August 23, 2015

Newspaper of the Year

Army chief escapes Boko Haram ambush

Page 6

Soldiers kill five insurgents in gun battle

Lawan group seeks removal of Ndume, Na’Allah as Senate leaders Page 6

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.09, No. 3316

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

AUGUST 23, 2015

N200.00

Oshiomhole: Why Jonathan, aides must face probe Page 4

No alternative to Buhari, says Obasanjo Fed Govt goes tough on visa issuance Page 5

80 Boko Haram men join ISIS in Libya, Niger

ICPC seizes highcourtworker’s N88.5m estate

•Applicants jogging during recruitment into Cross River State Green Police in Calabar...yesterday.

ROBBERY, KIDNAPPING KINGPINS IN TROUBLE, SAYS IG

Page 6

Page 6

PAGE 2

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

Jail spots sheets hanging from cell, foiling escape attempt

S

TAFFERS at a jail in eastern Washington state foiled an escape attempt by spotting a long trail of knotted bed sheets hanging from the window of a cell housing a suspect in a murder-for-hire plot.

They saw the rope of sheets that nearly reached the ground around 4:30 a.m.

Thursday and put the Spokane County Jail on lockdown. The escape “was thwarted by the good work of the staff,” FBI spokesman Frank Harrill told the Spokane newspaper The Spokesman-Review.

The cell belongs to James Henrikson, a felon linked to fraud and terror in North Dakota. He was sent to Washington state to face federal charges of ordering the killings of a business associate that owed him nearly $2 million and his former trucking company employee.

After finding the dangling sheets, officials moved Henrikson and a cellmate to another part of the jail. The cell window is about 4 feet tall but less than 5 inches wide, according to Spokane County Jail Commander John McGrath.

In February, authorities investigated after another inmate reported that Henrikson planned to escape by having a team attack a U.S. Marshals Service van with guns, grenades and gasoline, according to court records.

Last September, Henrikson was indicted on murder-for-hire charges in the deaths of Doug Carlile and Kristopher “K.C.” Clarke in Washington state. He was extradited to Washington from a North Dakota jail, where he was being held on illegal weapons charges.The indictment came nine months after Carlile, 63, was shot in the kitchen of his house in an upscale Spokane neighborhood after returning from church, and 2½ years after Clarke, 30, was last seen at Henrikson’s trucking company, Blackstone LLC. Clarke’s body has never been found.

CAPTURED

Catching her young?

Is this child abuse or teaching how to do business? This young girl was caught hawking for her parents in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.

PHOTO MUYIWA HASSAN

L

AST week, Bode George, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, retired naval commodore and former Military Governor of Ondo State, wrote what in his estimation passes for a moving eulogy on Oba Okunade Sijuwade, the Ooni of Ife. Entitled “Oonirisa: Passage of a Great Monarch,” the wellwritten eulogy was however full of misinformation, vexatious generalisations, and outright mendacity. Having been gifted the honorary title of Atoona Oodua, which he translated as “the traditional pathfinder of our ancestral beginning,” Chief George had ample reasons to lyricise his benefactor. He pursued the exercise with unabashed candour. But he had no reason to lie or mislead the public, if that habit were not second nature to him.

The late Oba Sijuwade undoubtedly won the plaudits heaped on him by Chief George, for, after all, virtually all other eulogies spoken or written on the oba by commentators from diverse backgrounds agreed in tone and vigour with that of the PDP chieftain. Had Chief George limited himself to simply eulogising the late monarch, few eyebrows

sunday@thenationonlineng.net

Bode George and Ooni of Ife eulogy tions.’ Chief George was simply being frivolous with language. Not only was the summit an embodiment of political biases, contrary to his asseveration, it was a mortifying exemplification of ideological contentions, probably the most pernicious the crowd that gathered on that university campus could muster and dispense.

Fourth, Chief George claimed the summit celebrated Yoruba roots and reinforced Yoruba identity as a (nationally) unifying factor. These claims were grandiose and bogus. If any celebration took place on the OAU campus on November 28, 2014, it was but a garish display of vanity, fashion and meretriciousness. There was neither depth nor substance in what took place on that campus: not in the discussions, which were rambling and ignoble, nor in the personalities that gathered, the most notable among whom was the garrulous and fawning Governor Ayo Fayose who debauched the

entire meeting with his violent hysterics and loud denunciations of former president Olusegun Obasanjo.

Chief George then implausibly concluded his eulogy by claiming that “All prominent sons and daughters of Oduduwa graced the occasion without partisan recourse.” This absolutely fictional account of what was supposed to have transpired on the OAU campus last November has value only as a fecund piece of Georgian imagination well scripted. It has no bearing on reality. The only people appearing to resemble prominence in the summit were a few Southwest PDP bigwigs, most of them without any electoral value, as the general election of 2015 was shortly to demonstrate.

The so-called Yoruba Unity Summit was organised by Chief George to massage the ego of the pressured former president Goodluck Jonathan. He had been trailing in the polls and needed a jolt of public relations

Vacuous Fayose looks for a fight. Ignore him

is no iota of truth in the lying and thuggish Mr Fayose. He embodies the worst forms of administrative incompetence and lack of imagination. His attacks should be understood as a desperate ploy to rouse his increasingly disenchanted state behind him, taking their eyes from his ineffective government. The Buhari presidency should ignore him. Instead, let the relevant agencies intelligently deal with him according to the law. He has offended the law and constitution enough to warrant being taken to the showers.

would have been raised. But in his effusions, amplified by purple prose, the PDP chieftain, a self-confessed conservative and bold and unapologetic enemy of the progressives, dragged Oba Sijuwade, corpse and rites, into his mendacious accounts of recent political events.

Chief George spoke proudly of Oba Sijuwade’s last public outing in November 2014, the Yoruba Unity Summit, held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. In just one paragraph of four sentences, the PDP chieftain managed to tell a lie in every sentence. First, he claimed for himself the privilege of assisting Oba Sijuwade to organise the summit. He may be the Atoona Odua, with all the grand import of the honorary title, and Oba Sijuwade might indeed be his genuine benefactor, but it is doubtful whether the late monarch actually conceived the summit and, feigning ignorance of the liability Chief George’s name constituted to

G

OVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State is one of the most vocal critics of President Muhammadu Buhari. During the campaigns, he was trenchant on anything and anybody who caught his hideous fancy.

He went as far as saying that should Buhari be elected, he was unlikely to survive the ordeal of ruling Nigeria for long. Condemned for his shrill rhetoric, and denounced for his lack of restraint and wisdom, the uppity governor

such a grand task, asked the Atoona Odua to help convoke the summit. Chief George can sometimes be amusingly self-effacing. What is more likely to be the truth, a fact many commentators attested to last November, is that Chief George actually inspired the summit, and merely borrowed Oba Sijuwade’s name to sanctify and canonise a gathering many considered to be partisan and dubious.

Second, Chief George claimed the summit was predicated on the search for ‘unity and brotherhood in the Yoruba nation.’ This was an egregious lie.

If anything, the summit was predicated on the totally abhorrent premise of convoking a gathering designed to show Chief George’s invitees as the cream of Yoruba leadership, irrespective of the summit’s capacity to harden divisions among the Yoruba. Third, the PDP chieftain pontificated that the summit eschewed ‘political biases or ideological conten-

nonetheless intensified his vitriolic attacks on the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). After the polls, he appeared to have a change of heart, attributing his immoderation to the cruel and demanding exigencies of politics. He enjoined the then president-elect to take the attacks in good faith and let bygones be bygones.

Months after the inauguration of the Buhari government, however, Mr Fayose has

continued to sustain perhaps the most affronting and bilious attacks on President Buhari. He accuses him of being a hypocrite whose anticorruption war is aimed at undermining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or of deliberately concocting ‘sinister plots’ to undermine the Ekiti government. He self-righteously and grandiloquently sees himself as the only exponent of “strong and truthful stand on national issues.”

As everyone knows, there

electricity to rekindle his flagging campaign in the Southwest. He therefore dutifully attended the summit and pledged he would protect and advance Yoruba interest far more assiduously than he did in his first term. In return, he secured the approbation of the summiteers, all of them PDP supporters needing neither sermons nor conversion, and having an eye on the main chance.

Chief George penned the eulogy to reinforce the image of Oba Sijuwade as a gem. It however achieved the contrary objective of reminding the public how the controversial politics, if not the disputed principles, of the late first class oba tended to vitiate his transcendental image as the Oonirisa, an oba who nearly transformed into a living deity, an oba who could neither do wrong nor even think wrong. The Georgian eulogy will lead many analysts to question the traditional propriety and wisdom of conferring a glittering title on a man so undeserving of the honour.

Those who know Chief George, however, would not be too shocked by his ‘dazzling’ portraiture of Oba Sijuwade. It is in Chief George to hate his opponents with perfect hatred, and to revere his benefactors with unfathomable lack of moderation and grace.

By ADEKUNLE ADE-ADELEYE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

The trial of Bishop Kukah P

OOR Mathew Hassan Kukah!

He has had it up to the nape of his cassocks. The torrents of abuse have now transformed into a tsunami of vilification. It was just as well that the week ended with the congregation of Catholic Bishops removing the ground from under Bishop Kukah by wholeheartedly supporting President Buhari’s anti-corruption hurricane.

Never in Nigeria’s public history has a hitherto respected man of god tumbled so fast in public esteem.

Never has a man so widely admired for his cutting intellect become a master of pompous equivocation and fatuous obfuscation. Never has the implacable Nigerian intellectual lynch mob been so fast and furious in dismembering and devouring its victim.

It is a sad spectacle, and a consuming Nigerian tragedy to boot. Many of us who consider ourselves friends and admirers of the gutsy and cerebral Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese can only watch in pained silence as the man of god appears to unravel in a drama of self-demystification. But in revolutionary situations, everybody must answer their fathers’ name and one must be ready to drop a friend because of principles rather than drop principles because of a friend.

These must be revolutionary times in Nigeria indeed. It is only in revolutionary times that people lose total respect for priestly cassocks and other symbols of traditional authority. It is only in revolutionary times that the sacred become desacralized in bitter profanity and people move from hero to zero. The man of the people becomes the enemy of the populace. The dark night does not recognize sacerdotal distinction. As the mob brays in implacable distemper, the expiring ruling class that has held Nigeria hostage must note this development.

Bishop Kukah’s superiors in the Nigerian Catholic nomenklatura must be clicking their tongue in sagely relish. A child can have as many new clothes as an elder, but he can never have as many rags. Many of the superiors of the Sokoto Bishop must be rubbing their palms in smirking satisfaction. Only the barely discerning would not have noticed a certain froideur, a chilly discomfort among the Catholic hierarchs as Kukah rose to secular apotheosis as a liberating theologist and friend of the rich and powerful at the same time.

As the Yoruba will put it, nobody must stop a youngster from climbing the hill of Langbodo.

In retrospect, perhaps it will be said that the Sokoto bishop chose the wrong time to cross the Homeric frontline between the Nigerian powerful and the teeming powerless; and between whistle blowing against the powerful or becoming a loud and brash megaphone of its rearguard rally. Not even the most gifted and proficient trickster knows when the trick will fail, and in revolutionary situations one cannot be too careless in his choice of enemies.

The last straw, it seems, is Kukah’s stirring at the behest of the controversial Peace Committee. Let it be bluntly and baldly stated that this committee is not about peace at all. It materialized as a last ditch ruling class initiative to force General Buhari to accept dishonorable defeat and hence to stave off the revolutionary turmoil and anarchy that would have accompanied electoral miscarriage. It is a wearisomely familiar Nigerian ploy to impose “peace” in the absence of social and political justice. But they misjudged the mood of the nation and the fact that Nigerians have had it with their ilk.

Bar a few misguided ones who are glad to be dredged up from peat bog of political oblivion and the odd naïve do-gooders, most of our newly minted peaceniks are compromised

S

COLUMN

3

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Kukah

and no matter his public grandstanding and defiance of the gravitational pull of seamy scandals, the plucky priest must be having some anxious private moments. Even if they remain at the level of mere allegations, that they are ever broached at all shows how public perception can be influenced by the power and putrescence of offensive associations.

The bishop’s cup is full and it overflows indeed.

It may well be too late to ask the august catholic prelate to return to base. For a man of such calm and deliberate mien, such choices are not lightly made in the first instance. As we have said, everybody must answer to his patronymic in these perilous times. Like a savage hawk remarkable for its hunting prowess and ferocious precision, the Nigerian ruling class knows the particular moment to home in on its intended prey and which foibles and personal peccadilloes to zero in upon.

In a postcolonial society infamous for its political dysfunctionality , the transition from civil society activist to state actor is a very precarious affair indeed. In Nigeria, only few people, if any at all, have been able to manage the transition without major scars. This is because inchoate and disadvantaged civil society feels abandoned and neglected by one of its own. Like vultures waiting for the ethically deceased, they bid their time waiting to take their pound of flesh or carrion and the quiet hysteria of private abandonment soon gives way to the public hullabaloo of angry and messy divorce.

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese seems to have had it coming for quite some time. There might have come a time when a practical patriot like Kukah might have come

scoundrels working for the old regime and traditional mischief-makers on a typical pay day. Available reports indicate that some of them were already privately gloating about the inevitability of a Jonathan victory. They came to bury Buhari and not to praise him. But it bombed spectacularly. Perhaps this is one of the “spectacular” things that Jonathan did which Kukah referred to with deliberately oblique disingenuity.

Having failed in their core mission, they have now transformed into a “peace” council to disturb the peace of the nation, and to stalemate the inevitable sanitization of the polity.

They have gone about endlessly chattering about due process and the fact that this is a democracy and not a military order. One wonders how democracy and due process would have fared had they succeeded in suborning the sovereign electoral will of Nigerians.

Let this be the last time President Buhari will give them a decent hearing.

Kukah’s attempt to defend the motive of the peace council has brought a gale of angry denunciations

on the internet and social media with many of them charging the Catholic supremo with perfidy and betrayal.

This columnist read about three hundred of these angry rebuttals and only a few were willing to stake their integrity on the integrity and honesty of the bishop. It was redolent of pent up fury and misgivings, as if they have been waiting for Kukah to cross the line.

Kukah’s attempt to correct a purportedly mischievous slant that gave the impression that the council went up to President Buhari to bargain for a soft landing for the disgraced and discredited Jonathan drew even more tempestuous tirades. And then in the unkindest cut of all, a shadowy and hitherto unknown organization going by the name of CUPS came out to directly impugn Kukah’s integrity and claims to probity in a well-detailed allegation of sleaze and corruption.

This column will refrain from publicizing the salacious and insalubrious details, but they go to show how far Bishop Kukah’s stock has fallen. It is a remarkable development

T

Impatient with patents

HE Economist is at it again. The influential and agenda-setting London weekly magazine is famous for testing the fast moving waters of global modernity particularly as they concern the intellectual, political and economic exceptionalism of the west. You may not always agree with its AngloAmerican side-nettings but there is no point denying the intellectual verve, the brilliant prose and the logical bravura of its merciless exposition.

In its penultimate edition, the great London magazine set the cat of innovative and paradigmatic thinking among the pigeons of modernist mediocrity by arguing convincingly, it seems, for the abolition of the regimen of patents as we know it because it stifles and stymies scientific discoveries and their immediate application. Set innovation free, the iconic intellectual powerhouse of western domination screamed.

Oh dear, oh dear. This is the intellectual equivalent of The Economist’s economic mantra of deregulation and the free market, this time at the level of ideas and practical innovations in a universe of monological ideas pretending to the status of global verity. How can patents which are the fathers and guardians of invention become the enemy of progress and the inflow of vital scientific developments to the expanding frontiers of the knowledge economy?

The argument is set forth with compelling brilliance and a surfeit of damning empirical evidence. It would appear that in a world in which innovation and invention are driven solely by profit motive rather than a genuinely human desire to solve hu-

man problems, prospective patent holders and their Shylock legal protectors have become enmeshed in a tangle of obstruction and obfuscation which prevent knowledge sharing and the swift application of urgent innovations for the benefit of humanity.

But where does that leave Africa and particularly Nigeria where both patents and innovative scientific thinking are at their rudimentary and almost primitive level? Only scientific innovations original to Africa and innovative thinking that focuses on the political, economic and spiritual peculiarities of its people will set the continent free. As a conquered and psychologically subdued race, we are yet to embark on this arduous journey of selfdiscovery. To discover the world, you must first discover yourself.

Yet in the great sanctuaries of innovative thinking of the world, whenever great scientists and people of profound cutting edge intellect are gathered, you can be sure that at least one of these avatars is of African extraction. From the days of Hannibal, the great Roman general of Carthaginian extraction, Africa exports what it doesn’t have in abundance only to import what it has in abundance. This is the surest route to continental extinction.

But the journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.

It is very heartwarming to note that President Buhari is thinking of gathering together a team of entrepreneurs and practical scientific innovators that will seriously address the problems of technological underdevelopment in Nigeria and the dearth of original ideas

applicable to our dire and desperate situation.

Penultimate Thursday, snooper spent the entire afternoon at Ikoyi Club mulling over the prospects with Femi Olugbile, one of Nigeria’s leading psychiatrists and innovative thinkers. A star student in medical college, tears welled up in Olugbile’s eyes as he lamented the professorial penury that has overtaken many of his colleagues and former teachers. The truly gifted must chafe at the current Nigerian university system and the abysmal self-abasement of its most outstanding and illustrious denizens.

The problem, in his view, is that most of the research in Nigerian universities is geared towards climbing the professorial ladder without any thought to applicability or naturalization. This is the syndrome of aping western epistemology which Lee Kuan Yew dissects so brilliantly. After the tomes of erudite irrelevancies and professorial ennoblement, the journey back to the village and bucolic bitterness begins.

By midnight, Olugbile had sent forth his thoughts on the matter as encapsulated in a recent lecture on patents and intellectual property. It is an engrossing read. In Britain, the Industrial Revolution was powered by small scale industries and relentlessly inventive thinking. When scientific innovations meet ready sponsors, the frontiers of knowledge and enlightenment expand dramatically, spiritual hocus-pocus retreats and a nation is on the road to self-created prosperity and stable governance. These are the resources for a redemptive journey for Nigeria.

to the conclusion that it might be better and more nation-rewarding to remonstrate with the Nigerian powers that be at close proximity than to demonstrate against them from a far distance.

As a minority scion of the most minority of ethnic formations, Kukah might have concluded that he stood no chance raising hell among the hellbound majority monsters—as he himself once memorably dismissed Nigeria’s major ethnic formations. It may well turn out to be a bridge too far, but in the brutal power calculus of Nigeria’s political coliseum, innocence is not a virtue but a symptom of suicidal naivety.

Who will then speak and speak up for the Nigerian minority ethnic subaltern? As a devoted watcher of Nigeria’s volatile and explosive political gymnasium, this columnist entered into a private correspondence with the father who art in Kaduna then over his seemingly seamless transition from civil society activist to state actor. Yours sincerely wanted to know whether the transition was conscious or seemingly unconscious. It was a particularly illuminating exchange whose details must remain private and confidential.

What did it for this columnist was Kukah’s out of proportion reaction to a Soyinka piece detailing the ills and ailments of the Nigerian postcolonial state. As usual with the implacably agonistic Nobel avatar, it was a merciless and astringent critique dripping with venom and vitriol. The old literary lion does not take hostages in these matters. But anybody who has watched Nigeria’s descent into political infamy over the decades would side with Soyinka’s angst about the fate of his beloved country.

What seemed to have drawn Bishop Kukah’s particular ire was Soyinka’s damning conclusion that nothing good could come out of the Nigerian state as it was constituted. It is interesting and intriguing that Soyinka’s response to Kukah was a mixture of puckish humour and elderly irritation. Subsequent events seem to have proved the Nobel laureate right.

Thereafter, certain changes in Kukah’s public personae became noticeable as he moved closer and closer to the sanctuary of state power. An imperious swagger seems to have been added to the bouncy gait even as a pompous and pomaded puffery became the order of the day. A moody irascible brio and prickly condescension became the sine qua non of Kukah’s public engagements. The bishop’s secular beatitude was in full progress.

But such beatitudes do not beautify, and neither do they ennoble in the tumultuous and turbulent context of a postcolonial nation roiling in crisis and contradictions. In such circumstances and situations, it is the bounden duty of all men of god to speak truth to secular power and not to become carpetbaggers and reactionary rearguard rallying points for the retrogressive and anti-progress rump of a failed ruling class.

The current pope is an outstanding exemplar of this sacred moral responsibility to the powerless of the earth; and so was the old much admired and revered Polish pope, the illustrious Cardinal Karol Wojtyla.

We dare say that in the last decade and a half beginning with the Oputa Panel, Bishop Kukah has been rather remiss in that historic and sacred duty.

If it is not too late, this gifted priest should find his route back to public restitution and redemption.

4

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

NEWS

Why Jonathan, aides must be probed, by Oshiomhole

I

S the Buhari administration selective in its corruption war? No, says Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, who dismissed such allegations by aides of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its senators.

According to the governor, President Muhammadu Buhari has not done anything out of place by beaming his anti-corruption searchlight on those who ran the nation's affairs and managed the economy in the last dispensation.

The governor spoke during a reception held in Abuja on Friday night by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) for the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity,Mr. Femi Adesina, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity,Mallam Garba Shehu, both of whom are former President of the guild.

Oshiomhole, who represented the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the event's Chairman, said: "They (Adesina and Garba) are serving a President who appreciates that these problems have to be confronted headlong: a President who boldly told the world that the issue of corruption, if it is not killed, it will kill us. And since we don't want to die, we have to kill corruption.

"But the forces behind corruption are powerful; some are visible and some are not visible. They are men and women of means.

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

Many are even billionaires in dollar and euro.

"Now where are the forces that will queue behind the president to confront the drivers of corruption? As you can see, people are already asking questions about due process, people are asking questions about selective prosecution and so on.

"And it will be the job of Shehu and Femi to remind people that if you managed a house for 16 years and members of the community believe that the house has not been properly managed and that the reason for the mismanagement is that some people wilfully resorted to corrupt practices, you can only deal with those in that house, the people who had responsibility for managing the house.

"So when you select those people and deal with them, of course it is selective.

You can only select from among those who are involved with crime. Editors will help to take this to our people."

He wondered why those crying foul now kept silent when many wrongdoings were carried out under Jonathan.

His words: "my helicopter was stopped when I was going to Ekiti State as a governor with immunity. I was stopped by a low-level military officer from flying to Ekiti because my purpose was to campaign. I didn't quite hear pastors protest on my behalf.

"When Rotimi Amaechi was detained by a Commis-

sioner of Police in Rivers State and they moved tankers to Government House, heavens didn't fall."

Stressing that it is impossible to fight corruption without having casualties,Oshiomhole said:"it is only in Nigeria that ,for 16 years, a particular political party was in power, they were fighting corruption war but there were no casualties. It is like the Nigerian Police that sees criminal and shoot into the air."

He said that for once Nigeria now has a President with enormous political will to get the job done.

"Whether in the course of doing it, he will make a mistake that he will become too careful as to leave the job undone. For all of us who agree, lamentations won't be our portion forever. It is time to get organized and deal with these issues."

He urged editors to support the two presidential media aides in the discharge of

their duties.

"As spokesmen for the President, they have a huge task but the men and women (editors) in this hall have what it takes to make their job less challenging," he said.

"For me, the media are the best fighters. If you don't fight, the society will not grow. Garba, keep fighting; Adesina, keep fighting; editors keep fighting until the war against corruption is won; until Nigeria is free."

The NGE Acting President,Mallam Garba Mohammed, said that the event was to express the editors' happiness at the appointment of the presidential aides.

He described them as round pegs in round holes and a perfect team for the job.

"We will be with them through thin and thick," he stated.

The two presidential aides were also presented with gifts during the event.

• Assistant Director, Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, NAFDAC, Mr Francis Ononiwu (left) and Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) Lagos, Mr Gabriel Abafi, speaking to newsmen, during the parade of suspected dealers PHOTO: NAN on fake bottled wine and juices in Lagos yesterday.

No alternative to Buhari, says - Obasanjo

F

ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has said there is no alternative to President Muhammadu Buhari or his leadership style because of the peculiar period in the country’s life.

He urged Nigerians to support Buhari to bring about the desired “change” in the country.

Obasanjo noted that a lot of things that were left undone in the last six years are hurting the country today but said there is a ray hope in the government of President Buhari that the expected change for the better would soon come.

The former President made this declaration at the weekend when a delegation of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), led by the Vice President, Ogunkunade Oluwatoyin, visited him at his residence on Presidential Hilltop Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Obasanjo who is a former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before quitting party politics early this year, said he stuck out his neck for change during the last general elections because things were no longer going the way it ought to be for the country.

The former president

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

spoke in response to the demands of the students, particularly as it concerns fighting corruption, security, economy, unemployment and improvement in the standard of education.

He noted that God loves Nigeria and that he would continue to support and pray for the success of President Buhari and his administration.

Obasanjo said: “ I will underline what I regard as the most important right now which is key that deals with almost all the points that you raised and that is the issue of leadership. I believe very sincerely that God loves this country.

“I have said it on a number of occasions that when you go through the history of this country, particularly during the pre-independence and how many times we have gone through difficult times but we have not fallen over, you would say like I have said over a number of times that God really loves this country.

“And the general elections you talked about is a typical section of it, many people believe that after that election there will be no more Nigeria, many had

even sent their families abroad, to some of us there is no where we can live abroad they will say you with all your mouth that you were running so you can even run out of Nigeria and come here.

“I have nowhere else that I can go and live in except Nigeria. Some said that they know the NADECO route but I do not know the route and I do not want to know it. So God did it almost miraculously and the election took place although some did not want it to take place but it took place.

“And some did help in no small measure to make sure we that got what God has destined for Nigeria.

But in the first instance, we must give thanks to God and in the second instance we must thank those that made sure that we had a change and a credible change and the relative peace that we enjoyed before, during and after the election.”

The former president continued, “The issue of good leadership which was what many of us were clamouring for. There is no angel, for me there is no messiah except Jesus Christ, but there are leaders who are concerned about what is happening in this country,

leaders that are so passionate about this country and who are ready to stick out their necks for this country and God has given us such an individual as the President of the country.

“What has happened is an indication that change has come and that our dreams may come true.

But all that is required of everyone, young and old, youths and even students is to give unalloyed support to the government and where we believe that we should give criticism that is objective and positive we should give.

“For me these points that you have made about what is going on in this country, about corruption, about the economy, about security, we all know these and that is why some of us prepared to stick out our neck to achieve change because most of these things have not been addressed for the past six years.

“And how can anybody tell us that they will be addressed the next four years but now we have seen a ray of hope, so I will say let us encourage where we need to encourage, let us be objective where we need to be objective, let us show solidarity where we need to show solidarity.”

He added that nobody is too young or too old to give meaningful contribution,” even what you are doing here is part of it, but do not limit it here, let us take it to them, those at the Senate, House of Representatives, those at the state level men and women of goodwill in this country.”

According to him, “God forbid that this present democratic dispensation should fail, because we have no other alternative and that is why I said that the present administration should succeed there is no excuse and that is why I am so concern about the success of this administration.

“Say whatever you like about me, I pray and I will work for the success of this government. There is no alternative to democracy, the alternative to democracy is even worse than the imperfection of democracy.”

Going down memory lane, the former president said, “I am a victim of military regime, I was put in jail and meant to be killed by (the Sani Abacha regime)..If there was democracy there might have been fair amount of trial. So I heard you, I note your request and as time goes by when I do have opportunity in the community of leaders when you want me to pass your

message, I will deliver your message.

“But one of the things that gives me great concern is youth employment, there is no employment for the youths in this country.

Somebody told me that we can admit about seven thousand students in a year but those who seek admission into the university probably double that number.

“We need to be mindful of job creation and wealth creation, it does not matter what university you attended, you must be mindful that job creation and wealth creation to the next generation.

“If you don’t have a target about the actions that you are about to take then you do not have anything to work up to. I believe that having a target is necessary.

Let me give the history of the Nigeria’s civil war. I was one of those who did the appreciation of the war and wrote the order (plan) we thought that the war would end in six months and we made a plan for six months, but the war took 30 months but you cannot just leave it open, it must be an open ended, now fix a target and then those who are to carry it out will know that they have time and space within which to work.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

NEWS

Fed Govt goes tough on visa issuance T to stop terrorists O ensure that undesirable elements do not enter the country, the Federal Government has directed it missions to adopt strict visa issuance policy.

The directive followed the botched attempt by the Chief Imam of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), Ahmed Al-Assir, to enter Nigeria. Visa applicants from marked areas will, henceforth, be subjected scrutiny, sources said.

Security agencies have already stepped up investigation into Al-Assir's possible contacts in Nigeria.

There will also be increased profiling of Nigerians travelling to suspected ISIS strongholds and visiting foreigners. An agency report yesterday said that Boko Haram has dispatched between 80 and 200 of its members to team up with ISIS in the Libyan city of Sitre.

The report added that Algerian security forces believe that Boko Haram members are currently fighting in northern Niger Republic.

There were concerns that some ISIS members might have sneaked into Nigeria to Boko Haram.

A government source said yesterday that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has directed all

•Foreign missions to adopt strict policy •Boko Haram fighters found in Libya, northern Niger From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Nigerian missions abroad to "be strict with visa."

"The end of carefree issuance of visa is gone, all the missions have been directed to subject applicants to thorough screening before they can enter Nigeria," a source said.

"Special attention will be paid to ISIS prone areas and allies in some countries. We have records of the operation areas and affiliates of ISIS. "Those coming from suspected areas will henceforth provide comprehensive details of their contacts, hosts and itinerary to the Nigerian Immigration Service(NIS).

"These are preemptive measures we have in place pending the conclusion of investigation into the visa row of Al-Assir."

It was also gathered that security agencies have been analysing the preliminary

report from the Nigerian Embassy in Lebanon on how the ISIS Chief Imam obtained visa with a fake Palestinian passport.

The probe is being handled by the Department of State Services (DSS), National Intelligence Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) , Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the NIS. A source familiar with the development said: "We cannot afford to take things for granted; we are studying the supposed itinerary of Al-Assir based on the decoy documents he used to apply for visa.

"There is a way we can track down his network in Nigeria.

Definitely, it is obvious that he has some links in the country.

"The clues we are investigating border on whether some ISIS members have arrived in Nigeria or if AlAssir was on a mass recruitment mission.

"You know he is also being interrogated by security

agencies in Lebanon, we are going to compare notes with them."

Al-Assir was arrested on August 15 at Beirut's Rafik Hariri International Airport,Lebanon on his way to Nigeria through Egypt.

He has been on the watchlist of Lebanon's security services since 2013.

At the time of his arrest, AlAssir was holding a fake Palestinian passport with Nigerian visa.

Prior to his disguise, the Lebanese government had accused him of alleged involvement in the death of 17 Lebanese soldiers.

He had also been sentenced to death in absentia by a Lebanese Court.

Before Al-Assir's ill-fated trip, the NIS had barred no fewer than 4,916 Nigerians from traveling out of the country between January and March.

Some of those affected were suspected to be travelling to enlist in some terrorist movements, including the Islamic State of Syria and Iraq and the Taliban.

Also, 12,152 foreigners were refused entry into Nigeria because they had no genuine reasons for visiting the country.

5

Nigeria, Cameroon, others to deploy 8,500 troops against Boko Haram •Regional military chiefs finalise deployment

M

ILITARY chiefs from Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic and Benin have finalized details of the deployment of their joint force to fight Boko Haram.

They agreed to set up three command posts in Nigeria and Cameroon, military sources said yesterday.

At a two-day meeting in N'Djamena, which concluded late on Friday, military commanders from the five countries resolved to accelerate the deployment of the 8,700-strong force, which will have its overall command centre in the Chadian capital.

A disjointed campaign

by Nigeria, Chad and Niger swept Boko Haram out of the towns Borno State earlier this year but the terror sect has killed hundreds of people in the last three months in Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

Regional governments have since dragged their heels in establishing the

integrated taskforce, supposed to start operations on July 31.

"We have finalised the details of the deployment of troops," said one officer who took part in the meeting.

"The force commanders will inspect the sites of the barracks in the coming days."

The military sources said the two command posts for the joint force in Nigeria would be in Baga, on the shores of Lake Chad, and in Gamboru, on the border with Cameroon.

The third command post would be established further south in the Cameroonian town of Mora, on the other side of the border from the Nigerian settlement of Gwoza, where Boko Haram formerly had its headquarters.

The chiefs of staff also ordered officers seconded to the headquarters of the force in N'Djamena to report immediately to their posts, as it was almost ready to become operational.

Muslim Body condemns terrorism, extremism

P

• Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike (Right), Senator George Sekibo and Senator Olaka Nwogu during the inspection of an ongoing project in Port Harcourt yesterday.

Boko Haram fighters join ISIS in Libya ,Niger

T

HE net sect, Boko Haram, is believed to have dispatched no fewer than 80 of its members to join forces with the ISIS extremists fighting in Libya, an agency report said yesterday.

Boko Haram insurgents are also suspected to be fighting in Niger Republic in what is being interpreted as the strengthening of its ties with the Islamic State Group.

The sect pledged allegiance to IS's in March. In June BOko Haram was declared its West African province.

About two weeks ago,two young Nigerians from Kano were arrested in India as they made to cross into Pakistan at the border of both countries.

Their destination was Iraq where ISIS is waging a war against the authorities.

Similarly, the Lebanese authorities on August 15 arrested hard-line IS's cleric Ahmad alAssir at Beirut airport while attempting to fly to Nigeria on a forged Palestinian passport

•Terror sect strengthens ties with Islamic State with a Nigerian visa.

The development has sparked a security alert in the country with President Muhammadu Buhari ordering an investigation into how the Nigerian Embassy issued alAssir the visa.

The Sentinel magazine of the Washington-based Jamestown Foundation in an article estimated that between 80 and 200 Boko Haram fighters are currently in the Libyan city of Sirte.

It also said that Algerian security forces believe that Boko Haram fighters have joined other militants in northern Niger.

"The openness of migration routes from Nigeria through eastern Niger to Libya makes travel ... fairly straightforward, and the Islamic State can easily afford to pay smugglers to carry militants (and weapons) along that route," it said.

The Nigeria Immigration Service claimed to have barred 23,472 people from leaving the country between January 2014 and March 2015.

"There have been reports in

recent times of some Nigerians departing to join terrorist groups especially in the Middle East and North Africa," said PR Nigeria, which publishes government news.

ERTURBED by the heat of terrorism and its derogatory effects on Islam, an Islamic group, International Forum for Moderation (IMF) has condemned terrorism in all forms. It charged Muslims to shun extremism.

The best practice for Muslims, according to IMF, is the one that conforms to the by moderate Islamic culture as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

IMF made the call at a two-day international conference held in Lagos with the Theme: "Islam in Africa: Combating extremism and terrorism" at the weekend.

Speaking at the event global president of IFM, Imam Saadiq Al-Mahdi who is the former Sudanese Prime Minister stated that the conference was aimed at addressing the scourge of terrorism and extremism by looking beyond security arrangement.

According to him, the menace of extremism requires comprehensive approach that would identify the causes and proffer lasting solutions to it, warning that terrorism

should not be seen as a phenomenon if truly it will be curbed.

"We should not approach terrorism merely from security arrangement but also device a comprehensive approach that addresses the causes. We as a forum of moderation have gotten to distinguish our position to change the status quo."

The Chairman of the IMF, Nigeria chapter, Dr. Alkhidru Muhammad said the conference was targeted at arresting terrorism that has stained image of Muslims and Islam, and to preach good character among Muslims.

He decried the spate of indiscriminate bombings that have claimed many lives by insurgence in African countries, maintaining that terrorism is not part of Islam, describing the terrorists as unfaithful, uninformed and cowards.

The president of Islamic Peace Society who doubles as a principal partner in organizing the conference, Sheikh Moshood Jibreel enjoined Muslims and nonMuslims to be tolerant and fair to their fellow human beings.

No hiding place for criminals, say northern governors

G

OVERNORS of North Western States and Niger met again in Kaduna on yesterday to review the security approach towards ending cattle rustling and other security challenges in Kamuku and Kuyanbana Forests.

The five Governors of Kaduna, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi and Zamfara states met in June to form a joint security operation against the dreaded Kamuku Forest.

Meanwhile, at the yeterday's review meeting held alongside security chiefs, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna of Kano State and his Sokoto counterpart had joined the five governors to avoid spillover of security challenges around their states when criminals are smoked out of the forest.

Briefing newsmen after the close door meeting which lasted for three hours, Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwwal said they will leave no stone unturned to ensure maximum security in their domain.

He noted that, the

collaborative approach adopted by the states surrounding Kamuku and Kuyanbana Forests has paid off, as it has started yielding positive results.

According to Tambuwwal, "We have resolved to support the security agencies both material, financially and morally to improved security situation and ensure that there is no hideout for criminals in the North-west sub-region.

"The collaboration between the states and Federal Government has been very helpful. So, we just sat to review the way forward and

how to bring about peaceful coexistence in our region.

"With reports reaching us so far from the security operatives, we are satisfied that the operation is successful and moving smoothly. And we are hopeful that in no distance future, peace will return to the region.

"Initially, it was only five states of Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina and Kebbi but today other states like Sokoto and Kano have decided to join hands with the movement to ensure that no hideout for the criminals or terrorists.”

6

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

NEWS

Chief of Army staff escapes Boko Haram ambush

Again, ICPC seizes properties worth N88.5m

I

N furtherance to its fight against corruption, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has again seized four properties belonging to one Joseph Etefia Udoh They are valued at N88.5m.

The properties which are located in Abuja, Akwa Ibom and Kaduna states include two different uncompleted three bedroom Semi Detached Bungalows at Sil Estate, Karmo, Abuja valued at N40million, one uncompleted duplex building located off Brook Street, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, valued at N34million, two different uncompleted three detached bungalow located at Gonin Gora, Kaduna, valued at N8million and four plots of land at Gonin Gora, Abuja Express Way, Kaduna valued at N6.5m.

In a notice of seizure by the Commission dated August 20, 2015 and signed by its Chairman, Ekpo Nta, the ICPC said that: "the Commission has investigated a matter involving a retired Registrar in the Kaduna Judicial Division of the Federal High Court, wherein certain immovable properties owned by the said staff are in issue and to preserve the properties from being sold or tampered with in any manner whatsoever."

Nta also stated that based on Udoh's confessional statement and its investigation, the Commission is of the opinion that the properties are excess of his legitimate earnings.

He further said the notice of seizure of the properties is to be served on the appropriate Land Registries and Departments in all the states where the properties are situated.

Last week the Commission had seized properties of which it said belonged to Niger Delta Ministry staff.

Man held for impersonating exLagos police boss HE Lagos State Police Command has arrested a suspect for allegedly impersonating former Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Mr. Kayode Aderanti.

Mr. Aderanti has been transferred to Abuja.

Twenty-seven year old Friday Aguibosim, according to a police source, who did not want his name mentioned, was arrested on August 12 after opening a Facebook account in the name of the former Lagos commissioner of police.

He was alleged to have "requested policemen who wished to go on a peace keeping mission to pay money into a particular Fidelity Bank account."

"The account was traced to the suspect at Ihiala, Anambra State before he was arrested,'' the source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The source said that Aguibosim had an accomplice, one Emmanuel Ekene, who also operated another Fidelity Bank account but the police said they were still on his trail.

The suspect claimed that it was his cousin, one Victor Uzogba, who received money through the account which he later learnt was fraudulent.

T

•Five insurgents killed •One soldier too From Duku JOEL, Maiduguri

T

• Afghan security forces and residents at the site of a car bomb in Kabul. A suicide car bomb apparently targeting a foreign forces convoy killed three people yesterday. AFP PHOTO

Senators adamant, want Ndume, Na'Allah removed

T

HE Unity Forum in the Senate is insisting on Alhaji Ali Ndume stepping down as Senate Leader and Alhaji Bala Ibn Na'Allah as Deputy Senate Leader as a condition for working with Senate President Bukola Saraki.

Members of the forum want Dr. Ahmed Lawan as Senate Leader with Sen. George Akume as his deputy in line with the recommendations of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It was learnt that the new peace terms accounted for the refusal of the South-West Caucus to fill the slot of the Chief Whip of the Senate allotted to it.

But loyalists of Saraki yesterday said "the conditions are like turning back the hand of the clock."

Some pro-Saraki Senators prefer juicy committees for those in Lawan's camp.

Lawan's supporters, according to investigation said that Saraki cannot be seeking reconciliation without making concessions to show respect for party supremacy.

It was gathered that the two sides had met with President Muhammadu Buhari on how to restore the lingering Cold War in the Senate.

While pro-Saraki Senators

•South-West Caucus spurns Saraki's offer of Chief Whip FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation are pushing for an unconditional behind the Senate. The loyalists reconciliation, those in Lawan's of the President of the Senate want camp said the Senate President to eat their cake and have it." should defer to the party and the A third source said: "When crisis will be over immediately the Abdulsalami Committee he does so. members met with Saraki, they A reliable source, who spoke expressed concern that the crisis in confidence, said: "The loyalists in the Senate was heating up the of Saraki met with President polity.

Muhammadu Buhari for "They also advised Saraki to reconciliation without making accommodate all and ensure any concrete offer to pacify the reconciliation to stabilize the aggrieved.

Senate."

"They only said if all the As at press time, it was not parties are reconciled, they know immediately clear if Ndume's what to do to accommodate all. recent shuttles to the South-West That is a flat and tricky were connected with the reconciliation proposal. demands of the Lawan group, the "They were not forthcoming position of the South-West on the fate of Lawan and Akume Caucus or the peace terms of who are central to the politics in Saraki. the Senate."

