The Nation Aug 25, 2013

Anambra 2013: PDP holds parallel primaries

APC to break up NNPC, end fuel importation

–Page 5

Andy Uba wins faction’s contest Nwoye wins rival race

–Page 4

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.08, No. 2588

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

N200.00

AUGUST 25, 2013

Four killed as kidnappers snatch lawyer Ozekhome Falana, Keyamo, others condemn abduction –Page 2

Teenager flies to Lagos hiding in Arik Air tyre

–Page 2

FAAN, airline trade blames over stow away

Jubilation, clashes as Taraba awaits Suntai's return

–Pages 2 & 3

EXCLUSIVE: The Nation reporter in face-to-face encounter with gov in US hospital

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OW did a young boy outsmart security operatives at the Benin Airport yesterday to stow away on a commercial flight to Lagos undetected?

This is one of the questions experts in the aviation industry and security agencies will have to find an answer to after the boy was found on the arrival of the plane at the local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja yesterday.

The development has already sparked accusations and counter accusations between Arik Air whose security was breached and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the agency responsible for security in all the nation’s airports.

The boy, whose name was given as Daniel Ihekina, hid in the tyre compartment of Arik Aircraft 5N-MJG, Flight 44 while preparing for take- off to Lagos at 9am.

The management of the airline attributed the development to security lapses at the Benin Airport.

But FAAN countered, saying the airline acted with impunity on the matter.

On board the plane were several top officials of the Edo State government.

Passengers aboard the airline were shocked when security agents found the teenager at the MMA soon after the aircraft landed.

Though none of the officials at the Benin Airport agreed to comment on the issue, there were fears that the boy may have accessed the tarmac through Akenzua Road axis owing to lack of perimeter fencing at the airport. A passenger aboard the plane said: “we were suspicious in Benin when the plane was about taking off when we heard a noise as if the tyre crushed somebody on the ground. Some people even started shouting ‘Jesus, Jesus, which suggested that the boy was already inside the tyre compartment before we left.

“So, we left for Lagos but when we landed at the Ikeja Airport, the boy came out from the

E

NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Teenager flies to Lagos in Arik Air tyre

•Arik, FAAN trade blames over breach of security

•L-R, Chief Deji Doherty, Acting National Vice Chairman, South-West, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; Alhaji Bamanga Tukur,National Chairman, PDP and Otunba Ola Kukoyi, Ogun State PDP chieftain on arrival of the PDP Chairman at the Murtala Muhammed Airport enroute to Ogun State on Saturday.

PHOTO: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin/Kelvin Osa Okunbor

tyre compartment and everybody started shouting.

“Seriously speaking, this shows that we have serious problems with regard to securing our airports. This is a serious security breach. If that boy was carrying bomb it means he would have succeeded in blowing up the plane. How can somebody be in an aircraft without being detected? We are in trouble in this country.”

However, Arik Air, in a swift reaction to the development, blamed it all on security lapses at the Benin Airport.

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Aircraft tyres

causes light headedness, weakness, vision impairment and tremors. By 22,000 feet the oxygen level of the blood drops and the person will struggle to stay conscious. Above 33,000 feet their lungs would need artificial pressure to operate normally.

Stowaways who survived usually travelled relatively short distances or at a low altitude. Almost all aircraft stowaways are male.

From 1947 until September 2012, there were 96 known stowaway attempts worldwide in wheel wells of 85 separate flights, which resulted in 73 deaths with only 23 survivors.

Aircraft tyres, according to Wikipedia, are designed to withstand extremely heavy loads for short durations. The number of tyres required for aircraft increases with the weight of the plane (because the weight of the airplane has to be distributed better). Aircraft tyre tread patterns are designed to facilitate stability in high crosswind conditions, to channel water away to prevent hydroplaning, and for braking effect.

Many people have been known to stowaway on aircraft tyres but they are mostly unlucky because they usually die perhaps due to the duration of

the journey. The teenager might have survived the flight due to the fact that the distance from Benin to Lagos is under an hour.

Stowaways in aircraft wheel wells face numerous health risks, many of which are fatal: being mangled when undercarriage retracts, tinnitus, deafness, hypothermia, hypoxia, frostbite, acidosis and finally falling when the doors of the compartment reopen. The landing gear compartment is not equipped with heating, pressure or oxygen, which are vital for survival at a high altitude. According to experts, at 18,000 feet, hypoxia

The move was fiercely resisted by Suntai’s supporters who alleged religious sentiments in the plot to remove him.

Suntai’s stickers were seen on his supporters’ vehicles, while Umar’s stickers adorned his supporters’ vehicles.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported from New

York yesterday that Suntai will be departing the USA today for Jalingo on a chartered flight.

Quoting a family source, NAN said enough seats could not be secured for those accompanying Suntai, hence the chartered flight.

The source also said another reason was because all the commercial airlines operating di-

rect flight from New York to Nigeria were fully booked.

He, however, declined to name the flight, airport and time of departure as well as the time of arrival in Jalingo, but said the governor’s wife, Hauwa, had left for home to prepare for the arrival of her husband.

The governor’s wife had in

By Seun Akioye

posed to water stress, a situation which would further fuel internal conflict on the continent.

He also warned of a looming food crisis in Africa as yields from agriculture could be reduced by 50 percent before the year 2020.

The Executive Director, HOMEF, Nnimmo Bassey, said the lecture was the third in the series of “serious interrogations of climate change and the looming food crisis in Africa.” He said effective communication of climate change and the looming food crisis “will help us un-

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It expressed shock at how anyone could beat aviation security checks at the Benin Airport to stowaway into the main wheel of its aircraft.

Spokesman for the company, Mr Banji Ola, said :”The pilot of Arik Air flight W3 544, departing Benin Airport for Lagos at 9.00am today (yesterday) 24thAugust, 2013 reported to the control tower the presence of a strange boy in the bush about 200 – 300 metres at the end of runway 23.

“The control tower told the captain that they were sending security men to the place to arrest the boy. As the captain was making his final turn, preparatory for take-off, a cabin crew called his attention to the information by some of the passengers that they saw a boy running towards the airplane. The First Officer confirmed that they had observed it earlier and alerted the control tower which responded that they have sent the patrol team to arrest the boy. The captain again reported to the control tower and was informed that the situation was under control and that he had been cleared for take-off.

“On arrival at the domestic wing of MMA, Lagos, a teenage boy, who apparently had sneaked into the aircraft main wheel well jumped out and was arrested by Arik personnel and handed over to FAAN security.”

Managing Director of the airline, Mr. Chris Ndulue, asked the authorities of FAAN to “immediately address the problem.”

But speaking for FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati said Arik Air was responsible for the breach by not conducting a check on the plane after the attention of the crew and ground personnel was drawn to an abnormally on the tarmac.

The procedure for such infraction, he said, is for the crew to abort the flight and return to the apron for check-up.

“It is revealing that Arik Air accepted that their attention was drawn to the presence of foreign bodies on the tarmac. Why they ignored this vital safety precaution reveals their disdain for following safety procedures,” he said and warned that FAAN will not tolerate such infraction from any operator.

Jubilation, skirmishes in Taraba as Suntai returns today

XCITEMENT pervades Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, as the people await Governor Danbaba Danfulani Suntai today. He is billed to return to the state after a 10- month absence.

He is due to fly in from the United States of America (USA) where he has been receiving further treatment after his initial discharge from Germany.

He had been flown out of the country late last year following the multiple injuries he suffered in the October 25, 2012 plane crash at the Yola Airport.

The governor, a pilot, flew the plane.

With him in the ill-fated Cessna 208 aircraft were his Aide de Camp (ADC), Iliya Dasat, Chief Detail Joel Danladi and Chief Security Officer (CSO) Tino Dangana.

All the security aides have since recovered and returned to the country.

“The state is in the mood for a big celebration,” Com-

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

missioner for Information Emmanuel Bello told The Nation.

There were, jubilations in the streets and drinking joints all through Friday night to Saturday.

Bali –the local government area l of the governor- was most agog.

Suntai’s deputy, Alhaji Garba Umar, who has been acting, yesterday asked “every Taraba person” to “come out” and welcome the governor.

Umar said he wants to make his boss’ reception “very special.”

There were, however, skirmishes in some quarters between Suntai’s supporters and the acting governor’s.

Some people especially from Umar’s northern part of the state had wanted Suntai removed on health ground and Umar made substantive governor.

a telephone interview on Aug. 20 said that her husband was expected to depart the Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre and Home, New York, on Aug. 25.

Suntai had spent four months at the rehabilitation centre, following injuries he sustained in an aircraft crash on his way to Yola on Oct. 25, 2012

Climate Change to increase war in Africa - Bolivian envoy

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IVIL war is to increase in Africa by 54 percent by the year 2030 if current global climate continues to increase due to the activities of multinational oil companies, a former Bolivian ambassador to the United Nations, Pablo Solon, has said in Lagos.

He made this assertion at the inaugural sustainability academy organised by the Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF) academy in conjunction with the University of Lagos, Department of Mass Communication at the week-

end. The lecture with the themeCommunicating Climate Change: Raising Awareness to Instigate Action, had participants from the civil society and academia in attendance.

Solon said the effects of climate change on Africa would lead to food shortages which would lead to increase in civil wars on the continent.

He also warned that if the world does not tackle climate change, by 2020, 75 to 250 million people in Africa will be ex-

pack the problem outline true and false solutions to the crisis and assist in preparing a strategy for action.”

Also speaking, Dr. Ismail Ibrahim, from the Department of Mass Communication, said it is important for the students to have a feel of the reality of what has been taught in abstract in the classroom. “Most of the time we speak in abstract, so we try to reach out to real situations. This programme helps us interpret our challenges in a peculiar African tradition,” he said.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

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BRIEFING: Flesh eaters

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OZENS of suspected Boko Haram militants in Magumeri forest, Borno State, have turned to human eaters after being stranded for days without food or water.

Magumeri forest is about 150 kilometres from Maiduguri, the state capital.

Mallam Momodu Bukar, a suspected militant, told journalists yesterday in Maiduguri that he fled the camp at the forest on Thursday when it became obvious that he was going to be eaten.

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CAPTURED

BED TIME ON BROAD STREET •Usually, Broad Street in the heart of the Lagos Central Business District is choked with bumperto-bumper traffic. But on this public holiday, the suit-clad bankers are away; taking the traffic jam with them. Business is show even for there smoked fish hawkers who decided they might as well take a nap.

Photo: MUYIWA HASSAN.

The Nation Reporter visits Suntai in hospital

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N the morning of Thursday, August 23, I read online in some Nigerian dailies that ailing Governor Danbaba Suntai of Taraba State, would be discharged from Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre and Home located in New York, United States of America (USA), and flown back to the country.

Out of curiosity, the reporter in me searched for the hospital on Google Search engine.

Promptly, the result showed that Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre & Home is located on 460 Brielle Ave, Staten Island, New York, NY 10314, United States.

Staten Island? I asked myself.

With me in Staten Island, then it's time to pay Gov. Suntai a familial visit since we are both from Nigeria.

After consulting the internet for directions and getting appointment fixed by telephone, I set out on Friday to meet with 'His Excellency' at the hospital.

There, the receptionist, a relatively aged woman, politely pointed my attention to two Nigerian men seen leaving the hospital and about to enter a black sleek SUV, she said that the visiting time was over. Then, the guard, as he scribbled something on a piece of paper and handed it to the reporter, added, “Well, you can come back tomorrow and go directly to the fifth floor 5-East Wing.” With a thank you, the reporter left.

On Saturday morning, I left the residence where I was on vacation as early as 6.55 am to join Bus 40 heading for the St. George Ferry Station by 7am. From the ferry harbour, I joined Bus 61 up

By Joke Kujenya in Staten Island, New York

to Manor Avenue where I was to transfer to Bus 54 for the onward trip to Brielle Avenue location of Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Centre & Home.

Face to face with Suntai At the hospital, on telling the receptionist that I was there to pay solidarity visit to “Mr. Danbaba Suntai”, I was given a red visitor's tag that bore the date: Aug 24, 2013 above the inscription 'Date'.

With that empowerment, I located the elevator and pressed the '5' button.

On the 5th Floor, visitors are welcome to the Elizabeth E. Conelly Rehabilitation Gymnasium with a

hanging direction slab pointing visitor's in two directions namely: “Sycamore Lane 5East and Sycamore Hill 5West”.

I made for the East which is to the left hand side of the hall. As demanded, I had to stop by the Medical Desk to ask for the Gov's Room no. But the lady I met, wearing the name tag bearing Dorothy Mointosh-Waddy, Head Nurse, was busy explaining usage of the dispensed drug for Gov. Danbaba Suntai.

While waiting, I did a quick look-around. And there, he was. I got locked in eye contact with the man himself, Gov. Danbaba Suntai!

He sat on a wheelchair in Room 503 beside his bed laid in white with three pillows well set aside each one. The name tag on his room read: Dan Fulani. He wore a

•Kujenya at the hospital

red T-shirt on an off-white pair of trouser. He also wore a grey coloured sneaker to complete the outfit. On the table beside his bed was a bouquet of white flowers laced with colour pink on the edges with a bold inscription that read: “We love you”. But he did not utter a word to the reporter neither did he move his body. He only raised and lowered his head on the same spot.

On impulse, he looked up and saw the reporter. Then he locked his eyes on the reporter squeezing his face probably for a recollection. This lasted for over ten minutes judging by the clock on the wall. After a while, he looked away and bowed his head.

The medications A few minutes later, I concentrated on some of the medications being prescribed for the man. A few of those read out: amoxil 4mls 2xdaily, there is another drug he is to take at 9am daily; there is another one he is to take every six hours, a liquid medication in a white container with a few measuring cups and several others all packed in a big brown envelope with instruction that everything must be dutifully taken till August 28th when there would be need for him to change to 'his' earlier medication, according to Head Nurse Mointosh-Waddy.

As soon as there was a brief pause between the man carefully packing the medication into the bags and the head nurse, I asked him if he was a Nigerian. With a big smile, he responded positively and then asked if the reporter too is from Nigeria, he got a yes.

Continued on Page 5

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News

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RMED kidnappers at the weekend killed four policemen who responded to a distress call about a siege to the BeninAuchi-Abuja road in Edo State.

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights activist, Chief Mike Ozekhome who was one of the travellers trapped on the road during the operation was abducted along with his driver by the kidnappers.

Their whereabouts remained unknown last night.

The policemen were killed during a gun duel with the hoodlums who blocked the road, the Edo State Police Commissioner Foluso Adebanjo, said yesterday.

Briefing newsmen on the incident, Mr. Adebanjo said: "Operatives of the command led

by DPO Ehor division responded swiftly to a distress call at about 3:30pm that an unspecified number of armed men had blocked the BeninAuchi Road by Ehor axis. However, the hoodlums ambushed the patrol vehicle and opened fire on them, prompting an exchange of fire.

"At the end of the gun duel, the hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds but not without their victim who was later identified upon search on his abandoned vehicle as Ozekhome and is driver.

Regrettably, the command lost four officers in the encounter.

We salute their rare courage and bravery for they fought and died as heroes for the course of humanity. Their death shall not be in vain. We remain undeterred in our fight against armed banditry."

Also speaking on the issue on phone, the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, said, "The IGP has directed the CP to commence immediate, vigorous manhunt for the hoodlums who must be arrested and brought to justice and the kidnapped victims rescued. We

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25 , 2013

Kidnappers kill four policemen, abduct Ozekhome

From Osagie Otabor/Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

therefore once again call on the general public not to relent in their partnership with the police to fish out the criminals as common enemy to our society and report anyone found with the bullet wounds to the nearest police station."

While the development is not surprising, as the Nigerian state has proven over and over again that it is incapable of guaranteeing the security of life and properties in the country, we can only appeal to the kidnappers in the circumstance, to release Chief Michael Ozekhome (SAN).

Femi Falana (SAN), while reacting to the kidnap, said, "One will, however, like to challenge the government to address the socio-economic implication of unemployment in the country. In particular, young boys and girls who have flooded the unemployment market should be given jobs or unemployment benefits, pending when they will be gainfully employed. The Nigerian ruling class have to appreciate the fact that the youths cannot be kept in unemployment and in abject poverty for too long while they live in opulence."

He called for the release of the kidnapped lawyer.

Also, Lagos lawyer, Mr. Festus Keyamo, called for the immediate release of Ozekhome and his driver. He said he was shocked by the development and described it as one kidnap too many.

"It further draws local and international attention to the poor state of security in our country. It also highlights the state of joblessness among youths in our country, which

Anambra PDP Gov primaries: Andy Uba wins

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ENATOR Andy Uba, former Special Adviser to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, was yesterday declared winner of one of the parallel primaries organised by the PDP to pick its candidate for the November 16, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State.

Former students leader, Tony Nwoye polled 498 votes in the other primaries, followed by Senator Nicholas Ukachukwu with 378 votes.

Uba, according to the result declared after the election conducted by the Kenneth Emeakayi faction recognised by the party's national secretariat polled 645 votes, followed by Emma Anosike with 110 votes.

Jerry Ugwoke got 86;Patrick Ugbomah -89;Mike Okoye 22;Ugochukwu Okeke -20;Alex Obiogolu -17;Mrs Josephine Anenih -3;Walter Okeke -2;and Tony Nwoye -1.

The result was announced by the Returning Officer, Dr. Kenneth Enemuoh.

The election was supervised by a delegation led by Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State.

With him were Sen. Ndoma Egba and Gombe State Governor Dankwambo.

It was almost marred by a fight between supporters of two of the aspirants during the accreditation of delegates.

The police led by the Area Commander for Awka, Deputy Commissioner of Police Yusuf had to tear gas the arena to disperse the crowd.

Nwanosike Onu/ Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Awka

Two persons were injured.

The parallel primaries organised by the INEC and Court recognised Ejike Oguebego faction were peaceful.

Before their accreditation exercise, the aspirants had met with the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ballah Nasarawa where they had a closed door meeting.

Governors Shema and Dankwabo who also attended the meeting pleaded with them to eschew rancour in the interest of the party.

Shema said only one person can be governor at a time.

However, one of the aspirants, Dr. Alex Obiogbolu, told The Nation yesterday that what happened in the place was the same old story.

He said some aspirants used thugs to cause confusion before the Police intervention adding, "if we continue like this, I pity PDP".

At the Emmaus House venue of the parallel primaries, supervised by PDP leaders from the Southeast, Azodo, Emeke and Dike praised the Oguegbego led PDP for organizing a rancour free primary, adding that the credibility of the exercise was not in doubt.

The returning officer of the exercise was former speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Dr. KC Enemo led a five man team which included the South East PDP Women leader Mrs. Tonia Nnankwu.

•Police parade 44 suspects, recover 678 live cartridges

is one reason why they turn to this dangerous trade for their livelihood," he said, adding: "I want to personally appeal to the kidnappers or their sponsors (if any), to kindly consider that Chief Mike Ozekhome has a family that rely on him, both nuclear and extended, and even other dependants in the society.

I also appeal to them not to harm him in anyway."

Meanwhile, the Edo State Police Command has paraded

44 persons arrested for various offences including kidnappings, armed robbery, teenage defilement, murder and human trafficking.

Among those paraded were two persons suspected to be the mastermind of the kidnappings of three primary school female teachers at Ekenwan village.

The three teachers were released after spending 14 days in captivity.

One of the suspects is the

Chairman of Ekenwan Community Development Association, Morrison Oyibo, who allegedly bought the guns used for the kidnapping.

The other suspect, Ebimene Puwano, was said to have been arrested while attempting to collect his share of the ransom.

Morrison, however, said he bought the guns from one 54 year old Joseph Otor, a blacksmith, gun manufacturer and gun repairer.

Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo said the suspects were arrested immediately the teachers were released.

He said the kidnappers threatened to harm the teachers after more than 100 policemen were deployed to the bush in search of the kidnappers.

Adebanjo said the 44 suspects were arrested in the last one month.

He said 678 live cartridges were recovered and warned kidnappers to stay away from the state.

Adebanjo said measures have been put in place to check crimes in the state adding that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations.

•Managing Director, Guinness Nigeria Mr. Seni Adetu (left) presenting the key of a 6-ton Canter truck to Guinness Nigeria Best Overall Distributor (National) and Managing Director of Edinho Nig. Ltd (Abuja), Chief Edmond Okafor during Guinness Nigeria's Distributors Conference tagged 'Celebrating Great Partnerships ' held at Darlington Hall, Ilupeju, Lagos on Friday

APC to split NNPC, end importation of fuel

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•Foreign missions scramble for APC manifesto

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) plans to untangle the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) if elected into power in 2015.

It also intends to pursue a free market economy policy and devote 10 per cent of the nation's annual budget to Education.

Foreign missions, especially those with stake in the oil industry, agriculture, the defence industry and with huge reputation in the promotion of democracy and human rights, are already scrambling for the manifesto of the party.

The party's plans are contained in the manifesto which was made available to party leaders and elders on Wednesday.

APC pledged to ensure the emergence of modern modular refineries products and reduce importation of petroleum products.

The manifesto says: "APC will make the industry and Nigeria one of the world's cutting edge degree for clean oil and gas technologies, scientific, mega structure installation drilling, progressing production engineers supported with best services and research facilities.

"Fully develop the sector's

• Opts for free market economy

FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

capacity to absorb more of the nation's new graduates in the labour market. Make the sector produce more homegrown world class engineers and scientists.

"Modernise the NNPC and make it the national energy champion. Consider breaking it up into more efficient, commercially driven unit and strip it of its regulatory powers and enable it tap into international capital market."

APC also said it would promote economic policy of free market.

The manifesto adds: "Under current circumstances, economic illusions have literally destroyed all growth in the real sector by their failure or refusal to acknowledge that the country will inevitably collapse under the current bank rate regime.

"The APC, while supporting private enterprises and free market economy, will take every step to eradicate

predatory capitalism."

As at press time foreign missions had been scrambling for APC manifesto.

A source, who spoke in confidence, said: "All these missions have been requesting for the manifesto of APC based on the demand of their home countries.

"I think they are interested in whether APC would come up with new policies which are better than that of the ruling party. We have given copies to the embassies who have requested. But we know we are providing alternatives in 2015."

Danger looms in Port Harcourt over Rebisi kingship

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ENSION is rising in Rebisi community in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State following the installation of two persons to fill the township's vacant stool.

The occupant is the paramount ruler of Port Harcourt.

A third claimant has already emerged to compound the brewing tension.

The stool became vacant upon the death of HRM Sunday Woluchem, after more than 10 years reign.

Installed at two different ceremonies last Tuesday were a son of the late HRM Woluchem, Victor Nnana, and

•Two installed to rule over community.

From: Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt Uche Isaiah Elikwu, a lawyer.

A few days later, another contender, Chief Emeka Anyabelem, the traditional ruler of Oro-Worukwo Community of Rebisi, emerged claiming to be the rightful occupant of the throne.

The throne, according to him, is rotational among the seven legitimate sons of Apara, their grandfather.

He dismissed as strange, the title of Eze Epara conferred on Victor Woluchem and Elikwu .

According to him, the

traditional title held by the late Eze S. Woluchem was Eze Apara of Rebisi, and not Eze Epara.

Anyabelem told reporters yesterday that there is no traditional institution in Rebisi known as Eze Epara Rebisi but Eze Apara Rebisi of Port Harcourt, which the last occupant, HRM. Eze S. N. Woluchem vacated by death in 2011.

He said the recent proclamation of Victor Woluchem and Uche Elikwu as Eze Epara Rebisi, Paramount Ruler of Port Harcourt was fake and should be disregarded.

T THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

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HE suspended chairman and councillors of Obio/Akpor Local Government in Rivers State must be recalled for peace to return to the state, the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, said yesterday.

The minister, who is the arrowhead of the opposition to Governor Rotimi Amaechi, hails from the local government area.

Speaking to reporters yesterday in Port Harcourt after appearing before the Performance Assessment Committee set up by the Felix Obuah faction of the PDP to evaluate public office appointees and elected officials from the state, he denied heating up the political temperature of the state as alleged by the state government.

The government had accused him of violating the ban on campaign for the 2015 elections by circulating his posters for the governorship race.

The Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, said that contrary to the minister’s denial, he (Wike) and his support-

News

Rivers crisis: Wike gives condition for peace with Amaechi •Suspended council chairman, councillors must be recalled, he insists •Denies Rivers govt claim of heating up polity •Says ‘We can’t force ASUU to go back to work’

ers were the brains behind the circulation of the posters.

However, Wike, reacting to the allegation, said: “I was told that my posters are everywhere. These are politicians.

They will just wake up one early morning and try to be mischievous. Do not bother yourself. We know their antics.

We know this game. People just do what they like.

“One of them was even defending it this (yesterday) morning that I was the one who put the posters. As a good politician, does it make sense? I am a minister and I will be pasting my posters. Does it make sense? You can see that people are very mischievous, just to find one thing or the other to say.

“What utterances have I

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

made that are heating up the polity? I said those who want to destroy Obio/Akpor LGA, they will not sleep. If you want to destroy my house, will I allow you to sleep?

“Those who are accusing me of not doing my work, are they those who appointed me?

Has Mr. President said I am not doing my work? I do my work. From Monday to Friday, I am in Abuja. Then Friday, I come back home to see my people. What is wrong with that?

“For me is that PDP must

go from strength to strength.

We do not want PDP to lose any election. Nobody will take us by surprise. I am doing my work. Mr. President knows that.

There is nothing you will do that people will not criticise. If you are quiet, they will say why is he quiet? If you are not quiet, they will say why is he talking too much?”

He also denied that he will be leading the state’s delegation to this weekend’s mini convention of the party in Abuja in the absence of the governor who is currently on suspension by the PDP. “In my local government

(Obio/Akpor), I know who the delegates are. I do not know the delegates from other LGAs. It is only the party chairman who can ascertain who are the delegates.

“Except those who are automatic delegates, like the governor, who is a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT), senators, House of Representatives members, party chairmen, assembly members. 27 (of 32 loyal to Amaechi) Rivers House of Assembly members have been suspended and will not be able to participate.

“Since they have been suspended from the party, they cannot take part in the activities of the party, until their suspension is lifted. It has nothing to do with me. Me leading the delegation is neither here nor there.”

On ASUU strike, Wike said: “Am I not part of the negotiating team? My comment is what the Federal Government has done. We are pleading with ASUU members to go back to the classroom, with the N130 billion the Federal Government has released. Let us start from there and let them go back to the classroom.

“I do not know what you mean by force. Nothing can be

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enough. We are appealing to them (ASUU members). The Federal Government has done something. In the interest of our children and in the interest of our nation, they should go back to the classroom. Nothing like force. We cannot force anybody.”

Sources indicated that the performance assessment was to prevent the associates of the NGF chairman from attending the party’s special national convention in Abuja on August 31, as they would be suspended before the convention.

The Rivers Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru, ministers, senators; members of the House of Representatives, commissioners, five members of the Rivers Assembly loyal to Wike, LG chairmen, among others were invited by the committee for the three-day assessment, which commenced on Thursday, but Amaechi’s loyalists refused to appear.

The Minister of State for Education, while commenting on what transpired between him and members of the Rivers PDP’s Performance Assessment Committee also stated that nobody forced him to appear, but he was invited by the party, while describing the interaction as normal.

Wike added: “They asked me, as a minister, what have I done for the PDP? I told them I am a minister, through the approval of Mr. President (Dr. Goodluck Jonathan), most of the PDP members today can say that they are members of federal boards. Not less than 15 of our people are members of federal boards, which is part of serving the country and people are happy.”

SSS secures release of Rep’s mother in Port Harcourt •Three suspects arrested

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•From Left: Former Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Masari; Sen. Sani Saleh and Chairman, Kaduna North Local Government Council, Alhaji Samaila Suleiman, at the presentation of cars, motorcycles and other items to the campaign team of Sen. Sani Sale in Kaduna, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

The Nation Reporter visits Suntai in hospital

•Continued from Page 3

Then, the reporter told him that she had come to see Gov Suntai. Politely, he said he was not the one in charge of his visitors that his is to see to the governor's welfare alone. So, he brought out his phone and called the security aide to the governor.

When the man, who introduced himself as Joseph, got to the reporter, she explained her mission and pleaded for understanding. The first thing he asked was: “Did you tell them downstairs that you are a reporter”. The reporter said no, and then added, “why?”

“I am surprised you could be allowed up here,” Joseph said with surprise written all over his face.

“And why is that,” the reporter insisted.

“Because a male reporter came here from Manhattan yesterday, and he was roughly sent out,” he informed.

At that point, I mellowed and said “Okay, Joe, I am here now, I need to speak with the governor, let us know the whole story, what actually happened and several others.”

Joseph said: “I am sorry I am not in the position to permit such. You will have to go to his brother in Manhattan who is the only one that approves his visitors.”

Sea View Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre is located on a vast expanse of land covered with green lush grass.

The structure itself is located at the extreme end of the compound.

The reporter then asked for the said brother's number, but Joseph still declines saying he is not to give that to just anyone. At that point, the reporter asked for Joseph's numbers. And he gave his USA cell number as well as his Nigeria's number.

I then asked Joseph if I could talk to the governor while they are taking him out of the hospital in his car on the way home. Joseph blurted, “How can you assume he is going out of here today? Who told you that?”

I replied: “It was in the newspapers that his wife said he would be discharged and taken to Nigeria today (yesterday) which is why I came

so I can talk with him to get some facts.”

"Is that what you read, okay o. The people that will come and carry him are still back in Nigeria so I don't know what you mean by he is leaving here today. Na you sabi sha...”

Suddenly, Joseph switched to the security mood and told the reporter sternly that she has to take her leave and all the pleasantries petered out. Not even the reporter's pleading smiles would soothe him.

He walked the reporter straight to the elevator and told her to please leave. Surprisingly, one of the guards on the ground floor, who apparently may have been watching the reporter and the security man, or perhaps, heard the conversations, just came out of the elevator and asked Joseph: “Man, it's like you don't want this woman here?”

Trust Joseph, he just said “Yes, I want her to leave now.”

So, the guard faced the reporter and asked: “And Ma'am, why did you jump protocol?”

I responded: “I did not jump protocol because I did not know there was any. Joseph and I just met for the first time in our lives. I collected his two phone numbers barely five minutes ago and he just gave me guidelines on how to see a man who is a public figure, a governor in my own country.”

The guard looked at Joseph wanting him to either validate or refute my explanation. Joseph did the former and the guard said: “Ma'am, I agree with the fact that you did not know that you have to get clearance before you come here. Now that you are here, I would please like you to take your leave now.”

As the reporter walked away, the guard gave her such a close marking we almost bumped into each other.

Then on the Ground Floor, he still walked the reporter to the outer door and firmly cautioned her to please move far away from the hospital building.

I walked away satisfied that I'd been able to see the governor, although not able to talk with him.

PERATIVES of the State Security Service (SSS) in Rivers State, yesterday secured the release of the mother of the member of the House of Representatives from Obio/Akpor ,in Rivers State, Kingsley Ogundu Chinda.

Chinda is in the camp of the Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike.

The victim was kidnapped on August 19 and taken to an unknown destination, where she spent five days in the den of the kidnappers, before her rescue.

Three suspects were also arrested during the rescue.

They are now being interrogated.

The top SSS official said: “Chinda’s mother was rescued from the kidnappers by SSS operatives from the Rivers command around 1 am today (yesterday) at

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Abuloma, Port Harcourt and moved to our office at old GRA at 3 am.

“Three suspects were arrested. They are still with us.

No ransom was paid before the elderly woman was rescued. The Rep’s mother has rejoined her family.”

Immediately after the kidnap of Chinda’s mother, the Felix Obuah-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the Rivers State Government of orchestrating insecurity in the state, to justify the pressure for the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police, Mbu Joseph Mbu. The Rivers State government, through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, quickly described the Obuah-led PDP’s allegation as laughable and reckless.

FG, US to discuss investment at Summit

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ENIOR government officials and business leaders are to meet on August 29 in Abuja to fashion ways of expanding business opportunities along Nigeria’s Lagos-Kano-Jibiya (LAKAJI) corridor during the first LAKAJI Agricultural Growth Corridor Investment Summit.

The summit forms part of the Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport Program (NEXTT) to improve trade policy, support trade capacity building and remove bottlenecks to the free flow of goods, especially ag-

ricultural goods, in Nigeria.

It builds on trade and transport activities begun under the USAID MARKETS (Maximizing Agriculture Revenue in Key Enterprise and Target Site) Project and on the export promotion activities of NEEP (the Nigeria Expanded Exports Programme).

Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata, Chairman, Dantata Foods & Allied Products Limited, said “The corridor is rapidly developing and it’s exciting that expert analysis and support to make the investments real is being provided by NEXTT.”

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News

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Pro-Morsi rally paralyses Kano

Centre targets domestic manufacturing of space technologies

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

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From Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

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HE Director, Centre for Satellite Technology Development, (CSTD), Dr. Spencer Onuh, has given assurance that the centre will facilitate local manufacturing of satellites and other space technologies soonest.

He stated this in an interview in Abuja to mark the CSTD week.

According to him: “CSTD is ready to indigenously design and manufacture satellites in Nigeria if challenged with the right climate of operations.

“Some engineers and scientists from other countries that were trained in SSTL along with our engineers and scientists have successfully designed and manufacture satellites in their own countries.”

This, he said, was possible because they were provided with a functional Design Centre, Assembly Integrated and Testing facilities (DC/AIT).

He added: “Space technology remains the driving force behind most developed economies. It is the driving force for terrestrial technology and it provides security, telecommunications and urban planning.”

Also, the Director General of the National Space Research and Development Agency(NASRDA), Seidu Mohammed, has stated that Nigeria must embrace the potentials of space technology to increase her Gross Domestic Products (GDP).

Mohammed, who was represented by the agency’s director of Engineering and Space Systems, Olufemi Agboola, explained that space technology will help remove the over dependence on oil.

He noted that Nigeria needs to develop space technology to manufacture quality products.

Mohammed spoke in Abuja at the Centre for Satellite Technology Development conference with the theme: “Achieving the benefits of space technology through corporate partnership.”

He noted that Nigeria needs to start developing space technology because other developed countries have adopted it.

According to him: “If you look at the GDP of other countries, there is something that comes out: their manufacturing capabilities. 40 percent of their GDP comes from their manufacturing capabilities.

“If Nigeria can just have 25 percent in manufacturing everything will change.”

L-R: Deputy Editor, News, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina; Assistant News Editor, Mr. Korede Yishau; Ms. Ayodeji Olaosun; Vice Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) Chapel, Ms. Kemi Ojomo and Assistant Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Yusuf during The Nation’s NUJ Walk- for- Life exercise in commemoration of the chapel's Health Week in Lagos... yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

NEITI recovers $2b from audit T implementation

HE Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has helped the federal government to recover $2billion following the implementation of its audit reports.

Its Executive Secretary, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, disclosed this to our correspondent at Abuja yesterday.

She informed that $1 billion was recovered from the first NEITI oil and gas audit of 1999 – 2004.

Ahmed further explained that the 2005 NEITI audit report also helped the federal government to recover another $515million.

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From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

She added that the transparency agency recovered $447million following the implementation of the 2006-2008 oil and gas audit report.

Total recoverable revenue emanating from the NEITI audits, according to her, is $9.6bil-

lion.

She explained that NEITI later traced the disputed N4.423billion Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) remittance to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) account after the agency tendered documents it did not present in the course of the audit.

Umar: 200 new locomotives coming by December

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HE Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) would take delivery of 200 new wagons come December, the Minister of Transportation, Senator Idris Umar, has said.

The minister disclosed at the week while inaugurating four new locomotives and two telescopic cranes at Apapa Port, Lagos.

Umar, who was repre-

By YinkaAderibigbe

sented by the NRC’s Board Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Baraje, said the corporation was set to reclaim its lost glory as a catalyst for safe, reliable and cheap means of transportation.

He added the NRC would collaborate with the customs and other security agents to ensure efficient business activities at the port.

Umar said the completion of the rehabilitation work on the Western line had made it possible for the corporation to introduce freight services to the regular passenger trains’ service on the route.

According to him: “About one month ago, the third weekly Lagos-Kano intercity passenger train service was introduced to increase our carriage capacity along the route

Convention: PDP lacks integrity, says CNPP

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HE Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) yesterday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of foisting leaders without integrity on the nation.

The CNPP said PDP must address the integrity issues before holding its conven-

Traders commend FG over intervention on closed shops

HE Nigerian Union of Traders Association Ghana (NUTAG) has commended the federal government for resolving its disputes with Ghanaian authorities.

More than 40 shops belonging to Nigerians were closed by the Ghanaian authorities for allegedly flouting trade regulations.

Its National chairman, John Ukala, praised the federal government for efforts to resolve the issues.

He spoke in Abuja when he led a delegation to the office of the Minister of State of Industry, Trade and Invest-

•Traces disputed N4.423b PPPRA remittance to CBN

According to her, such discrepancies are bound to occur when there is no full information from agencies.

Ahmed said: “It was by sitting together and meeting with PPPRA and they provided documents that we didn’t see during the course of audit.

“We saw that the remittances were actually made. So, this kind of things happen when you don’t get the full information that you require in the course of audit and audit does not last forever and so you have to end the data gathering and write the report. So that is what happened in the case of DPR.”

From Franca Ochigbo and Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

ment, Dr Samuel Ortom.

Ukala said: “We will continue to represent Nigeria very well. We will continue to be law- abiding.

“The federal government has done very well. We thank Mr. President for his timely intervention.”

Ortom expressed delights that the closed shops have been reopened by the Ghanaian authorities.

He noted that the Nigerian government will continue to protect the interest of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

•Urges party to resolve Rivers crisis From GbengaOmokhunu, Abuja

tion.

In a statement in Abuja by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, the CNPP said the double standard of the PDP is fast: “corrupting the political landscape and it is a key factor for the inability of public office holders to fulfill their electoral promises.”

The statement stated: “The total lack of integrity exhibited by the PDP in asking some members of its National Executive Committee (NEC) to resign to open the way for their being properly elected only for the party to disown them falls short of what is expected of an organisation that produces some of the people who lead the nation.

“While the natural tendency is to dismiss this development as an internal affair of the PDP, we must all not collectively lose sight of the fact that the PDP top shots will eventually treat Nigeria and Nigerians worse than they

treat themselves.”

It added: “With the number of seats and executive positions the PDP controls, it is inexplicable that the future of Nigeria is now tied to the conduct of the PDP so it is crucial that Nigerians do not shy away from asking the party to do the right thing.”

The CNPP said PDP has the right to install whosoever it wishes but stated it “has no right to drag governance and by extension Nigerians into the show of shame and brazen attempt at power grab in Rivers State since it is now known that the change in the leadership of the PDP was meant to oust those perceived to have been nominated by the state governor, Rotimi Amaechi.”

It urged other political parties to resist the temptation of following in the steps of the PDP, as this will not bode well for the nation and the fortunes of such parties at the polls.

to 5,500 weekly.

“Today the corporation is flagging off a container train service from Lagos to Kaduna and Kano. It is also inaugurating two newly acquired telescopic cranes and four 1800HP locomotive engines.”

NRC’s Managing Director, Prince Adeseyi Sijuwade, described the event as a significant milestone in the annals of the corporation.

He recalled that container train services in Nigeria were suspended 17 years ago due to poor infrastructure.

Sijuwade said the acquisition of the facilities was part of the federal government’s commitment to modernise the railway service and transform the nation’s socio-economic development.

He said the four locomotives were known as class 23 locomotives.

“The four new locomotives being inaugurated are self loading engines with on-board computer, double drivers’ panel and fully air-conditioned cabins.

“The engine in each of the locomotives is caterpillar’s 1800 model 3512B engine with capability of a designed speed of 100kmph,” Sijuwade said.

He noted that the NRC is now better equipped to deal with emergencies with the two new 100 tons railway cranes.

The Comptroller of Customs at the port, Charles Edike, said the inauguration of the container traffic train would help to stop the activities of miscreants and other port rats as well as enhance transaction of goods and services.

VER 1,000 Muslim faithful yesterday in the ancient city took to the streets to protest the deposition and continued detention of former Egyptian President, Dr Muhammad Morsi.

Morsi was ousted in the July 3 coup-d-tat.

The coalition of some Muslim groups in the North under the auspices of Alliance of Muslim Organisations and Civil Right Groups in Northern Nigeria staged a rally at the Kofa Mata Mosque.

It comprises Jamaatut, Tajdidil, Islamy (JTI), Jamaatut Muslimin, Sokoto State; Centre for Promotion Sharia; Muslim Lawyers Association of Nigeria; Joint Youth Islamic Organisations, Zamfara State and Sheikh Abdullahi Fodio Centre for Daawa, Zamfara State.

The protesters called for the release of the former Egyptian President and his reinstatement.

The placard -carrying demonstrators said they were joining the league of those countries that believe in fairness and the promotion of democratic ideals.

They denounced the atrocities taking place in Egypt.

Some of the placards read: “Deposing of the legitimated government of Dr Muhammad Morsi and replacing his government with illegal and illegitimate civilian Interim Government, answerable to the Military is totally unacceptable. ‘’Waging a war of extermination against the Ikhwanumuslimun, which saw the killing of more than 2,000 Egyptians and over 10, 000 others sustaining varying degree of injury for engaging in peaceful protest against the overthrow of the Civilian Government is a rape of Democracy.

They also frowned at the continued arrest, detention and torture of Egyptians, including the Spiritual head Ikhwan, Dr Muhammad Badi’e; his deputy, Dr Khairat Asshatir; the Chairman and Secretary of Al-Wasat party and respected Ulamas.

They accused the country’s Military leaders of initiating the process of banning the Ikhwan and outlawing it from Egyptian political land scape.

The protesters pointed out there was also an attempt to remove the Sharia law from the constitution and ‘’making the so called political Islam unlawful’’ Leader of the coalition, Alhaji Abubakar Mujahid said: ’’It is our ardent belief that from the start, there was an international conspiracy against the Ikhwan in Egypt.

“There was an attempt to stop them from participating in the election.

“When that failed, attempts were made to stop them from winning. When they won, a lot of hurdles were thrown on Morsi to not achieve a successful tenure.

News

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Oil baron secures freedom after N20m ransom From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

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HIEF Christopher Ezenku, popularly known as ‘Nkwu bu ego’, an oil-baron, has regained his freedom after paying N20million ransom to his abductors.

Ezenku, an indigene of Umuoru, Uga in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State was kidnapped on Tuesday by unknown gunmen while he was driving into his house at Patrick Avenue off Faulks Road, Aba, Abia State.

The Nation reliably gathered that the petroleum dealer was dropped at the outskirts of the commercial city in the early hours of yesterday after his family members had met the N20 million ransom demanded by the abductors.

A source, who preferred anonymity, said the victim made the first contact with his family immediately he was dropped at a particular location somewhere at the outskirt of Aba by his abductors.

It was learnt that his recent abduction was the third attempts by kidnappers, who have fleeced the family of between N10 to N20 million paid as ransom in order to secure his freedom.

Investigation by The Nation revealed that family members of the victim until his release were yet to make a formal report at the Ariaria Police Division under whose jurisdiction the incident took place.

The family members, The Nation gathered, had thwarted all efforts made by police in Aba and the State Headquarters to come into the matter as they refused to speak with the police or provide possible information that could lead to the arrest of the suspected kidnappers.

Accord party petitions INEC over Labour Party interference From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

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ATIONAL Vice-chairman of Accord Party (AP), South East zone, Mr. Inno Igboekwe, yesterday petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) urging the commission not to recognise the Chief Barth Igwedibia-led Anambra State executive of the party.

