August 15, 2015 by The Nation

THE NATION

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

2015 poll: RECs under probe, says INEC chairman

HE Acting Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mrs. Amina Zakari, has admitted that some Resident Electoral Commissioners are under investigation, but the actual number was still unknown to the electoral body. She said the commission is only watching and waiting for the outcome of the ongoing investigations by security agencies. She, however, said the agency will give those affected the benefit of doubt in line with the legal framework that they are innocent until proven guilty. She also said the commission will soon begin a nationwide audit of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) because about 10million PVCs, out of the 68million produced, have not been collected. But she said about 400,000 cards were yet to be delivered by the PVC vendors. Zakari, who spoke exclusively with THE NATION in Abuja, said she is not desperate to become a substantive chairman of INEC. She said she did not lobby to become the acting chair-

•INEC begins audit of PVCs •10m voter cards yet to be collected •400,000 PVCs not produced yet by contractors Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

man of INEC. While admitting that some RECs and INEC officials are under investigation over 2015 poll, she was non-committal on the actual number or identities. She said: “For the commission, we won’t know the number of those under probe at the moment until the investigations are over. We always know that a person is innocent until proven guilty. For now, we are just waiting and watching.” She said upon the completion of her five-year term in office, she had already cleared her desk and was personally driving home when she was appointed as acting INEC chairman based on the fact that she was the most senior National Commissioner. “I did not lobby for it. I had packed all my things out of

INEC, I wanted to leave on June 30th, I wanted to take a leave for the remaining three weeks. I felt as the commission was being depleted, that I had a sense of responsibility to sit out my three weeks. And then, I was just called on my way home after the chairman (Jega) handed over to Ambassador Wali. I was called that the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation was looking for me and I said, “what for?” and I just continued driving and I was by Bullet House by the time I got the call and I just continued driv-

ing; I was almost home when they said “come back, you have a letter to be the acting chairman” and I said ‘but somebody was appointed in the morning’, I said ‘take the letter to INEC’, but they said, ;it’s in your name, you have to come and receive it, just turn around.’ And while I was arguing, my driver decided to turn around and I called the ambassador and I told him and he said, “Go and pick your letter.” I called the former chairman and he said, “Go and pick the letter.” “I was confused and wor-

ried because it’s an enormous responsibility and I wasn’t really expecting it. I picked the letter and came back to the office the next day in a sober mood. I know the only thing left to do is to consolidate on the gains within this acting period, just maintain an administrative structure, try to keep the commission running administratively and then let’s see what happens, since I know the problems of the commission in terms of business processes, so we are working on communication, we are discussing with the directors, giving them responsibilities and hopefully, everything should be fine.” Asked if she was the most senior, she added: “Yes, there were two of us, but one of us turned 80 years and could not be appointed as acting

•Continued on Page 6

•Senator Oluremi Tinubu (left) presenting a gift to the Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Zenner, when he paid a courtesy visit to her office in Abuja yesterday

N120bn Budget: Reps set up committee to assess NASS’ needs

OUSE of Representatives Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday inaugurated a committee to conduct a Needs Assessment of the chamber / National Assembly. The committee, which is made up of eminent Nigerians and representatives of civil society organizations, is to “judiciously determine the proper cost of running the legislative arm of government to enable it play its constitutionally-assigned responsibilities.” Dogara said at the inauguration that for the legislative arm to function effectively, resources must be made available by the executive. “However, resources that may be made available would be based on the actual needs and not greed of the Legislature. There has been no study or assessment of what the legislature needs to perform optimally in Nigeria. We have all been making, at best, educated guesswork on whether the legislature is adequately funded or not,” he said. “An appropriate Needs Assessment may well find out that the Legislature in Nigeria is overfunded or that it is underfunded. There should be an empirical and objective study to determine this. “It is as a result, that the House of Representatives made a commitment in its Legislative Agenda to set up an Independent Committee comprising - Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s), independent Groups and professional bodies with the support of international development partners, to conduct a Needs Assessment of the actual requirements of running and maintaining the institution of the House of Representatives/National Assembly in Nigeria in order

chairman. The lot fell on me. We were the two most senior commissioners and this is not the first time INEC has had an acting commissioner. I understand Prof. Maurice Iwu was a commissioner that became a chairman. “When we came, Soyebi was the acting chairman and he handed over to Jega, and he conducted elections. He had done all the procurement. The commission was running before we came. In fact, with Soyebi and Phillip Umeadi Jr., the same scenario happened. When Iwu left, he didn’t nominate an acting chairman, Umeadi took over, but the Presidency appointed Soyebi as acting chairman.” Mrs. Zakari said she has no

Victor OLUWASEGUN and Dele ANOFI, Abuja to carry out its legislative functions.” The terms of reference of the committee include: What it would cost the House of Representatives and the National Assembly to conduct Public Hearings on the bills and other legislative measures passed by both chambers, including live coverage of these activities; what

•Continued on Page 6

Boko Haram: NSA, service chiefs land in Maiduguri

HE National Security Adviser (NSA), Major -General Babagana Monguno (rtd),the Chief of Defence Staff,Lieutenant General Abayomi Olonisakin and the Army, Naval and Air force chiefs of staff, as well as the Police Inspector General, yesterday stormed Maiduguri for a personal evaluation of the security challenge in the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency. The NSA, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Service Chiefs -Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (Army);Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibs (Navy) and Air Maarshal Sadique Abubakar (Air Force) - were decorated with their new ranks 24 hours earlier by President Muhammadu Buhari, who gave them three months to end the insurgency. The NSA, accompanied by the service chiefs and IGP Solomon Arase, paid a courtesy call on Governor Kashim Shettima at the Government House in Maiduguri, with a vow that Boko Haram days are numbered. He said: "In less than 24 hours after we were sworn in and decorated by the President, we are here in Maiduguri, the Borno State

•300,000 lives lost to insurgency,says Gov Shettima Duku JOEL, Maiduguri capital for a reassessment of the military operations to end the insurgency in three months. As you can see, the President has picked the right service chiefs to end this senseless terror. "We are to assess all the military operational details that will facilitate the various aerial and ground troops' fight against Boko Haram . This has to be done before we can launch a consistent and rapid campaign against terror and terrorists activities in the North East and the country at large.

"We are not going to work against your interest restoring peace and unity to the North East. We are here for all of you affected by this terrorism that has claimed the lives of many of your sons, daughters, parents, guardians, including traditional and religious leaders sacked from towns and villages for over six years." He sought the assistance of the people of the state by way of 'credible information' to end the insurgency. " People should come out from their closets and assist the military to end this in-

surgency," he said. Receiving the delegation, Governor Shettima said the government and the people would not shirk their responsibility in the anti Boko Haram fight. He said the insurgency has climed up to 300,000 lives across 20 local government areas of the state. He added: "We will continue to work for the people by investing in education, so that our children and future generations do not become another new set of insurgents. "We are saying that we are

against Boko Haram, because of the establishment of our Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to end this madness of incessant killings and destruction of people's property, in not only in Borno State, but the neighbouring states of Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Taraba and Bauchi in the North East. "If this Boko Haram madness comes to an end; your names will be written in gold; and the country and its citizenry will be proud of all of you here in Maiduguri," Shettima said.

Rep want FG to rehabilitate bad roads

HE House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to immediately commence palliative measure to rehabilitate the bad portions of the Ikorodu-Shagamu and Ikorodu-Ijebu Ode roads. This followed a motion moved by Barrister Jimi Benson (APC – Ikorodu federal constituency) which was unanimously adopted. Benson said that the roads are in a pitiable condition and that motorists were passing through harrowing experi-

Dare ODUFOWOKAN, Assistant Editor ence. The lawmaker said that the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) had abandoned the two inter-state roads in spite of several efforts to get the federal government to hearken to the yearnings of millions of road users over the years. He said that most sections of the international highways were failing thereby creating hurdles and gully-like pot-

holes at various sections of the road. The legislator noted that the situation had resulted to vehicular break down, traffic gridlock and encourages driving against traffic which has brought untold hardships on car owners and commuters. According to Benson, “the Ikorodu-Shagamu and Ikorodu-Itokin-Ijebu-Ode highways connecting Lagos and Ogun State from two different angles are vital trunk ‘A’ roads that are of vital economic importance to the citizens of the two states in particular, and

Nigerians who occasionally ply the roads in general. The roads constructed over forty years ago have been in deplorable state, efforts at rehabilitating them had been half-hearted and produced poor quality work; and this is one of the 17 roads and bridges across 15 states approved by the Federal Executive Council on December 3, 2014, at over N430.5billion with the assertion that N21 billion as at then was available to kickstart the projects.

THE NATION

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IGERIANS are outraged by the d e c i s i o n of Senators to reject a pay cut as recommended by the James Manager Committee on Finance. The Senate suspended consideration of the committee report on Wednesday as members disagreed sharply on the recommendation that members’ salary and allowances be cut. But reacting to the action of the Senators, some prominent opinion leaders expressed shock that the lawmakers are not showing concern for the state of the national economy and the well being of the generality of Nigerians. First Republic Minister, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, likened the stance of the Senators to legalization of looting. “I have always been critical of the outrageous and exorbitant allowances being collected by members of the National Assembly. As far as I am concerned, it is legalizing stealing and looting,” he told The Nation by phone. He added: “though the reduction of their allowances may not have much effect on the economy, it is desirable that they reduce it in the interest of the country. It is highly ridiculous that a university professor who has spent a good part of his life contributing to the body of knowledge does not earn up to 20 percent of what these people are earning. “The issue here is that I don’t know what they are doing there on full time basis and earning these bogus allowances. During our days in the First Republic, we worked part time. “I think the solution to this problem lies in the executive. The president should not assent to any bills they present to him if they refuse to cut their allowances. If this is done and they go ahead to use two third majority to pass the bill into law, then it would be glaring that they are unpatriotic. Nigerians would then see that they out to achieve their selfish agenda and not there to serve the people.” Constitutional lawyer, Professor Itse Sagay, branded the rejection of the pay cut as selfish . “Members of the National Assembly have been consistent in their attitude of not being concerned about the interest of the country. They are only there to serve their own interests. “There has been so much talk about their allowances and one should ordinarily expect them to do something about it. “There are about six to seven items on their list of allowances that they should remove. For instance, the wardrobe allowance. As a man with a wife and children, is it not an embarrassment for me to be waiting for the government to clothe me? “Their actions are tantamount to exploiting and squeezing blood out of the nation. As I have suggested before, we may need to have our National Assembly working on part time and paid allowances based on the number of times they sit as it was the case during the First Re-

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

Senators under fire for rejecting pay cut Segun AJIBOYE (Assistant Editor) and Innocent DURU public. “The allowances they are collecting are unrealistic in a developing country like Nigeria. If we cannot have that done immediately, we can embark on it in the next political dispensation. It should be part of the campaign in the next election.” Second Republic lawmaker, Mohammed Junaid, put the senators’ action down to a lack of the understanding of law. “I am not surprised because the PDP members in the National Assembly have a perverted understanding of the law. Because the constitution allows them to take these allowances, they have always stood their ground that it should remain so. “This is not right when you need to consider the larger interest of the country and the masses that voted for you. If you even look at what they are earning in relation to what they are collecting, you will agree that it is not worth it. “It is unfortunate that in spite of the huge salaries and allowances they are collecting, they still are still corrupt. “The solution, in my opinion is to reverse the aspect of the constitution that allows them to take all these allowances. The Revenue Allocation and Mobilization Commission should also be empowered to fix their salaries and allowances in relation to the reality of the economic situation of the country and their participation in the law making job they are saddled with.” Former Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Abubakar Tsav, urged the senators to emulate the president and the vice president, and accept a pay cut. “The truth is that these people are not there to serve Nigeria and the masses. They should follow the examples of the president and the vice president and slash their allowances and salaries. “They should be considerate enough to look at the economic situation in the country without anybody pushing or mounting pressure on them to do that. The challenge here is that there is little anybody can do to compel them to accept a pay cut because this is democracy and everything would have to go through law making which is their primary occupation. “You can’t amend the constitution without them and cannot make anything to be in force

without going through them. The moment they are not prepared to have their salaries slashed, they would frustrate everything that is against their interest. They should be civilized enough to slash these allowances and if they would not do so, I would suggest that Nigerians should march to the National Assembly to compel them to do so. I think this is the only way to compel them to slash the huge allowances they have put up for themselves.” The President of Aka Ikenga, an Igbo social political group, Chief Goddy Uwazurike,is of the view that Senators and others in public offices should follow the path of honour and slash their salaries. “Members of the National

Assembly need to cut their allowances. They know the relevant areas they need to cut and should go ahead to do so. Aside from the National Assembly, every public office holder in the country from top to the bottom should have their allowances slashed,” he said. Several groups are threatening to storm the National Assembly to show their anger at the Senators. The President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Comrade Shetimma Yerima, said it appears the Senators are not working for Nigerians. His words: ”their refusal to accept pay cut shows they are not working for the interest of the nation. They are only working for their personal aggrandizement and that is

regrettable. “We would not hesitate to stage a protest at the National Assembly if they would not agree to slash their allowances. I would personally be in the forefront of such protest that is geared towards liberating our country from those who are bent on holding us to ransom. “But before we do that, we would give them benefit of the doubt because we know that there are a few credible people in the two chambers who would be reasonable enough to consider the interest of the people and the nation above their personal and selfish interest.” Also speaking, the President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth wing, Mazi Okechukwu Iziguzoro, called on the sena-

tors to cut their salaries in the interest of the country. “They should be patriotic enough to cut their allowances in the interest of the country. It is crystal clear that the economy of the nation is in a shambles and it behoves every one of us, especially those holding public offices to make sacrifices in one way or the order to redeem our father land. “This is an era of change and it is expected that the former ways of doing things because of selfish benefits should be jettisoned for the overall well being of the nation, the poor masses in particular. “If they would not agree to cut their allowances, we would not hesitate to embark on protest to ensure they do that.”