"I know Ndume is A respected Senator said: unrelenting in his shuttles and "The aggrieved Senators want talks with party leaders. He seems Ndume and Na'Allah to step to be playing the role of a crisis down for Lawan and Akume in manager now, the source added. line with the wishes of the party.

The letter, referenced APC/ They said the day Saraki defers NHDQ/NAM/01/015/05, said: to the party, the disagreement "Please find below for your within the APC Caucus in the necessary action names of Senate will end. principal officers approved by "The Lawan group said it has the party, after excessive nothing personal against Saraki consultations for the 8th Senate but he should make concessions as follows: Sen. Ahmed Lawan too in order to put the crisis (Majority Leader)--North-East;

Prof. Sola Adeyeye (Chief Whip)--South-West; Sen. George Akume (Deputy Majority Leader) ---NorthCentral; and Sen. Abu Ibrahim (Deputy Chief Whip) ---NorthWest."

But adopting Caucus Politics to sideline the Lawan group, Saraki's power sharing formula led to the emergence of the following principal officers: Ali Ndume( Senate Leader); Bala Ibn Na'Allah( Deputy Senate Leader); Francis Ailimikhene (Deputy Chief Whip).

Although the office of the Chief Whip was ceded to the South-West, Senators from the geopolitical zone have spurned the offer from Saraki.

The Senators from the SouthWest insisted that Lawan and Akume must be accommodated before considering any offer from Saraki.

A Senator said: "Our colleagues from the South-West prefer not to fill the Chief Whip slot at all if Saraki does not make concessions.

"So far, they have spurned the office in spite of the fact that a high-ranking Senator, Prof.

Sola Adeyeye, has been recommended for it."

Police vow to fight robbery, kidnapping kingpins in Southeast, Delta

P

OLICE Inspector General Solomon Arase declared yesterday that the force is poised for battle with kingpins of armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism and other social vices in the Southeast and Delta state axis.

He said the police will collaborate with governments at that level to deal with crime syndicates in the area.

Arase made the pledge in Awka at a South-East/Delta State Security Conference 2015 with the theme “Security, Bedrock of Governance.’’

The crime syndicates, according to him, are operating highly organized networks which must be crushed.

He was confident that the conference would identify ways to replicate the successful security concept being employed in other

climes.

He also called for sustainable regional security framework, joint operation, funding and the political will by the various levels of government within region to make the approach work.

Arase lauded Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra for organising the conference. The governor said the time has come to stand up to all the crimes and criminalities that have stunted economic growth for decades in the region.

Describing security as the panacea for rapid economic growth and development, the governor observed that mankind’s greatest worry has always been how to ensure a safe and secure world.

Said he: “Our world has never been an easy place to live in.

Speaking about mankind’s neverending struggle for a better world, the great French philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the author of The Social Contract, observed in 1762 that “man is born free, and everywhere, he is in chains.”

Ladies and gentlemen, man is in a different kind of chain today.

“The pertinent question we must ask ourselves is how long?

How long shall the South East and Delta State and other contiguous states bear the brunt of brazen criminality and meaningless brigandage? How long shall our people’s well known enterprising spirit be driven away to nourish distant lands while our homeland wallows in squalor?”

He recalled that there was a time Anambra State experienced

waves of gang rules in the commercial city of Onitsha that were so dominant that constituted authorities felt helpless under their brutal onslaught.”The story is very much the same across the states in the region and Delta State. It may vary in degrees from one state to another but this region has had a most troubling crime history for far too long. The time has come to wipe this dark history away!” he said.

In his remarks, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta, described security as the “bedrock of good governance.’’

On his part, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, asked investors from the region to come home and create jobs to reduce the prevalent crime in the area.

he Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai ,almost ran into a Boko Haram ambush yesterday on the Maiduguri-Dikwa road,Borno State.

But his advance team did and lost one soldier.

Five of the terrorists were killed by the advance team in the gun fire exchange.

The soldiers were on their way to Dikwa ahead of Gen.Buratai who is currently visiting troops in towns and villages recently liberated from terrorists in the state.

Four terrorists surrendered.

Also during the trip,the Chief of Army arrested four other suspected Boko Haram members after picking them from the midst of herdsmen.

As Buratai’s convoy was made its way to Dikwa, eagle eyed soldiers grew suspicious of some men among the herdsmen and their cattle.

The COAS ordered the convoy to stop and got four men and an elderly Fulani man arrested.

The Fulani man confessed during interrogation that he met the suspects just before their arrest and had actually forced themselves on his party.

The four confessed that they were indeed members of the terror sect.

They were there and then whisked off to Maiduguri.

The Army Chief visited Dikwa, Mafa and GamboruNgala.

At Mafa, General Buratai commended soldiers of the 7 Division of the army for a job well done.

He assured them of improved welfare and allowances.

He however told the soldiers that “there is still more job to be done and we have to do this once and for all so that all of us can go back to our respective barracks and continue with our normal jobs as soldiers”.

In Dikwa the COAS was welcome with cheers by over 4000 internally displaced persons from Gamboru and neighbouring towns, who were full of praises and prayers for him and his soldiers.

Buratai who addressed them in Kanuri pledged that that they would soon be resettled as his troops are working round the clock to rid the area of terrorists.

In Ngala town, the Army chief met jubilant troops celebrating the liberation of the area.

He was accompanied by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Baba Abubakar who made the trip by air.

CORRECTION Yesterday, we carried a report indicating that the Kogi State House of Assembly ClerkDesignate died in an auto crash. We have since found out that he did not die. The error is regretted. -Editor

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

ITF laments reduced enrolment into technical colleges From: Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos IRECTOR GENERAL of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Dr. Juliet Chukkas-Onaikon has decried the declining percentage of enrollment into technical colleges.

She spoke with reporters at the Centre for Excellence in Bukuru, Jos, Plateau State yesterday.

ITF is the federal establishment responsible for man-power training and development for industries in the country.

Chukkas-Onaikon said: “Our findings have proven that the enrollment into technical colleges especially polytechnics has dropped as low as 20% while enrollment into universities has taken 80%.

“Nigerian youths are more interested in obtaining degrees that will fetch them white collar jobs and not certificates that will give the skills.”

The DG, who described the trend as negative for the industrial development plan of the federal government, said ITF would strive hard to close the widening gap.

This, she said, becomes imperative for Nigeria to succeed in its industrial revolution plan.

“We have embarked on holistic gap survey to identify the skill gaps in the country. We are going to follow this up with a national skill summit to chart a way forward for skill development to empower the unemployed youths and create jobs for them.

“Unless we do that, foreign expatriate will always come to take the opportunity and fill up our skill requirement in this country at the detriment of our youths,” the DG further stated.

D

Osiyemi slams Fani-Kayode

A

FORMER chairman of Mushin local government in Lagos State, Prince Bayo Osiyemi, has carpeted the Director of Media and Publicity to former President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, for advocating Cromwell’s treatment for political leaders.

Declaring the call as “an indirect insurrection against a validly elected democratic government”, Osiyemi said Fani-Kayode’s description amounts to “treason, pure and simple.”

Osiyemi, in a statement yesterday, wondered why the former Aviation Minister did not make similar calls under the Jonathan administration.

According to him: “One could have ignored his call..., but those who are too young to know where he was coming from might be misled into thinking that he had any patriotic fervor in his veins.”

He urged Nigerians to ignore Fani-Kayode’s ranting, stating that security agencies should not “dignify a paper tiger of no known political worth the attention he doesn’t deserve.”

NEWS

Graft: Ex-public officers jittery over planned special courts

K

EY players in the former President Goodluck Jonathan administraion are jittery over President Muhammadu Buhari’s planned special courts for treasury looters, it has been learnt.

Sources told The Nation on Sunday that they are looking for “safelanding”for themselves and their proxies to avoid trial.

The preferred options, sources close to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

said, may include the refund of what they inappropriately acquired while in office.

Plea bargain is also said to be on the cards as some of the officials were ex- functionaries of key federal government ministries, agencies and parastatals.

A party source said many of the lobbyists served in the petroleum ministry

and some of its agencies.

Others are former operators at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), federal revenue board and some maritime agencies, among others.

Media reports indicated that the president may initiate a bill for the establishment of special courts to try corruption cases.

The proposed bill would require the approval of the National Assembly.

Analysts believe that it would be difficult for the

lawmakers to oppose the bill, because of the prevailing mood within and outside the country.

Reports of massive looting of the public till erupted shortly after Buhari assumed office on May 29.

It was also reported that the President might have, through the National Judicial Council (NJC), directed the screening of judges to pick the most suitable among them to serve on the special courts.

L-R: Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi, Adesina; Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), Ima Niboro and Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President, Mallam Garba Shehu at a dinner held for Adesina and Shehu by the Nigerian Guild of Editors(NGE) in Abuja... on Friday Photo: SUNDAY AGHAEZE

Soldiers accuse commanders of ill-treatment

S

OLDIERS undergoing training in Jaji, Kaduna State have condemned “harsh” what they called their treatment by their commanders.

The soldiers include the 225 dismissed officers who have been in detention in 3 Division Jos and the 54 sentenced to death by a curt martial during the Jonathan’s administration for alleged mutiny.

They were pardoned by President Muhammadu Buhari, who directed their readmission into the Nigerian Army.

The pardoned soldiers have been training in Jaji,

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

Kaduna State, for onward deployment to Borno State to sustain the fight against Boko Haram.

Decrying the inhuman treatment by their commanders, one of the soldiers, who craved for anonymity, said: “We are in trouble here.

They are training us to return us to Maiduguri to go and fight Boko Haram but they have not addressed our problems.

“We had no salary since February when we were dismissed and arrested. We were happy that President Buhari ordered that we

should be reinstated but what about our salaries? We are just serving punishment in the camp.”

Another officer alleged: “We learnt that these generals have been given all funds for our upkeep but they (generals) have pocketed the money and left us on our own and we don’t have the means to take care of ourselves.

“For instance, we are 2000 soldiers at the camp in Jaji but they will bring 200 loafs of bread for breakfast.

“In the afternoon they will bring food in food flasks that will not go round us.

Soldiers are fighting over

food in the camp.”

He added: “If they continue to treat us like this, how can we have the energy to fight Boko Haram? They are moving us to Kotangora after the two- week training.

“They have not told us if we have enough arms to fight Boko Haram, which was what led to the mutiny offence last year.

“So, to me, they are trying to sabotage the efforts of President Buhari to fight Boko Haram. They are not helping this country.

“They want us to go and die for nothing like several of colleagues who were killed

by Boko Haram.”

NERC orders restructuring of fixed charges

T

HE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed Distribution Companies (Discos) to restructure their fixed charges so that subscribers do not pay for electricity they do not consume.

The directive is in line with a resolution passed by the Senate for NERC to look into complaints by electricity consumers over indiscriminate billing.

The Discos have also been directed to discontinue the practice of bulk metering.

The Senate, in its resolution following a motion by Senators Sam Egwu (Ebonyi North) and David Umaru

•Discos asked to discontinue bulk metering (Niger East) entitled: “Unfair trade practices of Electricity Distribution Companies in Nigeria” decried the fleecing of Nigerians by Discos through fixed charges and bulk metering among others.

It directed NERC to immediately abolish fixed charges on electricity consumption as well as bulk metering of villages and communities.

In a seven-page response to the Senate’s directive, NERC said it had told the Discos to restructure the fixed charges.

The chairman/Chief Executive Officer NERC, Sam

Amadi, who signed the letter, said even though the fixed charges were not illegal, the commission had been able to intervene in the matter.

He said: “Based on the intervention of the Commission, the distribution companies have agreed to find a way to restructure the fixed charge such that a consumer who does not receive electricity supply does not pay the fixed charge.

“This remodeling of the fixed charge will be part of the ongoing tariff review process being conducted by the distribution companies.

“NERC will continue to ensure that whatever model is presented for its approval is fair and reasonable and ensures the survival of the new electricity market and improves quality of supply to consumers.”

On the vexed issue of bulk metering of customers, the Commission said it totally agreed with the Senate on the need to eliminate the sharp practice.

He added that the Commission has however provided a leeway for estimation in situations where residential meters are not provided to customers.

7

OAU still best university From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan

O

BAFEMI Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife has retained its ranking as the best in the country.

According to the latest web ranking of world universities by the Cybermetrics Lab of Spain, a research group belonging to the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC) reputed to be the largest public research body in the world, OAU remains ahead of others in the nation.

A statement by the institution’s spokesperson, Abiodun Olarewaju, said: “Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife was rated as the best in Nigeria while the Universities of Lagos and Ilorin came a distant 2nd and 3rd in positions.

“This is the first time in the history of higher education in Nigeria where a particular university, like OAU, would maintain being the first and the best in the country for more than four consecutive times.”

OAU’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Bamitale Omole, attributed the consistent ranking of the institution to the hard work and dedication of the academic, administrative and technical staff.

Omole said OAU will not rest on its oars until it becomes the best in Africa and one of the top ten in the world.

DPR shuts down 70 stations

By Akinola Ajibade

T

HE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has shut down no fewer than 70 filling stations Lagos in the last two weeks.

The clampdown was part of efforts to curb sharp practices in the downstream oil and gas sector.

It was gathered that the agency will lock up more stations this week in its drive to tackle operational errors on the part of management of fuel stations.

The DPR also shut down some stations in the Federal Capital Authority ((FCT) Abuja for contravening certain operational rules.

Speaking with The Nation on phone, DPR’s spokesman, George Enitor, said more stations found guilty of breaching operational guidelines will be sanctioned in the next couple of weeks.

He said fuel stations shut down in Lagos include those owned by members of the Major Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN) and Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).

According to him: ‘’The stations were shut down for violating rules. The offences include under- dispensing as evident by inability of the stations to sell accurate volumes or litres of petroleum products to users, selling fuel above the regulated price of N87, diversion of fuel meant for (A )station to probably( B) station.”

8

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

NEWS

Countdown to NAFDAC Summex 2015 begins

P

REPARATIONS have begun for the maiden edition of National Agency of Foods, Drugs and Control (NAFDAC) headline event tagged NAFDAC SUMMEX 2015.

The three-day event scheduled to hold from October 13 to 15, according to the organisers, would be a convergence of all NAFDAC stakeholders for the first time since the establishment of the agency in 1993.

The 'two in one' event, which is targeted at a global audience, will feature a summit and an exhibition at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island Annex in Lagos.

Foreign and local companies, importers and practitioners operating under the statutory regulations and laws establishing the NAFDAC are all expected to be part of the event.

According to agency's consultant on the project, Mr. Jide Fowode, President of Milestone Marketing Ltd, "It has become imperative for NAFDAC to have a full convergence of all her stakeholders on one single platform. This is why NAFDAC Summex is very significant at this time, because since the agency started operations over two decades ago, it has only been reaching out to stakeholders through sectors and groups without having an effective forum that brings all together for effective engagement and interaction.

"It is an international event and we have been planning and working with the leadership of NAFDAC for about 12 months now to ensure we get it right and that we are able to sustain it on an annual basis."

The stakeholders cut across diverse sectors, including drugs and pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, chemicals and other allied sectors.

The event is expected to help shape a better relationship for the agency and its stakeholders, generate a direct feedback from stakeholders and also serve as an annual forum to showcase innovations and ideas.

Father cries out for justice over son’s death

F

ather of a boy killed in a communal clash in Ogun Statte is still distraught over his son’s death.

Akinde said his late son, Bidemi, would have graduated from a vocational training centre on Saturday. Bidemi was gunned down during a violent confrontation between residents of OkeOre community in Ogun State and suspected land grabbers.

Bidemi was reportedly hit by a stray bullet in his ribs.

One popular land speculator, who is suspected to have led the land grabbers to the village, has been arrested by the Police.

Akinde said his son who had just acquired barbing skill would have had his freedom on Saturday. His

T

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

son, he said was unjustly sacrificed to pay the "supreme price" over a land matter.

Akinde added that the arrest and prosecution of the killers would relieve him of his pains. He appealed to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and security agencies to ensure that the dastardly act does not go unpunished.

In an emotion laden voice, the elder Akinde said: "It was callous and inhuman for people to always take laws into their hands. Even if my son cannot be brought back, the killer should be brought to book. The suspected killer has been a thorn in our flesh in this community, and my son has been used to pay the supreme price.

If

government fails to give justice, God will do it for me."

The Jagunmolu of Owuland, Alhaji Shehu Oladunjoye, who also spoke on the development, declared that the land in dispute belongs to Owu section of Egbaland. He wondered how the gang invaded the area "with their suspected caveat emptor."

Oladunjoye spoke with reporters in Abeokuta alongside members of the Oke Ore community.

He disclosed, "The leader of the land grabbers had, before now, been terrorising the community with his gang before the unfortunate incident on Wednesday. He has been terrorising innocent people not only in Oke Ore, but also at Abule Teacher, claiming

that the land belong to Yewa Awori people. We must get justice now. We are calling on the Assistant Inspector General of Police to intervene on this matter."

The Ogun State Police Command has, however, vowed to deal decisively with suspected land grabbers operating in Ifo, Ota, Mowe, Ibafo, Ofada and Ogijo areas of the state, noting that their conduct have been constituting serious threat to the peace and security of the state.

The Command's Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, also assured that suspected land grabbers who stormed the Oke-Ore community, which resulted to the death of Bidemi Akinde would not escape justice.

• Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi (3rd left), Mr. E Oladeji, Vice President, Ibadan Progressive Union (1st left), Dr. A Adeniji, (2nd left), President, Ibadan Progressive Union, Rev. Ademola Moradeyo (3rd right), Baale M.O Alayande (2nd right), and Baale J.K Adedokun, when the executives of the Union visited the governor ...at the weekend.

Ooni final rites: Residents warned to stay indoors as Oro sweeps Ile Ife

Council seizes fake seeds in Ibadan From Sikiru Akinola, Ibadan O rid the market of fake and adulterated seeds, the National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has seized some fake seeds from markets in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Led by its Deputy Director in charge of Quality Control, Mr. Adebayo Agboola, the council went round all major selling points of seeds in the town.

With the assistance of men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the agency visited Moor Plantation, Agbeni, Orogun and major areas of the state.

They seized seeds without identification tag, company label, address and name of the producer.

According to Agboola, the strategic surveillance was one of the routine exercises by the agency to arrest low productivity.

Speaking on the danger of fake seeds, he said: "The loss of the farmers is unquantifiable; we want to have genuine seeds for Nigerian farmers."

He disclosed that the seized seeds will be kept after which a day will be ?fixed for its burning.

Officers from the ministry, he said, would be invited to witness the event.

•Man appeals to Obasanjo, security agencies for help

R

ESIDENTS of Ile-Ife have been warned to remain indoors as traditionalists wrap up the funeral rites for the immediate past Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade.

The final rites are to be performed by the Oro deity.

Town criers went from street to street on Friday asking residents especially commercial drivers and

motorcyclists to keep off the roads between 7am and 6pm.

Head of the Oro cult in the town and the Awara of Iwara, Oba Layi Adereti, warned that anyone who flouts the order irrespective of age or gender would face its consequences.

Many residents rushed to the few available markets to get essentials that would last them for the day.

Major markets in the town have been shut since penultimate Friday when the burial rites started.

As a result of the curfew, some Heads of Departments at the Obafemi Awolowo University located in the town, cancelled the continuous assessment tests for their students scheduled for yesterday.

Some students, who reside off campus, were advised to remain indoors in compliance with the Oro cult order.

Also, hundreds of commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, were seen on Friday distributing a handbill to their colleagues, warning them against operating in Ife yesterday.

Ex-PHCN workers protest non-payment of 16 months salaries, allowances

S

ome retired workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Oyo District at the weekend, protested against what they referred to as the "non-payment of their entitlements" by the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The aggrieved retirees took to the street in a protest to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to address their plight.

From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

During the protest, the retired workers said besides the 16 months unpaid salaries, their unsettled terminal benefits which include severance payment, retirement gratuity, death benefits, and pension deduction among other entitlements were still pending.

Addressing reporters, spokesman of the protesters, Mr. Bolanle Ojelabi, said all the collective agreements reached between the union and

government in the power sector had been breached.

He said presently, the pension deductions of retired workers from July 2012 till date have not been effected, adding that those who retired statutorily are yet to be paid their gratuities.

While pointing out that the death benefits of those who died in active service are yet to be paid to their families, Ojelabi who wept profusely lamented that "no fewer than ten of their colleagues have died of high blood pressures

and other ailments that were not terminal due to lack of funds to take care of their health."

He alleged, "Since we joined the PHCN till our retirement in October2013, we have not been paid a dime as severance entitlements. Other issues begging for urgent attention of the present administration include verbal disengagement of verified casual workers from the sector without remuneration and institutionalisation of casual/ contract appointments."

Doctors: FMC boss must go From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

T

HE Association of Resident Doctors (ARDs) at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo in Ondo State, have urged the Federal Ministry of Health to recall its interim administrator, Dr. Adediran Kolajo, over alleged victimisation of its members.

The union also urged the Federal Government to conduct a forensic audit of the FMC, including projects executed before and during the tenure of Kolajo.

The doctors alleged that the new management has declared total war on the union and its over 100 members, adding that the outcome of the cold war was the suspected burglary of the ARD lounge on Tuesday.

ARD alleged that those who burgled the lounge acted on the instruction of the FMC boss, adding that all their equipment in the lounge was damaged.

Speaking at a press conference held at the FMC Centre, President of the association, Dr. Isaiah Oke, leveled 12 allegations against the management.

According to Oke, some of these include the unjust relocation letter handed to 17 Resident Doctors to exit the Center against the national recognised residency training guidelines.

Other allegations according to Oke include "failure to settle all outstanding arrears which include examination and update fees for ARD members; 2013 and 2014 promotion arrears; January 2015 relativity arrears and 20 percent of two months relativity arrears of 2014; non-recognition of ARD whereas due Oke noted that rather than addressing these issues, 26 members of ARD were giving administrative queries.

The doctors, who embarked on a three-day warning strike last week, have threatened to go on an indefinite strike if their demands are not meant.

But the FMC management had declared that all necessary administrative measures would be taken to address indiscipline in the hospital.

In a statement signed by Lucky Omoaregba, the management accused ARD members of sabotaging its efforts at restoring sanity to the hospital.

‘Why gay marriage is rampant’ From Leke Akeredolu, Akure HE Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Rev Ayodeji Arogundade, has attributed the increase in gay marriages in the West to parents’ failure to control their children.

He said findings revealed that youths in those countries were responsible for the pressure on their governments to legalise gay marriage.

The clergy spoke at the 200-year memorial anniversary of the birth of Don Bosco Mass service, which held at Mary Help of Christians Shrine in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

He disclosed that in the Republic of Ireland, many youths are urging their governments to include gay marriage in the country's constitution.

He said: "Parents do no longer have control over their children; the youths are the future of tomorrow and when they go astray, the future is doomed

T

9

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

•Buhari

F

OR those who are still wondering how the President Muhammadu Buhari government would unravel, it is all in the open. In the last three months since he mounted the saddle, event watchers are indeed convinced that there is a new sheriff in town in a manner of speaking, judging by some of the far-reaching measures already being taken by his administration.

Clearly, one of such policy pronouncements

by Buhari is the directive that each and every Federal Government Ministry, Department or Agency should start paying into a Treasury Single Account (TSA) all government revenues, incomes and other receipts.

A Treasury Single Account is a unified structure of government bank account enabling consolidation and optimal utilisation of government cash resources. It is a bank account or a set of linked bank accounts through which the government transacts all its receipts and payments and gets a consolidated view of its cash position at any given time.

A TSA therefore is considered a prerequisite for modern cash management and is an effective tool for the ministry of finance/treasury to establish oversight and centralized control over government's cash resources.

The TSA provides a number of other benefits and thereby enhances the overall effectiveness of a public financial management (PFM) system. The establishment of a TSA should, therefore, receive priority in any PFM reform agenda.

What TSA aims to achieve According to the directive, this measure is specifically to promote transparency and facilitate compliance with sections 80 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

In a statement by Laolu Akande, the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on?

Media and Publicity, all receipts due to the Federal Government or any of its agencies must be paid into TSA or designated accounts maintained and operated in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), except otherwise expressly approved.

The presidential directive, in the view of

ANTI-GRAFT WAR

One economy, one account The adoption of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the federal and some state governments is seen by many as aimed at plugging loopholes in the system, report Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf and Nduka Chiejina THE SINGLE ACCOUNT CLUB • • • • •

Federal Government Akwa Ibom Kaduna Kwara Lagos

analysts, would end the previous public accounting situation of several fragmented accounts for government revenues, incomes and receipts, which in the recent past has meant the loss or leakages of legitimate income meant for the federation account.

President Buhari had earlier promised state governors at the inaugural meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), in June, that all revenues prescribed for lodgement into the federation account will be treated as such under his watch and that he will ensure strict compliance with all relevant laws on accounting, allocation and disbursement.

Since then the presidency has worked with relevant agencies of the federal government to evolve this policy directive.

This directive applies to fully funded organs of government like the Ministries, Departments, Agencies and Foreign Missions, as well as the partially funded ones, like Teaching Hospitals, Medical Centres, Federal Tertiary Institutions, etc.

Agencies like the Central Bank of Nigeria, Securities and Exchange Commission, Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Communications

Commission, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Nigeria Shippers Council, Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Mining, Minerals and Sustainable Development, Department of Petroleum Resources are also affected.

For any agency that is fully or partially selffunding, Sub-Accounts linked to TSA are to be maintained at CBN and the accounting system will be configured to allow them access to funds based on their approved budgetary provisions.

History of TSA in Nigeria Judging by the provisions of the Financial Regulations (FR) and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, some Ministries/Extra-Ministerial Offices, Agencies and other arms of Government collect revenue (such as Value Added Tax (VAT), Withholding Tax (WHT), fees, fines and interest) are expected to remit same into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

In line with Section 16 of the Finance (Control and Management) Act, LFN, 1990 and the Financial Regulation N0. 413 (i), all unexpended recurrent votes for a financial year shall lapse at the expiration of the year.

Consequently, all unspent balances in the Recurrent Expenditure Cash Books at the end of 2012 financial year must be paid back to the Consolidated Revenue Fund Account N0.

0020054141107 with CBN by issuing mandate in favour of "Sub-Treasure of the Federation", Federal Sub-Treasury, Ladoke Akintola Boulevard, Garki II, Abuja latest by the close of work on the last Friday of every December. It should be noted that all MDAs, including Universities, Polytechnics, Federal Medical Centres, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and River Basin Development Authorities and FPO's were ordered to adhere strictly to this law.

All Accounting Officers are required to make a return of unspent balances on the recurrent expenditure Cash Books, along with

•Contd. on page 10

10

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

NEWS REVIEW

One economy, one account

•Contd. from page 9

copies of treasury Receipts, to reach the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation latest by close of business on Monday, 31st December, 2012. It is obligatory to comply with this regulation in order to avoid the imposition of stiff penalties against defaulters.

The irony, however, is that some parastatals did not remit their operating surpluses into the CRF as provided by the FRA 2007 (S. 22 and 23) while most MDAs engage in acts that result into loss of government revenue.

Arrangements for closing the year accounts All into the Departmental Vote Expenditure Allocation (DVEA) Books, Ledgers, Mandate Summary Registers and Imprest Accounts shall be concluded on the last Friday of December, every year by 12 noon to rule-off all cash Books and extract the Cash Book balances. "All MDA on GIFMIS/TSA will have their accounts closed automatically on - line real time basis by the Treasury."

In October 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan had stated that by introducing the TSA his administration had "not only brought down the fiscal deficit, we have enhanced the predictability of public expenditures. Our Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), improvement in Cash Management System through Treasury Single Account (TSA), and other non-financial Reforms, have greatly improved the Nation's Financial Management System and accountability" However, in 2013, the federal government began the mop up of funds released under the 2013 budget that were yet to be spent by Ministries, Department and Agencies of government.

The development was confirmed by the then Accountant General of the Federation, Mr. Jonah Otunla. Otunla while addressing journalists in company of the then Director General, Budget Office of the Federation, Dr Bright Okogu, however, noted that funds for constituency projects would not be among the funds that would be returned to the treasury.

He said officials of the ministry of finance and the OAGF would ensure that funds that have not been used by agencies were returned before midnight of December 31.

According to him, "our people are on the field in the various ministries, and usually officials from the ministry of finance do not sleep on the last day of the year. So we will wait for them to come. Usually issues like personnel costs are not always mopped up. Then also government has decided that constituency projects because of their special interests will not be mopped up too."

He said for agencies that are on the Treasury Single Account, officials of the OAGF do not need to leave the office to go and mop up the fund as this is done electronically since the fund is in the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

He then disclosed that from 2014, all agencies that are funded by government would be on the TSA adding that this would simplify the process of mopping up unspent funds.

The policy on TSA he explained was intended to curb the financial excesses of some MDAs that have been refusing to remit their earnings deposited in commercial banks to the federal government which is constrained to go a-borrowing from banks at very high interest rates.

Otunla wondered if it was reasonable that the federal government's money be kept with banks by MDAs while the federal government goes to borrow money to finance budget deficit from banks and other sources. "This is quite absurd," he said.

In October 2013, former minister of finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala explained that the introduction of TSA had helped to reduce how government account was being overdrawn.

She said, "93 MDAs had hooked on to the TSA platform while government's

•El-Rufai

•Ambode

overdrawn position has dropped from ?102 billion in 2011 to ?19 billion in 2012."

How CBN reinforced need for TSA In November 2013, The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) called for an urgent implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in order to properly manage the country's revenue.

The CBN stated this in a communiqué at the end of its 235th Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting where it noted that "a TSA is an essential tool for consolidating and managing governments' cash resources. In countries with fragmented government banking arrangement, the establishment of a TSA receives priority in the public financial management reform agenda."

The CBN lamented that the "erosion of the fiscal buffers through the depletion of the Excess Crude Account (ECA) has further exposed the economy to vulnerabilities while the fall in oil revenue has left capital inflows as the only source of external reserves accretion."

It also expressed concern that the federal government's debt had also risen phenomenally along with its deposits at the deposit money banks. This, it said, showed the federal government as a net creditor to the system. "This underscores the urgent need for the immediate implementation of the Treasury Single Account.

The continued delay in returning government accounts to the Central Bank is adding to the huge cost of government debt due to poor cash

flow management," the MPC statement added.

Recently, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government yet to comply with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) regime domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to embrace the policy not later than 28th February, 2015.

By implication, the MDAs were directed to close all the revenue accounts they maintain in different Banks in the country and transfer the proceeds to the TSA. This no doubt was a move to actualise the promise by the then federal government through the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonjo-Iweala in December, 2014 to block avenues of revenue leakages to shore up government revenue in the face of dwindling earnings due to falling oil prices.

A clarion call Like MDAs many states across the federation are also obeying the clarion call to maintain and run a single treasury account.

Leading the pack of these change-seekers is the Kaduna State Executive Council under Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

Just like El-Rufai, his counterpart in Lagos, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode also approved the operation of a single account in the state effective September 1, 2015.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary/

Accountant General of the state, Mrs. Abimbola Umar, the state government took the decision to address the challenges previously faced with the operation of the multiple account system.

The statement said the operation of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) aside providing transparency and accountability would also encourage taxpayers to request for a single account before making their payments.

The development is in line with the objective of the move by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government under President Buhari to ensure that all government revenue accrues to one consolidated account.

In addition, all the affected revenue collecting banks have been mandated to immediately close all existing multiple revenue accounts domiciled in their banks to give room for a single revenue accounting system in line with the accountability and transparency policy of the current administration.

"With this development, it is expected that all parastatals, local governments and establishments will commence the operation of the TSA on September 1, 2015," the statement said.

Not to be undone, Akwa Ibom State Executive Council has also approved a Single Revenue Account for all monies collected by Ministries Departments and Agencies in the state.

Addressing reporters in his office, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Aniekan Umanh, said this was part of the decisions reached at the weekly Executive Council meeting in Uyo, where the Governor in Council, Mr. Udom Emmanuel presided.

According to the Commissioner, the decision to operate a single revenue account was reached by Council, in order to ensure effective monitoring and efficient management of monies collected on behalf of the State Government.

Mr. Umanah also hinted that Council directed the Ministry of Rural Development to "immediately determine the number of villages yet to be connected to the national grid for urgent action," in view of the fact that the State has achieved about 18-hour electricity supply.

To ensure cleanliness of the environment and develop the consciousness of the citizenry on the maintenance of sound environmental habits, Mr. Umanah said the Exco has approved a statewide environmental sanitation exercise for August 29, 2015, from 7.00 am to 10.00 am. Sanitation exercises, he hinted would be authorised from time to time.

The Governor-in-Council, according to the Commissioner directed the Ministry of Special Duties to ensure daily sanitation and environmental cleanliness within and around the Ibom International Airport, being a major gateway to the State.

The Information Boss also disclosed that the Ministry of Health was directed to review the healthcare laws in the State, with a view to bringing them to acceptable global standards. This, he said, was necessitated by a report on the gaps in the healthcare delivery system in the State.

Also, according to the Commissioner, the Ministry of Environment was directed by Council, to formulate grading standards for billboard structures across the State. The formulated standards, he said would enhance aesthetics, according to the grades each road falls within.

The Commissioner said, as part of his contributions to the Executive Council meeting, he provided information on the recent selection of Executive Council for the College of Commissioners, where the Commissioner for Investment, Commerce and Industry, Emmanuel Enoidem emerged Dean.

He said Enoidem, who pledged the loyalty and commitment of the executive Council members, thanked the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve the state.

•Contd. on page 71

11

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015 Kabul car bomb kills 10, targeted foreigners

A

CAR bomb outside a Kabul hospital killed at least 10 people and caused widespread casualties among Afghan civilians, although it appeared to have targeted a vehicle carrying foreign citizens, witnesses and security sources said, At least one foreigner was among the 10 killed by the bomb that wounded 60 people, foreign ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar said.

I

Iran unveils new short range ballistic missile

RAN'S President Hassan Rouhani unveiled the country's latest domestically produced surface to surface missile on Saturday, saying such weapons are necessary for defence in the Middle East.

The Fateh (Winner) 313

ballistic missile has a 500kilometre (300 miles) range and features more advanced sensors and technology, according to Sepah News, the website of Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guards.

It was rolled out little more than a month after Iran

and world powers concluded a deal that requires Iran to curb key parts of its nuclear programme in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions.

The missile was displayed as part of Defence Industry Day, an annual

event that showcases Iran's hardware.

"A weak country incapable of confronting and defending against the military power of its neighbours and enemies cannot claim to seek peace," the president said in a televised speech,

22 candidates register for Burkina Faso's October elections

A

BURKINA Faso court says 22 candidates have been officially registered to run in the October elections.

The High Court announced the candidate list on Saturday and said it will publish the final official candidate list by Aug. 29.

Transitional authorities have ruled Burkina Faso since a popular uprising forced Blaise Compaore to resign in October after 27 years in power.

The transitional government in April passed an electoral code barring candidates who supported the Compaore's bid to return to power. However, West Africa's regional economic body then denounced the measure.

The upcoming elections will be the first free elections for Burkina Faso as the country has been under military rule since 1966, just six years after independence from France.

The electoral commission said some 5.5 million voters have registered.

Gunman slays guard at NYC federal building, kills himself

T

HE suspect entered the building just after 5 p.m. and immediately shot the guard with a handgun, police said.

He then walked further into the building toward an elevator when he encountered another employee, said James O'Neill, chief of department for the New York Police Department. The gunman then shot himself in the head.

Police identified the gunman as Kevin Downing, a 68year-old former federal employee from Fort Lee, New Jersey. The New York Daily News said he was a retired Army Reserve captain outraged over being fired by the Department of Labor.

Police said the motive of the shooting was unknown, and the investigation was in its earliest stages.

"At this point there is no indication of a nexus to terrorism," O'Neill said. The building houses an immigration court and a U.S. Veterans Health Administration services office.

•Hassan Rouhani (2nd left) and Defence Minister Hossein Dehghan (centre) at the ceremony in Tehran to unveil Iran’s latest surface-to-surface Fateh (Winner) 313 missile (AFP Photo/)

T

OP aides to the leaders of North and South Korea met at the Panmunjom truce village straddling their border on Saturday, raising hopes for an end to a standoff that put the rivals on the brink of armed conflict.

The meeting at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) village, known for its sky-blue huts and grim-faced soldiers, was set for half an hour after North Korea's previously set ultimatum demanding that the South halt its loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts along the border or face military action.

That deadline passed without any reported incidents.

Tension on the Korean peninsula has been running high since an exchange of artillery fire on Thursday, prompting calls for calm from the United Nations, the United States and the North's lone major ally, China. South Korea's military remained on high alert despite the announced talks, a defense official said.

South Korean President

North, South Korea officials meet at DMZ in bid to ease tension

Park Geun-hye's national security adviser and her unification minister met Hwang Pyong So, the top military aide to the North's leader Kim Jong Un, and a senior official who handles inter-Korean affairs at 6 p.m. Seoul time (0500 ET).

"The South and the North agreed to hold contact related to the ongoing situation in SouthNorth relations," Kim Kyouhyun, the presidential Blue House's deputy national security adviser, said in a televised briefing.

Pyongyang made an initial proposal on Friday for a meeting, and Seoul made a revised proposal on Saturday seeking Hwang's attendance, Kim said.

The North's KCNA news agency also announced the meeting, referring to the South as the Republic of Korea, a rare formal recognition of its rival state, in

Italy rescues 3,000 migrants, 18 boats off Libya

R

OME (AFP) - Italy's coastguard said Saturday it was coordinating the rescue of up to 3,000 migrants from waters off Libya after receiving SOS calls from 18 different crowded vessels.

At least seven boats - six Italian and one from Norway were involved in an operation to get the migrants safely off 14 rubber dinghies and four other vessels carrying an estimated total of between 2,000 and 3,000 people.

More than 104,000 migrants from Africa, the Middle East and South Asia have landed at Italy's southern ports so far this year after being rescued in the Mediterranean.

A further 135,000-plus have landed in Greece and more than 2,300 people have died at sea while trying to make it to Europe with the help of people smugglers.

Police in Palermo, on the Italian island of Sicily, announced Saturday that they had arrested six Egyptian nationals on suspicion of people smuggling following the rescue of a stricken boat on August 19.

Testimony from the 432 migrants on board suggest the vessel had been packed with more than ten times the number of people it was designed for, with many of the passengers, including a number of women and children, locked below decks.

sharp contrast to the bellicose rhetoric in recent days.

"They need to come up with some sort of an agreement where both sides have saved face. That would be the trick," said James Kim, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

"North Korea will probably demand that the broadcasts be cut, and they may even come to an impasse on that issue."

South Korean soldiers walk by barricades at a checkpoint on the Grand Unification Bridge which leads …

North Korea, technically still at war with the South after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, had declared a "quasi-state of war" in frontline areas and set the deadline for Seoul to halt the broadcasts from loudspeakers placed along the border.

citing the need for diplomacy and military efforts to stand side by side.

"Iran's strategy is based on defence and deterrence.

The first line is diplomats and the second line is generals. Diplomats should be backed by generals. If they fail, it is the generals' turn to come forward."

Several versions of the Fateh missile have been produced in the past few years.

The 313 model has been successfully tested and is scheduled for mass production, the Sepah News report said.

Iran's ballistic missile programme was a contentious issue in the talks that led to the nuclear deal in Vienna on July 14.

To ensure a lifting of sanctions Iran must implement changes to its atomic activities and guarantee they are for energy and medical purposes. Iran has always denied seeking a nuclear bomb.

However critics of the nuclear deal in Tehran said that a recent UN resolution regarding missiles, albeit a non-binding measure, placed unacceptable curbs on Iran's military capabilities.

The latest UN Security Council resolution adopting the nuclear agreement bars Iran from owning missiles "designed to carry nuclear warheads".

It also stipulates that transfer to Iran of ballistic missile technology during the next eight years will be subject to the approval of the council. The US has said it would veto such requests.

12

T

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

WORLD NEWS

The global economy – The weakening tide

HE economy is a game that is not a game. It is a matter of numbers and competition wherenumerical figures are more than mathematic abstractions; they speak of the real lives of flesh and bone human beings. Competition is all about, ceaseless and unrelenting. Much of it is unfair, its results mostly precooked if not preordained.

The largest teams select and arrange the field of play, keep score, and amend the rules during the game as they see fit. Initial advantage is made compound and then turned perpetual. An initial disadvantage multiplies itself to become permanent setback.

As things are, affluence begets affluence; poverty begets poverty.

The current structure of the global economy tends to exacerbate not alleviate disparity. The game is less than a game because weaker nations have not a fair chance to win. Even when they gain, their gain is never sufficient to close the gap between them and the affluent. When they lose, they lose in chunks much bigger than the piecemeal benefits earlier attained.

That the wealthy control the game does not mean they always win as they would like. This is because the game is more intricate than human mental processes. The economy is too complex to outthink and completely master. It can only be guessed at and approximated. Moreover, this is a game where avarice often supplants skill and greed exceeds acumen. The affluent may overshoot their mark by overestimating their ability to control the uncontrollable complexity. Sometimes, events take place none could foresee and the consequences thereof none could prevent.

Yet, even when they guess or guide wrongly, the big dogs remain atop. They may lose or not profit optimally. The affluent derive their solace knowing that if they are at a loss, poorer nations and people have lost even more. This is the turn that the global economy is currently taking. It has entered a period where all may be losing; however, the losses of the poor damage them much more than wealthy’s losses hurt them.

The global economy partially recovered from the 2009 financial crisis but was never rehabilitated or restructured to prevent a similar event. Today, the world economy now tailspins because it refused to break old habits. This current downturn will not erupt into the major calamity that was the 2009 breakdown. However, the current slowdown will be painful to many nations, including Nigeria.