Igbokwe in his petition to the INEC dated August 19, 2013, made available to The Nation which reads in part, stated that “The state chapter which has been waiting for directives to conduct its ward and local government congresses was not given dates for the aforementioned congresses and was overlooked and not informed of the purported congress that has been supposedly held and we were faced with a situation whereby a few unscrupulous politicians alien to Accord gathered to proclaim themselves newly elected members of the state Exco of the party.

“Considering that the Electoral Act made it categorically clear that ward and local government congresses should precede the state congress, it is obvious that the event of 17th August was a mere sham as there were no ward and local government congresses before the said state congress.”

Seven international airlines to fly into Enugu Airport T HE Federal Government disclosed yesterday that seven foreign airlines have indicated interest to operate international flights into the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

Aviation Minister, Princess Stella Oduah, who made this known at the inaugural flight of Ethiopian Airlines into Enugu Airport, said very soon the prospective airlines will roll out their strategies on how to begin the operations.

Oduah said the Enugu Airport cannot be ignored by any foreign carrier, because of the immense potentials the South East States offers as a trading and business destination.

The minister described the commencement of international flights into the airport as the fulfilment of promise by

From Chris Oji, Enugu and Kelvin Osa Okunbor

government to ease the movement of persons and goods into any part of the world.

She also hinted of plans by the Federal Government to develop designated airports into ‘airport city’, among which is Enugu Airport.

Oduah said:” I feel extremely excited over this landmark achievement. This is evidence of the commitment of government to improve aviation in Nigeria, which has been accomplished today. States in the South East that are land locked are no more so, now that the airport is now open, the economy of the states in the region would now experience a leap.”

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim de-

scribed the flag off of international flights from Enugu Airport as a new vista of socio-economic development for the south eastern states as well as the entire country.

Anyim said government would continue to consolidate on its promise to open up all parts of the country for economic development through air transportation, assuring that other projects expected to put the airport in the global scale would be completed.

There was excitement at the airport as Governors Peter Obi of Anambra State, his Enugu counterpart, Sullivan Chime and Theodore Orji of Abia State were ushered into the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737-800 for endorsement, with the governors waving to a cheering crowd.

The Deputy Senate President,

Ike Ekweremadu also graced the event. Amid tight security the aircraft landed at the extended runway of the Enugu Airport about 12.15 pm to the tumultuous jubilation of hundreds of airport workers, passengers and Enugu residents.

Some passengers on the flight described the service into Enugu Airport as a huge relieve from the harrowing experiences of travelling to either Lagos or Abuja to connect flights overseas.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN), Mr a George Uriesi, described it as a major feat for the aviation sector , because the commencement on international flight into Enugu would generate more revenue for the authority.

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Anambra election: APC supporters urge level playing field From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi HOUSANDS of supporters of Mr Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo, governorship aspirant of All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday stressed the need for a level playing field for all candidates vying for the Anambra gubernatorial polls.

They made this resolve shortly after a solidarity rally in Awka, Anambra State capital.

The APC members in a voice vote moved a motion urging Ezeemo not to be demoralised as there is going to be a primary as directed by the National body of APC. They urged him to present himself to contest the primary of APC since the party leadership has not endorsed any candidate.

An APC Chieftain, Chief Iwuejina Igbokwe, who led the prayer session prayed God to grant the leadership of APC at the national and zonal levels to be fair to Senator Chris Ngige and Mr Goddy Ezeemo.

Igbokwe pointed out that the rallies by both Ngige and Ezeemo which shutdown Awka was an indication that if they both harness their supporters after a primary that no party would beat APC in any elections in Anambra.

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Pa Onwudiwe for burial

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•L-R: Mrs.Evelyn Abiodun; Engr.Akin Aragbaiye; ( Dr) Mrs Esther Lambo; Mr Olu Aragbaiye; Mr. Taiwo Abiodun; Mr. Dare Aragbaiye and Elder Bola Aragbaiye at the grave of their mother, Madam Comfort Aragbaiye, who was buried yesterday in Owo, Ondo State

Anxiety as ocean surge threatens Imo communities

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IVERSIDE communities in Imo State have raised alarm over threatening ocean surge that may submerge the communities if nothing urgent is done to avert the impending disaster.

This has posed a fresh hurdle for the flood victims who are battling to pick up the ruins of their lives after losing everything to last year’s flood disaster.

Some of the villages along the popular Oguta Lake in Oguta Council Area of the state are in imminent danger as the water is gradually but steadily overflowing the bank of the lake that was once a tourist attraction.

It would be recalled that the entire riverside communities of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Council Areas were submerged by last year’s flood disaster, which washed away their homes and farmlands.

The Nation’s findings revealed that the flood victims who had earlier returned to their dilapidated homes are currently faced with fresh challenges as the water level has risen to an alarming level and may flood the communities any moment.

One of the victims, Nze Mathias Ahanna, who spoke with our reporter, lamented that, “we are yet to recover from last year’s disaster and it is obvious

•Flood victims face fresh hurdle From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

that we may suffer the same fate again this year. We don’t have any other place to go to but will continue to wait until something is done to assist us.”

The father of eight, who lost his house and crops in last year’s disaster, decried what he called the government’s indifference to the plight of the victims during last year’s flood disaster.

Also bemoaning the situation, Mrs. Carolina Azubuike, a

widowed petty trader, disclosed that, “after we lost our means of livelihood, we were given paltry sum of money and now we are faced with another challenge. We are appealing to the government to come to our aid and maybe dredge the lake or construct embankment along the bank of the river to stop it from running over the communities.”

Meanwhile, in an earlier interview, the Chairman of the

State Flood Disaster Management Committee and former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obi Njoku, disclosed that every kobo of the intervention fund was invested into the welfare of the flood victims and building a permanent camp to accommodate victims in future.

He said that apart from the N67 million earlier disbursed to the affected communities, the state government is currently building farm settlements in the 16 communities at the cost of N25 million each.

Preferred bidder for Enugu Disco may still be considered

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HE National Council on Privatisation (NCP) mayreconsider Interstates Electrics for the payment of 75percent balance for Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (Enugu Disco) ahead of the August 21 deadline, it was learnt yesterday.

Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Power, Kande Daniel, who revealed this to our Abuja correspondent in an exclusive interview yesterday, noted that there is every possibility that the firm will be considered by the coun-

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

cil as soon as it is able to fulfill its financial obligations.

According to her, the privatisation process provides way for the possibility of a reserved bidder taking the slot if the preferred bidder fails to meet the conditions.

She added: “The picture is not yet very clear yet since there isn’t an official statement on that yet. But we know that the position of the paper work done earlier provides way for the possibility of a reserved bidder taking the slot of the

preferred bidder if they don’t meet up with the conditions.”

“Again, like I said, the full picture is yet to show whether the preferred bidder fulfilled the terms of financial obligations. Did they fail in meeting the obligations or was it a case of procedure, was it the paper work that needed to be done that didn’t finish by deadline? So that needs to be proven. If it is proven that the bidder did not fail to meet their financial obligations, I believe they will still meet their slot.”

HE burial arrangement of Mr. Godwin Onwudiwe, who died on Monday, August 5, 2013, after a brief illness, has been announced by the family.

According to a release signed on behalf of the family

by Ms. Flora Onwudiwe of the Champion, the funeral wake keep is scheduled for Saturday, August 31, 2013, at his residence, 7 Mosafejo, Amukoko, Lagos while requiem mass holds on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Umuanunu Umuluwe Ajirija, in Isiala Mbano LGA, Imo State and interment follows after the church service at his compound also at Umuanunu Umuluwe Ajirija, Isiala Mbano, LGA, Imo State.

Pa Onwudiwe, former staff of Chevron Nigeria Limited, is survived by wife, Mrs. Celine Onwudiwe, children, grandchildren and other relatives.

ANCOPSS lauds Okorocha’s stride in education sector From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

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HE National Executive Council (NEC) of the Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS has lauded the efforts of the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, in improving the standard of education in the state.

The body in a communiqué issued at the end of its NEC meeting held at the Teachers’ House, Owerri, the Imo State capital, scored the governor and other stakeholders in the state’s education sector high mark for ensuring the attainment of laudable achievements recorded so far in the sector.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

News

Foursquare Ikeja District holds 14th convocation

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HE Ikeja District of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria will hold its 14th annual convention between August 28 and September 1.

Theme is 'Immeasurable Power,' taken from the book of Ephesians 3:20.

According to the chairman of the organising committee, Pastor Benson Osieme, it will be a time to access the throne of God and latch on to the power that is above all other powers.

Another feature of this year's convocation is that it would have both morning and evening sessions for the five days. The programme would be preceded by a business meeting on Saturday, August 24 where a stewardship account would be presented by the District Overseer, Pastor Dayo Adewumi.

The main programme will start on the 28th of August with a praise evening featuring an array of gospel musical stars led

by Ayan Jesu, God's Icon and the District Praise Team.

The following day, there will be a healing session which will commence from 9am. A special seven hour ministration will hold for all couples searching for the fruit of the womb between 11am and 5 pm. This has been code named 'Operation Carry Your Baby'.

The wife of the immediate

Fajuyi's wife gets heroine's burial T T

Ikirun rallies support for Aregbesola's second term bid

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HE remains of the widow of Late Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, Eunice, were yesterday interred at St. Patrick's Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti.

She had died quietly in her sleep in the early hours of 12th July 2013 at the family residence in Okesa area of AdoEkiti, capital of the state, just a few days to her 85th birthday.

Her husband, Col. Fajuyi, the Military Administrator of old Western Region, was killed alongside Major General Aguiyi Ironsi, then Nigeria's Head of State, in a bloody putch in 1966.

Madam Eunice was survived by her son, Barrister Donald Fajuyi, who attended the church service with his wife, Lanre, and their children, including Femidare, Pelumi and Temitope.

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

Dignitaries at the well attended church service included the state governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; deputy governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Speaker of the State Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin and the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, who was represented by Col. S.H Aduku.

Others were the first Military Governor of old Western Region, General Adeyinka Adebayo, Emeritus Bishop Olatunji Fagun and former Military Administrator of the state, Navy Capt. Atanda Yusuf, the father of former deputy governor of the state, Chief Festus Famuagun and Engr.

Ekundayo Afolaogun.

In his address at the occasion, Governor Fayemi described the love borne by late Madam Eunice Fajuyi towards her husband, late Col. Adekunle Fajuyi as "love which remained evergreen".

Fayemi said, "For those of us who believed in the Institution of marriage, I think it is always impressing anytime you see a genuine demonstration of love by fellow human beings. One of the most veritable attributes of true love that I know is that love never fades."

The governor, who extolled the virtues of the late military officer added, "The Fajuyi family belongs to all of us in Ekiti. He offered himself as sacrifice for this nation. But I also say it for personal reasons, that Col.

Francis Adekunle Fajuyi and my father attended the same primary school at Ojido here in Ado-Ekiti.

"I know that even though I was barely a year old when this terrible occurence happpened, I knew it affected everybody who was close to them."

The governor, who also disclosed that the state government is considering declaring an annual public holiday in memory of Fajuyi, said the former governor displayed all the core of values that Ekiti people are known for such as courage, sacrifice and honour even at the risk of paying the supreme sacrifice.

In his remarks, Fajuyi's eldest son, Donald, thanked the dignitaries present for their support for the family.

Yoruba Forum meets in Ikenne August 29

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HE Yoruba Unity Forum has scheduled meeting for August 29 at the Efunyela Hall, Ikenne in Ogun State.

The meeting, which will hold under the chairmanship of Chief (Mrs) H.I.D Awolowo, is expected to deliberate on the state of the nation.

And in another development, the Presidential Committee on Insurgency and Conflict Resolution will brief Yoruba leaders on August 30 at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos.

The event is aimed at finding solution to the challenges of security in the country.

Family holds remembrance service

T

HE family of Rev. F.O Husswin will hold a remembrance service for the late Rev. (Mrs) Elizabeth Aina Husswin (nee UmaruMogaji Agbeni) today at the Voice of Redemption Gospel Church Worldwide, Okota, Lagos.

Speaking about her mother, one of the daughters, Toby Husswin Adegbite, said, "It is exactly a year. Day after day, it is like a dream that will never end. You worked and toiled that the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ will not suffer in your hand."

Also, one of the sons, Gbenga Husswin, said the family was celebrating because their mother "lived a good life and laid a legacy worthy of praise."

The late Mrs. Husswin was the wife of the founder of Voice of Redemption Gospel Church Worldwide, Okota Lagos and owner of Gideon School. She is survived by children and grandchildren.

•L-R: Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Deputy Governor, Prof. Modupe Adelabu; Representative of GOC, 81 Division, Nigeria Army, Capt. Ande Danbeki; son of the deceased, Mr. Donald Fajuyi; his wife, Lanre; Governor Kayode Fayemi; and representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Capt. Aduku Saheed, during the Funeral Mass of late Mrs. Eunice Fajuyi (Wife of late Governor of old Western Region, Col. Adekunle Fajuyi), in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday.

HE people of Ikirun, the headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State have rallied support for Governor Rauf Aregbesola's second term bid.

On Saturday, they trooped out in large numbers and marched round the ancient town in solidarity for the governor.

The Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Rauf Olayiwola Adedeji, before the procession which involved different professional groups such as market women, barbers' association, tailors and others, said the event was not political but "to show appreciation to the governor for the unprecedented development the town and its environs had witnessed in his tenure."

The monarch, who noted that the appreciation of the people of Ikirun to Aregbesola and his team was in three folds, said the governor appointed many of his subjects into his cabinet and boards of agencies and parastatals; construction of the dual carriage way passing from Ikirun to Ila-Odo, a border town with Kwara State, as well as the on-going construction of Dagbolu International Market in the council area.

He said, "Aregbesola is passionately developing towns and communities across the state, including Ikirun. We have never had it this good. As far as we are concerned, Aregbsola is a winning horse which should not be stopped midway but should be allowed to finish the race.

"The dual carriage way passing theough Ikirun and the Dagbolu International Market and his other laudable projects on our soil are capable of transforming our lives economically and socially.

What we are doing, rallying support for Aregbesola's second term in office, is beyond politics."

Shoppers, traders groan as Ibadan market is shut

S

HOPPERS and traders groaned yesterday as trading activities could not take place at the usually busy Bodija Market in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, following its closure by the government.

The market was reportedly shut by the supervising Ibadan North Local Government following clashes between Hausa and Yoruba yam sellers on Friday.

Several shops and a lorry load of yam were vandalised during the clash. No life was lost in the incident.

When The Nation visited the market yesterday, shoppers were seen looking dejected following their inabilityto purchase needed items. All the gates to the market were blocked to prevent traders from accessing their shops while policemen in patrol vehicles kept watch at the gates.

Shoppers lamented the situation before thinking of available alternative markets close to the place.

Most of them later proceeded to Sango, Oje and other markets to make purchases.

On their part, only traders of perishable items such as tomatoes, pepper, fruits, vegetables and fish displayed their wares near the entrances of the

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

market. They were able to serve several shoppers who came for such items.

However, they lamented their loses, saying they were not given access to their shops where they kept large stock.

According to them, the wares were already perishing in their shops, leading to huge financial loses for them.

The traders therefore appealed to the government to reopen the market. They disclosed that the yam traders, who attacked each other on Friday, had already resolved their disagreements.

A trader told The Nation, "This is huge loss for us; we can't get out our stock out of the shops becaause policemen won't allow us go into the market. You

can see that we deal in perishable items. These items can't survive 24 hours without losing quality. We appeal to the government to please reopen the market to minimise our loss."

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mrs. Olabisi Ilobanafor, said policemen were drafted to the market to

South West PDP: 'George cannot impose our leader'

A

CHIEFTAIN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Chief Buruji Kashamu, has berated attempts by another chieftain of the party, Chief Olabode George, to impose a new National Vice Chairman of the party on the South West zone.

Speaking in an interview with The Nation, Kashamu, who is the major financier of the party in Ogun State, also accused the former Governor of Ekiti State, Engr. Olusegun Oni, for acting out George's script to stop the South West congress of the party, which was earlier scheduled to hold yesterday.

Some days ago, Oni had purpotedly obtained an in-

By Remi Adelowo

junction at an Ekiti High Court, stopping the zonal congress. The court has since denied issuing the injunction.

Kashamu alleged that the recent visit of George and some leaders of the party to the Presidential Villa was to deceive President Goodluck Jonathan to sanction the postponement of the South West congress using the purported court injunction as an excuse.

He said, "George and his group knew that the president will not disobey a court order. They fraudulently claimed that there was a court order stopping the congress, but there was nothing of

such."

Kashamu, who said his goal is the unity and cohesion of the party in the South West, also denied insinuations in certain quarters that he is supporting the aspiration of the party's former interim National Vice-Chairman, Chief Ishola Filani, to become the substantive leader of the party in the South West.

"I'm not backing any candidate. What the true members of the party want is for all the aspirants to test their popularity through a free and fair congress. And I assure you that anybody that wins will have my full support. This culture of imposition by one man must stop!"

maintain law and order.

She disclosed that leaders of the two factions that clashed on Friday had held a one-hour meeting with the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state during which they agreed to embrace peace.

Ilobanafor added that the leaders were already using the opportunity of the closure to educate their supporters on the need to embrace peace so that the market could be reopened as soon as possible.

Yam traders of Yoruba and Hausa origin clashed at the market on Friday over rights to sell yams in the market.

It was learnt that the traders of Yoruba origin attacked a lorry load of yams brought into the market by a Hausa trader, a development they viewed as another breach of agreement between the two parties to first work out modalities on how to bring in yams and share among the traders.

The arrangement became imperative in view of the killing of Yoruba yam traders in the North by members of the Boko Haram sect. Since the sad incident, only Hausa yam traders have been bringing their goods from the north to the market, leaving out Yoruba traders out of business.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

9

World News Iran’s president acknowledges chemical weapons killed people in Syria

10

I

RANIAN President Hassan Rouhani said yesterday for the first time that chemical weapons had killed people in ally Syria and called for the international community to prevent their use.

Rouhani stopped short of saying who he thought had used the arms, but Iran’s Foreign Ministry yesterday said evidence pointed to rebels fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Tehran has previously accused Syrian rebels of being behind what it called suspected chemical attacks.

Rouhani did not mention

the international furor around Syrian opposition reports that government forces had killed as many as 1,000 civilians with gas in Damascus on Wednesday.

“Many of the innocent people of Syria have been injured and martyred by chemical agents and this is unfortunate,” recently elected Rouhani was quoted as saying by the ISNA news agency.

“We completely and strongly condemn the use of chemical weapons, because the Islamic Republic of Iran is itself a victim of chemical weapons,” he said, according to the agency.

Iran suffered chemical

weapons attacks by Iraqi forces during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war.

“The Islamic Republic gives notice to the international community to use all its might to prevent the use of these weapons anywhere in the world, especially in Syria,” Mehr news agency quoted Rouhani as saying.

Syria’s government denies using such weapons and Iran’s foreign minister said on Thursday that groups fighting Assad’s forces in a two-year-old rebellion must have been behind what he then said was just a suspected gas attack.

M

“The probe is heading in the right direction and the other accused will be arrested

soon,” Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Singh told reporters.

Mumbai police arrest third man in gang-rape case UMBAI police arrested a third suspect late yesterday over the gang-rape of a photographer — an attack that has renewed anger over India’s treatment of women.

Five men are alleged to have raped the woman, in her early 20s, in the centre of the Indian financial hub where she was on a magazine assignment with a male colleague on Thursday evening.

The attack brought back memories of the fatal gangrape of a student in New Delhi in December that sparked nationwide protests.

Officers arrested the first suspect on Friday and a second arrest was made overnight, police spokesman Satyanarayan Choudhary said.

Late yesterday, police said they had arrested a third suspect after being told his whereabouts by one of the other accused.

Mandela showing ‘great resilience’

F

ORMER South African President Nelson Mandela, who has been in hospital since early June with a lung infection, is showing “great resilience” although he remains in a critical but stable condition, the presidency said yesterday.

“While at times, his condition becomes unstable, the doctors indicate that the former president has demonstrated great resilience and his condition tends to stabilize as a result of medical interventions,” it said in its latest update on the condition of the 95-year-old antiapartheid hero.

“Doctors are still working hard to effect a turnaround and a further improvement in his health and to keep the former president comfortable,” the presidency added in the

•Mandela statement.

It was the first update in almost two weeks on the health of the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. News of his hospitalization in June with a recurring lung infection attracted worldwide attention for the revered statesman, who is admired as a symbol of struggle against injustice and of racial reconciliation.

Mandela celebrated his 95th birthday in hospital on July 18, showered with tributes from around the world.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

World/Commenatry

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March on Washington: One foot still in the air A

UGUST 28 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the March on Washington where a 34 year old Black preacher stood before the Lincoln Memorial to deliver the most evocative address ever given in the capital of the world’s most powerful nation. On that day, Dr. Martin Luther King proclaimed his dream of a race-blind society. The excellent speech woke the conscience of those segments of the nation with consciences that could be awakened.

Those five decades ago, many people dared to believe the audacious dream might come true. The truth is that it still inhabits the land of dreams. Reality is a vigilant sentinel of its dominion.

Rarely does it allow the delicate or kind to enter. If Dr. King were alive today, he would encounter both the benefit and pain of hindsight. The great man might lay himself down to sleep that he might dream a bit more or he might propose to knock Reality’s door with more vigour such that the hard door would open a bit more widely to the dream he gave us.

While King touched those who believed in freedom and dignity for all, there were also segments of the population that profited from the old, unjust way. These people defined freedom as their right to place others underfoot. For them, his speech stirred nothing but dyspepsia and revulsion.

Prejudice does not yield easily. It neither vanishes nor retires upon encountering its solution, as we would hope. It fights back, reasserting its claim on society with a vigour renewed by the challenge to its dominant position.

To fight prejudice is to arouse it anew and cause it to adapt afresh.

The unfolding march of events since that late August day 50 years ago prove that injustice and prejudice don’t disappear. Unless buried, they simply reinvent themselves. They never tire of plotting their own continuance. In some ways, America has advanced since that day. A Black man lives in the White House. Yet, for all this development symbolises, the progressive political and economic ideas that inform the Black American experience remain foreign to mainstream discourse. The Black man in the White House attained his position by convincing enough Whites that he would safeguard the vested interests that produce the systemic inequality suffered by poor Black, Brown and even White people.

Today, income inequality climbs to its highest level in a century as do poverty levels. The comparison of the household wealth between Black and White Americans is less favorable now than decades ago. America has the biggest prison population in world history.

Most inmates are Black and Latino men booked on minor, nonviolent drug offenses. While most inmates are Black, Whites perpetrate most crimes. There is but one answer to the riddle of this discrepancy between the rates of crimes committed and those of incarceration: Racism.

Black men get incarcerated in droves, effectively becoming a vast army of the disenfranchised. Once enveloped by the prison system, these men and boys become ineligible for government programs in education and housing. Meaningful employment is denied them. Most states prohibit them from voting. While America has a Black man in the White House, a prime objective of the political economy is literally to funnel millions of other Black men into the big house known as the penitentiary.

Taking a strategic view of things is to conclude that a Black man has been selected to preside over the gross incarceration of the highest number of Black men placed in physical servitude since the age of slavery.

For those Blacks fortunate enough to evade the shadow of prison, life presents other challenges. Black unemployment doubles the rate of White America’s. Worse, those Blacks with jobs are herded into positions that pay far less and offer less employment security and benefits. Living in the Black community is costlier although the quality of what is purchased is inferior. Blacks pay more for basics such as food. Stores

Injustice never dies, except that justice kills it

•Rev. Martin Luther King Jr

BRIAN BROWNE

hike their prices knowing full well that the people in Black communities are poorer than the national average. Home mortgages, transportation costs and insurance policies are dearer to the resident of a traditionally Black community.

In other words, the system is engineered to isolate then impoverished those who have become its victims. The little they have shall be taken from them.

When the multitudes gather on Wednesday to commemorate the March on Washington, they should do so with the somber countenance of people who have too longed supped a bittersweet diet. Since the first March, the nation has changed much but the reality of its racial disparity has changed little. Racism has adapted to the new developments in the political economy and racism has adapted faster than the quest to end racism much as a bacillus mutates faster than the medicine used to kill it.

At the most profound level, 50 years have vanished but not a day has passed.

Every year of advance has been matched by one of regression. The dream of Dr. King has neither been fulfilled nor extinguished. It floats in abeyance. The 1963 event made history; but the dream itself remains both history in the making and in the unmaking.

The March on Washington came for two purposes. The quest for Black American civil rights has been the reason the entire world came to see as the sole rationale for the gathering. However, there was another, perhaps more important impetus: the quest for economic justice.

Too many people of all stripes and colors struggled in poverty in the land of plenty. Although America had achieved a globally unprecedented level of economic activity and material accumulation, many of her citizens languished in all-too-familiar squalor. Economic growth did not beget economic justice.

Left to itself, economic growth promotes inequality and greater injustice.

Dr. King was acutely aware of this principle of economic advantage compounding itself until mutating into an unfairness that stifles a nation by impairing the welfare of its most vulnerable. That is why he shifted focus to dedicate himself to the quest for economic justice once the desired civil rights legis-

lation was had. He recognised civil rights for the poor were an empty gesture if joined by nothing more practical; it is a large plate bearing no food.

To have the right to do something but always lack the means to accomplish is to be effectively deprived of said right.

It is an insult cloaked in the garment of imaginary favor.

Dr. King was dissatisfied with American political economic power as exercised at home and abroad. While he talked in the tone of reform, he was a revolutionary in pursuit of radical goals. He sought to restructure American foreign and domestic policy from its roots. This made him the most dangerous man in America. For his pursuit of economic justice, he was killed. While limiting himself to the confines of civil rights, he was safe although reviled by many. When he came to critique the entire structure of power and its disbursement was when he met the assassin’s bullet. He hoped to cleanse this great edifice of power by moral force.

Those who held guard over the mean edifice met his moral force with a hotfired piece of lead.

Dr. King realised the peril he walked. Not only did he get threats on a quotidian basis, the death of another man he once met served as a warning.

A few years before King’s death, Malcolm X had executed a decisive pivot. Having shorn himself of the idiosyncratic worldview of the Black Muslims (Nation of Islam), Malcolm transformed himself from conservative Black nationalist into progressive humanitarian. This turn quickly cost him his life because it also made him a dangerous man.

As long as he beat the lone drum of racism, the system tolerated him, in fact, it found him entertaining. He was like a one-armed man trying to accomplish a task that could only be done with two.

As soon as he started the simultaneous sounding of racial injustice/harmony and economic justice, the authorities found him less amusing. In what many suspect to have been a joint operation between a clandestine arm of the federal government and the Black Muslim leadership, Malcolm was executed in broad day.

While Martin and Malcolm were executed for embracing an economic progressivism transcending racial politics, Black conservative firebrand Louis Farrakhan has been left to enjoy a prosperous, tidy life. Despite all of his histrionics, he is merely an entertaining beverage when taken in moderation. He is not a helpful tonic much less the cure of our woes. He preaches a brand of economic separatism that allows him to prosper on the backs of an ever impoverishing Black mass. As such, he is as much invested in the racist political economic structure as the Ku Klux Klan leader in South Carolina or the Wall Street banker who believes Black people are poor because they are naturally indolent. Farrakhan shouts at the racists but his shouts do not threaten them for they know he is one of them. He is but their exaggerated image in blackface. Sadly, he is not alone.

A vast majority of the popular Black television preachers play the same role, in subtler cast. Only a weekly basis, they tell millions of poor Blacks that their economic prosperity is but a personal miracle away. They just have to wait for God to touch their shoulder. With this in mind and heart, there is no need to organise as a movement.

The God they preach is a fraction of the God I know. God did not pluck the Hebrews out of captivity one by one.

He freed them by the multitude. God speaks in terms of the individual but also of peoples and nations. Black America has been suppressed for a period rivaling the Hebrew captivity. Instead of the people coming together in greater unity and cohesion to raise their collective voice to God for collective deliverance, too many now merely ask Him to show them the exit of individual escape.

When Wednesday comes, the keynote speaker at the commemorative event will be President Obama. This selection is inevitable as he is the first Black president. Superficially, his electoral ascendance symbolises fulfillment of King’s dream. Superficially! Yet, the reality of his climb is of more ambivalent consequence. The President will utter words that float on air. Yet, the bulk of his policies are leaden weights falling on the necks of already struggling Americans. Symbolically, he is the only reasonable choice to give the address. If we are to weigh the substance of his governance, he should not be invited to the event, let alone speak there.

He should sit in the White House as did all those elitist presidents before him.

The event is organised by the King Center, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), all venerable civil rights organizations. King was the president of the SCLC. That organization is as synonymous with him as is the King Center eponymous with him. The sad part of this is that time has passed by these organisations. Once at the forefront of history, these groups failed to evolve as Dr. King wanted. They now exist on the fumes of their pasts; this makes them barely relevant to the future. Once progressive, these groups are barely reformist and are mostly conservative.

They see Wednesday’s gathering as a public invitation to an open-air museum. Because there is nothing radical or moving in these groups anymore, they do not see the event as a call to radical action or to resurrect a people’s movement in order to fulfill King’s dream.

This is why they leap at identifying President Obama as the keynote speaker yet dare not also invite a speaker who will strongly critique government for the daily wrongs it heaps on the people.

If King were alive, he would have asked the President Obama to participate. However, he also would be possessed of sufficient courage to tell the president that most of his policies bear a disturbing resemblance to those of his predecessor.

A strident critic of the Vietnam War, King would oppose the killer drone campaign America has launched across the Middle East and parts of Africa. 9/

11 would not have turned him into a reflexive warmonger. Himself a victim of government surveillance and dirty tricks, he would abhor the vast machinery government has erected to eavesdrop on all citizens, all the time. He would recognise it for what it is: not as an effective tool against terror but as a long, terrible step toward turning America into national security state where citizens become reticent to criticise their government out of fear of official backlash. Freedom and justice, not suppression, are the best weapons against terrorism.

On the domestic front, he would abhor the massive bailout of Wall Street particularly as it was not matched with proportionate relief to the middle and working classes. He would campaign against presidential attempts to rupture the social safety net by clipping social security and other benefits.

Here we come to decisive fork in the road. Black America was more united prior to the victory of the Civil Rights movement than before it. This is due to the class structure of Black America. The Black elite had basically imbibed the conservative economic ethos of the American political economy. This elite formed the leadership of the Civil Rights movement. Once civil rights were granted, their narrow personal interests were basically satisfied. They had the economic wherewithal to make use of the new rights.

While still alive, Dr. King pushed them to be their better selves and seek the good of the entire community.

As the years passed after his death, his voice faded from memory and this group fell back into their lesser selves.

They left the rest of the Black community to its own impoverished devices.

The elite only raise a hue and cry to stir the community when they fear overt racism might revive itself to the extent that their positions are threatened. However, they basically had stopped working to help the poor and downcast. They had become junior partners of the established order.

I write this article not so much to inform readers about the intricacies of American racism but to expose you to the universality of racism’s reach. The very political and economic forces shaping American society and leading to Black America’s predicament are global in nature. What afflicts Black America also attacks Black Africa in similar fashion. Poverty, ignorance, unemployment abound. Disregard for the lives and quality of life of the Black African is as low as it is for the Black American. Too much of the African elite has made the same fateful, narrow-minded decision as their Black American counterparts. Instead of caring about the rest of the people, elites have jettisoned the masses. Being granted inferior status in the club of the global elite is sufficient for them. In exchange for this lesser membership in the elite, they have become the servitors of the conservative order. They seek not to change the order to benefit their people. They now seek to change their people to benefit the order.

Dr. King wanted to see Black people in positions of leadership. He believed our unique experience with injustice could be used to make the world more just. He did not want to see Black leaders simply mimic the Whites who might have preceded them. Yet, this is what has happened. Sadly, the bulk of Black Americans and Black Africans have been left behind. Sadder still, each depressed community believes the negative myths the white world spreads about the other. You are related by blood and common experiences of repression. Yet you are ignorant of each other and estranged. You are alike yet are suspicious of each other. You despise the very person with whom you have mutual interests in helping each other.

Until Black people begin to realise the immense depth, height and width of the barriers erected against them, we shall forever march in place. This is not Dr. King’s dream nor should it be our reality.

08060340825 (sms only)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

COMMENT and ANALYSIS

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Talakawa Liberation Herald (27)

BY BIODUN JEYIFO

we want school When 4% confronts 1.8%: Do or education? (2) further questions for M the finance minister

By Robert J. Burrowes

I

N this column last week, I stated how startled I was when in March 2012, I read an article in the British newsmagazine, The Economist, in which Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala made an assertion that she would be quite satisfied if by the end of her current term as the nation’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy she would have managed to reduce the scale of corruption, waste and mismanagement of government finances in our country by 4%.

Well, this week, I wish to draw attention to another statistic that was even more abysmal and more depressing than our Finance Minister’s extremely low aspiration of 4% success rate. This is none other than the 1.8% of those who passed the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) conducted by the Nigerian Examination Council (NECO) in November-December 2009.

1.8% passed which means that a whopping 98.2% failed. Failure in this case means passing with credit in less than five subjects including English and Mathematics. As stated concretely in NECO’s official breakdown of this calamitous failure rate, while 234,682 sat for the exam, only 4,223 passed.

After my initial shock and panic upon coming across this terrible failure rate, I deliberately calmed down and began to ask myself some questions: Was there something in the breast milk or infant formulas that a new generation of mothers in our country was feeding their infants that was producing “oridota” children that were alright in every other respect but were congenitally moronic and uneducable? Was this failure rate an aberration or was it a regular occurrence? Are there any other countries in Africa and the world in which such a failure rate has been recorded? Why was there not the slightest expression of outrage and concern by the Federal Minister of Education in particular and every public officeholder in the land?

And what of the generality of Nigerians, especially the parents, guardians and custodians of our children – why were they not up in arms demanding that the government and the whole nation pay attention to, and do something about this scandal?

For the records, let me report that since 2009, I have searched widely on the internet and have not found any other place in the world and in modern history and experience where and when 98.2% failed a public, national school leaving examination. I am still searching and if I find a “better” record than that, I promise to share it with the readers of this column. And I should state here that it did not take long reflection on my part to come to the conclusion that the very unspeakably low figure of 98.2% failure did not indicate that our children are the products of a mutation in breast milk production that was making them moronically uneducable; rather, it was the system that was failing our children and robbing them of their birthright to education. Let me also report that since that lowest of the low in 2009, the passing rate in NECO exams has improved beyond that 1.8%. However, I regret to report that the improvement is really nothing to write home about, as the saying goes. Here are some figures from NECO’s recent published statements on this “improvement”: in English, 4.7% passed in 2010; 10% in 2011; 33% in 2012. In Mathematics, 19% passed in 2010; 44% in 2011; 54.8% in 2012. And overall, the total

•Rufai-Ahmed

passing rate has not gone above 35%.

Need I state that in most countries of the world, including some countries on the African continent, the concern in national educational planning in a very competitive world is not to bring up abysmal failure rates but to improve even more on passing rates that are normatively higher than the range of the 80 percentiles? This means in effect that because we are located at such a very mediocre passing rate, we face the double jeopardy of, first, being ahead of nearly all others in the race to the bottom and, secondly, being so far behind, so distant in the race to the top.

I should of course add that I have been to countries like China and Japan in which I have been moved to great pity for the high levels of psychological damage done to their secondary school pupils in the cutthroat struggle to pass well in their national school leaving exams. For this reason, I am not unmindful of the dangers involved in fetishizing high passing rates in the contemporary world. But to say this is not to ignore for one moment that every child, every girl and boy, deserves quality education in our country, our continent and our world. For education remains not only a means of socioeconomic self-improvement, but it has also become perhaps the most highly prized human social capital in 21st century global capitalism. Moreover, those of us who have been privileged to receive quality education - often at public expense - have an obligation to do everything we can to make others less privileged than ourselves to receive relevant quality education. We can and must do far better than 35% passing rate for the young people graduating from our secondary schools. And we must do this quickly and thoroughly.

This will require many things of which the primary thing is the recognition - the declaration, in fact - of a profound state of crisis in our secondary education system. We must invest more and wisely in the educa-

“Because there is little appreciation for the fact that our universities are burdened, indeed overburdened, with the many effects and ramifications of the profound crisis in our secondary education system, most thinking, literate adults in this country have little or no intimation of the extremely daunting tasks that our universities face in educating the general order or quality of pupils that come to them from our secondary schools”

tion of our children: better trained teachers, with the incentives for them to be dedicated to their profession; better physical infrastructures and learning environments; and a thoroughgoing rethinking of how best to use education to prepare our young people in informed local, national and global citizenship in a multi-ethnic and multicultural society and in the world of the 21 st century.

Moreover, this great crisis in our secondary education system extends deep into our tertiary educational system, so much so that one is inextricable from the other. Unfortunately, this is hardly recognized by the powers that be in our country. This observation leads me to the present stalled negotiations between ASUU and the Federal Government, especially with regard to the very unhelpful intervention of the Finance Minister in the negotiations that was the topic of this column last week.

Here, I must state something that I suspect will come as a surprise to many people reading this, including possibly many members of ASUU itself, and it is this: Because there is little appreciation for the fact that our universities are burdened, indeed overburdened, with the many effects and ramifications of the profound crisis in our secondary education system, most thinking, literate adults in this country have little or no intimation of the extremely daunting tasks that our universities face in educating the general order or quality of pupils that come to them from our secondary schools. For the simple fact is that most universities in the world – and throughout the history of the modern, research-intensive university – are not founded and structured on the presupposition that they would have to do the kind of considerable remediation that must be done with the order of students that come to our universities. Consequently little or no remediation is done in our universities: the intakes are for the most part simply moved along, but with the great majority of our university dons doing the best that they can under the prevailing circumstances. Meanwhile, our universities have fallen considerably in prestige and respect, at home and abroad. Most of our elites send their children abroad to foreign countries for their university education. “Foreign countries” here often includes countries in Africa like Ghana and South Africa!

Continued on page 18

ANY other suppressed feelings are similarly stored. If you had the power, what do you wish had been your childhood now? What do you want for our children?

I wonder, therefore, if we might not usefully take some time to reconceive our concept of education and how it might be delivered in the world that must now rapidly emerge, so that education might play a useful role in shaping that emergence.

So here is my idea. First, I am going to assume that each child has the potential to achieve self-realisation and to define this, simply, as the capacity to reach its full potential.

To do this, it will need to develop a powerfully integrated mind in which mental functions such as sensing, thoughts, feelings, memory and conscience work together seamlessly so that the child can act with initiative, conviction and courage. And, of course, this can only happen in an environment in which the child is nurtured as a whole person.

This child will be able to engage in a deep critique of society and to then courageously participate in the nonviolent struggle to renew human civilisation in accord with our highest ideals however these manifest in each society, given its unique history, ecological foundation and set of cultural relations.

'This is ambitious', you are thinking pessimistically. Of course it is, if you are still trapped in that childhood classroom. But let's get out of it!

Each child is genetically programmed to be highly functional: able to sense an enormous amount from its surroundings, to feel, to think, to use memory and conscience as necessary. And to learn at an incredibly rapid rate; for example, children in many parts of the world learn several languages simultaneously at a very young age (without going to school to do so). But, mostly, we get in the way of children learning, without meaning to do so.

How? Simply by not listening when a child tells us what it needs and wants. Given a choice, I believe that no self-aware child would go to school for more than a day (unless it was doing so to escape a more dysfunctional environment at home).

If we lived in communities, rather than nuclear families, that nurtured each child by listening to it, provided it with opportunities to learn knowledge and skills that enhanced individual and community self-reliance relevant to its future (such as permaculture, participation in group decision-making and conflict resolution processes), and which gave it the chance to learn contextually (whether reading, writing, relevant mathematics, geography, agricultural practices, political economy, toolmaking, healthcare or anything else) as it participated in community activities, then each child would be spared the boredom we suffered and have the opportunity to realise its 'true self'. Moreover, by living in a wider community, our own shortcomings as parents and teachers (including any tendencies to be violent) would be diluted by the immediate presence of other adults/teachers. And we would dilute any shortcomings of theirs.

Do you think your street and neighbourhood could be a community? If you would like to consider one model for this type of future, which takes into account ecological imperatives, you are welcome to consider participating in 'The Flame Tree Project to Save Life on Earth' The tragic reality of human life is that few people value the awesome power of the individual Self with an integrated mind (that is, a mind in which memory, thoughts, feelings, sensing, conscience and other functions work together in an integrated way) because this individual will be decisive in choosing life-enhancing behavioural options (including those at variance with social laws and norms) and will fearlessly resist all efforts to control it or coerce it with violence.

•Burrowes is the author of 'Why Violence?' http://tinyurl.com/whyviolence. His email address is flametree@riseup.net and his website is at http://robertjburrowes.wordpress.com Concluded

14

F

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Comment & Analysis

OR people of all political persuasions, governance courage as manifested in urban renewal plays an undeniably important role in the history and demographics of cities around the world. Urban renewal is intended to reduce sprawl, improve the global economic competitiveness of a city’s centre, improve cultural and social amenity, and improve opportunities for safety and surveillance. Its potential value as a process was noted by those who witnessed the overcrowded conditions of 19th century London, New York, Paris and other major cities of the developed world affected by the industrial revolution.

However, the people in the present day Osun State have not been privileged to enjoy the benefits of governance courage manifested in urban renewal after the great promises the cities in the area had showed in the golden era of Awoism in the old Western region was truncated. No thanks to the dark days of military authoritarianism.

In the dawn of this current democratic dispensation in May 1999, the people of Osun State like the other sister states in the old Western Region certain of their destination rallied support for a progressive party, the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to chart a roadmap for their development. Between 1999 and 2003, the political investment of the people was beginning to pay off. But, the progress made was shortened in 2003 by the then Aso Rock garrison commander and his co-travelers on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). The PDP deceived electorates in the pretence of being Awoists and in addition manipulated the machinery of Federal Government during the infamous 2003 elections to bungle themselves into the Osun State Government House. As political investors whose preoccupation to make government part of their private estate, the inglorious reign of the PDP between 2003 and 2010 stalled the development strides that had started in the wake of the Fourth Republic. Expectedly, during the PDP’s reign, as a party noted for its deliberate imperviousness and insensitivity to complaints of the citizens, the state and its people utterly suffered neglected.

In my own part of the world, there is the aphorism that, “the lives and destiny of the deprived people cannot be sacrificed on the altar of personal greed without some redeemers emerging one day”. This aphorism was confirmed again in 2010, when Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola after almost three years of legal fireworks defeated the PDP government. With

The courage of governance in Osun

By Alaba Osumah

Aregbesola’s retrieval of the people’s stolen mandate from the impostors and glorified body of PDP rulers, the people’s hope for a reincarnation of the golden era of Awoism was again rekindled.

Since 2010, Aregbesola as the governor of Osun State has redefined the role of government as a promoter and facilitator of interventions and initiatives to raise the standard of living of the average people of the state. The governor has recorded remarkable successes in the construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of moribund infrastructure in all sectors. Also, the Aregbsola administration has taken giant strides toward banishing unemployment, poverty, and hunger with various programmes such as O’ Reap, OYESTECH and Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES). In fact, the youth development programme, OYES, has been adjudged as the most effective by the National Bureau of Statistics. The same Bureau has held that Osun state has the lowest rate of unemployment in the country. In addition, Aregbsola administration has recorded groundbreaking strides in dredging erosion-prone areas in state.

With a view to improved sustained security and peaceful atmosphere in the State of Osun especially at the urban centres, the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, inaugurated a quick response security apparatus called Swift Action Squad (SAS). Furthermore, the Governor has been committed to upgrading tourist sites such as the Osun Oshogbo Groove to make them conducive for devotees, artistes, well-wishers, dignitaries and other visitors.