•Bornfire set by students of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moore Plantation, protesting in after one student was hit by a vehicle in ibadan… yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Reps set up committee to assess NASS’ needs •Continued from Page 4 it would cost to communicate all its proceedings and activities to its different constituencies and the general public; what it would cost to build, equip and maintain all the infrastructure, like offices of the bureaucracy, Members, Committee Rooms, Hearing Rooms; modernization of Chambers of both Houses, electronic communications

infrastructure, e- parliament facilities; what it would cost the National Assembly to conduct proper policy and budget oversight on the executive branch, including all its agencies in order to expose corruption, inefficiency or waste and what it would cost to take important legislative measures down to the grassroots, to members constituencies.

Members of the Committee include Clement Nwankwo (PLAC), who is the Chairman; National Institute for Legislative Studies (Secretariat); Representative of the Clerk to the National Assembly, Austin Alegeh; NBA President or Representative, Otunba Olufemi Deru (ICAN President) or Representative, Waheed Odusile (NUJ President) or Repre-

sentative, Elias Mbam (RMAFC) or Representative, Senator Ita Enang and Hon Albert Sam-Tsokwa. Others are Prof Mike Obadan, Dr Kabiru Mato, Seun Onigbinde (BUDGIT), Idayat Hassan (CDD), Samson Itodo (YIAGA), Ben Arikpo (FEPAR), Saudatu Mahdi (WRAPA), Mimidoo Achapa (WREP), Clara Barnet (DFID) and Bolaji Kehinde (UNDP).

RECs under probe, says INEC chairman •Continued from Page 4 filial or marital relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari, contrary to insinuations in some quarters. She said: “I would say Gen. Buhari did not appoint me as a commissioner; President Jonathan appointed me as a commissioner. Before that, Gen. Obasanjo appointed me as special assistant, posted to FCT where I was secretary for Health, Agriculture and Social Development at the same time. “At the time President Jonathan came, he was looking for people that have integrity, that’s what I was told and I found myself in the commission and I did my best. “For somebody to say Gen. Buhari knew me and gave me the job, obviously he knew I am a hard worker and he is a principled person. I have never known him to be nepotistic, he

is a very principled person. If there are familial ties, the principle would have rubbed off on that family. I come from a very principled family, my father survived two regimes that were jailing and sacking people and he survived both and for that, I don’t think I would do anything that would jeopardize that principle. “ I can’t say the general is my in-law. I am not married to his son; my daughter is not married to him, that is what I understand about being an in-law. But obviously in life, you have acquaintances, people you have known. But I think people should not get distracted by this ‘family or no family’. Am I competent? Can I deliver? Can I conduct my affairs with integrity? “The President’s message is for people to be honest and to have integrity.”

On PVCs, Mrs. Zakari said INEC will soon begin a nationwide audit of the cards.” Pressed to talk on whether or not she is determined to head INEC, she said: “I am not desperate. God decides who becomes leader; if God decides I would be the one to continue, I will have to do my best.” She continued: “We have about 58million PVCs collected so far, which is about 81 per cent, out of 68million produced. We have about 10million PVCs uncollected. We still have about 400,000 PVCs not produced. So, we are going to resume the distribution of PVCs, but we cannot just bring out those PVCs and begin to distribute them until we are sure they belong to living human beings. “We are planning our modalities for distribution. But

before that we are going out to the field to conduct PVC audit in all the states. On Thursday, we had a meeting with all our Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and the topic of discussion was resumption of PVC distribution and Continuous Voters Registration (CVR). Asked when INEC will go to the field, she added: “Like I told the RECs yesterday, the audit will start by next week but as for the PVC distribution we have to come up with a water-tight process so that the PVCs will not get into wrong hands especially as we are having Kogi and Bayelsa elections. We have to scientifically determine how we are going to do the distribution, so that we just don’t go out to the field and it becomes a different story. For the CVR, the plan was laid out before RECs on

Thursday, but they had reservations on the process and we have to go back to the drawing board and do a proper planning. We don’t mind to plan for six months so that when it takes off, we will ensure we have a plan that can withstand pressure, except for minor changes, rather than we just take off because we want to please Nigerians and we end up having complaints and hitches along the way. We have set up a committee to look at the modalities and then we will still call the RECs back and agree on the modalities, because the new direction of INEC is a bottom to top approach and take decisions in an inclusive manner with the people that implement decisions rather than the commission just deciding on the processes.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

Corruption, stability and accountability S the anti Corruption train of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari gathers steam, there is no doubt that it is going to be an uphill task and that those who know they are neck deep in the murky and dubious game of using public money to feather their own nests and coffers are bound to desperately look for a way to escape their looming nemesis. Given the announced volume and billions of dollars and naira stacked away, the Federal government must expect to traverse a very rough road in tracking these fraudsters and should be on the look out for distractions and diversionary tactics from high and low places in its quest to clean our Augean stable in the life of this Buhari Administration. Today we shall envisage such diversionary tactics and the danger they pose to our political stability as a nation and stress the need to surmount such ploys in order to make accountability and transparency the bench mark public finance and socio –economic and political system in our nation. The first of such salvo has been fired from the religious sector by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Rev Kukah who reportedly said that the Buhari Administration should concentrate on governance rather than probing past governments. That is an unexpected statement and in bad taste coming from a Catholic priest and Bishop. I wonder what someone like Anthony Okogie the retired Catholic Archbishop of Lagos and a fiery anti corruption crusader even during our military regimes who constantly spoke out against corruption, stealing of public funds and military dictatorship, would say to that. Obviously Bishop Kukah misjudged the public mood and should retract his extravagant and annoying warning at this particular time. He probably needs to refresh his knowledge of Liberation theology especially in Latin America where priests like him led the fight to bridge the gap between the rich and poor which our anti corruption charge is all about. In addition he should read about the present Pope Francis and his love for the poor and needy which Kukah’s call on governance seem to ignore. Surely governance does not entail a blind eye to dishonesty and theft and a priest should know that. I think Kukah should read what the Emir of Kano Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II said that government should plug all avenues to leak our revenues and he knew what he was saying because he was the Governor of the CBN. In addition to that he is the religious leader of Muslims in Kano and was brave enough to speak out against Boko Haram who bombed his mosque in the palace in Kano consequently. However that has not deterred him in any way because he knows a true leader must stand up and be counted against anti social and corrupt practices if he is to lead correctly as he should by example and not foot dragging and dithering in guiding the polity aright which Kuka’s warning entailed. Undoubtedly the present administration has three main issues it must tackle if only for the fact that the issues will not go away unless they are tackled head on and defeated. The first is the anti corruption battle which has already started. The second is the annihilation of Boko Haram on which the President gave the Chief of Defence and Service Chiefs three months to

achieve when he decorated them with the Vice President in Abuja this week. The third is the relationship with the legislature which is bound to get tough and testy especially with the Senate over the forged rules the Police have confirmed in the last leadership elections in the Senate. Let me now comment serially on these three issues of great public concern and interest. The fact is that Nigerians voted for the present president because they were fed up with the corruption that was the hallmark of the defeated Jonathan Administration. President Buhari has a zero level tolerance for corruption and is a man of integrity as attested even by the American President Barak Obama who said as much during Buhari’s last visit to the US. It is gratifying to know that in spite of taunts on the speed of his administration he has kept to his goal and road map on fighting and routing corruption in Nigeria. That is clearly visible from the actions and utterances of the new helmsman at NNPC. It is also palpable from the president’s personal observation that when he was Oil Minister he used to get the Executive Council approval for his estacode on official foreign trips before leaving on such journeys. So you can imagine how he felt when the US told him and his entourage that a Nigerian Minister in the last regime had over $6bn in his or her private account as reported in the media during the US trip. Surely the war against corruption is a war that must be won by this administration.

’

I expect the new Service Chiefs to shore up the spirit de corps amongst the commanders and officer cadre fighting the insurgency and the officers in turn should make the welfare of their troops a priority as advised by the Commander-in-Chief, so that Boko Haram can be sent packing before the end of the year

Similarly the insurgency of Boko Haram must be crushed by November as the President demanded and I think the military is in a right frame of mind to deliver this time around. It is nice to know that the military tribunals of our soldiers for cowardice has been halted on the orders of the president. How can soldiers lacking equipment be tried for cowardice when at long last their boss on his retirement admitted he led an army that lacked funds and equipment? I expect the new Service Chiefs to shore up the spirit de corps amongst the commanders and officer cadre fighting the insurgency and the officers in turn should make the welfare of their troops a priority as advised by the Commander-in-Chief, so that Boko Haram can be sent packing before the end of the year as the president has directed. Thirdly the President should be careful in enlisting the help of the legislature in fighting corruption. This is because of the saying that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. The Senate especially must purge itself of the corruption of forgery of election rules which the Police is fighting rightly to a logical conclusion - which should be the prosecution for criminality of those involved in the forgery. Which means that the legitimacy of the present senate leadership is suspect. In fighting corruption those come to equity must come with clean hands and the Senate and its leadership cannot be an exception. In our practice of separation of powers under the presidential system the legislature can use its powers to delay approval of appointments, budget and expenditure but even that prospect should not be allowed to get in the way of getting rid or minimizing corruption in our political system as the present administration is bent on doing. Undoubtedly the war on corruption will tax the mettle of our present leaders but they should be resolute and focused because they are doing the right thing and it is never too late to get stolen money back. The government must however be vigilant and be on the lookout for those who want to derail the anti corruption brigade such that it does not reach its goal of sanitizing our system of governance and free our economy from the killing and debilitating cancer of corruption. The targets of the anti corruption war have huge means to pervert the law and even make an ass of it as we shall soon see. What is important is that the government should never waver in its resolve and the sky is the limit in achieving success and bringing those who loot public funds to book once and for all as a deterrence to potential and real crooks in our corridors of power.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

â&#x20AC;˘Nnena, a victim of abuse was allegedly scalded with hot water by her guardian

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

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They will remember, for instance, the coming on stream of the upbeat historical and cultural centre, Freedom Park; Oshodi Heritage Park and several others that now Dot the city. They will also remember the Black Heritage Festival which has the Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, as one of the backbones; the return of the Eyo Festival as well as the Annual Lagos Carnival

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came blind

Falodun before he be

Falodun at a younger age

Sam OMATSEYE

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

NEWS

CRIME & OTHER STORIES

Police arraign car dealer over N3.5m theft

Police smash interstate n Ebele BONIFACE n

n Rukayat JIMOH n

HE police have arraigned a 48- year- old car dealer, Omene Ericson, before a Lagos Chief Magistrate's Court , EbuteMetta, for alleged conspiracy, stealing and obtaining money under false pretence. Ericson who gave his address as Bashiru Ojikutu Street, Alagbole, Ogun State, allegedly committed the offences on February 7, 2014, at 6, Prince Momoh Avenue, Alagbole. He was said to have fraudulently obtained a Toyota Takume from one Eme Nwaki, under the pretence that he was in a position to sell the car. He was also alleged to have stolen the sum of N3.5 million, the proceeds of the sale of the car. The offences according to the police prosecutor, Mr. Adekoge Akinlabi, are punishable under Sections 409, 312 and 285(9)(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The charges read in part: “That you, Omene Ericsion and others at large on February 7,2014 at about 14000 hours at 6, Prince Momoh Avenue, Alagbole, in the Lagos magisterial district, did conspire together to commit felony to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 409. “That you, Omene Ericson and others now at large did fraudulently obtain one Toyota Takuma model 2005 from one Eme Nwaki with the pretence that you will sell it and bring the money knowing it to be false and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 312 of Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. “That you, Omene Ericson and others now at large did steal the sum of N3.5m the proceed of the sale of Toyota Tekuma, property of Eme Nwaki, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 285(9a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State,2011.” The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The presiding magistrate, Mrs. O. I. Adelaja, a Chief Magistrate, granted the request of Mrs. Imelda Adebambo, counsel to the accused for bail. He was thus admitted to bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in the same sum. The matter was adjourned till August 28 for mention.