Moreover, it is a warning that something more bleakly profound could be in the offing if the game continues to be played as it is. This warning will be ignored by all save a small few. Sadly, today’s stumble will likely be an insufficient alert for the world to protect itself from itself and a greater fall.

That the world will recover from this brief clip will boost the confidence of those at the helm who have but scant knowledge of what they are doing. They will act even bolder; their ignorant boldness will push the economy into the realm of deeper risk and a plunge that may rival the 2009 meltdown.

Fortunately, that major global major meltdown lies sometime in the future. Sadly, that future may be less than a decade away.

While today the international economy may not be suffering a major slump, it undergoes a painful slowdown. Aggregate demand is weak throughout the world.

America, the world’s largest economy, has experienced modest growth but of an uneven, unsustainable variety. Due to loose monetary policy, money has flowed to the rich who used the influx to purchase financial assets not invest or spend in the real economy. This dynamic elevated financial asset prices and fueled the excessive speculation in commodities that has helped lead to the current downspin.

America’s economic growth has been one of the affluent class enjoying an appreciation of their assets. However, wages for the majority of Americans have stagnated since the 2009 recession. Thus, they do not have enough new spending power to fuel a robust recovery of the productive economy.

Although the American government fortunately did not indulge in fiscal austerity during the last few years, it also did not undertake a fiscal stimuli of the dimensions needed to jumpstart the economy.

The European economy has fared worst.

Woe to the player who takes to the field after the final score has been written

•Li Keqiang

With governments chaining themselves to the burning pyre of austerity, the Eurozone has languished in or near recession the past five years.

The two main drivers of global consumer demand – America and Europe – have tapered.

Tapering of these economies has undermined the export-driven model of the Chinese economy. The dominoes have started to fall.

China’s unprecedented growth was built on a neo-mercantile strategy of exporting manufactured goods and suppressing local demand for those goods as well as for imports. This export model worked well until the economies of the North Atlantic went tepid under cataracts of private sector and household debt. The Chinese were slow to recognize the changed environment. They continued to pump too much investment into manufacturing, real estate and construction. The government also encouraged investment in the stock market. As a result, the market mushroomed by over 250 percent from mid-2014 to mid-2015. This steep growth ran contrary to underlying economic reality. Both the world and Chinese economies were slowing. This climb of stock valuations was nothing more than an exercise in mass irrationality, a classic bubble. It busted.

While all this was happening, the Chinese government took modest steps to boost internal consumer demand to compensate for slack external demand. These steps were too small and came too late. China had erred into overreliance on an economic model that needed readjustment and had engaged in overinvestment in manufacturing and related sectors.

The slowdown of the Chinese economy and crash of its stock market would cascade globally.

The damage to the Chinese economic model would spread damage to those nations and other economic actors that relied on the Chinese model if not directly relied on the Chinese economy itself. These nations had gotten used to high commodity prices, mainly driven

by China’s appetite for commodities, including oil, to fuel its manufacturing sector. Nigeria and other African commodity producers have been scarred by their unwitting reliance on the durability of this neo-mercantilist model. Until the last half of 2014, Nigeria enjoined the flush of currency caused by high oil prices exceeding $100 per barrel. It was thought that the price level would be sustained as the world

•Barack Obama

economy put more distance between it and the 2009 recession.

But the economy does not always travel in straight lines. Like the world itself, sometimes the economy rotates. Moving in an erratic circular fashion, the economy often returns to where it has been without most people understanding that they have been there before and would not have returned but for the arrogance of those who deem themselves the masters of world and all that is of economic worth.

Thus, Nigeria and other African nations allowed themselves to become too reliant on the economic prowess of the Chinese to sustain their economic model. This in turn made Nigeria and other nations dependent on the spending patterns and debt levels of the American consumer. As always, Nigeria’s economic fate would be decided in locations thousands of miles from its shores and by people with only a passing idea of where Nigeria is located.

Other important factors compounded this process. Technology even conspired against the nation. America was able to commercialized the ability to extract oil from shale rock formations. With this development, America quickly ended its tryst with Nigerian crude. With both China and America looking for less oil, global demand grew slack. However, Saudi Arabia refused to reduce production. Despite the shortterm injury to its economy, the Saudis appear to be chasing a political objective of which Nigeria seems painfully unaware. Saudi Arabia wants to retain market share by keeping prices down so that American fracking becomes unprofitable and Russian production is also brought to heel. Saudis understand that market share gives it global political clout otherwise unavailing.

The Saudis also want to revamp or scuttle OPEC so that it can claim greater leadership.

The Saudis believe OPEC has become unwieldly and leadership too diffuse within the organization to suit Saudi national interests. Thus, while Nigeria prays for higher prices, the Saudis work the opposite side of the street.

This latest downturn is another warning that Nigeria and other African commodity producers need to revamp their economic strategies. African nations have been too easily lulled into a false euphoria when commodity prices rise, only to go into a

recessionary swoon when the prices collapse. The worst part is that African nations have little influence over price trends. They remain at the mercy of economy forces they cannot command.

The truth is that the rise in commodity prices witness the past few years was the yield of speculative impulses fueled by lax American monetary policy. Lax monetary policy put money in the hands of affluent investors. After the real-estate driven 2009 recession, they were reluctant to sink too much money too fast back into the real estate market. They turned to commodities.

Speculation in commodity markets approached historic levels. This helped pump prices higher. But this speculation became divorced from economic fundamentals over time. A contraction was inevitable. The inevitable is now here.

Oil prices are half of last year’s. Given the sluggishness of the global economy and America’s embrace of fracking, this modesty of oil prices promises to last for some time. The Nigerian economy has already felt the severe sting. Their federal allocations reduced, state governments were unable to pay salaries or service their debts. The naira has devalued. Import prices have climbed.

Economic activity has slowed. Hot money invested in the stock market has fled back to America or Europe, causing the stock market to jettison significant value. The banking system is not as strong as it portrays itself.

Nigeria faces an economic challenge that, because of secular changes in the international oil market, may be more momentous than the 2009 downturn. Nigeria weathered the prior downturn with emergency measures such as establishing AMCON to salvage the financial sector. However, the nation did not restructure the economy.

The warning and challenge are here again. This downturn shows that reliance on oil revenues is becoming an increasingly uncertain risk with returns diminishing after each successive economic crisis.

Nigeria has a fateful choice. Does it crawl into a recessionary ball and seek to outwait the storm of economic reduction or does it take fiscal measures to avert the worst of recession’s consequences? The braver and more logical course is to engage in fiscal activity to bolster the real economy by funding projects that will put the able jobless to work in rebuilding critical infrastructure so that business activity is made more efficient and less costly. If this mode is chosen, it should not be just as a temporary emergency measure to bridge the gap between boom periods in commodity prices.

These measures should be part of a larger-term plan to transform Nigeria into a nation with a manufacturing and industrial sector that services domestic as well as export demand. There is a psychological component to this. Historic incident lulled Nigeria into falsely believing it held a secured place in the global economy. For a long period of time, it had oil for which the world was willing to pay a high price. This convinced the nation that the world would buy whatever Nigeria had to sell. Nigeria was needed.

However, technology and the geo-political considerations of others have dashed this false comfort. Nigeria now has to learn that it must make itself needed. This comes not by what Nigeria can pull from underground but by what it can fashion with its hands and ingenuity. Nigeria must alter its economic mind to see that prosperity does not lie in simply selling what it might have by reason of geographic incident. Prosperity is found in making and selling what the world is willing to pay the seller’s price for.

This is the challenge of Nigeria today.

In the midst of economic challenge will the nation undertake the steps required to begin the structural reform needed to transform the economy into what the present and future requires?Or will it stay mired in the past and succumb to the reduced future that awaits all nations that fall to realize the diminishing value of their once precious chief commodity? The decision is nigh and so much is at stake.

08060340825 (sms only)

Ropo Sekoni

13

Page 14

Femi Orebe Page 16

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

The Sagay committee tunjade@yahoo.co.uk 08054503906 (sms only)

A pragmatic approach to crack corruption that we need as scapegoats to show the government’s seriousness in this matter and drive home the point that, truly, no one is above the law. That is not the case for now as these big people often buy justice and only get a slap on the wrist for serious crimes committed against the state.

The courts too must be strengthened with the needed modern facilities provided to assist them in the administration of justice.

Moreover, judges found wanting, especially with regard to corruption should not only be retired, they should also be made to face the law.

There is a lot to do if the country is to make any serious dent on corruption.

All said, however, given the credentials of most members of the committee, there is no doubt that they have the essentials to make a success of their assignment. The chairman is himself a man of proven integrity, and one who should know where the

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari moved another step further in his government’s anti-corruption war with the constitution of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, headed by a prominent professor of law and civil rights activist, Prof Itse Sagay.

Femi Adesina, the president’s special adviser on media and publicity, said the committee’s brief is to advise the government on the prosecution of the war against corruption as well as the implementation of required reforms in the country’s criminal justice system.

Other members of the committee are Prof Femi Odekunle, a professor of criminology at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Dr (Mrs.) Benedicta Daudu, an associate professor of international law, University of Jos (UNIJOS); Prof E. Alemika, professor of sociology also of UNIJOS. Others are Prof Sadiq Radda, professor of criminology, Bayero University, Kano; Hadiza Bala Usman, a civil society activist while Prof Bolaji Owasanoye of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies would serve both as member and executive secretary of the committee.

One area of the committee’s brief that interests me is that having to do with the reform of the country’s criminal justice system. Without doubt, unless something drastic is done about this, we would only be moving in circles on the anti-corruption war. As things stand, our criminal justice system appears inadequate to tame the corruption monster. Where it is not, some judges have made a mess of it in a way that gives criminals and the criminally-minded undue protection.

The celebrated Halliburton scam is a case study. This is a scandal that allegedly involves several prominent Nigerians, including former heads of state. As a matter of fact, this seems the very reason why we are making progress in reverse on the matter. Today, the case is ordered reopened; tomorrow it is ordered closed. So, we have been going back and forth on a matter for which some of our big people should have been left to rot in jail as a result of their involvement in the $182m bribery scandal.

The latest information is that the United States is insisting that the case be reopened for it to return the $130m in its coffers to the Federal Government.

Without doubt, the judiciary has been complicit in some of the corruption cases such that it is even possible to smell a rat in some of the decisions taken on some of them. Of course judges are also part of the society; and may not necessarily be immune to what obtains in the society. But then, it is because we hardly punish corruption, especially at the top. If we do, judges who hawk injunctions would think twice before doing so. Imagine the last time, shortly before the general elections when the chief justice warned judges against unethical practices, the warning sank and that was part of what ensured the sanity witnessed in our courts in many of the cases brought by politicians, with many of them ready to bribe God if he would make him-

•Sagay

self available to be bribed.

It is only in this country that people who are to be investigated for corruption would rush to court and ask for injunction not to be investigated and the court would grant the injunction. This is one of the few countries where the courts would waste a lot of time trying to decide whether James Ibori and James Onanefe Ibori are one and the same person, even as the substantive matter is yet to be heard.

The point is, for the country to make progress in its anti-corruption battle, the government has to be systematic in its approach.

Otherwise, those who looted our treasury would continue to flaunt the ill-gotten wealth to our chagrin and nothing can be more disheartening than that for victims of treasury looting. I could feel the tears welled up in the eyes of one of my readers a few weeks ago when he sent an sms concerning a particular oil baron in the eastern part of the country who still goes about with a retinue of official security men, with siren to boot, even when we all know the damage he has done to the nation through fuel subsidy racket and other scams. Hopefully, President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that security men attached to important personalities be pruned will reflect on the number of security details protecting this oil baron. I can only imagine the millions of other Nigerians who are weeping silently over similar unfair and unjust protection of treasury looters.

Apart from systematically approaching the issue for maximum benefit, there is also the need to reinvigorate the anti-corruption agencies. The way they sometimes lose important cases in the courts seems to show that they lack the requisite professional expertise to successfully prosecute especially high profile cases. And it is some of these big fishes

Without doubt, unless something drastic is done about this, we would only be moving in circles on the anti-corruption war. As things stand, our criminal justice system appears inadequate to tame the corruption monster. Where it is not, some judges have made a mess of it in a way that gives criminals and the criminally-minded undue protection.

judiciary is being abused to miscarry or delay justice.

President Buhari must realise that his integrity is at stake in this matter. Indeed, it is this question of integrity that has made three influential international development partners, the Ford foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Open Society Foundation to establish an Anti-Corruption and Criminal Justice Reform Fund with $5m to assist in the implementation of key components of the Action Plan and the work of the Presidential Advisory Committee. The government must realise that this is an unusual partnership and must therefore strive to ensure there are results.

It is doubtful if any international organisation could have extended such assistance to the immediate past Federal Government to tackle corruption. On their part, the committee members must realise that all eyes are on them to see what they would make of the assignment.

My daddy is gone!

F

INALLY, my dad died on August 11, after battling with death for about one week. It was exactly eight days to his 80th birthday. He took ill on August 5, was rushed to a hospital, appeared to have recovered and was returned home, only to be taken back to the hospital the next day when the sickness relapsed. In our efforts to get him better medical care, we changed his hospital. But death, that necessary end that will certainly come when it will, according to Shakespeare, came and snatched him away at about evening on August 11.

For the benefit of readers who had been wondering why this column had been off in the last two weeks; this explains it all. I spent the first week trying to assist so that the old man could make it, and the next, when he didn’t, trying to recover from the shock. What could have come as an 80th birthday present by way of celebrating him on this same page would be published shortly before his burial. My only regret is that he is no more alive to read or feel it.

I say thank you to all those who have been calling to commiserate with me. It was an experience indeed.

CHIBOK GIRLS: STILL ON MY MIND

What therapy for Oyo-Ogbomoso road

By Ibironke Oluwatobi

T

HE incessant accidents on OyoOgbomoso expressway are becoming more of a debate as to whether they are rituals of fate or results of road terrorism. The two historic cities at each end of the road are ruled by powerful monarchs with political prowess; The Alaafin of Oyo and The Soun of Ogbomoso. The town of Ogbomoso serves as home to one of the nation’s foremost universities, the LadokeAkintola University of Technology (LAUTECH). The road is a link between the north and southern part of the country, reflecting the economic importance of the road; these obvious advantages have, however, not shown commendable influence on the state of the road. The road has remained in a deteriorating state for years, with increasing pot-holes, unimaginable faults, recorded accidents, hence, it’s been referred to as a ‘death -trap’. The appearance and experiences on the road have made plying the route come with default trepidation and this sad culture does not seem like ceasing without supervised government effort.

According to the Federal Road Safety Commission, Oyo State recorded the highest number of road fatalities in 2011 and the Oyo-Ogbomoso road was a major contributor to this figure. The casualties on this road have since not reduced, as it continues to claim lives of students, traders and casual travellers. The 50 kilometrelong road has constantly suffered disdain from even the federal government. The road was meant to be included in the Ibadan-Ilorin road construction project executed by the previous administration, but for some ungiven reasons it was skipped. The road construction which started from Ibadan to Oyo was continued at the other end from Ogbomoso to Ilorin. Former Minister for Works under the administration, Mr. Mike Onolememen, had promised the construction of the Oyo-Ogbomoso expressway, but the road remains in its inherited state with no signs of construction work.

The width of most part of the dual carriage road is now visibly short of the standard seven meters, as the road has been significantly trimmed at the sides by erosive agents over the years and it can be said that the road is close to elapsing its design period. What has become most minatory about the road is the volume of heavy-duty vehicles transporting different materials across the country. The drivers of these vehicles are usually reckless even with their knowledge of the bad condition of the road, poorly calculated overtaking, vehicle control failure, amongst others, are activities that lead to regular mishaps on the road. Other times when these vehicles are not involved in accidents, they break down and it usually takes excess time in towing them off the road. This results in traffic jams and possible attacks on road users.

The current financial position of the Nigerian government might be offered as a plausible excuse to allow this avoidable cause. Still, something needs to be done.

The road in view continues costing innocent lives, leaving others deeply bereaved.

The losses incurred on this road can be significantly reduced with devoted human effort to solve the nub and not a ritual to appease the jinx of the road. A proper rehabilitation of the Oyo-Ogbomoso road should become one of the import assignments of the current administration. The death statistics of the Oyo- Ogbomoso road shows that is not another alternative forgone for the government.

14

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

COMMENT

Derailing of Nigeria: the smaller picture (1) Four years may be too short for Buhari to take a holistic view of the phenomenon of corruption in a country whose structure and ideology for decades had grown out of the vision of rulers who believed in the philosophy that political power is for personal enrichment There has to be a general recognition that this crisis (corruption) is moral as well as economic. It is, indeed, a perfect illustration of the economics of morality—the absence of a sense of propriety, of restraint and of right and wrong, was not just obnoxious, it was economically disastrous. — Fintan O’Toole

T

HE quotation from Fintan O’Toole’s Ship of Fools, a discussion of the role of corruption in Ireland’s economic meltdown of 2008, is deliberately chosen to get readers thinking about Nigeria’s economic collapse, now slated for rehabilitation under the Buhari administration, after decades of massive kleptocracy in the land. Just judging by the headlines so far, there is no doubt that President Buhari, who campaigned on the promise to end insecurity and corruption, two conditions that Sarah Chayes in her 2015 book, Thieves of State: Why Corruption Threatens Global Security has described as relations, has identified some of the visible forces of venality in the country.

President Buhari’s focus so far has been on the bigger picture. Today’s column is meant to remind him of the smaller picture of corruption which is by no means less venal than corrupt practices at the hands of oil thieves or treasury looters.

Four years may be too short for Buhari to take a holistic view of the phenomenon of corruption in a country whose structure and ideology for decades had grown out of the vision of rulers who believed in the philosophy that political power is for personal enrichment.

President Buhari cannot be unfamiliar with the surge of centralism in the country. He had been a military ruler during the decades to de-federalising the country, which started with the 1979 Constitution and seems to have gotten to a head in the 1999 Constitution, which the president has sworn to uphold and defend.

There will be plenty of time to talk about the role of over-centralisation of the polity and economy in the monstrous growth of corruption in the country. The emphasis today is on sections of the nation’s security and law en-

forcement systems that citizens have seen as synonymous with corruption. Most of the corrupt characters in this sector do not steal money from the nation’s treasury or central bank; they do not engage in illegal bunkering, over-invoicing, and contract abandonment. They simply prey on citizens, especially those that are most vulnerable. However, they occasionally prey on the big men and women in society who need their assistance to do the wrong thing.

Knowledge of the folks about corruption in the law enforcement sector is within reach of any Nigerian who cares about morality in government. The central or national police has been a beehive of corruption for a long time, including the era of military dictatorship. Police assigned to secure the roads—urban streets or interstate highways—are notorious for turning their beats into sites for extorting citizens.

The regular dialogue between Nigeria police officers and citizens are “whey your papers?

Whey your licence? Wetin you carry? Wetin you bring or have for us today?” At the end of the short dialogue, the average citizen stopped by police loses a little of his/her hard-earned income to law enforcement officers on government payroll. If the citizen who is stopped on the highway has the look of a big-man, he gets a little more respect as law enforcement officers ask him obsequiously: “What do you have for your boys today sir?”The big man responds to them as boys by throwing some naira notes on the ground for them to pick.

Police men are also known for locking citizens up in order to extort money from them.

Just last week, a woman with some disagreement with her neighbour in a section of Egbeda found herself in police cell after her neighbour reported her to one of his own police friends for packing one of his bags along with hers at the close of market. The woman was in police cell for hours until she was able to get her own big man to read the riot act to the police or to bribe the police more generously than the first complainant.

The culture of extorting citizens in the

course of law enforcement and crime prevention is not limited to the national police. It is also evident in the circles of Federal Road Safety Commission and Vehicle Inspection Officers.

An agency set up to protect lives on federal highways is now in the habit of sending its staff to nooks and corners of streets without names in urban areas, where they collect unofficial tolls from motorists. Those who act with generosity are allowed to go regardless of what violation they have committed while those who are stingy or too poor to give anything end up being asked to pay official fines. Even at places where driver’s licence is issued, the same agency insists that applicants for licence produce evidence of driver education from specific driver education centres. Most of the time, citizens are sold such certificates of attendance or completion of driving rules and regulations for 3,000 naira each. Driver’s licence issuing stations create other obstacle courses that pressure citizens to pay for accelerated service and save them from going back and forth.

Similarly, Vehicle Inspection Officers are in the habit of stopping motorists arbitrarily and asking some of them to get in to VIO’s cars, ostensibly to drive them to VIO’s stations but in reality to make it easy for such citizens to give uniformed officers “something for the road.’ Just as in the case of the police, no law is enforced most of the time. Such stops on roadways and highways and last-minute negotiations in front of court houses are designed as obstacle courses to extort money from vulnerable motorists. Even military checkpoints on interstate highways also become a market for exchange of money between motorists and military personnel deployed to highways to prevent transportation of materials that can be used to compromise the country’s security.

The recent news published in The Punch about the ping-pong of denials about the whereabouts of the final report of police investigation into allegation that rules of the Senate on election of officers were forged is, if true, an example of law enforcement person-

nel taking advantage of a bad situation. How else does anyone explain that even after the vision of Buhari about fighting corruption is already common knowledge, staff in the police and the ministry of justice are still brave enough to argue about a simple matter in a manner reminiscent of impunity under past administrations. What more embarrassment can two agencies charged with the rule of law give a country over such a simple matter to resolve?

How far is the police headquarters in Abuja from the Ministry of Justice for a report sent from the former to the latter to have miscarried? What mode of transportation did the police use to send the report in an age where offices in different countries are linked by the Internet? If the report was carried from the police headquarters to the justice ministry by hand, what is the identity of the police man or woman charged with this important function? Is there just one copy of such report with the police? If not, there is no reason for the media to lose its expensive space to such story. All that a credible law enforcement system should do to save the country from this shame is to take another copy of the report to the ministry and ensure it is signed for by the staff at the receiving end.

Most of the things in today’s column should be repetition to most people who live in the country. It is clear that they are to President Buhari who recently warned the police not to collect bribe in the process of recruiting 10,000 officers. The Immigration Service had done taken illegal collections from applicants for jobs and endangered their lives in the past without any reprimand. But the purpose of repeating these clichéd anecdotes about our country is to remind President Buhari that the fight against the culture of corruption, which could become the factory of perdition for the country if not arrested, must not be stopped at the doors of ministries and agencies in charge of oil and gas. Corrupt practices that can shake the confidence of citizens in government and even lead them to the hopelessness that precedes resort to violence against the state or its agencies, such as we are now witnessing in Boko Haram’s rebellion against the state, are rife in the most unlikely places: the nation’s security systems.

To be continued

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

COMMENT

15

PAC against corruption The Sagay committee should not only work at better perception for President Buhari’s anticorruption war, it should push for speedier procedures without sacrificing justice

T

HE national mood, which clearly favours a consensus against corruption, paints the Itse Sagayled Presidential Advisory Committee (PAC) Against Corruption as the proverbial man come to meet the moment.

The Sagay team appears peopled by names that boost public confidence. Prof Sagay himself, vocal silk and human rights activist, needs no introduction.

Prof. Femi Odekunle, professor of criminology, was victim of raw impunity — a grim corruption of power — under the Sani Abacha military dictatorship, when he was roped into an alleged coup.

Other members, by academic discipline, technical competence or activist temper, appear well positioned to take a holistic look at corruption; and offer fitting response to it by Nigeria’s often slow and dodgy criminal justice system: Dr. Benedicta Daudu, associate professor of International Law, Prof. E. Alemika, a professor of Sociology, Prof. Sadiq Radda, another professor of Criminology, and Hadiza Bala Usman, a civil society organisation activist. Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, is the committee’s executive secretary.

If Nigerians seem largely agreed on the imperative to root out corruption in their national life, the international community too appears trenchant in support.

The Sagay committee, therefore, is supported by a US $5million Anti-Corruption and Criminal Justice Reform Fund, courtesy of the trio of the Ford Foundation, MacArthur Foundation and Open Society Foundation. The independent funding would shield the committee from government meddlesomeness, which is good; even if the Buhari Presidency appears in tune with the people’s outrage against corruption, and would appear determined to lead the charge.

The support fund is to be managed by Trust Africa, a non-government reform body, with presence in more than 25 countries in Africa, with the gospel of reforms to make governance cleaner; by keeping sleaze out of government business, and channelling resources into growth and development triggers.

So, by local and international anti-corruption con-

T

HE revolution is here but it will only be televised…at least for now. We had hoped that when the revolution comes we would all be on the street looking for a brighter day. Instead, we sit on to watch with gloom as the revolution unfolds on our TV and mobile phone screens.

This was not the revolution we dreamed. This revolution would not consult with us. This revolution that has started in America would continue to unfold and we know that it would not be long before it casts its shadow over us.

This month has been a very busy one for the American-born revolution and although there are many events to choose from, which can highlight the ominous nature of this revolu-

S

INCE the integration and amalgamation of different nation states by the British colonial advent risk to form the country called Nigeria there have been series of agitations and manoeuver to remain on top or occupy position of influence by the integral parts.

The Urhobos and Ijaw of Niger-Delta, the Ibos of South-east, the Tivs of middle belt, the Hausa and the Fulanis of northern Nigeria, among other hundreds of ethnic nations, are to say, at the least, restive all in the struggle for indentify or self actualisation.

sensus, the Sagay committee would appear in good company. Even the Goodluck Jonathan Presidency, under whose charge have come humongous allegations of corruption and mind-boggling sleaze, had ironically weighed in, in support of the Sagay committee, even before the committee was created.

Just before leaving power, President Jonathan signed into law the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of 2015. Aside from repealing the Criminal Procedure Act and the Criminal Procedure Code, the 495-section law, sponsored by Dr. Ali Ahmad, a lawyer and member of the House of Representatives in the 7th National Assembly, made other far-reaching provisions (former CJN, Justice Aloma Muktar, called the law “revolutionary”), all aimed at fastening procedures, without jeopardising justice.

So, all appears set for the committee to tackle its brief: develop comprehensive interventions for achieving recommended reforms in Nigeria’s criminal justice system; and advise the president on prosecuting the anti-corruption war.

So, with the balance of sentiments, is the Sagay committee home and dry? No. Media spinning has all but eliminated the concept of manifest goodness in the public space. Therefore, even the most hideous and morally repugnant of behaviours now claim their equal-opportunity right to be tabled and heard. Besides, it is trite in British common law, which is the basis for Nigeria’s criminal laws, that an accused is presumed innocent until proven

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

•Editor Festus Eriye

•Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

•Deputy Editor Olayinka Oyegbile

•Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye

•Associate Editor Sam Egburonu

•General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye

guilty. So, in the infrastructure of public opinion and procedure of the courts, the PAC enjoys no especial advantage: Corruption would not go down without a fight.

Yet, a rigorous and focused membership, and the mood of the public, can help the committee to turn the structural disinterestedness into strengths.

Since its mission deemed it worthy and its job well cut out, it must leverage public opinion to further attract and retain public support. It should therefore project its activity such that the public is doubly convinced that its mission is total elimination of corruption, without prejudice to any vested interest. If it wins the perception war, and it retains its integrity, the mission would have been half-accomplished.

On the more technical aspect, however, it should focus on how fast the country can implement the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice law.

The bane of rooting out corruption here is the subversion of the criminal justice system through bungled investigation, cynical stalling of the judicial process by subversive injunctions and outright brazen bribery of judicial officers. The new law has made provisions for how these anomalies can be tackled. So, the committee’s starting point would be to recommend how best to implement these sections, as fast as possible.

Proceeding from these basics, it can then advise the president on whether to set up special tribunals to try corruption cases, with a special bent on judicial procedures with zero tolerance for delay; or designate some courts to solely handle corruption cases.

The Sagay committee has a historic responsibility. Its membership has the intellectual and technical competence for the job at hand. President Buhari, so far from words and action, appears ready. The people — except, of course, the potentially guilty graft barons — are also eager.

The committee must, therefore, match its intellectual capacity with clear passion for the job. It must always remember: Nigeria must kill corruption to prevent corruption from killing it.

LETTERS

The Americans are changing our world that it can reverse or change the course of the entire U.S nation and possibly the whole world.

This is exactly what it did on June 26, 2015 when it legalised same-sex marriages all across the U.S. This decision affirmed the popular consensus among Americans that all love is love and that gay sex is the new cool and that same-sex couples are welcome in the U.S. As I write this, marriage licences are being issued to same-sex couples all across the U.S and I can hear the shouts of jubilation on the streets of Illinois. This is very

disturbing, indeed.

Disturbing, because we know that what is accepted and practiced in the U.S must be accepted and practiced everywhere in the world. The U.S would stop short at nothing but seeing the practice of gay sex become accepted and protected by all countries in the world. The U.S will use its diplomats, dollars and drones to coerce other nations into compliance. Before you brand me homophobic, ponder this: If homosexuality is freely and openly practiced in a community it would not be long

The Ibo nation in a quasi federation

the bogus promise of the feasibility of an independent nation of Biafra. Rather, our political leaders both at federal and state levels should be selfless in leadership so that the Ibo nation within Nigeria enterprise shall prosper.

Neither Germany nor Japan is an underdog in today’s world because they suffered defeat in the hands of the allied forces in 1945. Rather, they are world leaders in commerce and industry. Let’s take a leaf from them and put the past behind us.

By Ikita Umar

tion, I would cite just one – the U.S Supreme Court’s ruling legalising gay marriage all across America delivered on June 26, 2015.

Gay marriage ruling is ‘a victory for America’. It’s a wellknown fact that Judges who preside over proceedings in the apex court of any country are heads of governments as well.

It is, perhaps, even a wellknown fact that these Judges are neither subordinate to nor inferior to their colleagues in the legislative and executive arms

The Igbo-speaking people of Nigeria that occupy the most densely populated area in Nigeria seems the most vulnerable in the federation. The reason is not farfetched viz; the ill fated civil war that pitched her against the rest of the country.

Because the Ibo man is industrious and quite good in commerce and other areas of modernity, they are naturally the envy of the peoples that make up Nigeria Having rested the civil war and adopting statism as opposed to regionalism, the coun-

of government. What may be a relatively unknown fact is that although only Americans alone recognise the ‘wisdom’ and decisions of the Judges of the apex court in the U.S as law, these decisions are often noted, cited and even respected by many other national courts in the world and with the efflux of time they soon become absorbed into the general corpus of regional and international law and standards.

The U.S Supreme Court seldom speaks but when it does, it speaks with a force so powerful

try seems to be at peace with quasi federal constitution since the 1970s. However, such ethnic and socio cultural groups like MASSOB, OPC, AYC, MEND etc continue to constitute pain in the arse of succeeding federal governments.

Here in the South-east, the activities of MASSOB are constituting embarrassments to all patriotic Nigerians. The activists/agitators although definitely non-violent continue to preach hatred and bad blood to hapless and ill-informed folks on the streets. I call on

the governors of the Igbospeaking states in the country to wake up and counter the activities of MASSOB. Through the mouth piece of the group called Radio Biafra, hapless Ibos are fed with lies and half truths on daily basis. Other leaders of thought in the Igbo-speaking areas should not fold their hands and look sideways while our sons and daughters are being misled.

Unscrupulous smart guys should stop duping and misleading fellow kinsmen with

•Dickson Nnaji Ogbodo, Agbani Town, Enugu State.

before every member in that community indulges in it. Sympathisers of gay rights argue that some people are born gay and that since gay sex is an individual’s private affair, the society has no moral basis to interfere in the affairs of gay people.

This argument is faulty on the ground that sexual orientation stems not from a person’s gene but from a person’s will. Permit me to say that it is a plain fact that all men are born gay.

We are all born with innate desires and lusts which, if we are willing, we can express in an innumerable number of ways.

Since the beginning of time, societies realised this and abhorred it and they prohibited and even suppressed it. In the past, inter-racial marriages were disallowed world over, but see how many inter-racial unions there has been since it became legalised. The same can be said of osu marriages. And equally the same can be said of same-sex marriages.

Now, starting with the Americans, the world is beginning to permit and recognise same-sex marriages. Soon enough, every known moral and legal boundary that cages man’s wild libido would be abolished. Picture living in a city where everyman lies with other men and goats. So, even as we sit and watch with gloom as the revolution unfolds on our screens, my feet are sandal-strapped and ready for takeoff!

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

16

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

COMMENT

Obasanjo’s conceit The retired general, two time Head of State - a third unconstitutional attempt failed spectacularly at the senate of the federal republic - should be humble enough to pray to God to remove conceit far away from him rather than continue to pull others down, even posthumously.

L

IKE him or hate him, the man, Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo, two-time Nigerian Head of State, is the ‘numero uno’ Nigerian statesman alive.

Although he is as loved as he is hated, those who like him do so with a passion. Witness, for instance, this panegyric of a contribution by a forum member on 9 December, 2013 : “As far as Nigeria’s presidents, past and present are concerned, none could be called into OBJ’s peerage.

Reading OBJ from a distance, as I do not know him personally, I believe he is head and shoulders above all of them, civilian as well as military.

He is intellectually sound and has a high capacity for understanding complex socio-political and economic issues. It doesn’t take him long to understand what the experts are explaining to him and can break it down into ordinary people’s language, and, in fact, go ahead to weave local proverbs around them.

Being an engineer, he is easily at home with technical issues.

He is a prudent, and wise man by all measures. He has grown into the class of sages. We should celebrate him and his accomplishments while still alive and not wait to write funeral dirges about our own courageous, fearless and accomplished Chief Matthew Olusegun Aremu Obasanjo GCFR, former military head of state, two-term democratically elected president, retired army General, civil war hero, international diplomat, accomplished writer and author, committed Pan – Africanist; a leading light of the Yoruba race and traditional chief of

the Owu kingdom. I will leave writing about his excesses, foibles and faults to his close friends and detractors alike. I admire his tough guy persona.”

There is little, if any at all, to dispute in the above, but it is somewhat disingenuous that the author preferred to inflict on Obasanjo’s friends, and foes alike, any mention of the man’s many stunts and excesses, not to talk of his outright dubiety. Although General Obasanjo’s name has become very popular, given his reported exploits during the Nigerian civil war, 6 July 1967 – 15 January 1970 - the reader is advised to read General Alabi-Isama’s: ‘The Tragedy of Victory: On-the-spot Account of the Nigeria-Biafra War in the Atlantic Theatre’, for a more nuanced account of that - I came to know the general, close up, a little later through a senior colleague, and Estate Manager, of the University of Ibadan in the mid-70s whose views of Obasanjo unambiguously mirrored Mama Iyabo’s about her husband. From that point on, I came to pay more attention to news concerning General Obasanjo, either as military or civilian Head of state, as a distinguished diplomat with his views on African juju, whether in Abacha’s gulag, or visiting Ekiti dancing ‘omo o le jo baba’ during Ayo Fayose’s first coming, and, seriously, up until his PDP membership card was torn to pieces for him by proxy.

As I write this, I have not stopped watching him, coyly scheming to play the baby feeder

to President Buhari, albeit, from behind the shadows. Through all these, Chief Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo comes up, indisputably, as an enigma.

He showed his hands again this past week on a matter so weighty my life teacher - my teacher in the secondary school, at the university and ever since - a solid, gracefully aging intellectual, a Nigerian senior citizen whose sole concern now is aggressively canvassing ways out of Nigeria’s unfortunate circumstances - had to devote his entire column in The Nation of Thursday, 20 August, 2015, to the latest of Obasanjo’s gaffes ; his ever ready predilection to shoot down anything that does not revolve around him or present him as the hero.

Writing in an article he titled “Message to Obasanjo”, Gbogun Gboro began as follows: “I make it a point of duty to be respectful of President Olusegun Obasanjo, whether I happen to mention his name in public or in private. I am sure that is part of my respect for my country. For me, it is not a small thing that a person has once been head of the country of my birth.” Obviously, this intro would have been non sequitor, if his subject was ever willing to extend the same measure of courtesies to others. Unfortunately, it would appear that Obasanjo considers extending respect to others as taking something away from his assumed selfimportance. The columnist then went on: “In the past few days, President Obasanjo has been widely reported to have made some thought-provoking statements about the issue of leadership in the Yoruba nation.

I see no need to probe into his motives for making these statements – and I will not so probe, out of respect. Whether he is out to shoot barbs at some person or persons among the Yoruba people is not unimportant, but I choose not to step into such considerations. It is quite possible to look into the statements themselves on purely objective basis, and that is what I would rather do.”

Unfortunately, the Yoruba say, if you do not tell an evil doer that he is wicked, he would most probably consider himself the best person ever. I therefore make bold to say that Obasanjo, by that statement, was aiming at none other than the Avatar; the man believed by most, Nigerians as well as foreigners, and with utmost justification, to be Nigeria’s greatest political visionary ever, the man Awo. Nor would that be Obasanjo’s first time of taking a dig at Awo. In one of his books, written about the time he became quite close to the likes of Professor Billy Dudley of the University of Ibadan, he had written that what Awo longed for, futilely all his life - the Nigerian presidency, that is - was handed to him on a platter. Obasanjo did not stop there. When, as President, he went after Afenifere, the highly regarded Pan-Yoruba organisation, and shredded it beyond recognition, putting in its place a formless Yoruba Council of Elders, it was intended to rubbish a man whose place in history is far beyond diminution. When through all manner of subterfuge and dubiety, he literally killed off the Alliance for Democracy, with only the LagosState governor, Ashiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being the sole surviving

governor out of six, in a thoroughly rigged election, it was for no other reason than to submerge an imperishable name with the hope of emerging primus inter pares, amongst Yoruba political leaders, even though he should come far below in the pecking order.

What then drives a man so truly blessed of God but who is forever looking for something? What exactly, like forever, puts him in a seeming competition with non-existent rivals? It is that elusive thing that pushed him to inflict on Nigerians, a decent, but obviously sick Yar Adua and, subsequently, Goodluck Jonathan, a man, the consequences of whose incompetence, as we are getting to see daily, President Buhari is almost guaranteed to spend his entire first four years in office cleaning up. For things to be otherwise, it would mean that Saraki and his friends in the National Assembly, support the president by effecting appropriate amendments to our extant weak anti-corruption laws; which weaknesses lawyers take undue advantage of to make cases seemingly unending.

Obasanjo makes so much of his belief in God that you would think he should have abandoned all these bush fires which can only end up diminishing him in the estimation of a citizenry which should, ordinarily, have nothing but the greatest respect and admiration for his services to Nigeria, warts and all.

I have heard many attribute not less than 70 percent of Nigeria’s current woes to him which is why it is befuddling reading him present, as he did in his recent interview with Mojeed, to be the best thing to have happened to Nigeria, ever.

The retired general, two time Head of State - a third unconstitutional attempt failed spectacularly at the senate of the federal republic - should be humble enough to pray to God to remove conceit far away from him rather than continue to pull others down, even posthumously.

Of private universities and private individuals Too many private individuals who would be richer making shoes or condiments are given private university licences ... but they should note that it is not a profit making venture

U

NIVERSITY education is just beautiful, and if I had my way, I would want everyone to go through it. Apart from the fact that one learns a lot there (in and out of the classroom), there’s just this way it has of influencing your perception of life and everything. I am of course talking about the ones who truly go there to learn, not the ones who regard the place as their hideout from their parents while they go about their normal businesses. Please don’t ask me what that is; ask your ward.

Anyhow, I believe that most of us are fed a lot of stuff in our primary and secondary schools which we dared not question, or WAEC would miraculously move away from our planet.

You were just told to accept that the world is round and forever (till you get out of there anyhow) hold your peace. I guess not many teachers would like a student who goes ‘how do you know the world is round? Prove it to me.’ I think a stick would do a lot of proving on that ‘silly student’.

University education, however, allows you to seek knowledge to your satisfaction. Not only is the stick forbidden, you also have this vast space called lecturers who are supposed to open your mind and allow you to ask intelligent questions such as ‘why does man bleed when cut by glass?’ or ‘why can we not test how hot an iron is with our finger or tongue?’ Such deep ques-

tions and others that fly around in the intellectual sphere can be asked, you guessed it, in the university. After all, no one can bring out any stick of correction.

There is also the vaster space called the university library which, if a student ensconces himself sufficiently in, can teach him just about anything he is interested in. I assure you that every tool we use in the world today is a product of that intellectual sphere of teachers who entertained deep questions and libraries that entertained the researcher who mostly slept, and sometimes read, in her hallowed rooms.

I have read of someone who set out to know just at what point an egg boils. After reading through and sleeping over many books, he headed to his laboratory where many eggs suffered an indescribable fate in his hands (or pot). I authoritatively report here that he had many eggs to eat of course. I also authoritatively report here that not many people could move near him for days afterwards. Why? Well, reader, he seemed to give off this odour of superior intelligence from somewhere around his behind. Today though, thanks to that young man’s brave and superior education, we now know that egg boils at 33/5 minutes or thereabouts.

More researches are needed on that anyhow.

There are still so many questions regarding the condition of man that need to be answered and for which we need no end of researchers, believe me. For instance, we need to know if it is possible to bend over backwards and touch one’s toes. I have bent over backwards for my dog but I have not been able to touch my toes. We need to know how to make people sense that the water on the stove is boiling no matter where they are, in or out of the house. Most importantly (and my favourite one), we really need to know how to spend money and not make it run out, ever – no matter how little one has. For all of these and more, we need researchers and inventors, which universities produce.

True, I believe that Nigerian universities are working round the clock to ensure they mint them intelligentsia. As of now, records show that there are close to one hundred federal and state owned universities in Nigeria.