At a glance, the giant strides in all sectors throughout all the 30 Local Government Areas in the state speak volumes of the Aregbsola administration’s untainted commitment to fasttracking the development of the state. Indeed, courtesy Governor Aregbsola, the hitherto quiet, lowly and subordinate rustic ancient cities in Osun state are rapidly and steadily being transformed into modern metropolitan grandeurs.

The PDP, as a party deeply entrenched and rooted in the pockets of some individuals, rather than applaud the uncommon transformation of the Aregbsola administration is nakedly bent at assisting to extinguish the light in the political tunnel. The stone-age PDP has cried wolf over

the expansive governance style of the Aregbsola administration. Just recently the members of Osun PDP resisted attempt by the state government to demolish their state secretariats for urban renewal purpose. They vowed to make the state ungovernable if the demolition took place.

Quite expectedly and certainly disturbed with its waning popularity and relevance as the 2014 governorship election fast approaches, the members of the PDP brandishing assorted weapons and chanting anti-government songs interpreted the planned demolition in bad taste. Reportedly, a member of the PDP who pleaded anonymity declared; “when they saw our weapons and our battle readiness to combat them, all their policemen and OYES cadets ran away”. Also, another member of the PDP in the state reportedly said “we are not ready to allow them demolish our secretariat. The ACN is afraid of our popularity and location of our secretariat.

We will defend our secretariat with our blood.”

But, these paranoid and perhaps myopic PDP thugs little realized that Aregbsola administration had sacrificed large part of the governor’s campaign secretariat situated along the Gbongan-Osogbo road quite little distance from the PDP secretariat for the purpose of the ongoing urban renewal.

Notably, urban renewal has been seen by proponents as an economic engine and a reform mechanism, while critics perceive as a mechanism for control. Also, it has been assessed by politicians, urban planners, civic leaders, and residents as pivotal to economic growth and development. Elsewhere in particularly in other ACN-controlled states like Lagos and Edo where urban renewal is ongoing, the phenomenon has been acknowledged as expansive style of governance, which involves the relocation of businesses, the demolition of structures, the relocation of people, and the use of eminent (government purchase of property for public purpose) as a legal instrument to take private property for city-initiated development projects. In particular, the great Oba of Benin in appreciation of the ongoing urban renewal in Benin City, the Edo State capital, reportedly indicated readiness to sacrifice any part of his palace that may constitute encumbrance to the expansion of Airport road in the city centre.

Let there be no mistake here, the good peo-

ple from every corner of Osun state except for the PDP thugs overwhelmingly keyed into the ongoing urban renewal in the state by doing everything to maintain peace, shunning provocation of the enemies of peace and giving them no chance to disturb the prevailing tranquility in the state.

Curiously, why is the PDP thugs political grandstanding and constituting themselves as enemies of peace and progress by insisting on plunging the state into anarchy, when from every corner of the state the other people have demonstrated their goodwill, faith, support and cooperation for the ongoing urban renewal?

Clearly, the evil plans of the PDP thugs to spill blood in order to frustrate and stall the forward march in the resumed forward march of building Osun into a land of hope and plenty is a testimony to the party’s naked vanity and consuming ambition borne out of anger to reclaim the state and continue to rip off the people’s common patrimony This kind of animosity, anachronistic revolt and atavistic overtone of the PDP thugs is clearly a character of a pool of imbeciles whose platform is waning in popularity and seeking relevance at all cost. Thank God that unlike during the 2003 general election, the people can never again allowed themselves to be politically deceived by these enemies of development, peace and progress. Now, the people more than ever have become increasingly aware of the danger of hobnobbing and pitching tent with these scallywag and retrogressive elements.

Yes, the people from the nooks and crannies of Osun State today who are celebrating the victory of the forces of light over the forces of darkness have more than ever strongly resolved to stay with the forces of light as symbolized by the Aregbesola led Action Congress of Nigeria (ANC) government. The people are thirsty and hungry for development, and are also strongly concerned with their future and that of their children. They are strongly not willing to allow any obstacle, human or otherwise, to stand in their progressive ride to true greatness championed by Aregbsolsa administration. Only the PDP thugs should be allowed to wallow in their evil plans. Enough is indeed enough!

Alaba is a social commentator.

Comment & Analysis

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

15

A Dame’s jamboree A

President Jonathan’s wife grounds Abuja with a needless peace rally

UGUST 22, 2013, is certainly not a day the residents of Abuja will forget in a hurry. Indeed, those who live and work in the city will pray never again to witness such a day in their life time. Most residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had naturally woken up with plans to go about their legitimate businesses like they would on any normal day. Unfortunately, stern-looking security agents as early as 7a.m. had barricaded all routes leading to the Eagle Square at the centre of the city.

Traffic was diverted to other routes that had also become congested due to the development. Yes, the residents of Abuja had been served notice that some routes would be closed for about six hours on the day for the event, a sensitive and compassionate government would have carefully planned alternative transport routes for motorists and other commuters such that the city would not be grounded as it was on the day.

Thus, even as the First Lady, the chairman of the occasion, Vice-President Namadi Sambo, and other dignitaries relished the whole purposeless jamboree, Abuja was effectively shut down for the entire day.

Workers were cut off from the Federal Secretariat on Shehu Shagari Way and Ibrahim Babangida Avenue, with many of them forced to trek to the office. Commercial and government drivers could not drop their passengers at designated bus stops around the secretariat, thereby increasing the frustrations of hundreds of such affected people. If the organisers of this event considered it so crucial to the peace and progress of Nigeria, could they at least not have held it on a Saturday to minimise the agonies to which thousands of workers and commuters were exposed?

H

AD he lived, Soniran Oluwole Sowemimo would have been 71.

But the way of man is not the way of God.72 hours before he turned that curve of his life, the end came most unexpectedly. It seems only yesterday when he rolled out the drums to celebrate his 70th birthday, many of us totally unaware that he was warning us his time was nigh.

How I wish we had known then.

SOS, as he was fondly called by his professional colleagues and friends, was a jolly good fellow in the true sense of the word. And I should know. His path and mine first crossed 37 years ago, that was in 1976, in Lagos when I transferred my service to the then Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) from the defunct WNTV/WNBS. He had just returned from the United States of America (USA) and was a Senior Sub-editor at the NBC Headquarters in Lagos. It was just a matter of time before we struck a strong bond. He was a gentleman.

Quick to make friends; full of wits. With SOS you could never be bored, be it in the Newsroom or outside of it.

However, I was posted back to Ibadan later that year.

Even before I could settle down in Ibadan, SOS himself

Of course, we appreciate the imperative of peace as a necessary condition for development. However, we consider it ironical that in organising such a massive rally for peace, the organisers could not see that they disrupted the peace and serenity of Abuja and its residents as well as even visitors to the city that day.

Unfortunately, this is becoming a habitual pattern with the First Lady anytime her rather rancorous peace train berths in any part of the country. Once when she visited Lagos for a rally at the Tafawa Balewa Square, for instance, the entire city was virtually locked up for the whole day. Only recently, she was in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for close to a week to attend some social functions and the duration of her stay was a period of ceaseless agony for residents of the state who had to bear the traffic inconveniences associated with her movement.

For an office that is purely ceremonial and has no constitutional recognition whatsoever, the kind of heavy security presence that attends Dame Patience Jonathan’s public outings is most unusual, excessive and tending towards the vulgar. It is almost as if she is an alternate President of the country. Not even under the worst periods of military rule did the country’s

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 Adekunle Ade-Adeleye

First Ladies exhibit this kind of obsessive show of the trappings of power.

We appreciate the premium which Mrs Jonathan places on peace. That is probably why she is the President of the African First Ladies Peace Mission. However, we find it difficult to understand how the kind of jamboree organised in Abuja can promote the cause of peace in any meaningful way. In the first place, what was the rationale in transporting about 30,000 women from all over the country to Abuja, thereby exposing them to danger on our horrendous roads? Again, couldn’t the funds squandered on the Abuja jamboree be put to better use to promote the wellbeing of the women and thus the cause of peace?

It is also curious that the women who participated in the rally wore special native attire with the portrait of President Jonathan emblazoned on them. Was it then a rally for peace or a political rally in pursuance of the President’s partisan interests? Another disturbing feature of the rally was the presence of women in military and paramilitary outfits who gave goodwill messages to the President’s wife. If we also take into consideration the military helicopters hovering in formation above the venue of the event, does this not amount to a creeping politicisation of the military?

Both Vice President Sambo and Dame Patience were lavish in their gratitude to President Jonathan for appointing women to key positions in his administration. We do not believe that the President has done women any favour in this respect. The unfortunate impression must not be created that women appointed to public office are qualified by their gender rather than being qualified on merit to hold such positions.

Soji Boluwaji Managing Director.

Baarohin of Ibadanland.

His ability to break the barrier of prejudices knew no bounds. Little surprise that in the highly unpredictable political environment in our country, he kept friends across the political divide. He was very much at home with former Ogun State governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba as he was with the immediate past governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, both of whom spoke highly of him as a man of integrity.

Even after his retirement, he never gave up lending his assistance to the state such that he was, at different times, Chairman of the Gateway Radio and Chairman, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.

Even until his death, he kept learning and imparting knowledge as his rich library and books authored by him can bear testimony.

My condolences to his wife, children, numerous colleagues, friends and admirers.

SOS, ara Oba, Omo Porowa, Omo tagbata, Omo olekole, May the good Lord rest your soul.

From our own independent finding, Jill Okeke’s brother does not live in the estate. We stand by our story.

By Bode Oyewole, Veteran journalist and media consultant, Ibadan.

LETTERS

Soniran Sowemimo, a tribute

was transferred to Ibadan and our relationship could only get stronger. Following the re-organisation of broadcasting in Nigeria by the then military government, Chief Sowemimo opted to transfer his service to the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC), Abeokuta. And that served a double purpose: as a thorough Egbaman he was back home to live among his own people and help in the development of the community. He was also now well positioned to make his little contribution to the then

young state.

On both fronts he did not disappoint. Appreciation of his worth in his profession of journalism and of his contribution to the Egba Community and Ogun State came in rapid succession. His colleagues elected him Chairman of the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in 1979 serving until 1981. Incidentally, this was also the period I served as Chairman of the old Oyo State Council of the NUJ. He rose to become the Director of News and Current Affairs in

OGBC until 1982 when the first civilian governor of the state, the late Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, himself a distinguished journalist of all time, appointed him his Chief Press Secretary. It was a case of the deep calling to the deep as the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo would say.

By the end of 1983, the military once more took over power in the country. But, the man who succeeded Chief Onabanjo as governor, the then Colonel Donaldson Oladipo Diya, could not re-

sist retaining SOS as CPS, as did others that came after him –Col. Oladayo Popoola, Col Raji Rasaki, etc. That was the situation until he was made a Commissioner, serving at different times in the Ministries of Social Development, Youth and Sports; and Information and Culture.

The Egba Traditional Council had also taken note of Chief Sowemimo’s contribution to the community and aptly honoured him with a chieftaincy title. Ibadan, the town of his wife also honoured him with the title of

REFER to the article on Good Homes Estates Limited published in your popular newspaper on Sunday, 4th of August, 2013 by one Mrs Jill Okeke. The writer asked the question, “Good or Bad Home Estate?” The answer is “Good Homes has good estates.”

The writer is the brother of a well known resident of our Estate in Isheri Olofin area of Lagos State, Mr Simon Ejike Okeke, who has been in the estate since 2001.

Simon bought a 3-Bedroom detached house (12 years ago) and has a balance of N25,775.00 to pay. There are 270 houses in the estate and Good Homes Estates Limited is on good terms with the residents and their associations.

It is blatant falsehood for Jill Okeke to say that Good Homes Estates limited did not “deliver on its promises or abide by the details of

agreements reached with the residents of our estate”.

It is totally untrue to say that Good Homes Estates does not respect court orders or decisions of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

The Good Homes Estates Limited attaches the greatest importance to the welfare and comfort of the residents of its estates. Problems arise from time to time as in any community but it is the

policy of our company to solve them amicably for the benefit of all concerned.

Yours sincerely, For: Good Homes Estates Limited.

I

The Good Homes Estate

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

16

Comment & Analysis

Ropo Sekoni ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

T

HERE is no doubt that America's prediction that Nigeria is likely to get ruptured from inside by 2015 is already making Nigerian patriots tremble. From pronouncements in the print media in the last few weeks, it is clear that it is not only media pundits that are worried about the dwindling capacity of the country to survive all the problems militating against it by and beyond 2015. In particular, former military leaders who should know the importance of intelligence reports appear worried to the point that they have to assure ordinary Nigerians that they are not worried by America's prediction that the country that they had lived to keep together in the last forty-seven years on their own terms may assume a character that is radically different from the unity-at-all-costs mentality and unity-is-the-only-issue mantra that Nigerians have been fed on since the Nigeria-Biafra War. General Obasanjo in his own case has affirmed that Nigeria is not going to break regardless of how American sign readers of other nations feel, adding that the threat to the country's peace and progress has been occasioned by the lack of discipline of the political class that succeeded his own generation. One of Obasanjo's military successors, General Ibrahim Babangida, has also assured Nigerians that there is noth-

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

O

NE major difference Nigerians would soon come to see between the All Progressives Congress and the ossifying Peoples Democratic Party is the amount of intellectual rigour the APC will put into the formulation of its policies, programmes and governance, as against the sheer vacuity we have come to know with the PDP in the past 14 years; a situation so reminiscent of the NPN when Awo observed then that while he was busy working at solutions to the country's problems those in that party were carousing around women of easy virtue. So languid has PDP become that, under Chairman Tukur, its National Executive Committee hardly meets , as and when due, but yet, as if in a payback for a Second Republic favour done him, he went all the way to exhume the octogenarian Umaru Dikko to head the party's disciplinary committee. It doesn't get more surreal. Nor can you ever hear of a think tank in connection with the PDP. Rather, what it has in quantum is a rash of reconciliation committees: first, the Tukur Reconciliation Committee; then the Anenih and, now the Seriake Dickson Committee which was launched a while ago with the usual PDP bravura, mirroring uncannily, the presidential flag off of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway project on which nothing else, other than a crippling traffic snafu that takes you four hours to reach Lagos from the Redeemed church camp, has happened since. Nor will the Dickson Committee be the last as jockeying for the presidential and gubernatorial tickets in the party is about to commence in full. We should therefore expect to still see the mother of all Reconcilia-

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Nigeria's unity: praying plus planning What is absent in General Gowon's much needed homily is the need to plan, in addition to praying ing to worry about regarding any prediction from the planet about the fragility of Nigeria by or beyond 2015. Most recently, the country's second military dictator, General Yakubu Gowon, added his voice to the rhetoric of or verbiage of peace in the face of threats to peace that have engulfed the country for a few years.

If there is any military dictator whose voice is likely to be palatable to Nigerians, General Gowon must be one of such leaders. He was the military leader who supervised the war to keep Nigeria one between 1967 and 1970. He was a military leader who tried to restructure the country without puncturing or rupturing its cultural diversity. He created the foundation for the six geopolitical zones that many of the leaders who came after him have been afraid to accept as a possible model for managing the country's diversity. Dividing Nigeria into twelve states in Gowon's time brought about the seed of what Nigerians clamouring for true federalism today refer to as Southwest, Southsouth, Southeast, Northcentral, Northeast and Northwest regions or zones. Though he did not fire a shot himself, General Gowon spent his most productive years as a soldier dealing with threats to Nigeria's territorial unity.

Nobody should then be surprised that it is General Gowon's as-

surance about the need for Nigeria to turn all negative predictions about its future as one united country into ashes that appears most passionate and religious about Nigeria's unity in the face of threatening adversity: "Every Nigerian should stand against the claims. If every one of us believes that it will not happen, then it will not. I believe God will not allow such to happen. Nigeria Prays (Gowon's NGO of intervention in the country's problems for the past few years) is really praying against such; that's the reason this group came into existence." General Gowon added with conviction: "Nigerians at home and abroad are very concerned about the crisis that is rocking this nation.

We believe that only prayers can solve it. If you love Nigeria the way I love Nigeria, and if I love Nigeria the way you do and we have faith, then we shall overcome."

What is absent in General Gowon's much needed homily is the need to plan, in addition to praying.

Praying is not as important as finding methods to make Nigeria achieve its goal of unity, peace, and progress. We need to revive some measure of humanism that was applied to the threat to Nigeria's unity after he became the country's military head of state. At that time, the country's citizens were enjoined by his administration to pray to God to keep Nigeria one while those in the

position of leadership under Gowon went on the drawing board to work out plans to make the job easier for God to do. We bought arms from other countries, sent emissaries to other countries to appeal to them to assist Nigeria, sent soldiers to fight in what was Biafra, and also created 12 states out of the four regions in existence at that time, to give a region to the Igbos while also giving a cultural space to the so-called minorities in the old Eastern Region, today's South-south, the region or zone that produced the current president.

To just ask Nigerians to leave everything in God's hands in a country that is overtly divided by Boko Haram and zoning of the presidency to the North and the South-south is to move away from the injunction of giving unto God what is God's and unto Caesar what is Caesar's. All the threats to the existence of Nigeria today are attributable to human action or choice of action or inaction, rather than to temptation by God. Militants in the Niger Delta asking for more money or inducing amnesty are not doing this on God's account.

Similarly, Boko Haram enthusiasts calling for Sharianisation of a multi-religious state-nation are not doing this on Allah's behalf. Even those who say that the turn of minorities from the South-south to rule in 2015 or of the section which Prof.

Ango Abdullahi called the country's majority from the North must not be blocked are not acting because God wants anything of such. Even incurable federalists calling for regional autonomy or devolution of power to states or the regions are not necessarily working for God. All of these groupings are working for their own interests in a country with competing or conflicting interests. There is a sense in calling on God to touch the souls of each member of the various groups and equip each of them with the spirit of compromise, a pre-requisite for peace and development in a multinational society and a democratic polity.

The challenge of the moment is for former military dictators, most of whom designed the Nigeria of our time, and the civilians that are jostling to rule or control the status-quo to also listen to citizens and hear them well on workable templates to peace and progress in a country blessed with diverse cultures and values. This is the time for Nigeria's leaders-military and civilian-- to recognise human capacity to affect the human condition without necessarily forsaking the importance of God's ultimate power to bless the choice made by human beings. This is a good lesson of the enlightenment that must not be forgotten by any nation seeking peace and progress in the era of modernity.

APC Vs PDP

The common saying that wars are won in the map room cuts no ice with the PDP tion Committees. The common saying that wars are won in the map room cuts no ice with the PDP. Otherwise, why would they mess up a whole former President, yank off members of his group even from elective positions only to come back, running helter skelter, seeking rapprochement and asking him to reconcile their warring governors?

On the contrary, APC leaders, in these few weeks, but much longer in states where they are in charge of governments, have showcased their awareness that governance is no tea party nor is it about 'family dinners'.

The grim faces of the party's leading lights -Akande, Buhari, Masari and others, as appeared on the front pages of many newspapers on Thursday, 22 August, 2013, at the launch of its manifesto, says it all. The entire week before that, party leaders and the party's intellectual wing have been holed up in Abuja, working at the details of how to take Nigeria out of what the party calls Nigeria's ' paralysis of 14 years'. Through some hard-headed interrogation, the party was able to flesh up its 8-point Agenda of: (1) War against corruption (2) Food security (3) Accelerated power supply (4) Integrated transport network (5) Free education (6) Devolution of power (7) Accelerated economic growth and, (8) Affordable health care,into what has been publicly announced to Nigerians as its Manifesto.

Nigerians are well aware of the score card of the PDP on each of the issues contained in that Agenda.

Therefore, none needs be reminded about how the EFCC has all along been shackled in the performance of its duties under the supervision of an Attorney-General who must give prior approval to any case it intends to bring against those it has investigated and who, in most cases, have links to the ruling party. We have also seen how anti-corruption agencies, especially the EFCC, have again re-

gressed into tools against the political opposition as is currently the case with the EFCC in Rivers State where like attack dogs, it is going ferociously after state officials in the wake of Wike's promise to make life unbearable for the state governor. Corruption, under the PDP, has manifested in every aspect of our national life: in pension scams which ensure that some of our senior citizens die on queues waiting for their pension payments, in oil and gas, the mainstay of the nation's economy where massive scams and oil thefts are the order of the day in spite of huge oil security contracts to sons of the soil; in the federation account being deliberately, massively shortchanged, in a single minister allegedly running up multi billion naira air travel bill, with no higher official of state able to rein her in; in diminishing power generation and distribution in spite of lies of hoping to become one of the world's topmost 20 economies in year 2020; in increasing poverty and an unemployment rate that has certainty become a time bomb since majority of the victims, being university graduates, actually need no further lessons in how to make Molotov cocktails to make life more horrible for all of us.

Indeed, the PDP is too consumed with its own internal headache to think of solutions to these multifarious problems facing the country.

Granted that it belatedly declared emergency in some states where Boko Haram had already established over lordship in certain areas and flew its flag, it was no doubt the equivalent of bolting the door too late. Such is the state of our insecurity today that poor Oyo State traders have twice been slaughtered in the north. You will not but wonder what constitutes the PDP's manifesto which, of course, must have been written on the most expensive paper and published in glossy fashion since 'it is the largest

party in Africa'. You would almost think size is the issue, the way they bandy that about.

Operating from the background that Nigeria is already "trapped in a vicious cycle of political crises, social upheavals and economic under-development, and has, in fact, become, not only one of the most unstable countries in the world, but regrettably, one of the poorest despite its huge human and material resource endowments, the APC, after some serious brainstorming, has come up with a party manifesto. In the words of the Interim National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, the following are the issues the APC would eagerly devote its all to as a way of getting Nigeria out of its 'near permanent trauma': It shall vigorously pursue the expansion of electricity generation and distribution of up to 40,000 megawatts in 4-8 years as power is the centre-point of the development process which, if inefficient, impacts negatively on any economy. Concerning corruption, the party says it will fight it by granting independence to the anti corruption agencies and repeal all laws inhibiting their performance.

It promises to embark on public sensitisation campaigns against corruption and to encourage whistle blowers in the anti-graft vanguard.

Special anti-corruption courts will be established and remove immunity from prosecution for elected officers in criminal cases just as it will prevent abuse of executive, legislative and public offices through greater accountability, transparency and strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws.

On the much needed restructuring of the country, an APC Federal Government will initiate action to amend the constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and responsibilities to states and local governments in order to entrench true Federalism and the Federal Spirit.

Regarding national security and defence, the party says it will decentralise the police and expand its local content to include community policing.

It promises to urgently address capacity building of law enforcement agents in terms of quantity and quality and to establish a well-trained, adequately funded and fully equipped, serious crime squad, to combat terrorism, kidnapping, armed robbery, militancy, ethno-religious and communal clashes nationwide. It will also push for more support in the security and economic stability of the sub-region (ECOWAS) and AU as a whole and maintain a strong, close and frank relationship with the international community. It will also secure our borders, which are currently too porous for effective control. For this purpose, it will establish a National Coast Guard to protect Nigeria's coastal waters."

On the economy, it promises to ensure that the Nigerian economy is one of the fastest growing emerging economies in the world. It will embark on vocational training, entrepreneurial, and skills acquisition schemes for graduates along with the creation of small Business Loan Guarantee Scheme to create at least 1million new jobs every year, for the foreseeable future.

It will create additional middleclass of at least 1 million new home owners in its first year in government and one million annually thereafter, by enacting a national mortgage system that will lend at single digit interest rates for purchase of owner occupier houses."

The above, and much more, is what the APC has in store for Nigerians and I urge all Nigerians, including those currently trapped in the clueless party, to come over into the APC and take possession. It is ours and we must rise up and make it a mass movement because it means well for all.

Comment & Analysis

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Tunji

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

W

E see all kinds of machetes when an elephant dies. In same vein, we hear all kinds of suggestions when a blessed nation is troubled the way ours is.

Just last week on this page, I commented on former President Olusegun Obasanjo who mounted the pulpit in Ibadan, Oyo State, to sermonise on leadership. Expectedly, he did not do a good job of the sermon as many people could not connect the message with the messenger.

About a week later, another former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon, spoke on the same subject in the same city, Ibadan. It couldn't have been fortuitous that Ibadan is the place where all these is happening because that was the city from where the Late Chief Obafemi Awolowo set a good leadership template, with his many firsts that remain reference points till today.

Gowon spoke during an official visit to Gethsemane Prayer Ministries Cathedral, Eleyele, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, presided over by the National Coordinator, Nigeria Prays, Rev. Moses Aransiola. Nigeria Prays is a non-denominational religious group formed by Gowon in the 1990s.

Of course other eminent Nigerians have spoken on the country's leadership deficit and recommended prayer as panacea.

Even President Jonathan did! But the fact that two of the country's former heads of state found it topical to speak on, within a week interval, is enough evidence that things are not the way they should be. This may not be sweet music in the ears of many members of the ruling party,

Postscript, Unlimited!

By

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

I

DON'T know about you, but I have lately formed this habit of talking to myself. So, one day, I stopped to actually listen to the contents of my monologues. That was how I knew I said things like 'what do ghosts look like; where do snakes come from in the evolutionary tree; why does earth and heaven seem to be merged in my bowl of ice cream; why do we have law makers in Nigeria...' No, I have not got answers to them all, cause till now, I still do not know what ghosts look like (consider your offer politely turned down; thanks all the same for offering to show me). Also, I can never understand snakes and their place on the tree. But law makers are a different kettle of fish altogether. The more I monologize on the subject matter, the more I conclude that they must have come down from the moon; this is why they do not seem to understand their own place here either. Aliens, get?

Isn't this country one lovely land of paradoxes? Here we are, with prisons filled with the piously innocent while those who should really be in them are not only free but are ruling us, embezzling going on in the face of the law, people driving along our roads without any regard for any written codes of the road. There is a code? I don't believe you. Just this morning, I

17

Nigerians as praying mantis Gen Gowon wants us to pray over our leadership deficit. the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But can prayer alone do the magic? pastors. In these circumstances, even The way some of them talk, they give the impression that the Goodluck Jonathan presidency is about one of the best things ever in this country in recent times. That much could be seen also in the way they romanticise the administration. They are entitled to their opinion, just as the rest of us who still keep wondering whether this is the best we can get from our government are perfectly in order to so do.

Although Chief Obasanjo and General Gowon are both former heads of state, it should be noted that they are not in the same category.

The dirtiest leader in Gowon's days was by far cleaner than the saints in the Obasanjo years. Perhaps we might have been able to put them in the same category if Chief Obasanjo had not returned as civilian president in 1999; that, return was perhaps his undoing as it gave us a better insight into who the man, Olusegun Matthew Okikiolakan Aremu Obasanjo, is.

But I am more concerned about what Gowon said in Ibadan. He recommended prayers as the way out of the country's challenges. Hear him: "We had a series of crises in the past and if Nigerians can pray well, sooner or later this country will be free from its challenges. God has heard our cries and will surely answer…" As a Christian, I believe in the efficacy of prayers. I am also familiar with the song: 'Jesus started

with prayer and ended with prayer' and what have you. But it is not in all circumstances that prayer alone is the answer. Sometimes, we need to take steps to support the prayer. The average Christian knows that faith without work is useless. By extension, prayer without action could sometimes amount to naught.

An adage in Yoruba land says if only one knows his or her day of breakthrough, the person will simply go to bed and wake up on the appointed date. I beg to say, and with due respect to our elders, that the person would have passed out before that day if all he or she does is sleep, eat and wake in anticipation of the El Dorado. It is better for the person to be doing something to keep body and soul together, pending that appointed day. I know General Gowon loves prayers; his pet project reveals that much. I do too. As a matter of fact, the day a Christian relegates prayer to the background, that Christian should start a search for another god. If only for this reason, I will refuse to be tempted to say that Nigeria's problems transcend prayer. Nothing does.

But what I support is prayer with action. Hence my support for a colleague who suggested in one of his write-ups on Boko Haram that Christians should carry the Bible on one hand and the bazooka on the

“But we have to do more than pray. We have to fast, do vigil and all that. In addition, we have to protest where we must; sit in when we must. The only thing I won't suggest is that we go on hunger strike because that would be prayer answered for those who in the first place see us as irritants and pollutants whose existence is disturbing their peace.”

other. That wouldn't be a bad idea to counterbalance the terror of the religious fundamentalists. If they know that they are likely to be repelled force for force by worshippers, they will think twice before going into worship houses to slaughter people who are there to offer supplications (prayers) to God. Gen. Gowon's recommendation could work in places where the leaders are humane and considerate; where their Christian conscience will never fail them and where even if they must steal, they do so with human face. Not in a country like ours where leadership positions have become avenues to get rich quick and many leaders have simply lost their soul and would do anything to get their positions and retain them; anything, not giving any thought about the consequence of their actions to their fellow Nigerians. As a friend has always said, prayers will do, maybe in more civilised countries where they have only powers to contend with. But here, what we are contending with are not just powers but powers raised to power and principalities.

Ours is a country where prayers have been prostituted and bastardised, hence you find people who rig elections in broad daylight go for thanksgiving in the church with supposed men of God extolling the ‘virtues’ of such bandits, and, to crown it all, praying for them. Our churches are filled with such pollutions that will make it easier for the camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for the prayer to climb beyond a few metres before returning to sender. Mind you, this is not the Prince of Persia at work; it is the handiwork of some of our

if we all become praying mantis, we still have to help our prayer with some definitive actions.

For instance, could prayer alone have stopped the Jonathan government from removing the socalled fuel subsidy last year? This was despite the fact that those who wanted to force the 'subsidy' withdrawal down our throats knew too well that what they were about doing was ask Nigerians to subsidise some people's pockets.

Obviously, from Gowon's statements, he too is aware that there are some of our so-called leaders who must give way for things to take shape. "God will uproot all the leaders who have evil intentions against this country", he said. I join in saying 'Amen' to that. But we have to do more than pray. We have to fast, do vigil and all that. In addition, we have to protest where we must; sit in when we must. The only thing I won't suggest is that we go on hunger strike because that would be prayer answered for those who in the first place see us as irritants and pollutants whose existence is disturbing their peace.

Above all, I want to see General Gowon talk like a general. As an elder, he should eat kola nut 'gbwa gbwa'. He should not shield bad leaders the way he did in Ibadan. If he is bold enough to admit that they exist, and if he is bold enough to ask God to "uproot" them, then, he should be bold enough to mention their names. What I wouldn't want him do is do that frivolously. The intervention of people like him at critical junctures in our nation could make a whole world of difference.

For sure, it was not prayer alone that built all the fantastic infrastructure that the Gowon regime bequeathed to us. Rather, prayer and hard work did.

Why do we need law makers when we do not even have law keepers?

Nigerians are genetically growing greedy at an alarming rate by the year such that no saw that a woman had parked her car amount is too large for their illegal appetites eyes. Worse, to think that sixty per with the windows all rolled up while she went into a building not too far from the road, and a child was standing up in the front seat waving to all passers-by. Report to what police?

Don't traffic policemen regularly pass on unaccompanied learners in traffic, drivers with unstrapped children in their passenger seat, government vehicles' drivers who drive against traffic, policemen who stand by and watch people being lynched, etc? Well, don't they? So law keepers, we do not have.

Why then do we need law makers?

Abuja, we have a problem. What exactly are our law makers doing to earn the pay they are reputed to earn?

God forbid that this should be true, but I heard that the Senate leader, David Mark, earns more than a hundred million Naira a month. When I heard it, I did the most natural thing. I rejected it immediately (IJN) and snapped my fingers over my head, like, as in, you know, God forbid! How can I be here, in dire need of just one miserable million Naira and someone is earning a hundred million of it at the end of every month? Whatever for, I ask you?

I tell you, this land is full of paradoxes, and if we are not careful, those blasted things will swallow us all up, paradoxes, I mean. Just think about this. Have you noticed that the religiousness level of the citizens of this country is in direct proportion to our wickedness? Indeed, it has got so when someone tells you he/she is a faithful, you are best advised to run. Nasty, blasted things they sure are, aren't

they? Listen, let me give you the greatest of them paradoxes. Have you noticed that it is the so called poor beggars supporting the wealthy able-bodied? Let me explain.

Lately, I have seen beggars from the northern part of this country working in serious, perhaps unregistered corporations of two in my city: a disabled person who is pushed around on a wheelchair by a strong, able-bodied person. Talk of 'Beggars: Incorporated', eh? Anyway, the arrangement seems to be that the disabled does the begging while the able one pushes the wheelchair and occasionally also lends a hand in the begging. At the close of the working day, the proceeds are shared on a previously agreed basis.

Normally, these corporations also experience the same problems that all corporations are prone to: misunderstandings, fights, greed, sacking, dissolving, bankruptcy, etc. However, this strange arrangement hones home two points.

The first is that this nation has an army of youths that it does not seem inclined to consider worthy of any consolidated developmental programme, but we have said that before. The second is that the weak can support the strong. In our 'Beggars: Incorporated' arrangement, the disabled, no matter how young, is the source of livelihood for the able one, no matter how old. So, on a wheelchair, a disabled feeds an able one who is strong of limbs and presumably, head. The argument thus holds that if

a disabled person can be the source of livelihood for an able-bodied person, a poverty-laden person can the pillar of the livelihood of a wealthy one.

Yep, I am thinking of our law makers and their jumbo pay.

According to reports, each of Nigeria's law makers earns $189, 500 (roughly N30 m) in a month for a job they hardly stay at. Furthermore, we are told that the earnings of these law makers amount to a quarter of the nation's annual budget. Honestly, if I was not so envious, I would be downright appalled. No wonder people climb over the earth, fall into the black hole, get roughened up in space, kill and maim irreverently just to get to that position. Now, who on earth fixed that kind of pay - tooth fairies? And these are quite apart from other sundry expenses such as travel, contracts, contracts, travel, con... which they seem to pursue endlessly. Now, my question is this: how many laws have cost us these whopping sums since 1999 when this experiment started, and how much per law? What law is worth that colossal sum? Quick, somebody, bring out the calculator and the weighing machine. We need both.

That the law makers alone have cost this country trillions of Naira is a gross understatement, and for what?

To think that their costly highnesses have not got around to legislate a credible system of transportation, potable water, twenty-four-hour electricity supply, etc., for my house is shameful. It makes me want to cover my

cent of the so-called 'people' they are representing have no knowledge of what exactly the law makers are doing is also bewildering.

Clearly, this pay is not in tune with the reality of Nigeria's present and future. It bespeaks either or both of two things. It could be that people have really given up on the future of this country and any access to government coffers is used as an opportunity to forage out whatever amount one can to keep in a safe country for when this house should fall. It could also be, and this is more likely, that Nigerians are genetically growing greedy at an alarming rate as the years go by such that no amount is too large now for their illegal appetites. Now, that will be serious.

So, the question is this: going by the level of illiteracy at these chambers among those who should know better, can Nigeria afford this kind of democracy? No, I do not believe Nigeria can afford it; people are just pretending it can. If it could, it should not go cap in hands for external loans, neither should it even need foreign aids.

Both of these show that something is really fishy in that kettle after all.

In reality, the job of a law maker is no more arduous than that of a policeman or a kindergarten teacher or medical doctor or any other Nigerian worker. What then entitles your law maker to such out-of-this-world pay is quite beyond me. But then I am no politician. I think we should seek out the one nearest to us and ask. I am prepared to be surprised.

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Comment & Analysis

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Fallacies of Adamu Adamu and his cohorts W HEN I read Adamu Adamu's Friday column of August 9th,

2013, captioned "Is the North a lip? (111)", in one of the national dailies, my first thought was to dismiss the write-up as yet another pretentious crusade for which Islamic columnists are known. But having read a couple of write-ups and the tricky styles of these essayists, especially now that they appear to have unrealistically high opinion of themselves, it became inevitable that the exaggerated claims, characterised by the excessive criticism of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, and past presidents, must not go unchallenged.

This is so because the discerned motive of Adamu is to tip over the conducive atmosphere now existing, to bring about an intended result for Christians in this era of Islamic fundamentalism as represented by Boko Haram - a sect with strict view of doctrine that is based on a twisted interpretation - in order to return Nigeria to the former days of Othman Dan Fodio.

An avid reader of the columnists in question will not fail to notice that Islamic religious considerations have always been the inspiration for their write-ups. This is why they will not see anything good in Christianity, Christians and their leaders.

I will classify their essays as always lacking intellectual rigour because an intellectual is someone who follows the basis of logic and whose principles do not betray sound judgment. That being the case, Adamu cannot lay claim to being one because those who involve their mental processes in abstract thinking and reasoning will not put their pen to paper without evidence.

For instance, what evidence has he that CAN is the spiritual arm of the Presidency? An intellectual does not base his statements on rumour or hearsay but on empirical evidence.

Sound writers try hard to achieve harmony and balance in their write-ups.

But what is contained in this piece by Adamu is a blend of passion and irrationality.

It is funny how the thoughts of their religion can warp the judgment of supposedly intelligent writers. For me, Adamu's thoughts in this write-up are legitimate and constitutionally guaranteed rights. But no matter how important the freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution is, he cannot impose the failed system of Ja'amatu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the practice of his religion on CAN and its leadership.

His analyses, like this one under review, have always been a mixture of erudition and fanaticism, a trait that always betrays a complete lack of reason.

Yet to core northern Muslim dreamers and pretenders, his analysis can never be faulted; the same way the leader of JNI and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar 111, a man who acts as though he can never be wrong.

If you doubt me, compare the era of Sultan Muhammadu Maccido of blessed memory and that of Sultan Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar 111. Maccido was, peacefully, a man of conviction who believed that true religion preaches love, open-mindedness, compassion and many other values that lead not to the kind of doctrines we have today under the present Sultan of Sokoto and leader of JNI.

By Omobolanle Olaniyan

Now, let us take the offending points one after the other. Adamu holds the view that Christian leaders, beginning from the time of His Eminence, Francis Cardinal Okogie to Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, have been combative and unpredictable, respectively and that "either because of opposition for opposition sake or because of genuine fears, Christian leaders have often fiercely opposed any Muslim project even if it held no prospect of adverse effect on Christians or their interests."

He mentioned the case of the OIC and noted that "the fact that Nigeria's entry into that organisation would draw this type of Christian opposition was indicative of a level of Christian intolerance that had not abated to this day, but which could not be excused on the altar of ignorance of the nature and role of the OIC, or the fiction that it was being turned into an Islamic state."

This kind of reckless submission by Adamu, who believes that the position of Muslims on the OIC palaver must be swallowed by all, is a towering representation of the assailing culture of impunity with which JNI leaders act in a bid to satisfy the interests of their members. Why would CAN leaders fold their arms and shut their mouths when their members are opposed to issues that are not in their interests? OIC means Organisation of Islamic Conference.

Would JNI and the Sultan remain quiet were it Organisation of Christian Conference?

If being vocal against OIC qualified the years of His Eminence Francis Cardinal Okogie as the President of CAN to be combative and the outspoken nature of the current CAN leaders about the evils of the violent sect demands name calling, then JNI leaders should have kept quiet now that worshippers are being gunned down after praying in mosques.

If Boko Haram ends up impelling the north to accept Sharia and it moves without direction or purpose into an Islamic state, then these defenders of the Boko Haram doctrine would be going out of the fundamental calling of rationality.

Apparently referring to the Boko Haram insurgency, Adamu remarked that "instead of sympathising with Muslims in the north over an existential national tragedy, the leadership of CAN, especially Pastor Oritsejafor, its chairman, appeared more interested in stoking the fires of a totally different conflict of its own making."

Whereas Christians in the north are at the receiving end as their churches and adherents are the primary targets of the evil sect, Adamu writes as though the areas affected are populated by Muslims alone. This is the myopic assessment of situations in the north by columnists like Adamu which is gradually resulting in loss of unity in the north. What is wrong if Oritsejafor opposes any form of dialogue with Boko Haram in so far as their demand is the imposition of Sharia and extermination of those he leads from Nigeria?

What Oritsejafor, as the leader of Christians in Nigeria, has done, and is doing, is to state a fair summation of the opinions of Christians, whether in the north or south. Unlike those who promote feudalism and dictatorship in the northern part of Nigeria, Christianity advances the growth and development of democracy. It rejects

systems that do not encourage rotation or contest as the basis for leadership.

Come to think of it: a system that produces terrorists is urgently in need of a review. By extension, therefore, the leadership of groups that adopt such a system has failed because just as they have used everything evil to undermine Christianity and divide Christians for their selfish ends, they have exploited Islam and used it for despotic rule. They have erected official clerical hierarchy and systems that are alien to Islam. That is why peace thrives in the southern part of the country. In the south, there is harmony because there is the combined effort by both Muslims and Christians to achieve the results that is greater than the sum of their individual effects or capabilities. So who is stoking the fires of conflict?

The deeply offensive intentions of Adamu and the message they seek to convey are evident to the extent that the write-up was not only contrived but was also calculated to create a greater wedge between the Catholic Church and other denominations. That is why he can afford to name the Catholic Church as one denomination that opposed CAN and led to the impression that Christians have not been speaking with one voice.

He branded CAN as "merely a spiritual arm of a ruling party". Again no evidence was provided to prove the point. But Nigerians know those who are only interested in hanging out in the corridors of power for selfish reasons.

Adamu wants a new leadership for CAN and is not happy with the support of northern CAN for Pastor Oritsejafor.

For his information, a new election has just been conducted and Oritsejafor won overwhelmingly and will be in the saddle for another three years. What a pity!

Adamu and his fellow anti-CAN and anti-Christian columnists should strive to blend their faith with reason and do what would advance the growth of Nigeria.

These columnists should realise that religion should be an inward experience and felt phenomenon, one mostly related to life's permanent aspect. People like Adamu may also see their religion as a philosophy and a set of rational principles. The problem is that they have difficulties in rationalising the true intent of Islam. Therefore, they see it as purely political, sociological and economic system of ideologies.

If we situate Islam in its proper context and compare it with today's modern liberal democracy, we will understand the position of Islam and democracy with respect to each other.

For now, the JNI and its leaders have perverted the fact that Islam establishes fundamental principles that orient its members' general character, leaving the choice of who leads them to democratic ideals according to time and circumstances. After all, there are credible, trustworthy Muslims with the means in the southern part of Nigeria that can head the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA. This is why I will call on persuasive purveyors of cheap blackmail who engage in patently mischievous and blatantly ignorant analyses of what CAN stands for, what it does and how it is being administered to involve the psychological processes of thinking and reasoning rather than religious emotions.

- Olaniyan, a banker, writes from Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos.

Do we want school or education? (2) Continued from page 13

Let us not mince our words here: in about the last two decades, the attitudes of most of the federal and state administrations of this country toward our universities and our university teachers show very clearly that they have little regard, little respect for our universities and our university dons. Who can miss the great disrespect in the following words from the Finance Minister that I chose to be one of the two epigraphs to my column last week: “At present, ASUU wants the Federal Government to pay N92bn in extra allowances, when the resources are not there, and when we are working to integrate past increases in pensions. We need to make choices in this country as we are getting to the stage where recurrent expenditures take the bulk of our resources and people get paid, but can do no work.”? By what reasoning, by what logic but that of a haughty, supercilious disdain can one talk of our university teachers as similar or comparable to redundant, idle government workers who “get paid but can do no work”?

