the people @ 53

• Uzor-Kalu

O

NCE every year, somebody must remember his birthday. Some persons celebrate theirs in a majestic style, while others just think-over it. Reasons for these vary among individuals. It is the motive of this treatise to memorise a former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu as he clocks 53 on April 21, 2013.

The Igbo would associate a man of Kalu’s standing with – Obu nnukwu mmanwu. (He is a big masquerade). And big masquerades are not watched on the day of festivity from one focal point of view. To get a sizeable view of a big masquerade, one has to be moving from one standing point to another, yet the view of the masquerade will not be complete. This is why it

is called nnukwu mmanwu.

While friends and well-wishers of Kalu are preparing to celebrate with him in the 36 states of the federation, in Europe, Asia, other African countries and around the world, it is essential to keep-in-mind that there is no amount of party – be it grand or ordinary – that will surpass the fact that Kalu is alive today. Any day a person is alive is one biggest quiet celebration on its own, even though that it is not amplified. This is why the Igbo would say that Odi ndu kele Chi. (Any living should thank his God).

Kalu is a friend of the people who has helped numerous people both financially, emotionally and in anything positive. Some he knew, many he did not know. He has filled a lot of people’s sorrow with happiness, joy and peace. He cannot make a list of the people he has assisted in life.

However, one content of the help that he has rendered to mankind that does not vary to suit any person in particular is humility. If Kalu were a kid, due to the tremendous help he has turnedto people, on this occasion of his birthday, many would have taken him to the market and buy him balloons, whistle, paper-kite, toys and other children’s fanciful items.

While a host of peoples around the globe are in the festive mood to celebrate with Kalu, without doubt, he is busy in prayers for his dear life and for providence making him who he is today wealth-wise, but among all, as a man who is loved, admired and adored by many friends than perceived foes. As a token of love to appreciate him, at his Igbere hometown of Abia State, Kalu’s kinsmen and kinswomen have been celebrating his 53rd birthday remembrance since the past one month. At his Neya country home, the atmosphere is an epoch one. What people have not eaten and drank are not in the market. The significant aspect of this festivity is the cake which was in the shape of a beautiful house, resembling Kalu’s expensive and expansive compound that was cut. All these the villagers have done in acknowledging that their son is alive today to witness his 53rd birthday.

It is something to cheer about that Kalu who

By Odimegwu Onwumere was born without a golden spoon, but not in the absence of a spoon, has become a personality that is drowned in gifts of thanks-giving from people around the world that cut across creed, culture, tradition and religion. It is worthy of praise that Kalu who was not born into an upperclass family has taken his lower-middle-class family to the upper-class family. The momentous aspect of this year’s birthday tribute to Kalu is that the world is very particular about observing it because of his years of very active thorough service to mankind; though since his birth, Kalu has been regularly celebrated every year. As a central figure that all eyes are set on, on this birthday occasion, Kalu’s joy knows no bounds, and is thoughtful of the passing year and the year to come.

Another exceptional aspect of this year’s birthday is that it comes when Kalu who hates evil has taken to coordinating an anti-corruption war in Africa, which is supposed to be instituted in South Africa this May, having stakeholders from part of European Union, the United Nations, some diplomats from the United States and other Western countries. In this bid, Kalu is crying that government agencies in Africa have failed to fight corruption; hence the use of NonGovernmental Organisation to fight corruption ensued. Kalu vehemently frowns at politicians, civil servants who are stunningly financial rich today, but were paupers before they assumed their different leadership positions.

Kalu is using his birthday to enlighten people that corruption is not only synonymous with those in government, but there are jokers in all the spheres of human endeavours. He is one politician who has suffered politicallymotivated cases in the hands of the authorities, losing many of his assets in politics. He lost two banks, offshore companies, building platforms and an airline he came to power with, when he was a former governor. He has been severally molested by the authorities. An example was in 2007 when traducers launched a vilification

campaign against him that an anti-graft agency was looking for him. He was in London and called Ibrahim Lamorde, a Czar of the agency that he was coming to Nigeria. He told Lamorde the time that he was going to land in Nigeria – 5a.m – and even specified his place of landing which was Abuja, instead of Lagos. He also told Lamorde that by 11a.m., he would be in Lamorde’s office.

Kalu would not be celebrating today if his God was and is not always with him. His voluntary return was made to look like a suspect being caught after a hard chase. Nuhu Ribadu of the anti-graft agency came to the airport with an arsenal of journalists and cameramen to arrest Kalu as he landed in Nigeria. They tried to rubbish him but here is the great son of Ndigbo and a citizen of Nigeria without blemish; a man who has never been afraid of who will lock him up or use rules that are not in line with the constitution to chase him. Kalu’s birthday today tells the story of a man who was governor at 39 and lost many of his businesses, but is here today stronger at 53, than the political demagogues wanted to enfeeble him.

Kalu’s fears at this year’s birthday are not personal. They are not that he’s being persecuted by the authorities, but that the country is gradually ebbing to a point where anybody can do anything he or she likes, because the leaders are not able to come together and address this issue, hence law and order are being broken down. He has not been happy that Nigeria has a lot of problems but has always said that if Nigerians are all part of the problem, they should all be part of the solution. Without equivocation Kalu has been part of the solutions to solving majority of the problems besetting the country.

Among all, may Kalu’s God grant him an Igbo presidency in 2015 through his Njiko Igbo, when he would be 55.

Odimegwu Onwumere, Poet/Author, contributed this piece from Rivers State.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

Glamour

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Glamour

Social

ADETUTU AUDU (E-mail: crownkool@yahoo.com, Tel: 08023849036)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Glamour

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Glamour

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

&

OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL (08033572821) raphseg2003@yahoo.com

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

J

IDEAKINTUNDE’S article titled Corruption and Nigeria’s Investment Renaissance, published in FINANCIAL NIGERIA Vol. 5, Issue No. 57 of April 2013, made for an interesting reading, to say the least. Aptly, it did what I see as a scientific profiling of our economy’s inhibitors and made a prediction of a successful future, if the critical stake-holders will make the singular sacrifice of investing discipline and selfrestrain.

By the way, Mr. Akintunde is the Managing Editor of Financial Nigeria, a Development and Financial Journal.

The article in reference threw up so many incongruence in the workings of our local economy; in spite of the many instances of disconnect between how our local economy is run and deliberately impeded, it holds huge potentials for ROI – Return On (investors’) Investment, confounding global investment institutions and bankers. How else can one describe an economy where the banks post unimaginable profit while the manufacturing sector is locked-down? Last month-early April (2013) Zenith Bank posted a Hundred Billion Naira (N100bn) profit, in an economy where only the telecom market is running albeit far below capacity. It is easy to ascribe such recorded growth in the banking sector to activities of a service-driven economy (nonmanufacturing economy), but let’s be reminded that any economy with such “growth” indicators not supported by manufacturing, deliberate effort at human resource development and a corresponding low unemployment rate, will turn out a ruse.

But we give it to oureconomy; it has clearly defied all known principles and theories, while successfully delivering equally illogical growth. But let us not be deceived, it is all incongruent, not likely to subsist and requires a deliberate and concerted effort towards repair and redirection or it will lead us nowhere. It reminds me of the period of rush for stock market investment, when even those who called themselves investment bankers were blinded by “visible” mega profits threw professionalism over-board (couldn’t advise neither their clients nor themselves) and blindly scrambled for what they saw as investment opportunities. Their rationale was that our economy does not run according to any known investment theory or principle, and so should not be analyzed as such.

Investors hurriedly mopped up shares of companies that were not operating at that time. Value of shares appreciated astronomically based on word of mouth (even from barely literate), not supported by tangible productivity. Even bankers that should know, undermined their academic and professional training, to create what they called ‘marginal loan’ to fuel their greed, and invested in shares of dead companies.

At the end, the stock market went burst and the consequence of our carelessness resulted in huge debts that led to all sorts of health problems including madness and even death. So many families are yet to recover from that crash in the stock market. It left us with so many reasons to be careful, we carry on claiming our economy is resilient, unique and accommodative of the extraordinary. We truly need to be patient and careful to see through the deceit in the ordinary happenings in the market, to avoid disaster. Otherwise, things really happen in our local economy that has potentials to mislead.

One of such misleading indicators is the fact that globally, Nigeria is marked unsafe for investment due to (a) unimaginable level of corruption – including corporate corruption, (b) insecurity – with Boko Haram from the North, MEND from the South and armed robbers at the middle with nation-wide satellite offices, Kidnappers in Lagos, East and Mid-west and ‘gbomo-gbomo’ in the West (my Igbo brothers don’t even go far – some daring ones just pick members of their families for money rituals; scary tales of insecurity all over.

In the face off all these negatives, however, Nigeria remains the investment destination

47

Development economics

Where is Nexim Bank?

for global investors. In spite of the short time permitted by the Sanusi bank recapitalization policy investors, including foreign banks hurriedly pushed in funds to enable them take position in the market widely described in negative terms. Among those that trust this economy so well are Ecobank, Citi, StanChart, Standard Bank (Stanbic), and they all tell success stories owing to their presence in this market.

The Chinese are in a hurry to take position in this land of promise, in whatever way the opportunity presents itself. MTN, Shoprite, MultiChoice, would rather remain here instead of their home- South Africa, considering the enormous opportunities here. All of these tales of success will confound good reasoning among managers and planners. Hence one will not ordinarily blame them when they make excuses for the illogical postulations and engagement. Yet, we at MC&A DIGEST strongly believe there is a need for caution, deliberate and constructive engagement of our institutions designed to stimulate sustainable growth, This week, we like to look at our Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM) in the light of the incongruence in our economic system and the seemingly inexplicable differences between the manifest implausible associated with our economy and the successes recorded by corporate bodies operating in this economy.

Our concern is the essence of this structured economic growth decision known as NEXIM and the true value it brings to bear on the economy and people of Nigeria.

Nigerian Export-Import Bank(NEXIM)was established by Act 38 of 1991, as an Export Credit Agency; a macro-economic development initiative designed to carefully exploit opportunities present in international trade, advantageous to Nigeria, her people and economy. It is charged to support onshore and offshore activities that result in the export of

Nigerian goods and services, by providing finance, risk-bearing facilities as well as trade and market information and export advisory services to the Nigerian export community, among other functions.

The Bank is 100% Government owned and has an authorized share capital of N50,000,000,000 (Fifty Billion Naira), equally subscribed to equally by the Federal Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The bank’s main focus is on the developmental role (complementing commercial banks) through job creation and supporting the exports of Nigerian goods and services. Statutorily, NEXIM Bank focuses on virgin segments and the non- oil exports in different segments of the market/economy. Its role is to help structure the appropriate financing for such markets either singly or with other commercial banks or financial institutions through syndication.

In all, the bank showcases ten facilities, namely: · Rediscounting & financing · Stocking · Direct lending · Local input · Foreign inputs · Export credit guarantee · Export credit insurance · ECOWAS Interstate Inter-state Road Transit Scheme · ECOWAS Trade Support facility · Nigerian Creative & Entertainment Industry Stimulation Loan Scheme On the whole, NEXIM postures as a dependable frontier for exploiting ample opportunities present in international trade, for Nigerians. It has scheduled a maximum application processing period of 4-12 weeks, with special focus on manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals and the service

sector. Of particular interest to us are the Stocking, Direct Lending and Local Input facilities. These listed facilities hold growth potentials with immediategrowth stimulating multiplier effect on the other facilities.

However, there are questions in need for answers in relation to the effectiveness and efficiency of NEXIM Bank as an economic growth driver. For one, if manufacturing and agriculture are two of the bank’s focus, how come these two sectors of our economy are still in-operative?

Can the managers of NEXIM proudly profile their contributions to the nation’s economic growth in its about 22 years of being? Can it truly say those in critical need of its assistance have access to its facilities? Where are the evidences of its impact, at least in the critical areas of our economy? How much does the critical mass of its target market know of its being, operations and method of engagement?

Is NEXIM’s operational system truly different from those of the commercial banks (with all their unfriendly posture towards prospective investors?

I know of a particular prospect who has done so much to be productive in the agricultural sector, has invested so much, but has waited for so long for NEXIM Bank’s assistance to roll out (far beyond the time limit the bank promises for processing applications), he is getting frustrated! Can NEXIM management team truly claim to be operating objectively, treating applications on their merits?

We will, at this point, leave the public to their deductions, but we must state this: there is a need to re-direct our economy from the dwindling fortunes of the oil industry. We must invest in manufacturing and agriculture, to be survive as a nation, and NEXIM must stand up to be counted in this effort. It must look inward to re-jig, as it is not entirely well positioned for its role presently. We shall leave the matter there, at this point.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

New WOMAN

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with

YETUNDE OLADEINDE

molaralife@yahoo.com

When it's a scary prospect

By: Bode Durojaiye

Solutions to real life relationship issues

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

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With Joe Agbro Jr. 08056745268

WORD WHEEL Hello children, How are you enjoying your holidays? Trust it's fun so far. However, while you enjoy, also make time for learning something new

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 23, including one nine-letter words.

PUZZLE Four good friends have four different favorite sports. Read the clues to find out who prefers which sport.

Handball Tennis Football Hockey •Children having fun at the children’s Easter party organised by Nestle Plc at Oshodi Park, Oshodi, Lagos.

PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

INTER-HOUSE SPORT •Pupils of Flourishland Private School, S h a s h a Akowonjo, L a g o s , during their first Inter H o u s e sports fiesta

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ROBERT AUDREY TONY JANE

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1. Audrey likes neither hockey nor football.

2. Tony used to like football and handball best, but he has changed his mind.

3. Neither of the boys here likes hockey best.

SUDOKU To play Sudoku: Fill the box with the numbers 1 to 9 in a way that •Each column must contain all of the numbers 1 through 9 •Each row must contain all of the numbers 1 through 9 •Each block must contain all of the numbers 1 through 9 •No two numbers in the same column, row, or block can be the same.

5 3

7

1

6

9 2

3 1

9

9

1

2

8

3 1 Send in your stories, poems, articles, games, puzzles, riddles and jokes to sundaynation@yahoo.com

4 9

2 4

6

4

8

7 9

7

1

5 6

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Young Nation

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WEIRD FACTS

LEARNING CHINESE

•IT'S impossible to sink in the Dead Sea. •Noseprints can be used to identify dogs, just like fingerprints of humans.

•Some kids learning Mandarin Chinese at the Lagos Mandarin Junior Club. Mandarin Chinese, the language with the most native speakers, is gaining global dominance. For more information on how to be a part of it, visit www.lagosmandarinkids.com

BIRTHDAYS

RIDDLES 1. I am the biggest city in the world. What am I? 2. I am the best cameraman in the world. What am I? 3. I am the finest dress in the world. What am I? • Faith Joseph Udounwa 10 years old, NCI School Uyo, Akwa Ibom

•Sharon Deborah Onabanjo was one year old on April 10.

•It's impossible to breathe and swallow at the same time.

•Your skeleton has about 300 bones when you are born, but only 206 when you grow up.

•A zeptosecond is one-billionth of a trillionth of a second.

•The wingspan of a 747 is longer than the Wright brothers' first flight.

•Being chased or falling off a high place are the two most common dreams.

WORD GAME

Answers 1. Electricity 2. Mirror 3. Address

•Munachi David Nwankwo was three years old on April 2

•Bamboo can grow about an inch in one hour.

WORD SEARCH

B

IRDS are characterised by feathers, a beak with no teeth, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a lightweight but strong skeleton. There are around 10,000 living species in the world.

Find the birds below in the word search: CRANE, CROW, DUCK, EAGLE, EGRET, FALCON, FLAMINGO, HAWK, HERON, KINGFISHER, OSTRICH, OWL, PARROT, PELICAN, PENGUIN, PIGEON, SPARROW, STORK, SWAN, SWIFT, TOUCAN, VULTURE

Fill in the spaces to get the correct word using the clue below

1. G -

- M -

- O -

•The title paramount of the traditional ruler of Jos

2. -

U - I

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•Famed for shooting an arrow of love

3. - N -

I

- B -

• A popular football club based in Aba

4. A - U - W •Won the first olympic gold medal for Nigeria

5. -

- A - A -

I

•A former Nigerian president

6. - B -

- A -

I

-

-

•Capital of a Southeast Nigerian state

7. V -

-

I

- L -

• Flavouring used in ice-cream, cakes and other snacks

Write for The Nation!

Do you fancy yourself as a writer someday? Stop dreaming and start writing. A topic will be presented here every week and you’re encouraged to send in entries in not more than 150 words. The best original story will be published from time to time, so get cracking!

Entries should be sent to sundaynation@yahoo.com and should be accompanied by the writer’s name, age, school and class.

This week’s topic is : “What will you like to be when you grow up?”

8. -

- O - B -

- L

•The most watched sport in the world

9. - O -

- O - S -

•Animal fabled for craftiness in many Nigerian folktales

10. B - R •Ethiopian currency

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Etcetera

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

A modern dictionary

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

In conclusion of contemporary connotations from the past week, the writer serves unusual meaning to topical words and phrases.

Advice n.: Counsel designed to benefit the giver.

Assassin n.: A phantom scarcely caught or named, due, essentially, to deplorable police forensics and likely ties to the influential.

Amnesty n.: Convenient pardon of the rebellious in the interest of the innocent.

April fool n.: One who votes on sentiment and is loath to repeat the error in the next presidential election month.

Bank n.: Place where debit is automatic and credit laborious.

Calamity n.: Disaster to one person but good fortune to another as one man’s meat is another’s poison.

Congratulations n.: Stage of reaction to another’s good fortune following the thought: ‘why not me?’

Discussion n.: Interchange of ideas with one party’s defeat or submission the objective.

Distance n.: Average measurement of time and space kept between the healthy and the contagious or rich and poor.

Democracy n.: Government of the unlucky by the unpatriotic for the unfortunate.

Eulogy n.: Tribute withheld by critics and adversaries in life at once released upon subject’s death.

Education n.: Sacrilegious undertaking in the book of a religious fundamentalist sect.

Egotism n.: ‘Disease’ widespread in Africa that sustains mediocrity and corruption.

Friend n.: Companion in fair weather and deserter in rough weather.

Ghost n.: ‘Invisible’ worker paid for no work done, especially in government circles; lately North-based terrorists offered ‘reward’ for reprehensible acts against society.

Monitor v.: Keeping an eye on the kerosene or wood stove.

Negotiate v.: To bargain or plead with kidnappers and terrorists.

Old adj.: What the soldier (read pedestrian) who thinks with his feet in the face of insecurity and police brutality eventually becomes.

Puddle n.: A small body of water that magnetises bodies with dry clothes and shoes.

Power n.: Product of the national power (with)holding company better served by candles, lanterns and generating sets.

Politician n.: One prolific in doublespeak, double-dealing and delivering a double whammy to the hapless voter.

Queue n.: Orderly procession for service guaranteed to witness shunting anywhere, anytime in the land of The Niger.

Rebranding n.: Official scheme meant to stimulate a Nigeria of ‘good people, great nation’ but always likely to emphasise the Nigeria of ‘rich persons, poor nation’.

Selfish adj.: What the owner of the cold room decides to do.

Shopping list n.: What you spend half an hour writing, and then forget to along.

Self-control n.: The ability to eat only one cooked or roasted groundnut from the bunch.

Sin n.: See temptation.

Top bunk n.: Where you should never put a child wearing Spiderman pajamas.

Tomorrow n.: One of the greatest pledge-fulfilling devices of today.

Time n.: What keeps everything from happening at once; considered the best teacher, it unfortunately kills all its students.

Temptation n.: See sin.

User n.: The neighbour who keeps borrowing things.

U-turn n.: Dexterous reversal often the average driver’s next resort in Lagos traffic, even on one-way streets.

Violence n.: The last resort of the incompetent.

Witness n.: An individual who swears to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth – according to the lawyer’s instruction.

Worry n.: Interest paid on trouble before it is due.

X n.: Something that mathematics teachers can’t readily tell, but students are required to know.

Y n.: Another thing mathematics teachers cannot tell, but students are supposed to know.

Youth n.: The best time to get rich, and the best time to be poor.

Yawn n.: An honest opinion openly expressed.

Zzz n.: Typical sound from the Nigerian government reflecting level of activity despite countless challenges.