Finding that these alone could not cater for the close to one hundred and fifty million Nigerians desiring university education for themselves, children, wards, neighbours or foes (there’s always the vain hope they might stop being foes when they get some university education), the National Universities Commission opened the floodgates to private university enterprise. Now, I understand there are more than sixty of them in Nigeria. Yet, there are cries that even these are not enough. I agree.

However, I don’t know about you but I am just a wee bit concerned

about the rather long jump in the number of the private universities for many reasons. To start with, the very word ‘private’ conjures up many senses, the most noticeable being the fact that these universities are ‘personally owned’, ‘not publicly owned’.

So, there is just this much you can ask of them. For example, it is difficult to begin to ask them why they are charging this much and that much amount for school fees. From sources, fees in private schools range from roughly N.2m to N1.7m annually.

In times past in the old west, private schools were owned by former teachers. Now, every prospector who has made a kobo somewhere comes to plough it into university owning mostly as an investment that will yield some day, hence the fees. The payers of these huge fees are denied many of the things they have paid for; and sometimes the staff are not paid regularly, according to information, to make the kobo stretch. There are many universities without requisite staff; some offer courses taken by only one student; and many whose students do not graduate in good time because of accreditation problems.

Yet, they all seem to have a penchant for producing first class graduates.

I observe that many of these private universities have not quite keyed into the philosophy of university education. Many of the schools have their administering eye trained on the Naira and kobo coming and going, mostly from the students. One school is said to have announced a change of fees mid-semester! I do not know what

the registration requirements are but I think that this focus on what should come into the pocket of the school appears to be averse to the focus of university education which is more on what should go out into the society.

This is why it has been oft said that tertiary education is essentially social service. To truly be one, it requires that every kobo gained be ploughed right back in because it is never enough. So the project is not only capital intensive, it is constantly yawning for more.

A situation where profit on investment is the focus translates to business savyness, not social service.

Focus is not the only thing that needs seeing to in this matter. I understand that there are private universities around here whose students are not free to move around the campus.

They are rather herded around in lines from one classroom to another and have lights out time. I know; perhaps it is to curtail wayward behaviour, but it also curtails the student’s freedom of choice. University education should breed thinkers. It should teach individuals to reason and choose to do what is right at any time; that is when the results will not vary at any time in the individual’s life when his conditions change. Education should help the student to see the bigger picture and gain a greater perspective.

Too many private individuals who would be richer making shoes or condiments are running private universities. I do not begrudge anyone for wanting to own one; the country needs more thinkers and researchers to answer its myriad of questions. I only ask that owners and potential owners should note that it should not be a profit making venture but should produce innovative thinkers. Those are the ones who will propel the country into the sunrise of self-actualisation.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

COMMENT

17

(130) In the war against corruption effective prosecutions not probes are the ultimate weapons (2) A S promised at the end of this column last week, this concluding essay in our series on effective prosecutions versus probes as weapons in the war against corruption in our country will focus on the Administration of Justice Act of 2015. Most Nigerians, including lawyers, seem either to be totally unaware of the existence of this Act or if they are aware of its existence, do not seem to have a grasp of what it would take to make it work. It was for these reasons that in my concluding remarks last week, I promised to bring a prominent member of the Bar to the conversation with a view to publicizing through this column, the difference that this Act could make in the fight against corruption in our society. The lawyer that I will bring into this conversation is none other than Femi Falana, SAN. I am sure most readers of this piece would agree that he needs no introduction other than the following: Femi Falana is Femi Falana! Before bringing him into the conversation directly through his responses to three questions that I posed to him, permit me in a few paragraphs to provide a historical and political context for the short interview with Falana.

In a way, in our seemingly unending war against corruption, the coming to power of Buhari in 2015 is very much like the coming to power of Murtala Ramat Mohammed exactly forty years ago in 1975.

Within weeks of coming to power, Mohammed instituted probes into corruption and malpractices in virtually all areas of public life in the country, with specific application to the government from which he took over, that of General Yakubu Gowon and the continuing influence and authority of Gowon’s appointees both at the federal and state levels. Buhari has also announced that his “probe” will be limited to the administration of his predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan.

Though he is yet to actually and concretely “deliver”, Buhari, again like Mohammed before him, inspires great confidence in the generality of the Nigerian people that in this “war” he is serious, that he “means business”. Finally, almost in the same manner in which Mohammed did not spare members of his own “party” - the military - in his anti-corruption war, Buhari has also stated that no one would spared in the probe of the period of the Jonathan administration; he has promised that governors and public officeholders of all parties would be probed.

However, having noted these similarities between the two men in the war against corruption, we must not be uncritical and too quick in coming to the apparent conclusions that these analogies between Mohammed and Buhari might seem to indicate. Mohammed went far beyond probes to both summary dismissals and criminal prosecutions of identified wrongdoers. It astonished Nigerians and the whole world that soldiers could deal with themselves in the war against corruption. Especially, it delighted

•“Who will be the new Minister of Justice and Attorney General? Will he or she wrest control of the law from the ‘lootocrats’?

Nigerians to be shown concretely that no one was so powerful, so “connected” that he or she could not be touched, could not be held accountable for looting government monies and public assets. Thus, the “essence” of Mohammed’s legacy is that probes are not enough; they must be backed with effective action; they must end with restitution for the wronged and deterring punishment for the wrongdoer. Mohammed made many mistakes and created many enemies for himself in that “war” (as he did in the civil war proper); but he was absolutely insistent that restitution and punishment must follow exposure of corrupt practices through probes.

As a moral and practical benchmark for Buhari, Mohammed’s legacy in the war against corruption is a tough and complex act to follow. As a military ruler, Mohammed could make summary dismissals; Buhari, as an elected civilian president, cannot. Compared to its

colossal scale now, corruption in the time of Mohammed was not unmanageable.

That was why, in the criminal prosecution of named and identified wrongdoers, Mohammed did not have senior and distinguished lawyers and judges who use perpetual stay of proceedings to block successful prosecution of looters to contend with; Buhari does. Moreover, they constitute the cream of the Nigerian legal profession.

What Buhari has that Mohammed did not have is the Administration of Justice Act of 2015 – if he and his administration, with massive support from the Nigerian public, can make it work.

And on this note, we move to the short interview with Femi Falana.

Question: What is “revolutionary” about this Act? What are its key provisions that everyone should know about?

Falana:

With regard to the specific issue of the war against corruption, the Act has far-reaching provisions that will make it impossible to unduly delay or permanently prolong the prosecution of criminal suspects.

To ensure speedy trial, objections shall not be taken in criminal proceedings on the ground of an imperfect charge. All objections shall be considered along with the substantive issues at the time of delivery of judgment. An application for stay of proceedings pending appeal will not be entertained as the trial of the defendant shall proceed from day-today until conclusion. Where dayto-day trial is impracticable, no party shall be entitled to more than five adjournments provided that the interval between each adjournment shall not exceed 14 working days. The elevation of a high court judge to the Court of Appeal will not delay trial as the Judge shall have dispensation to continue to hear and conclude any part-heard

criminal matter within a reasonable time.

To really appreciate how farreaching these provisions are, we have to go back to where and how frustration of successful prosecution of criminal cases against the rich and the powerful started. In Nigeria under colonial rule, trial by jury was part of the criminal justice system. By 1960 when Nigeria became independent that tradition was continued. Trial by jury was however stopped in 1975 on allegations of abuse of the procedure by many jurors. The impact of the abolition was not immediately felt as Nigeria was then under a military dictatorship which decreed that criminal offences be tried summarily by courts and tribunals.

However, ultimately, the abolition of the jury system historically led to undue delay in criminal cases in the regular courts which also have to deal with many civil cases.

The delay of criminal cases reached ridiculously high proportions in the year 2000 when suspects charged with corruption in the high courts had their trials stayed to await the decision of the Supreme Court in the case challenging the validity of the Independent and Corrupt Practices Offences Commission Act. Although the law was upheld by the Supreme Court, the trial of cases which had been suspended could not commence as fresh objections were filed by the defendants. That was how the procedural practice of suspending trials via stay of proceedings was smuggled into the Nigerian criminal judicial order, ultimately becoming perfected as a system.

The system, the practice has since continued to the huge detriment of criminal justice in Nigeria.

It is pertinent to note that the defence lawyers engaged by politically exposed persons and other members of the ruling class to manipulate the criminal justice system are senior lawyers. To show how pernicious the system has become, it is important to note that “fat cats” who could not be tried locally in Nigeria have been successfully prosecuted abroad. This has exposed the Nigerian criminal justice system to ridicule internationally.

Beyond the specific issue of the war against corruption, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 also has other far-reaching provisions that deal with justice and fairness in general to all accused persons, especially those who are too poor, too powerless to “buy” justice. It is important to note here that Nigerian prisons are full of thousands upon thousands of inmates who are “awaiting trial”.

Under the new law a suspect is entitled to consult a lawyer of his/ her choice or free legal representation by the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria before making a statement.

Arrest of innocent persons in lieu of suspects or on a civil wrong or breach of contract is prohibited. To ensure that violence is not unleashed on suspects during interrogation and to avoid trial within trial, confessional statements of suspects shall be recorded electronically.

An officer in charge of any detention facility shall report to the nearest Magistrate the cases of all suspects arrested without warrant within a month. The reports shall be forwarded to the Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee. All places of detention other than a prison shall be inspected at least once a month by a chief magistrate within a territorial jurisdiction. The Comptroller-General of Prisons shall make returns every 90 days to the head of the court in which the prison is situated and to the Attorney-General of the Federation of all persons awaiting trial beyond 180 days from the date of arraignment. The Nigeria Police Force shall have a Central Criminal Records Registry while the Attorney-General of the Federation shall establish an electronic and manual database of all records of arrests.

Question: How was it possible to have this Act passed? Who were the major players in having it passed? How did they manage to succeed in having it passed?

Falana: Well, the bill for this Act was submitted after Lagos State passed the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of 2007 upon which, as a matter if fact, this 2015 Act is based. The paths to the enactment of both Acts are rather circuitous. Following the conviction of Ex-Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori in London on the same charges for which he had been unsuccessfully prosecuted in Nigeria, together with the reckless grant of stay of proceedings in many corruption cases, the Human Rights community mounted great pressure on the National Assembly to pass the bill. It was passed and signed into law by President Jonathan on May 13, 2015. So in a way, the credit must go to the Human Rights community. Incidentally, the current Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, was the Attorney General of Lagos State who shepherded the passage from bill to law of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State 2007. We should hope that he will have a special interest in the success of the Administration of Justice Act of 2015 as a major weapon in Buhari’s war on corruption.

Question: In what ways can the provisions of this Act be made widely known and enforced? Who will be the key players in this task?

Falana: No doubt, the Administration of Justice Act, 2015 which came into force on May 13, 2015 is a revolutionary intervention in the criminal justice sector in Nigeria. To ensure the success of the law the federal government has to provide adequate funding for the justice sector. However, the Human Rights community should mobilize the Nigerian people’s support the enforcement of the provisions of the Act, with special regard to both the successful prosecution criminal suspects that have stolen government monies and assets and the defense of the rights of all suspects, poor and rich, guaranteed by the law.

Biodun bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

Jeyifo

18

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

COMMENT

ICPC, EFCC and Buhari’s new offensive against corruption E

VENTS in the past few weeks have left no one in doubt that the Buhari administration has set the stage for the prosecution of its promised war against corruption. First, in an apparent move to plug loopholes facilitating leakages and mismanagement of public funds, the President recently directed all ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to maintain Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for all public revenue.

The move, which the Presidency stated, was to ensure probity, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds has been widely applauded. Closely following that directive was the announcement by the President that the trial of people involved in the stealing of public funds will begin soon, in a matter of weeks. And then also came the constitution of an AntiCorruption Advisory Committee to help plan strategies for a new offensive in the anti-graft war.

Nigerians are elated by this development. It shows that Buhari is committed beyond the rhetoric of his world declaration, during his trip to the United States of America, that he was determined to “Kill corruption before corruption kills Nigeria”. However, many are wondering if government had properly thought out how to make this new initiative work and how to surmount the major challenges that had stifled the war in the past, so that the new offensive will not run out of steam soon.

These and other relevant issues are part of what the wise men of the anti-graft advisory committee are supposed to help government fashion out. But as they embark on that assignment, it is important to remind them and all other stakeholders that the war or campaign against corruption is not new, it is not just beginning. It has been raging for some time, some challenges had been identified, some lessons should have been

•Ibrahim Lamorde, EFCC Chairman

By Folusho Akinseye

learnt from those experiences and all these must inform current plans for the new offensive.

The intervention of the two main anti-corruption agencies in the country - the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) - over ten years ago offered great hope. But today Nigerians are still talking about corruption as if the evil it represents had just been discovered. What happened? How have the anti-graft agencies fared?

Have they failed the nation? Many Nigerians who have been monitoring the anti-graft war would concede that the anti-graft agencies can hardly be blamed.

The truth is that they were operating in a very difficult environment that was more or less antithetical to the cause of the war.

A key element of the inclement environment was the lack of commitment by the political authorities. This was evident in the failure or negligence to provide adequate funding for the operations of the anti-graft agencies. It is well known that

•Ekpo Nta, ICPC Chairman

paucity of funds had been a major constraint to the agencies especially in the past few years.

Another important factor is the slowness of the judicial process of prosecution. This has been attributed to congestion of cases in the courts and the abuse of judicial processes through frivolous injunctions in a seeming conspiracy between the bar and the bench. As a result, a lot of cases being prosecuted by the agencies had been dragging for years and this has eroded public confidence in prosecution as a weapon of deterrence.

The most debilitating blow to the anti-corruption fight was the insincerity of the political authorities or rather, their alleged complicity in corrupt activities. For example, the ideal thing to do on the various celebrated cases of alleged corruption involving very senior government officials some years ago would have been for the administration to hand over those cases to the anti-graft agencies.

That was not done. Even the National Assembly which stepped in was rebuffed. In the same vein, most of the recent stunning revelations of corrupt practices involving billions of dollars point in the direction of acts of impunity

by top public officials and their associates.

This phenomenon could be described as state sponsored or state approved corruption. What could the agencies have done in such circumstances? The anti-graft war in Nigeria will succeed when government begins to demonstrate sincerity of purpose and commitment, leading by example andfostering e nabling conditions for anti-graft agencies to assert their independence and operate without hindrance. President Buhari’s recent actions have just shown a marked difference from the ignoble past. Now everybody knows that government would not take lightly any act of corruption or impunity, no matter who is involved.

Having demonstrated the political will to root out corruption, the President should now proceed to address the other major constraints of the anti-graft agencies. He needs to give them the necessary capital and human resource empowerment to build capacity in terms of personnel strength, training, out sourcing of renowned experts in relevant fields on sensitive and technical cases under investigation and

prosecution as well as logistics for various operations and activities covered by their respective mandates.

Talking of empowerment, the President did say he was thinking of merging the ICPC and the EFCC into one big body and empowering the new organisation with sufficient financial muscle to face the challenges of the war. However, the idea needs careful examination it could be counterproductive at this point in time.

Merging the two agencies now will definitely create a period of inertia during the transition process as the administrative frame work and operational logistics of the successor organisation are being worked out. This will be a set back to the tempo of activities the president has already raised of which Nigerians are expecting quick results.

A merger may not be the best option in the quest to step up the anti-graft war at this time. In any case, the two agencies have separate mandates and apart from the aforementioned constraints they have, which are not of their own making, there is nothing to indicate that they,as presently constituted, cannot fight corruption successfully if properly kitted. It would be recalled that a prominent member of the new Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption once opposed the merger proposal for the same reasons in an interview some years ago, when it was being debated.

President Buhari has begun the new offensive against corruption very well. It might be more operationally effective for him to retain the two agencies, empower them, effect necessary reforms in the judiciary and other relevant areas to create the right atmosphere and then watch them pursue the war with renewed vigour; rather than create a new structure which will take time to find its feet.

Folusho Akinseye writes from Lagos

Running away from justice: The case of Justice Oloyede

C

ONTRADICTIONS have become the hallmark of our national engagements almost at every level especially in our public life since the advent of democracy in 1999. They have come in diverse shapes and sizes and in various dimensions ranging from the ridiculous to the absurd and from the completely bizarre to the seriously paradoxical.

That a Senior Judge Osun State judiciary Justice Folahanmi Oloyede who had made weighty allegations of financial impropriety against Governor Rauf Aregbesola and demanded that he be impeached is now running away from the responsibilities attached to her demands shows that she not only never had any grounds to have made that call in the first place, but may have also been instigated by other political jobbers who are intent on opposing the transformational efforts of the Governor. However, she has been invited by the Economic and

By Olumuyiwa Jimoh

Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to substantiate her claim but she also refused to appear.

It should be noted that the Governor never for one day sought to protest that allegation from the judge but chose to make himself available before the members of the State House of Assembly who summoned him and are the true representatives and conscience of the people of the state. He did not grandstand neither did he muster his political influences which is not insignificant in any way to dissuade the House from acceding to the request of the jurist. He made himself available for questions with candour.

Paradoxically, the one who has asked for the empanelling of the process to investigate the Governor has refused to come and make her case when summoned to do so by the House of Assembly. If this is not contradictory, I do not know any other thing that is. My thoughts are

that it is both morally compelling and statutorily obligatory for the Judge to appear before the House to defend her allegations. That is the way democracies are run since she has been provided the right opportunity to nail the Governor in fulfilment of her crusade.

What she has done negates the fine principles of law that “he that alleges must prove”. It is unfortunate that she has chosen to abdicate this onerous responsibility especially when the whole nation awaited her testimony.

Judges have moral obligation to obey the law and for a sitting judge to refuse to conform to this dictate, not only makes herself incapable of continuing in that hallowed office but also throws scorn at the entire Judiciary. She has made her position very tenuous thus capable of contaminating the entire Judiciary.

Having made her position in the judiciary inchoate thus of no repute bringing shame to the judicial processes what other moral basis

would this judge and the Judiciary have to demand that other members and segments of the society obey their judgments?

It is therefore on this note that we say that this judge has grossly perjured herself and to inform her that the only path to self -redemption is an unreserved apology not only to the Governor but also the people of Osun whom she had denigrated by her false and malicious allegations then, immediate resignation from office if she still has any modicum of respect for her office and the judiciary. She has unfortunately made herself a cancerous tumour that has to be surgically excised before it becomes dangerously malignant and pollutes the Judiciary. That is why the NJC has an urgent duty to perform here by neutralising this poison in their chalice and setting in motion their in-house disciplinary machinery if she refuses to toe the path of honour.

However, the Osun State House of Assembly should step to the plate

and invoke their constitutional powers to remove her from office if the Judge fails to resign or the NJC abandons its duty. Her removal will be a great service to all stakeholders in the Nigerian project especially the people of Osun.

In conclusion, it is apposite to commend the Governor for his deft and democratic handling of this duplicity by the judge. By refusing to arm twist the House and by making himself available to the House for proper investigation, he has shown himself once again a truly democratic leader worthy of emulation by other Governors and public office holders in Nigeria. His leadership qualities cannot be ignored if Nigeria is to make the desired change. He has once again demonstrated tremendous goodwill thus raising the bar of democratic standards in Nigeria.

•Jimoh, is the Deputy Majority Leader in the Lagos state House of Assembly representing Apapa II Constituency.

LIFE

19

SUNDAY

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

They are youngsters from different parts of the country.

They became orphans through no fault of theirs. Their parents were killed either by Boko Haram insurgents or in ethno-religious strifes. Today, these orphans have found succour at the Stephen Children’s Home in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. They share their stories of pains, persecution and survival with Adeola Ogunlade .

•Continued on Page 20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

20 SUNDAY LIFE • Continued from Page 19

‘Our stories of tears, blood and death’

•Displaced children rescue home

•Isaac Newton-Wusu

• Continued on Page 21

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

SUNDAY LIFE 21

•Mary Bitrus

•Nankpak Kunzwam

•Davou Thoma

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

22 SUNDAY LIFE

O

•Prof Jaiyesimi

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

SUNDAY LIFE

First women radio station set to hit the air waves

By Innocent Duru

•Toun-Okewale

23

25 THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

‘I studied

theatre arts because

JAMB

chose it for me’ Page 26

26

GLAMOUR

‘I studied

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

ETCETERA

29

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

The fix (II)

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

From last week: Graduating from a life of mercantile unionism and examinations without sweat to national youth service, the young man encountered similar odds.

To avoid a north ravaged by Boko Haram insurgency, he had his hapless parents ‘sort’ National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) officials for a posting to the country’s commercial capital where, with further sorting, he hoped that decades-long efforts would culminate in a lucrative bank position. He found himself in a merciless job market instead.

A WAY soon opens for the relentless wayfarer. And the young man considered himself up to the task, but not before paying his dues on the pock-marked streets of the former national capital. Assisted by crooked errand boys on a notorious Lagos Island address after roving the city’s road network in futility, he forged enough documents to beat the requisite ‘10 years of cognate experience’ and sundry employment booby-traps.

No stranger to office politics, the youth cultivated the influence of a godfather and shot through the administrative ranks at work. To the envy of the gullible and consternation of the perceptive, he seemed to magnetise all the ‘hot deals’ and ‘projects’ going at work. But the benefits barely assuaged a growing appetite for the fast life. Not satisfied with running drugs rings whenever and wherever he could, he longed to expand operations or, better still, diversify.

A series of company-sponsored trips to the Niger Delta provided the answer.

He had heard so much about the sleazy world of piracy and bunkering. He had always wanted to play with the big boys, and here, at last, was his chance. He started to fish for links to ex-militant ‘generals’, drug lords, oil subsidy barons and corrupt government officials. After a few tips and some favours, he succeeded in breaking into the crooked circle and discovered there would be no opting out.

He didn’t mind, considering the fantastic bounty on offer. Propelled by contacts and slush funds, he sought admission to the biggest game of all – politics by the party in power. At grassroots or national level, a common thread appeared to run through the art and process of governance as far as he could see.

More often than not, you swear an oath of allegiance to your godfather(s) at some shrine and enter the world of do-or-die campaigns, contrived constituency projects and bogus travel claims.

As many know, politics in Nigeria is essentially a ‘come-and-chop’ affair, even if an ex-head of state-turned-former president-turned-puppeteer transited from come-and-chop to chop-most and almost chop-forever until his pawn seized the act mid-performance.

But the show would end sometime. While he planned a path from local government chairmanship to the National Assembly and governorship or the presidency with immense good luck comparable to a certain leader’s, the advent of progressivism burst the young man’s bubble. Enter the period of probity and accountability; enter the plea for mercy with justice; and enter the day of reckoning.

Long anticipated, the rule of law arrived with the most incorruptible one the country yet found.

But who or what could have saved the man from his predicament? Where were his peers, parents, teachers and counselors when the boy needed a shoulder to lean on? What will they say when the man emerges from the rundown prison facility ‘reformed’ as a gun-totting menace to society?

This is where the system matters. The leader and the led share relevance, and in their every whim, belief and practice national values reflect. The misdemeanour of today’s leaders and inclination of tomorrow’s replacements should, therefore, cause little surprise.

Still, what could anyone have done to halt the man’s slide? The answer was always obvious: fix the boy, and you fix the man. After all, the child is father of the man.

Reader’s Response A modern dictionary You ‘forgot’ to insert under ‘S’ in today’s edition of the ‘Dictionary’, ‘Statesman’.

With your complicit permission, it is: “A term much in use and very much misused/abused to refer to anyone from party thug to party potentate least qualified intellectually/morally to hold even a minor national political post.

Olu Oyawale. +2348062508***

QUOTE

We must try not to sink beneath our anguish ... but battle on.

—J.K. Rowling

Jokes Humour

The mugging A TORTOISE walking down the street was mugged by a gang of snails. A police detective came to investigate and asked the tortoise what happened.

The tortoise looked at the detective with a confused look on his face and said, “I don’t know, it all happened so fast.”

New Bull THREE bulls heard that the farmer was bringing another bull onto the ranch. The first bull said: “I’ve been here five years. I’m not giving this new bull any of my 100 cows.”

“I’ve been here three years and have earned my right to 50 cows. I’m keeping all my cows,” said the second bull.

The third Bull said: “I’ve only been here a year, and so far, you guys have only let me have 10 cows. I may not be as big as you fellows, but I’m keeping all 10 of my cows.”

Just then a huge truck pulls up bearing the biggest bull they had ever seen. At over 2, 000 kilogrammes, each step he took shook the trailer.

First Bull: “I think I can spare a few cows for our new friend.”

Second Bull: “I actually have too many cows

to take care of. I can spare a few. I’m certainly not looking for an argument.”

They look over at the third bull and find him pawing the dirt, shaking his horns and snorting before making a charge.

First Bull: “Son, don’t be foolish. Let him have some of your cows and live to tell the story.”

Third Bull: “Look, he can have all my cows. I’m just making sure he knows I’m a bull!”

Drunk Judgment ADULTS sometimes appear to follow comic books as much as children, but you never know much until one city night.

A guy got really drunk in a bar. When the bar closed, he got up to go home. As he stumbled out the door, he saw a woman with a shawl over her head walking on the other side of the street.

He stumbled over to her and punched her in the face. Totally surprised, the woman struggled to defend herself as he punched her again.

She fell down. He stumbled over and kicked her. Then he picked her up and threw her into a wall.

Weakened, the woman barely moved. The drunk leaned over her, put his face right next to hers and said, “Not so strong tonight, are you Batman?”

•Adapted from the Internet

Writer ’s Fountain OW to hook the reader: Just as TV mystery or crime series A writer’s skillful use of language may as well put you right at the crime scene during the first invite the reader for more than a passing interest few minutes and you are hooked, want to be in your story.

The use of beautiful expression as well as hooked, and expect to be hooked, you cannot stop reading a book filled with suspense to the skilful arrangement of words and thought patterns works like music. It bears promise of end.

As a technique, you may use a bit of flash more to come and the reader stays to find out if forward or backward at the beginning of a long he is right.

It is all about enchantment. Whether it’s about narrative. You may use it as a prologue to draw skydiving, murder or love, first impressions do the reader into the book. He will want to find the trick. Remember that people remember what out “what happened next.”

The opening hook doesn’t have to involve they hear first. So hit the high point in your violence or intrigue. It could involve aesthetics. opening statement and closing argument as well as the first sentence and paragraph.

Cold hard facts: For example, what do you remember of this •Latin is a dead language. statement: “He was a dirty, low down thief, but •Antarctica has no native population. It is the he did many charitable works – helping the poor, only continent that does not have land areas particularly children”? He did many charitable below sea level. works – helping the poor, particularly children.

•Killer whales (orcas) kill sharks by But he was a dirty, low down thief. torpedoing up into the shark’s stomach from It’s the first statement you remember, not the underneath, causing the shark to explode. afterthought.

•The only fresh-water sharks in the world The bottom line is to start off with a bang! can be found in Lake Nicaragua.

See how writers in your chosen genre do it. Then •Large doses of coffee can be lethal. Ten attempt a violent shock or the mesmerising turn grammes, or 100 cups over 4 hours, can kill of phrase common with more practiced writers. the average human.

For effect, do it at the beginning and at the end.

H

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

30

The continuing search for new productivity paradigm

A

T a personal level, I consider national productivity to be a huge challenge, and I regret that, as a nation and at all levels of the national economy, be it the public service or industry, we are not anywhere near the destination in the pursuit of a paradigm shift in productivity profile, if at all we have started.

The burden of this Award therefore, is that we Awardees have to buckle ourselves and gear up for more work as productivity champions in our different callings. I also sincerely wish that the National Productivity merit Award (NPMA) will eventually build up a critical mass of Awardees that will become sufficiently intrigued as I am by Nigeria’s productivity challenge, and will become willing to throw their entire energies into transforming our national predicament. I suppose therefore, that I express our collective sentiments if I say we are pleased to be considered a part of that change dynamics.

The idea of national productivity stands as the very core of Nigeria’s contemporary challenge as a nation. Without achieving an enviable global productivity profile similar to or near that of the OECD countries, we can say with a certain level of certainty that no other development index will fall in place in Nigeria. The challenge is as serious as that.

This is because national productivity is the sole consequence of democratic governance; it is with a fullthrottled productivity efficiency that any government managing change at this crucial junction in the nation’s history, can ever hope to proclaim a measure of success in good governance that embraces its entire citizenry and gives them a modicum of confidence to proclaim themselves as champions of true national change and progress.

The Change Agenda The new PMB administration was inaugurated around an agenda of change. I dare to say here that the very centre of that change paradigm is the need to reactivate our commitment to a paradigmatic shift in our productivity framework in a manner that is urgent and committed.

Productivity cannot wait; it is essentially what defines national development and progress everywhere. A nation that puts little value on efficiency in the management of its national wealth; allows its best talents to walk the street and make do with third best in critical positions; lacks maintenance culture; lacks nationally acknowledged benchmarks in service delivery, work culture and labour standards; gives scant regards to erosion of the value foundation of national institutions in the dynamics of high politics; glorifies a culture of ‘something for nothing’ in wealth acquisition; etc don’t understand what development is all about.

I had reason to have wondered in an earlier essay titled ‘Generational capital in the Nigerian Project’ in these words: To institute a new national productivity paradigm requires a

By Tunji Olaopa gargantuan effort to surmount some ingrained sociological realities as: destructive individualism which emphasizes consumption at the expense of production; material success at the expense of social responsibility; lack of a reading and reflective culture; religiosity bereft of spirituality; an instrumental perception of success in the short-term rather than the longterm; pervasive national culture of waste that superintends unbridled desire to show-off and celebrate everything—funerals, birthdays, admissions, graduation, new houses, travels, marriages, promotions, everything.

There are more: An irrational yearning for certificates without the accompanying learning and character; craze for titles; inordinate opportunism propelled by a spirit of “something for nothing”; denigration of critical sacrifices for national progress embedded in virtues of deferred gratification in a preference for instant gratification; the culture of impunity; a democracy that is more of a mechanism for getting people to power rather than a political culture with morality; and many more moral and cultural deficits that combine inexorably to condition the perpetual shortcircuiting of any serious concerted effort towards the evolution of Nigeria of our dreams.

The need for change to institute a paradigm shift in our national productivity profile specifically through public service reform has essentially defined my reform concern, efforts and struggles through research, practice and advocacy. In the course of my research and practice, I essentially studied a system that was dragging its feet in deep systemic bureaucratic dysfunction. I saw a civil service that was making valiant effort to connect with national goals and objectives, but was barely making progress. This institutional challenge had continually aroused my curiosity as a researcher. The bureaucratic predicament challenged my desire to know and get to the bottom of what is problematic.

Thus, I got steeped in empirical observations of the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian civil service. My research revealed the dynamics that articulate the structural specifics underlying the needed reconstruction. This structural requirement is threefold: a.

The first level is the material/infrastructural level which include the system of production, distribution, consumption and exchange; b.

The second level comprises of the institutional dimension involving the system of institutions, organisations, the procedural mechanisms underlying democracy and so on; and finally, c.

The third, superstructural level involving social relations, culture, values, beliefs and attitudinal orientation of the people.

•Buhari

My research outputs have been critical attempts to unravel the complexities of these structural requirements within an optimistic and effective reform framework that will bring them together to move, specifically, the civil service forward into a solid world class institutions that will—and this is very significant—contribute tremendously to ensuring that Nigerians begin to see their nation as a caring one to which they ought to commit their loyalties.

Many do nothing, few do too much Unfortunately, I came out with a depressing outcome about the Federal Civil Service: there are too many people doing nothing, too many doing too little and too few people doing too much. This seems like a beautiful play with words, but its productivity undertones should be immediately clear—even though the civil service is adequately staffed in terms of numerical strength, in qualitative terms, we are not achieving the much required our productivity objectives.

The unfortunate truth, however, is that the thesis is still significant within the context of the unfolding of the NCS today as it was when I commenced my research in 1993. I managed to have reworked this doctoral finding into a larger framework with new empirical observations in Public Administration and Civil Service Reforms in Nigeria. The third edition of the book, in 2012, attests to the continuing relevance of that hypothesis.

My doctoral thesis however did more than give me a catchy phrase about the essential problem of the civil service in Nigeria. It also enabled me to put into proper perspectives how to begin a rethinking of the challenge as well as the pathway to a productivity paradigm shift, especially with a critical focus

on the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). The fundamental questions I consider significant before we can even begin to think of a solution are: i.

What kind of public service is appropriate for us at this level of our development? ii.

How can we get MDAs operations to be restructured to deliver results and outcomes? iii. How can the MDAs’ skills deficit be corrected in a manner that would be through a mix of re-skilling, regulated injection of fresh new skills and some measure of rightsizing or redundancies declaration if unavoidable? iv. What would be the contingent changes to personnel policies, pay structure and operational cost ratios that is most cost effective and consistent with the optimal productivity level of the national economy? v.

How would the service be more sensitive to the political objectives of government and be at once accountable to stakeholder under SERVICOM compact without its independence and professionalism being undermined? vi. Are MDAs delivering significant outputs that, when measured, will meet their set policy targets? vii. If MDAs are indeed falling short of expectation and therefore underperforming (when measured), what is our game plan to make up for observed performance gaps?

It is within the dynamics of these critical questions that I eventually formed the trajectory of my career as a change agent and a reform enthusiast who is concerned with how the civil service system can become an effective and efficient component in Nigeria’s development effort.

I have since been involved with researching and reforming the Nigerian civil service for many years. But reform is a terrible

business. This is because it is an attempt to insert functional objectives and dynamics into a system that has been compromised by many administrative, political and historical factors. There has been the constant threat of losing focus of what is at stake and the impediment to be removed.

A new paradigm How have I kept myself from been distracted? It was helpful when it became obvious to me early that my reform philosophy is actually centred on the need for the evolution of a ‘productivity paradigm’ designed to generate a dynamic thinking process to resolve the productivity crisis. Over time, I discovered that the productivity paradigm shift requires a workforce that is professional, confident, accountable and productive and a reform that effects critical structural and behavioural changes that motivates the redefinition of the Federal Civil Service in the pursuit of performance and innovation at all levels. The essence of the paradigm shift in productivity is therefore to redress the fundamental gaps—policy, capacity, performance, process and resource—which hinder an efficient and functional productivity profile in Nigeria.

The challenge, which had then become the focus of my many years of researches and practical inquiry, is simple but not straightforward: Reengineering the MDAs management system into performance-oriented, technologyenabled and social compact or accountable business model. This is actually where the evolution of the Nigerian civil service, since its inauguration in 1954, as well as its many reform objectives, has been headed, albeit without significant success so far. To arrive at this productivity objective for me, requires committing ourselves to several tasks: I. C h a n g i n g performance metrics and incentives by focusing on the service’s performance evaluation system and specific individual requirements to the strategy implementation; II. Building new capability with pilot projects managed by multidisciplinary task forces to give staff opportunities to experiment with new tools, technologies and work processes to confront identified performance problems; III. Bringing in new people with specialist but unique expertise to dilute current work culture, enable skills transfer and create new horizons of possibilities for learning and orientation; IV. S t r e n g t h e n i n g learning infrastructure using benchmarking tools; and V. Creating avenues to brainstorm on ideas for performance improvement and envisioning new approaches to doing things that have proven reliable and need to be institutionalised.

Going forward and within the framework of the government change agenda, convincing leadership by example of our President and transformative leadership model that is unfolding, the following are proposed for government to consider for

implementation: a) getting the critical sectors of the economy to articulate their productivity plans based on agreed national benchmark; b) strategic integration of the various productivity plans and targets into the national plan by the National Planning Commission; c) launch of productivity metrics and tools to be deployed to enable employers and employees to begin to sign on to productivity bargaining and gain sharing contracts, to institutionalise a new performance-driven compensation system and skills-based workforce pricing in a broad sense; d) value system reorientation in the wings of a national integrity system that the Presidential AntiCorruption Expert Committee will institute; e) national waste reduction strategy that is linked to a new national maintenance management policy and a new asset efficiency scheme around redefined guiding principles for the management of national infrastructure and assets; f) a new national qualification framework aligned to education, training, certification and skills pricing policies; g) input structure including capital-overhead-personnel benchmarks and local content policy; h) SME expansion programme and new regional industrial benefits policy; i) research, development and innovation; j) wage concessions be henceforth based on negotiated productivity agreements, etc.

It is within the realisation of these defining responsibilities that I have dedicated my intellect and energies, and have been labouring for the past twentyseven years. And I do not as yet see that my job is anywhere done. I am not even sure I am halfway through it yet. The productivity challenge is both an end and a process. In other words, even after we have arrived at a convenient point where we have been able to reboot the productivity engine into full and effective function, we must immediately be committed to ensuring that the engine does not stall or relapse back into disuse.

Once again, let me express the profound gratitude of my fellow Awardees and myself to His Excellency for approving our nomination and to the National Productivity Order of Merit Award Committee for considering us deserving of this Award. At a personal level this Award, like the others, has become a motivational burden.

I graciously accept it. I will pick it up, take it home and place it in a conspicuous corner where it will constantly remind me of the commitments that I have made in the open to continue toiling (in service or in retirement) in the reform framework until Nigeria arrives at a convenient point where its citizens are assured of a good governance dynamics instigated by a civil service machinery motivated to do what it is originally meant for.

Excerpt of a speech at the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award during the 15TH National Productivity Day in Abuja •Dr. Olaopa is Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Abuja.

PAGE 31

AUGUST 23, 2015

• Saraki

• Dogara

Battle for juicy committee posts at National Assembly Pages 36 & 37

30 years after his ouster, has Buhari changed?

Pages 32-33

• Fayose

Will Ayade dump PDP? Pages 34

Kogi 2015: More aspirants seek Wada’s job ‘ Pages 40

32

HEN he served as Nigeria's Military Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, between 1983 and 1985, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari's image, especially amongst common Nigerians outside the seat of power, was that of a tough, no-nonsense disciplinarian who was not bothered with civil diplomacy or primary tenets of democracy.

This image, in a way received what some may call official stamp when his colleagues, led by General Ibrahim Babangida, who overthrew him in a palace coup, on August 27, 1985, brought many of his popular critics into the new military government. One of such critics was the late Prof Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, late Fela Anikulapo Kuti's brother who had led a strike against Buhari to protest declining health care services.

Besides Kuti's criticisms, Buhari, whose major programmes then were anchored on war against indiscipline, was criticised by human rights activists who dismissed him as 'rigid,' 'unfeeling,' 'undemocratic' and 'too tough.'

Today, as an elected civilian president, a close associate of Buhari said he has changed in some areas but "remains the man courageous enough and principled enough to lead the war against indiscipline and corruption in Nigeria."

So, within the 30 years, when he exchanged his well starched army uniform with the overflowing babanriga, what has changed?

To understand what may have changed in the style, personality and approach of the president within the last 30 years, when he labored hard to return to the seat of power, it may seem necessary to take a peep at his military career and his long sojourn in the Nigerian political theatre.

Military career Born on 17 December 1942, in Daura, Katsina State, President Muhammadu Buhari joined the Nigerian Army in 1961 when he enrolled in the then Nigerian Military Training College (NMTC). The college was upgraded to an officer commissioning unit of the Nigerian Army in February 1964 and renamed the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). From 1962 to 1963, he underwent officer cadet training at Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot in England.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in January, 1963, and appointed Platoon Commander of the Second Infantry Battalion in Abeokuta.

Thus began a brilliant military career that saw him occupying top command positions like General Officer Commanding, 4th Infantry Division, (Aug. 1980 - Jan. 1981); General Officer Commanding, 2nd Mechanised Infantry Division, (Jan. 1981 - October 1981); and General Officer Commanding, 3rd Armored Division, Nigerian Army, (October 1981 December 1983).

W

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

POLITICS His military career peaked between 1983-85, when Major-General Muhammadu Buhari served as Military Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. It however came to an end in August 1985, when he was overthrown in a coup led by General Ibrahim Babangida and other members of the ruling Supreme Military Council (SMC), who had worked with him.

Buhari's involvement in political leadership As a military officer, his first major appearance in the country's political theatre was in July 1966, when he, as a Lieutenant, was identified as one of the young officers that participated in the coup that overthrew General Aguiyi Ironsi's regime.

Other participants in the coup on 28 July 1966, according to reports, included the then 2nd Lieutenant Sani Abacha, then Lieutenant Ibrahim Babangida, then Major Theophilus Danjuma, then Lieutenant Ibrahim Bako, among others.

That coup ushered in the military government headed by General Yakubu Gowon.

In the mid 1970s, he also featured in the coup that overthrew General Yakubu Gowon. As a Lieutenant Colonel then, Buhari was among a group of officers that included Colonels Ibrahim Taiwo, Joseph Garba, Abdulahi Mohammed, Anthony Ochefu, Lieutenant Colonels Shehu Musa Yar'Adua, Ibrahim Babangida and Alfred Aduloju, who overthrew the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon on July 30, 1975. After the coup, the then Col. Buhari was appointed the Military Governor of the North Eastern State.

That state was, in February 1976, divided by the Military Government into Bauchi, Borno and Gongola states.

He continued his sojourn in the political leadership of the country as the then Head of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo, in March 1976 appointed him the Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Petroleum and Natural Resources. When the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) was created in 1977, he was also named its Chairman. He held this position until 1978.

Again in December 1983, he was identified as one of the leaders of the military coup that overthrew the democratically elected government of President Shehu Shagari, Nigeria's Second Republic which kicked off in 1979 after almost two decades of military dictatorship. Buhari was, at the time of the coup the General Officer Commanding (GOC), Third Armored Division, Jos. With the success of the coup, the then Major- General Buhari emerged the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces with the equally unsmiling MajorGeneral Tunde Idiagbon emerging the Chief of General Staff (the de facto No. 2 in the military regime).