This disregard, this disdain of the Finance Minister for our universities and university teachers extends, I would argue, to the country’s politicians in particular and the populace in general. To say that in five years only about 4% of the corruption, waste and mismanagement in Nigeria and its government could realistically be expected to be reduced is to have an extremely low opinion of the country, its government and its people. If any technocrat from the World Bank or the IMF from another country in the world had made that statement, especially if he or she was a white person from the Western countries, the whole country would have been in an uproar and justifiably so. But all the same, such a show of national outrage would have entirely missed the point that among the elite technocrats of the world, it fundamentally does not matter from which country or which part of the world you come from. The technocratic mandarins of the IMF and the World Bank do exactly the same things anywhere in the world they serve and this norm includes what they do in their own countries. Thus, in the case of our own Finance Minister what we have is a symbolic confrontation between her 4% success projections and the 1.8% passing rate of the NECO exam results of 2009. As a matter of fact, 1.8% is a much greater figure than the percentage we can extrapolate from what Okonjo-Iweala herself has claimed to have “saved” the country since 2011 (N53 billion naira)! And please, don’t forget that since 2009, NECO passing rates have moved from 1.8% to around 35%.

To break out of the present impasse between ASUU and the Federal Government, every effort must be made to do away completely with the abysmally low expectations (and low performance) of the honourable Finance Minister. Very few national, publicly financed university systems in the world face the kind of burden that our universities face in the task of educating the order, the quality of students who come into them from our secondary schools. In the given circumstances, our universities are doing a creditable job and would do even far better if given the wherewithal to do so.

The time has come to at last face this huge crisis squarely and responsibly. I give personal testimony here that when I was ASUU National President more than thirty years ago, we faced a very different set of circumstances than now. But some things about the Union remain constant: now as at then in the early 1980s, ASUU was/is always ready to work with the government in the interest of our universities and the nation. The first step in that direction is that the government must demonstrate that it recognizes the enormity of the burdens that our universities face and is prepared to work with the Union and all other interested parties to resuscitate our universities. This won’t be easy, this task of resuscitating our universities. What is easy, what any thinking Nigerian can see is the fact that this present government and any government in the future will always confront the stark reality of this profound crisis; it will not simply go away if it is not confronted or is confronted with the technocratically manufactured low expectations of an Okonjo-Iweala in which, even as NECO’s 1.8% rises to 35% - which is not good enough – her 4% dips below, far below 1.8% Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

POLITICS

19

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

The expected move by a chieftain of the defunct Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Maj. Gen. Lawrence Onoja, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if not well handled, could rupture the current relative peace in Benue State politics, reports Remi Adelowo

F

ORMER Military Governor of Plateau State, Lawrence Onoja, a retired two-star general of the Nigerian Army has been in the news lately.

After two years of being in a political hiatus of sorts, Onoja, a former Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) during the regime of the late General Sani Abacha, suddenly reappeared from the blues to drum up support for the speculated second term ambition of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Prior to the 2011 general elections, Onoja was constantly in the news. He had contested the Benue South senatorial election on the platform of the defunt ACN against the incumbent senator, who is also the Senate President, David Mark of the PDP. It was a bitter electoral contest that nearly threatened the peace of Benue State.

The first battle between the two generals was fought in the primaries of the PDP to pick the senatorial candidate for Benue South.

Mark secured 1,680 votes to Onoja’s 317 votes.

Not satisfied, Onoja left PDP for ACN where he was handed an automatic ticket to challenge Mark at the general election.

The ‘war’ got so messy that on a particular day after the end of a campaign rally, Onoja escaped death by whiskers after some unidentified political thugs allegedly shot at the Toyota SUV conveying him, shattering the glasses in the process. Though he was alive to tell the story, Onoja sustained injuries on his right hand and was subsequently hospitalised.

It was a baptism of sorts for Onoja in the politics of his home state. Not unexpectedly, Onoja pointed accusing fingers at Mark as the alleged mastermind of the attack on him. The spate of violence in the state during this period culminated in the invitation of prominent politicians in the state by the State Security Service (SSS).

The anti-climax of sort was Mark’s victory at the general elections defeating Onoja by 149,923 votes to 79,433 votes.

Onoja cried foul and challenged the election result up to the Appeal Court, which finally affirmed Mark’s victory.

With his fate finally sealed by the apex court, Onoja recoiled into his shell, perhaps to wait for another opportunity to actualise his political ambition.

Some weeks ago, Onoja, who is also the Chairman of the Strate-

•Mark

•Onoja

2015: Onoja, Presidency plot to checkmate Mark

gic Mobilisation Committee of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), granted media interviews where he declared the support of the Middle Belt region to the alleged second term ambition of the president.

In a statement that clearly contradicts the position of the ACF, which has been at the forefront of the return of the presidency to the North, Onoja was quoted as saying, “Middle Belt of today is different from the Middle Belt of the 60s when we were categorised as part of the core North.”

Onoja, who is also a member of a political pressure group, Congress for Equality and Change, added that Jonathan was constitutionally qualified to run for a second term in office if he so wishes.

According to him, the Middle Belt region would back the president for a second term in office.

His words: “There could be anger in certain parts of the North.

But there is no anger against Jonathan in my own Middle-Belt part of the North. We support Jonathan for his second term.

Every group has the fundamental right to agitate for power.

“The groups that are talking, the Northern Elders, Arewa, are not political parties. They are socio-political cum cultural associations. So, they probably cannot install a president. At best, they are talking of supporting a candidate from the North. You don’t blame me for saying that my own people

support Jonathan.”

Speaking further, Onoja, an Idoma, said his people were not regarded as core northerners even by the so-called North.

He voiced his conviction thus, “Assuming the power comes to the North today, would you tell them to concede power to the Idoma people where I come from? This is because I am a minority in the North and Jonathan is a minority from the South-South.”

The retired general added, “I want to say categorically that it is not yet time for power to shift to the North. Mr. President has not done his second term. All the other presidents were given opportunity to do their second terms and Mr. President, by virtue of the fact that he is a minority like me, it would be unfair and an injustice to stop him from doing his second term. If he finishes his second term in 2019, then other areas or blocks can now begin to agitate for power shift.”

These were, no doubt, sweet music in the ears of the power brokers in the Presidency.

Speculations that Onoja may be on his way back to PDP further heightened when he was part of the delegation of the Middle Belt Elders Forum (MBEF), led by a former Senate President in the Third Republic, Ameh Ebute, on a recent visit to the president. During the visit, the support of the Middle Belt to Jonathan was fur-

ther reiterated.

Sources say the stage is set to receive Onoja in PDP any moment from now after the Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, reportedly received a directive from the Presidency to that effect.

A few days ago, Suswam met with some Benue PDP stakeholders to intimate them of Onoja’s return to PDP. The Nation, however, gathered that not all the major PDP stakeholders have bought into this plan. One of them is Senate President David Mark, who has yet to reconcile with Onoja over their political differences.

Sources in the state revealed that Onoja’s planned return to PDP was part of the Presidency’s alleged plan to checkmate the influence of Mark, whose relationship with the president has been described by sources as lukewarm at best.

The Presidency, according to findings, is allegedly not happy with Mark, the reason which may not be unconnected to the hardline stance of the Senate and the House of Representatives on certain government policies.

Some members of the president’s kitchen cabinet are also not happy with Mark over the proposal by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 constitution, which recommended a single term of six years for the president and governors.

Though the proposal did not scale through eventually, it generated an angry reaction from the president’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs, Ahmed Gulak, who fell short of accusing the Senate of plotting to frustrate his boss’ alleged second term ambition.

According to sources, not a few of the president’s men believe that Mark is secretly nursing a presidential ambition in 2015, a development that has compelled his being placed under a close watch.

Currently in his fourth term as a senator, a record by any Nigerian politician, Mark is also serving a second term as Nigeria’s longest serving Senate President.

The Idoma-born retired onestar general of the Nigerian Army Signal Corps, is allegedly positioning himself as a compromise candidate in the event that power shifts to the minority tribe in the North, as it is being canvassed in certain political quarters.

But the big poser is: does Onoja who is allegedly still interested in contesting for the Senate in 2015 has the political weight and structure to dislodge Mark?

Also, will the Presidency sacrifice Mark, who has not openly spoken in support of the president’s alleged second term bid for Onoja in its calculations for the 2015 general elections? These puzzles will surely be unravelled in the months ahead.

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Politics

Anambra guber race: Ngige raises the bar As All Progressives Congress (APC) names Senator Chris Ngige its candidate for the November governorship elections in Anambra State, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, reports that the entrance of the former governor has raised the stakes.

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VERYONE expects the November 16 governorship election in Anambra State to be an epic battle. But our investigation shows that most of the key players and stakeholders did not imagine the political theatre would, by now, have become as electrified as it turned out to be since Wednesday, August 21, 2013, when All Progressives Congress (APC), in the words of one top politician in the state, “ played a fast one on the rest of us.”

Feelers from the state confirmed that APC really jolted other political stakeholders that day when it announced former governor, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, as its candidate for the governorship elections.

The shock, according to a source, was partly because of the belief of both the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) that the newly merged political parties in APC would find it difficult to arrive at an acceptable candidate. “We also did not expect a candidate like Ngige to emerge and to emerge so fast. We had reckoned on the emergence of a more neutral and perhaps less experienced candidate. The emergence of Ngige, I will admit, requires more work on our part,” said one of the strategists of a leading PDP governorship aspirant.

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who broke the news of Ngige’s nomination, aware of such expectations from their opponents, had said the South-East caucus of the party agreed on the candidature of Ngige, adding, “The choice of Ngige was reached through a consensus. Those who thought we shall not succeed today have

been disappointed.”

Even with Okorocha’s pronouncement, The Nation learnt that some stakeholders initially doubted the development. A source close to Senator Annie Okonkwo- led team confided that their opponents were taken unawares. “They thought Oga (Okonkwo) and Ngige had fallen apart and would not work together. So, when they learnt that Oga supports Ngige’s candidature, they were devastated.”

To confirm that they meant business, Ngige, the next day (Thursday) formally notified the Senate of his intention to contest in this year’s Anambra State governorship election.

In a letter written to the Senate President, Senator David Mark, Ngige said, “I have concluded my consultations, and now find it necessary to officially inform this Senate that I will be an aspirant, and hopefully a candidate in the November 16, 2013 governorship election in Anambra State. Please wish me luck and offer your prayers for me, even if you are not of my party...

“I intend to use the vehicle of the Progressives – our newly merged political party – The All Progressives Congress (APC),” he said.

With his emergence, the political equation, ahead the November election, has changed tremendously.

His reason for joining the race Ngige gave the first official reason for joining this years’s governorship race in Anambra State as far back as late March 2013. It was during a quarterly constituency briefing and distri-

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013 bution of gifts to his constituents in the Anambra Central Senatorial District, where he assured supporters that the hitches the progressives were facing then in their merger plan would “neither affect its purpose nor dampen the zeal of the founders to liberate the Nigerian masses.”

As the chairman, Steering Committee of APC in South-East then, Ngige expressed confidence that the party would wrest power from PDP at the centre and reposition the country to the path of development.

It was at that stage that he first opened up on his ambition for the coming governorship election, declaring that circumstances were compelling him to join the race.

He recalled that he came into the Awka Government House with a blueprint out of which, he said, he was able to do 20 percent before his exit through court judgment.

As he puts it: “Circumstances are compelling me to run for Anambra governorship election because I came to Government House with a blueprint and I was able to do 20 percent.

“Another government came in and did just seven percent in seven years and I want to ask who is going to do the remaining 70 percent?”

Also in the middle of June, Ngige again reiterated his agenda and why he is in the race.

He said he is in the governorship race to help “uplift the people and give them a sense of belonging.”

He said this while addressing members of his federal constituency, Idemili North and South, during a thank you meeting at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Nkpor. “There is no big deal about being a governor any longer; I have been one before.

My only urge in public offices is service. I seek to touch your lives in a positive way, so that you will smile again. By the end of this month, we will formally launch the All Progressives Congress (APC) South-East zone in Awka and we believe that it is the party that will make a difference here.

APC will form the next government in Anambra State,” he said then.

In his speech at the event hen, the member representing the federal constituency, Charles Odedo, told their supportrs not to be deceived by people claiming that Ndigbo have no place in APC, stating that Ngige is one of the members of Board of Trustees of APC. His political strength Born 61 years ago (August 8, 1952), this medical doctor-turned politician is arguably considered, by his admirers and the leadership of APC, as one of the single most influential and popular politician in Anambra State today. Even his political opponents, according to grassroots electorates, do not seem to doubt this claim.

After his graduation from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1979, he began public life as a civil servant, serving at the National Assembly and State House clinics at different times. He retired in 1998 as a Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Health and soon joined partisan politics, first as a founding member of PDP. By 1999, he was Assistant National Secretary and Zonal Secretary of the party in the South-East.

In 2003, Ngige was elected governor of Anambra State in very controversial circumstances, which ironically led both to his

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013 temporary downfall and later, to his soaring image as a political giant.

It all began when he suddenly broke ranks with his political godfather, Chris Uba. This action resulted to multiple allegations and counter allegations. It also led to embarrassing revelations about the modus operandi of the political godfathers in Nigeria’s political kingdoms. As a result, both Ngige and his estranged political godfathers were criticised and ridiculed.

The unfortunate political drama peaked after Ngige, as the sitting governor, was kidnapped in broad daylight in an embarrassing but unsuccessful attempt to have him removed from office.

What followed was a series of political battles, show of political power and battle of wits as was never witnessed in the political history of the state before.

Ngige’s intriguing 33 months tenure as governor was to end, however, in August 2005, when an election tribunal, led by Justice Nabaruma, nullified his 2003 victory. Ngige appealed to the Federal Court of Appeal but the annulment was confirmed on March 15, 2006, in a judgment awarding victory to the now outgoing governor, Mr. Peter Obi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Since then, Ngige, who later won a senatorial seat on the ticket

Politics

•Ngige

of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), has, in spite of the scandals that literally swallowed the period he governed the state, remained affectionately loved by the commoners, grassroots and the electorate in the state. One critical test of his popularity was during the last senatorial election in his Anambra Central Senatorial District. In that election, Ngige’s major opponent

was a very popular former Director-General of National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who later served as Minister of Information and Communications, Professor Dora Akunyili. Besides her popularity as NAFDAC boss, Akunyili’s other edge was that she contested on the ticket of the ruling party, APGA. After what was described in the media as a

“clash of the Titans,” Ngige, who flew the flag of the ACN, was declared the winner.

Now that he is to fly the flag of the mega party, which include ACN, part of the ruling party in the state (APGA), ANPP, CPC and others, interested observers are wondering if his political stature would lead to a defeat of the ruling APGA and PDP? Ichie Udochukwu Izuchukwu, a retired civil servant and now community elder from Orumba told The Nation that the choice of Ngige is the only factor that can defeat the argument of zoning, which would demand the next governor coming from Anambra North. “You know Ngige is one politician that made great impact on all Anambra people. I can assure you that Ngige will win substantial votes from Anambra North not to talk of the remaining two senatorial districts. This is because in spite of the political show of shame that threatened his tenure, Ngige was busy constructing quality roads, opening up long forgotten rural communities in every part of the state. So, zoning or no zoning, Ngige is a strong candidate that should win Anambra election any day,” he said.

It would be recalled that the state has 21 local government areas with three senatorial districts in the state, namely, Anambra

‘In Edo, you don’t hear of PDP anymore’ Edo State Deputy Speaker, Hon Festus Ebea, in this interview told INNOCENT DURU that People’s Democratic Party (PDP) does not exist in the Edo State anymore following massive defection from PDP to All Progressives Congress (APC). Excerpts

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HERE seems to be a very robust relationship between legislators and the executives in Edo State, what is the secret?

The secret is everybody knowing his bounds. The executive knows its bounds, legislators know their bounds and the judiciary too. But again we all know that we are working towards a common goal.

The people come first. In as much as none of the arms of government is relegating the people to the background, there cannot be any problem or quarrel.

How well would you say the laws made by the Edo State House of Assembly have been of benefit to the people of the state?

Well, seeing is believing. If you have visited Edo State, you will know that the laws that have been coming out from the state assembly have helped the executive to give what we call good governance and dividend of democracy to the people of Edo State.

How would you describe the registration of APC at this point in time?

I am very happy that finally APC has been registered. It now gives a very bright hope that we are going to have a very challenging democracy in our country Nigeria. We are going to have a very robust democracy whereby you now need to know that you are not alone.The PDP has been feeling that it is alone. Anytime they want to bring candidate they bring people who cannot even lead their families to come and lead the people, but this time around, I believe they would be further challenged to know that any party that is going to feature any candidate in any election now would bring people that we know can be trusted, people that have track record of performance in their chosen careers.

What difference do you think the party would make in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole?

In Edo State, you already know that when you talk about the forebears of APC, the state is fully involved. The governor has been part and parcel of the emerging trend. We also have our national leader, Chief Tom Ikimi, there. We have former SouthSouth vice chairman of the party, Pastor Iyamu there, we also have

•Ebea

Chief OdigieOyegun there.

When you look at Edo State, do you foresee members of other parties defecting to the APC? They are already joining us.

In fact, in Edo State, we don’t really talk about PDP anymore.

More members of the PDP are coming in because they are tired of the opposition and they have been able to use the microscope to see very far, that it is very very difficult for the PDP to come back

to the saddle in the politics of Edo State not with the very robust performance occasioned by the administration of our comrade governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole. People in the PDP have started reaching out to us that they want to come and join us. The more the merrier. We don’t deregister people.

Before the merger, it was quite easy for the various parties to pick candidates that represented them.

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North, comprising Awka North and South, Njikoka, Dunukofia, Anaocha, and Idemili North and South Local Government Areas (LGAs); Anambra Central, made up of Onitsha North and South, Ogbaru, Oyi, Ayamelum and Anambra East and West LGAs; and Anambra South, consisting of Orumba North and South, Aguata, lhiala, Ekwusigo, and Nnewi North and South LGAs. Ngige, who hails from Anambra Central would, according to insiders, base his faith on his performance in the 33 months he governed the state before.

A source close to Awka Government House, however, described the choice of Ngige by APC as “a sweet mistake.” The source, a top state government official, said any party that ignores the call to zone the next governorship ticket to Anambra North has missed it from onset.

It remains to be seen how far Ngige’s popularity and his party, APC can go to prove that claim wrong. Investigations reveal that even before the final registration of the party, when it did not have a specific flag bearer in the state, APC’s registration of new members has been very successful in all the three senatorial districts.

Now that Ngige has been handed over the flag, it remains to be seen how other parties like APGA and PDP would attempt to counter the APC offensive.

Don’t you think it would be a herculean task now that you have more interests to cater for?

It is a political party, it is not a one man show. If in the course of going through due process of picking candidates and the person picked was duly picked, it is not a challenge to anybody. But we want to ensure that whatever would be done would be done well.

The APC governors have said the autonomy of local governments is not the business of the National Assembly but that of states. Is this view correct?

They are right. The National Assembly will need to get the contribution and of course the final endorsement from the state assemblies. So, APC governors’ position is not wrong. Whatever the National Assembly is doing, they must come back to the state assemblies to get their endorsement.

Do you think APC can take over power from the PDP at the centre in 2015?

Very well.Very very well.

Nigerians are craving for it.

Nigerians want a change; they are tired. Nigerians duly want a change and they know that the APC would engender that change.

When you look at a party like the PDM that has also come up, don’t you think they would whittle down the influence of APC in the country’s politics?

Why are you saying it is going to wither the influence of the APC? Why are you not saying it is going to wither the influence of the PDP? This PDM you are talking about, are they APC members that formed PDM? PDM members, as you know from time, are from the PDP. They are the real people that came together to form the PDP abinitio. So, now that they have come out to say they want to be identified as a separate party you will find out that it is going to affect the PDP not APC.

Politics

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Dipo Famakinwa is the Director-General of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, the development coordinating the regional integration agenda of the states of western Nigeria, comprising Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun and Oyo states. In this interview with Assistant Editor, Augustine Avwode, Famakinwa says the political leaders in the region are passionate about DAWN.

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HAT inspired the DAWN programme?

The Development Agenda for Western Region (DAWN) is a programme for development. That is what matters to us. Essentially, as a people, this is what matters to us. Historically, we are consumers of innovations and development programmes; programmes which bring welfare that changes the lives of the people. Therefore, it is something that has been in the consciousness or what you can call the DNA of the people of this region.

To us, when you talk about development, it is like preaching to the Pope. So, anything that we can do to ensure that we find the methodology to develop our space, we will gladly do. And of course, we are not saying that in isolation of the development of Nigeria. We are saying that there is so much that can be done from this region that can lead to the development of the region as a whole.

Therefore, it is a process to ensure that development comes into this part of the country.

When you talk about inspiration, it must be said that at a point, we started going in a direction that was completely at variance with what would bring development to our region. And the yearnings for development became really topmost in the minds of our people. And it just happens that at

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

‘South-West leaders passionate about devt’

•Famakinwa

this very period in our time, we think that we have found the right environment, the right space and possibly the right set of people who can help push that programme that we need to midwife development in this region.

When you say the right environment and space, what exactly do you mean?

You know every development takes place in a context. The people who want to midwife development must, first of all, believe in the process they want to midwife and also be committed to that process and must also have the capacity to midwife that process. I think what we have found at this moment in the history of the people of Western Nigeria is that we have a set of people who are committed to development.

People, whose trajectory, as individuals; and I am talking of people who are in position of governance today, they are people who committed their lives to fighting for the development of this space. They have committed their resources, they have committed their energy and talent to ensure that we have development in this region. And once we have such people in position of authority, we can then begin to see that the yearnings for development, even from the people’s demand for development, will become

higher than what it has been.

And that is what I mean by the space of development.

Don’t forget that the people of this region have seen and tasted development and that was in the context of regionalism. That was in the days when the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his colleagues led governance in the region. We continue to refer to that era as the glorious days of the West. People have continued to look forward to the day or time when we can re-enact those days.

And this looks like the most appropriate time to do so. And I must say that when you look at the historical trajectory of the country called Nigeria, you will discover that the best days of the country was when regionalism was allowed to have a good foothold as they were all allowed to develop according to their own priorities and conviction.

In the short run, what should the people of the region look forward to?

It is important for us, first and foremost, to believe that it is possible for us to move from the level at which we have found ourselves right now and begin to do things or experience development better than we have had it.

The first thing is that the people themselves must commit themselves to this process, believe in

it, they must demand from those who are leading them that they go in the direction of development that will bring about improvement in their lives. Then they should demand accountability from them.

The requirements of our people are not unwieldy; they are very simple. They want their children to be well educated; not education for the sake of it but that which propels development in the society, health care and infrastructure that serves the requirement of the people. They want even their social orientation to be rebuilt because it is something that needs critical attention.

What would you say are the challenges at this time?

Of course there would be challenges because this is a programme that is driven by all kinds of sentiments. But what is important is that we have found enough political will and compelling reasons to say this is the way we should go. And with the political will that we have found, especially among the political leaders in the region at this material time, we are sure those challenges are surmountable. Of course there will be challenges in terms of consensus building, on agreeing on certain directions, there will be challenges in terms of stakeholders inclusion, chal-

sion, knowing that the acronym PPA intended to use in its aborted effort to change its name, had semblance with the APGA acronym.

He said the decision of INEC not to agree to the change of name, confirmed his initial fears that PPA was out to create confusion, but that INEC decided to take the bull by the horn by taking this decision, based on constitutional laws guiding INEC. “The news of the refusal of the change of name by INEC came to all members of APGA as a huge relief. It is instructive that INEC

came to this fair and just decision without any formal protest from us. The commission, in taking this decision, was guided by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, and the Electoral Act,” Umeh stated.

According to the APGA National Chairman, the INEC decision was a clear demonstration by the leadership of the commission, of its readiness to discharge its duties without fear or favour, and in complete compliance with the rules.

He added: “the attempt by PPA

to change its name and acronym to All Progressive Peoples Alliance (APPA) was a clear intent of mischief to confuse the electorate with the two similar acronyms of APGA and APPA,” emphasizing that it was even more dangerous when one considered the fact that “based on alphabetical order, APGA and APPA would have appeared next to each other on the ballot paper.”

Umeh had on July 18, 2013, at the stakeholders meeting with INEC, raised concern when Chief Sam Nkire introduced himself as

lenges in terms of financing, and getting the process in the direction that will immediately deliver the kind of impact that we want.

And I want to say that all these challenges that I mentioned are surmountable given the willingness of the people in charge and the political will of the leaders in the zone to pursue the programme to a logical end.

Would you say the issues of ethnic and linguistic homogeneity and geographical contiguity have helped in promoting an immediate acceptance of this agenda?

Those are things we should consider as our assets and leverage as a people. The issues of common language, heritage and geographical contiguity, common beliefs and orientation, those are critical assets that we must harness and this is why DAWN has become imperative at this point in time. Of course, taking good advantage of these things has become imperative because the sentiment of the people; their orientation as a people, at this time, tends towards how we can take our destiny in our hand as a people. And I think those assets that you mentioned must be leveraged at this point in time to get to where we want to be.

Critics say DAWN is a creation of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which controls the region politically.

How would you react to that allegation?

No, they are not correct. It is not the creation of any political party. It just happens that at this time, we have six states and five of those states are controlled by the defunct ACN, now All Progressives Congress (APC).

And they are the ones who talk about it more, therefore, it is likely for people to think that it is an agenda of the party. DAWN as an agenda transcends any political party. It transcends partisanship but it has to be done through the instrumentation of those in power. It is not an agenda that is hanging in the air. And it will not deliver by itself. Fortunately, those in power at this time believe it is an agenda that can push us forward as a people. Therefore, they are committed to it and they have supported it, they have spent their time and energy to promote and pursue it. So, it will not be out of place, if some people say it is an agenda of the party. But we believe this is an agenda beyond partisanship.

Umeh hails INEC over denial of PPA’s change of name bid

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HE National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Sir Victor Umeh, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for not allowing the Progressives Peoples Alliance (PPA) to change its acronym to All Progressives People Alliance (APPA).

In his reaction to the INEC decision, through his Special Assistant (Media), Mr. Stan Okeke, Umeh said it was noteworthy that the commission, without any formal protest to it, took that deci-

•Umeh

the National Chairman of APPA. Umeh at that meeting, protested the announcement, citing, among other reasons, that the acronym was similar to that of APGA and African Peoples Alliance, APA.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Politics

ripples Coast clear for Obi’s anointed candidate?

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N the last few weeks, Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has been busy denying speculations that he has anointed a former Executive Director of Fidelity Bank, Willy Obiano, as his successor. The recent disqualification of two governorship aspirants, Oseoloka Obaze and former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Prof. Chukwumah Soludo, by a screening committee constituted by the leadership of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has given further vent to the rumour that Obiano is the favoured candidate.

Ripples gathered that Obi’s denial notwithstanding, Obiano, relatively a newcomer in APGA, may be the candidate to beat in the APGA governorship primaries.

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Political Politics turf

with Bolade Omonijo boladeomonijo@yahoo.com

Ondo politics: Supreme Court in the web?

F Emerhor for Senate

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ONTRARY to reports that businessman, O’tega Emerhor, would be contesting for the 2015 governorship election in Delta State, latest gist indicates the Exceutive Vice Chairman of Standard Assurance Group is interested in vying for Delta Central Senatorial seat on the paltform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He would be contesting for the APC ticket with Lagos-based lawyer and activist, Festus Keyamo and Prof.

Adegor Eferakeya.

Mohammed Abba-Gana’s new games

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ORMER Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mohammed AbbaGana, was in the news recently. The former ambassador, who hails from Borno State, had called on the North to forget about returning to power in 2015, while also drumming up support for President Goodluck Jonathan’s alleged second term ambition. Sources say Gana’s statement was aimed at warming his way into the heart of the Presidency, as uncertainty continue to surround the tenure of the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

With the National Chairmanship of the PDP zoned to the North-East, Gana is allegedly positioning himself for the exalted seat in case Tukur eventually steps on the slippery ‘banana peel.’

Filani’s ambition causes ripples T HE Interim National Vice Chairman of the South-West’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Ishola Filani, has indicated his desire to retain his job albeit in a substantive capacity. But his ambition has allegedly not gone down well with some power brokers of the party in the South-West. A few days ago, a chieftain of the party, Chief Bode George, met with President Goodluck Jonathan. Sources say the agenda of the meeting was to resolve the in-fighting among some top members of the party over the candidate to back for the position ahead of the party’s miniconvention next month.

OLLOWING the brouhaha that attended the last governorship election in Ondo State, it is not surprising that the losers are at the temple of justice to seek final pronouncement on the credibility of the process that threw up Dr. Rahman Mimiko for a second term as governor of the state. Both Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of the Action Congress of Nigeria and Chief Olusola Oke of the Peoples Democratic Party have challenged the results in the courts, asking the tribunal and the Appeal Court to determine if it could indeed be said that Mimiko won in substantial compliance with the laws of the land.

At the tribunal, both men lost. On appeal again, their prayers were refused. That left them with a last chance of proving their cases-the Supreme Court. Without prejudice to the merit of their appeals, the men deserve to be allowed to run the full gamut. The Electoral Act has prescribed that election cases referred to the apex court be determined within 60 days of the judgment delivered by the court below. Before the last set of cases after the 2011 were laid to rest, lawyers had seen the provision limiting hearing periods as progressive.

However, when the Supreme Court took a narrow and highly technical view of the matter, insisting that the courts had no say in the matter but to strictly and literally apply the law, whatever the circumstances, a torrent of criticisms followed. Why should the law be used to deny litigants and petitioners justice? Why should a court, knowing that it is not the fault of a petitioner deny him justice just because, for example, the court below failed to release the record of proceedings in good time? Why deny the people their choice based strictly on technicalities of the law?

In many other cases, the Supreme Court had held that technicalities should not stand in the way of justice. In the Benue State 2011 governorship election, the Supreme Court elected to abdicate its responsibility in finding out who actually won the election or whether Suswam was qualified to run as the PDP candidate. Their lordships opted rather to play Pontius Pilate, threw their hands in the air and admonished the ACN candidate to lick his wound. Many others suffered the same fate across party lines in different parts of the country.

In Ondo State, Akeredolu and Oke deserve to be heard. The people deserve to know, finally, if Mimiko truly won the election. It is easy to advise the petitioners to put the matter behind them and move on. It is even logical to advise the contending parties to plan for the next opportunity. It makes sense to argue that impartial analysts had given the election to the PDP ever the poll date since the 2011 legislative elections were swept by the ruling party. But, no one could say that the redress available to Oke and Akeredolu should not be availed them.

The decision of the Supreme Court to hear the appeal on September 24 could amount to a travesty of the law after all.

The 60-day window left for petitioners to get the apex court to review proceedings and verdict of the court below is well known to their lordships. They know the window would have been shut by August 29. They equally know that the petitioners have discharged the burden on them by getting to the court within the time stipulated, then, why would the Justices choose to slap Oke and Akeredolu in the face so brazenly and blatantly? Why would they leave room for speculation that a lot might be happening under the table?

In the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, the court should reexamine the hearing date and do justice in the matter. It does not matter if the Justices, having gone through the appeal feel that the petitioners stand no chance. What matters is that justice must not only be done in the matter, but seen by all to have been done. Whatever is done today will leave after all participants. When, in 1979, the Supreme Court ruled in a presidential election petition and held that the principle of precedence be shelved in that instance, it did not reckon that matters of such weight are not just for the law reports; they are not just cited in courts by lawyers, but exist to historians, researchers and general leaders who, in reviewing the events of the era comment and analyse the roles played by individuals and institutions.

The future is just a step away. Justice is for the good of the people and the society. If it is no longer available in the courts, then, it is probably time to look beyond the judiciary for justice.

Rivers: NJC in the mix?

It is in the interest of every Nigerian that the judiciary is still trusted to deliver justice for all, especially the underdog or underprivileged in any cause or situation. While the other two arms of government are politically active and could afford to compromise the due process, the judiciary, and indeed, the media should be available for the larger society in pointing out the flaws and ensuring compliance with the law.

The judiciary is too important an institution to throw into the fray. The contention for the soul of Rivers State is already threatening to consume the sacred branch of government. It appears that the people now know which of the judges is likely to give verdict in favour of whom and what ever before matters are filed.

It is my view that Amaechi is playing his role well. It is his duty to appoint the most senior judge in the state as Acting Chief Judge and this he has done. Politics should have no place in the matter.

THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW

Col. Ben Gbulie is widely known for his role in the January 1966 coup in which he and other majors and captains upturned the political and military status quo in the country.

Having been detained in Enugu alongside Victor Banjo and others who participated actively in the coup by the Federal Government, he was subsequently released by Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu at the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War in 1967. He rose to the rank of a Colonel in the Biafran Army where he held important positions which included the de facto commander of the 7th battalion, Nsukka, Supply and Transport and later as the Military Administrator of Aba Province. In this interview with Edozie Udeze and Chris Orji in Enugu, he reiterates how he and Gen.Alabi-Isama and others joined the Nigerian Army in March 1960, why Obansanjo’s My Command is full of half-truths and how Nzeogwu was killed, among other salient war related issues.

What went wrong with Biafra —Ben Gbulie

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whether Alabi was right or wrong in some respects. I have told you that by hindsight, anyone can say anything. In other words, referring to what had happened based on what had happened and the result and that is what happened today.

In other words, why did we go into the Midwest in the first place? After all, Midwest was actually a buffer area. Midwest was not enemy of Biafra. We had plenty Midwest officers who were Igbo or Ika. Why did we go there in the first place? By that we upset the apple cart as it were. So, it is only Ojukwu who can say that.

Ojukwu promised us before he died (may his soul rest in peace) that he would produce the The Book. But he never produced it and died. And so I am not going to write it for him.

I have written my book, The Fall of Biafra in which I criticised a lot of things. And there are many things I criticised and you know what, Ojukwu held a press conference saying – I am not going to rejoice with Gbulie on the fall of Biafra. He held that press conference in Lagos and until a long time we never saw eye-toeye. Not because he was not my senior or commander. Oh, he was.

For instance, the problem with our people is that we don’t look inwards, we don’t consider issues thoroughly.

Do you know that Ojukwu was one of the Even Nzeogwu people that aborted the coup was not involved of 1966 in which I participated? And he said so in the war. He in his book Because I am decided, because Involved. That was on page 120 or something like that. I he was an Igbo was just reading it this morning. Read the book man to go and give yourself. He aborted the us support at the coup. And now get me right.

When he was appointed the Nsukka sector. And governor of the East and the he paid with his Northerners started acting on the killings of January life. But Ojukwu 1966, he started defending never involved him Igbo people.

This was a man who in the war, because created the impression ipso of petty jealousy. facto that the coup was an Igbo affair and then he later You ought to became a messiah for understand these Ndigbo. That was where the problem lay. Because the things. people he was defending were being killed in large numbers in the North as a result of the impression that the coup was on Igbo affair.

What situation gave rise to the issue of saboteurs in the Biafran army then?

(Laughs) You know why I am laughing? Why I am laughing is that there is what you call the human element. Ojukwu was indeed entitled to his own human element. Ojukwu would say something and he wouldn’t want anybody to argue with him.

By the way, that does not mean that some Igbo senior officers were not against him. They were. For instance, in the case of the sabotage levelled against Ifeajuna, Agbam and Alali, my thinking was that it must be true. Yes, it must be true.

Ifeajuna, in my book, supported Banjo. He supported Banjo and the plan was that Banjo would get to Lagos with our own troops, the Biafran troops, overthrow Gowon, take over Nigeria.

Then they would send Ifeajuna to the East, to his own Biafra, flush out Ojukwu and then he Ifeajuna would become the governor of the East. That was their plan. And a man called Wale Ademoyega would be made the governor of the West. So it was clear-cut and it was clear Ojukwu knew about this. Do you know that when we were released in March 1967, Ojukwu did so, because we were being held in his domain? He released us, that was after Gowon had taken power. After we were released, Ojukwu was clear-cut that he understood what was happening. He gave us instructions, those of Igbo, that we should go home, spend one week or so, then get ready to come back to join our various units. Thereafter, we were deployed. I was deployed to Nsukka. Now what happened to Ifeajuna and Banjo, who were living with him at the government house here in Enugu?

That was why when Ifeajuna was told he’d been deployed to Nsukka, he turned him down. It is in my book. Ifeajuna was in government house together with Victor Banjo because before the Nigerian crisis, Ojukwu was the quarter-master-general of the Nigerian army. And Ifeajuna who joined the army later, by then I was an officer-cadet, but Ifeajuna had a university degree. He joined

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EN Alabi Isama was emphatic in his book that the invasion of the West by the Biafran forces through Ore was a serious blunder. He said instead invading Lagos from Ilorin, or any other alternative route would have been a better military option. What do

you think?

Now, with regards to the war itself, I fought on the side of Biafra, what you call the rebel side. In other words, the Biafran side, because there was a country if you can refer to Chinua Achebe.

And he (Isama) fought on the Nigerian side.

Now, with regards to the Ore issue…First of all, Alexander Madiebo has actually resolved this matter; that the Biafrans going into the MidWest was Ojukwu’s way of pleasing Banjo. And that It is like paying alone raises a number of your own assassin. other questions, because I was detained prior to all that So, there are many due to the coup of January questions that 1966. And Banjo was also with us in prison. I don’t came out of that. know if you have read my Do you book titled The Fall of Biafra. understand?

So, If you have read it, you’ll Banjo alone was see where I talked about Banjo speaking to us in bad news, because Enugu prison before we he didn’t support were released by Ojukwu before the war started. And Biafra. But Banjo made it quite clear that Ojukwu too, he he didn’t support any question of secession. That was bad news, instead he wanted the because he was creation of more states.

Initially, the North didn’t pig-headed. He want the creation of states. wanted to use But they let superior argument prevailed and so Banjo to go to they let the British guide Lagos. But Banjo them. And so they supported the creation of states. As at also wanted to use that time, Ojukwu in Enugu, Biafran troops to well, in the Eastern Region, said it was not right to create get to his people, states. That it was to to overthrow emasculate the East. Ojukwu and the East were against the Gowon and creation of states. So, when become head of Banjo came out of prison with us, released by Ojukwu state himself, he asked the Ojukwu the same question what about the creation of states.

It is all covered in my book. Now, as to the question of we going into the Mid West in August 1967, it was a matter for Biafrans to decide. So, you don’t decide for us. Not even Alabi Isama himself, because Alabi-Isama is a strategist. He did courses in strategy and so there is no question of him asking why should we do this or why should we do that. No, he shouldn’t do that; it is all in the past.

The thing had taken place.

Banjo, by the way, a Yoruba man, took former Easterners to the Midwest, that alone in my book, I said, is a monstrous gamble.

It is like paying your own assassin. So, there are many questions

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

that came out of that. Do you understand? So, Banjo alone was bad news, because he didn’t support Biafra. But Ojukwu too, he was bad news, because he was pig-headed. He wanted to use Banjo to go to Lagos. But Banjo also wanted to use Biafran troops to get to his people, to overthrow Gowon and become head of state of Nigeria. This was very clear to everybody. So, whether we should have gone into the Midwest or not, it was the choice of Ojukwu and Banjo. So the critique is well-taken. But those two people are dead already. So, what am I going to say?

The larger issue was that the Biafran high command didn’t collectively take that decision.

Now, you are talking about Biafran high command. What was the Biafran high command? What was it? Ojukwu was everything. Okay, if you read Madiebo, he wrote an addendum by way of foreword in Alabi’s book. I have a copy of it. He did say that even the commander of the Biafran army did not know about Biafran crossing to the Midwest. We were not told. Ojukwu was not telling people about a lot of things. Even where our arms and ammunitions were kept, he didn’t tell anybody. He was always dealing with civilians, sending them abroad to even buy ammunitions of war for us. And if we want to face facts I must say that anybody on sideline outside Biafra could feel free to criticise our own way of handling things. But Isama did also give us credit for having some flashes of genius in the war. He did. And so I cannot fault him entirely.

What other blunders were also caused by the Biafran high command?

Good Lord! Again you are talking about Biafran commanders.

Be very careful. You got to study Biafra and the way Biafrans were organised in the war before you start asking such questions. For instance, Ojukwu was the commander of the Biafran troops and at the time when Biafran troops entered the Midwest it was Njoku who was the commander. But Njoku was arrested and detained by Ojukwu. He was detained throughout the war. Don’t you know that? So, what is all these about? Biafran hierarchy or whatever, did we have any?

Ojukwu was everything and that was one of the problems we faced. And eventually what happened? A number of people- Victor Banjo, Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Alali and Agbam, they were shot by firing squad. Don’t you remember all that? Don’t you know? We equally had our own inherent problems. Even Nzeogwu was not involved in the war. He decided, because he was an Igbo man to go and give us support at the Nsukka sector. And he paid with his life. But Ojukwu never involved him in the war, because of petty jealousy. You ought to understand these things. Anyway, this is not to tell us that I hate my people, my dear Igbo people. No. It is to me that I am looking inwards and discussing with you what actually went wrong. Many things went wrong. For instance, the declaration of Biafra took effect at the wrong time. It was wrongly timed. Whereas other military leaders in the West, in the Midwest were cooperating with Gowon, even if you didn’t like Gowon.

Don’t you remember that Adebayo was the governor of the West and both Awolowo and the western officers were saying that northern troops should leave the West. But eventually they supported Gowon and that didn’t mean they liked Gowon. You play up to someone until your time is ready. But Ojukwu had not much patience. That was not the way to handle it and he did not do it well, anyway. So, you can now deduce from what I am saying

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

THE SUNDAY INTERVIEW

people killed even after the war by Nigerian troops. One of them was Tim Onwuatuegwu, another was Major Ukpai. Kalu Ezera was also killed. I don’t want to start naming them here now. So what are they saying? They died, they were killed. So, let’s let sleeping dog lie.

Another issue was the Owerri sector. It became tough that the Federal troops would capture a part and the Biafran troops would regain it. Why was it so for a long time?

Please, please, you should know that Owerri was strategic in its location. It was very near our airport and the centre of gravity for Biafra. The centre of gravity was the Uli airport. So, the airport was actually a beehive of activities in Biafra. Things were coming into the nation from there.

We were surrounded by the federal troops, by land and by air. So, the only place that was available was Owerri. Don’t forget Alabi gave us credit for building two airports within the time of the crisis. Is it easy? Yes, there were things that happened as it were and you see the ingenuity of the Igbo man. So it was actually this tenacity of purpose and this indomitable spirit of the Igbo that made them to last so long in the war. Otherwise the war would have been a matter of days and it was over for us.

Owerri was strategic. Initially it was captured by the 3rd Marine Commando under Col. Benjamin Adekunle. By the way, Adekunle and I met at Sandhurst. He was my senior there. But he was ruthless with his artillery, with his weaponry. He was always known to deploy artillery pieces and fire them all at the same time. He called them his own personal thunder. So, he captured the place, I mean Owerri, but Biafrans took it back because of the strategic nature of the place. It was like Nigeria going to capture Oguta. It was so strategic to us too. It couldn’t happen and we were prepared not to let it happen no matter how long. But eventually what must be must be. It happened when it had to happen. By then our leader had Do you know left for Ivory Coast.

What is your comment on that Ojukwu the book, There Was a Country was one of the by Chinua Achebe All I can tell you is that people that Chinua was a writer of high aborted the coup standards. He was a raconteur, prolific story teller of immerse of 1966 in which aproportion.

He was telling a lot I participated? of stories. I saw a lot of in some of what he And he said so inaccuracies said. I saw a lot of them. in his book, Anybody could see them. Alabi them out. For instance, Because I am pointed one of the causalities of our war Involved. was truth. So, Alabi said it was actually Biafrans who committed a lot of atrocities in Ikot Ekpene and other places in the area. And he was right. We didn’t impose the war on Nigeria, Nigeria imposed the war on Biafra. And we resisted because we wanted to protect lives and property. There were errors in that book but that does not make the book bad.

Achebe is not alive today to defend himself.

You have read My Command by Obasanjo and Isama’s book…

Yes I have read all…

Can you compare the two books?