Jokes Humour Three Patients THREE patients in a mental institution prepare for an examination given by the head psychiatrist. If the patients pass the exam, they will be free to leave the hospital. However, if they fail, the institution will detain them for seven years.

The doctor takes the three patients to the top of a diving board overlooking an empty swimming pool, and asks the first patient to jump.

The first patient jumps head first into the pool and breaks both arms.

Then the second patient jumps and breaks both legs.

The third patient looks over the side and refuses to jump.

“Congratulations! You’re a free man. Just tell me, why didn’t you jump?” asked the doctor.

Said the third patient: “Well Doc, I can’t swim!”

Horse Talk ONE DAY, as a husband was reading the Sunday paper, his wife smacked him upside the head with a frying pan.

“What was that for?” asked the husband.

“I was doing your laundry when I found a piece of paper with the name of Maryanne on it!” said the wife. “Who is she? Are you cheating on me?”

“Honey, don’t worry. Remember when I went to the horse race three weeks ago with my friends? Maryanne was the name of the horse I was betting on.

Satisfied, the wife continued doing the laundry. A few hours later, she smacked her husband with a frying pan again.

“What was that for?” said the annoyed husband.

“Your horse called.”

The First Time MRS SMITH was talking to her friend. “I’ll never forget the first time I saw my husband,” she said, “he was standing on a hill, his hair blowing in the breeze, and he was too proud to run after it.”

QUOTE A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject.

—Winston Churchill •Adapted from the Internet

F

ICTION Writer ’s Fountain WRITING: Sequence of the stakes. Given the stakes killing everyone has the most.

You may want to introduce the lowerthat will overwhelm your character, which will you have make the least impact and which the impact stakes first at it helps your readers to get greatest? This decision is personal or artistic or to know your main characters, especially if they subjective – words for arbitrary, for the author are idiosyncratic. Tension increases as the stakes and, in some sense, the characters, because we increase. On the other hand, if your character all have different priorities and they shift with knows that the gas tank is about to blow up, it time. For instance, training the dog to relieve can make for a very exciting beginning. itself outdoors may have the least impact while Resolving the stakes keeping the gas tank from blowing up and Resolving the stakes in an entertaining manner is what makes your stories great; what makes your readers keep turning pages; and what Now you know: •China produces more pigs than all others makes your readers search bookshelves hoping for more books by you. countries combined.

There a few things to note. All of the stakes •The largest animal that ever lived is have to be resolved, small or great. Anything currently living – the blue whale.

•The world consumes about 2 litres of left hanging and unresolved is sloppy.

Sometimes authors will leave a few things (petroleum) oil per person per day.

•About 97% of the water on earth is not unresolved on purpose because they’re planning a series. This may not please your readers drinkable as it is salt water.

•Working city: Almost half of the people (unless the unresolved items go unnoticed) but at least it’s better than forgetting to resolve a in Manhattan, USA live alone.

•The iPad2 would have been the world’s stake.

Not all stakes have to be resolved fastest computer from 1985 through 1994.

•The total weight of all ants in the world positively. Your character may come up short in pursuit of smaller goals only to triumph at is about the same as that of all humans. the final goal, for instance.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

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Tribute to Wole Awolowo —PAGE 68

‘We are tired of worshipping idols’ When Ijeru, a settlement in Ogbomoso, Oyo State celebrated its annual festival of Oje, the monarch, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, did not observe the traditional rituals or rites and neither did he offer sacrifices to any god. Taiwo Abiodun was there.

M

EN of God from different denominations held their Holy Bible, while the Muslims too were not left out as they too were ‘armed’ with their Holy Koran. The local hunters were all dressed in their hunting clothes with their local rifles strapped on their shoulders, some with local pistols, while some others armed themselves with double barrel guns. They were all dressed as if going for a hunting expedition. But no, they were not on hunting expedition but celebrating Oje festival. They filled their guns with local gunpowder and fired shots into the air, rendering their Ijala (hunter’s song) and dancing feverishly. The booming of their guns was heard as it reverberated everywhere while the sky was covered with thick blue smoke that ‘danced’ towards heaven. It was a carnival. While traditional drummers with assorted Yoruba talking drums exhibited their skill, dancers were not left out as they too exhibited their dancing skills. But one thing was missing: there were no traditional worshippers, no herbalists (Babalawo) with their Ifa oracle, no incantations, no rituals or sacrifice, it was purely a Christian affair!

Family members and well wishers dressed in ‘Aso ebi’ (uniform) sang panegyrics in praise of the monarch, while prayers were showered on the town for peace and prosperity. The males danced while the females wriggled their waists, ate and drank -all in honour of their king, to remember their ancestors who lived in Oje near Ijeru centuries ago.

This was the scene recently and it was like welcoming the arrival of a hero coming from the war front. The motorcade and convoy was over 5,000 vehicles of different types and visitors from all walks of life from far and near.Dressed in an embroidered velvet , the monarch led his people, visitors and his subjects into Igbo Aiwo (Forbidden Forest ). Rather than have herbalists as was the tradition, he was followed by clergymen from different denominations and prayers were offered, as Christian songs of different tunes were rendered.

Fifteen years ago, idols, rituals and sacrifices were the norm.

No longer the Forbidden Forest The ‘Forbidden Forest’ (Igbo Aiwo ) is located in Oje, where the celebration took place.

According to the Onpetu, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, the forest used to be sacred and it was where the gods were offered sacrifice to. It was then inaccessible to the uninitiated. “This was once a sacred bush where rituals and sacrifices were always observed. I remember that I was told that no man had the effrontery to go into the forbidden forest except the ruling monarch who used to offer sacrifices and rituals to the gods at the shrine of Oje river. My driver (of blessed memory) once told me that the townsmen would go with the monarch to a particular spot where all of them would go back except very few, may be nine people, who would go into the Igbo Aiwo where the king would go in with a ram to offer the sacrifice.”

But today the king who has become a Christian does not kill any animal, chant incantations or offer sacrifices or rituals. Instead, he on this day summoned Christian prayer warriors to the groove to shower prayers, read the Psalms while the monarch gave mind - boggling testimonies to the over 5,000 people present, there is nothing to be feared, the groove has been demystified.

Relics of the groove The Oje groove is filled with Baobab trees. It is far away from the main town. The environment is quiet and one could only hear the whistling of birds perched on trees. Not only this, some animals were seen running past as if they were being chased. Some areas of the land are soft while some are hard. Cashew trees are planted all over the place. The Oje river flows through this. According to an Islamic scholar, Aderemi Olude, the river is named after a great man who once lived there many years ago. There is the belief that people had lived there for over 200 years, Onpetu said: “This is an evidence that our forefathers once lived here. We have the Baobab trees all over the place and some professors and archaeologists from Obafemi Awolowo University and University of Ibadan discovered and took away some historical relics from this place for testing. In fact, they excavated some materials up here like shrines, statues, and some carvings.

They exhumed many things I cannot mention.

We have places here where our forefathers were buried. It is from here that they left because of war for Oje (where Oje Market is in Ibadan) in Ibadan today.

When this reporter was taken round the place, one could see big holes where some materials were excavated. The forest has some areas left where monument would be erected in remembrance, while some are for future generation evidencing their ancestral roots.

Bitter experience The monarch said his belief in God remains unshakeable like the rock of Gibraltar. He relived some of the trials he faced as a monarch and a Christian. He said, “I accommodate Christian way of praying and Islamic way of praying and if you want to perform ritual you are free. I don’t stop you, but for me prayer is the key. Precisely, sometime on February 14, 2006 I was coming back from Ibadan and I had an accident between Ejigbo and Oko and the SUV somersaulted three times but to God be the glory I came out unscathed. But the most recent one (accident) I cannot say if it was a coincidence or an attack. We were coming from a crusade in Iwere-Ile in Iwajowa local government in Oyo State, we just saw fire underneath of my Pilot SUV, my driver jumped out and God took control but the damage was much, through the intervention of passers by, we exhausted two of our fire extinguishers but the fire did not stop. The vehicle was really damaged.”

That was not all, he later lost two wives when he ascended the throne. “My first wife was sick even before we had our last baby on December •Continue on Page 54

•Onpetu, the celebrator giving testimony

PHOTOS: TAIWO ABIODUN

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Life •Continued from Page 53

27, 1996, she had a retained placenta, unfortunately my doctor who knew about her medical history travelled that day and the one we met could not handle it. However, she delivered, but she later started to complain of stomach ache. When the doctor who knew her medical history came he examined her and found that she had left over placenta in her stomach, he did what he needed to do and we were managing her until she eventually died.”

He continued: “My second wife died mysteriously. I was thinking like an ordinary person since I knew her medical history. I said I would not marry a Yoruba lady again and I went to marry a northerner, to be precise, a Fulani lady. Her death was mysterious. We slept together, did our morning devotion together. I was going to the toilet to brush my teeth when I opened the toilet she cried to me saying ‘Kabiyesi’, three times and shouted “elephant head! , elephant head !!, elephant head!!!” I did not know the meaning, I later understood that in Yoruba, it means Atari ajanaku ki i seru omode. If you translate it in Yoruba it is pregnant with meanings. That was how she died. But to the glory of God I met my wife who is my sister, my mother and praying partner who is now with me.

On the myth of monarch’s wearing cap He debunked the theory that monarchs wear caps or crowns to cover their heads to avoid being seen, he said: “ I am a Christian, and I do open my head in the public. I don’t believe that if the head of an oba is exposed it would affect those who see it.”

He continued, “In the olden days, our forefathers who were monarchs would put incisions on their heads called ‘madarikan’, and it was believed that if a fly touched the head and went ahead to touch a newly born baby, the baby would die. I don’t know how they discovered this, and I don’t know whether it is true for I did not try it and I would not try it. I am a real Christian.

In the Council of Obas everybody is free. We have freedom of association, of worship and of movement. For me, I use to open my head in the public

‘No more idols worshipping’

•Graves of the forefathers

• Oje river

•Some of the officiating ministers

•Local hunters at the occasion PHOTOS: TAIWO ABIODUN

and I believe it has anointing oil and if a fly touches it and goes ahead to touch others it is a blessing from God.” Defending the monarch, an Islamic scholar and historian Aderemi Olude said the story is true. “It is here Olu Oje, one of the children of Oduduwa who once lived here and he in annoyance turned his wife into a rock with his magical power.”

According to him, Olu Oje who the area was named after was said to have supernatural powers which he used to lace charms on the bows and arrows

for warriors that consult him for magical powers. His wife one day revealed the secret to his enemies and Olu Oje discovered. In annoyance, Olu Oje turned his wife into a stone and commanded the earth to open up and bury himself alive. Today, the area and the river are named after Olu Oje. Pa Oyebamiji Olorode (83), the Mogaji of Ijeru, said there are many historical relics in the groove, “There are burial grounds here, this is the place where many of our forefathers

were buried. There are marked graves here. That was why many were afraid to come and farm in this groove called Igbo Aiwo, in the olden days for it was meant for only the initiated who had the effrontery to come in here, and that man must be very powerful.

No one dared to farm here,” he repeated.

Amos Adeniran,68, retired from the Oyo State Ministry of Health as a Ward Assistant, and corroborated the fact that before the present monarch, rituals were common in Ijeru. This

practice stopped in 1999 under the new monarch.

Ogunlade Idowu (aka Oju ode nri) a traditional hunter said his group was there to contribute their own traditional rites to the festival. He said, “We shoot into the air for the celebration, it is part of our culture, as we shoot we believe it goes into the hearing of our fore fathers buried here. We are part of the success, although the Oba does not subscribe to this, yet he does not disturb us or stop us from performing our own rites, as he performs his own too.”

James Orolana, 70, (the Jagunode of Isoko, Ogbomoso) said,” I took over this profession from my late father as a hunter, we come here to appreciate it that we have ode here.”

Adewuyi Adegbite, a historian, said he was at the celebration to honour the ancestors, “I am a Historian. I know what it is not to forget one’s root. We thank the monarch for bringing this to the knowledge of our people.”

While some kick against the neglect of the gods, people like Prince Adeyanju Adeola Alaruru said the monarch is a father to all, and he has not in any way imposed any religion on his people. He allows all to practise whatever is their belief.

On his part, Oba Oyediran said, “I believe there is God, the Almighty. He answers our prayers. Our people are tired of worshipping idols. And when I came to this throne I made sure that Igbo Aiwo changed, all the myths surrounding it have been removed. We now farm there, there is nothing mystical about the groove but we are going to preserve an area for the future.

The federal government even named the place as one of the tourist centres in the country and we would preserve all these places but not for worshiping idols or performing rituals.”

Asked whether he has not been attacked for not allowing his people to perform rituals, the monarch replied “we had a vigil there some weeks back.

I believe it is high time we stopped worshipping idols, performing rituals and offering sacrifices.”

The time for those are gone, he said, in this age of jets and computers.

It’s time to change.”

‘I have native intelligence and power of a horse’ Hannah Ojo ran into pint-sized Anu Akinyande,40, in Oshodi and she engaged him in an interesting discussion

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•Akinyande

PHOTO: Hannah Ojo

HEN this reporter met him on a sunny afternoon at the Oshodi underbridge bus stop where he plies his trade with consummate diligence, Agba, as he is fondly called, was reluctant to spare some minutes. One of his counterparts under the bridge, a lady who sells recharge cards told the reporter that Agba was not in a good mood. “He has a pain in the leg. He was trampled on in a stampede during the morning rush.

Some days ago, he was injured when a police man tried to yank him up in a playful mood, this might have strained his muscle,” she explained further.

One look at him says it all. He suffers from growth hormone deficiency.

His form of dwarfism beggars description. He hardly fits into an inch size and walks on his bottom, dragging and pushing to meet his ‘customers’ who are passengers waiting at the BRT lane. He gives his name as Anu Akinyande, but he is popularly called Agba by his acquaintance at the park.

His bearing gives him away as a beggar with a choice, one who has come to see his condition as permanent and has exchanged despair for hope. His dream, he tells this reporter is to be in charge. He wishes to employ workers and dreams of selling electronics.

A hard choice On why he decided to beg for a living, Agba, a native of Abeokuta, Ogun State, says he does not want to continue to be a burden., “Every man is on his own,” he says. Even though

both of his parents are still alive, the midget sized man does not see a reason why he should rely on anyone since he is no longer a child. He gives his age as 40 although he has no official document to back up the claim.

A typical day starts for Agba at dawn when he prepares to resume the day’s duty with his younger brother Dare who carries him from Ifo, Ogun State down to Oshodi, Lagos via public transport. “I come here around 8 a.m. and leave by 5 p.m.”

For someone who works under the sun and has to drag himself to and from the tarmac to reach his benefactors, he would certainly be a kind of a super human if he does not fall sick often or swallow drugs on a daily basis. Yet, he boasts of having a strength that will rival that of a horse.

“I don’t fall sick. Since I was born, I cannot recall the time I went to a hospital. If I have any business there, it is only to visit people,” he submitted amidst riffs of laughter.

Agba believes he is better off as a beggar than a thief. He has no royal gear to lay claim to. His lame feet adorn no shoes. His face-cap which should be a fashion element is used to shield his face from the fury of the sun. His cloths, tardy and untidy, are soiled by sweats which drip from his face. But in his circumstance, he still finds time to joke with passengers.

Even traders and road workers around the area testify to his cheerful mood. How much does a beggar of

his stature make on a daily basis as income? “It is what God says I will make in a day that I make,” he said tactically, avoiding quoting any figure.

One thing that stands him out, apart from his deformity, is the audacity of his dream. Agba is a big dreamer who has big plans for the future. One thing you cannot take away from him is the power of his dream. “My dream is to own a business. I want to be an Apase (commander). I know my condition will not allow me to work in any organisation but I want to run a shop where people will answer to me.”

In a country where even abled bodied people are cheated by their employees, Agba claims he is too intelligent to be an object of trickery. “You think if I have a shop today somebody can come around and cheat me out of my gains?” he confidently asked this reporter. “Emi gangan baba gbigba (I am the father of tricksters)! I have native intelligence so I can manage money,” he said.

On how Nigerians can help him, he said, “I want Nigerians to help me.

I want to get a shop where I can do business by selling things. I have been begging for about six years now but I want a change of pattern.”

Asked if he has challenges in the course of his job, he confessed that begging to earn a living could be hard.

“Sometimes, some people just look down on you but I enjoy the pity of many, especially women.”

THE ARTS

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

‘I love mischief on set’

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HAT is the essence of World Theatre Day in the life of a theatre ar-

tiste?

It is a special day for the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP). And this year, we have chosen to give awards to those who have contributed immensely to make theatre grow. I am a member of Directors Guild of Nigeria. Right now, I am not only an actor, I am also a director. So, we members were asked to be here for this award, to support the award.

Anytime NANTAP is doing something like this, other guilds are asked to join. The project can only be a success if all artistes come together to make it so. The World Theatre Day celebration as you know is set aside by UNESCO to honour and celebrate artistes worldwide. And that is why we are proud to be part of it today.

What are you doing right now as an artiste?

I act as an artiste (Laughs).

As an actor, I act. But as a filmmaker I produce and direct, yes that is what I do. Unfortunately, I just lost my uncle, Justus Esiri, a very notable and versatile actor. We were involved in a project together. We were to do episodes of a soap opera, involving an Asaba producer. We had only shot six episodes when he died. Right now, that has been suspended until further notice.

What does that soap opera stand for?

It has to do with the agricultural issues in Nigeria. We have done some and we will have to do more to get it to the level we intend it to be. All the characters in it are still there except Uncle Esiri. But it doesn’t mean because he is gone the project will stop.

In the New Masquerade, you were known as a mischievous character. Who chose that role for you?

I didn’t choose that role or that characterisation. It rather chose me. Of course, you must know that for every character that is chosen, there must be an audition. People have to be auditioned to fit into that role.

When the character of Zaki was created by the late Peter Ene, many of us went for the audition. Nkem Owoh (Usofia) was there too, intending to play that role.

It was Bolaji Dawodu who handled the audition. He was the producer and director of the New Masquerade then. Then he picked me to play the role. And when I got it, I went ahead to play that role.

What really inspired you to play that role with all the slangs and antics you played it with?

Ah, it gave me a very strong inspiration to play it in the sense that I carved an identity for myself. And when I played it, I did it so well that people began to commend me. That role was unique and as often as I employed those antics, people were there to hail me. When the

Tony Akposhere was Zaki in the defunct New Masquerade. He was known for his mischievous roles as a young man from the Niger Delta.

He was so good in that role that most ardent watchers of the sitcom formed many ideas around him. He spoke to Edozie Udeze on how that role was conceived and why he wants the New Masquerade to come back on the screen

•Akposhere

character of Zaki was created, it was just an Igbo student who happened to be very stubborn. That was the original concept of the Zaki role. But when I came I changed all that.

However, I felt why not do something on my own; why not create my own niche, a role that I’d be part of? At a stage, the producers and directors welcomed it.

Well then, we had the character from Akwa-Ibom played by Gringory. We had Yoruba characters played by Jegede Shokoya and Ramota and all. But then something from the Niger Delta was missing from the play. So, way back, I was a staff of NTA and I knew the reason for that role.

And since I am from the Niger Delta, I speak pidgin and when I do so, I try to entertain with it. Everybody at the NTA then loved the way I spoke my pidgin English and each time I spoke, poking jokes here and there, they’d laugh. So, when that character was created I said let me rediscover myself. And that was why I deviated from the original role to play the pranks and deviant character of a mischief maker.

Then I began to speak slangs suggesting that I am from the Niger Delta. The children, the youths and many people fell in love with it. So, the inspiration was really there not because the

money was there. There was no money, so to speak. We only loved what we did. I was doing it because each time I stepped out, people appreciated me, especially in Enugu then. I remember one day I was in a beer parlour and it was 8.30p.m. People began to rush home to watch New Masquerade. Those who remained behind to watch it in the beer parlour, at a stage, began to ask, when is this Zaki going to show up? I was so elated. In fact the character became a strong one indeed.

Are you really missing New Masquerade?

Yes, I do a lot. Like you asked, a lot of people do meet me and then ask, why don’t you people bring back the show? I know we’ve lost a few members of our cast. But one thing you must know is that the lead character is still there in the person of Zebrudaya.