HE game is over for a gang of interstate car snatchers after being trapped by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Ikeja, Lagos. Two members of the gang, Evans Demodia and Benson Obode, were arrested in Benin,the Edo State capital by a team of SARS operatives during a search for a stolen Toyota Corolla. The car had been snatched at gun point from a Lagos businessman, Alhaji Babangida Isah, at Dopemu area of Lagos. The SARS operatives,sources said,had tracked phone calls by the suspects on Isah’s cell phone which they had stolen with his car. Demodia, an auto mechanic, was arrested at his workshop, at No 33, Auchi Road, Benin City. Further search in his house yielded two other cars suspected to have been stolen –a Toyota Camry belonging to one Mr. Lawrence Oaikhena, of Warri, Delta State, and a Honda CRV. The Toyota Camry, was said to have been robbed at gunpoint from its owner, in Warri, Delta State, when a white Peugeot 307 car, with two occu-

•Demodia

Widow demands death penalty husband’s killer n Kunle AKINRINADE n

widow, Bose Azees, is demanding the death penalty for the man alleged to have beaten her husband, Ahmed Azees, to death. Kola Adegbite, a local official of the Amalgamation of Motorcycle Operators and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN), allegedly beat Azees to death with charm penultimate Sunday at Bank Bus stop, Ifo, Ogun State. An argument had ensued between Adegbite, described as AMORAN ticketing officer, and the deceased over ticketing. What followed, according to eye witnesses, was that Adegbite struck Azees with a ring. The victim slumped immediately. Bystanders rushed to his aid and were in the process of taking him to the hospital when he gave up the ghost. Bose, who is still shocked by the incident, says all she wants is justice. “My husband’s killer should be given the death penalty,” she told The Nation as she recalled the circumstances surrounding his death. She said: “my husband was not into Okada business full time. He was a bricklayer and only used his motorcycle to carry passengers in order to complement his income. “He told Adegbite that he had no money to buy ticket, promising to do so as soon as he made some money later in the day. “My husband pleaded with Adegbite, •The late Azeez

•Azeez’s widow Bose and child

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

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car-snatching syndicate pants, double crossed it. Twenty-seven year-old Demodia has confessed that he is a receiver of stolen vehicles from the gang. He claimed to have received over four cars from the gang’s alleged leader, Obode. He said Obode and one Chief Osama, met him in his workshop and lured him into joining the gang. His words:"I joined because I saw there was huge profit in the business. When I met Obode, he told me that he was a car dealer that buys vehicles and he would want me to help him sell in Benin, but later I discovered that he was an armed robber. “My suspicion was confirmed when I saw an expended cartridge in one of the cars, I also discovered that the vehicles usually had no papers. I deal in Toyota products, so I told him that I wanted Toyota cars. I paid him N400, 000 for the Toyota Corolla that he gave me and I sold it to a woman for N500, 000. I also bought a Toyota Camry from him for N350, 000 and sold it for N400, 000. “ I received two other cars which I was yet to sell when the police ar-

but he won’t listen. It was in the middle of an altercation that the man (Adegbite) invited his colleagues to beat up my husband before hitting him with a deadly charm. He fell down with his tongue stretching out. He died on the spot. “My husband and I did not plan it this way. All I want is justice.” A close relation who does not want to be named described the late Azees “as unassuming and hardworking.” A resident who asked for anonymity asked security agencies and local government authorities to monitor Okada riders in the community close to prevent a recurrence. He recalled how three other commercial motorcycle riders were beaten up by AMORAN ticketing officials at Coker area of the town a month ago. The suspect was arrested by policemen from the Ifo Police Station and has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta.

How I was robbed by a man who asked to rent my flat —CBN director n Uja EMMANUEL, Makurdi n HE Project Director of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Entrepreneurship Development Centre, North Central Zone, Prof. Tyoor Terhemba, has narrated how he was robbed of N8 million. Terhemen told newsmen in Makurdi that two weeks ago, he received a call from a man who identified himself as Chief Adelaja, indicating interest in renting one of his properties at Welfare Quarters, Makurdi. He said on Monday, at about 6 pm, he picked the said Chief Adefala at Welfare Quarters junction and drove with him in his vehicle to the two-bedroom flat to have a view of same. According to the victim, when they arrived the building, he opened the flat for Adelaja to inspect and left to ease himself. But by the time he returned, the door to the flat was locked and Adelaja was nowhere to be found. "I became confused and curious and immediately went to the boot of my car only to discover that the N8 When they armillion I kept there rived the buildhad gone," he said. He said he put a ing, he opened call to the phone the flat for Adenumber Adelaja had given him but it had laja to inspect been switched off and left to ease since then. himself. But by He said he had written a petition to the time he rethe Assistant Inturned, the door spector-General of Police, Zone 4 Head to the flat was quarters in Makurdi locked and Adeafter he discovered that the suspect had laja was nowhere lived in Apir with to be found another landlord.

for

rested me. When they interrogated me I told them that, Obode supplied the cars to me and I took them to his house. We didn't meet him at home , but his landlord was asked to follow us. “A few hours later, Obode, was brought into my cell and his face was covered with bruises. I asked what happened to him and he said he was beaten up by a mob when he got home. He told me that some vigilance men arrested him with a Peugeot 307 and he was identified as the robber who policemen from Lagos were looking for and while he attempted to escape he was chased and they gave him the beating of his life. “On our way to Lagos, Obode, fell very ill and he was taken to the hospital.” Pleading for mercy, Demodia blamed his involvement in crime on greed. “I should have been contented with what I had. I wasn't doing badly as mechanic and I have operated my own workshop for over five years. It was greed that made me join the gang. I feel very bad about it."

( 08167164657 or 08023910970 )

‘Surgeon's error turned me into blind man Continued from page 42 Famous Christ's School Ado-Ekiti and the London School of Journalism, appears to be burrowed in loneliness. For a man who once moved the top men of the society and nursed his own dreams, it is understandable that the cost of blindness will come in unquantifiable folds. The situation has put a strain on his family. “It is a pity things are not the best they could be, but I do not want to say things about my family on the pages of newspapers. My family is still my family,” he submitted. Speaking on the reaction of his children to the incident, the former secretary of the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) said the children played their various parts within the limit of their resources. Since the scholarship he requested from the government didn't sail through, he said the children went through thick and thin depending on family and friends for their education. Down and virtually out, it is not unexpected that some friends would turn their noses at him. The old man says he is not out to criticise anybody, adding that he has left friends who failed his expectations to their conscience. He said: “Even if we talk about the loss from now till tomorrow morning, 25 pages of a newspaper cannot restore my sight. All the money in the CNB cannot restore my sight. I am not the greedy type. What I want is my rights. If the government was careless with the surgery on my eyes, it is only proper that somebody should stand on his feet and repay the sorrow that I am going through,” he averred. According to him, losing his sight has brought him closer to God. He appears to now see things through the window of his soul as he revealed that God has been revealing things to him, including those of national significance. On survival and his basic needs, Falodun says the good •Pa Falodun God who feeds the birds of the sky has been sustaining him. He has benefited from the good deeds of people such as Chief Micheal Adeojo of Elizade Motors fame, who gave him a car in 2005. He also mentioned Venerable L. L. Esho, Mr. Joko Okupe, Venerable Okunuga and a retired vice admiral of the Nigerian navy in Ibadan among those catering for him from time to time. However, he lamented that some expectations are not forthcoming, pointing to members of the Full Business Gospel Men Fellowship, a group he said he associated with but had deserted him. With loneliness, he has also encountered depressing moments arising from people who tried to cheat him because he is blind. “So many people, even the so called men of God, still come here and try to cheat me. There was a priest who came to deliver a message from a bishop and lied about the time. I brought out my audio wristwatch and when he heard the time from my audio wrist watch, he didn't know what to say. Several times, many people will come pretending to assist me, but to my surprise, they still go away with things from my kitchen”. He commended the effort of Salami Kazeem, a Muslim he said God has used to help him. “He takes me to places and runs errands

for me. Despite being a Muslim, he drives me to church and sits down with me as far as Ilorin and Abeokuta. The time I had an opportunity to speak with Lai Muhammed (APC spokesman), he promised he would assist him on holy pilgrimage to Mecca, but that doesn't seem to be forthcoming.” Pa Falodun reminisced on the activities that blindness has denied him, saying: “I miss my activities with the Full Gospel Businessmen International. I missed the activities of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations where I was delivering lectures and writing papers from time to time at the forum of the institute to the extent that I won a merit award for that. “But I thank God I don't miss any church service. I am an Anglican to the core and I go to various Anglican Church services on any Sunday.” Falodun, who was press secretary of the Tribune Group, the youth wing of the UPN comprising people like Wole Awolowo, Toyin Adefuye, Oladipo Jimileyin and Yemi Osinbajo, the current Vice President of Nigeria, says he spends his time as a blind man praying and fasting. Although he has gone to the School for the Blind at Oshodi, Lagos to learn mobility, he cannot navigate outside his house because the street is not tarred. “I want to buy a computer with which I will be able to do my write-ups again. It will cost nothing less than half a million naira because it will come with a software that will translate what I say. I do not want to learn brail because if I had that computer, what God has deposited in my brain could be put in black and white. Those are the areas where things are more challenging to me,” he stated. Speaking on his expectations from the new government of Akinwunmi Ambode in Lagos State, which he said has already reached out to him, Falodun said he has sent the list of his needs, saying he is confident of a positive reaction. Looking through the pictures of his heyday, Falodun was always dressed in impeccable suits, most of which he said were sourced from his travels outside the country. Agreeing with the reporter's observation that he must have been a restless person in his youth, Falodun said he couldn't see himself doing nothing at any particular time. He said: “I was a founding member of the NFA (Nigeria football association) supporters' club with people like the late Ishola Folorunsho and M. O. Koyiki. I was the public relations manager of Boys Scout of Nigeria. All those were voluntary activities. While people went to the club to drink and do other things, I spent all my time in voluntary activities. “During the Nigerian civil war, I was a member of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, who were manning the streets at night and creating awareness that the country was at war.” Falodun, who is still active in the Boys and Girls Brigade of the Anglican Church, admonished people never to render themselves incommunicado. “I do not want to envisage a situation where somebody will place a request with Jesus Christ and He will file it KIV, which civil servants call Keep in View. There's not much human beings can do. God will do what He will do at his own appointed time,” he concluded.

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY AUGUST 15, 2015

ACK panic has gripped permanent secretaries following plans by President Muhammadu Buhari to trim ministries, departments and agencies(MDAs) to manageable size. There were indications that some permanent secretaries, especially weak and corrupt ones, might be retired. Based on the pending change, the presidency yesterday halted plans to conduct a test for about 20 directors seeking to fill vacancies for the Director-General of the Budget Office and permanent secretary slots for Abia, Borno, Jigawa and Kwara states. It was also gathered that the alleged abuse of the selection process also accounted for the postponement of the test. A highly-placed source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The fear of a likely reduction of permanent secretaries by 50 per cent has gripped the civil service. Already, we have 42 permanent secretaries and if the MDAs are merged, some permanent secretaries may have to proceed on retirement. “The government may be forced to look at the records of the permanent secretaries. The weak and corrupt ones who fiddled with SURE-P funds, mismanaged resources and presided over phony contracts might be dropped. “Although the permanent secretaries are managing the government machinery with President Buhari, it will soon be their turn to be sacked or retired.” It was gathered that the pending change accounted for the abrupt stoppage of the examination for about 30 directors seeking to fill vacancies for the Director-General of the Budget Office and permanent secretary slots for Abia, Borno, Jigawa and

News 57

Sack fever grips perm secs Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

...as Buhari halts test for new ones

Kwara states. A top source in the civil service said: “All the short-listed directors were yesterday abruptly told that the examination has been postponed indefinitely based on the directive of the presidency. “They said the shift was as a result of plans by the presidency to review the size of the permanent secretary cadre in the Federal Civil Service. “The presidency felt there might be no need yet to appoint new permanent secretaries when it has not decided the fate of those in charge now.” A circular by the Permanent Secretary (CMO), Amb. Danjuma N. Sheni, which was exclusively obtained by our correspondent, had invited the directors for the examination. The circular said: “I write to inform you that the timetable for the selection of candidates to fill vacancies for the appointment of Permanent Secretaries for Abia, Borno, Jigawa, and Kwara as well as the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation has been scheduled to hold from Monday, August 17 to Saturday 22, 2015 as indicated below: “ICT Refresher Course SelfAssessment Questionnaire Administration (August 17, 2015; Written Examination for selection of Permanent Secretaries(August 18, 2015); and Written Examination for selection of Director-General Budget Office of the Federation (August 19, 2015). “Permanent Secretaries are hereby requested to ensure

that all candidates attend the activities as scheduled, please.” The Ahmed Joda Transition Committee had recommended drastic reforms in the civil service. The panel said: “There is no direct relationship between

the number of ministries and efficacy of service delivery. The US with a population of 316million and with GDP of $17, 328 trillion (30 times Nigeria’s GDP) has 15 ministries. India has 24 ministries, while the UK has 17. “The current structure of

Eric IKHILAE, Abuja Election Tribunal which dismissed the petition by Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP on a similar ground. He argued that the payment of filing fee was mandatory and was a condition precedent to the tribunal exercising its jurisdiction to hear the petition. Lawyer to INEC, F. O. Orbih (SAN), adopted the arguments by Njemanze and Ukala and urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition. Petitioners' lawyer, Akin Olujinmi (SAN) argued that the requirement for the payment of N100 filing fee did not apply to application for pre-hearing notices, which he said, the party applying could make orally. Olujinmi insisted that since the application for the prehearing notice was by a letter to the Secretary to the tribunal, his clients were not liable to pay a filing fee as such was not specifically provided for in any law. He argued that Paragraph 2 of the TF007 only made provision for the submission of the form and not filing which would have warranted payment of a filing fee. Olujinmi contended that even if his clients were required to pay the fee, failure to do so could only amount to a mere irregularity which the tribunal could direct them to

Customs promise Niger Republic easy cargo transit across borders

•The black box

Black box of ill-fated Bristow chopper found THE Accident Investigation Bureau has announced that the flight recorder, popularly known as black box, of the Sikosky 76 helicopter that crashed into the lagoon in the Oworonshoki area of Lagos on Wednesday, 12 August has been recovered.