Listen. Let me answer it straight away. Obasanjo was captain when I was captain in the Nigerian Army. We served together but he was my senior just like he was Alabi’s senior too. We were in the same army engineer. He said he was my commander in his book. No, he was my OC that is Officer-Commander and OC and CO are two different things.

But it doesn’t matter. I saw many lies in Obasanjo’s book.

I saw them with my eyes because I happened to be with Obasanjo in the army. I also happened to be with Alabi in the Nigerian Army. I happened to know what was happening. I was in fact in the vortex of the crisis, for which I was detained by Ironsi from 1966 when the coup took place till 1967 when Ojukwu released us here in Enugu.

Gowon said Ojukwu had no right to release us. So, he detained us again. So, from 1970 to 1974, I was in prison, languishing behind prison bars. We were eight of us. Alabi is writing on facts. This man called Obasanjo is writing on half-truths. I tell you something that book is full of halftruths and that is it. In the launching of Alabi’s book, Gowon wrote a foreword which though belated is what I believe in. That the government of the day, that is Gowon, appointed Obasanjo the commander of the 3rd Marine Commando.

There is no disputing the fact. So, at the end of the war, whether Obasanjo was quarrelling with Isama or Akinrinade or with other people, it was not really what mattered. Obasanjo was the one who stood in for the federal government and received the instrument of surrender. That fact has to be made clear at all times. And Gowon put it quite clear for everybody. He had every right to do so because he was the commander, even though he was not there on the spot. Even though Akinrinade had come down before him, he was the commander. The commander was appointed by the head of state.

And therefore if you want the buck, the buck stops on the table of the commander. Akinrinade came first and then Effiong came into it. Later Obasanjo came and we were called. If you read My Command, he addressed me there as a captain which was the rank I was before the war started.

He said that Captain Ben Gbulie was Effiong’s secretary, while Lt. Col. Akinrinade was his, which is ridiculous. Then he pointed out that Akin and Gbulie were course-mates at Sandhurst which is the truth. So, you see there are complexities here and there.

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came to Nsukka on the second day of the war without anybody inviting him. Then, he took over command. Col. Eze was our commander and then Nzeogwu burst into our Zik’s hostels at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Eze was his senior by the way. But Nzeogwu would not know whether you are his senior or not. He would just take over command. He was very dynamic and so he started dishing out orders, including giving orders to the then Major Emma Udeaja, to me and to Eze himself.

And that was the first issue of sabotage, because before you knew it, that was about 7pm of that day, there was an explosion downstairs. Somebody had exploded a grenade and Nzeogwu quickly dashed downstairs and threw another grenade. Remember in January coup, he threw grenade. He loved throwing grenades but he was a very great man. He was hurt in that grenade. He was a dare-devil, no doubt about it. So he could have died then. As at the time he died, nobody called him. Our headquarters, in fact, was at Opi Junction at the time. He just arrived and decided to go for an operation by himself.

He went on patrol in the night and he used this armoured car, a monstrosity that had nothing but was called armoured vehicle.

So, he paid with his life. They were ambushed by the federal troops. It was the same federal government that announced his death. So, anybody who tells you that Ojukwu killed him or something else is talking rubbish, complete rubbish. Nigeria announced his death and his body was taken to Kaduna, was buried in a cemetery in Kaduna with all military honours. This is indeed the complexity of the Nigerian situation. This was a man who did a coup and you termed it Igbo affair and the same man who organised it, you killed him and then gave him military burial.

And you said he was misguided. Who was not misguided?

The Abagana war sector was said to be the largest gathering of the army…?

Hah! Which army? Whoever was there to say it was the largest army? Who had the statistics to say so? Where did they get the fact from? What was the strength of the army? It was the second division – second div., under Murtala Muhammed. They tried to cross through the Niger three times but failed. If you read Alabi-Isama, when they tried to cross the Niger, a lot of people died. A lot of people perished. Nigerians perished in the water. A lot of people, over 2000 people, died. So, he sent the troops, those carrying arms, ammunitions, petrol and other things through the main land. And they came in and there was an ambush at Abagana. I don’t want to go into that because I was not there myself. I went to see it but I was not there.

Many people have claimed credit; that they were the people who did it. That is absolute rubbish because we know those who claimed credit when something good happened to Biafra. But anytime anything went wrong you won’t see them.

Was it true also that the federal troops kept prisoners of war whereas the Biafran side kept killing their own during the war?

Who said so? Can you please listen to me? The matter is that most people go with the winner. They never go with the loser. If we lost the war so anybody can concoct stories against us. That is rubbish. This one is not true and could never be. I can name many

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and their total aim was to rule the country. There was no doubting that.

Now, if you read Ojukwu promised Professor Eleagwu’s book titled Gowon, even us before he died then Ojukwu was (may his soul rest in reported to have been planning a coup. That was peace) that he would in 1964. But ours was in produce the The 1966.

Do you know why?

Book. But he never As at that time, there was produced it and died. this federal election in which the NCNC refusedAnd so I am not going to take part. And Zik to write it for him. decided not to recognise Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. It is there.

Eleagwu is talking sense and you have to read that book. It was Gowon who reported Ojukwu who was able to wriggle out of it.

If the Biafrans had put their acts together, is it true that they would have won the war instead?

Just a minute, wait a minute! The same Alabi also said if they had put their acts together in the Nigerian side, they would have won the war in three months. Do you know that Gowon gave us only twenty-four hours within which to win the war? Do you know it was called a police action – that is using only the police to overrun Biafra? That presupposed that the war would not last for more than one month? But what happened? Never you think that some people are weak. You think that some people are weak until the time comes for them to act, to prove themselves.

But then, you don’t remember the tenacity of people, about the resilience of people, about the indomitable will of the people.

You don’t easily conquer people like that. No, you don’t. So, Alabi is entitled to his views but I wish he can come and argue with me.

Let’s go back to Nzeogwu. You mentioned professional jealousy…

Oh, no, no. You are talking about jealousy. No, no. you see, he and Ojukwu had only clash of personalities. It wasn’t a question of professional jealousy between the two. That Nzeogwu did the January 1966 coup, he became very popular. He was a revolutionary. Yes, he was indeed. Ojukwu didn’t quite like this. It is in my book titled Nigeria’s Five Majors. We sent captain Udeh to Kano and he was arrested in the Officers’ Mess. Ojukwu was there with him while the coup was going on.

There’s this belief that Nzeogwu was not actually killed by the federal troops…

Look, Look! Wait, wait! I want to stop you there because if you ask me I was not there on the spot. But I do know that Nzeogwu would have died earlier. I do know, because I fought at Nsukka sector. He would have died earlier the way he was carrying on. He was having what I would call a maniacal or suicidal bravery. He would put his head and everything into what he was doing. He

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Politics

R. Ola Olateju an honorary lecturer at the Department of Political and Cultural Studies, Swansea University, United Kingdom, has accused Dr. Fredrick Fasheun of hijacking his idea of reviving the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN).

In an encounter with The Nation in Lagos, Olateju said, “I initiated the idea of Unity Party of Nigeria. Early this year, after looking into the political terrain, I found out that virtually all the political parties dominating the political landscape of Nigeria are not different from each other. Ideologically, they are barren, programme wise, they are not different, and when it comes to party ownership I found out that virtually all the political parties are owned by individuals or group of leaders and not by the people.

By the time I looked at all these scenario, I felt that something must be done, and I felt that if we don’t know where we are going to, we should know where we are coming from. So, I invited few Nigerians, who are either doing their PhD or working in UK, we all agreed to go back to Nigeria with some benefit for the people. I don’t believe it is until you buy cars or lots of materials that they say you have brought something back to the people. Why don’t you go back with ideas for the people. We have been there, we have seen how their system works, we have seen our political parties operate, why don’t we now learn from this and take it back home. Virtually everybody agreed that we should go back and get something done, but then where do we start from? That was the fundamental question we put across that day and then we looked at various political parties. We found out that if we go to any of them, we will end up being swallowed, because the parties won’t belong to the people. So, I sowed the idea of going back to Unity Party of Nigeria. We agreed there is no law in Nigeria that says an old party cannot be resuscitated. I

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

‘How Fasheun hijacked revived UPN from me’ Ola Olateju, an honorary lecturer at the Department of Political and Cultural Studies, Swansea University, United Kingdom, in this brief encounter told Andrew Oyafemi that Oodua People’s Congress founder, Dr. Frederick Fasheun, hijacked the idea of reviving Unity Party of Nigeria ( UPN) from him.

•Olateju

don’t see why people are trying to cut off with the past, trying to start something fresh. Why can’t they go back to say NPN, PRP GNPP, UPN, go back and start from where they stopped and move the political terrain forward?

We know that Balarabe Musa did it in the north by bringing in PRP, even though PRP had been deregistered because of lack of resources to win election or mobilize people. I am also aware that NAP was resuscitated by Tunji Braitwait. So, if those two can do that, what has made those of us that call ourselves Awoists to aban-

don our Awoism? That is why I said let us go back to Unity Party of Nigeria.

On how OPC leader, Dr. Frederick Fasheun came into the picture, Olateju said, “Some of us were saddled with the responsibility to come to Nigeria to talk to people here and there, to sensitise people about the project and when we got good feelers, they asked me to move on. I was made the National Coordinator from the beginning because I initiated the idea, and because I still have my PhD programme in the UK, I felt we

should have some elders, especially the old Awoists, so that they can come and continue while we provide the foot work for them and source resources here and there. It was on that basis that I went to Dr. Fredrick Fasheun, even though I knew he was never an Awoist. He was never a member of UPN and even if he was, he must have been an ordinary supporter or voter. But because of my love and respect for him as a person, out of the three names suggested, I picked Fasheun. I went to him.

I went with Barry Salau and

others to acknowledge his leadership. I also wrote a letter to Mama Awolowo, informing her that we were about to resuscitate UPN, and I told her that our leader, Dr Fasheun, Publicity Secretary, Barry Salau, with the others and I will be coming to visit her very soon.

“So, Fasheun accepted to be leader, but we did not know he accepted the offer to take away the party from us and personalise it.

When we fixed the EXCOs, they met in his hotel on May 19 of this year and the EXCOs were ratified and they all signed the INEC registration form and gave it to the secretary, Abubakar Sokoto, now the Ag National Chairman and I travelled back to the UK, without knowing that my leader and comrade, Dr. Fasheun had another intention.

“The moment I left, he retrieved the INEC form from the secretary, and then went to make fresh copies of the INEC forms.

Then, he handed others over to a contractor who only saw the advert of UPN, now picked him as the national coordinator, handed over the forms to him and two other guys and asked them to start looking for fresh people that can be presented to INEC as the officers of the party.

So, Fasheun sidelined all of us who put together the party and chose fresh hands to be registered but INEC disappointed him by not registering the party. On that basis, we quickly put in place a new set of EXCOs and set Abubakar Sokoto as the Ag National Chairman of the party

henceforth.

After Jonathan, we cannot go back to someone who is over 70 years.

We see Jonathan as a young president and if there are lapses on his side, the youths who are majority of the electorate in this country should rise and tailor him to the right track because there is no perfect being.

The trend across the world is that young people are taking over, why should ours’ be different? Don’t we have intelligent young men and women who can lead this nation out of the woods? These people parading themselves today should not fail to realise that we have not forgotten that they are responsible for the precarious situation that we have found ourselves in.

When you talk about looting of the treasury, Jonathan administration has made claims to doing its best in the fight against corruption.

How would you assess the administration in that sector?

You should realise that it takes time to achieve result and there are steps that a true democratic government cannot take. You don’t expect a government that respects the rule of law to be tying people on the stakes like the military junta.

Besides that, I ask the question: Are we ready for change? How can we swallow western practices hook, line and sinker? Can’t we adopt the Chinese model which is anchored on their culture? Like I have always said, a true federal system is the only way forward for this country. The process for Nigerian foundation is and until we correct that anomaly, we will continue to see indices from international organisations reminding us of the level of poverty and corruption in Nigeria.

How do we correct the faulty foundation when the National Assembly has refused calls for a national conference, insisting that it is constitutionally empowered to amend the constitution?

For me, the ethnic nationalities should refocus their agitation towards a unified agitation for the convocation of a sovereign national conference. If Nigerians rise and insist on a national conference, the members of the National Assembly cannot stop it. What credibility do they have to say no to that request, a group of people who will sit down and pass a bill for my three-year old daughter to be married by a 70 year old man? They have really lost credibility and I don’t see them being in a position to decide whether we should have a sovereign national conference or not.

We should realise that power is not given on a platter of gold.

We should stop window-dress-

ing the issue as we are doing now. Also, we should beware of those who use the agitation to gain recognition. We have seen what happened in other parts of the world where the people came out to demand for their right, but in Nigeria, it is a different thing.

For now, we are not ready; may be when the suffering gets worse, we may rise to demand for our right.

What are the chances of the President in the 2015 elections?

He stands a better chance than any other candidate that would be contesting the presidency because we are talking about achievements. Also, thanks to God that Nigerians are becoming more politically enlightened.

He recently presented the scorecard of his first two years and asked for more support for the last lap of his first tenure; that’s how it should be. Don’t forget that we are coming from a background of decayed infrastructure, which those who are parading themselves as saints at the moment were responsible for.

Don’t forget that Jonathan is building Almajiri schools in the North, so that those kid-beggars will not continue to depend on the so-called past leaders for survival. Northern youths have started questioning the positions of their so-called leaders and the credit must go to Jonathan. Nobody wants to beg and see his children beg in the future.

‘North’s cry of marginalisation unfounded’ Niger Delta activist and former Secretary General of Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Mr. Udengs Eradiri, in this interview with reporters said the North’s allegations that they are currently marginalised was baseless. Excerpts

F

ORMER Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, recently accused President Goodluck Jonathan of playing ethnic and religious politics. What is your take on that?

The claim by Mallam Nasir elRufai that the North is marginalised is unfounded because most of the key agencies and parastatals of the Federal Government are headed by northerners: is it the Customs, Immigration, Central Bank or the Police? Most of the main agencies of government are manned by northerners. Also, 95 per cent of oil blocs in this country are owned by northerners.

•Eradiri

How would you describe that as marginalisation of the North? If we say there is federal character; how come that a few individuals from one ethnic group own more than 95 percent of oil blocs?

They have always tried to frustrate the efforts of the Jonathan administration from day one, so I am not surprised. But I am challenging Nigerians to insist that Jonathan should be the oldest president that we would have

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Glamour

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Glamour

Social REMI ADELOWO

(E-mail: remi21stcentury@yahoo.com

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Glamour

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Glamour

&

By Remi Adelowo

By Olusegun Rapheal

OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL (08033572821) raphseg2003@yahoo.com

?

Princess

with

YETUNDE OLADEINDE

molaralife@yahoo.com

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

C

AROLINE Egbe got married to her heartthrob Kelvin a few years back.

Their wedding was celebrated in grand style and was the talk of the town.

Kelvin is from a rich home while Caroline isn't so lucky. Before their wedding, Caroline was working with a pharmaceutical firm and earning reasonably well and enough to support her family financially. A few months after the wedding, Kelvin asked Caroline to stop working and take full responsibility as a housewife. This came as a great shock to Caroline, who is conscious of the fact that a huge chunk of her salary go into supporting her family financially. Kelvin promised to always provide everything she needed; but as time went by, he began to renege on his promise. He became touchy and temperamental. Consequently, she was not able to send money to her family again, something she found emotionally harrowing.

This was, however, not the case with Kate Adekunle, who also stopped working based on an agreement with her husband.

She was luckier because her husband provided her everything she needed, to the extent that she even had more money than when she was working.

The two cases above are common tales amongst women nowadays. While some women have had it good, some haven't had it so good, biting their fingers in the end. In some cases, it has led to conflicts and in extreme cases, separation in the home. This has brought the issue to the front burner of gender and relationship discussions.

Should women really sacrifice their blooming career for their marriage?

Sacrificing one's career for marriage could come with its ups and downs. For some, it may be the best decision. Some women would not mind sacrificing their careers just to focus on their marital roles and responsibilities. But some, based on experience, have also hesitated, while a good number have out-rightly refused for fear of ending up on the bitter side.

In his opinion, Mr. James Babatunde, a marriage counselor at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Oke-Afa, Isolo, stated that, women in the olden days were mainly housewives, while the men were breadwinners, leaving virtually no room for such situation. He opined that the economic reality of our present world and the attendant high cost of living has, however, led to a situation where there is need for women to support their husbands.

As such, he says it is no longer justifiable for women not to work.

Asked what his advice would be to a woman whose husband has requested her to stop working against her wish, Mr. Babatunde said “In the first place, the situation should not arise because both partners are expected to have laid all the cards on the table and discussed all terms

New WOMAN 41

Sacrificing career for your marriage In the face of an increasing difficult economy and a need to balance home and career, women continue to face the big question of whether to sacrifice their career for their marriage or stick to their jobs and stoke the tension in their marriages. By Busola Odusola and Andrew Oyafemi

before going into marriage. He added that any husband who would ask his wife to stop working must be financially buoyant and capable of taking care of all financial needs of the family.

Mr. Ezenwaka, a member of the Lagos State Marriage Tribunal believes it is economic suicide for a wife to quit her job after wedding. What if something should go wrong at the husband's place of work?

What if he dies? What becomes of the woman?

Mr. Pascal Idowu, a catechist at St. Mary's Catholic Church, is of the view that it could be a concession between the two parties. He said it is not only a woman that can be required to forfeit her job; a man could as well, but it all depends on the

mutual agreement between both parties.

Again, the decision can originate from either the husband or the wife, depending on their situation a n d relationship.

He added that the benefits w i l l emanat e based on the pros and cons of the situation as viewed by the two parties, because you have to look at the preferences and find a balance. If you desire a peaceful and happy family, both parties should have considered the various options while dating and d u r i n g t h e marriage to forestall any tension. “Both of them must be aware of the pros and cons o f s u c h a c t i o n s because it is a long-term decision that will

affect both parties long-term. The wife can jettison her career especially during childbearing, but the husband should be able to make up where necessary. For instance, he can set-up a business for his wife. “ Francesca Oluwatoyin, a catechumen, however says she cannot sacrifice her career on the alter of marriage. According to her, she had the job before she got married; if she leaves the job and the husband is no longer there, will she have to start all over again? Without mincing words, she declared that she cannot imagine herself sitting at home from morning to night doing nothing. “After six years in secondary school, five years in the university and youth service and all the stress of getting the job and fitting into the system, I will now pack my certificate and put them in the cupboard? That is not possible.”

A woman who is not working will have to be asking her husband for money to take care of her every need, which she finds a bit demeaning. “At least, a woman should be able to buy things on her own. If he wants to refund her, fine; but she needs that power.”

Kehinde Oladimeji, however, says she can sacrifice her career for her marriage if she has many children and her job isn't availing her opportunity to take adequate care of them. “If my job isn't allowing me enough time to attend to my children in their formative years and put them through the lessons of life, then I will have to sacrifice that job or career for my marriage.”

Mr. Joseph Ajayi-Choco, a former engineer at NITEL asked his wife to stop working because of the corrupt practices in her place of work. He feels that it is okay in an ideal situation, adding that if sacrificing her career is to the advantage of the family and the husband is able and willing to shoulder the responsibility, then it is a good decision.

Again, Ajayi-Choco toes the line of the other respondents, that the husband and wife ought to have discussed such as issue before marriage. “The decision should have come into family planning,” he says, adding that “family planning is not only about children, as it also involves taking decisions about certain things.”

For Rev. Sis: Christiana OSJ, “It is not right for a married woman to stop working.” She advised women to always discuss with their husbands before taking certain decisions, adding t h a t understanding each other is what matters most. Her advice to w o m e n faced with s u c h situation is t o , a s much as possible, try and reach an agreem e n t w i t h their spouse . She advise d that a s a compromis e, a wife can engage in other profitable activities rather than just stay idle at home.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

New WOMAN/Bridals

Trends

Bridals

Wedding Invitations

Making perfect A jewellery choice for your big day!

W

OW! So you've got a perfect wedding dress; now it's time to go scouring for that stunning jewellery accessory to compliment it. That your choice of jewellery should m a t c h a n d complement your wedding gown is not negotiable. And then it must express your personality and style and give you that total bridal look.

Wedding jewellery can be a testament to the bride's personal style, heritage, or a reflection of the wedding theme. It can also be added ensemble to further make the day one to remember fondly for the rest of the bride's life. It is therefore, important to think carefully and have a picture of your wedding dress, be it the white wedding gown or traditional attire in mind while picking your jewellery.

If you've picked a vintage dress, then

By Olamide Akiode

you must make sure you get yourself jewellery from the era, for that authentic look and feel. As a spice and that unique twist, you could also combine vintage fashion with contemporary jewellery.

If your wedding is traditional, it wouldn't be a bad idea to choose jewellery that is contemporary but not too fussy or heavy.

If you are, however, at a loss, stick with the classics.

Diamonds and pearl are bride's favourites for a reason. Bear it in mind that options open to a bride are numerous and a matter of how exposed a bride and her stylists are. styles, the choice is yours to pick that From polished perfect earrings, necklace and silver, to the bracelet for your ceremony and warmth of reception. gold; to delicate When making a decision on freshwaters earrings, you must consider pearls, abundant your hairstyle for the day. If you exo tic-coloured choose a pair of dropping Swarovski crystals, earrings, it is very likely that modern jewellery they get a bit lost when teamed silhouettes and vintage with down styles.

as s n o i t a t i c i l Fe ale w e d A d n a Iyabo t o n k e h t d e ti

T

HURSDAY August 15 was a day of joy and celebration for the families of Adewunmi and Ayoola from Oola, Kwara State and Otu, Oyo State respectively, as their children, Adewale and Iyabo Olawunmi, tied the nuptial knots at the Ikoyi Registry, Lagos.

The traditional wedding and engagement took place on Saturday, August 17 at the Leilas Events Centre, Ire-Akari Estate, Isolo, with the couple and guests turning out in rich traditional attires in a beautiful spectacle of culture and tradition.

The reception followed immediately at the same venue.

By Busola Odusola

wedding invitation card is your guests' introduction and ticket to your wedding ceremony.

It says so much about the sender and sets the tone, theme, style and mood for the ceremony.

The wedding invitation is as important as the venue of the ceremony. It is like a form of letter asking the recipient to attend.

Just as in fashion, various trends and designs have emerged overtime, along with various ways of sending or delivering the invitations to guests.

Back in time, weddings were usually announced by town-criers who crisscross streets and alleys armed with gongs and bellowing voices to spread the news of the impending wedding other necessary information.

Effectively, anyone who heard such information became part of the celebration, whether actively or passively.

There was also the ordinary printing technique, where ink was simply stamped unto the paper using lead type.

After this came the trend of announcing weddings in the newspaper.

In the 60s, the invention of metal plate engraving brought higher quality wedding invitations to the reach of the emerging middle class.

In modern times, letterpress printing has made a strong resurrection in popularity to wedding invitations. Laser engraving has also gradually made headway into the trend of wedding invitation.

Wedding invitation cards can also be printed in the preferred colours of the grand event. As a matter of fact, this is more of the trend today.

This, in addition to the motif are woven into wedding invitations and then carried through to the rest of the wedding proper accessories, such as the wedding programmes, menu cards et al. You can also use bold patterns such as polka dots and stripes.

One of the latest trends is to mix two or three of the patterns, in the same colour scheme for a really eyecatching invitation card.

You can also use handmade cards by employing the use of family photos, caricatures, and images of places you have visited to create lovely designs. You can also incorporate crystals and gemstones into wedding invitations.

Also, you can decide to create a less formal invitation.

While it used to be customary for invitations to be issued by the couple's parents, many couples now choose to send the invitation card themselves. Phrases such as “We request the honour of your presence” are being replaced with phrases such as “We would love you to come and celebrate with us”.

Also, these days, handmade paper makes beautiful bases for invitations, and natural materials such as leaves, twigs and flowers can be incorporated into invites.

If you are the tech-savvy type, you can issue invitation through the multi-media with soundtrack, animation and video. You can also use social networks to give the necessary information about your wedding and provide link to your wedding website.

Some of the necessary information in a wedding invite includes the names of the bride and groom, the venue, time, colour of the day (optional), the various events such as whether it is a church wedding, nikkai, registry and so on.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

INSIGHT 47

Deadly journeys of the food on your table

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

That sumptuous and inviting meal on your table has gone through a lot to get there. Whether processed or raw, foreign or local, it has an interesting train of movements. In this report, we consider the amazing journeys of at least five main foods in the country as well as the varying hazards they have gone through on the way to your table amid serious health concerns.

N

UTRITIONISTS and food technologists unanimously agree fruits are essential intakes for healthier living. Fruit-rich diets reduce risks of some cancers, strokes and other chronic diseases. They offer essential vitamins and mineral as well as fibres helpful for sound health. It is said that half of daily diets should include fruits and allied ingredients.

Nigerians believe and practise this. Fruits are sold in nearly every nook and cranny of the country. The worry is most fruits consumed are imported, a development that comes with several dangers.

Investigations revealed that most of the bananas consumed in Nigeria are from neighbouring Cameroon noted for its forest rains. Uganda, Tanzania and other East African nations also ship in large quantities of bananas.

Nigeria’s burgeoning population and purchasing power make the market attractive for the commodity.

Apple, which is difficult to grow in the country is mostly from South Africa and neighbouring Benin Republic. They are openly displayed in stores, supermarkets and even public markets across the nation. Nigerians revel in purchasing the eye-catching fruit, which is perceived as classy.

Other fruits heavily imported into the country include orchards, celery, strawberry, peaches, spinach, grapes, bell peppers, blueberries, cucumber, runner beans and cabbage. … In Nigeria with much pains The imported fruits come in mainly through the sea and land borders. This is despite the fact that fruits are on the prohibition category of the Nigerian Customs website. A Customs official who craved anonymity said the commodities still find their way to the country despite the prohibition order.

According to him, “Many of the fruits come through bushes and illegal routes. We are trying our best but the truth is we are grossly

Fruits: Tales of hazards

•Apple

PHOTOS: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

By Sunday Oguntola

overwhelmed. Despite our best efforts, the commodities still find their way in.”

It was gathered that some of the fruits spend weeks on the high seas under hygienic and refrigerated conditions. But the problem starts from when they arrive on the Nigerian shores.

“When we take delivery, we cannot start distribution immediately. We have to contact our dealers across the country, which takes days. During this period, we have to apply preservatives to keep the fruits fresh because they are highly perishable. We then move them to dealers who get them across to the markets,” a fruit importer told our correspondent under strict anonymity.

Most of the imported fruits, it was discovered, have undergone several laboratory experiments in frantic bids to increase yields.

Most supermarkets have ‘seedless’ fruits already engineered in laboratories in a scientific

process known as ‘genetic modification’.

They become unsafe and dirty in the process though they eventually yield more for the producers and sellers. Also, the shipping procedures expose them to bacterial infection, which make the fruits harmful for consumption.

Salmonella, a bacterium that causes food poisoning and typhoid fever in humans or shigella, a bacterium that causes dysentery, is easily contacted in the process.

Pesticides, fungus and insect threats also force farmers to spray various chemicals on their orchards to improve and preserve production.

More dangers with fruit juices But it is in the importation of concentrates for production of fruit juices that the nation loses much more. Nigerians take a lot of fruit juices, most of which are imported though the nation boasts of at least 14 local companies in the subsector listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, said Nigerians spend $1 billion yearly importing fruit juice, a development he described as disheartening.

Nigeria consumes 50 per cent of the total volume of fruit juice sold in Africa, according to the Director General of Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Prof.

Azikiwe Onwualu.

The ban on importation of fruit juices has boosted local manufacturing but concentrates are still mainly imported. The concentrates come through the same processes and routes as the imported fruits.

The country loses more foreign exchange and nutritional values with the gross import of concentrates for production of fruit juices.

Local fruits: Same of the same Lettuces, potatoes and other vegetables are locally produced mainly in the North-Central states of Plateau and Benue. These local efforts are hampered by poor yields and environmental hazards. A local fruit seller agreed that most farmers in the North contend with insects, pests and poor storage facilities.

“You will notice that fruits have seasons. So, when it is the season of mangoes, for example, they just waste away because the farmers cannot store them. We can’t transport them immediately and suffer more losses,” Mrs. Adeola Sulaimon, stated. The long hours of moving the fruits to major markets in the cities also hasten the rottenness of the commodity, she said.

During off-season, the farmers and retailers are forced to induce the fruits to ripen by applying chemicals. Sulaimon confessed they are not left with much choice. “That is the only way to survive and meet growing demands. If you don’t apply the chemicals, you don’t get to sell anything,” she explained.

Dr Adamu Onu of Garki General Hospital Abuja, said the practice is dangerous and harmful to vital organs such as the liver. According to him, the ripening chemicals distort the natural taste and flavour of fruits.

An industrial chemist, Miss Ebere Nwachukwu, agrees. She said: “Ripening is the final stage of the maturation process; any attempt to force a fruit to ripe prematurely can destroy the natural ingredients in it.

“Calcium carbide absorbs moisture and produces acetylene, which is a weak analogue of ethylene, responsible for triggering ripening process.”

Headache, dizziness, mood disturbances, sleepiness, mental confusion, and memory loss, according to her, are some of the side-effects of consuming fruits with ripening chemicals.

The dilemma is how do you identify those that have gone through this process?

Continued on page 48

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T

Continued from page 47

HAT imported frozen foods, particularly chicken and turkey, are favourites of Nigerians is stating the obvious.

To satisfy the growing demand of Nigerians whose menu are incomplete without these, many smart businessmen and women have tapped into this opportunity and are smiling to the bank in the process. But this has not come without a price.

Some years ago, the Federal Government placed a ban on the importation of turkey and chicken, citing the unhygienic conditions under which they are brought into the country. However, this has not deterred many unscrupulous businessmen and women from smuggling in these products; they take advantage of the countless illegal routes along the border between Nigeria and neighbouring Benin Republic, where the products are brought in.

Official statistics put the worth of imported frozen foods at about a whopping N40billion annually. Investigations however revealed that this figure is grossly understated.

A Customs officer who works at the Seme border told The Nation under the condition of anonymity: “The figure (N40billion) is a rather conservative estimate. It’s much more than that if one takes into consideration the hundreds of trailers and trucks that bring in these products into Nigeria on a daily basis.”

Shedding more light on the modus operandi of smugglers of these products, the Customs source said: “These products are bought in from some Asian and a few European countries and imported into Cotonou in Benin Republic. But because of

I

T takes almost a whole day to transport a lorry load of plantain from Okada, Uruomi and other parts of Edo State where it is grown in large quantities to Idi-Oro in Mushin and other markets in Lagos.

At Idi-Oro, which is reputed to be the largest plantain market in Nigeria, there are various categories of traders. There are those who buy from farmers within the country and those who import from Cameroun, Benin Republic and other West African countries.

It takes those in the latter group a minimum of two days to move their wares from wherever they are buying to Idi-Oro market where they sell to retailers and consumers.

Although many customers rarely notice, traders at the market say there are slight differences between imported plantains and local ones.

One of them, Alhaja Taibat Shittu, said the plantains from Cameroun and other countries are smaller in size compared to those grown

T

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

INSIGHT

Frozen foods: Tasty tongues, damaged organs

•Chicken at Iyana Ipaja market

By Remi Adelowo

the ban placed on them in Nigeria, these smugglers bring them in through the over one hundred illegal routes along the border.

“From the trailers, these products are discharged into smaller vehicles. This process takes about a week or more, which is too a long a time for the foods to remain in good condition.

Add this to the number of weeks it took to ship them from the source to Benin Republic and you realise the health danger Nigerians are facing.”

He added: “Because of the delicate nature of

these foods and to ensure that they don’t become rotten, all kinds of chemicals are mixed with it thus endangering the lives of people who consume it.”

Unconfirmed reports have it that the chemical referred to by our source is formaldehyde popularly known as formalin, which is used to embalm corpses in morgues. This chemical, it was learnt, ensures the preservation and non-contamination of the foods.

Interestingly, many Nigerians and small scale traders of these products are either ignorant of this development or are downright nonchalant about it.

A trader, Mr. Gbolahan Animashaun, who runs Asekun Foods at Ogba area in Lagos, said he is unaware that any chemical is mixed with frozen chicken and turkey by the importers.

He said: “I’m hearing this news for the first time. Believe me I’m not aware at all. I went into the business simply because it is lucrative.”

Asked where he buys the product, Animashaun, who runs the business with his wife, said his major supplier operates a big showroom at Ketu in Lagos.

He, however, was not sure if his supplier is an importer of the products or a distributor.

Another trader, Mrs. Joyce Osuji, told The Nation that her decision to start the business in Magodo, an upper class residential area of Lagos, was purely for economic reasons. “I started the business to fill a void within this area and I have not had any regret so far.”

Plantain: From Cameroun with harm

By Vincent Nzemeke

locally. She added that traders who import do so because it is cheaper to buy from other countries and bring them into the market illegally.

“Our plantains are bigger than the ones they import. But some traders here prefer buy from Cameroun and Benin Republic because it is cheaper and they bring them into Nigeria through illegal borders. I prefer to buy from our farmers here because I am used to them and even though it is expensive, I think it is better than the ones they import”.

Trading in a perishable product like plantain comes with a catalogue of risks and the traders have various ways of dealing with them. To preserve their wares, some traders at the market especially retailers engage in some unhealthy

practices. Those who sell ripe ones use carbide and ashes to quicken the ripening process while those who sell unripe ones sometime dump them in filthy places when offloading from the Lorries.

Kingsley Izeh, one of the lorry drivers at the market, said the traders use the carbide and ash methods to enable them recoup their investments fast.

According to him there is no health risk associated with ashes but there have been complaints about carbide because it contains some chemicals that are dangerous to human health.

“If the plantains don’t get ripe on time, the traders will lose their money. That is why they use ashes or carbide. The ash is naturally because they also use it in the villages but there have been some complaints about the use of carbides but these traders won’t stop”.

•Plantain

Beans: From Northeast to Lagos

HOUGH many markets, supermarkets, and neighbourhood kiosks sell beans, the official beans ‘warehouse’ in Lagos State is the Irepodun Market, Iddo. Traders popularly refer to it as Iddo-Elewa.

There, the stalls are all laden with bags of beans and the heavy duty vehicles and trailers that throng the market daily deliver just one product – beans.

According to Abdulfatai Akanji, the secretarygeneral of the Irepodun Market Association, the bulk of the beans consignment comes from the Northwest region of the country.

Whether, it is oloyin or banjara, drum, Olo 1, or Olo 2, it is largely Yobe, Gombe, and Borno states that produce the beans consumed in Nigeria. And in those states, the bulk of the farming of beans takes place in the rural areas.

After harvest, the beans farmers take their commodity to specialised beans market where traders from other parts of the country come to buy them.

By Joe Agbro Jr.

This is usually a tough journey. Akanji said: “Farmers from the remote areas do bring their goods after harvesting to the major cities where they have larger markets. Some of these markets are daily, weekly or five-day markets. Whenever they bring their beans there, our people from here who are traders would go there and purchase some of those from the farmers.”

In Kano, the beans market is called Dawanau; in Borno State, it is the Muna market Maiduguri while it is Potiskum market in Yobe State. These markets operate daily and it is to those markets that the Iddo traders from Lagos go to buy beans.

Akanji also said that though trade in beans is huge in Kano, planting of beans doesn’t thrive as much. With the transaction between the traders and the farmers over, the traders then pool resources to charter trailers to convey the beans down to Lagos.

This is usually a 30-tonne truck loads about 300 one hundred kilograms bags of beans or 600 fifty-kilogram bags. And this journey takes about

•Beans

three to five days, according to Akanji, depending on how sound the engine of the truck is. For Lagosbound trucks from Kano, it usually takes about three days.

And daily, as trucks arrive in Irepodun market,

Canned foods, canned deaths

F

Admitting that they are aware that the importation of frozen products are under ban, Animashaun and Osuji responded that the ban rather than curb the consumption of such foods

by Nigerians has further increased it, thereby making it a goldmine for people engaged in the business.

Animashaun said: “There was a time in this country that the government banned the importation of rice, but did that stop people from smuggling it into the country? Again, how many Nigerians eat locally produced rice?”

For Osuji, the lax enforcement of the ban has encouraged more people to go into the business.

She said: “Not once has the Customs or the police harassed me, so why should I bother my head?”

The National President, Nigerian Institute of Food, Science and Technology (NISFT), Prof.

Lateef Sanni, identified pathogens such as Escherichia, Coli, Clostridium bottling, Staphylococcus as the major health hazards associated with consumption of frozen foods.

He said if the pathogens are deactivated but not killed, they could be activated again when the frozen foods thaw, leading to severe health implications. Sanni said: “Regulatory agencies must be supported to ensure proper handling and storage while consumers should properly cook frozen products before consumption.”

He added that constant electricity would also help as well as good road networks to aid quicker distribution of the products.

OR a few rich, canned food products are the way to go. Nearly everything is canned these days, beginning from drinks to beans, maize, meats, fruits, paste and fish. Nigerians who can afford them throng supermarkets and stores to buy these commodities. For them, it is a status symbol and a sign of good living.

Investigations revealed that these canned products are largely imported and expensive. Yet, rich Nigerians prefer them to fresh variants of the commodities. Canned fruits are becoming increasingly popular, finding their way to the feeding tables of many.

The Head, Department of Food Technology in Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos, Mr. Akin Opeifa, said

By Sunday Oguntola

canned food products are largely safe for consumption having undergone rigorous laboratory and industrial tests. According to Opeifa, the principle of commercial sterility ensures that only one out of every one hundred canned foods can be bad.

“So, if one is unfortunate to consume the only bad can, what happens? That is sudden and instant death,” he stated. He alsopointed out that the high level of connivance between manufacturers and importers make the commodities especially dangerous.

“We have NAFDAC and all other regulatory agencies that are doing great jobs.

But to what extent can they regulate and ensure compliance with strictest technological requirements? We all know importers can bring in the products and change the labels of expired products. These can jeopardise lives no doubt,” the don stated.

Most canned food products, he disclosed, are susceptible to Clostridium Botulinum, a viral bacterium that paralyses the nervous system rapidly. The heat-resistant bacterium, he added, can be found in expired canned foods that have been compromised.

Opeifa advised Nigerians to stick to fresh foods and avoid canned products as much as possible. “Fresh foods are cheaper and readily available but the time it takes to bring in the canned products can expose them to dangers that cause health hazards,” he further explained.

retailers, restaurants, and individuals in need of beans in large quantity also throng daily to IddoElewa to buy beans.

“People from Badagry, Epe, Lekki, Ikorodu, Ikotun, and from all over Lagos State,” he said, “come here to buy beans.”

•Opeifa

BUSINESS

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‘Nigerians in Diaspora can contribute to economy’

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

-- Page 52

Why Nigeria has perennial power crisis—NERC boss

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EVERAL factors, chief among which include lack of substantial investment is responsible for the perennial power outage being experienced in the country, Dr. Sam Amadi, Chairman/Chief Executive, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has said.

The NERC boss made this disclosure as guest speaker at an interactive session between NERC and the human rights group, jointly organised by Nigerian Human Rights Community and Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), in Lagos, at the weekend.

Tagged: ‘Public Forum on Transparency, Growth and the Energy Sector’, the forum was moderated by Comrade Ayodele Akele.

Going down memory lane, Amadi recalled that for more than

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

two decades, the nation’s capacity to generate electricity had dropped abysmally due to system collapse. “Between the late 80’s and 90’s, the country could barely generate a paltry 2, 100 megawatts of electricity because there were no conscious attempts by the Federal Government to invest in the power sector. The Egbin power station alone used to generate about 1, 200megawatts but because we failed to keep up the tempo of activity in the sector, we are now suffering the dire consequences,” he said.

Expatiating, he said: “Most countries strive to generate at least 2, 000megawatts every year. But we currently generate about 6, 000megawatts for a population of 170 million people, whereas South

Africa with a population of about 70million generates over 40, 000megawatts. India has concluded arrangement to generate about 100, 000megawatts in the next five years. So, there is still a lot we have to do in terms of investment in the power sector. “ Amadi, who said it cost at least $1million to generate a megawatt of electricity, said before now not many financial institutions in the country were favourably disposed towards power sector financing because of the issue of generation, distribution and transmission.

He was, however, optimistic that once the country is able to boost power generation substantially, the issue of exorbitant cost will become a thing of the past.

While underscoring the importance of the NERC, he said the agency is to electricity consumers

what the Nigerian Communications Commission is to GSM users, stressing that it was the collective duty of all to ensure that service delivery becomes a reality in the power sector.

Justifying the need for the interface and discussion session, the South-West Civil Rights Group Coordinator, Comrade Wale Adeoye, said: “There is a significant link between human right work and energy provision. As people in the civil right movement, we daily encounter challenges that are related to inadequate energy supply. We have seen people that lose their lives due to poorly lit highways; we frequently encounter conflict between communities and energy service officials due to feud arising from energy crisis.”

The summit, he stressed, aims at ensuring better understanding and possible cooperation for sustainable development in the country in the power sub-sector.

Speakers after speakers, who raised their voice above the din, also argued that the power situation in the country was terribly bad, prompting suggestions by many on the need to constitute a coalition to address some of the inherently intractable problems.

Fed Govt seeks compliance in weight, measuring instrument From Franca Ochigbo, Abuja

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•From left: Moderator, Comrade Ayodele Akele, Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi and the South-West Civil Rights Group Coordinator, Comrade Wale Adeoye, at the Interactive Session between NERC and the human rights group in Nigeria, jointly organised by Nigerian Human Rights Community and Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), held at Social Justice Chamber GRA Ikeja, Lagos, at the weekend

IFC boosts infrastructure with N60bn investment

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NTERNATIONAL Finance Corporation, IFC said it has invested 25 per cent, about N60 billion of its 2012 total investment in Nigeria on infrastructure. Vice President, sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Jean Philippe Prosper stated this in Lagos while interacting with newsmen during his visit to Nigeria.

He said that IFC has invested a total of $1.5bn in Nigeria within the organisation’s last fiscal year that ended in June, 2013.

According to him, the infrastructure and natural resources sector got 25 per cent, about N60bn, while manufacturing and agribusiness got 25 per cent. The financial markets got N120bn about 50 per cent of the total investments.

“We have significantly increased our volume of activities both in terms of investments and

By Bukola Afolabi

advisory services. On the investment front, we have in the past fiscal year, which is from July 1st 2012 to June 30, 2013, invested about $1.5bn in Nigeria which represents close to 30 per cent of what we have done in Africa this year. That was about 50 per cent in financial markets, 25 per cent on infrastructure and natural resources and the other 25 per cent in manufacturing and agribusinesses,” he said.

He added that, “Overall in Africa, we have significantly increased our activities in infrastructure development particularly in power and transport, because those are the key areas of need in Africa. In Nigeria, our major focus is on power and we as a World Bank Group are working with the government and others and we

have developed a joint World Bank approach on what we call Energy Business Plan.”

He further noted that Nigeria’s economy is providing veritable opportunities, presenting huge prospects for growth and IFC will continue to do more businesses in Nigeria.

“In terms of doing business in Nigeria, we would have not been able to increase our volume of business if there were no opportunities. Clearly, there are opportunities, it is a vibrant economy as the economy has grown to over 7 per cent in the last three years and it is expected to continue to grow even in a relatively faster pace. Of course, there are issues but what is important to us is that we are seeing positive trends in the economy and we are excited about the opportunity for us to continue to do more business,” he said.

HE Federal Government is set to ensure compliance in the usage of weighing and measuring instrument in all sectors of the economy.

The Chief Executive Officer NIGERCO Nigeria Ltd, Engr.

Yabagi Sani disclosed this at a briefing in Abuja.