Even his wife Ovuleria is still there. Clarus is there. I am here. Except Jegede Sokoya, Apena and Gringory who are no more, the rest are still very much around. Natty is there except that he is not well.

Recently, I think NTA wanted to bring it back. But somewhere somehow, I don’t know what happened and it was suspended.

We are ready still, very ready to go back on set. You see, when Gringory died and we were doing the candle light in Enugu, one character that played his role did it so well. We wrote a script and acted it on set. It was so perfect and so good. People could not believe that that was not the original Gringory.

Chika Okpala, i.e. Zebrudaya, was there. So was Lizi Evueme, i.e. Ovuleria, who was also there.

It was so wonderful and people really relived the days of the New Masquerade. We want to continue from where we stopped. I love to entertain people and we’d love to go back to it.

When we were there, it was during the time of Babangida. We used it to talk to and inform the people about social issues in the country. We also told the people about what the government was doing that was not good. And even Babangida encouraged us to go on. Yes, he did. IBB really allowed us to play those roles. Each time he had a programme, he would invite us to come and play for him.

What we need now is corporate sponsorship to be able to come back on the screen and the press needs to help us to do so. Most people want to watch it. In England, there are soaps that have lasted well over hundred years due to their relevance to the people and to the society.

So, let people show interest in this soap so that it can come back.

That’s what we need now.

POETRY Mango Seedling

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HROUGH glass windowpane Up a modern office block I saw, two floors-below, on wide jutting Concrete canopy a mango seedling newly sprouted Purple, two-leafed, standing on its burst Black yolk. It waved brightly to sun and wind Between rains-daily regaling itself On seed yams, prodigally.

For how long?

How long the happy waving From precipice of rainswept sarcophagus?

How long the feast on remnant flour At pot bottom?

Perhaps like the widow Of infinite faith it stood in wait For the holy man of the forest, shaggy-haired Powered for eternal replenishment.

Or else it hoped for Old Tortoise’s miraculous feast On one ever recurring dot of cocoyam Set in a large bowl of green vegetablesThis day beyond fable, beyond faith?

Then I saw it Poised in courageous impartiality Between the primordial quarrel of Earth And sky striving bravely to sink roots Into objectivity, midair in stone.

I thought the rain, prime mover To this enterprise, someday would rise in power And deliver its ward in delirious waterfall Toward earth below. But every rainy day Little playful floods assembled on the slab, Danced, parted round its feet, United again, and passed.

It went from purple to sickly green Before it died.

Today I see it stillDry, wire-thin in sun and dust of the dry monthsHeadstone on tiny debris of passionate courage.

•Chinua Achebe

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

Arts/Reviews

How Achebe’s Things Fall Apart inspired my paintings - Don I

T appears some of your best works are inspired by Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. How is this so?

As an undergraduate at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in the late 80s, our painting studio upstairs was overlooking the university staff residence where Prof.

Achebe lived as an Emeritus Professor. That closeness sort of drew my attention on him, and I began to make drawings from his first novel Things Fall Apart which I read in class three in secondary school.

I made drawings of the great wrestling match in which Okonkwo threw Amalinze, and made two major paintings from that concept. I did several other drawings from Things Fall Apart; for instance, Okonkwo going for a meeting and Nwoye carrying his stool; Okonkwo shooting his wife; Umuofia elders meeting with the District Officer who judged cases in ignorance, Umuofia masquerades, among others. I was able to translate some of the drawings into paintings which sold out. These included the moonlight tales, the killing of Ikemefuna and marriage scenes.

I also was painting Achebe’s portrait from life in 1990. He was a very busy person travelling in and out of the country. We had a chance of two sittings which was developed into a big painting.

I was to do the finishing touches when the accident occurred and he was flown abroad. Achebe didn’t like the idea of living overseas; he told me that he only preferred to visit.

The inspiration I got from Things Fall Apart became more enhanced when I did a Master’s degree in African

I

NSPIRED by the need not just to give present day Nigerian students a modern literature book with localised contents they can easily relate to but to beam light on the sometimes unaddressed issue or peer rivalry, author, Kelvin Keshi comes with the novella Bukky and Friends.

Bukky and Friends, he says, is a contemporary Nigerian children’s book that has its plots, characters and images easy for today’s student to relate with. Set in the present day Lagos, Bukky finds herself on a new turf when she resumes secondary school. However, all is not rosy for her as she makes new friends and settles down to her studies. She encounters Dave who is liked by all the teachers and who feels he is too intelligent

Dr. Victor Ecoma is Senior Lecturer in the Department of Visual Arts and Technology, Cross River University of Technology, Calabar. He is a painter and an anthropologist, and teaches drawing, painting and anthropology. He tells Nicholas Kalu in Calabar how the late literary icon, Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart inspired some of his greatest works

•Ecoma

Studies and Anthropology at the University of Ibadan. This provided a deeper understanding of the novel from an African position (an emic view). Again, I was born and nurtured in Igboland, my mother was Igbo so I could relate with the experiences contained in the novel. I had also published a journal article on Things Fall Apart, which took a look on how art and visual culture elements had been harnessed by Achebe to portray civil order, which existed in Umuofia before the arrival of the white man which he was

ignorant about.

What was your impression of the man Achebe?

During the celebration of Achebe’s 60th birthday in 1990, the Chief of Ogidi told Achebe’s story to the national and international audience gathered at Ekpo Refectory venue, in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He said that early in life, Achebe took an independent decision to be a literature student rather than a medical student, and that history has proved Achebe right. The chief also said that he did not know of any medical doctor whose

birthday has attracted such an international audience.

The chief also interpreted Achebe’s traditional title “Eagle on Iroko” by saying that the Iroko tree is the tallest tree in the forest and the prestigious bird the eagle which flew and perched on the Iroko tree had gone beyond the range of the hunter’s dane gun. In the aphorism, Achebe was represented symbolically as the eagle and his achievements beyond normal feat. A Professor from the University of Ibadan who x-rayed Achebe’s literary contributions also observed that “Achebe is not just a writer, he is an institution.” As a young mind then the celebration of Achebe made indelible impressions on me and perhaps has shaped me.

What is your take on the comparisons between Achebe and Wole Soyinka?

I usually do not like to join in the comparisons of Achebe and Soyinka, though such comparisons generate interesting debates but its resolve may not be mathematical of one being greater than the other. Such exercise will be like comparing Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci who was greater. It will be really difficult to say as judges or curators are humans and must have their biases or preferences which may not be of universal appeal. All said and done, Achebe has transcended into an literary ancestor and has taken his place in history.

Battling peer rivalry

By Ovwe Medeme

to mix with her likes.

In the intervening weeks, Bukky gets into a childish brawl with Dave, an issue which divides the class along gender lines and which lands on the Principal’s desk. The mothers of both children are invited to school and they discover that they were both classmates in their secondary school days, just like their children. So they plot to reconcile their kids and instil in them the spirit of healthy rivalry.

“In addition to the primary goals of education and literary entertainment, the book was also borne out of research on the common

academic and social problems secondary school students usually grapple with, which I think are as a result of misunderstanding by the student of the original objectives of being in school and the sometimes lax approach of teachers and parents to their natural responsibilities to these students. In Bukky and Friends, I’ve tried to provide answers as much as possible in a fluid, flowing, didactic style that is both children and adult friendly.

I’ve also tried to incorporate rich, contemporary dialogues, while at the same time sustaining the book’s literary entertainment values,” Keshi says.

Originally published in 2007 by Mediainspired un-

der the title Bukky at High School, Keshi says that the book was revised and reprinted in 2012 as Bukky and Friends to better reflect the contents and objectives of the book.

“I am looking forward to doing a formal launch at the right time. I actually want to launch two books: Bukky and Friends, and Agu, the son of the gods, which is an African epic and is at the printing stage,” he adds.

Essentials for human living

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HE book Viewing Big God Small is a reminder to all Christians and followers of Christ about many things they take for granted as children of God. As the title goes, the message is deep about many ways Christians view God as often being in-capacitated in His ability to work miracles and stamp His infinite power in most of our deeds. No one needs to limit or stretch God’s ability for Him to be who He is. He is The Great I am that I am.

In the introduction to the book, the author, Christian Matthew, says that God in His infinite wisdom believes in us that we can do all things through Christ that strengthens us (Phil. 4:19), having made us in His own image (Genesis 1:26). He also built us with the power to create and to recreate. And so whoever keeps faith with God will know that He is faithful.

All we can achieve or make to happen in our lives, depends exclusively on our personal relationship with God. And for those who are willing, patient, obedient, trusting and relying on Him, He would allow such to have access to innermost temple of His heart to draw from the well of the supernatural. On the other hand, the doubters, the proud, the non-believing and sinful would be turned down from the outer court.

While few people in the real sense of it all, would perform some miracles, others are meant to hail and encourage them with ovation and clap offering. Matthew infers that even those that clap also have God’s deposit in them to perform many miracles but they fail because they neglect certain cautions. This is so because there is no one living who does not, in the strictest sense of the word, have a measure of faith in him.

Even Christ said that if our faith is as tiny as a mustard seed, we can ask the mountain to move or work as many miracles as He did while on earth. The author’s presentation is that most Christians do not appreciate the powers they have in God. The fear of trusting in Him implicitly and telling Him to help in difficult situations with

“On the other hand, the doubters, the proud, the non-believing and sinful “ would be turned down from the outer court”

By Edozie Udeze

unbridled assurance still limit how we perceive Him. God is infinite in everything. He owns the world and all that is in it. Having faith in Him, therefore, in all things possible is all that we need to make His words come true.

For man to overcome all these, he has to first of all remove fear and doubt from himself, knowing that God does not change. Even in the Bible, Christ mounted repeated assurances on ‘fear not,’ for one with God is majority. Now, when you fear that God in His Almightiness might fail in His promises to you, you indeed have a problem.

Does he really fail those who trust and have faith in Him? With God, there is no room for doubts or sin or impatience or lack of compassion. As much as people need the face of God to shine in their lives, there is the need to be compassionate towards the entire humanity. God loves compassionate and charitable hearts that loosen themselves completely for others. God’s many miracles were worked based on compassionate considerations. This is a lesson that ought to be complied with by all.

In order to make the book easy to comprehend, the author, known for his love to impart on others, divided it into sections. In section one, entitled miracle declined, the author gave solid background on what ought to be in place for God to come in. In what have you lost? he said that God will continue to be there at our point of need.

Even when we have lost hope or an item or the like ,He doesn’t disappoint.

In ask issue he stressed that we should ask and seek and knock and be persistent. God listens and hearkens to us if we are sincere and faithful.

Matthew’s words pierce the heart; they permeate the soul especially where other men of God or authors have been afraid to delve into.

Except for the poor printing and the low quality of the paper, the book is truly a worthy effort. It should be read by those who want to stay close to God and enjoy His numerous promises to humanity.

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WORSHIP THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

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HE Stone Church is 20. Did you imagine it will come this far?

Yes, I must have believed we would come this far because I wasn't doing my own thing. It is God's calling and mandate. I think I am like Amos in the Bible who said 'I wasn't a prophet neither was I a prophet's son but God called me and asked me to prophesy'. Like me, he had no pedigree; nothing to fall back on. I just stepped out in faith, trusting God will prosper His work if we remain faithfulness.

So, how has the last 20 years been?

It has been bumpy. It has not been easy at all in the sense that when you run a race like this, it will be very challenging. The devil will not just allow you to obey God. Every serious and committed minister is the devil's worst nightmare because we help people to fulfill destiny. So, the devil will not just watch things grow.

It'll be good to recount some of those challenges At the very beginning, the problem was how to get a place of our own. We got a land and when we were about to build, some people came and said the land belonged to them. They were the National Council of Women; they were very powerful to the extent that the then governor sent soldiers to come and 'capture' us. They 'captured' me and took me to the governor's house. Of course, they released me with a stern warning never to go to the land again. I took them to court; we won and got our money back.

In 2003, I was attacked by armed robbers right inside the church. We were having an evening meeting when they came. They demanded for money and shot me. Of course, that took me out of job for over two years. I was in the UK for treatment until I returned. That experience gave birth to my book Scars of Faith where I recounted the whole thing. Of course, there were challenges of building structures that work and getting people to behave well. That was

responsibilities to people much longer before putting them in leadership.

I have also learnt how to trust God for money. As a businessman, a practitioner, I knew where to expect money from projects.

But in church, you just have to trust God and in most cases, He will use people. Yet, you have got to learn how not to look at people but God. And that is tough, but I have learnt to do that better. If I look at people and our purse, we would not even start most projects we accomplished.

An example is the new conference centre we just completed that has a 4,000seater auditorium. Our next challenge is how to fill it up.

How is that?

That is simply because those of us in the headquarters church are not up to that. Of course, during the convention we would fill it up because our churches are coming from all over the world. After they leave, we continue using the facility.

What is the wisdom behind the theme for the convention?

The theme is life 360.

Christ said I have become that they might have life in abundance. The concordance interpreted it as "life that is superior in all things; superabundant in quality". So, it is being superior in all ramifications of life. This year, we are

having the first female convention speaker in Apostle Nkechi Anayo.

Is it that the church does not believe in female preachers?

We do. We have female pastors but not as church leaders. They are departmental heads and associate pastors. We are just trying to be careful. I grew up in Foursquare Gospel Church founded by a woman. But we realise women have different issues and encumbrances and we are just trying to play safe. Some churches don't even allow it at all but we are trying to strike a balance.

When you think about Nigeria, do you feel like giving up?

Of course I do. One is seriously tempted to. I don't see us making progress at all. No turnaround yet. So, there is so much despondence and hopelessness in the land but because one is a Christian, we believe God's hands are on this nation.

Is the church doing enough to take Nigeria to the Promised Land?

We can do more. The church should be preaching the uncompromised gospel but we are preaching church-friendly and people-friendly gospel.

The real gospel does not have a mass attraction and appeal. We preach a need-oriented gospel because we want people to come. And it is very difficult for that kind of gospel to change a nation.

The gospel that can change Nigeria is the real gospel, not peoplefriendly gospel. We have too many people in the church with little influence in the society. That is because of the kind of gospel we preach. When I gave my life to Christ, we had no representation in government circles.

Churches were filled with people but only one or two cars. But today Christians are everywhere without impact because they have not embraced the full, real gospel. We are feeding on the gospel that tickles people's ears.

disclosed: “the construction work on the church started over ten years ago and the parish has spent over N300 million.

“The project would have been completed if not for the challenges being faced as a result of the environmental factor and financial constraints.”

Dignitaries present at the fund- raising were Lagos First lady, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Executive Chairman of GreenLife Pharmaceutical Limited, Dr. Obiorah Chukwuka, among others.

•Martins

'Only the real gospel will change Nigeria' The general overseer of The Stone Church Ibadan, Oyo State, Pastor Alex Adegboye, is a no-nonsense preacher. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on the church's 20th anniversary and how the gospel can influence the nation. Excerpts: never easy. But, of course, we have emerged stronger from all of these because the Lord called us. If it were not that He called us, we won't be here today.

Can you recall remarkable divine encounters that keep swelling your heart and reminding you God is here?

In the very first year of the church, we grew by leaps and bounds. We grew to about 1,000. That was surprising to me because I remember calling my family members before the church started and my 10-year-old daughter said, 'Daddy, what if people don't come?' Of course, there was always that fear somewhere in one's heart.

I answered her and said, 'What if they come?' She thought hard and said, 'Well, that is true. They might come.'

We have heard many miracles here too. I remember a lady who married here. Everything about her was here. She waited on God for several years but eventually got her miracle baby. We have had people healed of terminal cancer.

There had been various promotions and all that. I remember a brother who did not even have the money to buy the form for a senatorial election. People contributed the N100, 000 he needed and won the election from here.

If you were to do church

•Adegboye

again, would you do it the way you started 20 years ago?

That is a very good question. No, because I have learnt a lot. I have learnt that you have to be careful choosing people for leader-

ship because most of the problems in church emanate from there. If I had my way again, I would be more careful. And it wasn't as if I was careful enough but I think I now know people a lot better. I would commit

NEWS

Martins sues for peace

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HE Catholic Archbishop of Metropolitan See of Lagos, the Very Rev. Dr. Alfred Adewale Martins (DD), has called on leaders to foster peaceful co-existence among Nigerians irrespective of their religious and tribal affiliations.

He gave the admonition during a Mass for the 20th anniversary and fund-raising ceremony for St. Michael Catholic Church, Ketu, Lagos.

Martins said meaningful development can only prosper where there is peace.

He stated: “A country without peace cannot develop its full potentials and the citizens will always be the worst for it.

“It is only when a country has peace that meaningful development can take place. So, I enjoin all hands to be on deck in other for Nigeria to have peace.”

He said the crisis in the

northern parts is like a cancer that if not taken care of will eventually affect the whole body with disastrous effects.

He commended the parishioners for their commitment and steadfastness at erecting a befitting edifice for the church, saying the last 20 years had witnessed steady growth.

The Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Ayodele Abolarin, said: “It is true we are celebrating our 20 years of

existence as a community but our story dates back to 1976 when our early parishioners were gathering together at Mrs. Maria Oluwaremilekun’s car park.”

Abolarin disclosed that the desire of the entire parishioners of St. Michael Catholic Church, Ketu is to dedicate the ultra-modern church building in 2013.

He enjoined kindhearted Christians across the country to help make the dream a reality.

The Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Sebastian Ngene,

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

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The Prophetic ministry of biblical Isaiah(8) Chapter Nine

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•Chinyere presenting certificate to one of the graduates

OPM opens free boutique, graduates 93 in oil and gas

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NDIGENT Nigerians can now simply walk to a boutique and pick clothes of their choice free of charge courtesy of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), a thriving church based in Port-Harcourt, capital of River state.

Speaking at the commissioning of the unisex boutique, OPM’s general overseer, Apostle (Dr.) Chibuzor Chinyere, said it was opened to enable Nigerians who cannot afford clothes shop free.

He explained that the initiative was motivated by the injunction of Christ to cloth the naked.

Lamenting the plights of the less privileged, Chinyere said it was regrettable that many of them are going through life with any form of assistance.

He said: “It is unacceptable for anybody to walk naked or in tattered clothes at this time and age. Everybody should be able to have something at least to cover his or her nakedness.”

The cleric expressed his determination to continue to champion causes of the indigent at all costs, saying it was sad many churches were shying away from offering

By Sunday Oguntola them helping hands.

He assured there would always be supplies in the boutique, stating that plans have been perfected to have it always stocked.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Comfort Akpaelu, said: “I cannot thank God enough for what He is using His servant to do in the lives of the people.

“I cannot imagine myself wearing this type of expensive clothes accompanied with expensive hand bags and shoes, God will continue to bless Apostle Chinyere for making my Easter a joyful one”.

The church also graduated 93 out of the 450 students who underwent its free oil and gas training.

The students received trainings in scaffolding, paintmaking, barge- building, driving and tailoring, among others to enable them work in the oil and gas industry.

Chinyere said their employability in the industry was not in doubt, stating that their competence will make way for them.

Presenting them with

EAD R T S U 50 M N NIGERIAAN I CHRIST R S AUTHO Are you a Christian author? Are you bothered about poor exposure at bookshops and limited patronage?

The Nation is offering you an unbeatable opportunity to showcase your books and talk about your passion.

The 2-in-1 project involves an advert supplement backed with a profile story on each participant.

Kindly contact Sunday Oguntola on 08034309265 or shinystarontop@gmail.com for advert details and participation.

You will be glad you did!

certificates of completion, he explained they have been trained to international standard set by the Construction Industrial Training Board and in accordance to the act of the British Parliament – BS55973 of (1993).

Miss Blessing Essien, a graduate of marine welding and fabrication said the scheme has honed her professional skills and placed her on the path of greatness.

Mr. Chuks Iwuji, another graduate, said: “I can now compete in the oil industries.

My hope of getting anything close to the training I got now was dashed but God through his servant Apostle Chinyere has made my life meaningful.”

Appreciate God always, Adeboye charges

By Adeola Ogunlade

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HE General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has charged Christians to always thank God regardless of the situation they find themselves.

He spoke at a special prayer session for waiting and expecting mothers penultimate weekend at the national headquarters of the church in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

Adeboye said believers will overcome challenges of lives by acknowledging the power and might of God through heartfelt praises.