Kelvin OSA-OKUNBOR

The Sikosky 76 helicopter marked 5N-BGD and operated by Bristow Helicopters was believed to have departed SEDCO oil platform offshore and crashed shortly. The search party led by

Rivers: INEC, Wike, PDP urge tribunal to dismiss Peterside's petition over alleged fee default TF 007. So am I going to pay HE Independent

National Electoral Commission (INEC), Governor Nyesome Wike of Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have asked the state's Governorship Election Tribunal to dismiss the petition by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last governorship election, Dakuku Peterside, and his party. INEC, Wike and PDP argued that the petitioners failed to comply with the provision of Paragraph 18(1) of the First Schedule of the Electoral Act 2010 by not paying the stipulated fee of N100 for their application for the issuance of pre-hearing notices (Form TF 007) to parties. They contended that by not paying the fee, the petitioners were yet to ignite the tribunal's jurisdiction and are deemed to have abandoned their petition and it should be dismissed. Lawyer to INEC, K. C. O. Njemanze (SAN), while moving his client's motion, challenging the court's jurisdiction, said the payment of filing fee for the application for pre-hearing notice was statutory and constitutional and constituted a condition precedent for the invocation of the jurisdiction of the tribunal to hear the petition. Wike's lawyer, Emmanual Ukala (SAN), who made a similar argument urged the tribunal to adopt the decision of the Imo State Governorship

the Federal Government of Nigeria with 28 ministries and 542 agencies (50 of which have no enabling laws) results in very high cost of governance. The portfolios of ministries are not responsive to all the major critical national challenges such as fam-

ily and child affairs; religious affairs; vulnerable and elderly group affairs as well as the North-Eastern crisis. “There is an apparent conflict between the desire of reducing the cost of governance through cabinet downsize and the constitutional requirement of a cabinet-level ministerial appointment from each of the 36 states of the federation.”

pay at any time. He further argued that his clients, like other parties to the petition, had made a deopsit of N500,000 security funds to the tribunal, so the tribunal could easily deduct N100 from the said money, if it was a must that the N100 fee must be paid. Olujinmi said: "It is now settled that a petitioner can start a pre-hearing session by oral application. If I'm passing by, I can just ask the Secretary to the tribunal to issue Form

for the voice?" He urged the tribunal not to allow the justice of the petition to be defeated by mere technicality which the respondents' applications were predicated. Olujinmi prayed the tribunal to dismiss the defendants' motions and proceed to hear the petition, challenging the outcome of the April 11 governorship election in Rivers State. The Justice Muazu Pindigaled tribunal has fixed Monday for ruling.

Julius Berger with the assistance of a hired diver located the recorder, which is expected to assist the investigators in unraveling the cause of the accident. The Flight Data Recorder (FDR) contains data generated from different parts of the aircraft, including the engines and the avionics while the Cockpit Voice Recorder will unveil conversations within the cockpit and between the pilots and the Control Tower. According to the AIB, investigation has extended to retrieving documents and other materials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the airline operator. Other information will be released to the public as they unfold and according to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annexe 13.

Rotary donates special wheelchairs to orthopaedic hospital S part of its efforts to

bring succour to spinal cord injury victims, Rotary International Club of Ikeja South has made a donation of specialized wheelchairs to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos. The specialized wheelchairs, comprising of the commode, electric wheelchair and manual, according to Governor, District 9110, Otunba Bola Onabadejo, is a manifestation of the Rotary International’s objectives of touching lives and putting smiles on the faces of the needy. He noted that healthcare, which includes disease prevention, maternal newborn and child health, was a major area of focus for Rotary, adding that the recent victory of Nigeria over polio was

achieved by the immense work of the international service organisation which began in 1905. Rotn Onabadejo, who formally presented the wheelchairs to Chief Nurse Officer, Mrs. Helen Okereke, at the Spinal Cord Injury Ward F, used the opportunity to encourage Nigerians who live in Lagos and Ogun states which make up District 9110 to join the club so as to impact society. In his remarks, President of Rotary Club of Ikeja South, Mr. Oladele Oyatope, said the wheelchairs were presented to his club by the late Mrs. Bolaji Ajayi, and was thankful to her family for deciding to donate them to the hospital for the benefit of other Nigerians.

An elated Mrs. Helen Okereke, while thanking Rotary, explained that the electric wheelchair is a special assistant machine that can be easily manipulated even by patients who are paralysed from neck down. “It would enable them move around easily and aid there recovery process,” Okereke said. She used the opportunity to call on other humanitarian organisations to come to the aid of the hospital, which according to her, is in need of specialized equipment. Apart from the District Governor, others at the presentation were Assistant Governor, Rotn Kemi Popoola; Rotn Bade Oke (Past Assistant Governor); Rotn (Dr.) Julius S.O. Nwokoro and Rotn Niyi Otunuyi.

HE Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Mr Abdullahi Dikko, has promised the Republic of Niger easy transit of cargoes to facilitate trade between Nigeria and Niger. Dikko, represented by Mr Kohn Atte, the Deputy Comptroller-General (Finance Administration and Technical Services), made the promise when a delegation of the Nigerian Shippers Council and Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja yesterday. He said the main responsibility of Customs was to facilitate trade and ensure that goods moved easily across borders. Dikko said most challenges faced by Niger in terms of delay of movement of cargo and issues at the various border posts would be resolved. " The customs have tried to see that we ease off the system so that goods can move faster. With the help of Shippers Council the system has been decentralised and capacity built. "We have officers that are well trained to lead cargoes to the next environment; we have also noted the two-week delay or more at the borders. "In conjunction with Shippers Council, we will look into the matters and make sure that those complaints are eliminated," he said. According to him, Customs have mandate to move cargo quickly out of the ports within 48 hours. He said the arrangement had given a good image for the service and promised that improvements would be made on the operations. The Comptroller-General said NCS would collaborate with Shippers Council and the ministries of transport of both countries as well as Niger Republic Customs to ensure smooth border operations. Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport of Niger, Mr Alguima Abdoulaye, expressed appreciation to NCS for the audience given to them. He said he believed the two countries were one, but noted that with difficulties Nigeriens faced in moving goods through Nigerian borders, they preferred to go to more distant countries to ferry cargo. Abdoulaye acknowledged improvements in services at Nigeria’s borders with Niger, but expressed the hope that areas of conflict between both countries Customs Services would be resolved to ease cargo movement.

58News

Oba Okunade Sijuwade (1930-2015)

•Cross section of children of Oba Sijuwade at the service.

N the midst of quietness oc casioned by movement re striction, the ancient city of Ile-Ife received unusual crowd of visitors yesterday. Dignitaries from far and near joined Ife chiefs, sons and daughters to pay their last respects to Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, who passed on last month. They gathered for the interreligious farewell service for the late monarch at Enuwa Square, opposite the palace in the ancient town. A seven-day restriction of movement from evening till dawn had been imposed by the Ife traditional chiefs on Wednesday as part of the mourning rites for the outgone foremost traditional ruler. Hence, as dignitaries and well-wishers thronged Enuwa Square yesterday, activities in other parts of the town were paralyzed as residents kept indoors. Banks, schools, markets and other formal organizations were closed to observe the traditional restriction order. The main gate to the palace was also under lock and key in accordance with tradition. But as early as 8:00 am, Enuwa Square was already beaming at the seams with preparations for the ceremony. Security agents mounted surveillance at strategic points around the square to offer dignitaries a smooth passage to the venue. In the end, it was a mission accomplished as no guest went back home hurt. The restriction, however, took the shine off the ceremony as common people, local artistes, itinerary drummers and the like could not attend. Before the programme commenced, all the six high chiefs and lower obas were already seated with some top Ife indigenes, as well as members of the immediate Oba Sijuwade's family. The Sijuwades were led by the deceased's first son, Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade.

•From right: Prince Kayode Sijuwade, Prince Adebayo Sijuwade, Princess Morade Sijuwade and Princess Mojisola Sijuwade on the occasion

Dignitaries shower encomiums on Ooni Bisi OLADELE and Adesoji ADENIYI All the traditional rulers and chiefs were in white agbada. The sooko (distinguished princes from all ruling houses) were also in attendance, all dressed in white. They were later joined by dignitaries, including Ife-born Sen. Iyiola Omisore, the Vice Chancellor and Registrar, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Prof. Bamitale Omole and Mr Dotun Awoyemi respectively. So were representatives of some traditional rulers from Ondo and Ekiti states. The programme kicked off at 11:00 am with an opening prayer by an Anglican cleric, Venerable Bukola Oyedeji. At exactly 15 minutes after the commencement of the programme, Senator Jide Omoworare led the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, into the hall. They joined the Secretary to the Government of Osun State, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, who represented Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade on the podium. Amidst them was a former Military Governor of Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd). They were also joined by Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko . In his sermon, the Dean, Ife Anglican Diocese, Venerable Olusola Akanbi, who represented Bishop Oluranti Olugbagun, urged the guests to draw good lessons from Oba Sijuwade's death. Speaking on the topic: "Behold, How are the Mighty Fallen," the cleric described Sijuwade's death as that of a great man. Drawing his Bible text from 1Thess. 4:13-18, the cleric emphasized that the sermon was for the living, not the dead.

Prince commiserates with Ife people member of the Lafogido Ruling House in Ile-Ife and President General, Oranmiyan Worldwide Foundation, Prince Felix Awofisayo, has sympathised with the indigenes of the ancient town, home and abroad, over the demise of their traditional ruler, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse II, the Ooni of Ife. He said the death of the monarch was painful considering his impacts in the development of Ile-Ife, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole since he mounted the throne of his forefathers in 1980, 35 years ago. Describing the late Ooni as a pride of Ile-Ife all over the world, he noted that the monarch had

PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI

THE NATION, SATURDAY AUGUST 15, 2015

established himself positively in the history that would never be forgotten. He said Oba Sijuwade's influence transcends Ile-Ife Kingdom, Osun State or Nigeria, but all over the world, describing him as a unifying force in the traditional, political and social arena. "He carried himself with dignity and candour, coupled with his wide reach in business and administration. "He also united sons and daughters of Ile-Ife in the Diaspora. He was always more than willing to assist Ife indigenes as a paramount ruler and traditional monarch,” Awofisayo said.

...as Christians, Muslims, traditionalists hold joint service Though he described Oba Sijuwade as a famous and influential monarch, Akanbi emphasized that whatever and whoever has a beginning has an end. He said man must always remember the fact and prepare for life hereafter. He added that his death confirmed that there is time for everything - a time to be born and a time to die. He also pointed out that man must always remember that only God is everlasting. Akanbi also stated that man must always remember that there is judgment after death and that man should also remember to strive to make heaven, among other goals they set. "After this world, there is a better place, according to 2Cor.

5:1," he said. After the Christian prayers, Prof. Osinbajo mounted the podium. He impressed the guests by speaking in Yoruba. The Vice President pointed out that Oba Sijuwade lived well, adding that he accomplished great things. "No Yoruba will dispute that Ooni was great," he said. He particularly lauded Oba Sijuwade for offering good leadership to the Yoruba nation. He said God answered all prayers for the deceased monarch because he lived long. Thereafter, Muslim clerics conducted another prayer session. Both Alhaji Busari Balogun and Ustaz Yusuf thanked God for Oba Sijuwade's life. They

pointed out that he was born on a significant day, January 1, 1930. They emphasized that though every man celebrates their birthdays, no one knows his day of death. Yusuf stated that God used the deceased monarch to bring smile to the faces of many. Traditionalists were also given a few minutes to pray for the deceased. Temidire Awo Ilare offered prayers. All members of the group were dressed in white agbada with white caps to match. Oba Sijuwade's oriki was thereafter rendered by Mr Seye Adedire. In his vote of thanks, which lasted only 30 seconds, Prince Tokunbo Sijuwade, appreciated all the dignitaries and other

people for coming to pay their last respects to his late father. Also at the ceremony were a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Sooko Adewoyin; President, Christ Apostolic Church worldwide, Pastor Abraham Akinosun; Gen. Alani Akinrinade; retired Bishop of Ife, African Church of Nigeria, Peter Oyegbenro; Chief Imam of Ife, Sheik Idris Opeloye; Chairman, Ile-Ife Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Julius Aluko and former Bishop of Ife Diocese, Anglican Communion, Bishop Gabriel Oloniyo. Oba Sijuwade's queens Morisola, Ladun, Odunola and Linda - were at the ceremony.

Oba Sijuwade an embodiment of culture — Tinubu

ORMER Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has described Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife, as an embodiment of culture and tra-

culture whose influence reaches beyond Nigeria to continental and international levels. “The passing on of Oba Sijuwade is a loss to the Yoruba race and all of Nigeria. Due to the force of his personality and

character, he had been a prime instrument in the revival and greater relevance of the Yoruba traditional institution and culture. “He shall now take his place among the great figures of our race who have moved on from this life into immortality.”

We’ve lost a rare gem, says Ambode

AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday commiserated with the family, friends, associates, subjects and the government and people of Osun over the transition of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade II, saying the nation has lost a rare gem. Oba Sijuwade, who became the fiftieth Ooni of Ife in December 6, 1980, passed on Tuesday, July 28 in a London hospital at the age of 85 after a brief illness, but his departure was officially announced on Wednesday, August 12, by the Ife Royal Traditional Council in accordance with tradition.

dition Asiwaju Tinubu, while expressing sadness over the passing on of Oba Sijuwade, said: "Oba Sijuwade will be missed but will be remembered as one of the foremost rulers in Nigeria and a powerful and influential custodian of the Yoruba

In a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the governor said the late firstclass monarch will be sorely missed for his fatherly role and advice, describing his demise as a great loss to the nation. Extolling the virtues of the

late Ooni, Governor Ambode recalled that the late monarch used his wealth of experience in tradition and commerce to better the lot of the Yoruba race. “Without any iota of doubt, Oba Sijuwade was a forthright traditional ruler and astute

Olubadan mourns monarch

HE Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, has expressed sadness over the passing away of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade.