It was within this period, when he served as the Head of State that Buhari's image as a strict disciplinarian became public knowledge. While this earned him admiration and respect among some Nigerians, others complained bitterly of

His admirers however said criticisms of his bold economic policies were sponsored, especially because he had broken ties with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) when the organisation asked the government to devalue the naira by 60 percent

•Gen. Buhari ...then

30 years after h has Buhari c

On Thursday, August 27, it will be 30 years that Major-General Muhammadu Buhari was overthrown as Military Head of State by top officers in his administration. He is now back in government as elected president. In this report, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, compares his style as military and civilian leader and asks if the president has changed alleged extremism and or rigidity on his part.

Criticisms of his military administration When Buhari took over government in 1983, the country was facing severe austere time in spite of the abundant oil resources. So, there was general outcry for the new government to revive the economy. To do this, Buhari decided to implement strict policies that included removal or cutting back of "excesses in national expenditure," fighting corruption, discouragement of mass importation and encouragement of mainly raw materials for local production.

He was however criticised when some of these strict policies allegedly led to many job losses, closure of businesses and suffering of affected common Nigerians. His admirers however said criticisms of his bold economic policies were sponsored especially because he had broken ties with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) when the

organisation asked the government to devalue the naira by 60 percent.

Besides his economic policies, Buhari as a military Head of State was also criticised by human rights activists who accused him of being a totalitarian.

For example, they criticised Decree Number 2 of 1984, in which the state security and the Chief of Staff were given "the power to detain, without charges, individuals deemed to be security risks to the state for up to three months."

Under Buhari then, strikes and mass demonstrations were also banned and the then National Security Organisation (NSO) was given what activists described as "unprecedented powers," as the secret police cracked down and jailed anyone that dared to disobey the alleged obnoxious laws. For example, Afro-beat maestro, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, was on September 4, 1984, arrested at the airport as he was about to embark on a tour in America, and charged for illegal exportation of currency. He was jailed for

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

POLITICS

33

The questions today, 30 years after his ouster, are, has his personality really changed?

And has he changed his attitude, style and approach?

It is on record that within the 20 months of Buhari's tenure as Military Head of State, about 500 politicians, officials and businessmen were jailed for corruption and related charges.

•President Buhari ...now

er his ouster, ri changed? five years although he was eventually released after some months as the Buhari/ Idiagbon's government was toppled.

Perhaps more than Decree 2, another of the laws under Buhari's military regime that was widely criticised was Decree Number 4 of 1984. This decree was described as "the most repressive press law ever enacted in Nigeria."

Section 1 of the decree, for example, provides that "Any person who publishes in any form, whether written or otherwise, any message, rumour, report or statement which is false in any material particular or which brings or is calculated to bring the Federal Military Government or the Government of a state or public officer to ridicule or disrepute, shall be guilty of an offense under this Decree".

It provides for offending journalists and publishers to be tried by an open military tribunal, whose ruling is not subject to any appeal. It would be recalled that Tunde Thompson and Nduka Irabor, then of The Guardian, were among the journalists who were tried under this decree.

Another tough law that earned Buhari and his regime that image was Decree 20 on illegal ship bunkering and drug trafficking. Section 3 (2) (K) of that law provided that "any person who, without lawful authority deals in, sells, smokes or inhales the drug known as cocaine or other similar drugs, shall be guilty under section 6 (3) (K) of an offence and liable on conviction to suffer death sentence by firing squad."

The matter became a major source of controversy in the case of Bernard Ogedengbe, when critics contended that the Decree was applied retroactively. He

was executed. In April 1985, six Nigerians: Sidikatu Tairi, Sola Oguntayo, Oladele Omosebi, Lasunkanmi Awolola, Jimi Adebayo and Gladys Iyamah, were also condemned to death under the same decree.

As a result many critics, including Nobel Prize winner, Prof. Wole Soyinka, added their voices to condemn the alleged excesses of the regime. Soyinka, for example, wrote a piece entitled "The Crimes of Buhari."

His achievements as military leader These criticisms aside, the period brought about radical changes in the attitude of Nigerians. The War Against Indiscipline (WAI), which he launched on March 20, 1984, was very successful until he was overthrown. A report captured the success this way: "Unruly Nigerians were ordered to form neat queues at bus stops, under the eyes of whip-wielding soldiers. Civil servants who failed to show up on time at work were humiliated and forced to do "frog jumps". Minor offences carried long sentences. Any student over the age of 17 caught cheating on an exam would get 21 years in prison. Counterfeiting and arson could lead to the death penalty."

Like magic, people's attitudes changed for the better overnight. This was because nobody needed to be told that Buhari and Idiagbon meant business. The crating of runaway former powerful Minister of Transportation, Alhaji Umaru Dikko, in London, in an alleged bid to repatriate him to Nigeria to answer questions on alleged looting of mega bucks, was enough examples to all that there would be no running away of any sacred cow so long as the two generals were in charge.

Partisan politics When he first joined partisan politics and declared interest to contest for the seat of the president, his critics recalled his alleged anti-democratic tendencies, accusing him of truncating not only the Second Republic in 1983 but also of putting Nigerian democracy on suspension then for no just course.

But the New York Times had then quoted the officers who took power from Shagari alongside Buhari as arguing that "a flawed democracy was worse than no democracy at all". Also, Buhari was quoted as justifying the military's seizure of power by "castigating the civilian government as hopelessly corrupt."

Buhari was also accused of religious bigotry, an allegation many said will always truncate his presidential ambition. Quoted as saying in 2001 that "I will continue to show openly and inside me the total commitment to the Sharia movement that is sweeping all over Nigeria", and that; "God willing, we will not stop the agitation for the total implementation of the Sharia in the country," he was labeled a religious fundamentalist.

These did not however discourage him for in 2003, Buhari ran for office in the presidential election as the candidate of the All Nigeria People's Party (ANPP).

He was defeated by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nominee, President Olus?gun ?basanj?.

Since then, he never stopped contesting. He participated in the 2007 and lost. Again in the 2011 presidential election he also contested and lost but he eventually won this year's presidential election on the ticket of the mega party, All Progressives Congress.

Just before this year's election Buhari came openly to defend his stand on the contentious matter of his being a religious bigot.

On 4 January 2015, he said he favoured freedom of religion, assuring that under his tenure, every Nigerian should be free and secure to practice their different religions. He was quoted in the media as saying, "Religion must never be used as an excuse to divide us, oppress others or gain unfair advantage. All my life I have expressed the belief that all Nigerians must worship God according to their wish".

On 6 January 2015, he was also quoted in a media report as saying: "Because they can't attack our record, they accuse me falsely of ethnic jingoism; they accuse me falsely of religious fundamentalism.

Because they cannot attack our record, they accuse us falsely of calling for election violence - when we have only insisted on peace. Even as Head of State, we never imposed Sha'riah".

Has Buhari changed?

It is instructive of what may have happened to Buhari's personality and approach to note that while campaigning for the current office of elected civilian president, Buhari responded to his critics on the issue of human rights, by assuring that if elected as president in the 28 March 2015 election, he will follow the rule of

law. He also promised that there will be access to justice for all Nigerians and respect for fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

The questions today, 30 years after his ouster, are, has his personality changed? And has he changed his attitude, style and approach?

Dr Sonny Ajala, a lawyer in Abuja, believes Buhari has changed significantly. He told The Nation on Friday that "The second coming of Buhari presents a personality that is sobered by age; hands on experience in political brinksmanship and most importantly the sad reality of a nation cascading to ruination except something radical is done. In the light of this sad commentary, President Muhammadu Buhari's emergence and restrained style of leadership is refreshing as it is hopeful after the charade of 'anything goes of the past 15 years."

Austin Edosoma, a publisher, journalist and public relations manager in Lagos disagrees. He said, "I think we have the same Buhari with bad leadership qualities: self-willed lone-ranger, defies well- meaning advice and believes he knows more than everybody. For 20 months in 1983/84, he pursued perceived treasury looters, engaged in ethnic and religious bigotry and added no meaningful development to the nation.

Hope it is not worse- off this time."

Chief Chekwas Okorie, one of the presidential candidates in this year's election on his part believes President Buhari has changed for the better. He explained his position to The Nation this way: "For me who saw the events 30 years ago and the events leading to Buhari's re-emergence, having been in politics even at that time, I now see a more matured personality who is less impulsive and more tolerant than he was 30 years ago.

"The president I see today is more outspoken. He is not as taciturn as he was when he was with Idiagbon.

At that time, much was left to speculation about his personality and his views. Idiagbon took off the shines though he was Buhari's subordinate.

"I see a more sober president, given to deeper thoughts before taking any action. For example, it is my belief that Decree 4 would never take place in his heart today. It seems that he was not reflective of the full implications of the law before its creation.

"I see a president that is more exposed to democratic attitudes and culture. So, I can conclude by saying he is now in a better position to provide critical leadership than 30 years ago. To me, his 72 years and above age is an advantage Nigeria and to Nigerians rather than a disadvantage."

Also commenting on the area of Buhari's seeming inability to shift his focus from anti-corruption as was the case 30 years ago, Okorie said, "On the area of his interest in anticorruption, I do not expect him to change his position on corruption because age and time cannot change principles. Principles must remain constance and Buhari's passion on anti-corruption is based on principle."

34

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

POLITICS

The politics of Cross River State today is awash with speculations over Governor Ben Ayade's alleged soon-to-be made decision on whether to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reports Nicholas Kalu calabar

Will Ayade dump PDP?

T

O be or not to be, is the big question in Cross River State today as observers wonder whether the new governor, Prof Ben Ayade, will defect and become a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) or not. He was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Speculations about whether he would defect started even before the April 11election that brought him into office. It did not take root, as the pressing issue at the moment was how to get into the Government House successfully.

With that done and dusted, added to some recent developments, it has once again become an issue. A source within the PDP in the state said the party was displeased about the way the governor was going about his business without "carrying them along."

"The governor treats the party as if we are not to be reckoned with. I believe a platform which enabled you achieve what you have today should be given more pride of place in the scheme of things. I think this is unfortunate and I urge he reverses this trend for the benefit of us all. Let him put himself together because 2019 is not far away," the source said.

But much to the chagrin of the political class in the state, Ayade in an interaction with newsmen had said his focus would be on improving the lives of civil servants and the poor in the state. "I am not a politician. Even if I do one term and go back with my parents' name intact, I am

T

HAT Nigeria is in dare strait today due to mismanagement, docile citizenry and sentimental followers, is not in doubts. Our forgetfulness is legendary. We are swiftly swayed by base sentiments. These often prepare the way for poor and incompetent leadership, garbed in messianic robes.

Sentiment is perhaps the biggest reason our 55-year old nation is still bereft of essential facilities which are considered sine qua non in other climes. We allow sentiments to becloud our reasoning and sense of justice.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State is presently at the butt of needless jarbs and venoms over the sanction meted out to six erring public officials in his state. Some officials of the state Ministry of Education had mismanaged a simple task of setting examination questions for secondary school students in the unified examination for public schools in the state. A teacher saddled with the assignment of setting English Language questions for Senior Secondary School 1 students made a mess of the task.

He introduced bile into the dish.

The allegedly offensive portion was contained in the summary and comprehension section of the paper he set.

It reads "There is no arguing about the fact that the state government is merely paying lip service to the development of education.

It is true that a lot of money is being spent on the education sector but with little or no impact felt by the people, except where we want to deceive ourselves.

"Many schools run by the government, which were formerly known for academic excellence have suddenly lost their prestige and are living on past glories. No wonder, many parents and guardians are threateningly left with only one option, to withdraw their wards from these schools to other ones that are better managed....

"One of the numerous indications is the government's inability to pay running cost to schools. The running cost is the token amount per pupil paid to school administrators to run the affairs of the school in a term. This has been neglected to pile up for several academic sessions.

•Ayade Okay," he had said. The governor was simply driving home, the message that he did not mind whose ox was gored in the discharge of his duties.

Ayade has also on several occasions said he is willing to be in sync with the government at the centre to ensure he brings the dividends of good governance to the people of the state. Contemplating the ramifications of the various meanings of this position has been a cause of uneasiness for the ruling party in the state.

Normally, it may seem far-fetched that any other party than the PDP would be in charge of the state, given that over time, it has been stoic about its political inclination,

at least since 1999. This is because the PDP's roots, it is believed, has run so deep, coupled with the state's seeming lackadaisical attitude towards change in its political environment.

But then Ayade has proven not to be a conventional man. On his first day in office as governor, workers in the Governor's Office got a shock of their lives when those that came late were locked out on his orders.

He warned that subsequently latecomers would be sanctioned. Ayade had gone on to make some sweeping changes among which included the changing of the tax regime and disbanding the anti-forestation task force put in place by his predecessor, Liyel Imoke,

Amosun and the rule of law

By Olusola Balogun

"Another one is the regular poor conduct of terminal examinations. These examinations are not usually conducted as and when due.

The government may have one excuse or the other, but real educationists know that appropriate timing is a strong factor in the process of Continuous Assessment (CA) of students. Thus, a situation, where for instance, the first term examination is shifted to second term is an outright departure from the norms and ethics of Continuous Assessment." The question was distributed to all schools statewide.

There was bedlam immediately the students got home after the exams.

Government officials in Oke-Mosan were inundated with calls from concerned parents asking why their wards were fed with such 'toxic question'.

Ironically, the question passed through four different layers of editing (gate-keepings) before it got to the students. Yet, it escaped every one of them! My journalism mind likens the scenario to a reporter who dropped a report that a prominent monarch is dead to his Assistant News Editor and the report passed through four stages and got published only for the paper to discover the news is untrue.

Expectedly, the Ogun State Civil Service Commission (SCSC) was livid with the education ministry gate-keepers. They empanelled a committee to look into the misdemeanor. The affected staffs were summoned to defend themselves. They defended themselves but their defence fell short of acceptable standards .The panel looked into the civil service rules and recommended various sanctions. Two senior officials were retired while four others had their employment terminated.

The recommendations are truly painful as it involves means of livelihood, but that doesn't warrant attacking the wrong targets.

That Governor Amosun suddenly became public enemy number 1 for a matter he knows little about is the wrong target. Right activists

•Amosun and trade unionists were struggling to outdo each other with the creation of invectives to haul at the governor. One group even took it to an absurd level of reporting the matter to the United Nations.

The governor doesn't interfere in service matters. He allows civil servants to do their thing due to his respect for the rule of law. He allows the various statutory commissions to run their show according to the law because he believes he will one day finish his tenure as governor but the civil service as an institution would remain.

The SCSC early this year terminated the appointments of two staff members that ran foul of the apolitical rule of civil servants by spotting Amosun campaign regalias. The governor allowed the SCSC to apply the rules even when it was clear they are his sympathisers. Like in this case, it was the SCSC that tried them and sanctioned them.

to check illegal logging of forest reserves in the state, showing he has a mind of his own.

Some observers believe Ayade's switch to the APC may be the smart thing to do. "Given his ambitious signature projects such as the new seaport, the 240km superhighway among others, it would only be sensible that the governor plays good politics to achieve these things. I would not goad him, but he should know that he should be a politician if he is to be a politician. He should know that politics is not rigid and you have to move with the tide to achieve mutual goals. Besides, Cross River State has never been used to being an opposition state. A word should be enough for the wise," one of them said.

However, any such move may pitch the governor against his predecessor, Liyel Imoke, who it is believed has planted his people strategically in government to check the present governor. For instance, it is believed to have his people controlling the House of Assembly.

"The way it is and with the way the governor has gone about his administration, doing most things without following due process, impeaching him would not be a problem if the matter came to that. With Imoke's people in the Assembly, this would be a delicate matter for Ayade. The mistake he made is allowing himself to be surrounded

by Liyel's boys," a political analyst noted.

Already, heavyweights of the PDP and Labour Party (LP) in the state are by all indications on their way into the APC. Top among those expected to defect are the former leader of the Senate Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN); former minister of health and works, Dr. Emmanuel Nsan, who served during the military regime of President Muhammadu Buhari; former governorship aspirant of the PDP, Mr. Goddie Jedy Agba; activist and anticorruption crusader, Chief Utum Eteng; and a former senatorial aspirant of the PDP among others.

Against the background of these variables, the question still remains. Will Ayade defect? The answer obviously lies within time!

Besides, the law setting up the SCSC is clear on its independence. Paragraph 2, Part II, Third Schedule of the 1999 Constitution is very clear that Senator Amosun could not have played any role in the sanction against the workers.

The paragraph states: "2. (1) The Commission shall have power without prejudice to the powers vested in the Governor and the State Judicial Service Commission to - (a) appoint persons to offices in the State Civil Service; and (b) dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons holding such offices. (2) The Commission shall not exercise any of its powers under sub-paragraph (1) of this paragraph in respect of such offices of heads of divisions of Ministries or of departments of the Government of the state as may from time to time be designated by an order made by the Governor, except after consultation with the Head of the Civil Service of the State."

So, why is Amosun the object of the attack when it is clear SCSC merely used its constitutionally guaranteed power and applied the rules in sanctioning its members? How is a governor, who didn't interfere in the sacking of his supporters (as it appears) by SCSC now be blamed for the latest action?

Interestingly, all the commentators on the latest issue conveniently forgot about the previous cases of the two civil servants.

Are the commentators asking for different rules for different set of erring public officials? The governor had said no, he won't operate two sets of laws in the state and he has been following that.

Many of these commentators are hypocrites. They won't brook sloppiness in their various offices yet they want it excused in public service. How many people would have been sanctioned if the scenario described above plays out in a newspaper?

Methinks what those commentators should be asking for is clemency for the officers not aggravating the situation by hauling thoughtless invectives. –Balogun is the COO of Media Cartels Ltd, Lagos. He can be reached on balogunesola@gmail.com

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

POLITICS

•Reyenieju

'Policies to prevent coup crippled military, aided Boko Haram'

O

N the PDP going from being the majority to the minority party in the Senate and House of Representatives Interestingly, we are in the minority, yet we remain the biggest party in Africa, irrespective of being the minority party. Yes, being the minority is not a negative point to democracy; it is part of the evolution of democracy. Our party was in government for the past 16 years and we have done creditably well to the best of our ability. It is subject to other peoples' view, but for me, as a PDP member, who has represented the party for the past eight years, I wouldn't say we have done too badly. Yes, in some areas we weren't able to meet up to the expectations of Nigerians, but you must not forget that we had some challenges after the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Beginning with the president, who we thought would be there for up to eight years, but unfortunately we lost him and Goodluck Jonathan took over from him for about six years.

There were so many challenges: of infrastructure, dwindling oil prices, governance and the most challenging one was the Boko Haram insurgence. It was something we had never experienced before. We had various domestic challenges - kidnapping, robbery and others, but international terrorism was not something we were used to. It was difficult for us to combat it and I think that was the sour point of our regime. Unfortunately, we couldn't combat it with a credible approach. We tried our best towards the tail end of the administration and do not forget that the elections were shifted for about six weeks to enable us tackle Boko Haram. Whether we like it or not, I think that was a turning point in the history of the fight against the insurgence because within the six weeks we were able to deplete the flanks of the insurgents.

That also goes to show that at some point our military was ill-motivated and the equipment were not there to fight because within that six weeks a lot of things happened; funds were taken out of the country, huge cash, to directly procure arms and ammunition from the international market for the military. When it started arriving was when we started making some substantial inroad in the fight and this was something we couldn't fight in five years.

Just a section of the country, so the international community wondered why it took that long for the PDP-led Federal

Daniel Reyenieju is a third term member of the House of Representatives, representing Warri Federal Constituency. In this interview with South-South Regional Editor, Shola O'neil, Reyenieju, who was member of Navy, Air Force and Petroleum (Upstream) comittees, among others, in the 6th and 7th Assemblies, explains how past administrations' policies to cripple the Armed Forces in order to discourage coup plots hampered the Boko Haram fight. He also spoke on why the PDP lost the last presidential election, among other issues. Excerpts Government to take the fight seriously, particularly on the eve of the elections?

Firstly, there was that desperation to get vote for the PDP; that was key. Also, the insurgency was becoming something very unbearable and we needed to do something to manage them from that point on. Thirdly, I would say that the inability of our country to manage the Boko Haram as at when it started and when it began to grow up was the fact that our military was depleted by successive governments in the past. There was this sense of getting down the military so that they don't become too powerful to plan coup and take over government. It became an issue which later costs us dearly.

The military was actually down; all we had as military men were just men in uniforms without arms as Girls Guide and Boys Brigades.

People might not know this, but we (lawmakers) knew it because we interact with them. As a member of the House Committee on the Navy and the Air-force, we interacted with them and they used to tell us in closed door meetings that the military was illequipped. At that point, it was too sensitive to bring to the public because it had many negative dimensions to it. We are a country, a sovereign nation for that matter; if we start to expose our military as ill-equipped then we are at risk of being attacked at some points by our neighbours. So, we kept quiet and hoped that we would be able to manage it. So, while we had it that bad was a result of very many factors.

Even before the death of Gen Sani Abacha, successive military governments tried to cripple the military to make them unable to plan coup and take over government. That turned out to be a very sour point in the history of our military.

But today, I think we are doing well, a lot of arms have been procured and we still need more to be able to combat this menace.

I think we (PDP) were also desperate as a party and it became an issue because people were saying if we have a government that cannot provide security, secure lives and property then of what use is that government.

We knew we were having challenges with the electorates so we decided to come out very frontally and we did our best.

To what extent would you say the embarrassing situation of Boko Haram contributed to your party's electoral defeat?

I will take it from the political point; don't forget that the North - Northwest, East and Central formed more than 60percent of the aggregated vote of the entire country. I can tell you that for sure. I will give you an example, if you take the votes from Kano State, you have nearly five million votes, juxtapose it with the votes of the entire South-South, which is about six million, you will find out that you have one state taking care of an entire region. It is like that even in the South-East, take Katsina that could have 2.4 - 2.6million votes and that is almost half of the entire votes from the SouthEast region. So, that area (North) was political key in terms of voters' strength in the country.

Now, don't forget that it was that same area that was being ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgency. People (there) were becoming very tired and it was obvious that it was going to be a problem for us. People were not happy because their loved ones were being killed and their towns being devastated, the economies of those areas were completely down and they (FG under PDP) could not do much and ultimately it was an issue, an electoral issue, which any right-thinking political party would see as dangerous to its success..

Okay, away from your party's electoral loss, do you think your party as it is now is capable of providing strong opposition to the APC? It is subjective, but I think we are doing well, considering that we have never been in

35

opposition before. Now that we are there, it is nothing new because we saw people doing it and we knew what they were doing. If they were doing it negatively, I think what we need to do is be constructive; constructive criticism of the governing party, because Mr. President said he doesn't want his party to be seen as a ruling party. We are going to give robust and constructive engagement - we are not going to be opposing, we are going to be engaging the government on issues. We are all Nigerians, whether you like it or not, elections have come and gone. Opposition, ruling or whatever party is mere nomenclature because what affects an APC man as a Nigerian is what affects me as a PDP member. So, we should be looking as one Nigerian people to be able to frontally confront the challenges. Our experiences are common; if there are no roads, power, good healthcare, it is not just for PDP members; it is same for APC or apolitical Nigerians. At some points, our fears will also be the fears of the governing party. So, there is nothing that we should be fighting and killing ourselves for on daily basis.

We must at some points continue to prick the consciousness of the ruling party so that they do not derail because we have been there before and we know the challenges and that is why they must consult us in taking some policy actions. We have been there for 16 years and we know the problems of this country. What we need now is just engagement and reminder so that they are not carried away by the victory of an election that has come and gone. I don't like the idea of saying we are opposition party; no, that is not it.

Having resolved the internal crisis that rocked the House at the inception of the 8th Assembly, what are the issues you think the House should now focus on?

As a member of the House, I use this opportunity to apologize to Nigerians for that unfortunate incident; it was too early in the day, it shouldn't have happened in a House of 360 members. Nigerians were expecting so much from this Assembly, unfortunately we started with crisis and I think it is better to have had the crisis when we had it so that we can now settle down to business.

The House is always very vibrant, but we want to see this House better than the 7th. I can assure you that with the crop of people I have seen in the House and the leadership we have as at today, we are going to hit the ground running. The crisis in the House was an issue, which ordinarily, I would have said was uncalled for, but it is natural to have disagreement at some point.

I am not in the APC and I won't want to blame them for having such disagreements.

I have seen them trying to pick the bits and pieces and get going; they are trying their best. At some point, I saw it as an issue that would have been easily resolved by the APC. I stayed off it because it was a party issue and the only thing I offered, as a ranking member of the House, is to advise those interested parties within the APC to give them some level of guidance based on our experience as a ruling party in the past. We, PDP, at some point also had same challenge.

In terms of our legislative duties, last week we rounded off debates on our legislative agenda as put forward by the Honourable Speaker of the House, whom I must say is a very stable character. I have known him for the past eight years and I know he is of impeccable character. He is capable and able to deliver the House at the end of the session. We debated on the legislative agenda, which is the cardinal points of activities for the next four years and it was unanimously adopted by the House and we are set to get running.

What we need to do as Nigerians, because we have a new government in place, is to support, as members of the House, the executive to be able to discharge its responsibilities in terms of making good laws for the governance of the country, security and protection of lives and property, food security and power. These are critical areas which we need to focus on.

In saying that, I would want to say that there is over-stigmatization of Nigerians; everyone is being seen as corrupt. People are being pushed out of government on a daily basis and we just say they are corrupt.

I don't want to say that all Nigerians are corrupt. Not all Nigerians are corrupt and most of these Nigerians being kicked out of offices are entitled to jobs.

One of the key points of this administration is anti-corruption. The president has no tolerance for corruption and we would support him with good laws and strengthen those in existence to support the executive in this drive.

36

POLITICS

ENATE President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, may have deliberately sparked off the ongoing intense jostling for juicy committees by Senators.

Saraki had on resumption of the Senate from its forced recess on June 28, announced the commencement of formation of standing committees.

The Senate President may have thought that with the announcement and focus on standing committees, the peace that has eluded the upper chamber since its inauguration on June 9th, 2015 would be substantially restored.

He followed up the announcement by asking Senators for expression of interest in committees of their choice.

Senators, Saraki directed, are to show interest in five committees in a form collected from the office of the Clerk to the Senate.

It became apparent that formation of committees' announcement was part of Saraki's strategic game plan to strengthen his hold on power in the upper chamber following his controversial election on June 9, 2015.

All the same, Saraki's hold on power in the Senate is still largely seen as fragile by some observers.

While some Senate watchers saw the committee announcement as a master stroke and another of Saraki's jokers meant essentially to keep Senators busy, others saw it differently.

The announcement was also seen by observers as a means to balkanize the rank of those opposed to Saraki's emergence as Senate President.

It may also be a means to whip some lawmakers labeled "heady and recalcitrant" into line. The ploy worked perfectly as designed by the Senate leadership.

The rat race for juicy committees started almost immediately after the announcement in form of realignment of personal strategic political interests.

Before the upper chamber adjourned plenary for its long vacation on August 13, the lobby was on top gear.

Some Senators have thrown caution to the wind believing perhaps that the end justifies the means.

Caucus meetings are said to be held at most unholy hours to plot ways and means to secure preferred committees.

New alliances are formed, old ones broken.

Senators who claim Saraki as their own are smiling in the hope that they are going to call the shots.

Those who pride themselves to have installed Saraki as Senate President, say it loud and clear that "this is our time."

For them, the period of constitution of committees is harvest season.

As a result of this, traffic of Senators to the office of the Senate President increased dramatically before the Senate adjourned. It seems nobody wants to be left out in the scheme. Nobody wants to be short-changed. Only few Senators are still with their heads, as many joined the fray throwing caution to the dogs.

Some of the juicy committees being hotly contended for include Senate Services, Appropriation, Finance, Petroleum (down and up-stream), Defence and Army, Communications, Aviation, Interior, Rules and Business, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Federal Capital Territory, Education, Niger Delta, Agriculture, Environment and Ecology, Power, Gas, Works, Marine Transport and Health. It appears time to dispense political patronage; time to settle and compensate "loyal" Senators has come. Merit and competence may take the back seat.

Apparently to test the waters and gauge the mood of the Senate, Saraki has constituted some critical and ad-hoc committees.

The constitution of the special committees heightened the jostle by Senators to corner others left.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

S

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

POLITICS

House members also in race for plum positions

37

Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi report on the battle for committee seats at the House of Representatives • Saraki

Intrigues as Senators fight for juicy committee seats At the National Assembly, the jostle for plum committee seats is gathering steam. Assistant Editor, Onyedi Ojiabor, reports on developments at the Senate The critical committees already constituted are Senate Services Committee with Senator Ibrahim Gobir (APC Sokoto East) as its chairman; Rules and Business, which has Senator Babajide Omoworare (APC Osun Central) as Chairman; Ethics and Privileges, with Senator Samuel Anyanwu ( PDP Imo East ) as Chairman and the all important Public Accounts Committee which has Senator Andy Uba (PDP, Anambra South) as Chairman.

Saraki also named Senator Dino Melaye, (Kogi West) spokesperson of the "Like Minds Senators" Chairman, Senate ad-hoc Committee on Media, Information and Public Affairs.

The Like Minds Senators were a group of senators that backed the emergence of Saraki on June 9th. Many saw the appointment as part of the reward for the role Melaye played and has continued to play for Saraki.

Apart from Gobir, other members of the Senate Services Committee considered the juiciest of all the committees included Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno North) as Vice Chairman, Senators Monsurat Sunmonu (Oyo Central) Olufunke RajiRasaki (Ekiti Central) Sunday Ogbuoji (Ebonyi South), Mohammed Hassan (Yobe South), Mathew Urhoghide (Edo South) Philip Aruwa Gyunka (Nasarawa North), Tijani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara North) and Ibrahim Rafiu.

Saraki also named Senator Barnabas Gemade, Chairman, Senate ad-hoc Committee on Works with the duty, to go round the country to access and compile bad roads, ecological and environmental problems.

Gemade, frontline leader of the Senate Unity Forum, was one of those who fiercely opposed Saraki's emergence as Senate President.

The appointment of Gemade as ad-hoc Committee Chairman on Works was seen as strategic.

Although eminently qualified for the position, observers say the appointment of the Benue North East Senators, was part of Saraki's game plan to consolidate his hold on power.

Senator Kabiru Gaya, who represents Kano South, was also made to superintend over the ad-hoc Committee on Local and Foreign Debts. Gaya was also a vocal member of the Senate Unity Forum that spearheaded the opposition to Saraki's emergence.

Senate Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, has assured that the remaining standing committees would be announced on resumption of the Senate in September.

Ndume said the body of principal officers also referred to as the Selection Committee with Senate President as its Chairman, would use the period of the recess to work on the forms submitted by Senators. The committees, Ndume said, "will definitely be ready when we resume in September."

Good news, you may say but a fresh round of crisis looms even with the leadership tussle far from being over.

Sharing of the 57 standing committees between the majority All Progressives Congress (APC) Senators and minority Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senators may be problematic.

The controversial amendments contained in the Senate Standing Order 2015 (Senate Standing Orders 2015 as Amended) in relation to the constitution of Senate Committees may pose another challenge for the leadership of the upper chamber.

The amendments appear to have made it mandatory for the leadership of the

Senate to share the chairmanship of the committees equally among the six geopolitical zones.

Specifically, Order 3 (4) of the Senate Standing Orders 2015 as amended, states that, "The appointment of Senators as chairmen and members of committees shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the six geopolitical zones of the country and there shall be no predominance of Senators from a few geopolitical zones."

Observers say the implication of the Section is that the Selection Committee shall allocate committees equally among the senators, irrespective of political party affiliation.

Further implication of the Section is that each geo-political zone in the country might get at least nine committee chairmanship seats out of the total 57 Senate committees.

The amendment is a sharp departure from what was obtainable in the 2011 version of the Senate Standing Orders.

It was essentially a situation of winner takes all in the 2011 version of the Senate Rules.

The majority party, PDP in the Seventh Senate, maximized the provision and gave its members juicy committees.

Former Senate President, David Mark, capitalized on the provision and allocated committees in favour of the PDP Senators.

Findings showed that in the Seventh Senate, the South-South got 14 chairmanship slots while North-Central, South-East and North-West got 10 chairmanship positions each.

The South-West, populated mainly by opposition Senators received the least chairmanship slots with only five seats.

The North-East geo-political zone also with majority of opposition Senators got seven chairmanship positions.

If the provisions Order 3 (4) of the Senate Standing Rules is strictly applied, the majority party with majority of its members from the North-West, NorthCentral and the South-West may not enjoy •Contd. on page 38

OSTLING for membership of House of Representatives committees has assumed a crescendo pitch that politicking has started playing out again. The reason is not far-fetched - the process that led to the emergence of the leadership of the 8th House was far from smooth sailing. When it became obvious that Yakubu Dogara was not going to get the backing of his party, All Progressives Congress (APC), in his aspiration of becoming the Speaker, he got creative and courted the support of the opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It was a trade-off.

We gathered that Dogara had to waive big carrots before he got the much-needed support that gave him victory over Femi Gbajabiamila who had the support of the majority members of his party. However, on emerging as the Speaker, Dogara, without wasting any time, set out to execute his legislative agenda. A key aspect of the Dogara's 8th House Legislative Agenda is the workability of a House responsive to the yearnings of Nigerians. As a consequence, he dropped a hint on how the House can be effective, flowing from a well articulated and cohesive committee level.

On June 23, Dogara was emphatic on the course the process would take when he stressed that committees with overlapping functions would either be merged, streamlined or scrapped altogether. His words: "One of the identified problems of investigative hearings and oversight of the Executive arm is the multiplicity of committees with overlapping jurisdiction on the same subject matter. This has led to a situation where more than one committee is handling the same subject matter. Invitations are sent to the same officials of government by different committees on the same subject."

With realities staring all participants in the face, the Speaker, it was learnt, had to resort to creative means of moving things forward. The hot jostling for lucrative committees has resulted in an expansion from 89 committees inherited by Dogara to 95. "Looking back, this is exactly the kind of headache Femi Gbajabiamila was trying to avoid when he refused to promise what he knew would be very difficult to deliver. When Gbajabiamila was seeking support, there were many, especially from the PDP that were even specific about their preferred committees. The case of a female ranking PDP member is still very fresh in our memory.

Gbajabiamila was forthright enough to tell her that considering the sensitivity and technicalities involved in the activities of that particular committee, she can't be saddled with such responsibilities. That was a major factor in the defeat of Gbajabiamila because that woman member did not waste her time; she went over to Dogara's camp and that's what happened with several others too," a member who pleaded anonymity told our correspondents. It was learnt that the means

J

of solving the problem of having to 'settle' so many people led to the expansion of the committees. In addition, a few committees considered big would also be broken into two or three just to be able to accommodate more members.

However, the struggle for the chairmanship of committees considered as lucrative is one that Dogara is said to be battling. The source expressed concern for Dogara and the enormous pressure being put on him to fulfill his electioneering promises. "Being the kind of a person that does not like disappointing people, I think he is doing his utmost to satisfy everybody but not at the expense of merit. I can tell you that the kind of pressure on him to place certain members on specific committees has been enormous. It should not surprise anybody that members are seeking external assistance to help their aspirations in this regard. They have gone as far as contacting some powerful elder statesmen that they knew Dogara respects so much. Such is the extent they were willing to go."

It was also gathered that members were sighted in their numbers besieging the residences of the Governor of Sokoto State, Mr. Aminu Tambuwal, to lobby for committee chairmen selection. News sources said that the governor's official residence in Sokoto town and another house in Abuja were frequently visited by the members, who believed he could still influence things at the House in their favour. The lobbyists believed that Tambuwal, being a close ally of Dogara, should be able to swing the pendulum in their favour. Besides, Tambuwal was widely believed to have canvassed the candidacy of Dogara, behind the scenes in the run-up to the June 9 election of presiding officers.

To give credence to the depth of the relationship between the two, Dogara headed one of the most powerful committees, Committee on House Services, during the 7th Assembly under the former Speaker's administration. As a consequence, lawmakers' visits to Tambuwal's house intensified soon after the House resolved its 49-day leadership tussle and turned attention to the composition of House standing committees. It is revealed that among the lobbyists were some former committee members, who served under Tambuwal and still banked on his support to get new placements. There were also said to be those members who felt they contributed more to Dogara's electoral victory and needed Tambuwal to add voice to their ambition by speaking to his successor on their behalf. The former Speaker, in his "usual clever and accommodating approach," allegedly attended to the members but made no commitments.

It was against this background that on August 6th, the Speaker was forced to advise members to disregard some misleading

• Dogara

Short Message Service (SMS) over the activities of the Selection Committee regarding the constitution of the committees.

He urged members to disregard messages making the round about the activities of Selection Committee of the House. He said it was the Committee that is responsible for the sharing and allocation of membership of Standing and Special Committees of the House.

He also stressed that it is the duty of state representatives on the committee to coordinate state caucus in filling forms for committee preferences and competences.

The bone of contention was that high profile committees are having most preferences by members. These include Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream); Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream); Committee on Appropriation; Committee on Finance; Committee on Communications; Committee on Power; Committee on Works; Committee on Customs; Committee on NDDC; Committee on Electoral Matters; Committee on Gas; Committee on Aviation; Committee on Banking/Currency; Committee on House Services; Committee on Water Resources; Committee on Agriculture; Committee on Education; and Committee on Defence.

How Dogara is going to share the committees without ruffling feathers and to the satisfaction of all is a test Nigerians are waiting to see. It may be in recognition of this fact that Danlami Mohammed Kurfi, representing Dutsinma/Kurfi Federal Constituency of Katsina State emphasized the delicate nature of the composition of committees and its implications. On August 3, Kurfi, in a statement, expressed optimism in the ability of Dogara to scale the huddle unhurt. He nonetheless advised Dogara to be on his guard concerning the issue. He

cited the resolution of the principal officers' face-off as an indication that Dogara would not allow the impending crisis to derail the House. He said "We are impressed by his leadership prowess and qualities, and we are willing to stand behind him 100% against any unnecessary opposition and an unwarranted distraction from all quarters, arising from the outcome of deliberations on matters that may arise in the coming weeks. The Speaker has not only demonstrated wisdom in addressing the myriad of issues that rocked the House in recent times, he has also demonstrated uncommon humility and political sagacity in leading the great House of Representatives. His decision to allow for party supremacy in the emergence of our amiable leader, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and other leaders, has adequately shown that this Speaker is a man of solid democratic credentials and ample qualities required to further the democratisation process. In the coming days, there may be disagreements over the headship of committees and subcommittees, but this must be seen as an unavoidable feature of an institution of diverse interests, temperaments, ideological bents, parties and political dispositions. I would however advise my dear Speaker of the House to maintain his calm approach to issues, and keep to his sense of justice in making appointments to these very important committees that can help the legislature carry out its constitutional oversight duty of the Executive arm of government. In overseeing these appointments, I trust our dear Speaker to apply his famed wisdom, intelligence and sound judgment as always".

POLITICS

38

'Buhari is adequately prepared for power' Okechukwu Eze is a first time member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In this interview with Dele Anofi, he speaks on President Muhammadu Buhari and the prospect of his party in the next four years.

T

here have been accusations that President Muhammadu Buhari's probe of corrupt officials is only targeted at PDP members. Do you agree?

The perception that PDP members are the ones targeted is to be expected.

These (APC) are people who have been in opposition for so many years; they have developed a mindset. Now, all of a sudden, power is in their hands. It will take time to realise that as an opposition person, you have always seen PDP in bad light. Now as President, he needs to look at things from a different perspective, because no matter what he thinks of PDP, it now belongs to him. He is not President of APC, or CPC but of Nigeria with all its pimples and blemishes, the good, the bad and the ugly. We in PDP will always cry wolf and read between the lines. Whatever is seen in PDP, that opposition is transmitted into leadership, and they will hit us, as they did while in opposition. They will threaten all kinds of things. We blamed them for Boko Haram, sabotage, making the country ungovernable, for everything bad.

Now, they are in charge, we also have to take time to realise that maybe we should give them the benefit of the doubt. So, both sides will need time to heal certain wounds.

Everything happening now is normal, but time would tell and since Buhari has been there before, he would have l e a r n t f r o m

• Eze

whatever mistakes he made. He is a lot older, a lot more mature, and he has been on the road for so long looking for this. I think the Buhari of 2007 is not the same one now; it will benefit him most, by extension Nigeria.

Still on the probe matter, some are trying to agitate that it should not be targeted at specific individuals‌ President Buhari has made fighting corruption foremost in his agenda. How do you fight corruption? everyone has his own style, if he decides he will probe the system, we cannot really say it is PDP. The system has been run by PDP, APC, and all these characters. As a politician, when you step into a seat, people have a perception, and everything you do would be judged. But he needs to be seen as father of the nation. Former President Jonathan made special efforts not to be seen as victimising the opposition. Now that President Buhari is in place, the perception would be that he would go after Christians; he has been described as a religious fundamentalist, so he needs to be very careful, and steer away from anything that can cause such allusion. So of course, the perception is that he will go after PDP members, but it's a vendetta. If certain things happen, and people allude that "we said it, this man is on a vendetta against PDP," then as a politician, something is wrong.

What would you suggest is the best strategy to adopt at tackling the issue?

How can this be tackled? Charity begins at home; start with your own people. I remember he said if he wins election, he would submit himself to EFCC for clearance, before he assumes his seat. That statement meant if he presents himself for clearance and comes back, then the next person would go, i.e the Vice President, and so on. Now, if he cleanses his own H o u s e first, then w h o w o u l d complain o f vendetta?

But when everyday it is PDP members, we were not the only ones i n government.

We want to see it extended t o members of his party. If he started

investigating his own members, that would worry the opposition more. These grievances are because he put the wrong foot forward.