He said, “All organisation involved should register their weight, measures, weighing and measuring instruments used for trade within Nigeria and have them verified in line with section 7 of the weight and measures Act, CAP W3 LFN, 2004. This is necessary because trade between countries often involves huge amount of money, therefore a small error in measurement of flow rates or quantity of gas represents a significant amount of money. “ Continuing, he said: “Every day consumers, traders industries, government regulators and collectors of taxes and duties make a decision based on measurement and these affect economics and personal well being of the society.

“From a consumer’s perspective, a kilogram of rice must be a kilogram and no less, a motorist needs to trust the volume delivered by a petro pump, a mobile telephone user must be assured in the knowledge that one minute of airtime must be one minute and no less. “

Briefs FBNH, Zenith record slim gains Stories by Andrew Oyafemi

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HE stock market was characterised by mixed sentiments in the banking sector with fairly matched gainers and losers at the close of proceedings at the weekend.

FBNH and Zenith Bank recorded slim gains of 0.9% and 0.2% while UBA and GTBank booked losses of 0.6% and 0.3%, mid-tier banks were also in line with Skye Bank and Fidelity Bank closing on the up-tick while Diamond Bank and FCMB dropped 0.7% and 0.2% respectively.

The building materials sector was split evenly, Wapco and Ashaka cement rallied with gains of 2.1% and 1.8% on the back of growing demand while CCNN and Dangote Cement lost 0.9% and 1.0% as participants on the buy side remained cautious.

Flourmills picked maximum points at the close of the day’s proceeding with a clearance of available offers during the session. Closing sentiments suggests that this trend could lead to further appreciation early next week. Multitrex dropped a further 1.6% in spite of a dearth of offers during the session while Nascon lost 2.5%.

Omo Multi Active launched with fanfare

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NILEVER Nigeria Plc has come up with a new improved Omo Multi Active detergent which promises laundry satisfaction to consumers of the iconic brand.

At an impressive launch event held in Lagos, Vice President Operations, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Anil Gopalan said: “Our business initiatives are hinged on consumer satisfaction and innovation is the driving force in our quest to meet consumer expectations. Innovation is what we know how to do best. Omo as a brand has evolved through the years with our philosophy to make child development possible without limitations.

With the new improved Omo Multi Active detergent we would continue to support parents reduce the challenge of fabric cleaning.

He explained that Omo Multi Active detergent is also embracing a new thrust to promote peace in Nigeria.

“Omo multi active detergent appreciates how kids learn, express their creativity and even bolster their immune systems. Unilever, thus, urges people to stand up for peace”.

“Unilever products touch the lives of over 2 billion people every day.”

He said. “Key to the Omo Multi Active detergent brand is our commitment to the Cleaner Planet Plan – a pledge supported by several of Unilever’s laundry brands, through which we’re minimising our impact on the environment. We’ve also formulated our Omo Multi Active detergent brand to provide effective washing at low temperatures, saving energy, and saving you money. In line with Unilever’s commitment to meeting the needs of our consumers and its spirit of continuous improvement the Company launches its New Improved Omo Multi Active detergent, which delivers brilliant results in One Step.”

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BUSINESS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Still battling to go cashless

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ACKGROUND The advent of technology has, unarguably, made life easier. Technology has also brought about an unprecedented growth in online transactions.

One of the biggest technological innovations in the area of banking, finance and commerce is electronic payment (epayment). E-payment refers to the technological systems that enables bank customers perform financial transactions electronically.

This form of banking, which has continued to gain recognition and acceptability in Nigeria, has several advantages compared with the traditional method of payment That is why experts and operators in the e-payment industry have stressed the need for a strategic agenda to consolidate on its recent gains and fast track the country’s move towards an efficient electronic payment system.

This was the submission of experts that spoke at the second annual conference of the Committee of Heads of e-Banking Industry Heads (CeBIH), tagged: “Developing a market structure that works: Challenges and Prospects for the Nigerian Payment System,” that was held in Calabar recently.

This strategic agenda, they stressed, must incorporate among others; a programme of incentives for e-payment usage; a balancing of cooperation with competition, massive education and enlightenment; expansion of service offerings on electronic payment channels, especially point of sale (PoS) terminals; a business approach to e-payment as well as full adoption of epayment by government.

Overcoming e-payment challenges Deputy Director, Banking and Payment System, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Emmanual Obaigbona, noted that while there are still a lot of challenges in the quest to move the country from cash to e-payment, the country has recorded significant achievements especially in the deployment of e-payment channels such as automated teller machines (ATMs), internet banking, PoS and electronic money transfer.

According to the CBN official, the achievements recorded so far was as a result of the product of collaboration among stakeholders, adding that to consolidate on that requires collaboration.

Obaigbona argued, “The cashless policy was primarily aimed at enthroning electronic payment. And we are making progress but we need ideas. We have to come together because CBN encourages collaboration.

“We need to hear from you ((CeBIH). You are the experts on electronic payment. It is from your own perspectives that a lot of things happen. You tell us your own views, we look at them and discuss.”

To the Managing Director, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System (NIBSS), Mr. Ade Shonubi, to develop an e-payment system that works required unbiased regulation and oversight over the financial system practitioners by the regulatory authorities, as well as collaboration between major stakeholders in the e-pay-

•ATM machine and POS

In the last one year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been propagating a cashless economy through the use of e-payment for financial and commercial transactions.

With a significant number of Nigerians yet to embrace the policy, Bukola Afolabi in this report examines the challenges plaguing the policy and the way forward ment value chain.

However, Chairman, CeBIH, Mr. Chuma Ezirim, argued that while collaboration was needed to set standards and build infrastructure to reduce cost for the industry, there is also the need to balance cooperation with competition.

Ezirim said, “Centrallyagreed common features can sometimes hamper product and/or service differentiation and innovation at the individual service provider level.

A key question is what factors the authorities and key stakeholders should consider in balancing cooperation and competition in retail payment systems.”

He noted that while it was the responsibilities of Central Banks to provide oversight and regulatory functions to deal with conflicts of interest and balance cooperation and competition in order to achieve optimal availability and affordability of payment instruments, the regulator however should not unduly interfere in the provision of e-payment access services in the country, saying that this is an area that gives banks the opportunity to compete for product/service differentiation and innovation.”

It is, however, interesting to note that millions of Nigerians are not yet aware and educated about this e-payment system that was recently introduced into the country.

According to a financial expert, Bunmi Arowolojuolu, who spoke to The Nation, while e-payment is not new in some developing countries, Nigeria is just embracing the policy.

He argued that for the concept to work without hitches, the country’s telecommunication network, which is predominantly dominated by companies in the private sector, should be made more effective and reliable.

A recent statistics which stated that 59% of Nigerians are presently using e-payment system, analysts argued, is still very

insignificant.

Strengthening e-payment In order to strengthen and increase the use of e-payment in Nigeria, the Division President, Sub-Sahara Africa, MasterCard Worldwide, Mr. Daniel Monehin, recently suggested the introduction of incentives that would compel cardholders and merchants to accept PoS. “In my experience in markets like South Korea, what was used in these places was a dual approach. But what I see mostly in Nigeria is a single approach,” Monehin observed.

He added, “In Nigeria, we see the stick, we see the penalties, we see the charges, but we don’t see the carrots. It’s like telling people that if you embrace e-payment, here is the pat you will get on your back.

“The picture of merchants that keep PoS under the table will be very uncommon if you have programs in place that motivates that merchant to record a sizeable portion of his revenue on that terminal such that it would be like the developed markets, whereby as you are opening your business, you will get your PoS connected because that is your gateway to your revenue.”

Monehin, however, noted that government’s active participation was critical to the enthronement of e-payment irrespective of the model adopted by operators and regulators.

“I am yet to see any government across the world make bold moves in payment like the Nigerian government. The only difference is they are directing everybody to do it but they are not doing it. Until government begins to play in this, it is not going to work.

“You can put any model together for electronic payment but if government payment system, benefits payment, whatever payment that goes through the system, payments to the contractor, if it is not electronic, you can forget about any model you adopt, it will not work because in a developing market,

the government plays a major role as a catalyst,” he According to Holloway, banks need to be brave in their deployment of electronic payment channels especially PoS, argued.

On his part, the Vice President, Sales, Africa and Middle East, VeriFone, United Kingdom, Martin Holloway, urged banks to change their approach to deployment of PoS to merchants, while adding that they should not be discouraged by the apathy of merchants.”A lot can be done with the PoS; it can serve as platform for advertisement, loyalty program, amongst others. And it is the duty of banks to make merchants see the value of PoS so that they can make money from it,” he said.

He noted that another way to facilitate electronic payment was to connect PoS to mobile payment, such that people could use their mobile phone wallet to pay for goods and services through PoS. He said this would not only fast-track electronic payment but also facilitate financial inclusion.

Not a few Nigerians have had ugly experience in the use of e-payment. For instance, Ronke Rotimi, who just finished her Senior Secondary School Examination, was told to register JAMB online.

But to her utmost shock on the examination day, her centre had been changed without her being notified in advance.

A businessman, Adeolu Olumide, also recounted his experience. “I transfered some money to my brother in school and I told the bank official who attended to me that the process must be done immediately. But the person the money was sent to did not receive it until the third day. When I sought for explanation, I was told the delay was due to a network challenge.”

Is there a way out of these minor issues affecting the payment system in Nigeria?

Holloway said his firm had developed and deployed the kind

of PoS with multiple functions in several countries, saying that VeriFone was working with the NIBSS to deploy such PoS in Nigeria.

To the Country Manager, DataGroup IT, Mr. Victor Ajua, there were numerous models for achieving efficient electronic payment system. But he stressed the need to find the right model that suits the Nigerian environment.

“I think the banks need to sit down with CBN and NIBSS and fine-tune whichever model they want to adopt. I have heard so much about different models, but we need to find the right model that suit our environment and move the economy,” Ajua said.

Mr. Sam Kolajo of Enterprise Logistics Limited challenged the banks to concentrate on the enormous opportunities the Nigerian economy offers for e-payment business and explore it to their benefit.

“We see improvement in electronic payment system; we see that there is guaranty of security; we see that electronic payment system is going to have a more deep effect on the population.

“Change is the only thing that is permanent and it depends on the way you look at it. Rather than mourn and say this is it, try to see the good in what is coming, which is the reason why a company like ours is partnering with the industry to move this forward.

“So rather than look at these challenges, you can take it upon yourselves and began to address them one by one and kick them out of the way. What I want the banks here to do is to see the wonderful environment in which you live and turn it around”, he said.

Cheques for many years have been the only option to cash money in the economy.

However, cheques have not been acceptable to merchants because of corruption and the resultant mistrust that it creates.

Incidence of bounce cheques was very high making

merchants to be cautious in accepting cheques. This was also because of a lack of an electronic means of verifying valid cheques. Part of the problem was also the poor interconnection of banks and a lack of an electronic cheque clearing system.

But today, banks now have branches interconnected together. Furthermore, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has also introduced inter-bank electronic cheque clearing system which has greatly reduced the time it takes to redeem cheques.

For any payment system to be able to replace cash (or at least compete with it), it must win the trust of merchants in the economy. For this to happen, there must be a way for merchants to verify the validity of the purchase.

Also, the payment solution must also be easily convertible to cash or as geed as cash, since most merchants in Nigeria are in business on a subsistence basis.

This is where e-payment or e-transactions solutions come in. The payment solution targets most of the concerns of merchants and more.

However despite its advantages, e-payment solutions have not gained much ground.

ATM leads to more cash The Automated Teller Machine (ATM) is the most popular e-transaction solution in Nigeria.

ATM is popular because of its convenience. With ATM, it is a lot easier to withdraw money or to check account balance.

But despite its popularity, the ATM has done very little in reducing the amount of cash in the economy. This is because most Nigerians use ATM only for cash withdrawal. Although ATM machines can perform other functions like fund/cash transfer, mobile phone credit recharge and bills payment, cash withdrawals and balance inquiry remain the most popular applications sought after by users in Nigeria.

This is largely due to ignorance and the absence of merchants.

InterSwich VPay, ETranzact, and QuickCash are

Continued on page 51

BUSINESS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Still battling to go cashless Continued from page 50 some of the leaders in ATM deployment in Nigeria.

InterSwitch presently has all the banks in the country connected to its network. This makes it possible to use its cards in all bank branches nationwide and in almost all machines. Different ATM service providers are also interconnected, thus ensuring that users do not need to worry which company services a particular ATM machine.

InterSwitch, for example, supports Visa and MasterCard on its ATM machines and vice versa.

Because ATM machines are mainly used for cash withdrawals, they do not go far enough in turning Nigeria into a cashless economy. The operation of ATM has only made more cash available in the economy, because of the ease at which depositors can withdraw cash.

Analysts say to turn Nigeria into a cashless economy, the country needs more than just ATM cards including the use of credit/debit cards.

Debit cards & e-wallets are key While ATM cards make cash withdrawal convenient (thereby contributing to the problem), credit cards, debit cards and e-wallets (like mobile money) makes cashless shopping a lot more convenient.

Hence to turn the country to a cashless economy, the focus should be towards credit cards, e-wallets and debit cards.

While ATM cards require ATM machines to operate, credit and debit cards require a Point of Sale (POS) terminal.

POS terminals are located at accredited retail shops (merchant).

These merchants accept credit and debit cards as means of payment by customers.

Credit and Debit cards like Visa, InterSwitch, and MasterCard can also be used to purchase from merchants on the internet.

It is important to note that most ATM cards in Nigeria like InterSwitch and VPay can also be used as Debit cards and vice versa.

InterSwitch and Valucard plc are leaders when it comes to e-payment solutions in the country.

InterSwitch ATM card is supported by all banks in Nigeria. InterSwitch ATM/Debit cards also allow card holders to shop on the internet from merchants in the country.

Valucard has the VPay, which is an online chip, and PIN card that in addition to being used at POS terminals for electronic payment, can also be used to buy from local merchants on the internet. VPay can serve as either credit or debit card. VPay can also be used for cash withdrawal at ATM machines.

Valucard is the joint acquirer of Visa International in Nigeria providing Visa pay-

• Sanusi

ment solutions to its customers.

With Visa, card holders can purchase from any merchant anywhere in the world were Visa is accepted. And that means anywhere in the world.

Valucard also promotes the Verified by Visa service (VbV), which is a simple password protected identity-checking service that makes purchasing online more secured.

VbV allows Visa and VPay cards to be used for secured internet payments from all visa merchants worldwide. VbV also allows merchants based in Nigeria to sell to card holders worldwide.

It is also worthy to note that some state governments have introduced e-payment solutions for vehicle licensing and revenue collection.

However, a worrying trend is currently playing out in electronic payment in Nigeria. This is the drive towards one transaction pin based cards. A number of merchants in the country now provide electronic payment solutions that can only be used in their locations.

For example examination bodies like NECO, WAEC and JAMB all have electronic payment scratch cards that can only be used to register for exams and to check results for their examinations.

This means that an average graduate of SSS3 will have to buy at least a scratch card each for each of the examination bodies making it three cards.

Even universities are now coming out with their own scratch cards.

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has also introduced an electronic chip card for electricity payments. Like all one transaction payment cards, the PHCN chip card can only be used to pay for electricity bill.

One transaction payment cards will make nonsense of any advantage that e-payment solutions have over cash.

This makes it pertinent for multi transaction cards to be promoted and deployed. There is no reason why one will not be able to use a multi transaction card like VPay, Visa, InterSwitch, Cashcard, or MasterCard for registering for NECO, WAEC and JAMB, even the recently post-JAMB. Nothing stops these cards from being used to recharge the PHCN prepayment meter.

Despite the availability of electronic payment solutions, cash remains dominant. This is because there are not enough POS terminals deployed. To get people to use credit or debit cards, analysts say local merchants must be compelled to accept it. POS terminals should also be made available in super markets, shops, restaurants, fast food joints, filling stations, hotels and other such places.

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NEXIM Bank and development of entertainment industry T HE Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector has been recognised as an engine of growth all over the world. The sector is characterised by low investment requirement, operational flexibility, location wise mobility, and import substitution The economies of countries like India, Japan or China have witnessed a vibrant micro and small enterprise sector that plays an important role in sustaining the economic growth by contributing around 39 per cent to the manufacturing output and 34 per cent to the exports yearly. It is the second largest employer of human resources after agriculture, providing employment to about 29.5 million people in the rural and urban areas of these countries. Their significance in terms of fostering new entrepreneurship is well-recognised. This is because most entrepreneurs start their business from a small unit which provides them an opportunity to harness their skills and talents, to experiment, to innovate and transform their ideas into goods and services and finally nurture it into a larger unit.

In developing countries like Nigeria, the role of SMEs is even more important since SMEs often offer the only realistic prospects for creating additional employment and thus reducing poverty and enhancing the quality of lives. A healthy SME sub-sector is essential for inclusive and socially sustainable development even though institutions that provide support services where available are often limited in capacity and coverage in developing economies. In this write-up, the focus will be on the entertainment industry, which has been one of the enterprises that have generated a lot of jobs and employment across the country.

In the recent past, creative art and entertainment industry were seen as unserious business ventures that are not worth going into. Parents, friends and associates of entertainers often perceive them as never do well in the society. Some families will go the extra mile of disowning any of their offspring that decides to make a carrier in the entertainment industry.

Either as a musician, actors/actresses, dancer, model, footballer, etc, the person involved is held in a very low esteem by the member of his immediate family and the society at large.

Though the industry had made an appreciable progress in the recent time, there are still a lot of cynicisms surrounding the trade that needed to be eschewed to enable gifted artists and entertainer to embrace the profession without fear of stigmatisation from immediate family members and the larger community.

However the recent economic boom in the industry is helping in no small measure to neutralise the long age stereotype that had kept the

• Orya

By Sylvester Aroh

industry in a disadvantage position.

Virtually all the segments of the entertainment industry today are a multi-billion dollar business. The contribution of the Nollywood to the overall development of the nation’s economy cannot be overemphasised. The Nigerian film industry is second only to petroleum product in term of the nation’s foreign earning.

Economic analysts also believe that aside from the economic benefits of the trade to the nation, it had also place the country in a strategic place in the global arena. It is also playing an important role in rebranding the already battered image of Nigeria abroad, in addition to employment generation capacity.

It is nonetheless in realisation of the above facts and its efforts to ensure that the entertainment and art industry attain its full potentialities that the Nigerian Export Import (NEXIM) bank has engaged in strategic partnerships and sponsorship support of some creative and entertainment industry. Specifically in the area of marketing, advocacy and capacity building programmes; which are intended to create awareness, build capacities, facilitate monetisation of intellectual property as well as showcase Nigeria talents.

The managing director of the bank, Mr. Robert Orya, said that NEXIM’s contribution will be in the area of provision of finance and guarantees to enhance industrial capacities, as well as support the acquisition and adoption of new and clean technologies thereby ensuring competitiveness of Nigeria movies in the global market.

According to him, the bank extended loans to eligible companies in all the value chain within the creative arts and entertainment industry under the Nigerian Creative

Arts and Entertainment Industry Facility Scheme. As at today, a total funding support to the industry by NEXIM comprises N700 million and N536 million disbursed amount to six beneficiary clients. On its developmental supports, the bank’s contributions are essentially towards ensuring that the industry operates in a structured manner and within global best practices and standards. To this end the bank had over the years embarked on developing draft operating guidelines to enhance stakeholders’ access to loan facilities with inputs from stakeholders (practitioners and regulators), commission a study to review the industry and develop the best financing instruments for the Nigeria entertainment industry based on Bollywood financing experience, sponsor capacity building programmmes, events and film festivals to showcase Nigerian creative talents and develop human capacity.

The bank’s funding intervention in support of exports has created and sustained total of 6, 000 jobs in the past few years, with the breakdown showing that in 2009, 25000 jobs were created; and in 2011, a total of 35,000 jobs were created. The bank’s support translated to additional developmental impact by way of foreign exchange generation to the tune of an average of US$100 million annually, making a total of US$200 million in the past years. On the interim, the bank is positioned to create and sustain over 15, 000 direct jobs and generate estimated forex of US$300 million. This is because funding intervention would be targeted at sectors with high employment potentialities like agriculture, entertainment/creative art industry etc.

According Orya, “In the last few years, the bank has supported the Nigerian nonoil export to the tune of

N20billion. As regards to the funding intervention in the next five years, the bank’s strategic plan projection is to support non-oil export sector to the following minimum level: from N41billion in 2012; we hope to expand N50billion by the end of 2013; 2014 would be N63billino, while we plan to support the non oil sector with N94billion by 2015.”

He noted that the bank’s funding interventions thus far were for various entertainment value chains like distribution, exhibition infrastructure, digital studios and digital equipment as well as film production.

On his part a veteran actor who did not want his name in print told our reporter that the intervention

by NEXIM bank will go a long way in positioning the nation film industry to compete among their counterpart across the globe.

He commended the effort of the institution at ensuring that the nation’s film industries compete favourably with other industries in terms modern equipment.

Another school of thought within the stakeholders opined that part of the 3billion naira that the federal government is injecting into the entertainment industry through the Nexim bank should be spent in formulating lasting policies that will help safeguard their creative works and ward off piracy which for now is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry.

All these the management of Nexim bank under Robert Oryia has agreed to look into with the hope of formulating a lasting legacy that makes the Nigeria entertainment industry one of best in the world.

Aroh is the Northern Regional Editor of a Lagos based Research Intelligence Magazine

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BUSINESS

OUR ministry plays a dominant role in Ekiti State’s socio-economic development agenda. To what extent have you been able to achieve the set objective since the ministry came on board?

Let me say first and foremost that the ministry is as old as the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi. The reason this ministry was created by Governor Fayemi was to build a synergy of cooperation between southwestern states and other parts of the country on the one hand and also track Ekiti in the Diaspora, to see how they can actually key into the socioeconomic development agenda of the state in different sectors, be it in education, research, to mention just a few.

So, in a sense, the ministry mobilises people within the state, inter-ministerial, interstate and global Ekiti in the Diaspora. At the risk of sounding immodest, I can say with all sense of responsibility that the ministry has achieved quite a lot in all ramifications.

Talking about Ekiti in Diaspora, how well has the state been able to harness the resources of your kith and kin abroad and what is the quantum of investment coming from the Diaspora to the state?

It would interest you to know that I just arrived from the United States of America, only a few days ago. I went to represent the Ekiti State at the Egbe Omo Yoruba Forum.

Quite a range of issues were discussed, especially how to move the South West forward in particular for Ekiti state, you’re aware that the governor is a global citizen, let me describe him that way. Here’s a man who is not just concerned with how to achieve the greatest good for the community. Issues of women empowerment, and so on were discussed. The socio-economic development agenda of the state government is multi-sector focused, as such; virtually every facet of the economy is wired up for development. I cite an example.

For instance, in the area of health, Ekiti in Diaspora have contributed a lot, in terms of advisory and what have you.

When you talk of giving advice, you can’t really quantify the quality of advice you get along that direction, in real economic cost terms, it is huge. When you have to spend money where there is no advice, it is only then you know what you’re missing.

Still talking health, Ekiti state has had the enormous goodwill of several notable individuals from the state who have continued to support the state from their base overseas.

One of such is Professor Funmi Falusi Olopade, MD FACP, a world renowned professor haematology and oncology with proven expertise in cancer risk assessment nominated by President Barrack Obama into the US National Cancer Advisory Board. I know for certain that she has been linking the state over there to institutions that can better the lots of the state. So, we can go on and on like that…

You mentioned the fact that your ministry interfaces with other partners outside the state. Can you be specific on that?

Yes. The state engages different partners across a wide spectrum, whether within or outside the state. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is one of

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

Adamawa, Bauchi, ‘Nigerians in Diaspora can others seek review of tax contribute to economy’ S Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Intergovernmental Affairs, Ekiti State, visited the corporate headquarters of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation newspaper titles recently, where he shared his views on a wide range of issues. Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf met him

TATES in the North-East zone of the federation have told the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) that the list of taxes and revenues for collection by States and Local Governments as contained in the Constitution and other extant laws should be reviewed to increase the revenue capacities of States and Local Governments.

The North-East states made this position known to RMAFC in the Communiqué issued at the end of the Zonal Advocacy Workshop on Economic Diversification and Enhanced Revenue Generation organised by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in Gombe state

From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

capital.

The North-East states comprising Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe are demanding that “there should be strict monitoring/supervision and tax/ revenue collection drive as well as updating and enforcement of revenue laws by States and Local Governments.”

The communiqué demanded that states and local councils in the country should develop a comprehensive, reliable data base to facilitate planning, assessment and target setting and collection of revenue in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

Alumni boosts agric investment

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•Afuye.

INTERVIEW such. Not a lot of people know that the body plays a major role in the socio-economic development of the nation.

And that is why it is so sad that some vested interest are not just trying to destroy the NGF but are equally trying to politicise the body for their own personal aggrandizement.

The chairman of the board is of course, somebody of impeccable career, Justice Mohammed Uwais, who got to the peak of his career without any dent on his name and character. In any case, it gives you an opportunity to get a cross check by an independent body to crosscheck by an independent body. The forum is not so much about boasting that my state is better than yours, it’s about peer review, where you take the best out of every state, and it becomes a peer review mechanism.

The forum is free of intrigues. It is where the whole governors use themselves as sounding board for the incubation of great ideas and ideals, where they discuss issues about social security, community development and most states showcase their best, in terms of achievements, in terms of best practices, free of political shenanigans, in a convivial atmosphere, no airs at all.

Two states have subjected themselves to the process of the forum and these states were Ekiti and Anambra states, who were both acknowledged by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (South West) as the

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

only two states in the federation that have so far completed the Peer Review Exercise.

The Forum creates conducive space for peer learning among states through the sharing of good practices, showcasing of reform, achievements and to develop areas of collaboration and further networking.

The forum has overtime become more focused on priorities calculated to reduce poverty, enhance development and create better connection between government and the citizenry.

The six governors in the South Western Zones who were represented at the occasion delivered goodwill messages in which they recognised the need for the states in the region to share information among one another in order to synergise development across the States and deliver good governance to their people.

I represented Governor Fayemi at that forum. The forum affords the states to learn what is working in service delivery and good governance which will be beneficial to individual states.

At that meeting the states in the geo-political zone were enjoined to team up and ensure regional integration that will lead to multidimensional achievements and delivery of vibrant and robust governance.

I also recall that representatives of the six states made presentations on their achievements in different sectors with a view to sharing information that would be beneficial to one another.

One of the strength of Ekiti

state is that your people are more inclined to academic pursuit. How well has the government been able to harness the quality human resource at its disposal?

It’s a very good question.

You’re aware that the educational system in Nigeria and the globally is on the downhill. You’ll recall that when the Fayemi administration came on board, it held a summit on education chaired by the late Prof. Ayo Aluko. That conference revealed a lot of things and equally proffered solutions to the problem. There were three universities in Ekiti, which were more or less, glorified secondary schools set up by the previous administration. The process of creating these universities didn’t mean well for the state, despite the fact that we love education.

For your information, Ekiti ranks 32 in the ladder of revenue allocation across federation, so investment in education in the way and manner it was done in the past was awkward. So, one of outcome of that stakeholders’ conference was a call to prune down the three universities into one university for quality assurance, productivity. And it is heartening to note that the university for the first time, brought personages from around the world including former president of Ghana, the Director-General of UNIDO, among other eminent personalities who were re cognised.

It was the first time this happened in the history of the university, and this is just to show that an ivory tower recognises industry, honest work and ingenuity.

CU Alumni, Lagos, has hinted of plans to boost investments in the agriculture sector through dissemination of information on the vast opportunities inherent in the sector, The Nation has learnt.

In a released forwarded to The Nation by the association, it announced plans to host a public forum this Friday at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Liaison Office, Ikeja, Lagos.

The event, which is being facilitated by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, will also have other personages like the representatives of the Bank of Agriculture, Chief Executive, Feat Agro

Limited, Mr. Niyi Egbe, and a host of other dignitaries in attendance.

Tagged: ‘Opportunities in the Agric Sector’, the interface and discussion session would be a platform where experts can inform and inspire attendees on practicable and actionable information, which can enable them to start enterprises of their own in the agriculture sector.

Recalling the achievements of the body, the statement said that the ECU Alumni last year hosted a Business Gym focused on the Petroleum industry, and a key output of that has been the establishment of a company that aims to build cooperation and play in the different sector of the economy.

MTN Nigeria earns global recognition from UK

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TN Nigeria has been formally accredited by the Investors in People (IiP) Governing Board, United Kingdom as an Investor in People organisation. MTN Nigeria is the first company in Nigeria and indeed in West Africa to be so recognised; it is also the first operating company of the MTN Group to attain this status. The assessment of MTN Nigeria was carried out by a team of IiP assessors from the UK and their findings culminated in the highly prestigious accreditation.

“Achieving the IiP accreditation is for us a validation of the strength of our Employee Value Proposition also known as the MTN Deal. MTN Nigeria

strongly believes that our people are our most critical competitive asset and a key differentiator in the marketplace. The IiP accreditation is an independent and objective confirmation that we care about our people and deploy best practice people solutions and policies that make MTN Nigeria a great place to work,” said Amina Oyagbola, Human Resources Executive, MTN Nigeria.

Oyagbola recalled that as an example of one of the five pillars of the company’s robust employee value proposition of Investing in Talent, MTN Nigeria introduced the Accredited Learning Scheme (ALS) in 2005.

ADVAN hosts marketing awards

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DVERTISERS Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has concluded arrangements to host this year’s edition of the Marketing Excellence awards to reward professionals in the integrated and marketing communications sector of the economy.

According to the Chairperson of the Awards Committee and Head, Corporate Affairs and Administrative Director, PZ Cussons Plc, Mrs. Yomi Ifaturoti, the award which has entered its third edition, will hold on October 26 with winners expected in 11 categories.

She added that the award will be a celebration of hard work and ingenuity in the marketing profession and open to ADVAN and non ADVAN members that engage in marketing and marketing communications.

“In a bid to adequately award marketing excellence in its true form, there has been a complete overhaul of the award categories, judging criteria, and selection process for the 2013 edition, unlike previous editions where the selection process was based solely on the merit of entries sent in without third party authentication,” she stressed.

AC Neilson, an independent market research organisation, she further noted, will partner with ADVAN to validate entries received and ensure a transparent selection process with all entries judged by a team of the finest marketing professionals in the nation and verified by the nation’s leading independent marketing research organisations.

Entries for the awards close on September 20.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

BUSINESS

53

How PZ Cussons ended profit fall after MARKET FLASH Bukola Afolabi losing sales revenue

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Z Cussons has ended a two-year fall in profit and made a strong return to the recovery path once again. The company’s full year earnings report for the 2012/ 13 financial year ended May shows that while it lost some sales revenue during the year, profit more than doubled.

In the preceding two years of operations, the conglomerate improved sales revenue but net profit dropped from the 2010 peak of N5.58 billion to a five-year low of N2.41 billion in 2012. In 2013, when the company suffered a decline of 1.1% in sales revenue, net profit advanced by 102.2% to N4.87 billion.

Two major developments in the company’s operating structure has made this happen. These are a total clean-up of interest bearing debts from the balance sheet and a cut down on the average cost of products sold. The net effect of these changes is that the company is now in command of significantly increased cash resources at a time that cash has indeed become a powerful king in the economy.

Net increase in cash flow from operating activities soared by 227% to N9.74 billion for PZ Cussons in the 2013 financial year. With that the company achieved a net cash increase of N593% to N6.35 billion. PZ Cussons has therefore succeeded in changing its position from a net borrower in the credit markets to a big lender.

This change has made a big impact on the bottom line. In place of a net interest expense of N190 million in the preceding year, the company has reported an interest income of N229 million at the end of the 2013 financial year.

The second major change

in the company’s operating structure is the lowering of the average cost of goods sold. If it is unable to grow sales volume, it can, at least, cut the cost of what it sells. Cost of sales went down by 7.4% to N52.25 billion in 2013. This means that the slight decline in sales revenue was more than countered by the decline in cost of sales.

The company therefore converted a lot more sales revenue into gross profit – which rose by 21.2% against the 1.1% slip in turnover.

Cost of sales declined from 78.2% of sales revenue in 2012 to 73.2% in 2013. The gross profit margin per naira of goods sold therefore improved from 21.8 kobo to 26.8 kobo over the period. This development resulted in the saving of over N3.3 billion in the year, which provided the spur for the high profit lift.

Only a moderate increase of 5.1% was recorded in the other main expense item,

which is distribution/administrative cost. The low growth permitted the cost saving to get down into profit. Profit performance was also boosted by an increase of 152.4% in other income, which amounted to N264 million.

The high growth in profit against a marginal decline in sales revenue saw a big lift in profit margin. Net profit margin of the company advanced from 3.3% in the 2012 full year to 6.8% in 2013 and from 5.1% reported at the end of the company’s third quarter trading in February. Net profit margin had dropped from a five-year peak of 8.9% in 2010 and 7.9% recorded in 2011.

The company raised earnings per share from 61 kobo in 2012 to N1.23 in 2013, making a recovery after dropping from the earnings peak of N1.40 per share in 2010 and N1.31 in 2011.

PZ Cussons has proposed a dividend of 56 kobo per

share for the 2012/13 operations compared to 86 kobo per share it paid in the preceding financial year. This represents a pay-out ratio of 45.5%. The company’s register of shareholders will close on 16th September and payment will be made on 2nd October 2013.

The critical development to watch on PZ Cussons in the current financial year ending 2014 will be the ability of the company to preserve/improve profit margin further and push up sales revenue after a long period of constrained sales volume. If these can be accomplished, the company can be expected to attain new peaks in profit and earnings per share in the current financial year.

Slow growth in sales revenue has apparently become a fact of even consumer facing industries. The conglomerates, with diversified market presence, are not left out of the slow selling motion. But PZ Cussons is failing to defend market share in the competition.

GTBank declares N57.36bn half year profit

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UARANTY Trust Bank Plc has released its audited financial results for the half year ended June 30, 2013 to the Nigerian and London Stock Exchanges.

A review of the June 2013 result shows positive performance across all financial indices. Gross earnings for the half year period of 2013 stood at N124.20 billion an increase of N10.68 billion from the N113.53 billion reported for the corresponding period in 2012. Profit Before Tax was N57.36billion, up from N53.64 billion recorded in June 2012.

The Bank reported a 2013 half

year Profit After Tax of N49.01billion an increase over the N45.55 billion reported in June 2012.

The Bank closed the half year ended June 2013 with Total Assets and Contingents of N2.50trillion, customer deposits of N1.25 trillion and Shareholders’ Funds of N296.95 Billion. The Bank’s non-performing loans remained low at 3.41%. On the backdrop of this result, Return on Equity (ROAE) and Return on Assets (ROAA) closed at 33.78% and 5.45% respectively for period ended June, 2013.

The Bank is proposing interim

dividend payment of N7.36 billion to Shareholders (N0.25 per ordinary share of 50 kobo each).

Mr. Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc attributed the Bank’s success during the half year period to the continued support of its customers, hard work of its dedicated staff and strong corporate governance standards.

According to Mr. Agbaje, a major objective for the Bank this year is adding value to its stakeholders through excellent customer service delivery, innovative products and value adding services. It is the Bank’s beliefs that success on these fronts would enable it deepen its share of market across all sectors and improve profitability, despite today’s extremely challenging business environment. He also thanked the customers for their loyalty and staff for their continued hard work and dedication.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc has always been at the forefront of industry service innovations in markets where it operates, having successfully replicated its culture for excellence in its subsidiaries in Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire and the UK. The Bank also recently commenced the process of acquiring a 70% stake in Fina Bank of Kenya to enable it extend its reach to East Africa.

The acquisition, which is subject to customary regulatory approvals in Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda and Uganda will see us expand our geographical footprint into three East African Countries; Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda.

Locally, the Bank’s most recent service introductions includes; the GTBank social Banking platform; a service offering pioneered by GTBank which allows people on social networks such as Facebook commence banking relationships as well as perform basic banking transactions 24/7, safely and conveniently. Furthermore, the GT-Target account – an interest bearing non-transactional account for people saving towards particular projects was also introduced.

obrijo4u@gmail.com

Company News Berger Paints N543m rights issue opens

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HE Berger Paints 72.5 million ordinary issues of 50k per share at N7.50 to its existing shareholders has opened today across the country following the completion board meeting held in Lagos recently.

The rights are being offered on the basis of one new share for every three held by members as at May 31, 2013 The net proceeds of the offer amounting to N543.42 million will enable the leading paints and allied company to finance the modernization its manufacturing operations.

Chairman, Berger Paints Nigeria Plc, Mr. Clement Olowokande, said the net proceeds of the rights issue estimated at N521.71 million would be used to finance the modernisation of the company’s factory operations.

According to him, the modernisation was the main thrust of a strategic plan to

ensure that the company continues to operate at the forefront of paint technology by replacing its aging manufacturing infrastructure.

He said the modernisation of the company’s factory operations would lead to improved efficiency that will positively impact on turnover and profitability.

Olowokande said that the company also plans to commit substantial investments on major improvements of its distribution channels.

He said the company has taken several initiatives and entered new partnership that would greatly enhance its products and services in the Nigerian paint and coating industry in the period ahead.

He noted that Berger Paints has always been the standard-setter in the industry with enviable records of pioneering wide range of popular special products.

Conoil grows half-year profit by 255 per cent

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ONOIL Plc has posted an unprecedented performance for the first half of the year 2013.

According to a statement issued by the company, the oil marketing giant recorded 255 per cent increase in profit after tax from N450.9 million in 2012 to N1.6 billion in 2013.

The performance demonstrated the company’s resilience to overcome the overwhelming challenges in the downstream oil sector.

The company also declared a whopping N1.98 billion as profit before tax against N663.1 million recorded in the corresponding half year period in 2012.

Revenue rose to N79.6 billion from N76.2 billion, while Earnings per Share (EPS) increased significantly from 65kobo to 230 kobo.

The company attributed this sterling performance to the adoption of robust growth strategies, efficient management of resources and total elimination of waste in its operations.

The company assured its shareholders of its optimism to sustain and grow the impressive performance in the remaining six months of the year. It also assured juicier returns for shareholders at the end of the current financial year.

Revealing its edge, the company said it strengthened and repositioned its core businesses, with huge investments in retail network expansion, which involved building multi-million naira mega stations across the country.

In the statement issued to announce the result, the company emphasised: “For us, the downstream remains fundamentally attractive now, in the medium and long term.

“With our clarity of direction and focus, our company’s long term success is assured.”

It added: “We will sustain our improved performance and realise our aspiration to become the leading petroleum products marketer and one of the most profitable quoted companies.

Access Bank declares N5.7b dividend as profit drops by 20%

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HE board of Access Bank Plc at the weekend said it would be distributing N5.72 billion as interim dividends for the first half of this year in spite of substantial decline in the performance of the bank during the period.

Key extracts of the interim report and accounts of Access Bank showed topdown declines in key performance indicators with profits before and after tax dropping by 14 per cent and 20.2 per cent respectively.

Gross earnings had declined by 5.3 per cent.

The interim dividend

recommendation, similar to previous interim payouts in 2012, implies an interim dividend per share of 25 kobo.

The dividends would be paid on September 17, 2013 to shareholders in the book of the bank as at close of business on September 4, 2013.

The report showed that gross earnings dropped from N109.96 billion in first half 2012 to N104.13 billion in first half 2013. Profit before tax was lower at N26.09 billion as against N30.21 billion recorded in comparable period of 2012. Profit after tax slipped from N26.4 billion to N21.1 billion.

54

THE NATION ON SUNDAY

BUSINESS

AUGUST 25, 2013

Chief 'Yomi Otubela is president of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos State Chapter; he is also the proprietor of Lagooz Schools, in the Agege area of Lagos, where he is committed to shaping minds and ensuring that every child that crosses his path excels and shines. A Fellow of the Chartered Management Accountants of Nigeria (FCMA), he shares his story of little beginnings in the education business and the innovations he is bringing to bear on NAPPS. He spoke with Gboyega Alaka.

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n why he chose to go into education business

Well my background is deeply rooted in education and that counts for the main reason. I have a National Certificate in Education (NCE), and a B.ED in Education as well. So that suggests that I am a trained teacher. And even before the idea of starting a school crossed my mind, I had taught in different schools across the South-West of Nigeria, garnering experience upon experience in the sector. I once taught in Nawar-Ur-Deen School, Obantoko in Abeokuta; I taught at AnwarIslam College in Agege; I also taught at St. Joseph's Secondary School, also in Agege, which is my alma mater. Having taught across schools, I noticed gaps that needed to be filled and I saw parents yearning for a system that would fill the gaps, but the government was not forthcoming. So I took a decision to contribute my quota; not necessarily by just teaching a few students, but by coming up with something on a larger scale to impact on a wider number of students. The case of over-populated classes, for instance, was of serious concern to me, because I knew that it is detrimental to effective teaching and learning. So I wanted to do something different and better and that spurred me.

How did he surmount the huge challenge of capital?

I never despised little beginning. We started so small and without a capital. We started with just the idea, and impacted free-of-charge knowledge to students within our immediate environment. In no time, the parents who found our free classes impactful soon began to encourage us that they could pay for the services if we standardised. So gradually we started from a room, two-room apartment, to uncompleted buildings, and from there we moved to where we are today. Of course we have had to lean so much on financial assistance from financial institutions and that has affected our vision so much, especially because interest rates can be nearly as high as 100 percent. Naturally, this has affected our level of aspiration. For conventional commercial banks, however, the rate is around 20; 24%; 31%, and the most worrisome aspect of all is that we don't have access to long-term facilities.

What are the unique features of Lagooz Schools?

Our own USP at Lagooz is that every child must learn, be he from a poor home or rich. So we are philanthropic in nature and give different forms of scholarships to children out there, most especially those that have one talent or the other. Aside the cognitive, we also dwell a lot on the psychomotto domain, which is the ability to use their hands for vocational skills; and this has given us an edge over our equals. We also give our students training in music;

I never

despised little beginning 窶郎omi Otubela most of our students can blow trumpets, play the saxophone, the piano and the base and lead guitar quite easily. In addition, we put them through bead making, cakebaking, biscuits baking; and we complement this with field trips. Recently, they visited Shoprite in ikeja, where they saw the process of baking at close range.

How affordable is Lagooz Schools?

I can tell you with all confidence that Lagooz Nursery/Primary School and Secondary School are affordable to the average income earner; you can go and confirm. And that is in spite of all the facilities we have put in place to make sure our children have access to the best facilities obtainable anywhere else. We have an ICT centre with about 50 functional systems all networked and connected to the internet.

Biggest challenges running a school I'd say it is the eroding value system; not even finance. We have lost so much in our value system in this part of the world that we cannot really say that what is bad is bad. Sometimes you see parents justifying what in all ramifications is bad. You see

parents trying to justify material needs over value system, and everybody is caught up in this problem including our leaders. In fact, the religious leaders are worse off. And this has made the students to be so materialistic in their orientation, that they're not ready to sit down and learn. What runs in their mind is how they're going to acquire wealth within the shortest time possible and start having fun.

On working with his other half as close partner (Mrs. Otubela is Principal at Lagooz) I'd say it has been quite interesting; and challenging because we tend to follow the corporate governance process during the school hours. And this disallows us from showing any kind of affection to each other within the premises. It has also affected us so much that sometimes we forget to shed the formality garb even when we get home.