Tayo JOHNSON, Ibadan In a statement issued yesterday on his behalf by his Personal Assistant, Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, Olubadan described Oba Sijuwade’s death as a

It’s irreparable loss — Gani Adams

HE death of Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, Olubuse 11, has been described as a monumental and irreparable loss to the Oduduwa race. The National Coordinator of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) and Convener of the Oodua Progressives Union (OPU), Otunba Gani Adams, made the remark, while reacting to the transition into eternal glory of one of the foremost monarchs in Africa. Otunba Adams said: “The enigmatic and wondrous deity of

businessman who for decades helped to pursue and unite the common interests of the Yoruba race. “His timely interventions in communal and inter-state disputes in the past are remarkable strides that will forever remain in our minds”.

the Yoruba in human form, Oonirisa Olubuse 11, has completed his mission as assigned to him by the owners of the world. He has gloriously relocated to the ancestral abode of his progenitors to feed them back after a memorable peregrination odyssey on the face of earth and the completion of his assigned role as the tenderer and protector of the ancestral stool of the Yoruba. “Ooni Olubuse has gone to eternally dine and wine with his ancestors and to give the feedback to those who sent him to tender their stead. “

Speaking further, Otunba Adams added, “The biggest elephant has transited to the vault. The iroko tree has disappeared from the forest, not to be seen or heard again, except in dreams, trance and revelation of the corpus! It is sad, but not tragic that he returned home at 85. “Ooni Olubuse was able, not only to sustain the royal majesty and reverence left behind by his predecessors, but also added colour, panache and cultivated tremendous respect to the stool of Ooni of Ife, the cradle of the world.”

huge loss to the people of IleIfe and the nation in general. “The 35-year reign of Oba Sijuwade was highly remarkable for its contribution to the peace, progress and development of Yorubaland in particular and the country as a whole. “The late Ooni of Ife’s wise counsel and timely personal interventions which contributed in no small measure towards resolving national issues and questions at critical periods in the nation’s history would be sorely missed,” he said. Olubadan noted that Oba Sijuwade’s historic role and efforts aimed at forging bonds of unity between the Yoruba in Nigeria and the Yoruba in the Diaspora, especially in West Africa, Brazil and the Carribean, will remain forever in the history of the Yoruba race.

THE NATION

NEWS 59

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

Ekiti PDP crisis worsens as Fayose expels chieftains

HE crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State, yesterday worsened as a faction loyal to Governor Ayo Fayose suspended four members of the State Working Committee (SWC). The faction loyal to Fayose is led by Idowu Faleye while the other faction made up of 11 aggrieved SWC members is led by Tunde Olatunde, who was appointed Acting Chairman shortly after Faleye purportedly resigned in May. The two factions have been locked in a bitter struggle for the soul of the party which culminated in a reported shootout at the state party’s secretariat on July 31. The Faleye faction in a statement on Friday said those suspended include Olatunde, state PDP Secretary, Dr. Tope Aluko; Women Leader; Mrs. Busola Oyebode and Auditor, Tunji Olanrewaju. They were accused of involvement in anti-party activities by the disciplinary committee set up to

Odunayo OGUNMOLA, Ado Ekiti investigate them. The statement read in part: “The State Executive Committee of Peoples Democratic Party Ekiti State met today August 10, 2015 to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up by the party to investigate allegations of anti- party activities levelled against some officers of the party and resolved as follows: “That the Chief Idowu Faleye led executive is the recognized Executive in Ekiti State as confirmed by the National Working Committee. “ SEC resolved to uphold the recommendation of the panel on the expulsion of the following people from the party in line with the constitution of the party for their anti- party activities; Dr Tope Aluko; Mr Tunde Olatunde; Mrs Busola Oyebode and Mr Tunji

Olanrewaju. ”SEC ratified the sustenance, nomination and /or appointment of the following as the State Working Committee of the party: Chairman, Chief Idowu Faleye; Deputy Chairman Nelson Shaba, Senatorial Chairman of Ekiti North, Gbeyiro Sunday, Senatorial Chairman of Ekiti South,

Alhaji Gani Bankole, and Senatorial Chairman of Ekiti Central , Mr Femi Ogunleye. Others are the new Youth Leader, Ayo Ogungbuyi; Women Leader, Afolabi Yemisi Gloria ,Treasurer; Hon Adeolu Aluko; Auditor , Mojeed Azees Apempe; Publicity Secretary; Jackson Adebayo, Legal Adviser;Olowolafe Ojo

Sunday and Financial Secretary, Akutupu Afolayan. Reacting to their suspension, Aluko described the action as a “huge joke, an affront on the party’s constitution and impunity of the highest order and we are not affected by their illegal action.” Aluko who spoke in a telephone interview described Faleye and his

backers as “jokers and jesters” expressing worry that the party was being ridiculed before Ekiti people and Nigerians by those bent on violating its constitution. According to him, those “fomenting the crisis” are defectors from the Labour Party (LP) who don’t understand the philosophy, doctrine and manifesto of the PDP.

Ogun traffic agency returns N151,700 to 75-yr-old accident victim OGUN State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) on Friday handed over the sum of N151,700 recovered from the scene of an accident to a victim, Alhaji Jimoh Oguntoye. The money was handed over to the septuagenarian at a private hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital. Oguntoye was said to be the driver of the Mercedes Benz jeep 500 ML marked (LAGOS) KRD 933 BC which crashed into a passenger bus at Onipepeye axis of the Abeokuta - Sagamu express-

Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta way penultimate Monday. Two persons including a Mass Communication student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, lost their lives, while 16 others were injured in the accident. The Director of Operation and Acting Commandant of the Corps, Seni Ogunyemi, said the money was retrieved from the Mercedes jeep by TRACE’s rescue team led by Commander Adeola Adekoya which evacuated the victims to hospital.

Oyo APC passes vote of confidence on Ajimobi, party chair THE All Progressives Congress(APC), Oyo State chapter, yesterday passed a vote of confidence on Gov. Abiola Ajimobi and the chairman of the party, Chief Akin Oke. The party described Ajimobi and Oke as good political players whose wealth of experience and managerial acumen facilitated the victory of APC in the last general elections in the state. In a statement, Director of Publicity and Strategy of the party, Olawale Sadare, denied speculation about an alleged internal crisis in the state chapter of the party, noting that the rumour was the handiwork of some misguided elements. According to the statement; “the well attended executive session at the South West office of APC was the first in the last

Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan few months and it reviewed a number of critical issues such as consideration of the reports of the last general elections as well as those of the committees set up to recommend appropriate disciplinary actions for erring members including some members of the National Assembly. ”The meeting lauded the proactive steps taken by Senator Ajimobi and the State Working Committee (SWC) of the party which were enough to resolve the leadership crisis that threatened the smooth inauguration of the 8th Oyo State House of Assembly. The steps prevented what could have thrown the state into another round of intractable infighting in the legislative chamber.”

•Clumsy Ikorodu roundabout taken over by traders as people await the official inauguration of the road by the Lagos State government... yesterday Photo: NAN

Palace disagrees with ruling over Ikorodu monarch PALACE sources yesterday debunked reports about a coronation ceremony of the Ayangbure of Ikorodu, Oba Kabir Adewale Shotobi. Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja on Friday stopped kingmakers from crowning Shotobi as king following an ex-parte motion brought by an applicant, Odupitan Adeniyi Eniola, through his lawyers, Joseph Okobiemen and Folarin Dalmeida. But a palace source told The Nation that today’s event is for people who are to be conferred with chieftaincy titles and not for coronation. The source who spoke under anonymity said the chieftaincy

Adebisi ONANUGA, Tajudeen ADEBANJO and Robert Egbe ceremony will go as planned. “The coronation had already been carried out on August 2. We already have a monarch since then in person of Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotebi as the Ayangbure of Ikorodu. Tomorrow (today’s) event is conferment of chieftaincy titles on some respected Lagosians. It has nothing to do with coronation,” he said. He dismissed Justice Olabisi Ogungbesan of an Ikeja High Court’s ruling, saying those that sought the injunction are unaware of what today’s event

Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan location to UK for safety. He said “He (Ladoja) has not relocated to UK. He is Nigeria with members of his family and is hale and hearty. He is been moving

of the rights for mounting the throne. At the briefing, Oba Shotobi urged members of the Lasunwon Ruling House, particularly those of the Adegorushen Royal Family who contested the stool with him, to sheath their swords and join hands with him to build the ancient town. He said: “To my brother princes, I equally thank you for showing keen interest in the stool of our fore fathers. It is our birthright and it belongs to all of us. I recognise your desires, the resources and the energy you all expended, which is an indication of the worthiness and significance of the throne.”

Tinubu challenges youths on development THERE is need for Nigerian youths to eschew crime and ensure embark on self-developing initiatives to better their lives, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has said. Tinubu made the remarks at a youth forum held at the secretariat of Iru/Victoria Island Local Council Development Area, Victoria Island, Lagos. Speaking on the theme, “Youths’ Involvement in Politics and Nation Building,” Tinubu, who was represented

by the Executive Secretary of Iru/Victoria Island LCDA, Hon Muyideen Daramola, expressed disappointment over the failure of successive governments to provide the enabling environment youths to become future leaders. She said: “You can hardly see a leader who would say he wants to give the youth a chance, but if the youth are prepared and determined they will be identified.”

Ladoja debunks rumour of assassination FORMER Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, yesterday denied reports of his relocation to United Kingdom following assassination attempt on his life. Speaking with journalists in Ibadan, Ladoja’s media aide, Sunday Adeyemo, described the report as untrue. He said that Ladoja had been inundated with phone calls from several well-wishers, supporters and associates from different parts of the country as a result the rumour of purported assassination attempt and his subsequent re-

is all about. “Jagaban (Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu) is the one receiving chieftaincy title tomorrow (today); no one is being installed as monarch as it has done in the past. The crown has been wear since August 2; what we want to do is purely a reception and decorating new chiefs. The ruling obtained is Jankara judgement,” he said. It would be recalled that former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola had handed over staff of office to Oba Shotobi before leaving office. The monarch had on August 2 held a World Press Conference after leaving Ipebi where he had 60 days seclusion as parts

round the country freely without anyone threatening him. “Senator Ladoja has not travelled out of the country in the last five months and there had never been a single reported case of assassination attempt on his life. The report has a

political undertone and it should be discountenance by the public.” He admonished journalists to shun sensationalism and embrace professionalism by confirming stories before going to press.

Giving details of the new deal at a Stakeholders meeting in his office on Friday, the state Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, said the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in the state will be done

within eight weeks for N25,000 in urban areas, maximum of N20,000 in semi-urban areas and a maximum of N15,000 in the rural areas of the state. He said the package is as a

“All institutions and government at all levels must provide the enabling environment for the youth to exhibit their talents for the development of the nation.” She admonished youths to engage in skill acquisition in different vocations even if they could not go for formal education. She stressed: “Skill acquisition would youths from being used by desperate politicians to perpetrate violence during elections only to be dumped later.” A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Akinwumi Bayode, noted that youths must outline their desires in joining political parties. He noted that “hardly would you see a leader who would say he wants to give

the youth a chance, but if the youth are prepared and determined they will be identified.” Another party leader, Barrister Olajide Adams, charged the youth to create a niche for themselves by comporting themselves in such a way that people would respect them in their communities. He advised them to eschew violence and dual character, noting that some youths are inconsistent in their attitudes as they do things for the love of money. One of the youth leaders in the council area, Barrister Ralph Fatona, explained that the programme was organised to enlighten and encourage the youth to have self-confidence and play their role in nation building through participatory governance for them to achieve greatness in government and politics.

Ondo introduces new property ownership scheme PROPERTY owners in Ondo State can now obtain titles for a minimum fee of N15,000 and maximum of N25,000, with the processing and delivery period of the certificates pegged at eight weeks.

result of government’s digitalised C-of-O scheme, which he flagged off on Thursday, with some beneficiaries presented with their certificates. The Governor said the new

digitalised scheme will eradicate fraud and unnecessary gatekeeper or agents, adding that the new systemic titling of land registration is a way of moving away from the old order and a surefooted step to move the state forward.

NEWS

PEAKER of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, yesterday announced the reconciliation of Senator Joseph Waku and Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime with Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom. He also stated that Waku and Jime had withdrawn their suit challenging the candidacy of Ortom in the last governorship election. Addressing journalists at the conference hall of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Secretariat in Abuja, Dogara said the development followed the intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari. The Speaker said the President took the initiative with the objective of healing wounds within the ranks of

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

Benue political crisis: Waku, Jime reconcile with Ortom ... after Buhari’s intervention

the party and positioning it to deliver quality service to the people of Benue State. According to him President Buhari lamented the hardship inflicted on Benue people by the last administration and reiterated the need for the APC government to redress the situation as soon as possible. He commended the Governor for starting on a sound footing by paying workers' salaries. The Speaker directed that the parties involved should embrace one another to demonstrate that they had reconciled, and they did. In his response, Governor Ortom commended the President for his intervention.

He also commended both Senator Waku and Rt. Hon. Jime for their spirits of sportsmanship and the sacrifice they had made in the interest of the party.