Already some have rated him as being slow particularly on the need to fix the economy. Do you agree?

Let me put it this way, if I was President, and I was given that option, I will take it. I will not want to use that word, slow, because we should look at what he has inherited. Nigeria is huge, for the first time it is experiencing a smooth handover between two political parties. If it was a handover between two PDP governments, nothing changes; everyone sits in their offices and continues as if nothing happened.

This is totally different, so if things happen faster, there would be problems. We need to study the issues and get used to it. By the next elections when PDP takes it back, we would have learnt from the mistakes of the APC and the kick off would be a little faster. So, I would not rush to judge that the President is being slow. He cannot start doing magic.

As a member of PDP, do you think the leadership tussle in the House of Representatives is truly over?

We have a motto in the House: "One House". Before this is realised, everybody is interested in putting themselves in particular position, which is the individualistic aspect of any association. People feel the need to position themselves where they think they can be useful to that association.

Simplistically, that is all that happened.

All the characters involved have the potentials, some of them have been ranking members, been here for several terms. They must be doing something good to have been able to sustain themselves. So, I do not take it away that they have been good at what they are doing; the issue is that because of the system we run, sometimes, the best person does not always get the best position. Everyone has now settled down to legislative business. As I see it, there is no demarcation between APC and PDP; that is what we call one House. It will get to a time when we would not see ourselves along party lines, and Nigeria would be the beneficiary. We were all exhausted with the struggle, so now everyone is just happy to work.

Considering the criticism over lawmakers' allowances, what do you think about public disclosure or nondisclosure of their allowances?

Yes, and no, but we need to ask questions. Why are different figures being bandied in the newspapers? The figures are politically motivated, because those papers are owned by the political class. The people dropping these figures know where to look and find the correct breakdown.

Will the PDP survive as an opposition party?

Our survival as opposition is just for four years; then we shall return to our position as the ruling party.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

Senators scramble for committee posts •Contd. from page 36 special preference like was the case in the 7th Senate.

The implication is that despite the jostling for committees, especially chairmanship positions, the 57 Standing Committees may likely be shared equally among the APC and PDP. Assurances of Melaye that APC Senators would chair most of the committees because they are in the majority notwithstanding, most observers have adopted a wait-and-see attitude.

"There is no way the PDP senators would have equal number of committee chairmanship seats since they are not in the majority. But we would carry everyone along because the Senate does not belong to any particular party," Melaye said.

It is also not clear what impact the intractable no love lost relationship between the Presidency and the Senate would have on the constitution of the Standing Committees.

Some observers say the Senate leadership is likely going to use the opportunity of the constitution of the Standing Committees to woo and court the friendship of Senators loyal to his arch rival, Senator Ahmed Lawan.

The fear is that some APC Senators may end up as Vice chairmen of committees if the new committee sharing prescription is strictly adhered to.

It is also feared that perceived loyalists of some party stalwarts whose faces the Selection Committee may not like are likely to lose out of the power game.

Although chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee had been filled, observers are keenly watching to see what Saraki will do with Senate Committees on Appropriations and Finance.

This is because of the importance of the three Committees on Appropriation Bill and general budgeting process and implementation.

Observers contend that the obvious weakness of the leadership of the Appropriation and Finance Committees in the past may have accounted for why the implementation recorded awful failure.

Saraki may have to thread with caution in the composition of the committees. The majority party in the Senate must remain the controlling party through and through.

Attempts to further distort issues in the name of political patronage may prove unhealthy for the life of the upper chamber.

What is more, Saraki must ensure that round pegs are in round holes in the composition of the committees.

Suitability, competence and skill must play major role in who becomes what in the Senate.

Tongues are already waging about one or two committee appointments he made.

How Saraki handles the composition of the remaining Senate committees, will no doubt, determine how long the prevailing fragile peace in the upper chamber will last.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

POLITICS

The changing national political equation (2) D ID anything really change in the political behaviour of

• Ambode

Ambode: Compassionate governance is the watchword

W

E shall practice gover-nment by incentives and not government by enforcement.

We shall implement creative ideas and concepts that reduce cost of running government; ideas that make life simpler and happier for our people‌ Join hands with me, to offer new ideas that will pool more resources to cater for the poor and needy amongst us.

This will be a compassionate government - Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in his inaugural address on May 29 2015.

For a society whose citizens have been identified as being among the poorest in the world despite their nation's enormous wealth, it is the evidence of ultimate responsive governance when an administration hoists compassion and integrity as its watchword. Not doing so amounts to breaching the sacred covenant between you and the governed. It is a treasonable crime, for which the government should cede space to another!

I believe Governor Akinwunmi Ambode clearly understood the solemn enterprise of governance when he made the pronouncement above to herald his administration as one to be judged according to how it shows compassion to the people. In less than 100 days in office, his walk in consonance with his talk has proved that he can be taken at his word.

Let's consider some unforgettable developments and how he responded to them. Within a fortnight of Ambode's assumption of office, the state witnessed a series of fatal petrol tanker explosions at Iyana Ipaja, Idimu and Ikorodu. The governor abandoned scheduled state duties to visit the scenes of these tragedies in order to commiserate with the victims and the bereaved. He promptly followed it up with a meeting of oil industry stakeholders and set up a committee to work out how to end the excesses of fuel tanker drivers.

I readily recall how Ambode mingled with the people in the rain at one of the points of the explosions. Soaked in the downpour, the governor's message was clear: I am with the common man every step of the way, come rain, come shine. He made a pledge to assist the people cushion the

39

By Niyi Anibaba

heavy losses they incurred. He has since honoured his word!

How about the case of the Apapa-Oshodi expressway gridlock? The governor undertook the nightmarish trip on that stretch. He punished himself by spending long hours on the highway, experiencing the pains and frustration of motorists and commuters, the better to appreciate the sufferings of those who voted him into power, so he could learn to serve them and formulate strategies to make life easier for them. It's part of his take on the principle and practice of compassionate governance.

Now if that was a collective perspective, how about instances of the governor's direct reach to the woman with multiple births whose husband fled home? He couldn't stand the responsibility of catering for his family with several mouths to feed. Ambode got in touch with the family and provided a generosity that has since seen the hapless man return home. After all, they are part of the "poor and needy amongst us" the governor referred to as he took the oath of office.

Another such personal intervention by the governor was when he left Ikoyi on his way to work. A car with a female at the wheels had overturned and Ambode halted his motorcade and joined in the operation to save life.

Does that not remind one of the compassion of the Good Samaritan in the Bible whom the Lord Jesus Christ commended for setting aside his own personal convenience and time to attend to a dying victim of robbery?

Well, this allusion to empathy for the weak and the vulnerable in our midst leads me to the trending issue of the whopping eleven billion naira Governor Ambode is now paying out to our long-suffering senior citizens whose pensions and gratuities had remained unremitted for years, for nearly 20 years in some instances. It is sad that some of their colleagues died while waiting for the money. Others cannot even fully enjoy the money because of health concerns. These elderly men and women served the state to the best of their abilities

while they were still active only to be rewarded with apathy in their old age. Nothing proves a government's genuine compassion for these old people but to give them their dues when they need it most after service to their father land.

It's been praises and prayers galore for the governor from the thousands of citizens whose relatives and friends are benefiting from his gesture. Of course, there are still more pensioners to be redeemed. And Ambode has assured them that it would soon be their turn to smile and dance.

They have cause to believe him because of his track record. He didn't fail the people when he handled the finances of Lagos State as its Accountant General during a most difficult period.

At the heart of every successful administration is that component of government called compassion for the people. No matter what accolades you accumulate on account of your grandiose political philosophies or ideologies, if you fail to connect to the people on their ordinary needs, you are a failure.

Since representative democracy starts with the election of government by the people, it follows that the success of a ruler should be judged by how his actions address the plight of the people who constitute the driving force of government.

Indeed, politicians ought to be assessed by their answers to these questions: Do I possess the milk of human kindness that would enable me put the people first before my personal and friendship considerations? Can I be a Good Samaritan, using my personal resources to relieve their pain? Can I drop my agbada and move into the rain to sympathize with grieving citizens away from the comfort of my home? Can I go the extra mile to show compassion to the people who braved the hostile elements on Election Day to vote for me?

If the politician says yes to all these, please note that the matter isn't settled yet until he walks the talk as Governor Ambode has done these few weeks he has been in the saddle. –Anibaba, an educationist wrote in from Surulere

our compatriots from the South East in the 2015 elections? As indicated earlier, the people have always worked towards aligning with the mainstream. They believe that it is the only way to ensure that the national cake goes round.

The attitude was further established after the civil war. They held on tenaciously to it this year.

They were so sure that the incumbency factor is the most important in tilting the electoral scale and thus gave Dr. Jonathan and the PDP their full backing.

They did not pause to analyse his chances or count the blessings that accrued from the electoral investment of 2011. In almost all the elections they supported the PDP. Even in Ebonyi where the outgoing governor, Martin Elechi, was given the short end of the stick and had to instruct his supporters to move into the Labour Party, the pendulum still swung in the PDP direction. In Imo and Anambra where the APC and APGA hold sway, the presidential choice was still Dr. Jonathan.

Now is the time to count the cost. Jonathan failed, and the East collapsed with him political. In the Senate and the House of Representatives, it has been impossible for them to hold any principal officer position legitimately. They had to attempt forcing their way in through the back door. It is not certain yet if they would get away with it. What is certain is that the motive of hanging around the power corridor has been defeated. It remains to be seen whether they would embrace realignment before the next set of election.

On the contrary, the situation in the West has changed. The people have shown over the years that they are not afraid of taking the opposite position in the political amphitheatre. But, this time, a critical alliance with the North West has helped put them as key stakeholders at the centre.

It is a strange role and no one knows if they would succeed in keeping the alignment alive till 2019.The leaders are used to getting the people vote for a narrow, partisan and regional interest. Now, they are at the national level. If the region is to remain relevant, it must adjust to the new reality fast. The position taken and pushed by the leaders in the early days of this administration shows that they are better at fighting the political war than winning the peace. Is there still a strategic thinking club in the region? Do the political leaders come together regularly to review situations, painting scenarios and planning ahead?

How solid is the new alliance with the North west? Answers to these posers may determine how well the region fares in the national political setting as politicians start the 2019 movement.

The Middle Belt that has always been a partner of the progressives of the South is now in the APC boat. Did it find its seat in the craft because its natural allies are in the party or because it has overcome the age-long animosity against the Hausa-Fulani who are seen as adversaries and hegemonists? In writing on the Political Mafia believed to be based in Kaduna in the Second Republic, Tyodden and Takaya brought out the seemingly permanent antagonism that defines the NorthMiddle Belt relations. It the ice has thawed, it is to the glory of the land and an indication that the country has changed. Now, only Taraba and Gombe remain in the PDP Orbit in the North East. Hurricane Buhari swept everything in sight into the APC basket. Earlier in this Republic, the Bauchi axis of the region had opted for the PDP as it did with the NPN in the Second Republic. Adamawa, until this year, was a PDP state; the wind of change is blowing in the region and how fast the dust settles remains anyone's guess.

The North West is a dominant force in Nigerian politics. It has swung from a major PDP force to the APC. All the seven states are controlled by the new party and are largely responsible for the Buhari triumph at the poll. It is not certain if the president would have won without the almost 2 million votes from Kano and the solid support from Kaduna and Katsina States. Especially in view of the counterpoise from Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Delta States. Had the votes been split as they were in 2011, the result might have been different.

It is however too early to predict if the trend would continue beyond this year. The PDP governors worked for Buhari's victory, perhaps more because they detested the Jonathan style than their support for the President.

The political behaviour of the states and regions in the years ahead may be determined largely by the vision, mission and performance of the President. If he manages to effectively change the Nigerian way of life, inculcate the correct values in the people and point the way to prosperity, he could consolidate his hold on power and ensure that the people are united in the same political camp; He also has to rise above naivety and pettiness if he is to go down in history as the leader who welded the people together and brought about a New Nigeria.

40

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

POLITICS

Kogi 2015: More aspirants seek Wada’s job As aspirants and parties prepare for the November governorship election in Kogi State, James Azania in Lokoja reports on some of the leading aspirants for the top job.

W

ITH the Independent National Electoral Commission's release of the time-table for the Kogi State governorship election and the collection of forms by aspirants of the two major parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), the battle has shifted to who will fly the parties' flag on election day.

While the PDP on the last count has no more than three aspirants that are vying for its ticket, the opposition (APC) party has 28, and both parties and their aspirants have commenced preparations.

Though there are about 19 political parties in the state, the dominant ones remain the APC and the PDP and the real battle will be between both.

With the formal declaration by Governor Idris Wada that he will seek re-election and the collection of governorship election form by his bitter rival, Alhaji Jibril Isah (Echocho), the contest can be said to have begun.

Muhammed Ali, the former chairman of Dekina Local Government is the only other aspirant from the PDP that has indicated intent to contest against Wada. Ali was sacked by Wada over alleged sleaze in office.

Echocho's entry into the race will be a big headache for the camp of Wada as he is believed to still be smarting over the manner he lost the party's ticket to Wada in 2011 and is determined not to allow a repeat of it this November.

Those vying to become the Kogi State APC governorship candidate include former Governor Abubakar Audu, former Acting Governor, Chief Clarence Olafemi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Suleman Baba Ali, Prince Rotimi Yaqub Obadofin, Olusola George Olumoroti, Dr Alex Kadiri, Prince Rotimi Obadofin, Dr Tim Nda Ditchie, Suleiman Ejeh Abutu, Chief James Ocholi (SAN), Tunde Irureka and Dr Habeeb Yekeen.

Prince Abubakar Audu A charismatic politician, Prince Abubakar Audu is the first civilian governor of Kogi State. From the majority Igala tribe, Audu has been on the political terrain since the creation of the state in 1991, when he was elected governor under the Ibrahim Babangida political experimentation. He became full term governor under the defunct All Peoples Party (APP), which later transformed into the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

In 2003, he lost in his re-election bid for a second term as governor to Alhaji Ibrahim Idris of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has insisted that he was rigged out. He contested for the governorship under the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), again in 2011, As a former governor, Audu is the APC leader in Kogi State. His four years as governor were hailed as the best in the history of the state's development.

• Wada

• Audu

• Isah

• Bello

• Olafemi

• Ali

While he remains the arrowhead of the APC in Kogi State, his ambition is however receiving challenge by those who either want him to only maintain the position of party leader and others, who are advocates of power shift in the state. He remains most formidable.

Alhaji Yahaya Bello (Fairplus) Alhaji Yahaya Bello took the Kogi State APC by storm. At 40, his quest for the party's governorship ticket has received wide acceptance among advocates of paradigm shift and those calling for power shift to other senatorial districts of the state. As the initiator of the Kogi Youths Arise Group which mobilised heavily for the Mohammadu Buhari Presidential Campaign Organisation in the state, he is reaping from his support to the party, both at the state and federal level.

Called Fairplus by his supporters, Bello, who is from Kogi Central Senatorial District, is a successful businessman. He is touted as an excellent administrator. His entrance into the race has made predicting the outcome of the APC governorship primary slated for August 29, more difficult to predict, as his entry has been generating interests, amongst advocates of power shift in the state.

His support for the party during the last presidential, national and state houses of assembly elections has endeared him to many, as he is seen as a committed politician. Our investigation shows that he has been going round the 21 local government areas of the state in the last two months. He can spring surprises in the race for the APC ticket.

Clarence Olafemi A former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Clarence Olafemi once acted as the governor of Kogi State.

• Kadiri

An experienced politician, Olafemi was one of those that secured victory for the party in Kogi West at the last general election. A grassroots politician, he was one of the chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party that spearheaded the exodus of members into the APC. His record during the period he was Acting Governor of the state, which was judged above average by many, has made him remain relevant in the political configuration. That record has become a selling point for the aspirant. He is one of those that was said to have been adopted by the Okun Development Association (ODA), the umbrella body of the Okun people.

The agitation for power shift, if considered, could work in his favour

owing to his political network across the state.

Suleiman Baba Ali Alhaji Suleiman Baba Ali, a former Commissioner for Health under the then administration of Prince Abubakar Audu, is from Lokoja Local Government, a minority area in the Kogi Western Senatorial District.

A businessman-turned politician, he was one of the early starters for the governorship race and one of those pushing for generational shift in the administration of the state.

Ali, a nephew to Prince Abubakar Audu, is also an advocate of power shift to the two other senatorial districts of the state.

Recently, he was said to have been adopted by the Kogi West/Central Elders Committee on Equity and Justice, as its sole candidate from the two zones, after several screening exercises carried out by the committee to prune down the number of aspirants from the zones. And, though the claim received bashing from other camps, his supporters hold tenaciously to their view that he is the preferred candidate.

Senator Alex Kadiri Senator Alex Kadiri, a former PDP chieftain was one of those that defected to the PDP before the last General Election.

He dumped his former party based on grievances bordering on lack of internal democracy.

From the majority Igala tribe, Kadiri is not new to governorship contest in Kogi State, haven contested at the primary levels in the past against Prince Abubakar Audu and former Governor Ibrahim Idris and against incumbent Governor Idris Wada, under different parties.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

'PDP is gone for good in Kogi'

A

S an aspirant, what makes you feel you have an edge above the former governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, and other aspirants?

The former governor, Prince Audu, is our leader. He remains a father to me.

Personally, he is more than a party leader; he is like a father of the state. So, I cannot, in all modesty, agitate against him, rather I will learn from his wealth of experience as a father of the state. But since the constitution allows it, that I have the right to aspire to be whatever I want to be, then I feel I should contribute my own quota to the development of my state.

Are you intimidated with his presence?

Like I said, I should be overwhelmed by his inclusion in the contest, being a leader, but since we are going into primaries, then that is a platform to see how far we have gone and how far we can go. Being intimidated will lead to nowhere and I am sure if Prince Audu was intimidated while he was starting out as a politician, he won't be high up there as he is today. At this point, we won't disregard any aspirant. Each one of us will work for personal interest before the emergence of the party's candidate where everyone will then have to work for the collective interest of the party. So, the point is that Abubakar Audu's interest in the primary election is never an intimidation to me; rather I look at him as somebody that will make me double my strategy towards winning the primary election. I think his contesting the primaries is good for the party but don't forget I have an advantage over him and that is what everyone is talking about - generational change, so, like I said, he is a father. I am not looking at him as a politician. He is a father and I know he can father the state in the general election. But again, as an aspirant with double value, I think I am steps above others since the people in the minority as well as those in the majority identifies with me. In other words, I represent the change people are clamouring for.

Your aspiration to be a governor is coming when people find it difficult to pay salary. What kind of ingenuity do you want to bring on board to generate revenue for the state and ensure the state do not go bankrupt?

That question is critical to the current situation on ground now and that is why we have to review how we manage our public sector. States are going bankrupt because they only visit Abuja to get allocations which the federal government sourced from oil. That is, everybody is in trouble because revenue is shrinking with dwindling oil price while oil theft is reducing the quantity being sold. As a state government, if you put your eggs in one basket and you start expecting monthly allocations from Abuja, it is a problem. We must also look into other avenues to see how we can fund projects and create wealth for the people. Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is very important; we must generate IGR for our people. Kogi State is blessed with solid minerals, agriculture, including the advantage of being the gateway to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). If we can develop our local potentials, there is no way we cannot generate tax.

What are the chances of your party considering the factor of incumbency which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has?

The wheel of change is already on ground, not only in Nigeria, but in Kogi State as well. The performance of the present PDP government in the last 12 years has been so dismal; there is no structure, no development, salaries and all that. Beyond that, I can also assure you that the change that is sweeping through Nigeria came to Kogi State and produced three senators, six Federal House of Representatives members and 11 members of state Assembly. Against a sitting government, that was big strength. These members would pull their strengths together in the election after having free, fair, transparent and harmonious primaries without rancor

Dr Tom Diche, a governorship aspirant on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform, is optimistic that the outcome of the November election is as good as known. The youthful Bassa Nge traditional title holder said apart from the sweeping change factor, Kogi cannot afford to be the only opposition state in the North Central. In this interview with Dele Anofi, he talks about his chances in clinching his party's ticket, and his plans for the state, if elected.

• Diche

among aspirants. At that level, we have a structure of governance at the moment.

Also at the moment, once all the aspirants are able to have a free, transparent and harmonious primary election, all aspirants will team up with those people again to make sure we defeat the present government. Kogi State wants change.

Change in its entirety; change from PDP to APC, change from old to young, change from present governor to another governor.

These are very obvious facts; we will overwhelm PDP at the poll. APC will deliver Kogi State.

Above all, in the entire North-Central, it is only Kogi State that is the opposition.

That does not portray a good development strategy for an internal regional setting.

Our people are very enlightened and very mindful of this fact and they want to be among the majority. Other than that, nobody will like to play an opposition politics with the centre. The present government at the centre is APC. It is when the state is APC, our zone is APC that we can interact with the centre very freely and fruitfully. Our people are very conscious of this and I know that with all these put together, APC will deliver. In addition, PDP members keep defecting to APC daily. All their leaders are defecting in droves; my take is that at the end of the day, nobody should be surprised if it is

only the governor that is remaining in the PDP. PDP has already buried itself in the last election. Right now, we are only doing Kogi State governorship election; other government structures are in place. The legislature, both state and national has conducted its elections. Yes. Wada will say he has some caretaker chairmen and commissioners, 13 State House of Assembly members, three House of Representitives members and no senators.

These are structures.

How do you think you can have a good primary considering the allegation that imposition of candidates by external influences has been a big issue for some time now?

Justice is very important. A just, fair, free election in democracy or politics is very important. These are ingredients to harmonious outcome. Let the winner emerge and other aspirants would not be disenchanted, at the end, we will all work together. But when they impose someone from national headquarters or someone superimposes himself on the party, others will walk out and it won't help the party.

Are you already entertaining fear that someone somewhere could be imposed?

No, from all indications not at all; even our leader, Prince Abubakar Audu, has said it in an open forum that the election in Kogi State will be free and fair. Our party

POLITICS

41

leadership at the national level has also passed the message down.

But Abubakar Audu is an interested aspirant?

That is why I said Abubakar Audu is more than an aspirant to me. He is more than an APC leader. He is the leader of the state as far as I'm concerned. But it is for the people to decide. There is a poll; just like everybody else, he must pass through a democratic process. So, he cannot impose himself by saying he is the leader of the party. So, the fair thing needs to be done. A party is not about one person.

Abubakar Audu has his limits, the state party executives also have their limits; the national has its limit; even the president has his limit too because in this election, you must know that this is the only state in Nigeria that is going to conduct election on that day and the eye of the world will be on Kogi State. More so, this is a litmus test for the President.

This will be the first election he will conduct so the way he handles it will make him earn international respect or lose it. So, democracy is about integrity and respect. What you do as a democratic leader is what is important.

There is this tradition of consensus candidate, should leaders of the party decide that all aspirants should opt for consensus candidate, do you subscribe to that?

Yes, consensus to me is to say, you concede to me, I concede to you. If I have my programme and aspirants B and C have their own, it's the decision of the party that let us harness our programmes together and come with a consensus and it's a collective decision of the aspirants and a democratic process for the collective interest of the party. What we want is the development of our state. Whatever is being done, no two governors would emerge. I believe that if such comes to the table and it's discussed and the modalities are worked out, and I feel it's the way forward for the state, we can fly it. I don't have any problem with that.

Being a former local government chairman, if you eventually win, what will you do with joint account of local governments?

Luckily for me, I have a fair idea of this joint allocation. I was a former local government chairman. When allocation comes every month, you go to the state, sit with the commissioners, they tell you different stories, before you know it, they give you little change to go back with and sometimes, it's not even enough. You have to manage it. I believe this is a constitutional issue. I think the scrapping of the joint account should be addressed by the National Assembly. Let money go directly to the local government, then it will be more efficient. The states already have ministry for local government. Let the supervisory mechanism for local governments in the state or the country at large do the work and that's the best way to go.

But El-Rufai is not waiting for the National Assembly, so what will you do?

The administrative way of doing things is different, it is not constitutional. I want to assure you that one of the cardinal points in my programme is rural transformation.

Competent chairmen and executives should be elected in the local governments. By doing so, my rural transformation agenda would have been achieved. I will stand by the way ElRufai has done; I will give their money to them directly because I know it has higher impact when it comes to the state.

Do you think ethnicity would be a factor in the election?

I hope not because I will not promote it despite the fact that I have the advantage of belonging to both the minority and majority groups in this state. My belief is that you must be a governor of the minority and majority and if you know that you belong to the two areas, then it's an added advantage.

The truth is that, as the next governor of Kogi State, I'm going to be the governor for all. I am not going to represent any ethnic tribe or any zone. I will be the governor for Kogi State.

42

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

POLITICS

Why Ugbo withdrew petition against Ayade

L

ABOUR Party (LP) governorship candidate in Cross River State, Fidelis Ugbo, has withdrawn his petition challenging the election of Governor Ben Ayade. His action followed a peace meeting brokered between Ugbo and Ayade initiated by former Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba (SAN). Inside sources said the meeting was held at Ndoma Egba's private office at the Apo Legislative Quarters in Abuja some weeks ago. At the end of the meeting, Ayade and Ugbo reportedly embraced each other. Until NdomaEgba's intervention, LP supporters had expressed confidence of getting justice at the Election Petitions Tribunal, claiming that the party has a water-tight case against the governor.

• Egba

Countdown to NdomaEgba's defection begins

T

HE political scene is becoming interesting by the day in Cross River State. One hot topic on the lips of many politicians in the state is the planned defection of Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Sources say that the PDP in the state and at the federal level are jittery over the plan. Entreaties said to have been made to the former Senate Leader to shelve the plan did not yield results. Sometime last month, Governor Ben Ayade invited Ndoma-Egba to his office which the latter initially declined.

But he later honoured the invitation following the governor's plea that the visit would send out a strong signal that all is well in the state PDP. At the closed-door meeting, Ndoma-Egba allegedly told his host that while he would continue to support him in the overall interest of the state, his alleged decision to leave the PDP is not negotiable.

• Ojougboh

Pressure mounts on Ojuogboh over Centenary City expose

Is Fayose losing grip of loyalists?

F

OLLOWING allegations by Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), that Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has more than a passing interest in the Centenary City project in Abuja, pressure is being mounted on him by some party stalwarts to soft pedal, sources have claimed. Despite threat of a law suit from Anyim, Ojuogboh is maintaining his stance that the multi-billion naira project was allegedly conceived by Anyim for personal benefits. Many PDP chieftains, it was gathered, are of the opinion that Ojuogboh be called to order, as his allegations are further putting the party asunder.

E • Ayade

• Ugbo

Plateau South: A battle of two generals

T

HE battle for Plateau South Senatorial seat is still raging. Though Gen. Jerry Useni of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was declared winner of the seat in the last National Assembly elections, his All Progressives Congress (APC) opponent, Gen. John Shagaya, is not letting up in his battle to occupy the seat. Despite pressure from some stakeholders that he should withdraw his petition at the election tribunal, Shagaya has vowed to pursue the case to its logical conclusion.

Expectedly, he is being supported and encouraged

by Governor Simon Lalong.

KITI State Governor Ayo Fayose seems to be losing his grip on some of his core loyalists. Before his election last year, the Ekiti PDP presented a united front against then Governor Kayode Fayemi, but events in the last few months appear to suggest that Fayose may not be on the same page with many PDP members.

First to fall out with him was Senator Ayo Arise, who accused the governor of dictatorship in the running of the party. Second, was the factionalisation of the state PDP, with one group loyal to Fayose and the other against him. The open criticism of Fayose by former factional Speaker of the House of Assembly, Dele Olugbemi, is another pointer that all may not be well in Ekiti PDP.

• Fayose

45

IN VOGUE

By Kehinde Oluleye

Tel: 08023689894 (sms) E-mail: kehinde.oluleye@thenationonlineng.net

PILLOWTALK Raising a voice for the Nigerian girl With Temilolu Okeowo temilolu@girlsclub.org.ng 07086620576 (sms only) Please visit my blog www.temiloluokeowo.wordpress.com for more inspiring articles. Twitter@temiloluokeowo

YETUNDE OLADEINDE molaralife@yahoo.com

THEATRE

t

BIGSCREEN

SOUND TRACK

Tel: 08051101822

With VICTOR AKANDE

CYNTHIA MORGAN PAYS HISTORIC VISIT TO BENIN

GISTS

51

plus

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

ELEYELE RETURNS WITH EMIMIMO •Busola Oke

return T was a triumphant ale to Benin city for fem hthia dancehall artiste, Cy teased en Morgan, who had be er her by friends hitherto ov eer. car sic burgeoning mu t The singer shared tharing the du tly en rec e nc rie pe ex series, #MySuperstarStoryt Benin for lef I n he saying, “W o, my Lagos a few years agdream of friends mocked my r in Lagos. making it as a singeknow how They told me “Youthat Lagos to many people don go ing do? You sing wey no see anyth nin.” go come back to this Be y, she However, last Saturdathat ds en fri se tho to ed prov eer has indeed her music car have to d, me sso indeed blo n of come on the invitatioPlc., Nigerian Breweries r Music organisers of the Sta ned other Trek, in which she joi rm in A-list artistes to perfo Benin. ired The energetic red-haphant um tri r he de ma e artist biggest return to Benin as thesic artiste mu all eh female danc at the in Nigeria, perrmingStadium dia mu be Og el mu Sa ngside tagged BeninRocks alo such as es ist art n ria ge A-list Ni MI, y, Bo a rn Bu Wande Coal, , Do2dtun, Jesse Jagz, Seyi ShaySwitch.

DJ Neptune and DJ

I

•Basketmouth

KATE HENSHAW, BASKETMOUTH, OTHERS FEATURE ON AL JAZEERA SERIES

•Kate

•Kcee

FIVE STAR MUSIC, MANAGER PART WAYS T

HE management of Five Star Music has removed its manager, Soso Soberekon, over the rumoured death of an artiste, Skiibii Mayana. This was made known when Skiibii Mayana and his mentor, Kcee visited Wazobia FM on Wednesday for a live broadcast.

According to the duo, their appearance on the morning show hosted by Yaw, was to clear the controversy surrounding the alleged death of upcoming act, Skiibii.

Kcee explained that he was in Norway at the time of the incident, lamenting that he was not around to manage the situation, which he claimed was blown out of proportion.

He blamed it all on Soso, saying the manager should have confirmed the report before releasing it to the media. Soso, he added, owes the entertainment public an apology since many people were affected by the news.

“Soso has been... We're still very angry with him, and we have made it a must for him to apologise to everyone affected, especially to the fans and Linda Ikeji who first broke the news,” Kcee stated.

The Limpopo crooner said Skiibii is recuperating, the budding artiste will address the public and apologise to his fans when he’s back on his feet.

•Skiibii

52

ENTERTAINMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

As an entertainer and entrepreneur, Nollywood actress Cynthia Agholor has her hands full. From making movies to organising a beauty pageant, the thespian says that nothing can take her away from her first love - acting. In this interview with OVWE MEDEME, she talks about the need for women to be financially independent, among other issues.

I DON'T NEED A RICH MAN –NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS

CYNTHIA AGHOLOR

W

HAT have you been up to these days?

I have a lot of things I have been working on, that's why I have not been in the media in recent times. I want to come out with my projects big time before the end of the year. I'm still working on these projects.

I'm actually into other things. I have some businesses I'm trying to establish. I'm into building. But that notwithstanding, I was working on a movie. I've shot a part of it here in Nigeria and by God's grace, I will shoot the rest in Europe.

Hopefully, by December, I will be in Europe to complete the production.

That is just one of the things I've been working on.

What are some of the other things you have been doing?

They are businesses. They have nothing to do with the movie industry. I'm trying to establish a company with foreigners who want to invest in Nigeria. We are really working on serious things.

Don't you think that these other activities are gradually taking you away from acting?

Somehow, it is affecting my career as an actress. It is like I'm starting from the scratch, trying to establish something. I had to re-dedicate myself to acting because I know it is my foundation. I had to dedicate myself entirely for it to come out. By the time it finds its feet, I can now do other things. But it didn't stop me from acting in movies. I have done some shoots recently. For instance, for my production, I have shot the Nigerian scenes. I will be completing the rest in Europe.

What is the story all about?

Well, the story is just a family drama. It is full of comedy and action. By the time I'm through with it, I will be talking more about it. For now, I don't want to let the cat out of the bag because it is not yet complete. By the time it is ready, I will make a lot of noise about it.

So far, how much has the project cost you?

I've put a lot into it. I have partners too who have also put a lot into it. I don't want to go into all that now but the bottom line is that I've spent so much and I hope to recoup my money when it comes out.

Is this your first time as a producer?

No, I've been a producer for quite a while now. I've

EVERYBODY IS PRAYING FOR THEIR OWN PARTNER. IN THE SAME WAY, I AM PRAYING FOR MINE. I WANT SOMEBODY THAT I CAN BE FRIENDS...

produced movies and TV series. I produced My Sister My Child, Sincerely Yours, and Tears for Tomorrow which is a TV series; I co-produced it. It has about 76 episodes.

Do you see yourself leaving acting for movie production?

Not really. There is no movie of mine that I don't star in.

Currently, what are you working on?

Actually, by next month, I will be going to Frankfurt, Germany for the Ehizoya Golden Entertainment Mega Award. It is a Nollywood award and a film festival.

It is taking place from th the 10 to 12th of September and Ehizoya, who is putting it together, is shooting a big budget movie also. So I am staring in it. It will be directed

by Paul Julius. Other actors in the movie are Bishop Umeh, who is popularly known as Okon, Ngozi Ezeonu, Cossy Orjiakor and Gandoki. It has this comic feel to it. When it comes out, it will be the bomb.

After the festival, we will stay behind to shoot the movie before we come back. I will also use the opportunity to complete the movie I'm doing with my partners.

Reading through your interviews, it appears you are comfortable talking about things most of your colleagues aren't.

As I always say, my name is Cynthia. I can only be me. I cannot be somebody else. I don't look at anybody, I don't compete. I do my things my way.

So if I'm comfortable saying anything, I say it because that is me. I don't have to look at anybody because the person is restrictive. So, for that reason, I should behave like the person. I have my own self, so I have to behave like me.

Is Cynthia in a relationship?

Yes, she is.

Will you be walking down the aisle anytime soon?

I don't know yet. I wouldn't say, but if it is God's wish, it will be. I just don't want to force myself in there and then tomorrow, we will hear another story. I think everything rests with God. If it is His will, it will come to be.

Everybody is praying for their own partner. In the same way, I am praying for mine. I Continued on Page 53 want somebody that

ENTERTAINMENT

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015 Continued from Page 52

Reggie Rockstone, Suba strike deal G HANAIAN artiste, Reggie Rockstone, has signed a deal with Suba, making the artiste one of Africa's first celebrity tech investors.

As revealed by the company, Rockstone is expected to utilize his extensive fan base, social media following, and industry network as a platform to generate exposure for the startup which launched in Ghana last September, and has been identified as one of the Top 10 Best Apps from Africa.

“I am very engaged on social media, and sharing photos digitally has become an integral part of many people's everyday lives.

When I was first introduced to Suba, I was very excited to know that it had been developed by young Ghanaians; a product

D E I R R A M G N I T T E G ‘MY ’ S D N A H S ' D O G IS IN

I can be friends with all the days of my life.

How would you know if it is God's will or not?

Of course if it is God's will, it will happen. What will happen will definitely happen.

But we have heard cases of artistes who got married, and claiming it is God's will...

(Cuts in) People don't pray about it.

If they actually prayed about it, there is a way you will know whether it is his will or not. If you don't pray about it, it might work, but it won't last. But if you pray about it, things will fall into place.

I believe in being natural about things.

Can you describe your typical man?

He should be God fearing and very caring.

What about the aspect of money?

He doesn't have to be rich, as long as the person is God fearing and caring.

Being caring is not about having the money. Being caring is wanting to know everything about you, advising you and just being there for you in your time of need and during trying period. That is being caring for me. It has nothing to do with having money.

But they say every woman needs a form of security and that means having money...

Of course, every woman needs to be pampered. We want to be pampered, we want to be cared for but I insist that it doesn't necessarily involve money. It is not about being rich. It is only a woman who is not hardworking that will be looking for a man who is established. If you are hardworking and you are

comfortable, you don't really need a man who is extra rich.

As a woman, even when you start having children, you can take care of them. You can take care of yourself. It is not always about the money. It is bad when you have a man who doesn't care about you, who doesn't care about your career, who doesn't care when you are crying or when you are laughing, who doesn't want to know when you are in pain. But the man who cares about what is happening to you, if you are having headache, he is there to suggest what you will take; if you are crying, he is there to wipe your tears; if you are laughing, he is there to laugh with you. That is what I mean by caring.

Would you marry a man who has no job?

Yes, I will. As long as he is not lazy, because I don't like lazy people. He might be jobless but is he hardworking and is he God fearing and caring? If he is, then he is okay by my standards. I don't mind that.

What is happening to your beauty pageant?

It is part of the projects I am working on. We will definitely be holding the next edition by December. That will be the third edition.

•Cythnia Agbolor

•Aramide

53

with the potential of being adopted by people all over the world. I am always seeking innovative business opportunities, and feel technology is the future, so it was an easy decision to become an investment partner in Suba,” he stated.

Rockstone who owns a popular lounge/bar/club with a weekly photo sharing trend on social media (instagram, and twitter) “We are huge fans of Reggie, and admire how he has managed to build, and maintain his brand for over 20 years, which is very rare for an artist. We believe having Reggie as a partner, and leveraging the power of his celebrity, and the entertainment industry

•Reggie

will catapult Suba to the next level,” says Nelson Klutse, a leading West African iOS developer.

•Guests watching a football match at the event

I

Comedy meets football as Startimes hosts subscribers

T was a fusion of music, comedy, and sports, as pay TV service provider, Startimes hosted guests to the kick off of the 2015 league of the German Bundesliga, last Friday.

The event took place at De Hall event centre, Ikeja, Lagos; in an ambience of fun.

According to the management of Startimes' , it was to celebrate its teeming subscribers, and the always supportive media.

Welcoming guests to the kickoff match, Israel Bolaji, a representative of Startimes said

By Ovwe Medeme that the outfit has won the rights to the Bundesliga for the next five years. “You know Bundesliga is the best league in the world; with each stadium having over 40,000 seater capacity, so we are here to celebrate. We are here to watch the game between Bayern Munich, and Hamburger SV. We are also here to celebrate our new sports channels, which include World Football, Star Sports Arena, Star Sports Premium, and Star Sports Live amongst others,” he said.

Compered by celebrated comedian; Mr. Patrick, aside the music, and multiple course meal, the event featured sports trivia, impromptu two-a-side matches, and a bit of entertainment from professional football jugglers.

Guests also had the opportunity to view live the Bayern/Hamburger standoff, which kicked off at exactly 7:30pm with the half time scores put at 1:0 in favour of the Munich side. The game ended with Bayern Munich showing off its superiority with a 5:0 score line.

QLA Nigeria presents Miss Grand Nigeria

I

N a bid to empower young women and encourage the 'Stop the War and Violence' campaign to help intimate people about the need to avoid conflict, QLA Nigeria Limited is bringing the Miss Grand beauty pageant to Nigeria.

The CEO of QLA Nigeria, who is also the National Director of Miss Grand Nigeria Beauty Pageant, Miss Loveth Udoka Ajufoh, revealed that the pageant was established in 2013 as an annual international beauty contest by the Miss Grand International Organization based in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Over the years, it has been committed to the development of mankind by searching for potential woman to encourage women, run the 'Stop the war and Violence' campaign , and to

encourage people to avoid the conflict and violence that may lead to war in any form,” she said.

She further revealed that apart from reinforcing the overall objective of the programme, Miss Grand Nigeria seeks to promote peace , and tourism in Nigeria while empowering young women to achieve their personal and professional goals using their beauty, talents, and intelligence.

According to Patrick Onwamaka, CEO of EL Model Management, the pageant is based on merit as contestants have to be extremely good to win.

“After being to over 20 states, and universities, the final screening of contestants for Miss Grand Nigeria will hold on September 1 at Orchid Hotels, Lagos,

Nigeria, while the Grand Finale will hold on Friday September 11at the same venue. The winner will go home with the sum of one million naira, a brand new car, and the right to represent Nigeria at the MGI world finals in October 2015, in Bangkok, Thailand, he said.

•Loveth Udoka Ajufoh

54

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT

David Osei blasts Ghana Actors Guild

AS A MATTER OF FACT, I GOT COMFORTABLE IN THE FIRST FIVE MINUTES, BECAUSE I SAW THAT HE KNEW PRECISELY WHAT HE WANTED

•Ivie and Ba

nky W on se

t of a movie

G

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT

BANKY W –IVIE OKUJAIYE Before winning the Amstel Malta Box Office Reality TV show in 2008, Ivie Okujaiye was a gem waiting to be discovered. On hitting the limelight, Ivie became a beacon of hope for many aspiring young actresses in Nigeria and beyond. Through hard work and determination, she is now a multiple award-winning and highly sought after actress in Nollywood. Her awards include the 2013 Trail Blazer Award at the maiden edition of the Africa Magic Viewer Choice Awards (AMVCA). Ivie played the lead role in the television commercial (TVC) of DSTV's revamped Compact Bouquet, her first on that turf. She shares her experience on the production.

W

HAT was the experience like working on the set of the television commercial for the revamped DSTV Compact bouquet?

Doing the television commercial for DSTV Compact bouquet was a lovely experience. Getting to work with the DSTV crew, Banky W, and Mathias, they were an extremely lovely technical crew to work with, and he taught me a couple of new things. And for this I am really glad for the opportunity, and experience.