Turning to the congregation, he said they must believe God will deliver them despite delays in child-bearing, failure in exams, persecution, sickness and affliction.

According to him: "Let us thank God for challenges because they produce testimonies; for exams because they produce promotion; for enemies because it shows that we are making progress; for hostile people because it is then we can realise that we only have one friend who is Jesus."

He said the awaiting mothers should stay holy and rest assured on the scriptural assurance that they will give birth to many children.

RETHREN in the Lord, I thank God for sparing our lives till today to be able to share the Word together, May His grace and Spirit never leave us, Amen.

We have for some weeks now been discussing on the ministry of one of the prophets of the bible - Prophet Isaiah, in which we take chapter by chapter, analysing the relevance of each chapter to the happenings in the contemporary world.

Today, we shall commence from Isaiah Chapter Nine, which was the continuation of the planned punishment of God to the people of Israel for their unholy alliance with the enemies to wage war against their brothers in Judah.

The chapter started with the exclusion of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali from the future punishment saying the 'Future will bring honour' to the two tribes. But God was more angered as to the arrogance, and the unrepentant nature of the people of Israel.

Whilst Isaiah was still restating the anger of God, His likeness for the tribes in Judah that had continually kept to His commandments was not lost in verse 6 as to the reminder of the coming of the Saviour. It says 'For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace'. How gracious it was for David and his descendants for the privilege of having the Son of God coming into the world through them. It is another way of admonishing people to always put their trusts in God, and follow His commandments, for He will always remember and keep His covenants.

Then in verses 11-12, it was revealed that God will

Superintendent Israel Akinadewo

SANCTUARY MESSAGE turn the friends of Rezin (of Syria) against him, for having the audacity to join hands with Israel against Judah, and that both the Syrians and the Philistines would join hands together 'discipline' Israel. Verse 12 says 'The Syrians before, and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with open mouth. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still'.

The anger of God persisted for the people because of their refusal to repent, they did not humble themselves in His presence, they made friends with the enemies that God had forsaken, and did not deem it fit to 'seek the Lord of hosts' (vs. 13).

Leadership problems.

It was evident that most of problems of the people of Israel (Northern Kingdom) had a whole lot to do with leadership. This was said in verse 16 that 'For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed'. The successive kings in Israel relied more on idolatry than the Holy one that brought them from the land of Egypt.

King Ahab is a classical example of one of the worst kings Israel ever had.

As far as his leadership and personalities was concerned, the decision and advice of his wife (Jezebel) was final and supreme. He

‘Nigeria may regret amnesty for Boko Haram’

By Adeola Ogunlade

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HE Prelate of the First African Church Mission, Nigeria and Overseas, Primate Emmanuel Koya, has warned that the proposed amnesty package for members of the Boko Haram sect will backfire.

He said amnesty should only be considered for repentant members of the sect willing to openly lay down their arms.

Koya spoke with newsmen during the centenary celebration of the church in Lagos.

He explained: "Amnesty is good but should only be given to repentant militants and not faceless groups who are showing no sign of repentance and are ready to cause more mayhem in the country.

"I pray that Nigeria will not regret the amnesty package being offered to Boko Haram sect, which is done without the necessary steps in disarming them against the wide spate of

killings, maimings and destruction of lives and properties.”

He charged churches to continue to preach the gospel of peace despite the many attacks against them.

On the significance of the celebration, the Archbishop of Lagos West, First African Church Mission, Most Rev Paul Onanuga, said it was a testimony to the faithfulness of God. The Chairman, Lagos House Committee on Transport, Commerce and Industry, Hon Bisi Yusuf, expressed delight to be part of the celebration.

He said: "I am happy to be part of this centenary celebration of this church that has helped in spiritual, environmental and educational needs of the people in Ipaja area.

“We only urge them to continue to do more for the betterment of the society".

fought the prophets of God, he chose what to believe, and downgraded prophesies from God. There can never be great Nations/Institutions/Companies without great leaders. You hardly can find godly nations without godly leaders. The direction and sincerity of leaders determine how the followers/ subjects would be rated. The ordinary citizens of Israel would have fared better if they had not been misled by their leaders.

Comparison of the leadership of Moses and Aaron Moses was a very decisive leader, he feared God, reverenced Him, he obeyed His commandments, when people murmured, he would listen so far it would not be against the commandments of God. He refused to listen or do things that would put him against his creator.

While he was with the people of Israel (not yet separated into Judah and Israel) in the wilderness, the people believed in God and found it abominable to ask Moses to give them an idol to worship. But as soon as Moses came a bit late from Mount Sinai, the people requested from Aaron, the Idol to be worshipped, and he immediately hearkened unto them.

Corrupt leaders bring corruption into their countries, but godly leaders bring greatness into their nations.

The direction of a new born child will be determined firstly by the community where he is born, and by what he sees on a daily basis.

Relationship of this chapter with contemporary nations of the world The African continent has been the worst hit among the continents of the world, as far as leadership is concerned. In as much as colonialism and enslavement is a great inhuman treatment, and should never be encouraged by anybody, but many of the elderly ones in Africa have been talking about how good things were under the colonial masters.

To destroy an institution, just look for a self-serving leader, an arrogant person, he who does nothing than complaining about everything so far he is not the beneficiary, he who coerces to be honoured or recognised, to head such organization. This is really the problems of many nations in Africa.

The citizens of Africa are suffering today not majorly because of their making, but because their leaders have failed them. The leadership of Israel as said by Prophet Isaiah failed their people, and the punishment became collective, this is then the reason why the citizens of this part of the world are terribly suffering with no solution in sight. But in no distant time, God will send the Moses of our time to deliver His people, Amen.

xxx

To be continued.

Prayer point Pray that God should help Africa, your country and your family from the devourer in human flesh.

Comments and enquiries: +2348060572904; motailatusanctuarychurch@yahoo.com

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

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COLUMNS

Love Fever

“N

O Madam, it can't be patched." The mechanic said. "You can't take it home today."

Tosin frowned. "What?

How do you expect me to get home?"

The man smiled.

"Madam, it's not my fault. It's because of the work I have to do on it."

Joe who had been listening to their conversation turned to the mechanic.

"What exactly is the problem with the car?"

Baba l'egba cleared his throat before answering.

"The fuel pump is not supplying fuel, that's one. I'll have to service the carburator and -" Tosin looked at Joe for help. "Look Joe, what's important to me is to be able to take the car home today."

Joe smiled and said gently, "Tosin, the car has to be fixed, there's nothing you can do about it." Joe said gently.

"So, are you bringing it tomorrow then?" Tosin asked the mechanic.

"I'll try my best to bring it but if I don't, you will get it on Wednesday unfailingly."

"Oh my God!" Tosin looked at Joe again for his opinion.

Joe shrugged. "You don't have much of a choice." Then he faced the mechanic. "Does she have to give you money now to hasten the work?"

"No, Madam is not a stranger to me. She can pay me later for whatever I buy."

Tosin looked at the man resignedly. "I will really appreciate it if it can be ready tomorrow."

"Madam, put your mind at Wednesday, I wouldn't want to disappoint you."

"Okay."

The man left.

Tosin sighed. "How do I get home?"

"The same way you got home on Saturday." Joe said.

She immediately shook her head with a hand up. "No no, don't worry. I can get one of my friends to give me a ride."

"I don't mind. I can drop you off at your house."

"You gave me a ride on Saturday."

"And so what?"

"It's just that I don't want to -" "Bother you." He finished for her with a smile. "I know you don't want to bother me, I volunteered."

She smiled back. "In that case, thanks for coming to my rescue, again."

"My pleasure, and I'll come to your rescue again if

Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi CHRISTIAN ROMANCE SERIES I have to." He said then added, "Just call my name and I'll be there."

They laughed.

He got up. "I ought to be going now. Thanks for the coffee. Can I check you again?"

"Anytime." Tosin assured him.

After he left, Tosin wondered about his visit. Why had he come? And there was a way he looked at her, with frank appreciation. She shrugged. There couldn't be anything to it anyway. He knew she was married and he couldn't be in want of ladies, many would consider him a good catch.

But why did he ask if he could be checking her up for a chat? He probably was just being friendly, and what she needed right now was a friend, she concluded. But why did that strange feeling come upon her earlier on?

This could be satanic!

Wait a minute, her mind seemed to scream. This was about friendship not an affair. And she was a human being, a woman for that matter. She needed a friend to discuss with, someone to make her forget the problems in her marriage, someone who would understand her, even if Ladi didn't. Joe seemed a nice man from the little time they had spent together, and the friendship would be platonic, wouldn't it? Nevertheless, she prayed that God would help her to do His will.

At the close of work, Tosin left with Joe in his car.

They chatted non-stop until she got to her house.

"Thanks. See you tomorrow." She told him.

"Goodnight." ********** When Tosin came out of the bathroom the following morning, Ladi asked her, "Has your car been repaired?"

"No." She answered curtly.

After about two minutes silence, Ladi spoke again. "I will drop you at your office."

She didn't reply.

Some twenty minutes later, Tosin fully dressed, took her handbag.

"I'm coming. I told you I'll drop you." Ladi said, getting up from the breakfast table.

"I'll find my way, after all, I did yesterday." She said and bent down to kiss Tireni, who was sitting on the sofa in her school uniform, waiting for her food.

Ladi's mouth turned at the sides in amusement.

"You are a woman."

"So you've just realised that? That explains a lot."

"I've always known that."

"That's such a relief then."

She rolled her eyes comically.

Ladi laughed. "You're fully a woman."

Tosin snorted.

Sade came in with Tireni's breakfast.

"I'm off." Tosin told her.

And to her daughter, she said, "Tireni bye."

"Mummy, bye-bye."

Ladi picked his jacket and followed Tosin out, after hugging and saying 'God bless you' to Tireni.

Tosin entered his car looking unhappy but in her heart, she felt grateful for the ride. Ladi tried to make conversation, but when she answered in monosyllables, he stopped trying and drove on in silence. Tosin faced her side of the car and looked out, until Ladi pulled the car to a stop in front of Solid bank.

"Thank you." She said as she got down.

"I won't be able to come for you in the evening. I'm having a meeting with four of our partners from overseas at five."

"Okay." You never have the time for me.

He hesitated before asking, "Will you sort yourself out somehow?"

"Definitely." She answered with a grimace.

"Have a nice day." He said.

"You do the same."

Joe came in the evening and volunteered to give her a ride home again which Tosin accepted gratefully.

The following morning, she was taken to her office

by Ladi.

At half past ten, Baba l'egba came into her office, looking worried.

"Baba l'egba, what about my car? Is it ready?"

"Madam, I don't know how it happened but I can't find the key of the car. I've -" Her face changed as she cut the man off. "You can't find what?"

To be continued.

For this novel and other books by the same author, Contact: 08023000773, 08058040949

Living Faith

By Dr. David Oyedepo

God's Wisdom Works! (3)

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ELCOME to your regular column.

Last week, I showed you four kinds of wisdom, what wisdom is, why we need divine wisdom and what it takes to access it. Besides, I showed you what inspiration is and how to access it. This week, I will be teaching on what divine wisdom offers and how to access them.

Recognize that God will never be more powerful tomorrow than He is today. He is ever set to deliver to each person, the encounters of their desire; but the day you are set becomes your day. In continuation of my series, let me start by showing you some of the things that divine wisdom offers.

What Does Divine Wisdom Offer?

•It Confers Supernatural Exploits: It is the custodian of mighty works. Divine wisdom has mighty work gene within it (Mark 6:2).

•Long Life: You shall see your children's children, if Jesus tarries to their fourth generation. Long life is one of the blessings that divine wisdom confers.

Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.(Proverbs 4:10).

•Divine Direction: He leads you by the still waters, so you escape all the troublesome waters of life.

One wrong step can wreck a great ministry; one wrong step can wreck a whole big business, but divine wisdom won't let you go wrong.

•Peace: God's wisdom confers the peace of God on our lives; the more of that wisdom you access, the greater the peace of God manifests in your life. Not just peace, but great peace.

Isaiah 26:3 says: Thou wilt

keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

•Health: God's Word is God's wisdom in print. My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings. Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart. For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh... (Proverbs 4:20-22).

•Supernatural Promotion: Divine wisdom, among others, offers supernatural promotion. Supernatural promotion simply means dramatic change of levels (Daniel 6:1-3).

•It Offers Supernatural Favour: So, this wisdom attracts favour. Watch this young man called Joseph, he got to the house of Potiphar, a slave and he became the heir of the family. They handed over everything into his hand. But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison (Genesis 39:21).

How to Access Divine Wisdom •Through the Fear of the Lord: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…

(Psalm 111:10). Job was a man that feared God, and eschewed evil (Job 1:1-3).

•Gratitude and Praise: When you are at a crossroads, burst into spiritual songs, singing in tongues and asking, "Which way Jesus?" The wisdom for your solution will be delivered to you. There must be a start-off point, and this comes with gratitude and praise. Therefore, with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation (Isaiah 12:3). This means you can't start to draw without joy, and joy is a function of gratitude.

•Through Prayers of Enquiry: Through prayer

of enquiry, you activate the Holy Ghost. When you pray in the Holy Ghost, and in your understanding, He shows you the steps to take.

•Standing Among the Fellowship of the Saints Expectantly: Psalm 73:16-17 says: When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. There is a need to understand the diving nature that is required of you, to make the most of your appearance in God's presence. So, don't sit down, just hanging on and waiting for something to happen; you dive to catch what is happening. Recognize that something is happening every moment! There is no dull moment with God! •Through Anointed books: There are people sitting down here today, who encountered some strange move of the Holy Ghost, while reading. I have heard many of them. I have seen the Holy Ghost just erupt as I begin to read materials.

And I Daniel, understood by books (Daniel 9:2).

•Inspiration: This is your capital access into Divine wisdom. And all scripture is given by the inspiration of God…(2 Timothy 3:16). That means, all of God's wisdom is accessible by the inspiration of God. Your access shows in the proofs of profitability; it changes every aspect of your life. Inspiration can be defined as the move of the Holy Ghost within our faculties, enabling our access to the deep things of God. It is Holy Ghost-generated insight.

Friend, the power to access divine wisdom is available, if you are born again. You get born again as you confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are set for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood.

Today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour.

Thank You for saving me!

Now I know I am born again!

I will continue this teaching next week!

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with us through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

NEWS

Eulogies as Ojo becomes Archbishop

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LL roads led to the Calvary Kingdom Church Int’l Badagry Lagos last Sunday for the installation of founder of the church, Bishop Joseph Ojo, as an Archbishop.

The Archbishop of Revival Valley Ministries, His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Idem Ikom, who presided described Ojo as a man of honour who has paid his dues in the Lord’s vineyard.

By Sunday Oguntola

He said he has been consistent in spreading the gospel since 1972 when he gave his life to Christ.

Ikom further described Ojo as a true general of God who has consistently and conscientiously preached the word of God without biased or inducement.

Ojo disclosed that the last 41 years has been a lengthy

time of experiencing God’s grace.

He said: “Truly God has been good to me and my family since I decided to follow Him in 1971, not for once did I doubt His intentions towards my family and ministries.

“CKC is growing and expanding exponentially and members are celebrating one achievement one after the other”.

•L-R: The Deputy Clerk of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Rev. Daniel Eyo Etim (standing);Principal Clerk of the Church, The Rev. Ndukwe Eme;Prelate Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Mba Idika and Most Rev. Dr. Udo Ekpenyong at a reception service in honour of Etim at Aba, Abia State.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

INSIGHT

MEND, Boko Haram: T HE recent recourse to violence by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) sent shivers down the spine of many Nigerians. The hitherto restive Niger Delta region has been at peace following the late President Umar Musa Yar'Adua's amnesty programme.

In what appears to be resumption of hostilities at the end of a deadline reportedly issued by the organisation, gunmen suspected to be its operatives on Friday April 6, 2013, killed 11 policemen in Bayelsa State.

The attack which occurred while the officers were on escort duties in Bayelsa waterways was survived by two of the policemen. The ill-fated boat was heading to Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw LGA for the burial ceremony of the mother of Kile Torughedi, the Special Assistant to the Bayelsa Governor on Maritime Security.

Torughedi, a former MEND militant leader who embraced the federal government's amnesty, was said to have commanded the organisation from 2002 to 2009 and was said to have abandoned some of his aggrieved boys, who regrouped to continue hostilities.

His antecedents as a former leader of MEND fuelled speculations that disgruntled elements within the fold of ex-militants were behind the attack, with some analysts saying the policemen were merely 'soft targets' in the attack.

To support this line of thought, another group of ex-militants also claimed responsibility for the attack few days after MEND's claim. The gunmen alleged that they were betrayed by Torughedi, their former leader, who accepted a political appointment and reneged on his pledge to carry them along.

But as if unwilling to leave anyone in doubt of its readiness to return to its violent ways, MEND few days after the grue-

The drums of war

The threat by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) to attack mosques in reaction to the actions of the Boko Haram sect, raises the spectre of sectarian strife to new levels. DARE ODUFOWOKAN reports. some killing of the policemen, announced its resolve to start bombing mosques and Muslim clerics as part of what it called Operation Barbarossa.

The militant organisation announced that beginning on Friday, May 31, it will embark on what it described as a crusade to save Christianity in Nigeria from annihilation.

According to MEND, "the campaign

will comprise bombing of mosques, hajj camps, Islamic institutions, large congregations in Islamic events and assassinations of clerics." The declaration is contained in a statement signed by Jomo Gbomo.

The group said the campaign is its response to the incessant attacks on Christianity and Christians by the Boko Haram Islamic sect. MEND said it can no longer

“According to him, any attempt at retaliation from any part of the country and by any group will have serious security implications. He added that attacks

by MEND on Islamic centres would push the nation to the edge.�

watch while an Islamic group under whatever guise, gradually run Christians out of the country.

"Only the assurance for a cessation of hostilities targeted at Christians in their places of worship, made privately or publicly by the real Boko Haram leadership will make us call off this crusade," the statement said.

"We have no problems with their attacks on security agencies including the prisons, for their role in extrajudicial killings, torture, deceit and corruption. But we are now ready to retaliate the unjustifiable attacks on Christians and Christianity by the Boko Haram and any other Islamic sect," MEND vowed.

This open declaration of hostilities against Islam by MEND, especially when juxtaposed with Boko Haram's self-imposed assignment to islamise the country at all cost, poses a threat of escalating violence at a time when the federal government is busy putting finishing touches to its proposed amnesty programme for Boko Haram and other violent group in northern Nigeria.

This threat of more grievous hostilities across the country was further heightened when some other youth groups from the northern and southern parts of the country joined the exchange.

Obviously angered by MEND's threat, the Arewa Youths Forum (AYF) said it will deal a deadly blow on the militants should they carry out their retaliatory plan.

The youth said they will respond to the Continued on page 61

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013 militants' threat decisively.

Although the Arewa youths did not specify their mode of retaliation, they warned MEND not to arrogate to itself the monopoly of violence. The National President of the AYF, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Gujungu, made the declaration at a world press conference in Abuja.

"The most recent threat by MEND is indeed unfortunate, callous and counter productive, especially coming at a time when patriotic Nigerians are making strident effort and sacrifices to resolve the current security challenge.

"MEND, as usual, is putting spanners in the works for unpatriotic selfish economic benefits. It is painful that these elements are threatening more violence despite the colossal amount being paid their leadership and the training of Niger Delta youths abroad by the federal government to the obvious disadvantage of other Nigerian youths outside the region.

"MEND and its members are hereby warned that they do not have monopoly of ideas, strength or ability. The youths of the north and other Nigerians are united and shall face them to truncate any of their threats which are aimed at separating Nigerians along religious or ethnic divides for their selfish economic goals.

"It is very sad and mind-boggling to note that instead of supporting and ensuring that President Jonathan succeeds in finding a lasting solution to the present security challenge in the north, MEND has re-opened another insecurity theatre in the Niger Delta to cause distraction and make him fail.

"The obvious disrespect, which MEND shows to President Jonathan as not being among those they respect enough to intervene in the ongoing debacle, is food for thought, to say the least," Gujungu noted.