He noted the contributions of his colleagues from Sokoto, Plateau, Imo and Nasarawa states, and the personal presence of three of them. He also thanked the

national officials of the party. Ortom said with the reconciliation, he would perform better in securing the state and providing good governance and leadership. Senators George Akume

Adamawa votes N200m for prayers against Boko Haram HE Adamawa State plans to pay prayer warriors and vigilance groups up to N200million for their services in the fight against the terror sect,Boko Haram. The State Chief of Staff,Alhaji Abdurahman Jimeta

said yesterday in Yola that divine intervention is desirable toward ending the security challenges facing the state. Alhaji Jimeta who spoke on the Adamawa State Television said the money was sourced from the state and

Local Governments joint account. “We have earmarked N200 million for prayers to seek for Allah’s intervention in tackling the Boko Haram menace and other insecurity challenges threatening the stability of the state,” the

El-Rufai warns agencies against blanket marking of buildings for demolition ADUNA State Governor Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has warned agencies involved in the recovery exercise of government owned institution's lands that there must be no blanket marking of any neighborhood, layout or community just on account of proximity to the historic boundaries of public institutions. The warning to the agencies was contained in a statement signed by the Governor's Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan and made available to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday. Part of the statement reads thus: "The Governor’s written approval must be obtained before any action is undertaken to initiate recovery processes based on the surveys and maps showing these encroachments. "Approvals for necessary action will not be granted except it is evident that the layouts containing the excisions are illegal or irregular, and are clearly inimical to the purpose of the affected institutions in such a

manner that cannot be prudently remedied. "Where the boundaries that have survived encroachment are considered sufficient for the functioning of these public institutions, other actions short of recovery will be taken on the encroached lands. "Due notice must be taken of the historic nature of the encroachments, and the longevity of some of the buildings and layouts that are a result of encroachment but are longstanding, and do not manifestly impede the safe and smooth running of the affected public institutions. "There must be no blanket marking of any neighborhood, layout or community just on account of proximity to the historic boundaries of public institutions. "Clear procedures for establishing the validity of title and development approvals for buildings must be established and respected. "Local Government Councils are to note that they have no role in the land recovery exer-

and Barnabas Gemade; state party chairman, Comrade Abba Yaro; Justice Augustine Utsaha rtd; Dr Fidelis Anweh; Titus Madugu; Hon Avine Agbom and Mike Gbe were among the politicians from Benue State who witnessed the event.

Abdulgafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna cise, beyond gathering and forwarding information to KASUPDA, which is the mandate agency for town planning and enforcement. "Government directs scrupulous compliance with these instructions in implementing the land recovery exercise." Aruwan stated that the government appreciates the understanding and support of the general public for the land recovery exercise. Citizens are encouraged to remain engaged, and to report any fears and concerns about the land recovery exercise to the government." Aruwan’s statement further added that: "The Kaduna State Government has announced its determination to recover lands belonging to public institutions. This applies to lands that have been illegally excised, carvedout or alienated in a manner that contradicts the security, orderly environment and expansion prospects of the affected schools, hospitals and other public institutions.

"In restoring the integrity of these lands, the Government has taken steps to ensure that the recovery exercise is conducted in a fair and orderly manner that upholds public interest and conduces to social

harmony. "Therefore all agencies involved in the implementation of the land recovery exercise must note and abide by these considerations," the statement reads.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted him as saying. He said that part of that money would go into assisting local vigilance teams and security operatives. Adamawa,Borno and Yobe states are the hardest hit by the Boko Haram insurgency. Thousands of lives have been killed by the terrorists and many more displaced. Some of those who fled across the border to Cameroon have been sent back home and are now in camps across the three states.

Kogi pays LG workers 50 per cent salary advance ORKERS in some local government areas of Kogi State during the week got not only their full July salary, but also 50 percent arrears for August. The state government in a circular directed full payment of workers' salary in the 21 local government areas. Workers in Lokoja LG for example got additional 50 percent salary arrears for August, which the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abubakar Sadiq Ainoko attributed to "money available to it". The commissioner said in the month of July, the Federation Account Allocation Committee released a supplementary allocation tagged non-oil revenue, to the state.

James AZANIA, Lokoja Addressing a press conference in Lokoja yesterday, he said the money received from the non-oil revenue allocation made it possible for the council workers to receive their complete salaries. "I am happy to inform you that with the allocation, all LGs paid 100 percent of salary in the month of July, while Lokoja LGA went a step further to pay another month arrears of 50 percent", he said. He commended authorities of all the LGAs for complying with the guidelines given to them on payment of salaries. He called for understanding from the workers, saying over 80 percent of allocation to LGs is expended on salaries.

"If the allocation to LG is N500 million today, over 80 percent of it will go to workers' salary. It is what comes from the federal government that is used by the LGs to service salaries, and there is no way the state will not pay workers", he said. The chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Tom Abutu commended the state government for attending to the issue of arrears workers' salary, saying has acted well. He noted that the problem of over staffing has continued to bug LG administration in the state. Governor Idris Wada has however ruled out the option of staff lay off.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

NEWS

Osinbajo, Oyegun hit Bayelsa for T APC mega rally HE Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC) is waiting with excitement to receive the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo and the party's National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, in a first mega rally of the party, scheduled to hold today in Yenagoa. Osibanjo and Odigie-Oyegun, along with other APC governors are expected to receive over 600 PDP defectors at the rally, which will begin the party's preparations for the December 5 governorship election in the state. The state Chairman of the party, Chief Timi Oruminighe, said all was set for the event, which he described as the beginning of APC's march to the Creek Haven Government House. He said everybody in the state is waiting for the rally, adding that the turnout will determine the wide reception of APC in the state. He said the party would not depend on federal might to win the forthcoming elections, but would continue to mobilise and convince people to accept the principles of APC. Also speaking, a party leader, Prince Preye Aganaba, said residents

•Dickson pledges adequate security •Approves venue n Mike ODIEGWU, Yenagoa n in the state, groaning and suffering under the PDP government, were ready to receive Osibanjo. While welcoming Osibanjo, the national chairman and other national officers of the party, Aganaba urged them to proactively design Programmes and activities to lead the party to victory on December 5. He further appealed to the defectors to use their wealth of experience to create a lasting bond between them and founding members. He assured the new members of maximum cooperation, and reminded them of the need to strengthen all the platforms of the APC. Following the development, Dick-

son assured the APC in the state of adequate security before, during and after its planned rally. The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, also directed the relevant organs of the government to approve the request of the APC and other political parties to use the state-owned Samson Siasia Sports complex and other public facilities for political rallies. Dickson said the gesture was in tandem with his commitment to ensuring a level playing ground and peaceful conduct of political activities in the period leading up to the December 5th governorship election in the state. Dickson also pledged adequate security for all political rallies and cam-

paigns across the state to ensure that such activities were conducted under peaceful and lawful atmosphere. He noted that as the Chief Security Officer of the state, he had a duty to protect the lives and property of the citizenry and ensure that, people go about their legitimate duties, without any form of molestation. He said the decision to provide adequate security for all political activities was also to check hoodlums who might want to take advantage of such events to breach the existing peace and security in the state. He further explained that his disposition was also to forestall activities of some disgruntled politicians who might capitalize on the situation to create a state of insecurity and paint the government in bad light before Nigerians. He warned that acts of indiscipline and unlawful conducts will be dealt with in line with the laws of the land. "Political parties, have therefore, been charged to prevail on their members to be of good behavior before, during and after rallies and campaigns to ensure that peace continues to reign in the State," he said.

Mazi Ohuabunwa celebrates birthday with national literary outing former Neimeth Pharmaceuticals Plc CEO and notable member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa (OFR), will turn 65 on Sunday 16th, August 2015, and is celebrating with a special national literary outing. He will be launching his new two books titled The Port Harcourt Volunteer and Sam Ohuabunwa’s Paradigm to the delight of family, friends and invited members of the general public in four Major cities at Lagos, Abuja, Enugu and Port Harcourt. The works will be reviewed by the following erudite intellectuals: Prof. Jamie Onwuchekwa , Prof. Ayo Olokotun; Prof Onyi Nwagbara, Prof. Nat Aniekwu, Prof. Walter Ollor, Prof Chris Ogbonna, Dr. Jerry ChukwuOkoro and Alhaji Garuba Mohammed. The celebrant, who is also an entrepreneur and long-standing author, throws more light on the book launch. “In this season of economic belt-tightening in the country, I have chosen to celebrate my 65th birthday with a soul-searching book launch instead of just a lavish party. I want to thank God for His profound mercy and grace on sustaining me alive to attain this age. My new books are actually my memoirs of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war as well as my philosophical thoughts on life and the Nigerian condition.” The National literary celebration events will commence in Lagos by 12 noon prompt on Monday 17th, August, 2015 at Sheba Event Place, off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos under the distinguished chairmanship of an eminent Nigerian intellectual, Professor Anya O. Anya. The Abuja event will hold on Tuesday 18th August, at Shehu Musa Yaradua Centre, Central Business district Abuja and chaired by Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, and Enugu will host on Wednesday 19th August, at the Ohazurume Unity Centre, opposite Enugu Airport with Mazi Emma Nwokoro as Chairman. The last lap will hold at The Arena Event Centre GRA Port Harcourt on 20th August with Chief Ada George former Governor of Rivers State as Chairman.

•President, Nigeria Academy of Letters (NAL), Professor Olatunji Oloruntimehin (left) with Chairman, Editorial Board, The Nation, Mr Sam Omatseye, who was made Honourary Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Letters, during his investiture at the University of Lagos. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

PDP faction begs defecting members HEAD of today’s mega rally by the Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the planned defection to the party by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, a faction of the PDP opposed to the reelection bid of Governor Seriake Dickson, yesterday appealed to PDP defectors to come back. The faction, under the auspices of the PDP Unity Group (PUG), insisted that the ongoing exodus of PDP members to the All Progressive Congress (APC), if not halted, would impact negatively on the fortunes of the party in the December 5 governorship election. The faction, coordinated by Mrs. Marie Ebikake, a former commissioner in Dickson's government, spoke in Yenagoa few hours after PDP elders loyal to the governor carpeted defectors, describing them as ungrateful. Ebikake, in a press conference attended by members of the faction, spoke particu-

n Mike ODIEGWU, Yenagoa n larly about a fresh gale of defections set to hit the PDP today in a first mega rally of the APC scheduled to hold in Yenagoa. Ebikake said: "We cannot pretend to be unperturbed by the planned cross-carpeting of more of our esteemed members tomorrow (today). There is no doubt that some of these defectors are men and women of high political substance and pedigree that have contributed immensely to our past achievements". Meanwhile, elders from the state and founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday rose from a crucial meeting and declared that the party would surmount its challenges and triumph in the December 5 governorship election. The elders, who met to review the ongoing defections of PDP stalwarts to the All Progressive Congress (APC) ahead of the election, said they were not losing sleep

over the development. One of the elders and PDP founding father, Chief George Fente, said those who left the PDP and others leaving today (Saturday) after enjoying all the party's benefits were ungrateful and selfish. It had been revealed that over 70 PDP stalwarts and 500 others will today join the APC in a rally scheduled to hold at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex. But Fente said: "We know very well that some of our members in the PDP are leaving today. Why did they not defect before? They have enjoyed all the benefits in PDP. They have chosen to dump a party that has made them. They are ungrateful. "These defectors are political locust and they are gravitating towards an abysmal chasm of destruction. They will implode in APC and they will start running back to PDP. We are still advising them to come back because the umbrella is big enough to accommodate them." Reading the collective po-

sition of the elders, the Chairman of the Committee of the Restoration Caucus Chairmen, Chief Thompson Okorotie, said majority of Bayelsans were behind the governor of the state, Mr. Seriake Dickson. "We hear of defection these days even though some of the listed people have died the claims of the opposition and that shows there is no coherence or totality in their claims.’’ "However, we wish to state that those defections will have no impact on our route to success in the forthcoming primaries and the gubernatorial elections," Okorotie said. He said the administration of Dickson has recorded many strides in different sectors of the state economy, adding that the governor started his government with a sound blueprint. He listed the governor's achievements to include road infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, economic investment promotion and housing.

Buhari’s wife tasks Nigerian women on unity •Okorocha seeks more roles for women n Okodili NDIDI, Owerri n HE wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, yesterday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, enjoined Nigerian women to be united for developmental goals. Aisha, who was represented at the grand finale of this year’s August Meeting at the Ojukwu Square by the wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osibanjo, harped on the need for the women to arise and speak with one strong and united voice. She noted that the greatest challenge facing the womenfolk is the inability to come and reason together to chart a common course for the emancipation of women. She, however, expressed optimism that with the gathering of women under the auspices of the August meeting, as observed in the state, “it will only be a matter of time for the women to take their rightful place in the country”. According to Dolapo, "Wife of the President asked me to tell you that she appreciates Imo women and to remind them of the theme of this years' August meeting, ‘Dare to Dream’. She said that when you dream, Nigeria will never be the same again. If women arise, there would be unity in the country". The President’s wife also encouraged the women to strive and bring up their children in the knowledge of unity and truth, adding that, “I tell you when you do that, Imo will be great again, Nigeria will be great again".

Commissioner seeks cooperation of Local Government chairmen, staff HE Commissioner for Local Government Matters in Enugu State, Rt Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, has held a meeting with all local government chairmen in the state and all the staff of the ministry to seek cooperation. Edoga said he called the meeting to find ways of straightening work ethics and relationships among staff and other stakeholders of the ministry for better output. Edeoga, an aide to President Goodluck Jonathan on National Assembly matters, urged the staff to be dedicated and committed. While commending staff of the ministry for running a robust establishment, Edoga asked for the cooperation of all, adding that “only a focused and wellmobilized team can achieve good results”.

THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

Kogi must be rescued from rot —Governorship aspirant Olumoroti Olusola George Olumoroti, a mechanical engineer, is a governorship aspirant in Kogi State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). A foundation member of APC in the state, he is reputed as a principled politician who has consistently remained in opposition in the state for many years. He speaks about his ambition to transform Kogi in this interview with HANNAH OJO. HICH aspect of State? engineering did I am always at pain you study? and sometimes I weep I trained as a inside of me when I see mechanical engineer. I the level of poverty the obtained an HND from people of the state have Yaba College of been subjected to due to Technology, coupled with maladministration, cora master’s degree in ruption and misplaced Business Administration priorities by past admin(MBA) from the istrations in the state. University Of Calabar. I Sometimes I feel am also an Alumnus of ashamed that our state the Lagos Business with such a huge natural School. and human resources How about your work could still be wobbling experience? at age 24. Almost everyI did my NYSC thing in the state is at • Olumoroti (National Youth Service) zero level. at Savannah Flour Mills, The roads are the Yola, Adamawa State in 1990. I also worked in worst in the country. There is huge infrastructural many companies, including Miccom Engineering decay. Our schools have collapsed and teachers Works Limited, a leading cable manufacturing are treated as second class citizens. There is high company in Lagos, before joining the Warri unemployment rate and our moral value system Refining and Petrochemical Company, a subhas been greatly eroded. All these issues have to sidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum be addressed fast before the state collapses. That Corporation (NNPC), where I worked up till is why I volunteer myself to rescue the state from 1993. In 1993, I joined Mobil Producing Nigeria (a this rot. subsidiary of ExxonMobil) and has served in varWhat specific things will you do, if elected as ious capacities and rose, by the grace of God and governor? a dint of hard work, to become a senior executive Past leaders have tried their best to develop the of the company. I am currently the president of state, but since 2003, successive administraExxonMobil Staff Multipurpose Cooperative tions have put the state in reverse gear. Kogi Society. State is now where infrastructure across the My watchword has always been justice, state has collapsed. Our school children and integrity and accountability. And by the grace teachers spend more time at home due to of God, I have served in many leadership unending strikes. Youth employI positions. I was the President of the ment and empowerment have am always at Yoruba Community in Eket, Akwa become a mirage and there has pain and sometimes I Ibom State between 2001 and 2003. I been a total collapse of goverweep inside of me when I nance structure. The goal of piloted the affairs of the association by improving communal relationsee the level of poverty the my administration is to ship between the Yoruba people people of the state have been reverse this ugly trend by in Akwa Ibom State and the indi- subjected to due to maladminis- making Kogi State a place genes through an innovative of choice for new and tration, corruption and mis- expanding businesses, creidea. placed priorities by past admin- ating opportunities for the I pioneered the Annual istrations in the state. Educational Grant and young and old and attractScholarship Award to 50 Akwa Sometimes I feel ashamed that ing tourists by the cultural Ibom students. As one who our state with such a huge natu- heritage of our people and believes in social justice and the enviable historical ral and human resources defender of the rights of the massbackground of our towns could still be wobbling at es, I was elected as the Chairman and villages. age 24. Almost everyof the Petroleum and Natural Gas We will build cities with a Senior Staff Association of Nigeria lively urban life and enormous thing in the state is (PENGASSAN) Mobil Producing economic opportunities complete at zero level Nigeria Branch where I also initiated the with modern infrastructures across annual 'Giving back to the poor' programme. By the State. The administration’s economic the grace of God, my exceptional leadership qualdevelopment blueprint will be targeted at ities led to my election as the Joint National reversing the declining livelihood and Chairman of the Upstream Oil & Gas Producing poverty level of the rural populace, which Sector (Producers’ Forum) of PENGASSAN with will stem the tide of migration. In addiresponsibility for coordinating PENGASSAN tion, we will diversify our strength towards activities in Companies like Shell, Chevron, Total, achieving high productivity, self-reliance and Agip, ExxonMobil, Addax, ConocoPhillips, and prosperity for all. so on. And alongside my colleagues in the The coming of democratic system of governProducers’ Forum, we articulated and created the ment in 1999 elicited high hopes and expectaprospect for the eventual launching of the Niger tions, but this has now been characterised by Delta master plan by the Federal Government in squandering of goodwill, mismanagement of our 2007. resources, arrogance and repression of the fundaOne would expect you to have served your mental human rights of our people. Our hopes immediate community before clamouring to have given way to diverse violent assault on the become the governor of the state… citizenry mentally and psychologically. By the grace of God, I have for the past 15 years Our political leaders, past and present, have rendered selfless service to many communities tragically used politics as a source of empowerand have touched many lives in Kogi State. I ment to few individuals at the detriment of the established OGO Community Development larger populace and state development. Politics Initiative; a non-profit and non-governmental has been deployed as a weapon for oppressing organisation which amongst others has to its the poor and downtrodden and, above all, creatrecord the drilling of water borehole in various ed depression, poverty, hopelessness and depricommunities in Kogi State. I also organised youth vation in the society. This deliberate scheming and induced by political leaders that cuts across all women empowerment programmes in the 21 the ethnic divide in Kogi State is designed to crelocal government areas of the state. It is tagged ate fear, trepidation and anxiety in the minds of "Waste to Wealth Training," where we train the the people so that they can continue to perpetrate youth on how to create wealth, and I give them a injustice and hold the people hostage. The result take-off grant to start their own business after the is increasing mistrust and ethnic tension amongst trainings. the people. I also organise annual scholarship grants to stuLet me assure you that this situation is not a dents/orphans, including indigent but brilliant true reflection of what is on the ground, as all the students. I organised free medical treatment for ethnic divides love themselves and remain one people in rural areas and sponsored free coaching indivisible entity. I therefore urge all Kogites to classes for JAMB/GCE candidates, among many join hands with me to confront and fight our other things. common enemy. Let us liberate ourselves from Why do you want to be the governor of Kogi the shackles of oppression.

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THE NATION SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

Ahmed Musa eyes EPL N

IGERIA international Ahmed Musa is eager to join ex Lokomotiv Moscow striker Peter Odemwingie in the English Premier League because his country men fol-

Okocha reflects on turning 42

ETIRED Nigeria international and Bolton Wanderers legend Austin Okocha has reflected on life after turning a year older on Friday, August 14. Born in Enugu in 1973, he has suggested that age is nothing but a number, adding that he is aiming to get more wisdom after clocking 42 years. “It is that time to reflect on life’s worth. Added another year today, hope I’m getting wiser and not older. Thank you Lord, ” Okocha posted on social media. Jay - Jay represented Nigeria at three consecutive editions of the World Cup, from 1994 2002, but the highlight of his career while defending the colours of the national team was winning the African Cup of Nations in 19994. He played for clubs in Germany, Turkey, France, England and Qatar before hanging up his boots.

• Okocha

low the happenings in the league. The former Kano Pillars star says he would prefer to ply his trade in England to Spain as his playing style is suited to the EPL. “ This is true. Nigerians speak English, in England a lot of our players, and I also want to play there,” said Ahmed Musa to sportexpress.ru. “No. I think my style is suits the English championship. ” The likes of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham were believed to be monitoring the transfer situation of Musa before he extended his contract with the Muscovites until the summer of 2019.

• Musa

Ighalo looking to score more for Watford

ATFORD striker Jude Odion Ighalo is hoping to keep scoring after coming off the bench to score in their opening day draw against Everton. The Nigeria striker was instrumental in Watford's return to the Premier League, with his 20

goals in the Championship last season. And after coming off the bench to score in the 2-2 draw against Everton, the 26-year old says he's looking to keep scoring and keep helping his team. "My goal is to keep scoring and keep helping my team," he said.

Yak convinced me to join Blackburn — Hope Akpan

UPER Eagles midfielder Hope Akpan has revealed that Yakubu Aiyegbeni convinced him to join Blackburn Rovers. The former Nigeria international forward played alongside Akpan at Reading during the second half of last season, and had nothing but praise for Blackburn Rovers, whom he represented in the 2011 - 2012 season. “ I know the size of the club and their stature,” said Hope Akpan, who is celebrating his 24th birthday today, to rovers.co.uk. “At Reading last year we had Yakubu and he always mentioned how he loved his time at Blackburn, so I knew it was a great option for me and something to get excited about.”

• Akpan The ex Everton midfielder could made his debut this weekend in Blackburn Rovers’ clash against Huddersfield Town in the Championship.

"It was a great pleasure for me to score that goal and I'm hoping to improve on that and score more goals for Watford. "It wasn't an easy game but I thank God that I scored and we didn't lose. The most important thing is the result of the game," Ighalo said. Pressed if he has set any targets for himself in the Premier League, the former Udinese of Italy striker reiterates that he doesn't set targets for himself, but is just looking at getting better. "I don't set any target for myself because I know I just have to keep working hard. If I keep working hard on the training ground, I believe I can score goals. "It's the same for me everywhere I go. I just keep the focus and work hard and eventually I'm sure the goals will come," he added. There were initial concerns whether he would get enough playing time in the Premier League but given his performance against Everton, he may as well have got himself a regular place in Qique Flores' side.

Alex Iwobi wants Arsenal first team

Edo backs Akwa Utd for Cup final

LEX Iwobi has admitted that it won’t be easy - sailing to breaking into the starting line-up of Arsenal but hopes to get some games under his belt for the first team in the Capital Cup. Everything is pointing to the fact that the Nigeria will not be involved this weekend when The Gunners tackle Crystal Palace in the Premier League as he is set to play his first game of the season for the Under 21 team when they clash with Fulham at the Emirates today. “I would like to hopefully play a few games here and there, hopefully be involved in

RESULTS England - Premier League Aston Villa 0 - 1 Man Utd Germany - Bundesliga Bayern 5 - 0 Hamburger Netherlands - Eredivisie Vitesse 3 - 0 Roda JC Int'l - Club Friendlies Granada 1 - 2 Real Betis Lucchese 0 - 3 Fiorentina Roma 6 - 4 Sevilla Latina 0 - 5 SSC Napoli Celta Vigo 4 - 0 Genoa Belgium - Pro League Club Brugge 2 - 1 Kortrijk

the Capital One Cup, so it’s just about trying to get into the first team,” Alex Iwobi told arsenal.com. “Hector [Bellerin] went out on loan at Watford, did well there, and then he took his chance against Borussia

Dortmund. “The rest is history, he’s been doing his job really well and he’s a real inspiration for me.” Alex Iwobi scored 11 goals across all competitions for the Arsenal Under 21s in the 2014 - 2015 season.

Abia Warriors poised to defeat El-Kanemi

HE Abia Warriors FC of Umuahia on Friday vowed to defeat the El-Kanemi Warriors in their week 23 Globacom Premier League game as a birthday gift to Effiong Ndifreke. Ndifreke, is a striker with the Abia Warriors. A statement released by the team’s Media Officer, Igwe Onuoha, described Ndifreke, who had so far scored nine goals in the league as `a darling of the team’. The statement said Ndifreke would be celebrating his birthday on the same day that the team would be hosting El-Kanemi Warriors in Umuahia.

According to the statement, Ndifreke remains Abia Warriors’ best performer this season, having started in 21 of the club’s 22 league games so far. ``He is one of our best players and a darling to the club. We have decided to mark his birthday with a victory to be dedicated to him,’’ it said. NAN reports that Ndifreke is a member of Samson Siasia, Dream Team XI, preparing for the forthcoming football event of 11th All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville. The Dream Team XI has been drawn to play against Ghana, Egypt and Senegal at the Games.

KWA United captain, Nnamso Edo, believes his side can overcome Glo Premier League rivals, Nasarawa United, in next week’s FederationCup semifinal. Edo led his side to quarterfinal victory over amateurs, Niger Tornadoes Feeders, in an encounter that produced end-to-end action. “We’ve learnt our lessons after losing narrowly to Warri Wolves in the 2013 semifinals. Our target is the final and we’re determined to achieve it. “A ticket to continental football is possible and we want to make it a reality,” Edo said to supersport.com. Akwa United and Nasarawa United clash at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta for a place in the 2015 Federation Cup finals.