Otubela as president of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools is an association of approved and and approvable Ubosi his family

private schools all over Nigeria. We have our national body and secretariat in Abuja, and I am president of the Lagos State chapter. The association has been around for over two decades and we stand for standard and quality in education. What we do mostly is share experience in areas of challenges, celebrate in areas of success and also attend training together because we believe that iron sharpens iron. Before becoming president, I had served the association in various other capacities. At a time I was chairperson at the local government level in Agege; I was also a committee member at the state level, where I served as a member of the firstever National Educational Summit held in Lagos. I led that group. Of course the vision to serve at the helm of affairs in Lagos State came from members who saw the traits in me and advised that I go for the leadership mantle. Since assuming office, we have tried to do justice to a lot of issues and bring about change. For instance, it has been so difficult to form a cooperative among society members, where members can pull resources together and have access to it from time to time as loans to grow their schools. This we have started and even though a few members are still expressing doubt about its workability, a good number of us have committed funds to it and are hoping to start benefitting in the next few months.

Management style I operate an open-door management style. I also believe in openness and carrying people along before any decision is taken. We have about twelve staff on our management group and we have about 100 teaching and non-teaching staff. The fact that we need to prepare for succession also means that we have to carry people along and give them a shot at management and decision-making.

Dealing with difficult staff What we do here is to first of all enumerate what we stand for, so that you in turn will know whether you key in or not. We also put new staff through an orientation to familiarise them with our organogram and also make them understand our management style.

How old is Lagooz and what are the high points so far?

Lagooz is eleven this year, and we have recorded a whole lot of high points that cut across different categories. One of the most famous is when one of our students, Rotimi Inioluwa, was adjudged amongst the best five students in Lagos schools in an essay competition organised by the American Embassy. Another memorable one would be a competition organised by the Lagos State government where our student, Princess Otubela, who happens to be my daughter, came tops in a live presentation on a topic about safety on our roads. She won in the primary school category and was awarded an allexpenses paid trip to Manchester in the UK. Most memorable book you've read The Art of War by an Indian writer. It is a management book that deals with how to manage an organisation successfully.

Relaxation I relax by cracking jokes. I take a walk around the school from time to time and crack jokes with my staff. And that makes them closer to me and reduces the bossstaff tension. I also swim a lot; I spend about thirty minutes in the pool when I'm able to. But the greatest deal of relaxation for me is to read inspirational books.

Inspirations I am most inspired by my mum because of her commitment to hardwork and what she passed through to train us.

Favourite holiday spots I go to Ghana. Ghana, because I don't get to spend much, and I get virtually everything I get abroad there in terms of relaxation and serenity.

Dress pattern I like to turn out in traditional African attire. On a good day, don't be surprised to see me in my full agbada regalia

58

WORSHIP THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

'What Nigerian churches can learn from American ones' Pastor Toye Ademola is the Presiding Pastor of Dominion International Centre, Houston Texas, America, which he founded in 1999.

He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on lessons churches in Nigeria can learn from their American counterparts and sundry issues.

Excerpts:

•Ademola University of Ibadan (UI) days HEN I was in school, in 1987, my final year in college, we were worshipping God when there was a prophecy that there were some of us in the fellowship that would never work with our certificates. The Holy Spirit spoke to me and said I was one of those people; that I would not use my certificate to work.

I studied Mathematics and Statistics. I began to seek the face of God to know His plans for my life. In 1989, I moved to Lagos and was staying with one of my sisters in Ipaja. We were looking for a church to worship and I found the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ikeja. As soon as I entered the auditorium, the next I heard from God is 'that this would be your church from now on.”

Moving to RCCG I was shocked because God had told me I was going to pastor in the US while seeking His face. As at that time, none of my family members had been to the US before. I just left it in God's hands to fulfill His plans. So, when He told me RCCG would be my church, I was confused. Later on, I found out that it was a training ground.

While living with my sister, I was helping her husband to run a small business but I was not collecting any salary. So, I never worked in practical terms until I became the Administrator of the RCCG on January 2, 1991. That same year, I became a full-time pastor and I was sent to the RCCG parish on Allen Avenue. By 1993, I moved to pioneer RCCG, Dominion Chapel, Ipaja. By 1995, we moved to the USA to start another branch of RCCG. Until then, I had never been anywhere near the United States though my wife is a citizen.

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Journey to the United States of America On May 9, 1994, we were going for a leadership training at the RCCG National Headquarters in Ebute Metta when I heard God telling me that my assignment in Nigeria was up and it was time to move to US. I didn't want to move again because the model parish I was pastoring was doing really well. I loved the people and thought they were my own.

But God said if I didn't leave, the people would leave me.

So, we started processing our papers and moved by April 1995. Our first point of call was in Dallas, Texas. We spent one month there. I pastored the RCCG parish in Stanford, Texas until God told me it was time to actualise the assignment He gave me in 1987. By April 1999, I left to pioneer Dominion International Centre.

Peculiarity Our mandate is dominion.

We have four, which are dominion, prosperity, faith and righteousness. People know us for dominion.

Differences in pastoring here and USA If you are a pastor doing well in Nigeria, the members will respect you so much. We treat our pastors as mini-gods.

We don't allow them to do anything; we carry even their Bibles and everything. But it

is not so in the US. You are always on your own. They see you and just say ‘hi.’

Initially I was shocked.

Most pastors who migrated to the US from here also have their experience. I was not annoyed because God has been preparing me. Since I knew I'd be pastoring in the USA in 1987, I shut down many things in preparation. I stopped eating heavy foods like amala and eba, knowing I needed to be disciplined to function there.

I kept to salad, rice and bread; meals I could find there.

It was only when I got there that I realised one could find Nigerian foods in some cafeteria.

What Nigerian churches can learn from American churches One is excellence. They don't compromise excellence.

They keep records and cannot function without records. If you come to our church today, any offering or tithe you give has to be recorded. At the end of the year, we need to send you a letter, stating how much you donated.

There is nothing like 'it's between me and my God'. We know that but the government also wants to know how much you are giving to your assembly. If you have your records properly as a church, it helps accountability and prevents reckless spending.

People expect you to send letters of donation to them at the end of the year so that they can present them to government. That way, they get tax rebate and they can then return the tithe of whatever they get from

NEWS

government to the church.

So, there has to be records.

If you want to do anything with government, they have to see your records. Two, Nigerian churches can learn about time management from their counterparts in the US. You just have to be conscious of time. You can't spend four hours in a service because people will walk out on you.

America works 24 hours every day unlike here when we observe holidays.

If you want people to come, you must stick to time.

It must be from 10am to 12noon because those people are resuming for work by 12: 30noon. As soon as you are leaving, others are resuming.

If you don't finish on time, they won't return. So, Nigerian churches can learn about time management from over there.

There are a lot of Nigerian churches in the US that just want to keep doing things the way they are used to here. You can always see the differences.

Lessons for the American churches from Nigeria God is moving in Nigeria.

The anointing is here; the word is here. American churches can learn from the spiritual discipline and vibrancy of the Nigerian church. When it comes to prayers, fasting and trusting God, Nigerian churches are way up there. There are many things we trust God for here but over there, when someone is sick, they think of hospitals and not prayers. If you want to do a conference here in Nigeria, you have to pray for power stability if you don't have a generator. That can never happen in America. So, we trust God more and put His

Cleric appeals against capital punishment

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HE founder of Faith Renewal Apostolic Church, Lagos, Apostle Paul Adenuga, has pleaded with governors to desist from signing the death warrant of over 900 condemned criminals across the country.

Adenuga, in a chat last week in his office, said many on the death row were attracted to crimes due to the failure in the family system, neglect and unemployment.

He also cited bad govern-

By Adeola Ogunlade ance and political manipulations as other factors that made crimes inevitable for them.

The cleric said handing them over to the hangman will prevent them from repentance, restitution and a second chance to live.

He argued that punitive measures for criminality should be administered with respect and love for the person punished in every sense.

Appealing to the governors to withhold their signatures, Adenuga wondered: "If their children are involved, will they agree they should be hung or will they help in salvaging and rehabilitating the child to be fit to live in the society that abhors murder and other heinous acts?"

He charged church leaders to continue preaching the truth and lay off every form of compromise within the body of Christ.

words to test than they do.

Whenever I come here, I get challenged. Nigerian Christians will challenge you to study the word more and have more revelations. That is why the largest church in the world is here. The largest auditorium is also here. That is to show you God is here.

Expanding to Nigeria The Lord has not spoken to me to start a branch of our church here. I can never say never though. I don't do anything until I hear from God. I won't say I should do it because that is what everybody is doing now.

I love our worship and vibrancy because we are a lively people. We are trying to replicate the same in our church. It is a multi-racial assembly with many nonNigerians.

We don't stereotype Nigerian or African praise.

Pastoring a multi-racial church in America We had the challenge in America where people saw us

as a Nigerian church. People always associate a church based on the origin of the founder. We were first considered a Yoruba church.

When we overcame that, we became known as a Nigerian church. They called us an African church and we still overcame that. Then, they said we are a black church.

Gradually, we are overcoming that. But there were some steps that we took that helped us.

Our official language is English. We don't expect our workers to speak in vernacular. We believe if you made it from your country to America, you must be able to speak in English. Though people speak vernacular at the parking lots but we generally don't encourage it.

As a worker, people can talk to you in vernacular but you must respond in English.

Two, we don't sing in any Nigerian language. We don't tolerate that so that we don't alienate people. We don't want to Africanise the church.

xxx

AD E 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!

Worship

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COLUMNS

NEWS

Baptist members embrace transformational agenda

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OR close to a week, members of the Gospel Baptist Conference of Nigeria and Overseas (GBCN&O) set themselves apart in Awe town, Oyo State to learn how to function in contemporary world as believers.

It was at the 41st annual conference session of the church with the theme "New creature in Christ".

The conference attracted thousands of the church's members from across the globe.

Welcoming participants, the President of GBCN&O,

By Sunday Oguntola Archbishop Magnus Atilade, urged them to build on the solid foundations "we inherited from our forefathers".

He said becoming new creature is an imperative going by the level of decadence in the world.

Atilade said: "We must seek the face of the Lord to transform us inwardly, a complete change of our minds to guide our thoughts and actions."

He explained that the ultimate agenda of the church is to raise changed people, which he said aligned with its transfor-

mational agenda.

The highpoint of the conference was the conferment of the Grand Commander of the Knight of Good Samaritans (KGS) on Prof.

OladipoHunponu-Wusu, a retired university don.

Professor Agboola Adejare of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta also bagged the Commander of the Knight of Good Samaritans award.

Atilade said both recipients were worthy of the honour having contributed to the growth of Christianity and humanity in Nigeria.

•Atilade (centre) with other church officials congratulating Adejare(fourth from left) and Huponu-Wusu after conferement of the award.

Youths urged to serve God

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T was an awesome worship experience last weekend at the 2013 Youth Concert of the Apostolic Faith Church.

The concert tagged "the fruitfulness of the righteous'' held at the church's camp city in Igbesa, Ogun State.

The orchestra choir made up of youths drawn across the country delighted the audience with the violin.

The District Superintendent of the Apostolic Faith West and Central Africa, Rev

By Bukunmi Ogundare Emmanuel Adeniran, urged the church as well as families to manage youths effectively so they don't derail or fall into trauma.

He said trauma can be engaged at the family, religious level and governmental level.

Emphasising the role of the church in curbing the situation, he urged all stakeholders to brace up to the responsibility of providing youths with spiritual,

psychological, educational and economic resources to cope with their challenges.

According to him: "I want to say that all stakeholders should not leave the responsibility to the government alone. The press, teachers, and the parents have a role to play by creating the right environment around so that we eliminate trauma amongst the youth."

He urged youths to make use of their God- given talents in singing and playing of instruments.

Living Faith

By Dr. David Oyedepo

Enjoying Divine Visitation! (4)

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AST week, I showed you how to access divine ideas, to enjoy divine manifestation. This week, I will be showing you how God can bless you through the works of your hand.

Diligence is one of the responsibilities you must accept, if you must access the blessings of God in your life.

Diligence or hard work is a major ingredient for the blessings of God and for your allround success in life.

God's Word says: ...Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Psalm 1:3). Indeed, there is no substitute for hard work, if you want to enjoy the blessings of God. It is these blessings that will make you a success in life. There is profit in every labour (Proverbs 14:23).

When you labour through the work of your hand, you automatically provoke God's blessings upon your life.

There are no two ways about it!

Every destiny decays in the hands of laziness, idleness and slothfulness. Just as success and God's blessings are as a result of diligence, failure comes through slothfulness (Ecclesiastes 10:18). The blessings of God will elude you, unless your hands are set to work. Until your hands become working hands, your life will not become a working life, for work is what determines your worth in life.

There is abundance in God's destiny for you, but the work you do with your hands

Cleric blames church leaders for corruption

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HE head of the Episcopal Church of Nigeria, Abuja, Reverend Babatunde Oguntimehin, has accused the general overseers of mega churches of promoting corruption among their members.

Oguntimehin, who was the guest speaker at the official launching of the church branch

at Keffi, the capital of Nasarawa State last week, said the general overseers cannot honestly say they do not know that top government officials in their churches are spending beyond their salaries.

He said: "It is sacrilegious to hear that civil servants or public servants are donating aircrafts to church leaders. Directors and even

assistant directors are donating between N10 millions and N100 millions in their churches and the so-called Daddy GOs and Mummy GOs, do not see anything wrong."

The cleric said there was no way the government would win the war against corruption if religious leaders continue to harbor looters.

is the avenue through which it will come. Even though God had promised to make Abraham great, we saw Abraham getting busy with rearing cattle, even at an advanced age of 75. He knew that the only way God would bless him was through the works of his hands.

The blessings of God never eluded Abraham, because he put his hands to work.

No wonder, God's Word says: And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold (Genesis 13:2). God confirmed his blessings upon his life, through the works of his hand.

When your hands are slack, poverty is sure to come your way (Proverbs 10:4). If you want to enjoy God's blessings, then you must put your hands to work. God's Word says: The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat (Proverbs 10:4).

Failure becomes your heritage, only when your hands refuse to work. It takes diligence to become successful and to enjoy God's blessings.

Your disobedience to God's command to work, is what is making you to spend countless and needless hours in laborious prayers (Proverbs 22:29). A student who would not study for his examination, but spends hours praying, will still end up a failure.

You commit God to your matter, when you diligently operate covenant principles.

Diligence is one of the princi-

ples for enjoying God's blessings on earth. If you don't work, you can't climb unto you covenant throne of success. For instance, Jesus, the Son of God says: I must work (John 9:4). He did not stop there, He also said: My Father worketh hitherto, and I work (John 5:17).

From the above, you can see that God the Father is working; Jesus the Son and Messiah is also working. Who then are you taking after, if you go about wasting your life through laziness and idleness? Work authenticates faith (James 2:18). Faith is not what God will do, but acting on what God says in order to establish the desires of your heart. Do you want God's blessings? Then listen to what He says you should do to qualify for His blessings. What does He say? Work! You are either a worker or you are worthless! So, to enjoy God's visitation in your life, you must work!

Work is of God; hard work is His will. When you spend time praying for His blessings without working, you are not praying according to the will of God. The effect is that you won't get any answer. But when you do what He tells you to do, a miracle answers to you automatically.

Hard work keeps you healthy. Since the day I started working full-time in ministry, I work for an average of 18 hours each day, and I am living the healthiest life. My body is as strong as stone, and all my organs are functioning very well! You are created to work; when you are not working, you are wearing out.

Nothing works until you work it! If you are not a worker, you will end up begging!

Friend, the power to put your hands to work is available, if you are born again.

You are born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Mike Okonkwo's essay competition gets winners

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•Children on instruments at the concert

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

OLATOMI Alli-Balogun of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in Lagos has emerged the overall winner of this year's Mike Okonkwo National Essay Competition.

Her winning entry was one of the 2135 submitted by students across the nation.

Mark Nwanbiankea of Lagos State Senior Model Collage Badore came second with a score of 75%.

He was closely followed by Samuel Edet of Government College, Calabar, Cross River State who clinched the third position.

Alli-Balogun will receive a prize of N100, 000, a personal laptop and three sets of internet-ready desktop computers with printer for her school.

Nwanbiankea will receive N75, 000 and two internet-ready desktop computers with printer for his school.

Edet will smile home with N50, 000 and a set of internet

ready desktop computer for his school.

Other finalists will receive a consolation prize of N20, 000.

All the prizes will be

presented at the 14th edition of Mike Okonkwo annual lecture on September 5th at the Muson Centre, Onikan Lagos by 9.30 am.

What and where?

T

Induction service

HE induction service for Rev (Dr) and Mrs. Sunday Oladejo into the pastorate of Triumphant Baptist Church holds today in the church auditorium at 19 OlufemiOjo Street,Shasha Road, Akowonjo, Lagos by 10am Oladejo had served as the Pastor of Mobolorunduro Baptist

Church, Ogbomosho; New Life Baptist Church, Benin City and United English Baptist Church Kaduna, which was his last pastoral assignment.

His experience in missionary and shepherding churches has spanned through 15 years.

Oladejo is married with four children.

Church celebrates pioneer pastor at 20

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HE First Baptist Church, Shasha Lagos will today celebrate the 20th anniversary and meritorious service for Rev. Noah Adigun.

Adigun is the pioneer pastor of the church.

The service kicks off by 10am.

Adigun is currently the Director of Counselling, Lagos West Baptist Conference and Consultant of the Good News Baptist Association.

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THE ARTS THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

ME AND MY BOOKS My poetry is all about profundity Denja Abdullahi, a poet and award-winning writer is the vice-president of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). His collection of poems include Mairogo: A Buffon’s Poetic Journey Around Northern Nigeria, Abuja Nunyi, The Talking Drum, A Thousand Years of Thirst, among others. In this interview with Edozie Udeze, he says that poetry is the mother of all genres of literature

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HO are your favourite authors in the world and why?

The writing world is diverse with unique styles, subject matters and brilliance that it is difficult for me to have favourites.

Let us just say all good writers I have read are my favourites, and even those I am yet to read but hopeful of eventually reading.

What sort of books do you like most?

Books that explore people’s historical and cultural experiences in an epical sweep; whether poetry, plays or novels.

I like profundity when it comes to books. Profundity of theme and style. There are too many books out there on the shelves and online begging to be read; anyone that catches my attention must have something unique about it.

When you read a book, what are the salient things you look out for?

What it says about the human experience, the underlying hilarity, the power of language in freshening even stale old concepts and larger-than-life characters that are in reality often life-like.

When and where do you like to read?

I read whenever and wherever I can have some moments to myself, away from work, family and the fulfillment of the rigours of existence. Those moments are getting fewer by the day, I must say. I read before going to bed, on the verge of sleep, in transit; by road and air, when I am not the one doing the driving or piloting (that is even when the journey is bereft of recklessness and turbulence) and whenever I am out of station, away from my usual habitué.

What is your preferred literary genre?

I have written more of poetry, so should I say poetry is my preferred genre? I love all the genres, I do not discriminate in my choice of genre.

As a child, what books tripped

you most?

As a youngster, the pacesetter series greatly influenced me to contemplate the infinite world of the imagination. They were very realistic portrayal of life and living on the African continent in the popular sense. The stories and characters of that series, including even the authors, were engraved in my adolescent memory for such a long time that I penned one myself but I later lost the manuscript. The titles of the series still echo in my mind till today: The Undesirable Element, Stop Press: Murder!, Bloodbath at Lobster Close, Sweet Revenge, Sisi, Evbu My Love, Christmas in the City, etc. I later on discovered the African Writers Series and feasted on the titles accordingly.

What book or books have had the greatest impact on you; why and how?

Roots, by Alex Haley, for its epical sweep of the trauma of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. I was angry about the plight of the black race as I read the book. And this feeling was aggravated as I read the book at the time the TV series was first shown on national television. The African Night Entertainment, by Cyprian Ekwensi, with its quest motif, dreams, magic and expose into the northern Nigerian clime also was definitive in my reading career; so also the phantasmagoric world of D.O Fagunwa’s novels.

At what point in your life did you begin to nurse the idea of being a writer?

In my first year in the university, after experiencing a culture shock with the almajiri system at the Jos Main Market some many years ago; though my writerly sensibility goes way back before that encounter.

How has writing shaped or moulded your life?

It has made me conscious of the fact that words are doubleedged, they build and destroy; their employment for either purpose is what our lives are all about.

•Abdullahi

If you met your favourite author(s) face-to-face, what would you ask him/her?

How did you get to do that?

What the hell was going through your mind?

Of all the works you’ve read, which character strikes you the most?

Many are swirling in my head right now, but I will readily pick Mohun Biswas in V.S. Naipaul’s A House For Mr. Biswas. He is such a comically tragic character in a struggle of existence, like that of the average man who does not want to die in obscurity.

What do you plan to read next?

The much-hyped The Accidental Public Servant by Nasir El-Rufai, I just want to get it out of my reading view and of course the dashing account of the Nigerian Civil War as executed by the Third Marine Commando in Alabi Isama‘s The Tragedy of Victory. Of course if you ask me the one I would like to read first, I will go for Isama’s.

Are you a re-reader and how often?

There are so many good books out there still unread than to indulge in the luxury of leisurely re-reading. I only reread strictly for academic or research purposes, and this takes various forms.

How do you arrange your books in your private library?

Mercifully on the shelves in

the office; books for research on their own, unread stuff together in their own territory and already read ones that can be loaned out to curious friends and acquaintances at their own end. Of course, one does not have the resources of the Library of Congress. So, many other books, more than the one on the shelves, are in re-enforced Ghana-mustgo bags at a dedicated depository at home, competing with other bricks and bats and getting on the nerves of madam all the time.

What does writing mean to you?

Writing is my alternate career that has in its way defined my main career. Writing takes you above the ordinary; it confers on you a sage-like quality and raises you above the common throng. If you are lucky to have written anything good, be sure it will endure and confer on you immortality.

How do you get your inspiration to write?

I am inspired most to write not by solitude or a serene atmosphere that most writers cherish, but by great activity around me, market place noises, festive music and other such ambience. When people and things are uninhibited, I derive inspiration from that and that is where I hit on some great writing ideas.

You have written more of poetry, at least the published

pieces. Why? It is so because poetry is the mother of all literary forms. Let me deal well first with the mother before I start dealing with the sons and daughters. I write other genres too which are largely unpublished. There was a time I declared in a published interview after my last published poetry collection A Thousand Years of Thirst that with that I had paid my debt to poetry, meaning I want to take a break from poetry. Niyi Osundare, the renowned poet who I have had an over two decades relationship with, which began with him being my subject of research as an undergraduate, read that interview and sent me a private email saying “Denja, how dare you!” He was more like, you cannot pay the debt you owe poetry. I replied that I was only joking literarily; that I was only expressing my wish to bring out my writings in the other genres and that poetry will always be part of me. Presently, I am working on a play and another collection of poetry; this time with a religious theme.

What was the most important book to you in 2012 and which one for 2013?

There Was a Country by Chinua Achebe for all the reiteration of the role of the writer in the society contained in it and for the issues it raised regarding the dynamics of perspective in narrating lived experiences. For 2013, none yet.

Arts/Reviews

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

•National Theatre

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HE workers of the National Theatre, Lagos, are up in arms. This time, it is not against the purported sale or leasing of the culture house, but against the General Manager and the Chief Executive Officer of the edifice, Mallam Kabir Yusuf.

In a press conference held in Lagos last week, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), the National Theatre chapter, noted in a petition dated July 26, 2013 and addressed to the Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) how the issue of alleged corrupt practices perpetuated by the G.M in the areas of over bloated contracts, and other fraudulent acts in the handling of the day-to-day affairs of the Theatre have slowed down progress at the nation’s apex culture house.

Title: Lust in storms Author: Ena’ Rose Igbuwe Number of pages: 340 Publishers: D. Dewdrops Year of publication: 2010 Reviewer: Joe Agbro Jr.

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ROWING up as a child can be fun and sheltered for many girls, but as the teenage years approach, some realities set in. But the realities detailed in Lust In Storms, a novel written by Ena’ Rose Igbuwe, are peculiar to quite a number of girls; however in varying degrees.

For Lillian, the protago-

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•Opara

Theatre workers up in arms According to the General-Secretary of AUPCTRE, Isidore Opara, “the amount allegedly being siphoned by Kabir on a monthly basis is enough to maintain the National Theatre, and keep it functioning while awaiting government’s life-line to turn it around.” And the amount, according to him, runs into millions.

Opara said: “Regrettably, however, the general manager has perfected various morally indefensible acts of siphoning the resources of the National Theatre for self-enrichment.

These are in the areas of fictitious conferences that never held, the purchase of Peavey sound equipment at an inflated cost of over 750%, the purchase of normal plastic chairs and tables at over 570% actual price.” nist in the book, despite having good grades from secondary school, finance was a barrier to furthering her education.

Finding herself with a docile mum, and an ogling stepfather, Lagos offered better prospects than her dreary hometown in Edo State. It was an opportunity which she would grab but which would not be as smooth as envisaged.

With no one to cater for her in Lagos upon arrival, Lillian found solace in a church.

And the kind-hearted pastor seconded her to live with Mercy, a sister who worshipped in the church. Ensconced in Mercy’s one-room apartment in the EbutteMetta part of the state, Lillian began her foray in Lagos.

Being a beautiful girl, Lillian attracted male attention. But while she resisted much, a young man, Yemi, despite Mercy’s disapproval, eventually captured her heart. And it started by Yemi’s offer of a job. But, Mercy’s advice was, ‘You are a Christian and he (Yemi) is not. In Bible language, you

Workers of the nation’s apex culture house, the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, have called on the federal government to intervene in the ongoing financial crisis rocking the Theatre so as to save it from total collapse. Edozie Udeze reports He went on to reiterate how the union had on several occasions tried to bring the G.M’s attention to all these anomalies, but all were in vain. He stated further: “the GM does these in disregard to the procurement policy of the federal government. The outrageous list of maintaining the office of the GM (i.e. three Prado Jeeps and three private mobile policemen) contrary to the monetisation policy of the federal government since 2004, personal health expenditure of over six million for 2011/2012 alone, all these also contravene

the national health insurance scheme of the government.”

The union noted that all these run into hundreds of millions of naira and that is why the petition has been sent to the relevant government agencies and parastastals to enable government properly investigate the matter for necessary action.

A copy of the petition made available to The Nation and signed by the officials of the union appealed to ICPC to use “its good offices to accelerate investigations of the above alle-

gations and then bring the perpetrator(s) to book.” It also observed that given this situation as it is now, it may not be healthy and safe to allow the status quo to remain while the issue of the concession of the Theatre is fast approaching.” “The money that will come in during this exercise may not be safe,” the union further warned.

When contacted in his office for his reaction, the G.M. was said to be in a marathon meeting with officials of another labour union named Radio and Television Theatre Art Workers Union (RATTAWU). When he was eventually got on phone for his comment, the G.M. said, “I heard you came to my office earlier on.

I am on my way home. I

Of lust and love

are light and he is darkness.”

But young Lillian was already in love. And her boss seemed to reciprocate this love.

And spending much time with Yemi reduced Lillian’s commitment to church activities, a situation which did not please Mercy or her pastor very much. But, not too long after this, news of Lillian’s mother’s ill health would destabilise her. However, Yemi came to her rescue with money for the treatment. Armed with money to treat her mother, she went

H

IP hop enthusiasts were exposed to the impact of knowledge and the power of mind over matter at the July edition of Str8 up Hip hop last Thursday held at The Place in Ikeja.

Themed Juice! Know-theledge, the urban monthly event afforded guests to learn at the feet of a veteran like Edi Lawani, who was the special guest for this month’s edition. Although he was unavoidably absent, his message was aired to guests.

Drawing from experience, Edi encouraged and advised young artistes to be open to knowledge on their way to success in their chosen career.

home to her village where she met with an admixture welcome. While some praised her for caring for her mother, others sniggered on how she could only have been prostituting to come by such money. But apart from her mother’s illness, the disappearance of Steve, her brother, also worried her.

However, feeling grateful for Yemi’s assistance, Lillian easily succumbed to him on her return from the village and they made love, against her better judgment. Another chapter also opened

whereby she moved out of Mercy’s one-room apartment to one rented by Yemi for her. After a series of trysts, she discovered Yemi had a wife and daughter in Europe.

She also discovered she was pregnant. And while a sad Lillian was morose on breaking the news to Yemi, Yemi, on the other hand was ecstatic and immediately asked to marry her.

He travelled with Lillian home to begin the rites.

But the troubles began Yemi’s friend, Kola, wanted to harm her. And

Dancing in style

By Bisi Eretan

Some up and coming artistes had the privilege of showcasing their talents as they kicked of the Sly of Classic 97.3fm hosted event.

The crowd was treated to almost all the Hip-hop elements which included mesmerising B-boy stunts, captivating spoken word, energetic performances and superb DJ’ing by DJ OZ. A major feature of Str8 Up, Hip-hop, Emcee battle, was tightly contested. Thus the crowd settled for four best rappers who slugged it out but was eventually won

by M2B who took home 20,000 naira cash prize.

Spoken word poet, Ndukwe, thrilled the crowd with his famous poems like Puff puff pass and Boom, which earned a call for an encore from the crowd.

The crowd was also treated to scintillating performances from Mr. Raw, who used the event to premiere his new video, Ose Jioku.

Terry Tha Rapman came on stage and delivered old and new hits, he performed Na beans?, Sample Remix (by popular

won’t talk unless you come physically to my office. If not, you can go ahead with your story.” Reminded, however, that he could react on phone to save time, the G.M. quickly switched off his phone. And all efforts to reach him again proved abortive.

Meanwhile, the National Theatre workers have threatened to embark on a sit-out industrial action starting from August 26, if the appropriate government agencies do not hearken to their clarion call to sanitise the Theatre forthwith. “That may be our next line of action if nothing is done now to save the lives of workers here in the next few days,” Opara noted, saying that “the Theatre is meant to generate money everyday.

But the current administration is not doing that, rather it engages in policies that negate the interest of workers.” only a chance meeting with Steve, her brother, saved her. Brother and sister and husband by a stroke of fate, each suffering, were however destined to meet again, but in a hospital.

While Igbuwe’s tale is peculiarly Nigerian, it nevertheless focuses on some of the travails which might befall the girl-child. In the course of living, the sexual innuendoes thrown at females are a reality. And for those that reject such overtures, the journey to success could be made harder. And in the course of the book, the author also played up the need for Christian virtues. demand) and his latest single testing 1,2.

In recognition of his contributions to the development of Hiphop and Nigerian music, Edi Lawani was presented an award of honour while the first prize winner of the Str8 up Hip hop Juice!KnowTheLedge Quotes competition was presented his prize on stage

by Mr.Raw. The NM En.Core produced event and proudly supported by Kally drink and Mowa Water attracted many hip hop fans who interacted with Terry Tha Rapman, Illbliss, Mr. Raw, Splash, Teegee, among others.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

62

O

N a personal note, I expect a large number of advertising practitioners among our readers to be piqued by the title of this piece. In the first place, the phrase “performance indicators” is not ordinarily commonly related with the practice and/or business of advertising (by extension, brands management), in its latent connotation. Going by its manifest implication, also, it is way out of practitioners’ consideration. The more interesting thing is, “ADVERTISERS” are the most alienated of the group, not minding their direct financial commitment and responsibility.

Customary to our tradition on this platform, let us be quick to cleanly leave out those who engage in offering advertising services as purely a business engagement, without care or concern for the professional aspect of the industry. To the extent where we should either evaluate ourselves on the basis of professional robustness and application of general knowledge in our professional engagements, it will be in-appropriate to not make that distinction.

To a large extent, many of us professionals in brand management are quite guilty of in-appropriate internalization of the phrase in consideration. Primarily, narrowing our scope of concern to our immediate professional environment, place such otherwise important elements on the blind side of our consideration bracket.

At last MC&A DIGEST organized training session (Training Non-Professional Brand Managers), a participant asked the question “what are the performance indicators for advertising?” my initial reaction was that of askance; perhaps the participant was yet far from the basics of advertising as we tried to familiarize his class with. But again, the quick flip turned me on the side of

Advertising : The performance indicators (1)

the investigated … “do you really understand the question?” in that quick interval between when the question hit me and when I reacted, so many things rushed to mind; one, is PERFORMANCE INDICATOR captured in the entire creative process?

Yes, PERFORMANCE INDICATION captures evaluation and success rate measurement…but where does it fit in the process of advertising? Or, still can we graft it into what we already know? And finally, what do we already know and permit…as a method of measuring the effectiveness of advertising, considering the benefit and value of advertising, from the client and the practitioner’s point of view? If we know that advertising spend is a form of investment, then the spend-channel must account for invested financial capital, for the benefit of costbenefit consideration, if for nothing else.

Suffice that the participant’s question jolted me and the entire class into trying to do two things: understand the question within the context of its consideration (advertising practice

and service delivery), and in the face of its “strange-ness”, appreciate the propriety, for the benefit of us all.

As it turned out, the seemingly simple (strange) question turned out a topical case-study for all. To appreciate the import and invaluable contribution of the question, one has to take it from its ordinary or surface meaning: is the value of advertising measureable? If it is, how is it measured? On the whole, therefore, is advertising accountable?

Often times, advertising budgets are drawn up, based on the client’s resource capability.

So what obtains is Agencies work based on the client’s brief.

The other method of determining advertising budget is by appreciating the derived cost of driving proposed marketing or advertising solution - known problem. In other words, the client, often times the deep pocket ones, permit Agency’s budget proposal for consideration, in so far as the campaign proposal is considered good enough to help achieve set-objective. Either way, the driving force is expectation. It is either the campaign proposal is sold and ap-

proved wholly; including budget indication or the client manages to achieve a down-ward budget review, yet get the campaign executed as proposed, on the revised budget.

So, the client’s brief determines the extent of agency presentation. And on client’s approval, the budget is spent on campaign execution…story ends. The question is “IS THE VALUE OF ADVERT MESSAGES MEASURED ON THE BASIS OF THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ADVERTISERS’ GAINS IN RELATION TO THE AD-SPEND in real or quantifiable terms?”

In other words, how can the client determine the Return onhis/ her advertising Investment (spend), to the extent of ‘justification and net-off’ on the balance sheet.

So, the client briefs the agency for a sales promotion campaign, and at the end of executing the agency’s proposal, the brand managers seat-back to justify the advert spend. The question is whether thisis done, and by how much is the agency held accountable or credited for the plus or minuses captured at the end, if it really does happen.

Within the context of conventional practice, it is not common practice for advert messages intervention to be held accountable in value terms. It is for the fact that has actually been one of the major problems facing advertising as an investment, ironically. It is because clients cannot expressly put value to the contribution of adverts in the gamut of marketing expenditures on the basis of cost-benefit analysis. In some big and properly structured marketing-driven corporate environment, the tradition is for advertising or brand support budget to be determined at a percentage of actual earnings based on historical records, for the projected engagement.

That way, the head of marketing team pegs the ad-spend on the figure determined by such calculation. So it is the practice corporate players such asNigerian Breweries, Procter& Gamble andUnilever, to draw up advertising and marketing budgets, preparatory to yearly brand support activities.

From the participant in reference’s perspective same process of drawing up advert budget should be structured to evaluate the contribution of advertising/marketing communication/brand support, post-engagement. To him, that will help put in perspective, the value and essence of advertising, in the scheme of marketing activities.

This topic would have been very easily determined within the context of conventional advertising practice; a period when media platform was traditional, target audience psychographics were possibly run through standard format. Within that same context, target audience media habit never changed, in so far as the age bracket is same for any two assignments. For target consumer expectations, it was almost same, except that competition among brands threw up little variants of value offering within certain product categories, in

which situation, particular attention is paid to possible target reaction to such stimulus.

Within the conventional setting, evaluating contribution of advertising support to marketing was given to simple appropriation. The only social science figment in the system is that the extent of appropriation is directly equal to the extent of value proposition. So, the agency presentation convinces the client that a particular campaign is targeted to achieve ‘X’ value in (either) quantifiable or derived terms, the client does ahead to appropriate same measure of value as gains from advertising or brand support, in so far as the client’s team approved the agency’s presentation. It was that simple!

In rare situations when the agency chose to impress a client towards deeper professional service delivery and peculiar competitive advantage, they introduce target response tracking or monitoring – through response coupon (press) and/or shelf off-take tracking (in a defined location).

At the end of the day, clients are as good or satisfied, as the agency leads them.

Looking back, this unscientific method of value measurement is responsible for the less than appropriate appreciation of the services of professional brand management, because in any way, who know the extent of advertising agency’s contribution (so, just anybody can do it!). Moving forward, therefore, it is important for clients, practitioners and students in brands management/advertising to be clearly certain on standard of value measurement of brand advertising support in marketing.

MC&A DIGEST will drive this inquest to its conclusion next week; the task would be to identify that standard of value measurement of advertising in marketing. Until then, contribution from our readers will help.

Rice: From Thailand, Malaysia with pains •Continued from page 48

C

ONSIDERED as Nigeria’s staple, rice is everyone’s delight. Millions of Nigerians cannot go a day without consuming the commodity. It is easily affordable and available to everyone.

Children savour it as much as adults revel eating it.

At Daleko, the biggest rice market in Mushin, Lagos, the commodity arrives nearly every moment in trucks and lorries. The closeness of the market to Apapa seaport attenuates its relevance. There are as much buyers as sellers. Loaders and carriers also swell the expansive market.

Most of the rice arrives from Thailand, Malaysia and even Brazil. Several more however arrive from Benin Republic through bushes and illegal

By Bukola Afolabi routes, no thanks to smugglers.

The active connivance of Customs officials ensure this illegal transaction continues to thrive.

Chidi Samuel, a seller at the market, confessed that many unethical practices take place around the commodity. “Many of these bags are repackaged.

Many are mixed with water to ensure swelling and different variants of rice are added together,” he stated. All of these, according to him, are to maximise profits at all costs.

Investigations also revealed certain chemicals are added to the commodity for preservation.

Nigerians consume all of these because local rice production is almost zero.

The Director of Consult, YABATECH, Mr. Okoro Emeka, said rice is a safe commodity for

consumption if processed and consumed within the first six months of importation. The ceaseless importation of the product however ensures there are always more than that can meet consumption demands in supply.

Emeka said the importation of the commodity however can expose them to weather attacks such as rain, water and moisture.

The food technologist pointed out such attacks could breed mould, which causes mycotoxin.

This, according to him, is a poisonous substance, which can give rise to cancer.

There is also the possibility of the rice losing taste, flavour as well as colour if exposed to the attacks. Though this does not have health hazards, it deprives rice consumers the essential nutritional value of the commodity.

•Bag of rice

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

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Reaching out with the old blues —PAGE 64

‘My sister, Dame Patience, is highly misunderstood’ Esther Ebiere Gbonkumor, a business woman and younger sister to First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, in this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, shares fond memories of growing up with her older sibling.

“

She (Dame Patence Jonathan) doesn’t like cheating or any form of injustice at all. In fact, I can say she is a rebel for a cause she believes in. She is an activist by nature and she has always been like that right from her youth. As far as I know, she’s someone who is ready to sacrifice her comfort just to see that others are satisfied and very happy.

•Gbonkumor

personal.

You talked about some of the likes and dislikes of the First Lady.

Can you share with us how she used to spend her spare time?

I really don’t think she had any spare time for herself as such. As far as I know, she has always been a very restless person because she likes getting involved with one thing or the other that sort of kept her busy round the clock. And once in a while, she likes mixing with people like I told you earlier. She is also very inquisitive too.

There are lots of things about the person of the First Lady. What is it about her that people don’t understand?

Everybody is like that. It’s not anybody you see that you easily

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

warm to up just like that. Just like you’re a stranger to me now, you don’t expect me to open up to you like that without knowing who you’re and your motives. So, everybody has something that holds them back at every point in time.

So, as the First Lady, if she sees you and doesn’t open up to you, it is not because she is feeling too proud or something like that. But let me also add that the First Lady is being highly misunderstood. I know that for a fact because she is somebody I grew up with. I know for certain that the First Lady is a very natural person, who likes being herself all the time. She is a very straight forward person who hates it when people come to bear

false tales to her. She (Dame Patence Jonathan) doesn’t like cheating or any form of injustice at all. In fact, I can say she is a rebel for a cause she believes in. She is an activist by nature and she has always been like that right from her youth. As far as I know, she’s someone who is ready to sacrifice her comfort just to see that others are satisfied and very happy. She is that kind of person. People who know her can also attest to the fact that she is ever willing to starve just to put food on the table for others to eat.

You lost your mum recently, may the Lord bless her soul. What kind of relationship did your siblings have with your mother, especially the First Lady?

“

A

S a younger sibling of the First Lady, you probably must have lived together.

What was growing up like?

(Laughs) We grew up in Port Harcourt. Oh, it was real fun, it was wonderful! I remember her as a mobiliser and a leader who always wanted to do something and see women gather around.

She has been like that right from her youth and also very hard working.

If she begins something, maybe, a business, and she seems not to be getting anywhere, she would not relent; she would continue to strive until she makes a success out of it. She is the kind of person that never says die. She doesn’t believe in failure. She will keep on working hard at something until she gets the desired results she wants. I have always known her to be an industrious person right from her youth. She has never been a lazy person at all. She has always been involved in one business or the other. My other siblings are like that as well. In fact, we all copied these traits and attributes from our mother, who was also very selfreliant.

A lot of people have this notion that the First Lady is very domineering. Was she a bully in her younger days?

No, she wasn’t. What I know is that she is a very sensitive person. She is not one to keep quiet when she sees you on the wrong side. Once she sees you doing the wrong thing, it triggers something within her which makes her react.

She is just a no-nonsense person but also a very loving person too.

Above all, she is someone who has compassion for the youths, widows and the less privileged in the society. As someone close to her, I know she has been involved in one form of charity or another right from her youths. Helping people, especially the underprivileged in the society, comes natural to the First Lady.

What are some of the fond memories of her you remember while you were growing up together?

I know she liked playing ludo game a lot in her younger days and gisting with girls of her age like most girls do. She has always been a sociable person right from her youth. She likes relating with people and all that.

What is your family like?

It is a mixed family of males and females. We intermingle with different ethnic groups like the people from the north, south, you name it. Our father was someone who when he sees you’re the serious type picks you up and brings you into the family regardless of where you come from and starts to train you. So, nearly everybody that makes up my family are people from different parts of the country. But we have always lived as one big happy family.

So, you have a large family, more or less?

Sure.

Can you be specific on the size of the family?

Let’s put that aside. It’s

We took after our mother in every way. We are just like the way she was. She was very hard working, loving and caring as well. You can imagine she was supposed to be going about with escort and all that, but she preferred to lead a very low key life. Just like the First Lady, our mother was a very natural woman. You can see the First Lady, anytime she feels the need to express herself, she just takes up the microphone to say her piece of mind even if her spelling and pronunciation may be faulty, she is never afraid to speak her mind anytime, any day. She likes being simple. To our mother, being natural is the best thing in life and we remember her for that.

Life

64

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

Reaching out with the old blues

A

S the sekere (a calabash gourd wrapped with beads) rattles sprightly with the symphony of the sound produced from the agidigbo (thump piano), the agogo (bell) and the talking drum, the crowd at the 5000 capacity Amphi theatre of the Obafemi Awolowo University Campus, Ile-Ife was set aglow as the flow of the percussions could not be resisted by the young folks who flocked in to enjoy the flow of traditional music. Far from what was obtainable in the past when the genre developed as a percussion based style in the late 1930s, Apala seems to have found another appeal in a younger audience as it is now being promulgated by a group of young, suave and urbane men who have taken the music across religious boundary by terming their own gospel apala.

Growing up under the brown dusted roofs of Masfala in the ancient city of Ibadan, which the poet J.P. Clark described as “a city scattered among seven hills like broken china in the sun”. Here children kept hens as pets and playfully beat meningitis out of them by placing them under Kongo bowl. Here teachers taught English and mathematics with Yoruba where children will shout ko se se instead of ‘ impossible’ when a teacher asks them to minus 9 from 2.