In a swift response to AYF, a group of ex-militants under the banner of the Niger Delta Militia Force (NDMF) cautioned northerners to be careful of their utterances on MEND's threat.

"We are using this conference to call on our brothers and sisters in the north to be careful of what they say in response to the threat by MEND to retaliate the killing of Christians by Boko Haram.

"While we are not in support of the plan, we want to state clearly that we are also unhappy with the killings of our brothers in the north. Recent attempts in Lagos and other parts of the country by Boko Haram to perpetrate violence are signs that the sect is not a respecter of any group or place.

"In view of this, we may not be able to say that if forced into taking up arms to defend our faith as Christians, we will not.

The response by Arewa Youth Forum to the effect that it will deal a deadly blow on MEND is provocative. We interpret it to mean that they support the activities of Boko Haram and other killer groups in the north.

"Although we remain committed to our vow not to return to our violent ways, we want to say it loud and clear that we will not hesitate to take up arms should this situation be allowed to escalate into a religious war by elements like the AYF who are busy fanning the embers of war," the NDMF warned.

Another militant group, Jama'atu Ansarul Muslimina fi Biladissudan (JAMBS), which has claimed responsibility for kidnapping of some foreigners and attack on security forces also joined in the threat game when it issued a warning to members of MEND over their threats to attack mosques and Islamic institutions, saying any such attacks will not be taken lightly.

Ansaru faulted MEND's justification for the planned attack on Muslims, saying Boko Haram's attacks on Christians' places of worships were equally condemned by Muslims.

"The JAMBS further draws the attention of MEND to understand the condition which they stated on their threat does not hold as a result of Boko Haram's attacks on Churches which JAMBS and the entire Muslims condemned. Therefore, attack on the entire Muslims cannot be taken lightly by JAMBS. "We further remind MEND that the Muslims they know 15 years ago are not

INSIGHT

• Jonathan

• Shekau

• Boko Haram members

the same as the Muslims of today. Should there be any attack as stipulated by the MEND the entire Muslims will react unanimously.

"It will also be of importance to MEND and the entire Christians of MEND'S idea to find out the situation in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi State, Southern Kaduna (AkwadAkwap) and Birom in Plateau State how they are presently suffering as a result of their onslaught on Muslims in their area," the statement said.

Mindful of the consequence of a faceoff between the two violent groups, Nigerians across divides have been speaking against MEND's plan. This is just as observers of the security situation in the country say the ongoing verbal exchanges are potent invitations to anarchy.

Sheikh AbdulRahman Ahmad, an erudite Islamic scholar and Chief Missioner of An sarud Deen Society of Nigeria, reacting to the threat by the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) to carry out reprisal attacks against Muslim community across the country, urged the group against throwing the country into further crises.

"The threat is dangerous. Even if it is meant to be a joke, it is a very bad joke and it is misplaced and it is unfortunate. This is a time that all hands must be on deck to restore peace and security to our country, so, nobody must be seen to be stoking the embers of hate and insecurity, otherwise we will be left with the impression that some people are actually benefitting from

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the state of insecurity in the land.

"The issue of Boko Haram is not a fight between Muslims and Christians. It is not an interreligious war except they want us to believe that some people are desperately bent on disintegrating this country and they want to hide their nefarious activities under the banner of religion.

"Nigerians must be security conscious and they must take security very seriously.

There is so much fear in the land but this is not the way to go. What I think Nigerians must do is to report any suspicious moves and take legitimate steps to ensure our personal safety and security," Ahmad said.

Also, the Communications Director, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Ralph Madu, urged MEND not to do anything that could thwart the effort of the committee set up by President Goodluck Jonathan on the Boko Haram insurgency to make the sect members lay down their arms.

"We know that attacking mosques and religious places of worship will aggravate the problem on the ground. We want peace in this country; let MEND drop their arms and machetes and embrace peace so that there will be a lasting peace in this country.

"All these provoked and unprovoked reactions won't solve the problems. The Presidency has set up a committee to look into some of these things. Let us give the President some chance. Who wants MEND to start burning down the whole place? Did anybody say that? They should cease fire if at all there is fire. Although people have been very much aggrieved with the way Christians are being killed in this country, we need peace," Madu begged.

Offering a security insight into the threat, a former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji AbubakarTsav, said that the militant group must realise that the federal government was already overstretched by Boko Haram attacks.

According to him, any attempt at retaliation from any part of the country and by any group will have serious security implications. He added that attacks by MEND on Islamic centres would push the nation to the edge.

"Boko Haram and MEND attacks have already over-stretched Jonathan, and so MEND should not precipitate another civil war by launching attacks on mosques and Muslims because it was not only Muslims that were affected by Boko Haram attacks; the government should go ahead with the amnesty plan for Boko Haram because the government laid a precedent by granting amnesty to Niger Delta militants," Tsav pleaded.

National Coordinator of the Oodua People's Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, on his part, described MEND's announcement as a "rude shock."

"The plan by MEND, coming at a time when our nation is still struggling to put an end to the violence unleashed on some parts of Northern Nigeria by the Boko Haram sect is a sure call to anarchy. This is surely capable of causing a religious and sectarian crisis of a magnitude that could be worse than the three years' civil war.

"While the OPC appreciates MEND's fundamental right to genuine struggle for self-determination in the Niger Delta, we, however, disagree in totality with its latest threat to attack mosques and Muslims.

"Let me, at this juncture, remind MEND that Yoruba make up about seventy per cent of the Muslims population in the Niger Delta area and we will not tolerate any further killing of Yoruba in any part of the country," Adams warned.

He further warned that "let us all take some lessons from the experience of the Bosnian war, which left hundreds of thousands of people dead, mostly innocent civilians. Good students of History will know that events which led to that war are very similar to recent developments in Nigeria. A word is enough for the wise.

"We would like to use this opportunity to call on the federal government and President Goodluck Jonathan in particular, to, as a matter of urgency, put machineries in place to put a stop to this very dangerous trend," the statement read.

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BUSINESS

T

•CBN Corporate headquarters, Abuja

Illegal deductions: Banks in the dock breaches, so I don’t think banks would want shareholders to be seeing all the statistics that they are not consumer-friendly or this is what they do to their customers. So, we believe we will see changes soon,” she said enthusiastically.

Modus operandi Investigation by The Nation revealed that the system operates like an ombudsman. It is a process which allows feedback to the CBN without the interference of banks.

For instance, if a customer is convinced that an infraction has occurred on his accounts, all he needs to do is to write a petition to the CBN through the Consumer Protection Department and allow at least a maximum of two weeks respond time.

Corroborating the foregoing, Unegbu recalled that he has had to undertake similar assignments on behalf of clients.

According to him, “There is a procedure. You write to the bank if you are in doubt about anything. If after two weeks your concerns are not addressed, then you now write to the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN and they will look into the matter and ensure appropriate redress. From my experi-

The disclosure last week by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) that it recovered the sum of N8.6billion on behalf of banks’ customers has been described as a major boost to the reforms agenda in the banking sub-sector, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf ence, I know it has worked for some people in the past.”

Views from other stakeholders To be sure, while many of the stakeholders are happy over the development, they still considered it scandalous that such incidence should rear its head at all.

Firing the first salvo, Dr. Chris Onalo, Director, CBS Credit UK, and CEO, Institute of Credit Administrator, while lauding the initiative,

said, “It is a good idea that the CBN is desirous of seeing that there is transparency between money deposit banks and their customers.”

Curiously, he said, “If the CBN had not come to discover those excesses, it would have been a huge loss for those companies who owned such accounts with the banks.”

Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Maxifund Investment and

“

It is a good idea that the CBN is desirous of seeing that there is transparency between money deposit banks and their customers. If the CBN had not come to discover those excesses, it would have been a huge loss for those companies who owned such accounts with the banks

“

O say that fraud is commonplace in the banking sector is certainly stating the obvious.

But what is, however, news is that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which is the apex regulatory body of banks in the country, is finally acting to curtail the incidence of fraud involving deposit money banks.

The declaration last week that it recovered the sum of N8.6billion in the first quarter from banks on behalf of teeming customers is a pointer to the fact that the much touted reforms introduced by the Sanusi-led CBN is already paying off.

Road to discovery Apparently miffed by the avalanche of complaints by customers who have had to endure untoward sufferings on account of losing their monies either as a result of careless errors and deliberate slips like excess charges, among others, by bank officials, without redress, the apex bank had last year formally set up the Consumer Protection Department to, among others, develop a framework to serve as policy document to address the issues of financial regulation as it affects the plight of consumers of financial products and services in Nigeria.

Expectedly, not a few people applauded the whole idea. But whether it would work was another thing altogether many noted at the time.

However, judging by the modest success recorded with the initiative, the CBN would if anything, feel justified after all for taking the bold step, analysts have argued.

At the last count, the department is reported to have received and treated over 2,800 complaints from consumers against deposit money banks as at the end of first quarter of 2013.

Fielding questions from newsmen in Abuja, the nation’s capital, Hajia Umma Amina Dutse, Director, Consumer Protection Department of the CBN, said the apex bank was really worried that customers of deposit money banks were being ripped off, hence the CBN gave a mandate to the Consumer Protection Department to stem the tide.

“Of course, we are very worried and that is why the department is going to put a very strong monitoring and compliant team that is going to ensure that the banks do what they are supposed to do and I can assure you with time, the bank will stop all the charges. All they need is monitor and to ensure that they’re complying with the regulations,” Dutse stressed.

Perhaps, to show that it means business, the CBN, according to Dutse have had to wield the big stick on many occasions. “Yes, we have had course to sanction some banks for breach of regulatory directives the normal N2 million. Also, the banks are compelled to indicate in their annual financial statements all these

Securities Plc, a stockbroker and former president, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) believes the CBN deserves a thumbs up.

According to him, “what the CBN has done is very good but they have not done enough... there is need for the Consumer Protection Department to be adequately empowered. The banks are doing a lot of illegality. What the CBN has done is a notice to customers and I think we must commend them for achiev-

Tips for banks’ customers •Become financially literate •Study all transactions thoroughly •If in doubt find out •Get experts to analyse details of your transaction •Know your rights as a customer •Never procastinate

ing that modest success.”

Advice to Nigerians In the view of many analysts, a lot still needs to be done by the Nigerian consuming publics to avoid becoming victims of banks’ carelessness.

In the assertion of Onalo, “Customers in the face of this development need to pay more attention to detailed in their finances.

Specifically, financial managers of companies whose job it is to interface with banks on behalf of their companies need to look at their transactions critically and pay attention to detail.

Where they are in doubt about anything, they should not hesitate to speak to their banks to avoid suspicion among both parties.

There is need for prudential financial management on the part of financial managers, especially with regards to transactions with the banks.”

Speaking in the same vein, Dutse stressed the need for Nigerians to become financially literate.

“Through financial education and literacy, consumers will be aware of their rights and obligation as responsible members of the society while adequately protecting themselves Continued on page 63

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‘How CBN protects customers W from bank cheats’

•Sanusi

•Unegbu

•Onalo

Illegal deductions: Banks in the dock Continued from page 62 against the unfair and unethical practices of the banks. So, in conclusion, Nigerians should be financially literate and understand financial products and services. Don’t just sign any contract with your bank, try to understand what is there and take advantage of the Central Bank of Nigeria consumer protection initiatives, open an account today and be financially included,” she noted.

Pressed further, Dutse said, “The aim of financial literacy is to empower the populace with the knowledge, understanding and the ability to evaluate financial products and services, this will give them the trust and confidence to participate in the financial system. So, in a nutshell, financial literacy engenders trust and confidence in the financial system which leads to greater participation and ultimately economic growth and financial systems stability.”

Task for CBN The CBN has also been urged to step up its game in the war against bank-related fraud.

In the view of Onalo, there is need for the CBN to peg the profit growth of the banks. “I think the CBN should go a step further to peg the profit appetite of the banks and their owners. In these days when banks are declaring huge profits, it is only expected that such incidence will be rampant. It is not a good thing that the economy is being ripped off due to aggressiveness of banks to make money at all cost and transfer cost to its customers.”

Echoing similar sentiments, Unegbu would rather want the CBN to engage the services of more experienced bankers in order to achieve the utmost for the department. “My concern is that the crop of staff at the Consumer Protection Department lacks the capacity to carry out the task expected of them.

There is, therefore, need to beef up the capacity of those manning the department. What I advise the CBN is that they can engage retired bankers to assist them in such onerous assignment to achieve optimum result.”

HAT informed the establishment of the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN? One of the major lessons learnt from the recent financial crisis of 2007/2008 which resulted in the near collapse of the banking industry was the lack of consumer sophistication and associated market discipline. In Nigeria, the indifferent attitude of financial institutions in addressing consumer complaints and the lack of an effective recourse mechanism for financial consumers, were breeding lack of trust and confidence in the financial system. So the department was created amongst other reasons to regulate the conduct of financial services providers, to engender trust and confidence in the financial system and to complement that traditional prudential regulation in promoting a safe, sound and stable financial system in Nigeria.

Since the establishment of the department, how many cases have you received and how many have you resolved so far?

So far, the department has received and treated over 2,800 complaints from consumers against deposit money banks as at the end of first quarter of 2013. We have also being able to recover more than N8.6billion in favour of various consumers.

This figure that I have just mentioned excludes complaints that have to do with ATM and other electronic related complaints and also complaints from other financial institutions like the micro finance institutions, the primary mortgages; it is just complaints against the deposit money banks.

What kind of complaints exactly?

They are mostly complaints that have to do with excess charges, conversion, fraud and such other complaints.

Why did you exclude ATM complaints?

We excluded the ATM and other electronic complaints because those are treated by bank payments department of the CBN for now but eventually, I know when the structure is approved, the process will come to consumer protection department.

If you receive a complaint, how long does it take you to resolve the issue?

There are various categories of complaints and the length of time for resolution usually depends on the nature and complexity of the complaints. For example, a cus-

Hajia Umma Amina Dutse is Director, Consumer Protection Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). In this interview with Assistant Editor Nduka Chiejina and Faith Yahaya she speaks on efforts by the apex bank to address customer complaints ranging from theft, among others

•Dutse

tomer may complain of refusal of his bank to issue him a bank statement while another consumer may complain of excess charges over a long period of time. So, certainly the two will take different resolution time lines, while one may just take few hours or few days, the other may take a longer time but our regulation is clear that financial institutions must resolve all complaints within two weeks of receiving such.

Any case that cannot be resolved within two weeks must be referred to the central bank in line with the helpdesk circular that we issued out to banks. But with the benefit of experience like I mentioned, I can tell you that certain categories of complaints take a longer time to resolve.

When you say consumer protection, is it meant to address only the grievances emanating from financial services while neglecting the financial services providers?

As you are aware, financial service providers are under the regulatory purview of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

So the aim of the department is to ensure fair treatment and

to inculcate ethical practices amongst financial service providers in their relationship with consumers. Grievances are received from consumers against financial institutions and remedial actions taken where necessary to ensure financial institutions conform to laid down rules and regulations. So the customer is generally the weaker party and hence requires special protection by the regulator to ensure that the provision of the financial services brings about the greatest benefit to the consumer. This is critical in promoting consumer confidence in the financial system and for financial inclusion and stability.

In case a staff of the deposit money bank has a complaint against the bank, do you treat such complaint?

It depends on the nature of the complaint, if it has to do with labour issue I.e. employer employee; it is not within the mandate of the department.

We only deal with cases that have to do with excess charges, COT and the like.

Have you sanctioned any bank and what kind of sanction?

Yes, we have had course to

sanction some banks for breach of regulatory directives the normal N2 million. Also, the banks are compelled to indicate in their annual financial statement all these breaches, so I don’t think banks would want shareholders to be seeing all the statistics that they are not consumer friendly or this is what they do to their customers. So, we believe we will see changes soon.

Does your mandate include the micro finance banks and have received any complaints from their customers?

Yes, it does. We have had some complaints against Micro finance banks, but let me say we have not done much on Micro Finance banks it for lack of staff because the department is new, we have not got the structure and we don’t have enough money to go in there.

We have received a few and we handle them but they are nothing compared to what we receive from the deposit money banks What advice do you have for Nigerians?

All Nigerians have the right to participate and enjoy the benefits offered by the formal financial system. So my advice is that they should take all the necessary steps to empower themselves to enjoy these benefits this will only be possible through financial literacy and education when they acquire the knowledge and skills to make informed decision decisions on the available financial products and services that will potentially improve their economies circumstances and their financial wellbeing.

Through financial education and literacy, consumers will be aware of their rights and obligation as responsible members of the society while adequately protecting themselves against the unfair and unethical practices of the banks. So in conclusion, Nigerians should be financially literate and understand financial products and services. Don’t just sign any contract with your bank, try to understand what is there and take advantage of the central bank of Nigeria consumer protection initiatives, open an account today and be financially included.

Ohuabunwa, Utomi, others join business forum

S

TAKEHOLDERS in different sectors of the Nigerian and British economy have initiated a new bilateral trade-promoting platform to benefit all categories of Nigerian and London based entrepreneurs.

In a release made available to The Nation, the state said that the new body which is to be known as the Nigerian London Business Forum (NILOBF), parades distinguished personalities as board members including: Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former President, Nigerian Economic Summit;

Professor Pat Utomi, a respected entrepreneurial advocate; John Momoh, Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, Channels Television); Ray Ekpu, founding former Editor-inChief, Newswatch Magazine.

Others include Dr. Adekola Ali, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Union Bank, UK Plc, Jonathan Banjo, Managing Director, AJB Executive Search Limited, London and Dr. Chris Onalo, Director, CBS Credit UK, who incidentally is also the initiator of the novel idea.

Among other things, the

board members are expected to carry out functions which are non-administrative and nonexecutive, but would border on bilateral policy advisory, advocacy as well as other essentials that strengthen bilateral engagements.

According to the promoters, the objectives of the Nigerian London Business Forum are among others, to promote, support or oppose legislation or other policies and measures capable of affecting trade, investment, and business between Nigeria and London, as well as representing the opin-

ion of London based Nigerian business community on those matters and the economy as a whole.

The forum has also enjoyed the support and commitment of Nigeria High Commission in London who recognizes that down there in London, there is a very strong consciousness of the large population of Nigerians in business, the skills they have, the energy they have and their great economic potentials which has contributed in no small measure to the prosperity of the UK economy.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

‘Nigerian Stock Exchange can compete globally’ Mr. Bolaji Finnih is Managing Director, RightClick Nigeria Limited, an e-business solutions firm which provides support services to a range of industries. The firm recently developed a software application known as the X-Issuer portal to help the Nigerian Stock Exchange undertake seamless processing of financial data electronically for all listed companies. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, Finnih speaks on the innovative technology and sundry issues. Excerpts:

Y

OUR firm helped the Nigerian Stock Exchange to develop a software application known as the XIssuer, which was launched last month. Could you tell us what informed the whole idea of the portal?

RightClick was engaged by the Nigerian the Stock Exchange to develop an online secured-portal through which issuers, that is companies listed on the Stock Exchange, would be able to submit financial data and other information to the Stock Exchange from the comfort of their offices.

Previously, a lot of these things were being done manually. But with the new leadership within the Stock Exchange the focus is on bringing the Stock Exchange to be able to compete globally in the 21st century.

The objective is that you are creating an Exchange that is of global standard because generally speaking, you want to ensure that you conform to best practice. You don’t want a situation whereby somebody submits information, including financial data to the Stock Exchange and some people can introduce human factor, where someone could for selfish reasons toy with the data that they have to prepare for the next opening day. For instance, if company A submits financial data and there is a human factor in it, such that I can now know that this share is going to open with a particular price, I can take position, thereby create an unbalanced and unfair system.

So, the management decided that it would do well to use a secured technology to carry out such functions as a platform to create a level-playing field so that the Stock Exchange can become more attractive for global investors because people want to ensure that the Stock Exchange is properly regulated and there are proper systems in place before they can bring in their capital.

The portal comes with a lot of benefits even if I have to say so.

Among other things, it affords convenience. With the power of technology, you can leverage on convenience, security, open up to a global market. Also the system allows for information validation. This simply means that the system that we built has the capacity to validate any information lodged into the system such that it provides a template and guiding parameters that you want to pass to the public.