For starters, I now know more about endorsing. I have never done a television commercial; it was very interesting, and humbling to know that of all the growing actors in the industry, I was singled out. It is very flattering. I hope to keep working hard to get more calls like this.

When you said that the experience was humbling, what exactly did you mean?

Doing the television commercial for DSTV was humbling because I got to learn a lot of things I didn't know. Doing film is different from doing a television commercial. Doing film is different from doing stage, doing stage is different from doing a television commercial. So, for me, it was a completely new experience, and I was humbled to learn a lot from the entire crew, and organisers alike. It was a genuinely educative experience.

How was it working with Banky W, knowing he is relatively new in the business of TV directing?

Working with Banky W on this project, as the director for this television commercial, wasn't at all different from

working with any established TV, or movie director. As a matter of fact, I got comfortable in the first five minutes, because I saw that he knew precisely what he wanted, had an excellent mental visual of what was expected, but most importantly you could tell he knew what he was doing, and he was very in tune with the rest of his technical crew.

As a result of this, they had a good rapport, and they leaned on each other a lot. And if you know Banky, you will know he is very professional, very thorough, with no such thing as African time. So it was great to work with somebody who knows his onions, and has his principles intact. It was very nice.

You said during production, Banky W was always on time, can you cite one particular example of this attribute?

Well, I said that Banky W appreciates people being on time, not because anything out of the ordinary happened, but because everything was just so well organised. If food and refreshment were supposed to arrive/be served by1pm, it was there by 1pm; if the crew was supposed to start rolling

(that is shooting) by 2pm, then the crew would start rolling by 2pm. When things are that organised, then you know the person in charge knows what he is doing.

So, yes, it was very good.

Many actors and actresses say their acting career started on stage; did you start your career on stage?

No, I didn't start on stage, even though I had considerable stage experience in the past. I wouldn't necessarily say I started from the stage. My platform started with the Amstel Malta Box office, something I am still very grateful to God for.

Do you have something to say about the revamped DStv Compact?

The revamped Dstv Compact bouquet is simply perfect. It is a bouquet that will work for just about every family, so I advise Nigerians who love wholesome family entertainment content, at affordable price to hurry and go sign up for the bouquet. Their television viewing experience would be better for it.

•Ivie

HOLLYWOOD actor, Prince David Osei has said that some Ghanaian actors had collected money from the government that he and his colleagues knew nothing about.

Speaking in a recent interview with Pluzz FM, the actor said; “The Ghana Actors Guild is not functioning. For an individual like me even if I talk they will end up insulting me or if I call the likes of Yvonne and Van and the likes to join me they will say we should shut up.

“Because what I noticed is that in Ghana whenever you want to express yourself or say something they twist it and call you a hater. I don’t know why because we leave in a free society where you are free to express yourself but over here it’s a different thing. Some of us just stay away from these things because we don’t want to be a like a thorn in some body’s flesh.

“It’s sad our guild is not helping us, we have been saying this over and over again because in Nigeria, the actors guild is so united to the extent they get funds from government, they have insurance cover from government, they have funds you can access when you want to shoot a movie that is historic or project the image of Nigeria. Over here our guild is not effective. Aside that, anytime you attempt to do something different, they pull you down.”

Islamic singer, Omotayebi, lights up City People Awards

A

LHAJA Aminat BabalolaBalogun, popularly known as Omotayebi, who recently emerged Amira (woman leader) of Islamic Musician Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, was the centre of attraction at the just concluded City people entertainment Awards.

The best Islamic Female Singer at the 2014 Yoruba Music, and Films Awards; YOMAFA,; Omotayebi, recently released an album titled Esan, which was marketed by Okiki films, and music productions.

Held on Sunday, August 16 at the Time-Square event place, Ikeja, Lagos, the awards witnessed the attendance of popular figures in the entertainment industry including the likes of Olu and Joke Jacobs, M.I Abaga, Femi Adebayo, Oge Okoye, Odunlade Adekola, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry, Iyabo Ojo, Victor Olaitan, Lil Kesh, Praiz, Rukayat Gawat, Madam Kofo, Juliet Ibrahim, among others.

Fasting rising Yoruba movie director, Okiki Afolayan won the gong for the Most Promising Director, while Mavin Records act, Reekado Banks, won the Most Promising Act. Mavin Records' head honcho, Don Jazzy was awarded a 'Special Recognition Award' for his remarkable contributions to the growth of entertainment industry in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, delectable actress, Moji Olaiya won the Best Supporting Actress of the Year for the second time running, while Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, and other Nollywood stars won in various other categories.

•Omotayebi

55

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

The many books on Fashola M

ANY of the guests tried to decode the puzzle; the underlying factor behind the motivation to write three books on the era of one person and then present them all to the public on the same day. The three books, described as a trilogy are The Great Leap, In Bold Print-thoughts of Babatunde Raji Fashola and The Lagos Blow Down – West Africa’s first controlled demolition. While the first two were solely compiled and edited by Hakeem Bello, erstwhile Media Adviser to the governor, the third was jointly edited by Bello and Dapo Adeniyi, the idea of which was to document the monumental era of an action governor, who, right from the first day in office showed Lagosians that he was prepared to work.

The public presentation of the books on Tuesday in Lagos attracted an unprecedented crowd, most of whom came to identify with a man they described as a leader who came and actualised a dream, a very big dream for that matter, for the state. This was a dream he took time to perfect and really actualised so as to take Lagos to the mega state level.

Presenting the review of the book, The Great Leap, Dr. Wumi Raji, said “Before Babatunde Raji Fashola presented himself to be governor, he took his time to understudy the state, to understand the many needs and yearnings of the people. Even though, he got to office by chance because Lai Mohammed had suddenly resigned as the Chief of Staff to Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu when he was the governor, Fashola had seen the problems of the people of the state as the focal point of his regime.”

A lecturer in the department of English Language, Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ife, Osun State, Raji made it clear in his review that the books were put together to enable the public have a perception of a dynamic leader who promptly travelled round the world at a point to be able to know and see firsthand the ideals and characteristics of a mega city. He did this in order to know how to make the state work. Even today he has risen to be one of the best known politicians in the land.”

Essentially, he touched the areas of public transportation, security, education, the environment, health and more to improve on the standard of living of the teeming population in Lagos. When it was time to carry the people along, he never hesitated to do so.

He made tough policies but with human face because he knew that the state needed to be made a better place for the people. In fact, at a point Fashola wondered aloud how people could overcome poverty when they had six members of one family living in one room.

For him, therefore, poverty can only be eradicated, can only be conquered when people set their priorities right. It is when people have the opportunity to work and earn a living that they can be said to be human and responsible in ways most citizens are expected to be. Indeed, part of the content of the book is reminding people about the agenda setting put together by Fashola who took into his team the best brains, the foremost professionals in the state to work with. “Part of this is the usage of Public Private Partnership (PPP) to achieve most of the goals he set for the state. And you cannot turn the light rail on, you can’t achieve the status of a mega city if the technocrats and professionals who know it all are not fully involved.”

See how the Eko Atlantic project has been made feasible. And soon, what many thought would not be possible would be realised.

“This was why he was seen as a kind of metaphor in most of the newspaper reports. As he tried to leave office, he realised that even when a leader has done well to improve the society, he sometimes too makes mistakes.

But mistakes are part of human failings for which Fashola was no exception.”

Earlier in his opening remarks Fola Adeola, a seasoned banker had noted that in life, everybody is important and that Fashola should be grateful that even after he has left

Three books on the stewardship of former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola were presented on Tuesday. The books chronicled the achievements, speeches and landmarks of Fashola’s tenure. Edozie Udeze writes on the essence of the books that show a leader among leaders

•Fashola (2nd left), Lagos State Chief Judge, Justice Funmilayo Atilade (third left), former Lagos State deputy governor, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu (third right), Gbenga Makanjuola (2nd right), Otunba Bimbo Ashiru (right) and Hakeem Bello, author of the books at the presentation.

PHOTO: EDOZIE UDEZE office, such number of people came to grace that chronicles an era; an era full of achieve- hensively transform and set things aright. A an occasion put together in his name. “This ments in different spheres of public account- meticulous politician in all respects, govershows that what you did in office are still ability where Fashola was busy enriching the nor Fashola made his tenure people-origlittering before the people. You no longer state. This was a luminous period in time, as ented, well-focused with well-articulated award contracts or control state funds; you the book is a judicious selection of over 600 projects to enhance the quality of lives in the are no more in-charge, yet people turned out speeches delivered at different fora by the state.

Dare reminded guests that with the viin their numbers to identify with you today. governor. The speeches each dwelt on his Well, it all goes to show and prove that in achievements, on what he did to increase the sion of Fashola as governor, it was easier for the fullest of time, everything resolves and quality of lives of the people. What is Great most public utilities to function to the fulldissolves. Fashola is that constant star that Leap if they are not speeches of an icon?” Dare est. “See how he fought the Ebola scourge,” he quipped. “He also expanded businesses made things work; someone that believed in posed.

He went on to situate most of the topics and ensured that entrepreneurs did well to the programmes of the society. Now a role model has left office and my prayer is that raised in the compilations this way – “Oh, improve their lots. This was basically so we do not have to wait for too long to have yes, he is an exceptional achiever. At a point, because security was at its best and people another Fashola. While in office he meant Fashola was voted one of the 700 most out- keyed into the programmes to engage in the everything that is correct, that in most other standing personalities in the world. This was activities of the day,” Dare concluded.

In his own review, Moses Ogunleye, a states of the Federation, people clamoured so because the world considered Lagos as one for their leaders to copy and emulate Fashola. of the most congested cities in the world. And town planner, looked more into the area of In fact, for a man who took decisions on be- Fashola was wont to solve most of the social town planning and how Fashola reordered half of over 22 million citizens, let us give and commercial conflicts affecting the the aesthetics of the state. “Yes, he made citizenry in his domain. Other leaders in this Oshodi a pleasant place,” Ogunleye posited. kudos to him,” Adeola said.

In his own review of one of the books category, so recognized by the world, were “From a no-go-area, to one of the best comtitled In Bold Print, Dr. Olatunji Dare of The Lula Da Silva of Brazil, Ellen Sirleaf of Libe- mercial areas, Oshodi is today a place to do Nation Newspapers, harped on the need for ria and a few others. Fashola never lost his business. Many thought it would not be posleaders to be transparent and accountable at respect in the eyes of the people who saw in sible but he made it so pleasant, so conduall times. “This is what Fashola stood for.” him a leader capable of leading Lagos to the cive that you do not need to spend hours to Read on his behalf by Angela Adetumobi, a state of Eldorado. And since he had that arti- go through Oshodi anymore.”

He noted however, that Fashola estabbroadcaster, Dare insisted that this is a book cle of faith, he therefore set out to comprelished the Building Reforms Agency to tackle so many social issues bordering on town planning and collapsed buildings which at a point became a big headache in the state. Indeed, the high point of it all was when the Bank of Industries (BOI) building was raised down in 2008. The demolition exercise which was shown on the screen for people to see was done in a way to avoid inflicting colossal damages or having effects on other nearby buildings.

In his response, Fashola gave details of how that exercise was successfully carried out without rancour or acrimony. He first of all acknowledged the role Bello played to make his tenure good. “Above all, these books

“Therefore, poverty can only be eradicated, can only be conquered when people set their priorities right. It is when people have the opportunity to work and earn a living that they can be said to be human and responsible in ways most citizens are expected to be. Indeed, part of the content of the book is reminding people about the agenda setting put together by Fashola who took into his team the best brains, the foremost professionals in the state to work with”

•Continued on page 56

56

THE NATION ON SUNDAY,

ARTS

F

IVE young girls who painted their faces with white native chalk, with beads on their necks and ankles held horsetails, danced round a big tree seven times as the Ipesi drums were being beaten by skilled drummers. According to the town’s monarch, HRM Oba Joseph Adebayo, the Alajero of Ijero Ekiti: “These young girls and boys are now initiated into the royal house and have now received their royal blessings and can now boast anywhere that they come from royal house. No matter what, if you are born into the royal house without performing these rites, you are not recognised as having royal blood. These children are my children and have now been initiated into the royal house of Owa Ajero.”

“Later, a tuber of yam would be cut by the Odofin into two equal sizes, and then the Alajero has the right to eat new yam. That starts the festival,” the monarch added.

The over 500 masquerades trooped in their numbers, comprising the young ones and middle aged ones who were in their palmfronds and covered their faces with well carved wood. They were all everywhere in the town as they danced round the town armed with canes.

According to Joshua Oyewande Olukolade, one of the community leaders, “the festival lasts for seven days and it has been on for over 1,000 years. It brings sons and daughters of the town together. People come from the United Kingdom, United States of America and from far and near, and especially for prayer which is efficacious. I came with some of my friends from Enugu to witness this historic festival.”

Mysterious drum Asked of the drum they beat to herald the festival, Oyewande said the drum is called Ipesi. “It is beaten once in a year and this is during the beginning of this festival and when the monarch passes on. Not only this, the sound has a very powerful work to do as it attracts all sons and daughters to Ijero.

No matter where an Ijero indigene is, if he hears the sound of the drum he would be yearning to come back home.”

Obafemi could not confirm or deny the story that the Ipesi drum was made of

AUGUST 23, 2015

The wonders of Ijero festival Faced with barrenness and poverty? Your worries are over. All you need is a visit to Ijero Ekiti in Ekiti State, where masqueraders flog the barren, the poor and the needy to free them of their woes. The town ended its seven-day OgunEgungun festival last Sunday. Taiwo Abiodun was there.

•Egungun Aje (inset: Oba Adebayo).

human flesh. He only said, “I don’t know about that. But I heard the story that its sound attracts sons and daughters back home.”

Egungun are visitors from heaven Narrating how it starts, the town’s monarch and head of the community, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole,

PHOTO: TAIWO ABIODUN

stated, “This festival is called Ogun/Egungun festival. We spend two weeks in preparation for it as the farmers would be at home to observe Ogun. That is why Ijero sons and daughters would come home for a reunion. Our new calendar year starts when we end the Ogun festival. Some com-

munities only worship egungun, whereas it is only in Ijero that we observe both Ogun and egungun festival together in the whole of Yoruba land,” the monarch stated.

On the egungun festival, the monarch said, “For the egungun festival, we believe our forefathers came from

heaven to stay with us for seven days and after the seven days they go back to heaven. And when sending them off, all sons, daughters, visitors and friends would raise their voices to high heavens, praying for themselves and for the town. The significance is to celebrate our ancestors and assess ourselves, improve on ourselves and move forward.”

Egungun Aje or Ako Egungun Among the over 500 masquerades, the most powerful one is called Egungun Aje or Ako egungun, which is known to be very powerful and highly efficacious in prayer. According to the custodian of the egungun aje, High Chief Samuel Obafemi, the Aasan Ijero of Ijero Ekiti, “I am the custodian of Ako egungun, also known as egungun aje. In Yoruba land, it’s the Ijeros that have only this type of masquerade. It has been existing for over 1,000 years and an ordinary person cannot adorn it.

Whoever adorns it has to be from the family of egungun aje or ako egungun and must be initiated into it. The egungun aje has and holds a long spiritual cane it uses to cane and bless people.” According to Obafemi, it is a blessing if one is caned by the egungun, for it is believed that the cane has both physical and spiritual healing, thus many beg to be flogged by ako egungun Corroborating, Oyewande said, “Yes, it is true. We call the cane esisan and the people who hold them are the family of Asosanyin. It is the biggest masquerade. It is also believed that when one is caned by egungun aje this year, he would be praying to be caned next year. If it is a woman looking for the fruit of the womb, and she is whipped by the masquerade, that means her prayers have been answered as she would bring her baby to the festival following year. Many can testify to this,” he

boasted.

On how egungun aje came into being, the monarch explained, “in the days of old, when children were falling sick and some were dying, our forefathers brought egungun aje out to come and rescue the town and since it cured people and released them from bondage it has since being worshipped. So, whoever fell sick was healed while progress came to the town. That is why we have been celebrating and worshipping egungun aje. We also called it ako egungun (husband of all masquerades).”

Last Sunday evening, the arrival of egungun aje sent huge cries of happiness everywhere while many ran to him to be whipped with his cane. Many begged him to cane them. A young man, Yemi Olutayo, said he offered himself to be caned to receive his (aje egungun) blessing.”I am glad for having the opportunity to cane me; it is a physical and spiritual blessing. I know he has answered my prayers and my life cannot be the same again as things will improve for me next year.”

Princess Iya Seyi (aka Iya Sewooo) said, “I struggled to get to where egungun aje was, but the crowd was too much. But I have prayed in his name to let me grow old and let my business flourish.”

As if they were a congregation in the church, the over 20,000 people who thronged the place raised their voices and started praying in the name of egungun aje, to the surprise of this reporter.

Dr. Femi Ayo Ajayi, who came from Aramoko Ekiti, said “it is a belief and I must confess to you all their prayers have been answered. That is why people come all the way from America, London and all places to receive blessings from Egungun Aje. I have never for once missed this festival; it is interesting and adventurous.”

On Sunday, over 20,000 spectators, including monarchs from the neighbouring towns and chiefs waited to receive prayers from Egungun Aje as there were wild jubilation. Prayers were offered and immediately the Egungun Aje removed the wooden mask from his face to be seen, it was all over.

Many strides of Fashola • Continued from page 55 were made possible by him.

He documented these events and he has always shown that he is a top class journalist.

Oh, yes, too, I learnt a lot from Ahmed Tinubu who is my predecessor in office. He set the ball rolling and today the rest is history,” the exgovernor, surmised.

Fashola also punctured the result of the 2006 national census, but cautioned that if the next year’s edition is not done well, it will affect what projects the Lagos State government many have in place for the masses. “We need to have an accurate census so that we will have a great plan for the people. Now, we have begun to say that Nigeria is over 180 million people. Who is sure? And that is why we have to be in our houses to be counted when the time comes,” he remonstrated, amid cheers from

guests.

Professor Babatunde Samuel who stood in for Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu described Fashola as a man who was destined to be governor.

“He is a high-wired political engineer,” Samuel said. “I am happy about what is happening today where we have three books dedicated to one leader. This shows that it is time to reflect on the programmes and is sues raised while Fashola was governor.

Whatever you do today as a leader is your insurance for tomorrow. People must always recognize people’s ability as leaders to intellectualize leadership and governance. Today, we can proudly say that Tinubu was right in his choice of Fashola as the governor of the state. We now congratulate you because, on your own part, you have proved also that Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu had the necessary foresight in

choosing you as a leader of the people. Indeed, we hope you will be called for a higher national service to the nation, for we know that the sky is the limit for you,” Samuel, a former commissioner in the state, said.

Almost everybody who spoke paid glowing tribute to Fashola. But above all, the three books, meticulously articulated by the duo of Hakeem Bello and Dapo Adeniyi exposed the extent of leadership by Fashola.

The duo are well-tested professional journalists who have risen to the pinnacle of their career. The books in their epitome showed that the years of Fashola as governor truly touched on all fabrics of human lives in the state. In the compilation, they did not leave any important detail out essentially to let history judge Fashola as a leader who came, saw and conquered. He is a

•Fashola (2nd right), Justice Atilade (2nd left), Mrs Okunnu (right) and Makanjuola at the event.

PHOTO: EDOZIE UDEZE

leader who deployed the huge resources of the state to better the society and empower a lot of people to be able to survive the fortitude and rigours of life.

In a way, the trilogy is a compendium that will help scholars and politicians in future to dissect the nuances of a leader who did not disappoint his people when they

needed him most. So many new ideas that had helped to build the state; to build a concrete bridge between peoples of all classes and races were raised at the occasion.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

No more hiding place for pension fraudsters

‘Different-- Page 53 businesses, different challenges’

Page 58

Invest in human capital development, govt told Page 59

•Anohu-Amazu

57

•Falobi

Page 60

NEPC chief Awolowo seeks exportation of services From Franca Ochigbo and Halima Faruk, Abuja

T

•From left: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and Representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr. Clement Illoh, presenting the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award to Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology in Abuja.

We’ll fight speculators, says CBN

W

ILL speculators get away with playing games with the naira? No, says the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which has restated its resolve to deal with them.

The speculators are said to have taking a bet that the naira would be devalued after Kazahstan became the latest country to abandon control of its currency.

“We haven’t seen any reason so far to institute a change in the foreign-exchange policies,” Ugochukwu Okoroafor, a CBN official, said on phone from Abuja.

“The preponderance of

Stories by Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf foreign currency in the country has led to speculative attacks on the naira. People who have done it in the hope we’ll devalue will be hurt.”

“The volume of speculation on our currency is huge,” Okoroafor said. “Genuine demand for foreign exchange will be met by the central bank, but once it comes as a result of speculation, we’ll fight back”.

After imposing trading restrictions in February to prevent dollars from fleeing Africa’s largest economy, importers have been unable to

pay suppliers, a thriving black market has sprung up in foreign banknotes and a collapse in government oil revenue amid sliding crude prices has left teachers unpaid.

Kazakhstan’s decision to drop its peg for the tenge, which led to a 23 percent drop against the dollar, intensifies pressure on countries to let their currencies weaken on concern the yuan’s devaluation last week will make exports less competitive.

The move followed Vietnam’s third devaluation of the dong on Wednesday, while Russia stopped managing the ruble in November.

Reconsidering fixed ex-

change rates is becoming more urgent also as the Federal Reserve moves closer to raising interest rates for the first time since 2006, which has throttled demand for riskier assets.

The naira’s exchange rate needs to strike a balance between Nigeria’s dependence on oil for export earnings and the country’s need to import most of its goods, Okoroafor said.

The currency, which has remained below 200 per dollar since mid-May, weakened 0.7 percent to 199.05 by 12:29 p.m. in Lagos. Six-month naira forwards jumped 2.6% to 235, the highest since July 27.

NERC boss under fire for attacking judges

N

IGERIAN Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Chairman Dr. Sam Amadi, has come under fire for allegedly maligning judges.

A Lagos lawyer, Toluwani Adebiyi, said Amadi erred by accusing the judges.

The NERC boss, in a petition to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, said injunctions against the commission and other power sector operators were frustrating the power sector reform.

Amadi claimed that the judges lacked knowledge of the sector’s intricacies even as he accused them of abusing their powers of “judicial

review” by handing out poorly thought-out injunctions, capable of defeating government’s objective and discouraging investment in the electricity sector.

The NERC boss, who noted that the seeming conflict in the intervention of the court in his agency’s operations could be because the concept of utility regulation, especially electricity regulation is new in the country, stressed the urgent need to develop “a robust judicial opinion and corpus of legal theory about the extent of judicial review of regulatory actions and the degree of due deference that courts should accord regulatory agencies.”

But Adebiyi, who coincidentally instituted action

against NERC to stop the latter from increasing electricity tariff, said Amadi merely played to the gallery.

“This unguided accusation is a way of confirming inadvertently, his utter helplessness, massive failure and consistent display of crass incompetence and frightening inability to effectively manage the power sector as well as fulfilling the statutory obligations of NERC under his leadership,” Adebiyi said.

Citing the power sector Reform Act 2005, the lawyer said some of the objectives of the reforms include creating, promoting and preserving efficient power, ensure that adequate supply of electricity is available to consumers at fair prices, most of which were yet

to materialise.

“So, Amadi expected the judges to fold their hands, identify with NERC unjustified notorious failure, refuse to grant injunctions which has acted as a safety valve to revolt against electricity terrorism in Nigeria and watch further extortion and exploitation of the already exploited Nigerians by the notoriously inefficient power sector that has yielded no significant result since 2005, despite the huge investment but little result, lamentations and regrets which has become so gruesomely bad that the president during his inaugural speech described same failure as a national shame.”

HE Executive Secretary, CEO, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Olusegun Awolowo has stressed the need for the diversification of import into the service sector including professional services.

Awolowo spoke at an interactive meeting on the review of the implementation of the National Strategy for the export of professional services in Nigeria, He said by 2050, 80 per cent of the workforce worldwide would be working in the service sector.

He said, “Trade in services has grown annually in importance in the world economy. The global services’ share of world GDP grew from 53 per cent to 68 per cent between 1971 - 2004, with the contribution of services trade to global GDP currently to be about 70 per cent.

“According to the World Trade Organisation, the services sector is the most rapidly growing segment of the world economy. Services represent 66 per cent of world production, 66 per cent of world employment, nearly 50 per cent of world trade on value added basis and 60 per cent of foreign direct investment.”

The services sector, the NEPC boss maintained, has witnessed rapid expansion over the years and growing importance across African countries.

“The size and importance of services to the global economy is illustrated in the value of some services’ sectors such as education, with an estimated value of $30 billion in 2004, medical tourism $20billion which is doubled in 2010. Between 2012 - 2013, the services’ sector contributed 60 per cent to India’s GDP while it accounted for 70 per cent of New-Zealand’s GDP which was worth $150 billion. “ Expatiating, he said: “Specifically, the global BPO/ITO industry (a sub-sector of the services’ sector) is estimated to be worth $120-150. Within this category, offshore BPO/ITO, i.e. outsourcing where the client and the vendor are located in different countries, is estimated to be some $11.4 billion.”

He added that the NEPC formulated a strategy to develop the export of professional services in Nigeria. The overreaching goal of the strategy was to contribute to the country’s long term objective to create wealth, employment generation and reduce poverty as enshrined in Nigeria’s National Economic Empowerment Development Strategy.

Ortom lauds NB Plc for Makurdi brewery

B

ENUE State governor Samuel Ortom has practised Nigerian Breweries Plc for the bold step it took in revamping its Makurdi brewery.

The governor made the commendation when he visited the brewery on a familiarisation tour. During the visit, he also unveiled a mock up bottle of the new More lager beer, commissioned a road named after him and planted a commemorative tree within the brewery.

Delivering his welcome address earlier, Managing Director/CEO NB Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde stated that following the merger of Nigerian Breweries and Consolidated Breweries in December 2014, the company began an upgrade of facilities at the brewery to match the world class standards of breweries.

“The upgrade with a total investment of over N1billion, in 2015 alone, led to the total overhaul of the brewery production process which can be seen in the improved quality of More Lager. Today’s More Lager, still proudly brewed in Benue, is now comparable to any international beer of repute.”

Vervelde, who was represented by Mr. Samson Aigbedo, Head Brewery Operations, added that the upgrade of Makurdi Brewery reflects the company’s confidence in the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy and commitment to the development of Benue State as a host community.

CORRECTION Messrs Integrated Oil and Gas Limited and Master Energy Oil and Gas Company did not get N20.262billion and N11.503billion waivers in 2011 as we reported on page 58 of this paper on August 9, 2015.

We hold Integrated Oil and Master Energy in high esteem .

We will not do anything to jeopardise their operations.

We are sorry for the mix-up.

—Editor

58

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

BUSINESS

T

HE idea of pension is to ensure that workers get something to fall back on after retirement. But the ideas seems to have been defeated in Nigeria where retirees do not get their pension as when due. In some instances, many have died, while waiting to collect their pension. The story is the same whether in the public or private sector. People who worked hard, expecting a decent pension to enable them enjoy life in retirement are being shortchanged, no thanks to their employers that fail to remit their pensions regularly.

It is against the backdrop of this mismanagement and the attendant misery that pensioners have had to live with, that the 2004 Pension Act was enacted.

The Pension Fund Act of 2004 was designed to eliminate the abuses the pension fund was subjected to in the past. This explains why the fraud was only perpetrated on the “old pension scheme” and not on the current “contributory pension scheme”, which is regulated by the Pension Commission (PENCOM).”

Several checks and balances were built into the Pension Act which makes it almost impossible for the type of monumental fraud perpetrated on the Police Pension fund.

For instance, under the Act, the pension funds and assets are domiciled with the Pension Custodians while the administration of the asset/fund is the responsibility of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs).

Former President Goodluck Jonathan signed the 2014 Pension Reform Bill into law to replace the old pension law which had been in operation since 2004. The new pension law introduced several key changes including: increase in the minimum contribution.

Crackdown on defaulting employers Worried by the huge portfolio of unremitted pension assets, the National Pension Commission, PenCom, The Nation gathered have since made moves to crackdown on defaulting employers.

In a chat with journalists during a programme in Lagos about the level of compliance and sanction against defaulters, PenCom’s Head of Compliance and Enforcement, Mr. Mohammed Bello, recalled that he commission did engaged the services of recovery agents about four years ago to recover debts from employers, adding that the agents have since concluded their jobs and any employer(s) still defaulting is expected to face the full weight of the law.

“With respect to remittance, yes there are issues with respect to non-remittance of contribution by some employers. But I will not say that all employers are not remitting contributions. But I can tell you that some private sector employers are not remitting as at when due.”

Pressed further, he said: “As you are probably aware, we have the report on a monthly basis because we have a way that we get returns every month on remittances made by employers. Now what you have to understand is that there over 200,000 employers and we get information on that.

Big time employers in the organised private sector are fully complying.

“Where we have problems are mostly small-scale and medium-scale employers.

What we normally do when we observe that employers are not remitting contributions is that we engage them. Based on the data we receive, we monitor and see if like one, two or three months an employer has not remitted, then we write a letter formally to the employer and say look, we observe that you have not remitted these contributions for this period and it is against the law, it is a violation of the law.

“We will quote the sections and also quote the penalty and then ask the employer to remit within a certain period, mostly we give four weeks. After four weeks if the employer fails to comply, we now send a warning letter. If you go to our website, you will see our sanctions regime spelling out what we normally do as the level of non-compliance escalates.

“From ordinary letter to caution, to warning then we go as far as litigation.”

Redeeming the situation

first quarter, 2015, 26 state governments had enacted laws on the CPS, while the remaining 10 were at the Bills stage.”

The report further shows that 8 out of the 36 states had commenced remittance of contributions into the RSAs of their employees.

Besides, six states have commenced the funding of their Retirement Benefit Bond Redemption Fund Accounts (RBBRFAs).

The states include: Lagos, Rivers, Niger, Osun, Osun and Delta states.

The update on compliance by the private sector, the report indicated that “during the quarter, the commission received 1,050 applications for issuance of compliance certificates, out of which 840 employers were issued the certificates while the remaining applications were rejected on the ground that they did not meet the requirements.”

•Anohu-Amazu

No more hiding place for pension fraudsters Pensioners still find it diffucult to access their pensions despite the claim that the process has been made easy by the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The employees and their employers contribute to the CPS. But in most instances, the contributions are not remitted. The National Pension Commission, PenCom, is set to address the ugly trend, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf The recovery agents, Bello said, have recorded some achievements thus far.

“The recovery agents have made significant progress and some recoveries were made and in fact penalties were even paid.

Some of the employers we have contracted for litigation, we have engaged some lawyers to prosecute them and they are at various levels. Usually, what we have noticed is that the moment you get to the level of notice of prosecution, the employers come and then quickly comply.”

Speaking on what happens to interests and penalties on recovered funds, he added that “everything goes to the employee. For example what it means is that if your monthly contribution is N100,000 and the penalty is N50,000, N150,000 will be credited to the worker’s account. It is PenCom that will pay the recovery agent from its funds.”

Small mercies The Nation gathered that the recovery of

outstanding pension contributions programme instituted by PenCom is already paying off as some N6.73 billion pension assets have been recovered from various employers who were fraudulently keeping them.

The update on the recovery of outstanding pension contributions and interest penalty from defaulting employers was contained in the PenCom 2015 first quarter report of the commission.

“During the quarter, the sum of N540.94 million representing principal contributions of N145.85 million and penalty of N395.09 million was recovered. This brought the total recoveries made to date to N6.73 billion,” the report said.

The report also indicated that six states moved into the contributory pension scheme (CPS) bracket and several others are making concerted attempts to sign on.

Giving the update on the implementation of the CPS by state governments, the report indicated that “as at the end of the

Rising pension assets It is however instructive to note that ten years after the inception of the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS, following the Pension Reforms Act, PRA, of 2004, the pension assets have hit N4.746 trillion.

The first quarter report of 2015 released by the National Pension Commission, PenCom, said the scheme’s membership has increased to 6,515,736, noting that since the fourth quarter of last year, no fewer than 120,046 contributors have joined the scheme.

According to the report, “as at the end of the first quarter, 2015, 26 state governments had enacted laws on the CPS, while the remaining 10 were at the bills stage.

“The total pension contribution by both the public and private sectors into the RSA of employees was N2.953,09 trillion as at the end of first quarter, 2015. This was an increase of N79.87 billion, representing 2.70 percent over the total contributions remitted as at the end of December, 2014.

“While the public sector contributed 34.43 per cent of the total contribution, the private sector contributed the remaining balance of 65.57 per cent during the quarter. The private sector contribution increased from N1.229.77 as at the end of December, 2014 to N1.282.14 as at the end of the first quarter of 2015, representing an increase of 4.26 percent.

“The average monthly contributions by the private and public sectors were N17.46 billion and N9.17 billion respectively during the quarter.”

Ranking the contributions of Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, the report said the top five PFAs (not named) accounted for 67.83 percent of total contributions received as at the end of the quarter under review. Similarly, the top 10 PFAs accounted for 90.56 percent of total contributions received over the same period.

It disclosed that while the bottom five PFAs accounted for 1.52 percent of total contribution received, the bottom 10 PFAs accounted for 9.44 percent of total contribution in the quarter.

The report added that “the total value of pension assets increased from N4.611.29 trillion as at the end of the fourth quarter of 2014 to N4.746.00 trillion at the end of the first quarter of 2015, representing an increase of N134.71 billion (2.92 percent) RSA Active Fund accounted for 63.99 percent of total pension assets under management during the quarter.

“The fund also accounted for 80.07 percent of assets growth during the quarter.

This was partly explained by growth in pension contributions that averaged N26.62 billion in the quarter. The Closed Pension Fund Administrators, CPFAs, and Retiree Funds followed with proportional contributions of 33.19 and 4.05 percent of total pension assets respectively.”

“The Approved Existing Schemes, AESs, witnessed a decline of N11.79 billion, representing 1.80 percent during the quarter. The FGN Securities continued to dominate total pension fund investment portfolio. This asset class accounted for 66.22 percent of total pension fund investments during the quarter.

“This could be explained by the uncertainties that characterised the stock market in 2014 and the persistent volatilities in the stock market. Hence, operators saw FGN Securities as ‘flight-to-safety’ strategy.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

BUSINESS 59 Invest in human capital development, govt told

C

HIEF Executive Officer, Anabel Group, Dr Nicholas Okoye has stressed the need for government and corporate bodies to invest in people as against infrastructural development.

Speaking at press interactive session, Okoye lamented the quantum leap in the youth unemployment and the extent to which many Nigerians depend entirely on the government to provide everything.

But Okoye who spoke extensively on the strategy for entrepreneurship development explained that there should be a deliberate and consistent policy to expose our youths to entrepreneurial training while the older people should be equally trained and supported.

“Our National Development Strategy Services should be peopleoriented. It is good to invest in infrastructural development but it is better to invest in the people who

Stories by Omolewa Oshin will drive the infrastructure. There is no country that has made progress without development of its people. Our youths have formed an army of unemployed. The list is becoming elongated by the day. There is a great misconception about empowerment of people. Many Nigerians regard empowerment as giving money to people in the name of ‘national cake’. This is not so. Empowerment is more of exposing people to the right skills and such people can efficiently manage the resources,” Okoye noted.

According to him, Anabel Group operates on strategy, leadership and entrepreneurship and the company has developed a number of products aimed at developing entrepreneurship spirit among different segments of Nigerian society.

Commenting on the entrepre-

Chief Executive Officer, Sofunix Investment and Communications, Mr. Sola Oni, Okoye and Communications and Public Relations Manager, Anabel Group, Mrs. Chika Nnodu, at the event.

neurial products, Okoye noted that Anabel developed start-up Nigeria, a programme that supports entrepreneurs with the right skills and resources.

“We also have Entrepreneurship Development Programme for Women and Senior Entrepreneurs.

This focuses on networking, identifying global sources of necessary information and strategic communication.

As of now, our focus is on oil and gas, power and information technology sectors. We organise coalition of super mentors for youths as part of our Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR). Over 55,000 Nigerians have benefited from our coaching and each of them has testimonies,” he said.

Okoye lamented that many entrepreneurs in Nigeria lack bankable projects, skills and proper orientation on the attributes of an entrepreneur.

Dangote Foundation boosts healthcare in Katsina

A

S part of efforts to boost healthcare delivery system, Dangote Foundation last week championed a free medical care for the vulnerable and poor Nigerians in Katsina State.

Justifying the need for the support, the Foundation said it had not just started helping out in the area of health but that the free medical service is a new joint initiative which is a continuation of its efforts aimed at creating wider access to health care for less privileged Nigerians.

Thousands of ailing people, including sickly elderly and malnourished children alike trooped out to the General Hospital in Kankia Local Government area of the state, venue of the exercise and were treated free.

The free medical outreach in Katsina State include free consultations, medicines and minor operations; advocacy on health and nutrition to women; as well as training of interns and medical personnels who in turn would offer medical advises to the people.

The programme which was spearheaded by Dangote Foundation was in collaboration with the Katsina State Government; Give-Back Nigeria, a UK based Charity Organisation and Gachi Development Foundation.

The state governor, Aminu Bello Masari, who flagged off the three-day medical services expressed appreciation to the Dangote Foundation and its collaborators for the gesture and described it as a service to humanity for which God would surely reward.

He explained the programmes

being mapped out by his admninitsratiuon to tackle health care challenges among his people and said the Dangote Foundation has in no small measure assisted in quickening the health programme. The governor urged other spirited organisation to look in the direction of joining hands

From left: Nutrition Expert, Murtala Mohammed Inuwa, CEO, Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, Project Manager, Dangote Foundation, Musa Bala listening to one of the beneficiaries at Dangote Foundation sponsored community health outreach in Kankia L.G.A Katsina State

with government to ensure the poor also have access to quality health care services.

In her remark, the Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Mrs. Zouera Youssouffou said the Foundation decided to sponsor the free medical outreach because the health sector is a critical part of the Foundation’s focus in contributing to the upliftment of the society and her people.

She stated that issues bordering on the health of Nigerians have always been of concern to Dangote Foundation and that was the reason it has been involved in all efforts at ensuring poor Nigerians also benefit from sound health care services.

“We were very active in the fight against the dreaded Ebola and jointly we defeated it. So also we mounted a lot of campaigns to see that polio was eradicated. We are happy that today, one year down the line no single case of polio has been recorded.

“This goes to show that collectively we can eradicate most of the disease ravaging our people if we deploy the will. We in Dangote Foundation believe that health is wealth, and economic activity can succeed when the people are sick”, Youssouffou noted while adding that

Nairasation of the economy

A

T last, at long last, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is beginning to recognize its responsibilities! By proscribing the acceptance of cash deposits by commercial banks, the CBN placed Nigeria solidly on another rung of the country´s development. The Naira no doubt may experience initial wild swings, but with proper monitoring, it is expected to stabilize. The proscription, an interim measure I guess, will also help provide the much needed “Nairazation” (as opposed to the “Dollarization”) of the Nigeria economy and provide the much preferred national economic prosperity.

As a permanent measure, this proscription of domiciliary accounts should be reflected in an Act of the National Assembly.

Monies in domiciliary accounts are redundant capital that yields no profit to the banks or customers. It is common knowledge that with MasterCard issued by Nigerian banks, visitors to any country can draw that country´s currency even when the account is in Nigerian Naira. The reverse is also true. Visitors to Nigeria only need to visit armed with their MasterCard and it is easy to draw an equivalent of the amount required in the Nigerian Naira. Again, with a fee, banks are now able to transfer customers’ money instantly to any part of the world. Besides, customers are also able to do the same using internet

By Onwusameka Ogbowuokara facilities. On the other hand, Forms “A” and “M” have been used to serve such legitimate purposes such that those that have the need will not suffer. The use of these platforms while helping customers and businesses also gives the CBN greater access to better monitoring of the flow of currencies. Therefore, the broad use and success of MasterCard, interswitch, internet banking facilities and Forms “A” and “M” have made domiciliary accounts and the so called “Black Market” largely irrelevant and sure signs of great underdevelopment.

But again, commercial banks have been known to be hideously undercapitalized, with pitiable liquidity, feeble business control and medium for money laundering. Not to be forgotten so easily to boot is the truth that banks have been used to fleece, or siphon money belonging to, government. It is the critical liability of government to tackle these faults of commercial banks and properly strengthen them to serve their customers that wish to do genuine businesses.

Yet much remains to be done!

The mono-income nature of the economy and the effects of extreme swings in pricing and sales of the crude oil exports in addition to the attendant shocks should have to be dealt with by the Buhari administra-

tion if the gains of this policy must become evident. However, the problems of the Naira and the economy have deeper roots. For more than forty years, government failed to put in place stable economic policies and strategy to defend the value and integrity of the Naira at all times, and even played significant function to undermine the Naira.

The Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act Decree No. 17 of 16th January 1995, now an Act of the National Assembly gives the impression that foreign currencies but especially the United States Dollar as mere commodities to be traded on the streets. The Act provides plenty of protection and grounds for traders dealing on these commodities to display their wares as any other article of trade. If the previous military regimes could be excused for their inability to see far into the future and enact Decrees that should have been far reaching and sustainable, the same cannot be said of a democracy. Yet, this Decree amended in a Democracy allows individuals to trade in the Naira and other foreign currencies for the purposes of profit making, speculation and racketeering. Worst of all, there is no ceiling to what is allowable for exchange.

Part 1 section 3(1) of the law even protects traders and customers in the trade thus “…a person executing a transaction in the market shall not

be required and, if required, shall not be obliged, to disclose the source of any foreign currency to be sold in the market”. Also, Part 1 section 3(2) supplies no less worry. In essence, the law established another market the so called “Black Market” for the trade in currencies, to compete with the commercial banks or what I may call the “White Market”, and even transferred some of the powers and functions of government to a well organized cartel of traders on foreign currencies. The black market won and commercial banks were even weakened in the process and became dependent on the black market as well for the supply of dollars. In many cases some banks provide permanent rooms in their branches to these black market operators for this purpose.