These experiences form part of an exhilarating childhood experience which make them to declare proudly that whoever did not grow up in Ibadan does not have a sound record of childhood. “Where you grew up doesn’t determine where you will get to. I went to Abike model school in that same Masfala, mind you I won national Mathematics award from that school,” said Feranmi Biala, the banda( head honcho) of the group who later went to on to study Information Systems at the University of Wales, UK. Kayode Adeyemo and Kolade Biala, the other members of the trio are graduates of Computer Science Engineering and Accounting and work as bankers with First Bank and Diamond Bank respectively.

Traditional is not local If there is one message they preach with their songs, it is the fact that the genre should not be referred to as local. “In the UK, their style of

Influenced by their growing up in Ibadan, they took their culture as an oyster to explore a genre of music that is thought to be the reserve of the older generation; this has succeeded in selling them to a younger audience.

Hannah Ojo writes on the Ibadan sensational gospel group Bois Olorun.

•Bois Olorun music is their tradition but here we call it international. The fact that it is traditional doesn’t mean it is local so when people approach us and say you are singing local music, we tell them it is tradition and as such could be international.” Apart from the fascination with their culture which influenced their style of music, they were also inspired by the need to channel their talent in a unique way.

From their outfit on stage which is usually adire and ankara coupled with

their Abeti Aja (dog eared) caps, there is no gainsaying the fact that Bois Olorun are on a mission to reclaim the lost cultural heritage that appears distant to many in their generation. They believe this philosophy should also apply to other aspects of life especially in the way language is used to capture the expressions of some phenomenon.

“When we wear our ankara, we don’t call it local, we call it traditional.

Our own food should be called amala

not yam flour, akara not bean cake.

We are trying to be different while campaigning for our tradition not to be local,” they affirmed.

Their traditional appeal also makes them adopt the apala style of sitting down during performance.

They said of this trend, “it is a brand.

We picked it from the traditional way of singing apala. Only a few people know that. There is no gospel musician that would sit down to perform, so that makes us unique,

‘I’m a child of Nigeria’

Singer/songwriter and poet, Offiong Bassey, is an exciting artist that draws upon the numerous influences that have touched her life. As the first generation from her Nigerian family born in the U.S., the soul, jazz, and gospel music of America reside within her just as comfortably as the musical traditions of West Africa. She brings to them her unique ear for harmonies and phrasing in her debut album “Offiong” currently making waves in the United States. AbdulRafiu Lawal met her recently.

W

HY did you go into music?

I feel music called me and I answered. Music and art has always been part of me and my identity. My grandmother is a wonderful singer and my grandfather was as well. Very expressive people who will tell stories, and will pass on our tradition in terms of our language and culture through songs and many ways. I have always loved to sing.

When I was young I was that child that likes to move around during family parties to dance and perform especially when anyone asks me to. I never had any shame about it.

Music is a principal part of my purpose and it is like you can bring every aspect of yourself to it. I can bring my joy, my pain, humour, spirituality, culture and all the languages I speak are all present in my music.

What is unique about your debut album “Offiong” that one cannot find in the music market currently?

It is a true and accurate representation of who I am. My name is Offiong Bassey, which means “God’s

moon” in Efik language. I feel I was placed on this earth to be a reflection of my creator’s light in all I do. So, when I do my music I am doing a lot of things. I am fusing all the musical styles that I have grown up with, there is the African high life, Nigerian music, all of the praise songs that we do, then there is the soul, jazz and gospel.

That is a reflection of my growing up in America and that I have those influences. There is something in it for everybody. I sing a little bit in my native language of Efik, little Spanish and rap.

In terms of messages, there are messages of inspiration, encouragement and love that are delivered in a way that is entertaining and pleasing to the ear. It will make you think, dance, reflect and reconcile with someone that you love that you are fighting with.

Music has its own language and power.

What plans do you have to take your music across the length and breadth of Nigeria?

I consider myself a child of Nigeria. I was born in America but, the

blood that runs through my vein is not from here. I feel a very deep and a strong connection to my homeland.

In making this album with every song I was thinking about that aspect of me that is Nigerian and that aspect of me that is African and how deeply it runs through me and how important it is only the way my music sounds but the way I tell stories. I performed at African festivals and Efik National Association events here. I hope to perform across Nigeria and Africa in the near future to showcase my music to our people and make them proud. I just feel really privileged to have a platform to express myself in this way and I do not take it lightly at all. I definitely sense a responsibility to my community, the Nigerian community, to my family to represent them well.

Also, with all that I have experienced in making this album, I am launching my own label called Moonlit Media Group to bring on other artistes and helping to navigate this music business that I have navigated for some years myself.

•Offiong Bassey

coupled with so many other things that we put together to form our own brand.” Another unique selling point for them is their rich use of Ibadan dialect which gives their lyrics a humorous touch to nonIbadans.

The Bois in the men They are young men in their early thirties and all married.

Although they started seven years ago, they still hold on to the name Bois Olorun. “We are forever boys in the hands of God.” Jesus said if anybody cannot bring down himself like a little child, they cannot enter the kingdom of God. You can’t call a child man. Just as politicians have thugs that they use whenever they want to cause some trouble, we are God’s boys so when God has a place he wants us to invade, he calls us,” they said.

One of their popular single ‘Lowo kan ti nba ti flash’ is like an anthem in Ibadan and other South western states where they have performed across campuses, churches and even government events. Ironically, the group which seems to be more popular in Ibadan started from Lagos where the trio once lived.

The first time they performed gospel apala as Bois Olorun (Boys of God) was at an Anglican Church at CMS about seven years ago after which they featured at Efizy nite at DayStar Christian Centre, Ikeja.

From here they have taken apala across various campuses and functions across the South west.

Earlier this year, they were at the Lagos State New Year thanksgiving programme in January where, according to them, “everybody was there” thanks to the first lady Mrs. Abimbola Fashola who is a huge fan. Plans are also underway to take their special brand of apala gospel on a tour of London. There is no end in sight to this gospel of resurgence that the group is engaged with plans underway to take their brand of gospel apala to the nooks and crannies of the country as they are Leveraging on strategies provided by the digital age to bring about a resurgence in apala using their faith as Christians to preach the message.

Etcetera

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

65

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

POLITICKLE

For sale: GEJ 2.0 In cheeky solidarity with political software merchants led by ex-militants and ‘elders’ from the Niger Delta, the writer slants logic to flaunt fantastic merchandise.

Hesitating to mention the inevitability of product proliferation, he hastens to cite a caveat: buyer beware.

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

YOU are probably one of millions that rushed the presidential operating programme GEJ 1.0 (sold to ruffled northerners as GEJ 1.5 or 2.0) off the political shelves in April 2011 only to discover afterwards that you erred greatly. You possibly view the programme as misleading and nothing more than passage to personal disillusion and national confusion. Well, fret no more. You may take advantage of an upgrade. Enter the GEJ 2.0 (GEJ 2.5 or 3.0 to northern protesters): a revolutionary programme guaranteed to (miraculously) filter interrupts and error messages in the national system from 2015, according to ethnic jingoists and political jobbers across religious and regional divides.

Unlike the preceding Y’ADUA 1.0 (Y’ADUA 0.5 to some) that tragically changed process and nearly crashed the system, GEJ 1.0 hit the market as convenient stand-in following nationwide appeal as natural successor and unifying factor, if not the ‘Luckiest Joe’. Introduced to correct the massive operating flaws of the OBJ 1.0 and rigged-up OBJ 2.0 (the controversial OBJ 3.0, otherwise termed OBJ 3rd or OBJ 4-EVER naturally flopped in proposal) as well as the corrupted SHAGRI 1.0 and aborted SHAGRI 2.0 from the Second Republic, GEJ 1.0 embarrassed supporters and vindicated critics. By the way, martial programmes in between the First, Second, Third and Fourth Republics do not count, being products associated with restricted market eras.

Today, many complain that GEJ 1.0 refuses to respond to command and frequently runs processes at variance with national expectations.

Besides, GEJ 1.0 regularly emits signals that oppress or suppress key national functions. Since the last general elections, troubleshooting has scarcely worked as the same old bugs continue to clog the system with many encoded to the extent of rapid mutation that leaves the programme’s imminent 2015 expiry as the only hope for change.

Despite susceptibility to muddled democratic instructions and erosion of national confidence via serial suspension and corrupted applications, GEJ 1.0 is also touted as one of a series of programmes designed to dominate the political space for the next half-century or more by PeeDeePee, a profiteering company set up by political bullies, in the opinion of many. Note too, that GEJ 1.0 spawns belated reaction to emergencies and stretches the resources of affected state users. As some even allege, GEJ 1.0 once activated the sleep command automatically, suspending system activity by depressing the Ctrl ZZ combination while on a crucial foreign exhibition.

What, dear compatriot, you would rather delete the last incident from memory? Your displeasure registers, you know. Opposing firms (read parties) appear set to evolve a more ethical programme, preferably ‘burned’ on the national ‘disc’ or psyche than stored in corruptible flash drive before the 2015 decider. Already, and contrary to the views of sponsored voices, market surveys indicate complete system failure unless the next poll eases out the dawdling programme.

While waiting for redress as the mega-band of progressives yet signifies, you may digress by previewing manuals of competing future programs: the B’HARI 2.0, AT’KU 1.0 and L’MIDO 1.0 to begin with. Until a credible candidate emerges with intent to harness regional potential and promote national ideals in 2015, however, you are advised to detect viruses likely to attend the GEJ 2.0 and call for solution comparable to or improving on programmes currently deployed to commendable success in the Southwest.

For the enduring benefit of users cum citizens, let the progressives derive software to drive a hardened Nigeria, in the first instance, toward twenty-first century icons of mass literacy, true democracy, economic growth, infrastructural expansion and similarly subtle objectives.

QUOTE

A man’s country is not a certain area of land, of mountains, rivers, and woods, but it is a principle; and patriotism is loyalty to that principle.

—George William Curtis

Jokes Humour

Reserved Romance FANNY met her husband while working at the state library. He came in every week to read the latest journals and eventually decided to take out the librarian instead of the books.

After a year and a half of dating, he showed up at the library and started rummaging through Fanny’s desk. Asked what he was looking for, he didn’t answer.

Finally he unearthed one of the rubber stamps Fanny used to identify reference books.

“Since I couldn’t find the right engagement ring,” he said, “this will have to do,” as he firmly stamped her hand. Across Fanny’s knuckles, in capital letters, read “NOT FOR CIRCULATION.” One Wish A GUARDIAN spirit appears at the local university’s faculty meeting and tells the dean, “In return for your unselfish and exemplary behaviour, you will be rewarded with your choice of infinite wealth, wisdom, or beauty.”

“Give me infinite wisdom!” declares the dean, without hesitation.

Done!” says the spirit before

disappearing in a cloud of smoke.

All heads now turn to the dean, who sits surrounded by a faint halo of light. “Well,” says a colleague, “say something brilliant.”

The dean stands and, with the poise of a Socrates, says, “I should have taken the money.”

Told You So “HOW do you spell toad?” asked a Primary One pupil.

“We just read a story about a toad,” said the teacher, and helped him spell it out: “T-OA-D.” Satisfied, the pupil finished writing the story he’d begun, then read it aloud: “I toad my mummy I wanted a dog for my birthday.”

Biological Reversal JOHNNY lived at home all four of his undergraduate years. He moved out only when he went to graduate school and got an apartment.

The first time his parents went to see his new place, he greeted them by saying, “I’m glad to finally be the host, instead of the parasite.”

•Adapted from the Internet

S

TOPPING

Writer’s Fountain

COMMON ERRORS:Examining further examples. ‘His father yanked the earpiece out of Mathew’s ears with his left hand and grabbed his iPod with his right hand. “Listen to me when I’m talking to you!”’

We don’t really need to know which hand is doing each action. Take out the unnecessary details and what is left is stronger.

So: ‘His father yanked the earpiece out Mathew’s ears and grabbed his iPod. “Listen to me when I’m talking to you!”’

‘Andrew used his hands to frantically How it works: •Compact discs read from the inside to the outside edge, the reverse of how a record works.

•Campanology is the study of bells.

•Draftsmen have to make 27,000 drawings for the manufacture of a new car.

•Food passes through the small intestine in just two hours, zipping along at 0.002 mph. Inside the large intestine, it takes about 14 hours, traveling at a more leisurely rate of 0.00007 mph.

push the rocks away from the opening, then clambered through it.’

There’s no need to specify that he used his hands – what else would he push the rocks away with?

A rewrite: ‘Andrew frantically pushed the rocks away from the opening, then clambered through it.’

‘He looked quickly at Jack, who dropped his arm holding the gun and gave a purposeful glance first to his left and then his right.

He looked back in their direction, stared fiercely for a moment, and began walking calmly, slowly, towards them.’

The rewrite: ‘He looked at Jack, who lowered the gun and glanced both ways. He glared back at them for a moment, then began walking slowly towards them.’

And there’s no need to say, “He nodded his head,” or “She shrugged her shoulders.”

What else would he nod? What else would she shrug? Just “He nodded,” and “She shrugged.”

It’s best to avoid having unnecessary details that clutter up your prose.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

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Adamawa: Fighting on all fronts

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DAMAWA State Governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako, has a penchant for picking fights. He is currently locked in a fierce fight with President Goodluck Jonathan. The root cause of the dispute has nothing to do with the president’s delivery of democracy dividends or lack of it. It is about him being denied “total control” of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) Adamawa State chapter.

Another battle is his fight with Alhaji Bamanga Tukur.

His quarrel with the national chairman of the PDP is the root of the crisis in the ruling party and has spilled over to the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).

Knowing the implication of a national chairman coming from his state, Nyako had fought the choice of Tukur, until the superior firepower of Tukur’s supporters overpowered him. Like Tukur, Nyako wants his son to be the next governor of the state. What is baffling watchers of Adamawa State politics is why Nyako, who many have “declared a failure’’ is hell-bent on making his son governor, when he has not creditably discharged the mandate given to him by the people, To the people of Adamawa State, the fight against the president and other prominent sons of Adamawa like Senator Jubril Aminu, who was instrumental to helping him to power, Alhaji Hassan Adamu, Chief Joel Madaki, among others, is nothing compared to what they experience day –in-day out at the hands of the governor.

Last week, his Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Kobis Aris, descended on Tukur. He said: “Tell me anything good that has come out of the party since he became the chairman. Rather he has brought the party to ridicule.”

This is the sort of diatribe that anybody opposed to Nyako receives.

For most states it is a thing of pride when their indigenes are appointed to high offices.

Such appointees are celebrated via newspaper adverts congratulating them. A state delegation could also be put together to thank the president.

The state government would also traditionally hold a banquet to honour such appointees.

So when Air Marshall Alex Badeh was appointed Chief of Air Staff, he must have looked forward to being received by his state. Unfortunately, Governor Nyako didn’t think much of the appointment. So to date he has refused to host or officially receive the Chief of Air Staff, nor attend any function hosted by him - including the burial of his mother. Sources close to the Adamawa State government say hosting the Chief of Air Staff would have amounted to recognising that there is a higher authority than Governor Nyako.

But if this is what is at issue here, it would be really baffling.

After all, the governor was Chief of Naval Staff more than 27 years ago. So what is the big deal about being a Chief of Air Staff?

Those who know the two men say Badeh has continued to accept the lack of recognition from his governor, who being a former military officer, should have in “espirit d’corps” celebrated him.

It would appear though, that the root of the crisis lies in the projects that the Chief of Air Staff since his appointment has embarked upon in the state.

One that has reportedly angered Nyako – is the Air Force College project that the Nige-

•Murtala Nyako

By Emmanuel Jimoh

rian Air Force is executing in the state. There are those who say the governor is angry that the Air Force school is raising questions about his failure to pay attention to education. The project is nearing completion and will be ready for the first intakes in September 2013.

Apart from other benefits, the project is providing employment opportunities for the indigenes. But it is the questions being asked by the people that has gotten Governor Nyako worried – leading to subsequent allegations that Badeh was interested in becoming the next governor, hence the location of the project in Yola town, as a showcase of what he was capable of doing.

The other project is the reopening of the Air Force Strike Force Base. The facility, which was closed down during the Ibrahim Babangida government, was ordered re-opened

by President Jonathan due to the war against insurgency.

The North East is the hotbed of the militant Boko Haram group.

The Chief of Air Staff didn’t reopen the base because of any cheap politics. Whatever he does, according to his associates, is in the best interest of Nigeria. For instance, the school was not built in his village or local government area.

The upgrading of the base with the injection of more fighter planes, patrol aircrafts and helicopter gunships has brought back life and is positively impacting on the local economy.

Alex Badeh, as Chief of Air Staff, has never forgotten his roots. A man with conscience who remembers what the society gave to him decided to solve the water problem confronting his people. His village of Vimtim in Mubi North Local Government Area has a notorious water problem, leading to avoidable deaths.

Attempts to solve the problem through the sinking of boreholes had woefully failed.

Experts advised the state government that only an earth dam will solve the crisis. Tired of waiting for the government, elites from the town rallied friends who contributed to the building of an earth dam.

Those in the know say that Badeh used his goodwill. But he was not the only indigene who got support for the project.

It would appear that the big problem the Chief of Air Staff has is that he is embarking on projects that have direct impact on the lives of his people. This is making people ask questions as to why the state government cannot measure up to standard.

Adamawa State has produced several service chiefs and Inspectors-General of Police. It is the home state of General Gibson Jalo who was Chief of Army Staff under President Shehu Shagari. There is also Air

•Alex Badeh

Vice Marshal A.D. Bello, the late Air Marshal Ibrahim Alfa, President Babangida’s Chief of Air Staff, and the present governor who was the Chief of Naval Staff under Babangida.

Muhammadu Gambo Jimeta and Ibrahim Suleiman have been Inspectors-Generals of Police. Of them all, only Alfa is remembered for using his position to attract projects to the state.

Badeh sees his appointment as an opportunity to touch lives. This was what motivated him to institute a sports competition in his local government to challenge the youths to “do something” with their lives. The last edition had the great Kanu Nwankwo as a special guest of honour. For the youths of the area, seeing a superstar like Kanu in person was more than a dream come true.

Clearly, it is the effect of these programmes that is causing problems for Nyako. His people understand that even if the Air Chief is not a candidate he can “influence political direction.’’ This is why he is seen as a threat.

For many people who are aware of the non-recognition of the chief by the Nyako administration, the press release by his Director of Press, Ahmed Hajo, alleging that the Chief of Air staff should mind his job and not get involved in politics was a huge surprise.

Typically, many have said: “So, after all, he knows there is a Chief of Air Staff after all the denial? There has been a denial in the Nyako administration that the Chief of Air Staff is from Adamawa State. There is nothing to recognise him as a worthy son of the state – not even a courtesy call.”

The chief, according to sources, had had at least five events to which the state government was officially invited. These include the thanksgiving service by the chief on his appointment, the burial of his mother, the hosting of the chief by his Course 21 mates.

There was also the reception by the Adamawa Forum to which Nyako was invited and in his usual manner refused to attend.

Friends and indeed Adamawa indigenes are scandalised that the state governor would make such a statement against Badeh. They allege that what Nyako wanted was to get the president to remove the Chief of Air Staff. But the president understands the opposition of Nyako to the appointment of the chief and his refusal to honour him.

The president had sent representatives to Abia, the home state of the Chief, of Army Staff and to Delta State the home state of the Chief of Naval Staff and none to Adamawa State because the state has refused to host him, according to sources in the presidency.

The power struggle between Tukur and Nyako is understandable, but extending it to the Air Chief is something people are finding baffling – especially as there is no reason for a fight.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 25, 2013

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With Hannah Ojo 08062952262

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

Hello Children, Last weekend was a sad one for me as one of my little friends Atinuke was hit by a danfo driver while walking on the street. As we continue to pray for her since she is presently receiving treatment at the hospital, The rest of us should be careful whenever we are walking on the road. We should not be carried away by play or chit-chats but rather listen to the warnings of elders and teachers. Till we meet again next week, keep having fun.

GRADUATION

Meet the Okafor twins

THE exciting world of Grace Okafor and Glory Okafor, aged 9 and JSS 1 pupils who recently finished from Modupe Jibodu Memorial children school.

Surulere, Lagos.

Favourite food

Grace: Amala and Ewedu Glory: Fried rice and chicken

Future ambition

Grace: Lawyer Reason: Because they judge people Glory: Accountant Reason: So that I can keep people’s money.

•Grace and Glory

Best Subjects

Grace: Mathematics Glory: English

Most memorable day

•Cross section of graduating students of Christ Divine Favour School, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos with their Proprietor Mr. Albert Ndem, during the graduation/valedictory service in Lagos yesterday.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

Grace: My cousin’s birthday Why: Because I ate salad and I played a lot.

Glory: The day I went to my aunt’s place at Maryland Why: Because the place is beautiful.

Career focus: Be a lawyer Basic requirements: •Ability to study hard and read various books.

•Be outspoken and confident.

•Government, Literature-inEnglish, Religious studies, Mathematics and English are the required subjects for UTME. •After first degree, one would be required to attend Law

WORD WHEEL

School for a year before practicing.

What they do •The fight for justice.

•They defend people in the court of law.

•They settle court cases.

•They also contribute to making the society a better place.

HARD TO CRACK RIDDLES 1. The fastest female athlete in Africa?

2. The first man to walk in space?

3. The first African to win a Nobel prize in literature?

4. The first person to make a handheld cellular phone call in public?

5. The first female Vice-Chancellor in Nigeria?

SUDOKU

•Lekan Otufodunrin, Online Editor of The Nation newspapers, with participants of the Human Development Initiatives (HDI) five-day leadership workshop, on a tour to company recently

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 31, including one nine-letter word

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.

3 8 5 2 6 3 1 4

5 7

6

8 4

3 2

5 2

9 2 8 5 6

6 8

5 8

7

Answers: 1. Blessing Okagbare 2. Alexey Leonov 3. Prof. Wole Soyinka 4. Martin Cooper 5. Prof. Grace Alele Williams

Send in your stories, poems, articles, games, puzzles, riddles and jokes to sundaynation@yahoo.com

1 3 7 9

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

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THE NATION SPORT SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013

SPORT EXTRA

Mark to tee off 17th Nigeria Cup at Ikoyi

Nigeria, footballers to honour Gov. Akpabio

Mourinho may T

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ENATE President, David Bonaventure Mark, will tee off the finals of the 17th edition of The Nigeria Cup at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

This annual event that has become the major, the biggest and most prestigious amateur competition at ikoyi Club 1938 and on the Nigerian golfing calendar, formally begins on Thursday, September 26, 2013. No fewer than 200 members of the Club will be vying for honours.

The Nigeria Cup 2013 will see the nation's top-ranking professionals firing the opening shots in a three-day, 54-hole shoot-out on the par 72 course.

Children will vie for the Junior Championship on Saturday, September 28. Caddies will get on the course on Monday, September 30, followed by the all-comers Independence Day Kitty on Tuesday, October 1. Lady golfers will join the parade on Thursday, October 3, while guests, veterans and super veterans will take to the fairways on Friday, October 4. The Big Boys will mount the tee-box for the finals on Saturday, October 5.

The 10-day golf-fest will climax on Sunday, October 6, with the Gala Night and Presentation of Prizes at The Civic Centre on Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island.

The Nigeria Cup marks Nigeria's independence using the game of golf. It promotes the game by nurturing new talent, and gives back to the Nigerian community by investing in golfing infrastructure.

A highlight of The Nigeria Cup 2013 is the invitation of select golfers from other Golf Clubs across Nigeria to join the celebration and reflect its national character.

Ted Iwere, Chairman of The Nigeria Cup 2013 Organising Committee, in announcing the forthcoming championship, says: “The Nigeria Cup is arguably the most anticipated golf event in the country, because it caters to every category of golfer and the goal this year is to take the look and feel of the tournament one notch higher.”

Hear him: “The Nigeria Cup is the showpiece of the golf season. The nation's top brands, from the commanding heights of the economy, have come to accept it as a viable platform of interacting with their discerning customers whose profile fits the membership of Ikoyi Golf community as well as invited guests and golf fans.”

Adedayo Ojo, head of the media subcommittee, adds that the line-up of events means that the course will witness high and quality traffic between the September 14 qualifier and October 6 when the celebration will end, and will greatly benefit our growing list of sponsors.

The theme of The Nigeria Cup 2013 is “Giving Back.” Accordingly, proceeds would be committed to a key clubhouse project, strengthening of the management cadre, donations to charity and institution of a Golf Academy at the Club.

loan

out Victor Moses J

OSE Mourinho has hinted that Super Eagles striker, Victor Moses, may be loaned out to keep the Stamford Bridge side trim and manageable for him.

The Portuguese was quashing

rumours that Juan Mata could be departing Chelsea this summer, but admits there will be departures before the end of the transfer window.

“Mata is a player we all like; he is a player we want to keep. We

Golden Eaglets’ coach to grace Official U-17 Draw

•As Accreditation for UAE 2013 opens Sept. 2

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ANU Garba (MFR), Golden Eaglets' Head coach, has been invited as one of the guests to witness the official draw of the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2013 to be held at 19.00 local time(4pm Nigerian time) on Monday, 26 August 2013 in the Fairmont Bab al Bahr, Abu Dhabi.

The world soccer governing body, FIFA, in conjunction with the higher Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the FIFA U17 World Cup 2013 equally extended the invitation to the team's administrator, Mr. Tayo Egbaiyelo and Captain Musa Muhammed.

The Golden Eaglets including three other African hope bearersCote d'Ivoire, Tunisia, Morocco and 20 other qualified countries will be drawn into six groups of four, with the top two teams in each group automatically qualifying for the round of 16.

The four best third-placed teams from the group stages will also progress to the knock-out stages.

Already, the Golden Eaglets' contingent has been provided with the travelling logistics and will depart Abuja for Abu Dhabi via Ethiopia today. Apart from witnessing the glitz of the draws, various other activities are lined up for all the attendees including seminars, inspection of teams' colours amongst others.

Expectedly, coach Garba has refrained from speaking ahead of the draw but the general belief in the rank and file of the team is that the Golden Eaglets would be at the ready to face the rest of the world in October.

The Nigerian Under-17 team is one of the best teams at this level after being crowned champions on three previous occasions in 1985, 1993, 2007 and runners up in three other previous occasions: 1987;2001 and 2009.Already, a provisional list of 35 players have been selected and submitted to FIFA for the World Cup. Meanwhile, media accreditation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup UAE 2013 will begin on 2 September 2013.

Sport reporters and photographers are advised to process their accreditation through the FIFA's media channel.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is not going to issue any accreditation for the FIFA Under17 World Cup,” informed Mr. Ademola Olajire, Assistant Director (Media) at the NFF. “The appropriate medium is through the FIFA Media Channel; our colleagues who want to cover the championship should therefore apply accordingly.”

Lagos International Table Tennis Classics

African champion Assar, others arrive as draws hold

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URRENT African champion, Egypt's Omar Assar yesterday arrived alongside some of the foreign players expected to feature in the first Lagos International Table Tennis Classics, which serves off on Monday at Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The 2011 All Africa Games winner, who is the highest ranked player in the tournament, arrived Lagos alongside, Italy's Mihai Bobocica as well as Lithuania's Matas Skucas.

Also, players from Congo Brazzaville, Congo DRC, Cameroun, Togo, Benin, and Ghana are expected to arrive today for the draws, scheduled to take place today (Sunday). Also, 42 Nigerian players will compete with their foreign counterparts in the main draw of the men's singles with former players like Fatai Adeyemo and Saubana Ayemojuba making it to the main draw as well.

With over N6.5m at stake in the championship, Nigeria's duo of Mojeed Olayiwola and Hammed Adeyinka believe they are ready to share from the prize money.

Southpaw Olayiwola, who won three gold medals at the 2012 National Sports Festival, said he is battle ready for the challenge.

“I featured in the qualifiers and with this I am in good shape for the

competition. But I want people to expect surprise from some of us that are home-based because nobody ever thought of us. I know other players are ranked higher than some of us but I am sure the only thing that will separate us from the top players is when we start causing upset, which I look forward to in the championship,” he said.

•L-R: Football Ambassador, Mr. John Fashanu, wife of the Governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, and Nigeria ex-international, Chief Segun Odegbami, in a group photograph with Mrs. Amosun's Uplift Football Team during the send-forth ceremony of the team to Summer Football Camping at Udinese Football Club, Italy, at Valley View Auditorium, Abeokuta.

HE Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria, the official players union recogni sed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)and affiliated to the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, as the exclusive representatives and collective bargaining agent of all Nigerian Professional Footballers will partner the organisers of the Chief Godswill Akpabio Under 18 Boys International Unity Football Tournament to honour His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, with a special merit award for his outstanding contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.

The Nigeria Players Union Special Merit Award {NPUSMA}will be bestowed on Akpabio during the finals of the 7th edition of the Godswill Akpabio Under 18 Boys International Unity Football tournament scheduled to hold from 14th to 22nd of September 2013 in Uyo Capital of Akwa Ibom State. The Nigeria Players Union commend the governor for his unconfined and untiring commitment to the promotion of Nigeria’s unity through the continuous sponsorship of the unity tournament for the past six years,thus resulting to the discovery of hundreds of budding football talents across Nigeria and their subsequent development and engagement by Professional Football Clubs within and outside Nigeria.

want more quality in the team, not less,” Mourinho told The Metro. “Juan is not a player we want to lose.”

However, question marks have been placed over the futures of John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses, after Mourinho revealed players would have to leave the club in order to make way for the incoming Willian.

“The point is not to sell; the point is I want a 22-player squad.

Do we need to sell? No, we don't.

Do we need to loan? Probably yes, I don't like to work with a big group of players, “he added. “If somebody is coming, somebody will leave.”

Mikel currently appears the most likely candidate to leave Stamford Bridge, with ALAWI, national team Galatasaray confirming their coach, Tom Saintfiet, has summer-long interest with a £10m bid for the Nigerian, while named a preliminary 23Moses who joined from Wigan member squad for next month's last summer could be sent out on World Cup qualifier in Nigeria with loan.

Mozambique- based captain Joseph GLO PREMIER LEAGUE K a m w e n d o d r o p p e d , r e p o r t s Malawi's frontline newspaper, Nyasa Ambrose promises Times. has since been replaced tough time for Nembe byKamwendo Greece-based Tawonga Chimodzi.

Meanwhile, Malawi leaves for ADUNA United centreb a c k a n d c a p t a i n , Botswana on September 1 then for Emmanuel Ambrose has Abidjan then Calabar on September 4. said his side will henceforth Nigeria lead the group on nine make life hard for any side points and can qualify for the final visiting their home ground in the qualifying round for a place at the 2012/13 Glo Premier League World Cup with a draw, released season. their main 18-member squad of The Crocodiles will entertain foreign- based players. Malawi, on newcomers, Nembe City on seven points, need a win as the only Match day 27 today at the option to qualify Kaduna Township Stadium.

The pair have been arguing since Ambrose, who has missed a number of his team's matches Malawi asked FIFA to move next this term due to a nagging injury month's crucial World Cup qualifier but made an appearance in their from Calabar for safety reasons.

Saintfiet told BBC Sport: "It is 0-1 defeat at Enyimba in Aba last Sunday, said it will be his unacceptable that any person says greatest joy to mark his full these words - it is clear racism. return onto the pitch with a Play media resounding victory against "It is 100% sure that my lawyers will Nembe City. lodge a complaint with FIFA." “Of course, I'm 100% fully The row erupted earlier this month recovered and hope to be on duty when the Football Association of for 90 minutes in the home game Malawi (FAM) wrote to FIFA, seeking against Nembe City on Sunday.

I'll like to make the encounter a a new venue for their 7 September memorable one with convincing Group F qualifier away to the Super Eagles - a match which Malawi, who win.

“We've done a thorough trail Nigeria by two points, must win homework to guarantee us the to progress to the play-offs.

Belgian Saintfiet told local media at three points at stake, Nembe City are not secured on the log and the time that he was concerned about will surely come out tough. security because he claims "the UK's “We've vowed to deny any Foreign & Commonwealth Office visiting side including Nembe says it is a no-travel area".

City the opportunity to earn a But Keshi reportedly told UKpoint on our ground not to talk of based African TV show, Vox Africa's picking three points. We're at the Sports360: "I think the coach of moment steadily wriggling out Malawi is crazy. from the drop zone we're "If he wants to talk to FIFA, he determined to avoid anything should go back to Belgium. He is not that will take us down.

“We'll make life difficult for an African person, he is a white dude, Nembe City on Sunday, we'll he should go back to Belgium," Keshi target an outright win with a said."I have never used any words wide goal margin,” Ambrose like these to any coach. He has no right, who is he? said to supersport.com.

Kaduna United are 12th on the "All other countries play in Calabar.

20-team Nigeria primary league Calabar is one of the safest places in log on 35 points from a possible Nigeria... He is mad. I wish I could say 78. it to his face.”

Saintfiet names killer squad for Super Eagles

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QUOTABLE “This is a demonstration of the fact that Igbos can agree on a common issue for so many years. Many people had thought Igbos are so disorganised, that we cannot agree or that we are on constant disagreement, which had characterised especially Anambra politics. But we are proving the world wrong that we agree amongst ourselves as Igbos”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 8, NO. 2588

— Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, commenting on the emergence of Senator Chris Ngige as the governorship candidate of APC in Anambra State’s forthcoming election..

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S the months grind on towards the 2015 general elections, the true nature and character of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will begin to unfold. I expect the party to endure, of course, and if democracy is to be preserved, we must hope the party will find ingenious ways to sustain itself and even flourish as a great political party. In other words, I do not wish the party bad, nor do I yearn for its collapse. But there is simply no way it can retain its present character, for its present character is neither progressive, as we understand the term, nor conservative, as its members, leaders and well-wishers dare hope.

In reality, and unknown to the many so-called progressives within its ranks, such as the highly adaptable Ebenezer Babatope, the party is unequivocally reactionary.

There is a way reactionary politics tends to mask ideological differentiation. Radicals, it is well known, can also be reactionary, just as conservatives sometimes do not quite appreciate when they slip from ordinary conservatism to extreme conservatism. What is clear about the PDP today – and we do not need to hate them for their choices or unusual taste – is that its leaders are rigidly opposed to any serious or major shift in the political and economic structures of Nigeria. They want the police to remain as they are, education to limp along ponderously, health and aviation to involve nothing more than cosmetic renovation of buildings, and economy to be simply a case of prudent management of resources in line with World Bank standards.

Though the presidency of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was not inspiring at all, and its policies showed little imagination and coherence, the presidency of Goodluck Jonathan has proved to be even much worse. Chief Obasanjo’s policies have not only been sustained, its negative tendencies have been exacerbated by the dithering of Dr Jonathan. Chief Obasanjo ripped the party’s innards apart when he imposed imperial rule on the country and party; Dr Jonathan has allowed the injuries to become gangrenous, with horrifying consequences for the ruling party and the country’s laws and constitution. We remember how besotted Chief Obasanjo was to his brain trust and how inexpertly he sometimes redacted their poorly digested and contradictory policies; but Dr Jonathan’s languidness has laid the country prostrate beneath the hurtful policies of his predecessor and opened her up the more to the fiddling of his own even more insular brain trust.

As we hurtle towards 2015, the country will, therefore, be torn between taking a chance on the newly formed All Progressives Congress (APC) and its eight-point agenda for the country, and resigning itself to the jaded policies and politics of the PDP. To be sure, the APC is not exactly the immaculate progressives of our theoretical fascination.

The party comprises clearly discernible elements of both progressivism and conservatism. But if party leaders can find the right chemistry to bond them together, they may not be as immiscible as sceptics fear. The country must remind itself that the last time progressives won an election (in 1993) under the aegis of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), they were certainly not as ideologi-

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APC and 2015: PDP is truly exhausted

•Tukur

•Akande

cally coherent as their label misleadingly gave the impression. But they were doubtless the more committed to change, however change is defined, and closer to progressivism on the ideological spectrum than its opponent, the National Republican Convention (NRC).

Today, the fault lines in Nigerian politics are becoming even more pronounced. The country faces its most trying times ever, and in many ways exhibits a frightening tentativeness in governance as well as in policymaking.

By the admission of government, the country loses nearly as much revenue through oil theft as it makes through lawful sales. As a result of the natural lethargy of the Jonathan presidency and its many misguided and contradictory policies in combating crimes, the country is being laid waste by kidnappers and other criminals who would love the roof to collapse on everybody. And in spite of the strong-arm and sometimes vacillating tactics against the ongoing sectarian and socio-economic revolt in the Northeast, we are no nearer peace than when the fight broke out in 2009. In short, there are clearly no major initiatives from the PDP government to tackle these alarming problems other than tinkering at best and helpless indifference at worst.

The party is exhausted, its ideas jaded, and its leading lights obviously war-weary and punchdrunk. If it gets another endorsement in 2015, there will still be no initiatives, major or minor, and the party’s leaders will suffer predictable paralysis.

To win, the PDP will rely on the frustratingly bizarre dynamics of Nigerian politics, which involves a crazy mix of exploitation of ethnicity, religion, age-long prejudices, and fraud. Given the proclivities

of the old warhorses being assembled by Dr Jonathan for the battle ahead, the PDP may find itself inexorably drawn to underhand tactics. As it is, the party is itself not idiosyncratically averse to unorthodox tactics in winning elections. The party will also attempt to tar some of the leaders of the APC with the brush of religious fanaticism and political dogmatism. More crucially, the PDP will eagerly exploit the political ambivalence of the Southeast, a region that has perched on the horns of ideological dilemma for so long.

Under the Dr Jonathan government, the Southeast has enjoyed a golden age like never before. It is hard to see the region turning its back on Dr Jonathan in 2015. This is more so because when the country faced a choice between a broadly conservative party and a sketchily progressive party in the 1993 presidential election, the Southeast narrowly opted for conservatism, excepting Anambra which the SDP won with over 57 percent of the votes cast.

The PDP will steer discussions and politics away from issues in the 2015 polls for the simple reason that it fares very badly in that department. It has no concrete ideas to project, and when ideas are nevertheless thrust under its nose, it has neither the patience to grasp them nor the industry to steal and adapt them, nor yet the assiduity to logically take them apart through careful and diligent denigration.

Apart from avoiding issues, the PDP will also talk less about its records. Instead, it will dwell more on extenuating reasons for either nonperformance or tardy performance. Dr Jonathan’s aides have denied his government ever attempted to exploit ethnic or religious differences. Not only has it remorselessly done

The deductive death of Boko Haram’s Shekau

UST before it yielded command to a new army division expected to take over its functions in the Northeast, the Joint Task Force (JTF), which has been combating terrorism in the region, announced to a bemused country that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, might have died from gunshot injuries sustained in a firefight with security forces sometime in June. They offered no proof except circumstantial evidence from unstated and probably untested sources. They themselves were careful not to sound definitive. So, why did they feel the urgency to make the announcement, given the importance of the topic? They didn’t say, and they offered no clue. However, it is possible that the JTF simply wishes to depart in a blaze of glory. I was one of the worst critics of JTF operations in the Northeast, but even I must acknowledge that they had cleaned up their acts and fought a much cleaner war after the controversial Baga revenge killings.

Even without evidence of Mallam Shekau’s death, the JTF still deserves plenty of accolades.

Both the presidency and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) are chary of being drawn into the controversy. They needn’t feel queasy. In Nigeria, when government’s lies are exposed, no one is punished, and apparently even the voters do not exact revenge on their deceivers in subsequent polls. So, the government and its agencies can safely lie without fear of retribution. And, as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has discovered, no one flinches when the government unabashedly and routinely dishonours its word.

In the matter of Mallam Shekau, deceased, living or injured, I think the JTF merely allowed itself the luxury of deductive reasoning. Apart from other sources which told of Mallam Shekau’s death, the most potent, to me, appears to be the last YouTube video released by the sect. In it, Shekau stated he could never be cap-

tured. Now, not even Osama bin Laden, the late Al-Qaeda leader, ever made such a boast, not even as a confidence building tactics. I therefore deduced from Mallam Shekau’s supremely confident assertion that since he is/was not a ghost, he could not say so confidently he was above capture, if he was not already dead.

If another YouTube video does not surface in the next few weeks showing clear proof that the Boko Haram leader is alive, we may have no choice but to respect the JTF’s deductive reasoning and come to the same unproven conclusions as they hastily did last week. Nonetheless, the departing JTF, the incoming army division, the presidency and anyone who has analysed the Boko Haram phenomenon surely understand that killing the leader of a terrorist group does not amount to extirpating the menace. It is often no more than a morale booster, especially when not accompanied by a mass arrest or interdiction of its other leaders.

so, its desperation in the coming months will see it embrace the politics of prejudice, perhaps even more shamelessly.

And here precisely is where the APC stands a good chance. In place of the stultifying policies and administrative paralysis of the PDP, the new party, which is more accurately an amalgam of old parties, has already boldly offered a major and radical shift in the kind of thinking needed to heal, restore and renew the country. I am fascinated by its embrace of the decentralisation of the police – an idea that should have come more than two decades ago – devolution of power to states, independence of anti-corruption and electoral agencies, among a number of other serious policies and issues. I think its determination to create one million jobs annually is far-fetched, and its preparedness to remove qualified executive immunity nugatory. On the whole, the party is at least offering sensible steps and policies to remake the country. Even if Nigerians love punishment and are inured to the policy sterility of the PDP, and mistrust the policy initiatives of the APC, it is still necessary to make a change at the highest level of government in order to strengthen democracy and underscore the power of the electorate to change government at will, whether thoughtfully or whimsically.

By 2015, the PDP will have been in power for 16 years. Sadly, those 16 years have worsened the plight of the common man, virtually destroyed education, impoverished and alienated the youths, predisposed the country to unremitting instability and criminality, exacerbated corruption, opened the country to insidious foreign military influences and creeping intervention, and shown the world how mediocre Nigeria has become in nearly all areas of life. The truth is that if the country does not change direction in 2015, the chances of its survival, not to talk of its growth and development, will be made much harder, if not clearly impossible. The rot is too much and the stakes too high to ignore how urgently we need to embrace change in the coming elections.

I

We’ll miss Ngige/ Soludo showdown

N spite of the regrettable back and forth over the selection of the APC candidate for November’s Anambra governorship poll, I had hoped for the sake of Anambra State and the good of Nigerian politics that we would see a showdown between the cerebral Charles Soludo, former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, and the charismatic Chris Ngige, a senator and former governor of the state. From all indications, Dr Ngige, who seems increasingly built for the state house than for the senate, will still emerge as the APC candidate, notwithstanding the party’s indiscretion in announcing his candidacy without the conduct of primaries. Unfortunately, it is hard to see how Professor Soludo could emerge the candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The party not only unnecessarily embarked on a barren screening exercise, it has left the sanctimonious Governor Peter Obi in a position where many are insinuating he is secretly directing choices from behind closed doors.

My pain is that we would now not see a classical showdown between brains and charm, a sorry miss for Anambra, and a terrible distress for Nigeria. I do not, of course, imply that Dr Ngige has no brains. He certainly does. But Professor Soludo is not only an academician, he is fevered by his enthusiasm to conceive and enunciate policies, even as he seems to have excess of that endowment. Dr Ngige clearly outdoes most governors in Nigeria today in the charms department with his stately good looks, which for a short man is quite remarkable, with his suave performance on the soapbox, with his administrative acumen, with his intrepidity, and with his instinctive grasp of issues.

The choice between Dr Ngige and Professor Soludo would have represented the ageold dilemma man faces in choosing his spouse: would he go for a brainy or beautiful lady?

Sociologists would have been pleased to get an answer from the pace-setting Anambra electorate as an indication of how men think. After all, it is already settled that women do not set great store by how well a man looks, but by the content of his… Ah, why do I want to provoke a war?

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