It is well in alignment with the objective of the Stock Exchange and I think it’s quite commendable that the Stock Exchange is taking this initiative one by one and they are partnering with an organisation that is within the shores of Nigeria. And from the experiences of the users of this portal, I daresay that there has been a vindication of the risk that the Stock Exchange took by partnering with a local company to develop such a missioncritical solution because truth-

•Finnih

INTERVIEW fully, this solution, if you don’t get it right in terms of regulation of the Stock Exchange, then you cannot achieve the objective of bringing investment into the Exchange.

How does the application works, and can it be deployed by an average man on the street without as much as creating some challenges because of the advanced application techniques?

The beneficiaries or the clients are those listed on the Stock Exchange, as such it is not going to be what just anybody out there can have access to. These companies listed on the Stock Exchange, for instance, are supposed to have chief security officers, chief operating officers and other principal officers, whose responsibility it is to file financial data to the Stock Exchange. It is not technical because we have done everything to make sure that it is userfriendly and we used familiar technology like the Microsoft platform. And most people that have systems in Nigeria would have interacted one way or the other with Microsoft windows and it is the same kind of information, architecture layout and framework.

Finally, before it even went live, we went through a very extensive pilot, where we brought in key officers of these listed companies all over Nigeria to come and learn how the system works.

Apart from the pilot, there was a training organised by the Stock Exchange to actually empower all the users of this portal to know how to use it. So, the key targets all know how the system works and the thing itself is not a technical solution as such.

How fool-proof is the X-Issuer and who administers it? Is the administration domiciled within the Stock Exchange or being manned externally by RightClick?

From the point of view of development standard, RightClick prides itself on adhering to global best practice. The entire system that has been deployed in the Stock Exchange is of the highest standard. So, from the point of view of security compromise, all the different levels of security from SSL, to encryption, all the way to

even the code was different. And the infrastructure that has been provided by the Stock Exchange, in terms of servers, firewalls, and private networks, are world class, first of all.

Secondly, from the point of view of administration of the portal itself, a system has been put in place to make sure that whenever the information is submitted to the Stock Exchange, there is a cut off time.

So, if, for instance, company X has submitted their financial data and the cut off time is 4pm, after 4pm, no information that is inputted on that portal would be visible to the members of the team that are preparing the data. But if it comes before 4pm, it would be treated and be released to the public at the same time. So everybody has access to the same information at the same time. So, if you want to take position on anything based on any financial information that you received from the portal, it is the same information that somebody is receiving from Hong Kong, London, and New York, so there is no room for any hanky-panky.

And as to who administers the process, it is the Listing and Regulation Department within the Nigerian Stock Exchange that administers the portal but under technical support from RightClick.

So, naturally, such a mission-critical solution, there may be need for constant support and vigilance because not every stakeholder is happy that things are working properly as there may be others that may want to compromise the system for their own selfish ends.

As such, we have to be as vigilant as possible to ensure that we maintain the integrity of the system.

What do you have to say about the slow adaptability of business intelligence technology by public and private organisations across the country?

There has been a very rapid uptake of technology in the country within the past decade.

You can’t compare the 90’s to where we are now.

Initially, when we started out, which was early 2002, there were few organisations that were taking technology seriously as they are now.

But with the world becoming more of a global economy, people deploy Business Intelligence, e-payment, and online

transaction facility and more are conscious of the fact that technology can be an enabler for them to do business. In the past, technology was considered as a kind of necessary evil that everybody had to have. But now, the value is becoming more and more obvious and more apparent to key stakeholders within the last few years.

Generally speaking, it’s quite an interesting time in Nigeria and Africa as a whole. So, we must once again commend organisations that are looking inwards towards the provisions of these solutions because we have quite a number of competent professionals within the ICT industry in Nigeria that are ready and able to offer these services to Nigerian businesses.

Considering the upsurge in cybercrimes, what can organisations like banks do to curb these excesses?

Well, the first thing to note is that cybercrime is an unfortunate fact that we have to deal with. With increased prosperity, comes more attention, especially from cybercriminals.

The banks themselves are not resting on their oars. At least, a lot of the banks in recent times are focusing on penetration setting, vulnerability audit and checking to make sure that all the systems that they have in place do not have loopholes that can be exploited by cybercriminals.

They are doing quite a bit in that regard.

Now, regarding the advent of e-payment, mobile payment, and the likes, the systems that are being adopted by the banks to actually provide these services to the teeming public are being tested very extensively to forestall any untoward incident.

However, what we do advice from time to time to banks is that security viability and vulnerability is not something that you do once and go because technology in itself, by its very nature, is transient.

What may be secured today might not be secured tomorrow. So, cyber security is not something that should be taken lightly, it should be given the right kind of attention the same way you’re not going to say you paid one security guard to look after your house this month and next month you don’t have to pay. The bottomline is that there is a surveillance that is going on around once you’re thrown up as somebody that is prosperous. There are those who would come and reap where they did not sow, so at that point you have to be vigilant. If there is any advice I’ll give the banks, it is for them to sit up and be vigilant and make sure that they do not relent in their efforts because the disadvantage of being on the internet is the fact that you’re open to attacks from anywhere in the world. Because even when you think it’s night time and you want to rest your guard, it might be morning in some other parts of the world where people are trying to hack your system.

Beyond Talent

By Adetayo Okusanya Email: adetayookusanya@hotmail.com

Life in prison with hard labour

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ERIOUSLY! Who invented the term work-life balance? And why have we all embraced it with both arms as if it makes any sense? The very term suggests that work and life are separate and distinct. It gives the impression that when I am doing “work”, I am not doing “life”, and when I am doing “life”, I am not getting any “work” done.

But how can this be? How can something that is such a big part of how I spend my time, not be considered part of my “life”? Am I not living or doing life when I am working? Or is it that I “somehow” suspend my life and become a zombie or “something” other than myself when I arrive at work? Is my life truly passing me by when I am working?

It is no wonder that most of us don’t look forward to work. We see it as something we “have” to do rather than something we “want” to do. I feel that it is a mischaracterization of “work”, like “work” is all the tedious, boring, necessary evil stuff, and “life” is all the other fun stuff that we love to do. The word “work” has become synonymous with drudgery, grind, toil, slog and struggle. Something we must endure to get to the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Newsflash! There is no pot of gold at the end of this rainbow, only a bucket of missed opportunities!

Let’s stop seeing “work” as “work” (LOL), rather let’s see “work” as our “industry”. Our opportunity for mastery. “Industry” is that part of life that gives us the opportunity to express our talent and maximize our potentials. “Industry” provides us with the platform to discover, hone and present our unique skills and capabilities to our world, and be rewarded for our excellence, ingenuity and creativity. Industry is where we experience Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s “FLOW”.

Growing up, I never had the opportunity to make the connection between my work and my industry. Everyone said “Get an education so you can get a job. Get a job so you can make money. Make money so you can live a comfortable life.” No one ever asked me, “Adetayo where do you have the greatest chance of success, where others are likely to fail? What can you do better than anyone else? What value can you create that no-one else can? So after my undergraduate studies I got a job and was put to work. It did not take me too long to learn a hard lesson. Money is important, but it is not the principal thing.

Money will make me take a job I know is not the best fit for me, but it will never be enough to keep me in a place where I am not “thriving” or “living”. Of greater materiality, is the intrinsic value of the work that I am doing and how it allows me to operate in the area of my talent, gifting and strength, to achieve great heights in realizing my true potential. There is such a great feeling of accomplishment that comes from creating a masterpiece; the kind that money cannot buy.

I love what I do now. I love my “industry”. It brings me to life and draws out all the creative juices flowing in my veins. I feel ALIVE when I am working, and in the flow. It seems for me that both “work” and “life” are one and the same. Don’t get me wrong, some days are downright tedious, but those days are few and far between. Will I love it forever? Maybe not... but the day I stop loving it, is the day I kiss it goodbye.

Doing “industry” does not necessarily mean quitting your job to start your own business. Doing “industry” simply means finding that opportunity to push your capabilities and talents to the limit in solving problems and creating innovative solutions that move the world around you forward. Industry can and should be fun. Someone said, “Do what you love and you will never work a day in your life”. Loving what you do is not reserved for the privileged few. Those who earnestly seek it will find it.

STOP working like you have been given a sentence of life imprisonment with hard labour! STOP suspending your life every Monday morning and reactivating it Friday afternoon! STOP living below your potential!

START choosing to live every day as an “industryalist”rather than a”worker”. Your industry is an important part of your life. It should give you life and not take life from you. It should help you thrive, not just survive.

Work is doing time with hard labour. Industry is living life like you are creating a masterpiece.

Read more of Adetayo’s articles athttp:// readinessedge.wordpress.com/ • Okusanya is CEO of ReadinessEdge

BUSINESS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

65

Proper legislation can curb counterfeiters

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•From left: Managing Director, PC Corner, Ms. Bunmi Badiru; Managing Director, Bcomm Networks Nigeria Limited, Mr. Lukman Egberongbe; Head, Information Technology, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ms. Folasade Oyelayo and Managing Director, Amazing Grace Computers, Mr. Tunji Agboola at the Samsung IT C.E.O Forum held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi Lagos, recently

NEXIM’s non-oil sector initiatives

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P until the discovery of oil in Nigeria, her economy flourished in the non-oil sectors of agriculture, manufacturing and solid minerals. But in the later part of 1970s, what appeared to be a blessing – discovery of oil in commercial quantities – turned out to be an albatross to Nigeria’s economy in the long run. The oil boom overshadowed, and by extension, became a doom because it diverted the attention of government from sustaining the tempo of growth in other sectors of the economy.

However, with the coming on board of NEXIM Bank, and indeed the current leadership in the saddle of Mr. Robert Orya, there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel. Orya’s giant strides have repositioned NEXIM on its fundamental mandates.

NEXIM Bank’s working blueprint, from 2010 to 2015, is aimed at propelling the non-oil sectors of Nigeria’s economy to a grand-level.

The bank’s key areas of concentration are manufacturing, agriculture, solid minerals and services. The goal is to become the leading export development bank in Africa.

The objectives of developing these non-oil sectors are to have a clear market focus and become a major contributor to non-oil exports, build a world-class institution which imbibes best-in class corporate governance and risk management practices; be a relevant player in the export market and significantly influence government trade policies; build a profitable institution with a robust balance sheet size with a highly skilled and motivated workforce.

A target of this magnitude is always herculean, but the NEXIM-led administration of Orya is abreast of this.

It adopted a phased-approach to attaining the goals. They are categorized into Horizon 1, Horizon 2 and Horizon 3.

The Horizon 1, from 2010 to 2011, with its theme ‘position for growth’, was concentrated on enhancing interbank operations through the RRF window; institution of robust risk management framework, establishment of strategic alliances, strengthening human resources and operations as

By Chas Nwam

well as execution of penetration strategies and above all, recapitalization. This phase is the building base.

The Horizon 2 (2012-2013) with the theme ‘create new momentum’ is tagged the Expanding Impact. It influences the contribution of the nonoil sector of Nigeria’s gross domestic products; collaborates with established government agencies for providing relevant industry and country data, boosts trade beyond West African regions and to become a visible brand in Africa.

With the chemistry of horizons 1 and 2 well articulated, the Horizon 3, with the theme ‘Become the leading EDB in Africa’ has the concept of accelerated growth. It is the realization period, and meant to be attained from 2014 to 2015 and upwards.

The plan is to key into the financial sector goals linked to the national vision and aspirations. These aspirations are grouped into three pillars thus: guaranteeing the wellbeing and productivity of the people, optimizing the key sources of economic growth, and fostering sustainable social and economic development. In the pillar 1, the concentration is on financial inclusion with much emphasis on the informal sector intervention. It also encompasses the housing financing with emphasis on policy formulation and regulatory framework. In the real sector financing, the focus is on agriculture, infrastructure and industry.

The pillar 2 with emphasis on optimizing the key sources of economic growth will deepen financial markets through dematerialization and integrated dealing system; payment system reforms anchored on RTGSS and cross border settlement, as well as shared services with basics in cost containment and cost optimization.

Fostering sustainable social and economic development, which is the thrust of pillar 3, is the pivot for trade development through effective policy formulation and implementation and synergy with other stakeholders. It also looks into economic data warehouse via one-stop information on economic data

PROPER legislation can help to curb the excesses of product counterfeiters, Mr. Olumide Makinde, Sales Operations Manager, Southwest, Intercontinental Distilleries Limited, has said.

Makinde made this suggestion during an interview with our correspondent recently.

While decrying the rising menace of product counterfeiting in the country, he observed that the absence of stringent laws among other factors is at the centre of the crisis.

According to him, “Any successful brand must have a fake. The reasons are very clear, some of these brands that are doing well have better advantages in terms of quality, packaging and they enjoy brand equity.

But as a company, we are always one thousand and one ahead of fakers.”

He however stressed that his organisation is not resting on its oars, adding: “We have to also taken the matter to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) level, the umbrella body of all the manufacturers in Nigeria they are trying their best to make sure that the national assembly put stiffer penalty in place, than

By Adetutu Audu

what we are presently having.”

To prevent people from engaging in such a criminal act, he suggested that “you must have a legislation that is very strong. The law for now is six months in prison or in lieu of N400, 000 fines which is not stiff enough for offence of such magnitude. On our part as a company we also educated the consumers the dangers in buying fake products.

And we are getting to closer to the consumers more than before.”

Besides, he noted that his company has been involved in a massive campaign aimed at sensitising members of the public on the dangers of fake products.

“We have people that sell exclusively to the end users. If you also look at our packaging very frequently we try to add one new thing or the other which fakers cannot do. We change labels, corks and bottle shapes to destabilize those who are doing this, to discourage them.

Once they realize it is going to gulp a lot of money. We have changed some of our labels just to destabilize them and see how we can move ahead of them,” he stressed.

The Nation presents: THE SPIRIT OF CHARITY A special report on

•Orya

in addition to organizational capital with a concentration on knowledge-based and performance-driven organisations.

NEXIM Bank operates in a synergy with the Central Bank of Nigeria. NEXIM’s strategic plan for the CBN’s trade development includes enhancing the implementation of ECOWAS trade support facility, becoming the national guarantor for the ECOWAS interstate road transit scheme, facilitating the realization of NEXPOTRADE goals of establishing export houses in all ECOWAS countries, and improving the strategic alliances with multilateral agencies, DFIs and export credit agencies.

NEXIM Bank’s business posture takes into cognizance the economic importance of commercial banks and other developmental financial institutions in the sound sustenance of Nigeria’s economy.

To that end, it is positioned to complement the roles of commercial banks by focusing on the unserved markets.

In the manufacturing sector from 2010 to 2015, NEXIM Bank has maintained an increased efficiency and profitability of manufacturing establishments through the funding of acquisition of new technology, increased access of manufacturers to short and long-term credit, provide 6% (about N42billion) of the manufacturing sector’s financing requirement by 2015, account for 3.71% of the sector’s GDP by 2015 and create

about 70,479 jobs through project financing activities.

In the agricultural sector, from 2010 to 2015, the bank has increased and sustained agro-industrial exports through enhancement of quality and local value addition, provide 7.3% (approx. N 33bn) of the agricultural sector’s financing requirement by 2015, account for 2.89% of the sector’s GDP by 2015 and create and sustained 60,587 jobs within the sector through project finance by 2015.

In the solid minerals sector, NEXIM Bank’s blueprint from 2010 to 2015 is to create an internationally competitive and attractive destination for capital for the profitable exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources, provide 16.1%, about N 96billion, of the solid mineral sector’s financing by 2015, account for 0.82% of the sector’s GDP by 2015 and sustain 2,885 jobs within the solid minerals sector through project financing.

The services sector is another area in Nigeria’s economy that has the capacity of meteorically pushing Nigeria’s economy to another level. Being abreast of this, NEXIM Bank’s target from 2010 to 2015 is to contribute to the provision of safe and cost effective transport services within Africa, enhance Nigeria’s tourism sector, provide 23.6%, about N96bn, of the services sector’s financing, account for 0.61% of the sector’s GDP by 2015, and create and sustain 26,236 jobs within the sector by 2015.

EMERGING NIGERIAN PHILANTHROPISTS AND A COMMEMORATION OF 100 YEARS OF THE ROCKEFELLER

FOUNDATION Featuring: •Nigeria’s top 10 men of charity •Africa’s best 10 emerging philanthropists •World’s best givers and foundations •Why people give •Of personal donations, foundations and CSR •Nigeria’s top corporate givers •Philanthropy as tonic for brand value •100 years of the Rockefeller Foundation and why it will last forever Publication Date: Sunday, May 12, 2013 For enquiries and interviews, call Steve (08033124151) or Dan (08033010395)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013

66 BUSINESS

Cadbury Nigeria Plc courts investors

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HE embattled Cadbury Nigeria Plc may have commenced a new era of shareholder value going by the company,s efforts at paying a dividend of 50kobo per share.

Also , it,s share price quite a bullish run that enhances the value of their shares as the stock has moved from N12 in a year before to over the current price of N33.49 as at April 18th, 2013.

The payment of 50k is a welcome development for investor that had waited patiently for some years though still very low as it is just a yield of about 1.4% when compared to the average of 5% for the market. The company has over N15.7B in cash (N10.5B in 2011). a 50k per share dividend payout is just over N1.5B or just 10% of total available cash. Also their revenue stability is commendable and the effective cost management mechanism of the company.

Cadbury is since 2010 being managed by a crop of tested and trusted professionals with Mr. Atedo N. A. Peterside as Chairman, Mr. Alan Palmer as the MD/CEO, Mr. Oyeyinka Adeboye as the Director of Finance and Strategy while Mr. Abiola Laseinde is the Company Secretary.

Cadbury went through turbulence for some years since 2007 as a result of accounts falsification that revealed a shocking information regarding the non adherence to the code of good corporate governance in the organisation. This problem prompted the capital market regulators to sanction cadbury as a quoted company.

The scandal caused a lot of

side effects to the company, the country and the investing public etc. The action taken by the company, regulators and the EFCC is commendable and now bringing back investors confidence into the company.

The then MD/CEO and the Executive Director of Finance Mr. Bunmi Oni and Mr. Ayo Akadiri were sacked because of the controversial circumtances.

The EFCC demanded an explanation regarding their roles in the deliberate overstatement of Cadbury Accounts. They were charged to court for fraud and conspiracy to serve as a deterrent to other

crooks in the corporate world to protect investors.

They were also barred from operating in the Nigerian Capital Market by being employed in the financial services industry and holding directorshipposition in any public company in Nigeria.

The company was equally fined by SEC. The external auditor was asked to pay a penalty of N20m for failing in its responsibilities to handle the financial position of the company with due diligence and professionalism.

The registrar was not left out as they were fined for not paying

Fidelity Bank’s gross earnings hit N119b

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IDELITY Bank Plc has announced a 62.3 per cent rise in gross earnings from N73.6 billion in 2011 to N119.4 billion in 2012. The in a statement said net interest and discount income was N36.8 billion in 2012, an increase of 20.5 per cent from N30.6 billion recorded in 2011. This was driven by prudent balance sheet management that aimed to balance asset prices and low cost deposit mobilization with income growth.

Non-interest Income increased by 65.6 per cent to N39.4 billion compared to 2011 figure of N23.8 billion, due to continued increase in customer recruitment, new business acquisition, and the linkage effect of a well implemented branch expansion programme.

Profit After Tax (PAT) rose by 604 per cent to N18.2 billion from N2.6 billion recorded in 2011. In addition to the huge

expansion recorded in non interest income and net interest and discount income, the rise in PAT resulted from a significant proportion of income from tax exempt assets and transactions.

He explained that total assets increased by 23.9 per cent to N914.4 billion from N737.9 billion last year. “Total deposit from customers was N716.7 billion. This represents an increase of 27.2 per cent over the N563.7 billion recorded in 2011.

The proportion of low cost deposits (demand and savings deposit) to total deposits was 73.9 per cent as at end of December 31, 2012,” he said.

Net Loans and Advances to Customers increased by 23.7 per cent to N345.5 billion from N279.2 billion while total equity rose by 10.5 per cent to N161.5 billion from N146.1 billion.

Return on Equity (RoE) improved significantly, from 1.8 per cent to 11.3 per cen, while

GTBank raises N28.49 billion 1st Quarter, profit

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UARANTY Trust Bank plc has released its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2013 to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.