• Ndifreke

And the beat goes on <<<<<<Continued from back page ties before. What counts at England, isn’t frightened by the the end of the 38-match league crowd. Ibe won’t be struggling is where each team finishes on to use good soccer boots, unlike the log. For Arsenal, they have the grassroots chap. been consistent in grabbing the We have had brilliant young UEFA Champions League boys play for our age-grade ticket. Gunners have their own teams. Yet, many have asked stadium and rank among the where these boys are especially richest clubs in Europe. Losing when their contemporaries at an opening game shouldn’t be the age-grade levels of other a problem for their aspirations. countries blossom. I plead with Arsene Wenger knows his Oliseh to get back to Ibe for his onions. decision, even if it means I wasn’t shocked that Victor convincing him to opt for Moses didn’t play for Chelsea Nigeria. Ibe’s lifespan in the against Swansea. He was game barring injuries would be elbowed in a mid-week longer than any grassroots friendly at Stamford Bridge player in Nigeria. against Fiorentina FC of Italy. It’s great to report that Taiwo He could have been benched Awoniyi will soon be a for this Sunday’s cracker Liverpool player. He has joined against Manchester City at the his Golden Eaglets mate Ethihad Stadium. I also won’t Iheanacho in the quest to be surprised if at some stage in shake the Barclays English the all-ticket game against Premier League in the next two Manchester City if Mikel is years. Awoniyi, we are again introduced - that is if he doesn’t told, will be loaned to Dutch start with Moses. club SC Heerenveen. Report on Looking at the reviewed Friday suggested that the matches since last week, I felt Dutch club denied this happy about the exploits of arrangement. That is how Odion Ighalo at Watford. I most celebrated transfers start. wasn’t shocked by the Awoniyi will use the Dutch uncanny way in which Ighalo club’s matches to polish his waltzed his way past two skills ahead of making the Everton defenders before biggest impact by any Nigerian delivering a pile driver, which player, since Nwankwo Kanu went into the net. Of significant rocked the English game. With importance is the cheeky way Awoniyi and Iheanacho in Ighalo dribbled John Stones, Europe, my dream of the Super the defender that is causing Eagles being the Cinderella of transfer palavar between the Russia 2018 World Cup is Everton and Chelsea to score looking real. for Watford. I admire Ighalo’s I wasn’t shocked on Monday confidence on and off the ball. night seeing Kelechi Iheanacho He showed that he is a sitting on the bench. For me, it technical player with the way was a great improvement from he changed his team’s tempo the past where he watched of play when he was Manchester City’s matches introduced in the second half. from the stands. Those picked Osaze Odemwingie ahead of Iheanacho are clearly returned to Stoke’s squad as a better strikers, with rich closing stages substitute. He did pedigree of scoring goals at the quite well, trying to create top level. With time, Iheanacho openings for his side through will mature into a great player his decoy runs, but it appeared at Manchester City. Argentine Liverpool players were ready star Aguero is an injury-prone for Stoke, having lost this player and I expect Iheanacho fixture last year 6-1. Though to take his chance any day he rusty, Osaze exhibited traces of plays in Aguero’s place. brilliance, which could count It is not all sweet tales for in his favour in subsequent Nigerian players in England, matches. Sadly, Osaze is out of with the shocking news that this weekend’s match for two former Eagles players Stoke, according to coach Mark Brown Ideye and Victor Hughes on Thursday evening. Anichebe could be sacked by “Unfortunately Peter has got West Brom. It is rather ironic a hamstring strain and is likely for Ideye because at this time to miss the next couple of last year, he joined West Brom weeks. It’s disappointing for as the club’s biggest buy. What him because he has worked could have gone wrong with tremendously hard Ideye’s game in 12 months? throughout pre-season,” That is the way the cookies Hughes said at the pre-match crumble. Anichebe joined West press conference. Brom from Everton but he has I was excited when Jordaan been troubled by injuries. We Ibe revealed that he would only hope that manager Pulis decide his international soccer gives the Nigerians another future with Nigeria in 2016. It chance. could be Nigeria or England. I “People will look at Victor pray he plays for Nigeria, and Browny and think they irrespective of the abundance have to move on, but they have of talents at the grassroots. wanted to play more regular Eagles need players who can football anyway. Does distinguish themselves, not bringing Salomon in hasten those to be taught the their move from the club? rudiments of the game. We’ll have to wait and see,” At 21, Ibe is better prepared Pulis told the Express & than any true 21-year-old at Star. the grassroots. The ones from The Scottish Premier the grassroots are raw and may League is on. Indeed, two not have been drilled in the Nigerians, Ambrose Efe and rudiments of the game. He Juwon Oshaniwa, have may also not have played in made their marks playing any stadium. At best, such a for Celtics and Hearts. This lad from the grassroots is used season looks like one in to playing on school grounds which Nigerians will shine with bamboo goalposts or at in Europe. We only hope public fields where fans invade that their performances the pitch with every goal should be enough to get scored. them on the shortlist for the The true 21-year-old in 2015 African Footballer of Nigeria wouldn’t have played the Year award. before 20,000 spectators, let It is been a long while alone 60,000. But Ibe, having Nigerians got the award. been through the mill in Let us pray!

TOMORROW IN THE NATION PUNCHLINE

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.10, NO. 3307

The recent expression of worries of members of the National Peace Committee (now re-named the National Peace Council) at the end of a meeting with President Buhari provides a subtle demonstration of the desire to tolerate the culture of impunity

—Ropo Sekoni

N his trenchant yet characteristically brilliant critique of Professor Richard Joseph's con cept of prebendalism to explain the monumental corruption that ruined Nigeria's second republic (1979-1983) and continues to hobble our country's potentials, Professor EhieduIweriebor comes down heavily on what he describes as 'Africanology' - 'the study of Africa for the domination of Africa'. According to the City University of New York based radical historian "In the first place, prebendalism is a concept derived from the sale and purchase of offices in feudal Europe. It is, therefore, an historically alien concept and its application to African politics is an intellectual imposition…Secondly, there is nothing uniquely African or Nigerian about the competition for and use of political office for the advancement of personal and reference groupethnic, business or military- interests. This is a practice which occurs in capitalist societies in general and especially in the United States". Several other radical African scholars Claude Ake, Okuwudiba Nnoli, Bala Usman, Bade Onimode etc - have also criticised what apparently appears as objective, scientific scholarship that in reality only insidiously and perniciously pursues the cause of western imperialism. Intellectual dependency and slavishness is obviously a key root of Africa's persistent inferiority complex and underdevelopment. These thoughts roamed through my mind during the week as I read and re-read a most interesting paper recently delivered by Dr Dapo Thomas of the Department of History and International Relations, Lagos State University (LASU) on the last general elections. The paper was delivered at a national conference on the 2015 general elections recently organised by The Electoral Institute, the intellectual arm of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) headed by the erudite political scientist, Professor Abubakar Momoh. Other eminent scholars who delivered papers at the conference include Professors Adele Jinadu, Harry Garuba, Eghosa Osaghae, Victor Adetula, Abolade Adeniji, Siyan Oyeweso, Adeoye Akinsanya and Nuhu Yakub among others. I hope the Institute will adequately publicise these papers to encourage rigorous public discourse and thus enrich and strengthen the country's electoral process as well as democratic practice. Of course, the antics and childish theatrics of former President Goodluck Jonathan's electoral agent, Elder Godsday Orubebe, during the collation of the results of the 2015 presidential election is still fresh in our memories. For many, the incident was no more than the height of irresponsible tragi-comedy. Dr Thomas, who is a doctoral product of the renowned political scientist, Professor Adigun Agbaje, one of the 12 eminent aspirants for the Vice Chancellorship of the University of Ibadan, chose to undertake an intellectual dissection of a phenomenon I describe as 'Orubebeism'. Sensing that his candidate was losing the electoral contest, the childish elder seized the microphone at the collation centre, threw tantrums, rained abuses and allegations against the inscrutable and unruffled INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega. He held up the process for approximately 30 minutes during which the nation was on

Orubebeism and the dramatics of ‘beneclientelism’

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If Orebebe had rejected Professor Jega’s moral suasion, what would have happened? If such an occurrence repeats itself in future, how should it be best handled procedurally and legally rather than sentimentally and through moral sermonising which may prove ineffectual?

’

•Orubebe tenterhooks. Dr Thomas's paper is titled 'Electoral Process and The Dramatics of Beneclientilism: A Conceptual Analysis of Orubebe's Grandstanding and Jega's Stricture'. One would have thought that Thomas would undertake his analysis within the well-known framework of clientelism or patron client relations routinely used to explain African politics. Thus, Orubebe was no more than a client pursuing and protecting the interest of his 'patron', then incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan. According to Dr Thomas, "Professor Joseph contends that clientelism is a situation whereby an individual seeks the support and protection of an oga or a "godfather" while trying to acquire the basic social and material goods - loans, scholarships, licenses, plots of urban land, employment, promotion and the main resource of the patron in meeting these requests is quite literally a piece of the state". Dr Thomas considers the traditional patronclient notion as too personalised and restricted. It is in reality a more structured and expansive relationship and he thus prefers the concept of benefactor to patron. Thus he coins the term 'beneclientelism' to better capture the thesis he seeks to adumbrate. The relationship between Orubebe and Jonathan transcended both men

even though they shared common geo-ethnic origins. Orubebe was certainly not acting alone in trying to subvert the electoral process. The service chiefs, for instance, had earlier tried to boost the floundering electoral fortune of their benefactor by forcing a six-week postponement of the polls. Again, the traditional usage of patron-client relations suggests that the client is entirely dependent on the patron. The patron dispenses all the benefits and exercises limitless power over the client. Beneclientilism in Dr Thomas's usage, however, indicates that the client plays a more powerful and influential role in the process than is normally assumed. In his words "Though President Goodluck Jonathan never saw the election as a do or die affair, his aides and party associates saw it differently. To them it was a matter of life and death. He was seen by most of his political aides and associates as their benefactor on whom their political and economic survival was placed…These associates known as clients are more desperate than even their benefactor". This position is certainly vindicated by Dr Jonathan's confession after he lost the election that he had been held hostage in office. It was a case of the benefactor being captive to the clients. But then, the concept of beneclientilism also

raises its own problems. The INEC Chairman, Professor Jega, was an appointee of President Jonathan. Why did he not see himself and behave as a client interested in skewing the process to ensure the continuation in office of his benefactor irrespective of the will of the people? Was the success of the 2015 election, which saw an incumbent president defeated for the first time in the country's history, a triumph of structures and processes or simply a function of the moral integrity of the INEC leadership? If an individual of less moral fibre than Jega assumes the office, will we be back to the days of electoral impunity? In celebrating the outcome of the last election, are we overlooking the more critical task of institutionalizing electoral integrity irrespective of the personality of the occupant of the office of INEC Chairman at any point in time? Contrary to the widespread commendation of Jega's handling of Orubebe's attempt to abort the electoral process, Dr Thomas finds the INEC Chairman's response too sentimental, personalised and patronising. As Jega remonstrated with Orubebe at the time "Mr Orubebe, you are a former Minister of the Federal Republic; you are a statesman in your own right, and you must be careful about what you say and about the allegations or accusations that you make. And certainly you must be careful about your public conduct". According to Dr Thomas, "This in a sense was more of a personal and emotive appeal to Orubebe not to desecrate the elite institution which they both represent. It was simply an ego-massaging vituperation that evoked more of social identification than political morality". Dr Thomas appears too harsh in his assessment of Jega's response to Orubebe. If the INEC Chairman had reacted in accordance with the full powers of his office, could he have trusted the security agencies to cooperate with him? Couldn't he have in fact fallen into what may have been a clever ploy to cause chaos and render the entire process inconclusive? Yet, I understand the point Thomas is making. If Orebebe had rejected Professor Jega's moral suasion, what would have happened? If such an occurrence repeats itself in future, how should it be best handled procedurally and legally rather than sentimentally and through moral sermonising which may prove ineffectual? What can be done to ensure in future that the electoral umpire is able to exercise the necessary control over the security agencies without which it cannot effectively undertake its task of conducting free, fair and credible elections as well as ensuring that the results are respected by all? Now that it is in power, the APC has a moral obligation as part of its promised change agenda to strengthen the electoral process by enhancing the autonomy of INEC and other institutions of state to insulate them from partisan influences. On a lighter note, I also believe that the monumental role of the former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, during her husband's tenure particularly as the wife of an ethnic minority president deserves intellectual attention. I suggest a tentative study titled "Ebullient First Ladyism As An Antidote to Geo-ethnic Majority Parapoism"!

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

And the beat goes on

T’S exciting being with soccer fans during matches, with their rib crackers targeted at outstanding players and the fumbling ones. After the game between Chelsea and Swansea, a colleague sent us all reeling when he said John Mikel Obi’s bench role had assumed a new dimension – “Look, wetin una dey talk? Which kind bench warmer be Mikel sef, since how many years now? Mikel bench role don get seat belt; abi una no get eyes to see say dem don strap Mikel for the bench? Abeg no tell me say Mikel wan make im contract end jare! Na so he go siddon look so tay this season go end.” Indeed, the seriousness with which this colleague lamented Mikel’s serial presence on the bench sparked the debate on his stay at

Stamford Bridge instead of joining Al Ain, like his Super Eagles mate, Emmanuel Emenike. Another colleague took on this Mikel critic, insisting that the Nigerian international shunned Inter Milan to remain at Chelsea. Not one to run away from challenges, the Mikel critic fired back, referring to the internet to buttress his facts. If you think that was the end of the debate, Mikel’s apostle also went to the internet to show the story where indeed the Chelsea star was mentioned in an Inter Milan transfer rumour. Yes, this will be the trend anytime matches are played until the end of May 2016. My take on this Mikel-at-Chelsea saga is that we should respect the player’s decision. His plans are close to his chest. He will quit at the appropriate time. Not playing regularly for

Chelsea is a function of the type of tactics Jose Mourinho has for each game. Besides, Chelsea has over 50 matches to play this season - if they play to their strength. It is only fair to expect Mikel to play enough of these matches, injury permitting. I would rather have Mikel play for Chelsea than to be a regular in smaller European teams. Mikel will learn more on the intricacies of the game under Mourinho’s tutelage than with any Lilliputian manager. Mikel’s game has improved since he joined Chelsea. The only difference is that he ceased to be an offensive player. Mikel has played for every Chelsea manager since he joined The Blues. And this says a lot about the quality of his talent. Who says Mikel cannot retire from the game after his contract at Chelsea

next year? Must Mikel play the game forever? I thought I had seen the last of such postmatch debates until I was confronted by a fan of Arsenal who screamed: “Oga, una wey dey talk for television, make una tell Mourinho make e come return our money wey we pay for Cech o! Cech kill us against West Ham. I never see that kind thing. Wo, I never enter my house since Sunday. I dey run from my friends. Dem go kill me.” I was awed because this raving Gunner was really pained by his team’s home loss to West Ham. Sadly his message amounts to shouting in the desert because I couldn’t help him. Of course, his rants wouldn’t get to Arsenal’s management in London. But I can bet that that angry man would be the first person to watch Arsenal’s away game against Crystal Palace. Fans must understand that every game has its own strategy. Gunners have lost their opening

•Continued on Page 63

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