A review of the result shows strong and positive performance across all financial indices. The Bank recorded a 20.83% growth in gross earnings to N63.57 billion (Q1, 2012: N52.62 billion), a 16.85 % growth in Profit Before Tax to N28.49 billion, (Q1, 2012: N24.38 billion); while the Bank’s nonperforming loan ratio remains

the declared dividend as a result of the company’s failure to provide the fund when they had option of reporting the company to SEC. The above actions was in line with the fact that “if immorality is not punished there is no reward for morality” Despite the current performance, market watchers still apprehensive whether Cadbury can sustain the performance in view of the ongoing harsh operating climate. When contacted the company’s PRO, Mr Kufur declined comment. He did not respond to the question sent by email

low at 2.8%. The Bank also reported shareholders’ funds of N307.95 billion for the period.

Commenting on the results, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Managing Director and CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc stated that the Bank is committed to positioning itself as the Bank of choice for Nigerians and would continue to uphold the values of discipline, hardwork, excellent service quality and professionalism in all its operation. He further stated that the bank’s impressive 2013 first quarter results were due to customer loyalty, staff passion,

a defined strategic plan and a supportive board. Mr Agbaje also added that barring any unforeseen development, he expects the Bank to maintain this performance for the rest of the 2013 financial year.

Guaranty Trust Bank plc has experienced tremendous growth since its inception in Nigeria in 1990 and presently has growing operations in Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom due to its ability to exhibit an in-depth understanding of these markets.

Return on Assets (RoA) increased from 0.4 per cent in 2011 to two in 2012 on account of improved balance sheet management and more efficient use of retail infrastructure.

Non Performing Loan (NPL) ratio was 3.9 per cent compared to 7.8 per cent as at December 31, 2011. Cost-Income Ratio decreased to 66.6 per cent for the year ended December 31, 2012 from 68.9 per cent in 2011 despite a 35.5 per cent increase in Operating Expenses; which was driven by continued expansion in business acquisition and product distribution outlets.

“Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) was 29% as at December 31 2012; well above the regulatory minimum of 10 per cent. This shows that the bank has huge capacity to withstand any adverse macroeconomic and operational shock as well as headroom to expand its loan book without any immediate constraints,” he said.

In his remark on the result, the bank’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi, expressed delight with the lender’s 2012 result which showed a strong rise in profitability compared to 2011, particularly the momentum sustained in the growth in our non interest income, arising from aggressive business acquisition and the linkage effect of a well implemented branch development programme.

“We have remained focused in the prudent management of our balance sheet without compromising quality or safety, having made good progress in gathering stable and balanced funding base that enables us to continue to exploit the various opportunities that have continued to present themselves in the Nigeria economy. With so many opportunities available in Infrastructure, Power, Oil & Gas, Production Expansion, Agriculture, Small and Medium scale Enterprises financing the existence of increasing number of well-structured indigenous companies looking to expand market share, and the disciplined implementation of the Importsubstitution Policy of the Federal Government, we are seeing increased business volumes and yields particularly from new businesses,” he said.

The bank CEO explained that this year, the lender will remain focused on growing its balance sheet efficiently with particular emphasis on low cost deposits, strengthening the implementation of cost reduction measures and reallocating resources to more profitable business segments, while we seek increased market share.

MARKET FLASH Bukola Afolabi obrijo4u@gmail.com 08094000015

Company News Skye Bank raises profit to N12.6b

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KYE Bank Plc last week announced N12.64 billion profit after tax for the year ended December 31, 2012. Key extracts of the lender’s audited report showed that the result represents an increase of 872.6 per cent on N1.30 billion recorded in 2011.

Profit before tax rose from N2.84 billion in 2011 to N16.51 billion in 2012. The bank maintained a steady top-line in 2012 with net interest income and net noninterest income of N44.50 billion and N22.60 billion respectively.

In a statement, the bank said its audited report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2012 showed remarkable improvement in profitability as it harnessed its vast business base and increasingly efficient cost management to deliver impressive returns to shareholders.

The audited report, prepared in line with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and approved by all financial services regulatory agencies, was presented to the investing public at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) last week “On the basis of the impressive bottom-line, the board of the bank has recommended an increase in cash dividend per share from 25 kobo paid for 2011 business year to 50 kobo for 2012. This performance underlined Skye Bank as a return-driven bank. Earnings per share increased to N1.01 in 2012 as against 20 kobo in 2011,” it said.

It said that at current market value, earnings yield stands at about 16.6 per cent while dividend yield stands at 8.2 per cent, within the top bracket of earnings and yields of quoted equities. A dividend cover of 2.02 times for 2012 as against 0.80 times for 2011 underlines the ability of the bank to sustain its impressive dividend payouts.

It said the bank’s assets quality improved as nonperforming loan/gross loans ratio surpassed industry’s target of five per cent at 4.95 per cent in 2012 as against 6.39 per cent. Deposit base expanded by 22.4 per cent at N790.09 billion in 2012 compared with N645.45 billion in 2011, reflecting the strong profile of the bank in the intensely competitive banking industry. Total assets crossed the N1 trillion mark to N1.07 trillion in 2012 as against N914.27 billion in 2011. Equity funds firmed up to N106.89 billion as against N100.11 billion in the previous year.

The Group Managing Director, Skye Bank Plc, Mr Kehinde Durosinmi-Etti, said the report reflected the commitment of the bank to its goal of quality and sustained growth and returns to shareholders.

He noted that the improvement in the profitability of the bank underscored management’s grasp of competitive edges that the bank should build on as it progresses to its target of a leading top-tier bank

Okomu Oil Palm 12 years after its shares were listed on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Okomu Oil Palm Plc has continued to delight investors with good return on investment. Interestingly, an investment of N1million in the company’s shares three years ago has increased by over N6million. Okomu Oil Palm Plc

Sterling Bank

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HERE are indications that the financial year ending December 31, 2013 holds good news for shareholders of Sterling Bank Plc as the bank recorded a good financial performance during its first quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Interim report and accounts of Sterling Bank for the three-month period ended March 31, 2013 showed that profit after tax rose by 96 per cent while profit before tax increased by 85 per cent. The net profit growth signaled robust returns outlook for investors as earnings per share rose by 89 per cent from 9.0 kobo recorded in first quarter 2012 to 17 kobo in first quarter 2013.

The first quarter report, prepared in line with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), showed gross earnings of N19.84 billion as against N16.21 billion recorded in comparable period of 2012.

Profit before tax jumped from N1.63 billion to N3.02 billion while profit after tax leapt to N2.72 billion as against N1.39 billion.

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I formerly known and addressed as Miss Lillian Onwawowa E., now wish to be known as Mrs. Lillian Owolabi E. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLUWADAHUNSI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Folashade Aderonke Oluwadahunsi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Folashade Aderonke Ademola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EFUWA I, formerly known and addressed MISS. ENORE EFUWA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ROBINSON ELECHI ENORE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ADELEYE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Betty Olubunmi Adeleye, now wish to be known as Mrs. Betty Olubunmi Ifedayo Adegebo. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

SANNI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Sanni Margaret Aminat, now wish to be known as Mrs. Kakitie Margaret Aminat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWOSU

67 CHANGE OF NAME CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, MR. JOEL BASIL TAMUNOTONYE and MR. IPALIBO BASIL HORSFALL are one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. JOEL BASIL TAMUNO-TONYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ISMAIL I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ismail Rashidat Temitope, now wish to be known as Mrs. Onifade Rashidat Temitope. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

ADEFILA I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Yomi Basirat Adefila, now wish to be known as Mrs. Yomi Basirat Ajiboye. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

YINUSA I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Yinusa Ganiyat Olabisi, now wish to be known as Miss. Daddah Ganiyat Olabisi. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

MADUFORO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Onyenonachi Maduforo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ijeoma Esther ChrisTimothy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGBONNAYA

EJIME I formerly known and addressed as Ejime Eki Justina, now wish to be known as Imasuen Eki Justina. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

IGBIDE

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbonnaya Ihuoma Peter, now wish to be known as Miss Eme Uwaezugbu Udeagha. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc. Abariba Abia State and general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Igbide Abigail Evawere, now wish to be known as Mrs. Bello Abigail A. E. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IHEME I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Naomi Ijeoma Iheme, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Naomi Ijeoma Dickson. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ALADE SHAKIRAT ABIODUN,now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ALADERAHEEM SHAKIRAT ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

AMBAKA

OGBU

ALADE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Zara Isa Ambaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Vivienne Gan. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbu Lillian Nkiruka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Uche-uttah Lillian Nkiruka.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ADEBAYO

SALAMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebayo Rasidat Odunola Funke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oke Victoria Funke all former documents remain valid general public take note.

AJAO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajao Temilola Aderonke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odedeyi Temilola Aderonke. All former documents remain valid.

LAUTECH Ogbomoso and general public take note.

JALEKUN I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olubanke Busayo Jalekun now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olubanke Busayo Ajimati. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, VINCENT OSAWE and OSAWE ABDULKARIM is one and the same person, and now wish to be known and addressed as OSAWE VINCE ABDULKAREEM. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SOETAN

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Soetan Aminat Kehinde now wish to be called and addressed as Mrs Adeyanju Aminat Kehinde. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

UGWU I, formerly known and addressed MISS. UGWU OGECHUKWU PRECIOUS now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UBANISAMUEL OGECHUKWU P. All former documents remain valid.

Maxitrust Micro finance Bank Ltd and general public please take note.

AJIBODU I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Ajibodu Kuburat Adebimpe, now wish to be known as Mrs. Kukoyi Kuburat Adebimpe. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MALEMI I,formerly known and addressed MISS. MALEMI TAMARABRAKEMI BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OBINYOEFOH TAMARABRAKEMI BLESSING. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Salami latifat Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abdullahi Latifat Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

WILLIAMS

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Williams Olasubomi Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eranola Olasubomi Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EHEBHA I, formerly known and addressed as Ehebha Priscilla Ebojielulu, now wish to be known and addressed as Jacobs Priscilla Ebojielulu. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

YEKEEN I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Yekeen Mulikat Olamitunde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs soliu Mulikat Olamitunde. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLORUNDIYA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Olorundiya Motunrayo Feyisayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oduntan Motunrayo Feyisayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MUSTAPHA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Mustapha Adenike Abolanle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ekefre Adenike Abolanle. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEOSUN

ADEUYI

We formerly known and addressed as Adeosun Kayode Oluwagbenga and Miss Akingbade Titilayo Adenike, now wish to be known as Ayodele Kayode Oluwagbenga and Mrs Ayodele Titilayo Adenike.

All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

ISMAIL I formerly known and addressed as Miss. Ismail Rashidat Temitope, now wish to be known as Mrs. Onifade Rashidat Temitope. All former documents remain valid.General public please take note.

HARRY I formerly known and addressed as Miss. ENOBONG AKPAN HARRY now wish to be known as Mrs. ENOBONG CHIJIOKE ANYANWU all former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

WOSU I formerly known and addressed as Miss. WOSU NGOZI JENNIFER ANGEL, now wish to be known as Mrs. GIOE NGOZI JENNIFER ANGEL. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

OKORO I formerly known and addressed as Miss. EUNICE CHIKA OKORO. Now wish to be known as Mrs. EUNICE CHIKA AGHA. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

JOSEPH I formerly known and addressed as Miss. JOSEPH BLESSING EKE, now wish to be known as Mrs. OKORIE BLESSING EKE HUMPHREY. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

TERNA I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. NANCY TERNA now wish to be known as Mrs. NANCY CHUKWU ODIRI. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

MINIMAH I formerly known and addressed as Miss.

SOPHIA SIMEON MINIMAH, now wish to be known as Mrs. SOPHIA GODWIN OPUSUNJU. All former documents remain valid UNIPORT and general public please take note.

EKWUEME

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. MAUREEN CHIMUANYA EKWUEME. Now wish to be known as Mrs. MAUREEN CHIMUANYA EMEKA-ODO. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

EZEMUOGBOO I formerly known and addressed as Miss. EZEMUOGBOO LOVETH CHINYERE CHIBUONU, now wish to be known as Mrs. EZEORAKWE LOVETH CHINYERE CHIBUONU. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

UMEZURIKE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. UMEZURIKE ROSELINE NKIRUKA, now wish to be known as Mrs. ROSELINE NKIRUKA BENSON, all former documents remain valid general public please take note.

EKE I formerly known and addressed as Miss. NWAKAEGO ONUKA EKE, now wish to be known as Mrs. NWAKAEGO UCHENNA EZERA. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME ERITE JOB ABOKIE and ERITE DOMINIC refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known as Mr. ERITE DOMINIC, all former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

ENOGHAMA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Enoghama Ekinadoese, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogieriakhi Ekinadoese Doris.

All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Police Force and general public should please take note.

OKEKE I, formerly known and addressed as Okeke Amara Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Onwuamadike Amara Chinyere.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Ejikem Udoka Doris, now wish to be known and addressed as Okorie Udoka Doris. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

IGWESI

OGUNTOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as Igwesi Godwin Masuabuchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Emeka Banarbas Maduabuchi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EJIKEM

I, formerly known and addressed as Oguntola Paul Adeyinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Emmanuel Paul Adeyinka. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeuyi Demilade Kehinde, now wish to be known as Dr. (Mrs.) Kuti Demilade Kehinde. All former documents remain valid.

OAU, OAUTHC, NYSC and general public please take note.

ADEUYI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeuyi Semiloore Taiwo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Adenigba Semiloore Taiwo. All former documents remain valid.

OAU,NYSC and general public please take note.

BABAYEMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Babayemi Jumoke A., now wish to be known as Mrs. Ajewole Jumoke A. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLAYINKA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Monsurat Elizabeth Ajoke Alli, now wish to be known as Mrs. Princess Monsurat Elizabeth Ajoke Adeyemo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBETTA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Obetta Calister Ngozika, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ugwu Calister Ngozika. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AMOS I formerly known and addressed as Miss Amos Adesunmola Benedicta, now wish to be known as Mrs. Aworere Adesunmola Benedica. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ASEMUDARA I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Asemudara Bamigbola Joash, now wish to be known as Mr. Aworere Bamigbola Joash. All former documents remain valid.

Hospital Management Board, Akure and general public please take note.

ADELUSI

I formerly known and addressed as Adelusi Abiodun Oluwaseyi, now wish to be known as Ogunjirin Oluwaseyi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AJAYI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Modupeola Itunuola Ajayi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Faulkner Modupeola Itunuola All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

UMAR I formerly known and addressed as Miss Linda Sonlomiya Umar, now wish to be known as Mrs. Linda Sonlomiya Umar Maduako All former documents remain valid.

State House Medical Centre, Abuja and general public please take note.

PARIESO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Parieso Oluwafunmilayo Oriyomi, now wish to be known as Mrs. Olanrewaju Oluwafunmilayo Oriyomi All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

HAMISU I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Hamisu Babadidi, now wish to be known as Mr. Mohammed Hamisu All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AKENGE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Janetta Cinime Akenge, now wish to be known as Mrs. Janetta Cinime Ikoro All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

OKERE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Chizoma Bernadette Okere, now wish to be known as Mrs. Chizoma Bernadette Jizurumba All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

IRUO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Hilda Iruo, now wish to be known as Mrs. Hilda Faithful Dengiyafa All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

SAMPSON I formerly known and addressed as Miss Magdalene Sampson Anthony, now wish to be known as Mrs. Magdalene Emem Monday Jimmy All former documents remain valid. UNICAL, UNIYO, NPF and general public please take note.

BABATUNDE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bamitale Eyitayo C. Babatunde, now wish to be known as Mrs. Bamitale Eyitayo C. Agboola. All former documents remain valid. UNILORIN, FUTA, Enterprise Bank Plc. and general public please take note.

CHANGE OF NAME BELLO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Betty Oyiza M. Bello, now wish to be known as Mrs. Betty Oyiza M. Joseph. All former documents remain valid. Petroleum Training Institute, Warri, Delta State, NYSC and general public please take note.

OLADIMEJI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladimeji Anifat Arinola, now wish to be known as Mrs. Hammed Anifat Arinola. All former documents remain valid.

Ondo State, Hospital Management Board (HMB), GTBank Plc. and general public please take note.

OLADIMEJI I formerly known and addressed as Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunmilayo Sade Fasasi-Abayomi, now wish to be known as Dr. (Mrs.) Olufunmilayo Sade Omoba. All former documents remain valid. Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) and general public please take note.

ADEWUMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adewumi Oluwadamilola Aderike, now wish to be known as Mrs. Omoniyi Oluwadamilola Aderike. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMOYAJOWO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omoyajowo Tomileye Precious, now wish to be known as Mrs. Ademulegun Tomileye Precious. All former documents remain valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), Ondo State Hospital Management Board, LAUTECH and general public please take note.

OGUNBASE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bukola Adenike Ogunbase, now wish to be known as Mrs. Bukola Adenike Oyewole. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

SALAKO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Gbemisola Funmilayo Salako, now wish to be known as Mrs. Gbemisola Funmilayo Ige. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NEYE I formerly known and addressed as Neye Latifat Atinuke, now wish to be known as Ayodele Elizabeth Latifat Atinuke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just N4,500. The payment can be made through FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number 2017220392 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, E m a i l gbengaodejide @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 21, 2013

68

Tribute to Wole Awolowo

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH I 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

Rutam house of gaffes!

T

HE Guardian Front Page Lead Story of April 16 nurtured lexical falsehoods: “…were in Wase on Friday (a comma) last week (another comma) for the restoration of peace and normalcy in (to) the council.”

“That last week (week’s) attack on Wase….’ “…three persons were reported killed in Kanana village in Langtan South by unidentified gunmen in their resumed hostilities.” Jettison ‘unidentified’ from the extract— these callous blokes are never identified or known. Spare readers the trite embellishments that are fast becoming components of Nigerian lexicon. (Vide the next sentence) “It was learnt that unknown gunmen on Friday night….” Beyond the ‘unknown gunmen’ thrash, a reputable newspaper should obligatorily inform readers of what ‘it learnt’— not hazy and indolent reportage.

“The sleeping and isolated Maza Ward in Jos North Local Council was also attacked….” Plateau crises: sleepy—not sleeping—ward!

Reporters should avoid these juvenile expressions: ‘It was gathered’/’It was further learnt’/’Sources informed our publication that….’ The foregoing and more demonstrate reportorial slothfulness!

Go straight to the point.

“Reports say that the gunmen….” Why not ‘Accounts have it that the gunmen…?’ It sounds odd for a publication that is reporting an event to be saying ‘reports say….’!

Still on The Guardian Front Page: “BA plane develops fault, grounded at airport” Where else would it have been grounded? At Rutam House of The Guardian?

To ground an aircraft is to stop it or the pilot from flying: All aircraft were grounded yesterday until the inclement weather cleared. “…they condemned the airline officials for keeping them in the dark as to the real cause for (of) the delay.”

Now The Guardian Editorial of April 16 which contained four solecisms: “…the judiciary to whom (which) they

look (look up to) for succour or redress has also turned to a haven of sorts for the looters.”

“Corrupt public officers (officials) do not worry about their arraignment in court anymore.” Except in rare extra-judicial circumstances, the only place for arraignment is court.

Once someone is arraigned, it means that they were taken to a court. So, ‘arraignment in court’ is ‘under-bridge’/ ’bend-down’ English literature!

The last entry from The Guardian Front Page under review: “Anenih and his entourage arrived at Obasanjo’s Hill Top, (sic) Abeokuta residence at noon and held a three-and-half hours (hours’) closed-door meeting with Obasanjo.”

The meeting was held behind closed doors— there is nothing like ‘closed-door meeting’!

Point of grammar: If the noun that follows a percentage of is plural, use a plural verb after it: Only a small percentage of people are interested in politics in Nigeria.

Last week’s unpardonable oversight: “This is why in the developed world, (sic) creation of jobs is used as indices (an index) of measuring the health of the economy.”

(NATIONAL MIRROR, April 11) Singular: index; plural: indexes or indices. Thanks to the eagleeyed readers who noted this. I saw it shortly after I had hurriedly sent in my column, almost late. Apologies all the same!

Yet another slip-up: “…the level of unemployment generated on a monthly is key in information for the government.” (Source: as above) A rewrite: …the level of unemployment generated on a monthly basis or monthly is key for the government.

MY SMS PORTAL “DEAR Mr. Wabara, your observation about the expression ‘all nooks and crannies’ in your column last week is inaccurate. The expression is perfectly correct. Note that although idioms, such as ‘every nook and cranny’ are fixed expressions, they are nevertheless not only malleable in certain contexts, they also have non-idiomatic equivalents. The expression in question—all nooks and

crannies—is not idiomatic at all. It is an acceptable, ordinary, plural equivalent expression of that idiom. Please, refer to Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary 8 th Edition Page 994. Kind regards.” (Dr. Garvey Ufot/07061248849) MY response: I did not say that ‘all nooks and crannies’ is an idiom. ‘Every nook and cranny’ is the idiom used informally in reference to ‘every part of a place.’ The fact is that idioms and some entries are fixed/stock expressions that cannot—no matter the circumstance, privilege or poetic licence/liberty/freedom—be adapted, rephrased, amplified, embellished, vitiated or tampered with in anyway if it is formal/standard/official writing no matter the context. ‘A beehive of activity’ cannot become ‘a beehive of activities’; ‘under the weather’ (when someone is ill) will never change to ‘in the weather’; ‘meeting behind closed doors’ cannot be transformed as most Nigerians do (‘closeddoor meeting!’)—the list is endless. So, ‘every nook and cranny’ remains right as opposed to ‘all nooks and crannies’!

The plural nature of ‘all nooks and crannies’ cannot make it synonymous with ‘every nook and cranny’. Let me mention here that the painstaking work I do in this column is research-based, which does not, however, mean that I am infallible. Nobody is. I cherish superior arguments and contributions based on foolproof knowledge—not halfbaked ones that will draw me back, unnecessarily, please. The 2010 Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary 8th Edition you referred to (page 1001, not 994) is old! The example it gave which obviously misled you is a different, non-idiomatic context: ‘dark woods full of secret nooks and crannies’! I use the 2012 edition of Longman Advanced Dictionary of Contemporary English (New Edition), among others. There is nothing like equivalence in idiomatic applications—idioms are independent and stand alone!

Dispassionate and cerebral critiques are welcome—not jaundiced hypercriticisms!

I thank you, Dr. Ufot.

CALLED him ‘My Publisher.’ But he was more. He was a brother, an inspiration, and a boss. A kindred spirit of the pen. Even years after my tour of duty in Nigerian Tribune, he never ceased telling me that ‘Folu, this is your paper o. Anything you can do to help its continuous growth is welcomed, any day and any time.’

That was Uncle Wole Awolowo for you. You can then imagine my shock and sorrow when the terrible news began to filter in that hot and windy Wednesday of March 27, 2013.

Uncle Wole is dead! The news swept in like a blaze ignited by a rampaging tornado. It hit the heart with the heart and soul with the force of thunderbolt.

A call from a younger professional colleague in the Premium Times Online that I fondly call Idris made the sad news a vivid reality. “Good evening sir,” he said as I stepped out of a meeting that hectic day. “There is a news item on twitter that Chief Oluwole Awolowo has passed on.”

I asked him what he had just said. He repeated it. I told him I would call him back. I never did.

I didn’t remember to return the call because almost immediately he dropped, another call came in. It was from the newsroom of the Nigerian Tribune, confirming my worst fear.

I was already in transit for a week retreat and could not call off the trip to dash to Ikenne.

Like millions of Nigerians who love the Awolowo Family, I was devastated. But I was somewhat comforted, later, by the outpouring of emotions and sympathies expressed by Nigerians, at home and in the diaspora, over the passing of Uncle Wole. Condolence messages and sympathy visits to Mama H.I.D. Awolowo have been pouring like a deluge for the painful loss of her only surviving son.

I immediately composed my tribute thus: ‘The passing away of Uncle Wole during this passion week for our Lord Jesus Christ came to me like a thunderbolt. I’m still in shock, trying desperately to bring myself to confront the reality. I’m yet to come out of the shock. To me, his death will continue to be a pain that will be difficult to heal in my heart. He was an uncle, a boss and brother that impacted so much on my life. I spent over 20 years working with him closely. Those were years of sweet and, sometimes, sour memories. Mama always sees us as two brothers brought together by accident of history. ‘Anytime I came to see mama she would first ask me whether I had seen my brother, Wole, and whenever I was with Uncle Wole, he, too, knowing how much mama loves me, would ask: ‘have you seen Mama?’

‘Uncle Wole, may your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

And for Mama, although we know the pains of losing Uncle Wole, who was always around to fix things for you, will be extremely heavy for you to bear, who are we, mere mortals, to query God? But like the Omniscient says in His Holy book, rather than query Him, we will continue to praise His holy name for He knows why He permitted this sad loss at this time.

Mama, it is well with you, body, soul and spirit.’

Reminiscences: Wole Awolowo and I I joined the Nigerian Tribune at a very early stage of my life in 1972 as a cub reporter under the tutelage of Alhaji Lateef Jakande who later groomed me into a

•Wole Awolowo

By Folu Olamiti

crack reporter.

Papa Awolowo noticed my zeal for hard work and I found myself as one of his favourites that he picked me to cover his electioneering campaigns in 1979 and 1983 respectively.

During this period, I did not see much of Uncle Wole. He was a little distanced from the flurry of activities of Papa Awo. Though he had his own political philosophy, Uncle Wole was into various economic businesses. However, the fact still remains that he was Papa Awo’s son.

Uncle Wole was a freeminded person whose friends and associates cut across political lines. He took a shot at an elective office at Apapa Constituency during Papa Awo’s second bid for the Presidency.

Papa Awo at first did not to bother himself with Uncle Wole’s political ambition but had to change his mind knowing that the political fortune of his son or otherwise would impact on him too. Papa Awo went full blast to campaign for Uncle Wole and he won convincingly.

Uncle Wole needed the press and that assignment fell on me and gave me the opportunity to have my first close contact with him.

He looked simple but under this seeming simplicity hid a strong and principled character.

Papa Awo passed on to glory in 1987 and the mantle of overseeing Nigerian Tribune titles fell on him. Uncle Wole knew how close I was to Papa and Mama Awo and accorded me that respect to freely ply my trade in the establishment.

I edited the Sunday Tribune for six years, Nigerian Tribune for six years, became Executive Director Operations for three years overseeing the production, advertisement, circulation and transport sections. Later, I was moved to head the editorial department as Executive Director Publications.

In all these assignments, Uncle Wole gave me a free hand.

He was also passionate with the survival of the paper to the extent of having sleepless nights.

Not only that, we travelled together to almost all the key cities of the world attending one seminar or the other in search of making the Nigerian Tribune titles the flagship of newspapers in Nigeria.

These trips took us to almost every part of Africa, Europe, Far East, South and Central America and, of course, the United States of America.

Uncle Wole always made sure he factored me with any of these trips abroad. In most cases, he would go to the banks, arrange for my traveling allowances, and would just call and inform me of the date of the trip.

He ensured I did not lack any-

thing whenever I was on a trip with him.

In early 1990s, we were on a trip to South Africa to attend the International Press Institute (IPI) annual conference and there was this chance meeting with the then President-elect, Dr. Nelson Mandela at NICON Hotel in Cape Town. Uncle Wole was introduced to him at the lounge and Mandela’s eyes brightened and he warmly shook the hands of Uncle Wole, saying “Your father was a great politician”. I caught that moment with my camera and celebrated it on the pages of Nigerian Tribune newspapers.

Another moment of note was when we travelled to Granada in Spain for another yearly confab of IPI. Our first port of call was Barcelona. We did not know we still had another 24 hours to travel by train to Granada. It was a tortuous trip.

However, Uncle Wole kept his cool.

He told our coordinator, the late Mr. Niyi Oniororo, that he would like to share his cabin with me. It was a journey I saw the true person of Uncle Wole as a caring and humane man. In that cabin was an iron bed with a passable mattress. I told my publisher that I would not mind staying awake all night so he could have the comfort of the bed. He refused my offer, gave me the bed and stayed awake all night, watching over me! It was the same scenario on the return trip.

An incident happened when I was the Executive Director Of Operations. He gave me an assignment to travel to London twice and Germany once to meet credible suppliers of printing machine. On my return from these trips, I had a meeting with our senior accountants on how we could save enough without going to the banks for loan. I was told that our accounts were in the red. I did not believe them and made some comments. But to my surprise, words got to publisher and my comments were twisted to mean I was prying into what should not be my concern. That day, I was in Lagos and I had to call on Uncle Wole on my way to Ibadan.

I knew Uncle Wole. He was not a pretender. As soon as he saw me, he flared up and said, “Folu, what is your concern about finance in The Tribune”. I took my time to explain that he gave me an assignment to source for funds for a new machine and I thought we should look inward first. If we were making daily sales, it won’t be too much to start saving five million naira every month, and in six months we would have something substantial as deposit. When he heard my explanation, his anger evaporated. He smiled and said he had been misinformed and he was back to his normal self almost immediately.

Another rumour was about me having a house in London. It took Uncle Wole to travel with me to London on an official assignment to know the truth that I was, indeed, staying with my bosom friend, Professor Okanlawon Onagbesan. He also confirmed that I had no other place I spent my yearly holiday in London than with this my friend.

Ten years after I left The Tribune, my love for him never waned. I am in close touch with some of his children who see me as their uncle too.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY APRIL 21, 2013

71

QUOTABLE "If the Federal Government is serious about the present move of amnesty, they should appoint independent and fair-minded people to chair and serve on the committee so that we can have credibility of what would be the outcome of the committee… I don't participate in something that I know will fail."

SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7, NO. 2468

—President, National Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in Nigeria, Dr. Datti Ahmed, explaining the reason why he declined to serve on the 26-member committee to work out an amnesty for Boko Haram insurgents

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FTER what seemed like eternity, the two brothers alleged to have planted the bombs that killed three people and injured more than 180 others at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday have been apprehended. The older of the two, Tamerlan Tsarnaev, 26, reportedly died in a shoot-out on Friday morning, while the younger, Dzhokhar, 19, was arrested in the evening after a manhunt that shut down the Watertown section of the city. Though the two brothers hailed from Dagestan, a Russian republic that shares borders and, to some extent, religious ideology and militancy with Chechnya, they had migrated to the United States more than 10 years ago and lived there legally. This fact was probably responsible for why President Barack Obama said the government would be seeking answers to a lot of questions concerning the background of the two brothers and why they suddenly took to militancy. The US will get all the answers it wants if the severely injured Dzhokhar survives.

Though Anzor Tsarnaev, father of the two brothers, believed his sons were framed, there is no doubt that for him and his wider family this is both a family and generational tragedy. In fact, their home country and fellow Dagestanis are already primed to disown the bombers. When it first appeared that the Boston bombers were linked to Chechnya, that country’s President was quick to disclaim the fact. He suggested that American investigators should look into the Tsarnaev brothers’ upbringing in the US for explanations on their radicalism. Said the Chechnya President, Ramzan Kadyrov: “Any attempts to draw the link between Tsarnaevs (even if they are guilty) and Chechnya are in vain. They grew up in USA and their views and beliefs were formed there. One needs to seek the roots of evil in America. All the world should be fighting terrorism together.

We know it better than anyone else. We wish all those who suffered to get well soon and we share the feeling of sorrow with Americans.”

But if Dagestan and Chechnya could promptly disown the Tsarnaev brothers, their anguished family would not find it easy to do same. Not only have the brothers brought the family name to national and international opprobrium, the scale of the brutal assault in Boston is bound to make many seek explanations for the two brothers’ radicalisation both in their family and in the US as a whole. In addition, the impact of the bombings and the many lives they have wrecked, not to talk of the novelty of the attacks, are certain to keep the unfortunate incident in public memory for a long time.

Nigeria and the Abdulmutallab family face the same humiliation every time there is a mention of the Christmas Day bomber.

It will be recalled that under the influence of Yemeni members of al-Qaeda terror group, a 23-year-old Nigerian, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, with plastic explosives strapped to his underwear, attempted to blow up an American aeroplane over Detroit on Christmas Day in 2009.

Shortly after, on January 10, 2010, this column attempted an explanation of the Abdulmutallab problem. The analysis raised a number of issues that are today even more pertinent as the world ponders the tragedy that has just befallen the Tsarnaev family.

An excerpt of that piece is reproduced below, and though it was published before the northern part of Nigeria exploded in violence, it anticipated Boko Haram militancy. If only the North had listened.

AbdulMutallab meets Gavrilo Princip, January 10, 2010

“…Notwithstanding our defiant posture and wounded pride, the fact is that we have been foolish and hypocritical in our approach to urgent national issues such as religion, culture, ethnicity and politics. Unfortunately, all these issues have impacted negatively on the country to the point of producing monstrosities like Farouk. Terrorism is not exclusive to any religion, just as there is no single cause of terrorism. But in the case of Farouk we must go beyond the fact of his

Boston Marathon bombings: Another family tragedy

•Tamerlan Tsarnaev

•Dzhokhar Tsarnaev

schooling in Togo, London, Dubai and Yemen to find out what predisposed him to acute explosion of rage and violence. There are many like him who schooled abroad even at a tender age and who shunned hateful ideologies. American psychologists may be able to piece together the jigsaw and come out with answers to what went wrong with the young bomber…

“When he was 19 years old, Farouk had expressed the frightening and myopic opinion that he fantasised the waging of another major Jihad in which Islam would achieve victory and establish a world empire. It never occurred to him that even if that happened, that victory could not be sustained for all time. But with such foundational belief that forceful proselytisation was permissible, which sadly many clerics in Nigeria hold to be true, it was a matter of time before he became a tool in the hands of demagogues. It is a fact of our recent history that many violent proselytisers, many of them quite ignorant of Islam, and some of them hiding behind politics attempt to create an immiscible broth of religion and politics. Conventional explanations that suggest fanaticism and violence result from poverty must be examined again in the light of Farouk’s wealthy background so that the North can begin to rebuild confidence and establish an atmosphere where peace and harmony reign.

“Given our past experiences the wise political option should have been for Nigeria to move in the direction of robust secularism in which the state would hands off religion. This has not happened partly because many states cannot seem to make up their minds over the instinctive theocracy of their fantasy, as Farouk indicated, and the stability and realism that secularism offers in a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society. Except we deceive ourselves, Middle East is in turmoil because countries in the region are locked in a battle between secularism and theocracy, and between contending factions of theocratic sects.

Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, among others should serve as examples of the dangers an increasingly vulnerable Nigeria faces. We must not assume that these problems will vanish automatically.

“Disturbing as the backlash against Nigerians abroad is, the answer is not in the hysteria that has gripped the country, nor in the clumsy attempt to distance ourselves from our young compatriot. Whether we like it or not, Farouk is our son, and though by his education he is a citizen of the world, he is still our son. His family values might have failed to tether him to reality, but we must not ignore the fact that those values served his other 13 siblings well. Most families often have one

black sheep anyway. It is the poor luck and personal tragedy of the urbane senior Mutallab that his errant son chose the world stage to display his waywardness. We must also not ignore the fact that the unhealthy mix of politics and religion in the North has engendered more religious violence in that region than anywhere else. And we must not downplay the danger of disintegration which our refusal to do something urgent and drastic about the unhealthy mixture could precipitate.

“We may not have all the answers regarding the transformation of Farouk from a gentle and pious boy into a suicidal and venomously spiteful man, nor it seems does he himself. But we must begin the search. The magnitude of his fantasy and the sheer scale of his ignorance should tell us something about ourselves, our family values, our politics and the long years of pussyfooting over religion…”

Anzor Tsarnaev, father of the two Boston bombers, said his children were framed, pointing out in particular that his younger son “is a true angel.” According to him, “Dzhokhar is a second-year medical student in the US. He is such an intelligent boy. We expected him to come on holidays here.” That may be the much he knew about his sons. The question parents must ask themselves is how much they know their children, or whether in fact they know them at all, given the penchant of the young ones to always spring a surprise. This column also examined this treatise on April 1, 2012 when it responded in this place to the deplorable tweets written by Liam Stacey to the huge consternation of his distraught mother. Hereunder is an excerpt of that column to help instigate a fresh appreciation of the subject in the light of the incredulity and grief of the Boston

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Liam Stacey’s racist tweets and the dilemma of parenting, April 1, 2012

bombers’ father

“…Recall also that I once wrote about the Abdulmutallabs here. Except you are a parent, you may never fully appreciate that family’s sadness and horror as their son, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, attempted to bomb an airline over Detroit on Christmas Day in 2009. The tragedy of realising that they had raised a son who embraced terrorism was bad enough in a worrisome way, for the eyes of the whole world, and the even more censorious and withering look of their countrymen was truly damning. But much worse is the continuing tragedy of watching helplessly as that son stays in the limelight for the wrong reasons, tormented by the destructive finality of long years in prison, his life completely wasted, as are the hopes

and investments of the family on him. It is impossible not to feel the family’s pain.

“Imagine, therefore, what horror befell the British family of the Staceys last week, as their son, Liam, hugged the Twitter limelight for the wrong reason, trolling the tweeting public with deeply nauseating racist remarks on Fabrice Muamba, the Bolton footballer who collapsed on pitch during a soccer match with Spurs. Liam, a Swansea University biology student, explained in court that he trolled under the influence of alcohol, but he did not quite convince anyone his racist tweets did not reflect what he harboured secretly in his heart.

As he was being tried and sentenced to 56 days in jail, reports indicated his mother wept bitterly, ashamed of the negative publicity her otherwise mild-mannered son had attracted to himself, and the fact that he had achieved notoriety that would haunt his present and future, truncate his education and career, and ostracise him in civilised communities everywhere for a long time.

“No family is so strong and so cohesive as to be immune to the consequences of the obnoxious behaviour of its member. Increasingly, as the Twitter generation is showing, younger people are coming under the inordinate strains of modernity. Such strains sometimes manifest in the digital and communications revolution, in music, particularly rap and hip-hop, and in many other modern trends such as the shifting concepts of family, parenting, urbanisation, and the ideology of culture, economy (business) and politics. The problem is of such magnitude that families now depend on miracles and happenstances to keep themselves together and establish some semblance of order and harmony…

“But the greatest challenge facing parents is not how to obviate the stupidities of their children, but how to raise children whose view of society is balanced, children who are neither misanthropic, like petty criminals, sadists and serial murderers, nor moral monsters who grow up unable to differentiate between the healthy predilections of a political and religious ideologue and the antinomian excesses of terrorists and extremists who espouse ethnic or racial genocide…

“The challenge of any parent is to develop a continuum of coherent and relevant worldviews anchored on the key elements of lofty principles, great character and unimpeachable morality. That template of ethical continuums must, however, be such that members of the family, particularly the children, can express and fulfil their individualisms in ways that do not threaten the family or the society. It is never easy, especially because generational shifts and conflicts often periodically impose new and sometimes taxing realities upon families. But the danger of not establishing a family paradigm upon which children could anchor their lives and ideas is to create a vacuum in which all manner of ideas and cultures would thrive, many of them anti-social, and others inimical to the image of the family and the wider society.

“To prevent the sort of tragedies Liam Stacey and Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab brought upon their families, the first priority for any family is to set a tough code of ethics for themselves. Top on the list of that code, of course, is character, that most difficult and yet most beautiful of all virtues that inculcates a sound philosophy regarding the sanctity of human life, courage in the face of adversity, intelligent appreciation of issues, and a sound knowledge of one’s purpose in life. If a parent does not set this code for his children, and does not do it in such a way as to make the code adaptable to the present and the future, strangers, perhaps with malicious intent, will do it for them. After all, it is the sum of positive family values that determines how stable and prosperous a society becomes...”

In the next few days or weeks, we may get a better insight into what radicalised the Tsarnaev brothers and motivated them into becoming mass murderers. Does it have to do with their conversion to Islam? If so what kind of preaching were they listening to, and who were influencing them? Or does it have anything to do with Dagestan’s campaign for independence or the sufferings of Chechnya?

Whatever the reasons, the Boston bombings place greater urgency on the need for more realistic, adequate and intelligent parenting.

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ISSN: 115-5302 E-mail: sunday@thenationonlineng.net Editor: FESTUS ERIYE