But the questions are; what exactly were the expected benefits of the law that enabled its ratification?

How well is this law meeting the expected benefits? Verdict: There is hardly anything in this law that shows that Nigeria is serious about managing its economy! Why shouldn’t there be a single source of foreign exchange, government? Accordingly, I agree with an earlier assertion that the underdeveloped nature of the Foreign Exchange market is fuelled by the timid laws!

Ogbowuokara contributed this piece from Gothenburg, Sweden.

the Foundation would continue to support Nigerian government and the new Katsina state administration.

Dr Shamsudeen Yahyah, a Director in the Ministry of Health of Katsina State, urged all the contributing agencies to try and sustain such gesture, adding that their support will go a long way in assisting the government in achieving its goals.

He identified poverty, ignorant as the major causes of diseases in the Northern part of the country.

Speaking also Dr. Tasiu Suleiman Gachi, the Project Leader said he was impressed by the Dangote Group and other organisations.

Over the years the Dangote Foundation has injected huge amount of money to the development of the health sector in the country.

It is currently constructing N440million State-of-the-Art Theatre and Diagnostic Centre at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

The Foundation has also disbursed about 600million in the last three years on Routine Immunisation and Primary Healthcare in Kano State alone, as well as the construction of 11 units of primary health care centres across 11 Local Governments.

Jumia, Google, Infinix unveil Android One

G

OOGLE’S Android One programme has unveiled in Africa with the launch of Infinix Hot2 device exclusively on the Jumia online store.

The launch was in partnership with key players in the Nigerian mobile ecosystem including Jumia, Google, MTN and Infinix.

In a statement, Jumia said: “As the 15 per cent market shareholder of Smartphone sales across Nigeria, Jumia Nigeria is indeed committed to being a world-class organization and maintaining its status as Nigeria’s number one online retail store. In every sense of the word, more than ever before, the company is set to drive the implementation of its e-commerce model in its firstever partnership with Google, Infinix and MTN to encourage technological innovation in Nigeria via the introduction of Android One in the form of the Infinix Hot 2 mobile phone. This partnership brings Jumia closer to accomplishing its ultimate goal of placing one Smartphone in the hands of every Nigerian.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Jeremy Doutte said Jumia will continue to drive and make premium technological equipment available to Nigerians at an affordable price.

60

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

BUSINESS

‘Different businesses come with different challenges’ Mr. Dideolu Falobi is the Managing Director of Kresta Laurel Nigeria Limited, a foremost engineering company. In this interview with Nneka Nwaneri, he speaks on the firm’s giant strides.

M

ANAGING the affairs of Kresta Laurel It’s been easy and tough. I say easy because there was a solid foundation. Fortunately for me, I was also part of the founding members of the company so I know the company, I know the vision clearly and I know what the expectations are.

The tough side is that we are operating in a very difficult and hostile environment, competition is tough and the environment is hostile. The financial sector, for instance, has gone through all sorts of ups and downs in the past 10years that I have been the Managing Direc-

tor. This company has witnessed banks’ consolidation, crash in oil prices, the intrusive era of mergers, the restructuring of the financial system and again the second crash in less than 10years of the oil prices.

It has also witnessed transition phase from the General Olusegun Obasanjo era to Yar’Adua era to Goodluck Jonathan and we are now in President Muhammadu Buhari era.

For businesses such as this, transitions are quite challenging, it makes the environment very hostile, it creates a lot of pressure, the possibility of losing money, the possibility of losing business and all sort of things. So, it’s been

tough.

Successes recorded by company thus far We thank God we have been able to position ourselves properly as a major player in the elevator industry. We also have been able to convince the industry that an indigenous company basically can be run and can deliver services comparable internationally. So, basically that has been quite gratifying. Unfortunately, competition over the past three year, has become thinner than ever because a lot of the new players have emerged and are bringing in cheaper quality equipment.

Regrets

•Falobi

All the lessons I have learnt prepared me for the future. I have also made mistakes. It is said that ‘you don’t die by falling into the

Stakeholders seek govt support for Maritime Academy

S

OME maritime and the host community of stakeholders the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron, Akwa Ibom State, have urged the government to ensure that the institution continues to deliver on its mandate.

This, they said, has become necessary because the Academy

From Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo under Ambassador Joshua Okpo has remained focused.

Sammy Otoyo, a maritime analyst said: “The renaissance in 14th century Europe heralded significant changes which transformed men’s ideas and beliefs about several things and their ways of life.

In today’s Nigeria, a modern day renaissance of a kind is indeed blossoming in the nation’s premier maritime institution, the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, located in the coastal town of Oron in Akwa Ibom State. Oron is a few nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Since Dr. Joshua Enun Okpo took over the affairs of the institution in July, 2011.”

Johnny Ofuso, a public affairs commentator, lamented that the institution is still grappling with some challenges, but said Okpo’s vision is seeing it through.

He said: “The present management addressed itself to the challenges and before long essential infrastructure, facilities and equipment hitherto lacking, yet critical to transforming the nation’s premier maritime training institution into an internationally acclaimed Academy are now being given renewed impetus and attention.”

The goal essentially, is to ensure that graduates are not only recognised by the International Maritime Organisation and other world maritime authorities, but are also able to rise to the occasion when the need arises, he stressed.

“The Rector and his dedicated management team achieved this feat while upgrading and modernising the institution to conform to international standards.”

Ofosu recalled that there was a backlog of over 5,000 graduates of the Academy, who had not under-

gone the mandatory sea-time exposure on board ocean going vessels and as such could not be certified by the IMO, all heaved a sigh of relief as the management team rose to the occasion.

He said: “Instead of making excuses that the Federal Government cannot afford a training ship to solve the problem, the Okpo-led management commenced efforts to upgrade the standard and status of the institution by successfully signing farreaching memoranda of understanding with countries and institutions of relevance to its professional training. This is aimed at solving, holistically, the difficulty involved in securing STCW recommended sea-time Berths for the back-log of Academy’s cadets who for several years have not had the opportunity to acquire the much needed experience.”

Recounting the management exploits of the management exploits Okpo said: “We had an engagement to have the ship-training programme in Istanbul, Turkey, in association with Philippines and Georgia. The institution will ensure that batches of 250 cadets comprising 100 mariners and 150 deck officers are put on board the ship for 12 months to enable them have Certificates of Competence (CoC).

“The advantage of this arrangement is that apart from being certified by NIMASA, the cadets will also get certification from any of those countries that are collaborating.”

Scenario planning will aid growth, say experts

E

XPERTS have recommended the concept of scenario planning as a viable tool for policy makers and business leaders.

They spoke at the workshop on “Scenario Planning for National Change” held at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos Plateau State.

The workshop, held for the first time in Nigeria, was organised by NIPSS in collaboration with the REOS Partners from South Africa.

Speaking at the workshop, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, Human Resources Executive, MTN Nigeria laid a foundation for a purposeful application of scenario planning as a model that has been adapted and worked in solving socio-economic

problems in some other countries across the world.

“We all know that we are most challenged when faced with novel and unusual situations. Our difficulties are greatest when our challenges are existential,” Oyagbola said.

As an impetus to resolving these challenges, particularly for policy makers and business leaders in Nigeria, Oyagbola remarked that “scenario planning helps us to escape such hopelessness or paralysis. In scenario planning, we are able to test out the potential consequences of our choices and decisions through social laboratories. The empirical data we gather from such social laboratories help us to modulate and temper the quality of our decisions.

Thus scenario planning and collabo-

ration is one of the best ways of solving problems”.

Reviewing the components of globalisation as a major factor that must be deliberated and adequately situated to resolve socio-economic issues, Oyagbola revealed that “in Africa and particularly Nigeria, where rapid urbanisation has torn the heart out of our traditional social organisation, we need to rethink our approach to solving social and economic problems. As a people, we have to start thinking innovatively and purposefully. We need to start using the things we have to achieve the ends we desire. Although it has come under heavy attack over the past few decades, our spirit of community and brotherhood is still a huge strength.”

Thus, “scenario planning is a tool for strategic thinking and planning.

It guides the way we think and helps to construct solutions to our problems. It draws heavily on communal and stakeholder participation, and helps to ensure that solutions are universally accepted and therefore easier to implement,” Oyagbola concluded.

The Scenario Planning for National Change workshop was declared open by the Vice President of the Federation, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo who was represented by the Head of Service of the Federation, Mr. Danladi Kifasi.

Participants at the workshop were drawn from the public sector, private sector and civil society groups.

river, you only die when you cannot swim’.

So you must understand that each challenge if you manage it very well can make you a much better person. There are people who have risen from the ashes of challenges to come back stronger.

Leisure Well at a time relaxation was suffering but I think I’m trying to restore that aspect of my life. I find time now because I have the luxury of having developed very competent hands around me that I can delegate work to. I spend the extra time with family, colleagues and clients.

I’m a member of the Lagos Country Club, Institute of Directors, Chamber of Commerce to mention just a few. In all these places, we do our networking and all that. After all, all work and no play will makes Jack very dull!

Lagos endorses Viatfoam’s new products

By Omolewa Oshin

L

AGOS State Government has commended the management of Vitafoam Nigeria Plc on its innovativeness by introducing two unique products to prevent nursing mothers from the hazards of breast feeding.

The two products, Vitafoams Early days Breast feeding Covers and Pillows were specifically designed to enable nursing mothers maintain proper position for breast feeding devoid of back pain and privacy while breastfeeding in the public.

Speaking at a special ceremony to mark World Breast feeding Day at Lagos Island Maternity Hospital in Lagos, Lagos State’s First Lady, Mrs Bola Ambode explained that Vitafoam Nigeria Plc had been at the forefront of products aimed at reducing infant mortality in Nigeria.

Mrs Ambode who was represented by Mrs Ladun Ogunbaniro stated that Vitafoam’s board and management should be appreciated as a good corporate citizen which constantly produces products that address human problems.

Mrs. Ambode called on the government and other employers of labour to support the initiatives in order to have a better society.

She reiterated that Lagos State government had increased the maternity leave from three months to six months while there is 10-day paternity leave as a support for proper child care.

Earlier in his address, Vitafoam’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi explained that the company had expanded its products’ portfolio from being a manufacturer of just mattresses and pillows into a foremost producer of ultimate comfort products. According to him, Vitafoam has ventured into production and supply of flexible, semi rigid and rigid polyurethane foam products including furniture, bed and beddings. This expansion gave birth to some of its current subsidiaries: Vitapur, Vitagreen, Vitasco and Vitabloom,” he said.

61

WITH JILL OKEKE jillokeke@yahoo.com, 07069429757, 08158610847 THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

I

T was fireworks from DSTV subscribers last Saturday as they gave vent to their anger, frustrations and disappointment about the appalling services some of them claimed to be getting from the Pay TV. The situation arose at the Multichoice Customer Forum which held at the Swan Hall, National Stadium Surulere, Lagos.

Over fifty mostly enlightened subscribers who obviously are aware of their consumer rights graced the occasion which saw DSTV officials on the receiving end.

Trying to calm frayed nerves, the Marketing Manager of DSTV, Chioma Afe, repeatedly appealed for peace and patience from the customers, emphasising that the event was organised for customers and DSTV officials to interact and reconcile any existing challenges. “We are not here to defend ourselves or quarrel with you but to listen to your challenges regarding our product and see how best to address them.”

Issues subscribers mostly complained about were the long time it takes customers to get response from the customer service line, the charge on DSTV Toll line, lack of service/disconnection even when a subscriber has paid, non freezing of account even when it’s obvious that subscriber is out of town, especially regarding customers that are on yearly subscription, non-refunding of money even when there is disconnection or loss of service due to faults emanating from the service provider.

Other issues which subscribers bitterly complained about were non availability of live matches on Compact Plus despite paying N7,500 monthly, the long booting time, lack of rewards for loyal

Subscribers, CPCN demand improved services from DSTV

L-R: Afe, Otsalo, Oghuma and Lateef Tijani, Deputy Operations Manager, MultiChoice Nigeria at the event.

customers, none inclusion of Igbo programmes.

One of the angry subscribers, Samson Jonah, lamented that he paid for his subscription on the 6th and by the 11th of the same month, he received a message that his subscription had expired. Perplexed, he went to the DSTV Surulere branch office where the issue was rectified. But to his chagrin, after six days, he was disconnected again and he went back to the DSTV office.

“During this period, I could not access DSTV programmes and when I requested that my monthly subscription should be extended to accommodate the lost time which was due to their inadequacies, they refused, meaning that though I paid to watch

StarTimes Communication rewards subscribers

S

TARTIMES Communication Technology Group last weekend rewarded a total of 360 subscribers out of which 10 of them won a free trip to Germany as part of activities marking the five-year presence of the company in Nigeria.

Names of five of the 10 lucky winners of free trip to Germany, with all expenses paid, were announced immediately with their subscription numbers. Also, out of the 100 winners of 100 generating sets (2.5KVA) five were announced immediately.

Besides the ten winners, the Chinese communication giant rewarded other subscribers with a total of 200 Smart phones, 100 generating sets (2.5KVA) and 50 LCD plasma TV sets (40inches). The company maintained that it was a token of its appreciation to subscribers for their support over the years.

Speaking with newsmen

a programme for 30 days I ended up getting only 20 days.”

Calling on the Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria (CPC) to look into such issues, Mr. Jonah averred that many subscribers were also having similar experiences.

Venting his anger on the PayTV, Barrister Chris Chilue said he was so irked with the treatment the PayTV was meting out to their customers that if he had an alternative he would pitch his tent there. “The attitude of Multichoice Nigeria to subscribers is disgusting, it is killing. Had it been there was an alternative platform, most of us would have gone.

“Before DSTV increased their prices, we were viewing live matches on Compact Plus and paying N7,200. Now after increasing their price, subscribers on Compact Plus were made to pay N9,420.00 from N7,200.00. I am a devoted fan of Man City Football Club but it is quite annoying that after that increment, the live matches were taken from Compact Plus to Premium Bouquet, thereby

From Blessing Olaifa, Assistant Editor, Abuja.

shortly after the Promotional Draw which was held in StarTimes Office located within NTA Headquarters in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes in Nigeria, Mr Jack Liu, said in spite of the numerous challenges facing the communication industry in Nigeria, StarTimes subscriber base has hit 2.6 million.

He noted that the revenue profile of the company has also increased as over 1,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs have been created by the company for Nigerians.

Mr Liu said the company would soon introduce some local contents in Yoruba and Igbo languages to its vast networks, stressing that as soon as Nigeria perfects its digitalisation process through enabling laws and regulations there would be great transformation in the industry.

forcing those who want to still watch the live matches to upgrade to Premium Bouquet which is N14,000 per month.”

Fuming, Barrister Chilue said that “Your recent disloyalty to your customers, especially on this issue, is fraudulent, absurd, and wicked. I implore you, let Super Sports channel be added to Compact Plus so that others who cannot afford the monthly N14,000 can watch live matches at N7,500 per month.”

A subscriber with card no.

4135380436, who does not want his name in print, complained about the incessant disconnections of the signals even when payment had been made.

“The services of DSTV deteriorated since after the price increase.” Substantiating his claims, he noted that “Before, if payment was made before due date, the subscriber would not need to call for any reset as DSTV system will detect it but now the reverse is the case.”

He also regretted that while most multinational com-

panies offer their customers Toll-free lines, DSTV keeps subscribers long on the lines and still charges subscribers for it.

Bemoaning the absence of competitors in the industry, another dissatisfied subscriber, Barrister Christopher Ohagi, said, “there is no alternative to DSTV contents, especially the EPL and other sporting events.

This singular fact makes DSTV a defector monopoly in a Nigerian market that should be free, liberalised with price of goods and services controlled by the market of demand and supply.”

Because of this lack of competition, “subscribers are left at the mercy of Multichoice to either take what they offer at their price or leave it,” lamented Barrister Ohagi.

Speaking further, he said that “there is absolutely no cogent reason why a customer who had subscribed to DSTV and wishes to freeze such subscription when he will not be available to enjoy it not be given such opportunity.”

Yet another subscriber, a lady, regretted that though the PayTV has it on their contract that subscribers can ask for the freezing of their accounts when not available, this, however, does not work. Threatening to sue the PayTV if that statement is not removed from the contract, she noted that the many times she notified the company to freeze her account as she was going to be away for a long time, that the company never froze her account.

Responding to some of the complaints, Carolyn Oghuma, the Public Relations Manager of Multi Choice Nigeria, explained that even if a subscriber who has paid is not available to enjoy the services, his account will not be frozen. Said Carolyn: “Once the period subscribed to finishes, there is nothing we can do because it is not regulated.”

Lending credence to what the company’s PR manager said, the Marketing Manager DSTV, Chioma Afe, emphasised that “our content is bought and billed for monthly.

The people we buy it from sell it on monthly periods.”

On the issue of refunds, Lateef Tijani, Deputy Operations Manager Multi Choice Nigeria, advised subscribers to see their branch managers or supervisors who will evaluate the situation to determine if there is need for a refund or not.

However, a majority of those present were incensed by the lame excuses of DSTV officials, especially regarding the freezing of accounts when one travels on long trips and the issue of disconnection even when your subscription is still running. They blamed it on the ineptitude of the government regulatory bodies concerned.

Reacting, the Public Relations Manager of CPCN, Lagos branch, Mr. Nicholas Otsalo, said he was very worried and disturbed about the various complaints from subscribers in the hall. “It’s obvious that a lot of the consumers present are not satisfied with DSTV services.”

Emphasising that DSTV was in a position to offer more to consumers than they were obviously doing, he wondered why subscribers should not receive service after they must have paid.

“There are so many rampant consumer complaints against the services of DSTV, they must give consumers value for their money,” he stated.

“We do not agree with DSTV on their excuses that a subscriber cannot just be billed for what they view,” he reminded those present of when a particular telephone network provider that dominated the industry then said per second billing was impossible until other competitors entered the market and proved them wrong.

“If a consumer pays for a service, he/she must enjoy it.

A company as large as DSTV owes it to them,” insisted the CPCN official.

Samsung UHD TV: fusion of architecture, art, technology

I

N line with its drive to shape the consumer electronics market, Samsung recently launched a number of smart TVs to wide acclaim. The launch of the world’s first curved Ultra-High Definition Television, the UHD TV, is primed to give a mind-blowing TV experience and provide consumers with easy access to rich content, and an array of choice much more than ever before. The TV comes in size range of 55", 65", 78" and 88".

The new SUHD TV, which comes in two models - the JS9500 and JS9000, highlights the most refined television experience ever because in addition to adopting the latest technology that is synonymous with Samsung’s smart TVs, for

movie buffs who enjoy hi-fi and appreciate the theatre feel, it comes with a sensational picture quality which provides stunning contrast and striking brightness.

The technology powering the SUHD TV is robust and gives the viewer an experience synonymous with being in a movie theatre. This is because the TV’s eco-friendly nanocrystal semi-conductor transmits different colours of light, depending on their size, in order to ensure the highest purity and light efficiency available beyond what other TVs can deliver.

“Samsung continues to provide consumers with innovation that take entertainment to the next level, with the

value-added benefits included in the pre-order purchase so users can enjoy the very best in-home entertainment,” said Brovo Kim, Managing Director, Samsung West Africa.

Perhaps the most brilliant aspect of the SUHD TV is the ingenuity displayed by the manufacturers in fusing art, architecture and technology as well as enhancing it with several modern and subtle features.

This is why the new SUHD TV, when installed in the home, performs dual functions.

Because of its partnership with leading Hollywood studio, 20th Century Fox, the SUHD TV is able to deliver lifelike pictures and premium movie content directly to your home, made possible by the re-

mastered engine, one of the many features of the TV. With this partnership, Samsung has optimised content to meet premium quality SUHD standards, giving its customers a unique viewing experience.

The expanded curved soundbar line up has a sleek, clean design that complements Samsung’s curved TVs from 48 - inches to 78-inches, providing an immersive listening experience whether it is on the wall or table mounted. The new model has a 9.1 channel audio, centre speakers and side speakers. In addition, customers can stream live music through its multi-room functionality, which has a wireless connection to the TV through the TV SoundConnect, via Bluetooth.

62

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

‘Cosmetic production an untapped goldmine’ Benedicta Oyoyo is the Chief Executive, Modern Medix Concessionaire.

Oyoyo who trained as a Chemist at the Enugu State University started of Technology (ESUTECH) selling hospital equipment and consumables in2010. She subsequently veered into soap making and cosmetics production. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she speaks on the prospects of her business:

W

HY did you go into this business?

While I was serving as a chemist, I made a number of discoveries. You can work in the oil company, you can work in the plastic industry, brewery, glass industry and so on. It is a very lucrative line and you have a variety of opportunities when it comes to business. Apart from that, you can do a lot of things on your own as a chemist. As a chemist, you can manufacture drugs with a pharmacy; you can go into cosmetic production, which is also a very wide area in business.

So when I graduated because of the economic situation in the country, I told myself that I was not going to look for any job or work for anybody. The only form of job that I did was in my husband’s company where we had the hospital equipment line. I decided to join him briefly but two years after, I started my own business in the cosmetic line. First, I started making liquid soap locally and we started small. After doing the production work, then I also did the marketing myself.

The strategy that I made use of was door-to-door marketing because I believed in the product that I was producing. I was particular about the quality of my products and in a short while, I got testimonials from friends who were my first sets of clients.

This opened so many other doors for me and I got motivated by the response that I got. After a while, I decided to improve on the branding of the product because I did my one year National Youth Service with NAFDAC. What did you learn at NAFDAC and how does it affect the quality of your product?

I believe that God has a way of positioning one in life. The best opportunity in business comes when you are in the right place and at the right time. Working in NAFDAC really opened my eyes to a number of things and I’m really thankful that I got that opportunity. It was one of the things that inspired me to go into cosmetics business because I knew that it was something that I could do very well. Then I worked very hard and you would not even know that I was a corps member at all. I served in a directorate that they call Narcotics and Control.

In that place, what they handle is importation. Here you have people that want to collect permits for importation of raw materials like chemicals, both general and controlled chemicals. I met a lot of people, entrepreneurs doing their own business and it actually spurred me. That was when I began to toy with the idea of working for myself, creating jobs and opportunities for others

instead of being a liability to others.

That was under the tenure of the current Director-General, Dr. Paul Orhii, shortly after Prof.

Dora Akunyuli left the place. It

was a very interesting environment where you learnt so much, acquired new knowledge and met different people. So working on cosmetics for my small business was a new experience, I was passionate about it and I put everything I had into it. I worked with standards and when I saw the first product, I was excited and gradually we got better and better.

At a point, I told myself that I wanted to take the business to the next level. I needed to get my NAFDAC number and you know that doing this is usually a very tough process. You have to go there, collect the enquiry form, go through it and do a trademark.

That is the trade name. After that, you get your tax return, file things according to specification so that they can inspect and make the necessary recommendation. I did all that, all the documentation, everything.

How is your company doing at the moment?

The brand is also known as Modern Medix and on a daily basis I enjoy what I’m doing. The product is called Daily Fresh and we produce dish washing liquid, toilet cleaners, moisturisers and multipurpose liquid detergents.

As time goes on, the dream is to include bar soaps, detergents, hair fresheners, scouring powder and body care products.

What were some of the initial challenges you faced as a manufacturer?

It wasn’t really easy. If you’re working with about 28 raw materials, you have to analyse them one by one and bring the certifi-

cates of analysis. Before you analyse your water, you must have a borehole and they have their specification for the borehole and you also analyse the water that you want to use.

You analyse the raw materials and other documentations and there are so many other things that you have to put in place and all these things require money.

Some people start a company and midway they feel like opting out. Have you ever felt like this?

No, I have never had that kind of feeling. One thing I normally tell people is that you must have a focus, know where you are going and what you want to achieve with your passion. Once you have all this, it would motivate you naturally no matter the odds that you’re faced with. The truth of the matter is that there are challenges in small businesses and just when you think that you have conquered it another one crops up.

That should not make us afraid, instead they should be the things that should make you stronger. If you look around, you would see that we have a number of young entrepreneurs in small businesses who’re doing a great job. All they need is support and encouragement.

The industry is still growing and with time we would be able to compete favourably with our colleagues in different parts of the world. This is because they are more advanced than us. I’m happy that it is a lifetime thing even though it is not easy to start off. If you manage it well, the business can grow from one generation to another.

What drives you?

I would say that making a difference in the society is what keeps me going. I strongly believe myself as a woman and I believe that women can do so much if they are determined, focused and hardworking. They have the potential and they can manage those potential.

From left: Mr. Abimbola Macaulay and Deputy Director of Education, Lagos State, Mrs Olabisi Macaulay, during her statutory retirement/pen down ceremony in Lagos

63

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

INTERVIEW

‘Why churches hardly keep good musicians’ Arguably one of the biggest pianists of our time, Mr. Sunday Olawuwo is the Country Director of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) in Nigeria.The music trainer spoke with Sunday Oguntola on the school’s yearly musical conference and related issues.

W

HY have you been keeping the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) under wraps five years after it came to Nigeria?

We have been doing series of programmes since we started. We have been organising an annual international course & conference for church musicians and stakeholders across the country. So, we have not kept it under wraps. Many have attended the conferences from across the country. It’s just that the awareness will continue to grow.

So, what genre of music do you focus on? Contemporary or classical music?

The RSCM is generally about Church Music – every music that promotes Christian worship - classical or contemporary; we seek to improve standards of musical performance in Christian worship.

Many are worried that hymns have been relegated in church music. Do you share that worry as a music trainer?

Yes, I do. This is because Hymns remain a major component of our Christian heritage. You will find that as old as some of those hymns are, they contain a lot of messages. In fact, they are richer

in messages than many of our contemporary songs. An average contemporary song contains just a few lines that you continue to repeat.

But the hymns are like poems written in many verses for singing, meditation and reading. So, for us, we are worried and we are working for many people to appreciate these hymns again.

That is why we gather music leaders, song writers and producers for a week for intensive training. They all return to their various churches to effect changes and reforms that they have absorbed during the training.

Our passion is to promote quality church music. You find that the contemporary songs we do in this part of the world are not done professionally.

An average music leader only listens to an album and tries to reproduces everything by ear. That is how they learn but that is not right. It is unprofessional. Every composition has a music score that can be read by those who understand music, including the contemporary songs.

So, if you love a particular music you listen to, all you have to do is to do your research, get the original music score to be able to interpret it correctly.

•Olawuwo

But often times because even the music trainers don’t understand music language and they can’t interpret those music scores; they resort to reproducing by just listening to the music. If you do that, there is no way you will be able to reproduce the music correctly and perfectly.

Did you read music to be able to do all these?

I studied music at a professional level; but that is not my main job because I also run a chain of businesses.

So, you don’t do music full time?

Yes, I don’t do full time.

I’m a graduate of Economics and so I run family businesses alongside my music career.

My passion came from the fact I was born into a musical family. My father was a renowned Organist & Choirmaster and I had the opportunity of sitting for ABRSM professional exams up to the final grade.

I also had some training at the world famous St. Giles Organ School in London.

Why can’t you face music alone?

I don’t do music as full time for so many reasons.

One, for me, it has become a calling and that is why you won’t see me get out of it for once. My primary assignment is to use my musical gift to teach others and elevate the worship of God. It is not about making money from music or making a living out of it. Definitely if I’m not making money out of it, then I must be doing something else to make a living. My first degree was in Agricultural Economics from OAU, Ile-Ife.

After then I had a master’s degree in Management Economics and later an MBA. As an entrepreneur, I run family businesses and everything goes together.

How then do you cope?

I just try to manage my time. I am always divided in between many activities but I give priority to God’s work because I believe when you do that, He will bless your other endeavours.

So, how did music discover you or vice versa?

Well, I was born into a family of musicians. My father, who just died last December, happened to be one of the greatest organists of his own time. We were all choristers under him and so I picked it from him. All my life, music has always been there.

Being a disciplinarian, my father made me learn music under strenuous conditions, including being punished for not practising enough. I was in the choir all my life.

As a child, I felt bad and wondered if I had to be a musician like him but I thank God I did. It got to a time he would always say to me that ‘look, if you don’t do this thing now, you’d regret it in the future.’

People were coming from outside to learn from him. We had a piano in the sitting room that everybody wanted to play but I would rather play football than practise. But at a point, God touched my life and they had to start telling me at home to leave the piano after hours of practicing.

I thank God for how far He has led me. I have had the opportunity to serve as Or-

ganist & Choirmaster in a few churches before my present position as the Director of Music at Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral – a position I have held for 15 years first as Organist & Choirmaster and later the Master of the Music or the Director of Music.

What kind of feedback do you get?

People have said we shouldn’t restrict the training to Lagos alone but bring it to the east, north and every part of Nigeria. Although many people come from different parts of the country, they wish we could bring it closer. We are already working on that and I believe it will happen soon.

How many participants do you have every year?

We have always had an average of about 60. We are working towards achieving 100 participants this year. We have two facilitators coming from Ireland and the United Kingdom in addition to local facilitators.

Are the participants few because the conference is elitist?

No, we are not elitist. I think the main challenge is that many people cannot leave their work and other activities to come and stay for a whole week for the training.

That is because we have a bad culture of not resting in this part of the world; we don’t go on vacation. We just like to work and work. Otherwise, you can plan your annual leave for a programme like this to spend your vacation nicely.

A lot of us don’t know how to relax and enjoy our lives.

But we’d keep the tradition because this is how it is done by the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) across the world. I have attended so many in many parts of the world including UK, South Africa, Australia, Canada etc.

It is always a one week, residential course.

There are so many things you have to learn that cannot be broken into parts. The impact is so inspiring and blown.

But the awareness is growing.

Why can’t churches retain the good musicians they produce?

That is another beauty of the conference. It is not just about the choristers and musicians but also about the stakeholders like priests, pastors and administrators. We need to let them know how to manage church musicians because it is a team work.

Go and look at any church that is thriving. You will find that the pastors or leaders of worship there appreciate and promote music a lot. They use good music as tool for attracting and retaining members of their congregation.

But why do the musicians leave as soon as churches produce them?

If you check most of those musicians, it is about the remuneration and personal fulfillment. The fact that the economy is comatose also puts more people under financial pressure. They want to commercialise every little skill that they have. You can’t blame anyone for that. Many believe that If they know how to play the organ and they can’t get a jobs, then it won’t be bad idea to make money •Ademola from their skills but one must be careful not be driven only by money.

That is why I think our churches should remunerate our musicians better than they do now because that is the only way to keep them. If you remunerate them well, you can keep them for a long time and that creates stability. But when you give them peanut, you cannot stop them from leaving when they find better opportunities.

Most of the people I have trained in orthodox churches have moved to Pentecostal Assemblies because they are paid better there.

But some leave churches all together That is essentially driven by money and possibly fame.

We live in an age where secular music sells like hot cakes.

For Christian musicians, they must define what they want.

If the goal is to make money, you can’t do that in the church. No matter how much you are appreciated, you can’t make as much money in the church as in the world. We have to be clear about that.

64

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015

WORSHIP

COLUMN

Living Faith

By Dr. David Oyedepo

•L-R: Councilor Rajah Saleem, Pastor Vicky Fagbayi; representative of youth fellowship, Temi Fagbayi; general overseer, Pastor Lawrence Fagbayi and Mayor Mohammed Riaz during a courtesy visit to the Mayor of Luton's office in Luton, Bedfordshire, UK as part of the community engaged life transforming initiative of The Gospel Pentecostal Ministries Church… recently

Cleric canvasses prayers against air crashes T HE Chaplain of the Christian Fellowship of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Pastor Ademola Oladele, has appealed to Christians to continue praying for air safety.

He spoke at the 17th biennial Nigerian Airspace Safety Prayer Programme organised by the African Children of Peace Club, an affiliate of African Foundation for Peace and Love Initiative.

The prayer summit with the theme “If my people who are called by my name” held at the fellowship hall of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NCAA) fellowship hall at the airport, Murtala Mohammed, Ikeja, Lagos.

Oladele called for sustained prayers in the face of global air mishaps.

By Adeola Ogunlade

According to him: “”Many hearts are far away from God and most people don’t fear God and that has been the bane of the aviation industry.

“We are praying that God will raise people who will stand in the gap on behalf of the nation so that people who are doing the work will fear God and do the right thing in every way and aspect of the aviation industry.”

He attributed most of the air crashes in the nation to failure of aviation workers to do the right time at every given time.

“We need prayers so that workers will do what is right

and toe the path that would make our air safe and secure for thousands of local and international passengers,” he stressed.

While noting that the right infrastructure has been put in place in the industry, the chaplain said: “No matter the infrastructure, expertise and wisdom put in place, the fear of God is key as things would ordinary fall into pleasant places for us”.

The founding President of African Foundation for Peace and Love Initiative, Rev (Dr) Titus Oyeyemi, called on stakeholders in the sector to recommit themselves to greater productivity and safety.

He led participants to cry out to God for air safety across the nation.

CHURCH CLINIC

Your small church is big I WANT my church to grow.

I want your church to grow.

But more than anything, I want the church to grow. I want as many people as possible all over the world to know Jesus.

The fulfillment of the great commission is the heartbeat of true church growth.

The good news of the gospel can’t be confined within the walls of any church, the distinctive of any denomination, the borders of any country or the customs of any culture.

And it’s precisely because I want the gospel of Jesus to reach the greatest number of people that I am an avid supporter, promoter, and encourager of healthy small churches.

Big and mega churches are great but majority of the church in the world will not become a big or mega church. They deserve our prayers and support, not second-guessing, jealousy and ridicule.

But, as valuable as they are, large congregations are not where most people receive the bulk of their spiritual nourishment. Most of that is happening in millions of small congregations in many localities all over the world.

Ed Stetzer and Christian Schwarz, after a recent research said: “The statistics tell us that ten smaller churches of 100 people will accomplish much more than one church of 1000.”

If you could choose to do just one thing to support and strengthen the growth of the church around the world, it’s

By Dr Francis Bola Akin-John

hard to imagine a better investment than multiplying, encouraging, and equipping healthy small churches.

The reason I support healthy small churches isn’t because I deny the value of numerical growth. I support small churches because that is where most global church growth is taking place.

More people are led to Jesus, discipled and sent back out into ministry through the ministry of small churches than by any other means. In fact, most mega churches find it hard to release people than local churches.

Church growth does not require small churches to become big churches. Some will.

Most won’t. What church growth has meant and will continue to mean in most of the world is more healthy small churches, not necessarily bigger ones.

Small churches aren’t going away; they’re multiplying. It’s

a mystery as to why we have so little teaching, support and resources dedicated to doing small church ministry well.

If you’re a small church pastor, take heart. You’re not a failure. Just make sure your small church is healthy.

You and your church are an indispensable asset in the eternally valuable task of reaching the world for Jesus.

Small churches may be Christianity’s most overlooked, underutilised asset. If they’ve been reaching the world while we’ve been looking the other way, just imagine what they could do with our support.

The local church is God’s way to reach the world for Christ. It’s time to support and strengthen her to be all round healthy. Because every healthy local church is Big in God’s plan to win the world for Him. Akin-John is President of International Church Growth Ministries (08023000714; akingrow@yahoo.com).www. churchgrowthafrica.org; allroundgrowth.com

WHAT AND WHERE?

Church ends vigils

T

HE five Friday vigils of Holy City Gospel Ministry on 27, Pipeline Road, Cele Bus stop, AlagboleOjodu-Akute road, Lagos State ends on August 28.

The theme of the special vigil is my change has come.

A statement by the host,

Prophet Joshua Ibe, said the grand finale holds on September 4.

Some of the ministers at the vigils are Prophet Joseph Alu, Apostle Charles Okafor, Evangelist Ugochukwu Obi, Prophet Obinah and Pastor Marvis Orji.

Experiencing the wonders of settlement in the word! (2)

L

AST week, we began this topic and we established that any issue of concern that has lingered beyond a moment is anti-covenant; it must not be permitted and should be resisted. A moment in this context means now, today, overnight or maximum three days. We also looked at the Bible as a Book of covenants and how to engage the Words therein to establish our settlement. This week, we shall be examining the Covenant Requirements that guarantees our Settlement? They include: Be Born-again: Only those who have answered the call of salvation are candidates for settlement.We cannot be settled until we are saved, because settlement is God’s provision for the redeemed (1 Peter 5:10).

Understand that peace is one of the fruits of the Spirit. When we are saved, the Prince of Peace comes into our heart, establishes His throne of peace, and we enjoy peace that passes all knowledge (Galatians 5:22, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 4:7).

We must also know that unsettlement is part of the curses of the law, but Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. Redemption is what rescues us from the curse of distress. Therefore, until we are redeemed, we are not candidates for His settlement (Deuteronomy 28:14-16, 5357; Galatians 3:13-14).

Go after the Word: Peace multiplies by knowledge. As it is written: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord. It is also written that Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them (2 Peter 1:2, Psalm

119:165).

It is great peace that keeps us in command and at rest in the midst of challenges. The battle of unsettlement is a battle with the power of darkness and God’s Word is the light that disarm every force of darkness (Romans 13:12, John 1:5).

Be Planted in the House of the Lord: If you want to be settled by God, be planted in His house. The Psalmist said: Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him (Psalm 92:13-15; Psalm 16:11, Psalm 122:1).

Furthermore, the Bible says: For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy (Psalm 132:1316). Zion in the Old Testament means the Church of Christ.

Therefore, we must not be mere visitors to His house, but become established members of God’s family, and then we can begin to experience His amazing provision of settlement.

Make a Choice to Serve God: Serving God is not a calling or a gift; it is a choice. Joshua said, if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Joshua 24:15).

When Israel chose to serve God, He also vowed to settle them. In six separate scriptures, God demanded for the deliverance and settlement of His people from Egypt, based

on their commitment to serve Him. The same God said, “I am the Lord, I change not” That means that He can do same for us, when we serve Him. (Exodus 4:22-23; Exodus 7:16, Exodus 8:1, Exodus 9:1, 13; Exodus 10:3; Malachi 3:6).

Remember, one does not have to be a pastor to be called a servant of God. A servant is anyone that serves the interest of another. For instance, Abraham was called a servant of God and he was a businessman. Daniel was also a servant of God, but he was a politician.

Therefore, serving God’s interest is what makes a servant of God, not the title we bear.When we make a commitment to serve God, we have committed Him to settle us in a grand style.

Furthermore, when Israel under king Asa entered into a covenant to serve God, God gave them rest roundabout and there was no more war in the land (2 Chronicles 15:3-5; 12-15; 19). Therefore, it is not enough to make a choice, it is important to upgrade our choice to a covenant as Paul the Apostle said, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Making a covenant to serve God is the gateway to a world of settlement and allround rest.

Are you born again? This means, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Saviour and Lord? If you haven’t, you can do so as you say this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!”

For further reading, please get my books: Maximized Destiny, Making Maximum Impact, All You Need To Have All Your Needs Met and Miracle seed.

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

NEWS

‘Do your best, leave the rest to God’

T

HE President of Lagos West Baptist Conference, Rev. Dr. Julius Adeniji, has urged Christians to do their best and leave the rest to God. Speaking at the organization and induction service for the under shepherd of the The New Covenant Baptist Church (TNCBC), Lemode, Ogun State, Pastor Samuel Adegbenro.

According to him, humans must do their best and leave the rest for God to accomplish.

He added that trust, faith and commitment

were some of the ingredients of success.

He called on Adegbenro to take care of the flock that the Lord has entrusted to him and urge the congregation to reciprocate the gesture.

Rev. Dr. Stephen Bolarinwa of TNCBC, Ojokoro Lagos, said the church was led to establish Lemode as a preaching station in obedience to the word that the gospel should be spread to all nooks and crannies of the world.

Adegbenro thanked all for their prayers and cooperation.

He promised to discharge his duties as directed by the Holy Spirit.

•Pastor Adegbenro and his wife Jumoke at the induction service

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015 CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME OLA Formerly addressed as Mercy Dolapo Ola, now wish to be addressed as Mercy Dolapo Olumide Oluwaseyi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADEYANJU Formerly addressed as Mrs. Adeyanju Victoria Ajoke, now wish to be addressed as Fatoye Victoria Ajoke. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLUWADARE Formerly addressed as Miss Oluwadare, Oluwabunmi Olumide, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Alausa, Oluwabunmi Olumide. Former documents remain valid. Ogun Staten Broadcasting Corporation (OGBC) and general public take note.

OGELEKA Formerly addressed as Oluwakemisola Ogeleka, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oluwakemisola Lepe. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OSAGBEMI Formerly addressed as Mr. Osagbemi, Olumide, now wish to be addressed as Mr. OlugbemiGabriel Olumide.

Former documents remain valid. Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko, University of Ibadan and general public take note.

AKINWALE Formerly addressed as Miss Akinwale, Afsat Wemimo, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oladega, Afsat Wemimo. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OBIOHA Formerly addressed as Miss Ethel Chizurum Obioha, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ethel Chizurum Ikwecgh. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OPARA Formerly addressed as Miss Opara, Onyemaechi Patience, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Mang, Onyemaechi Patience.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

FOLORUNSHO Formerly addressed as Miss Folorunsho, Oluyemisi, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Balogun, Esther Oluyemisi. Former documents remain valid. LUTH and general public take note.

AJAGUNJEUN Formerly addressed as Omowunmi Sekinat Ajagunjeun, now wish to be addressed as Olawunmi Beatrice Ajagunjeun.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OLUYEMI Formerly addressed as Miss Oluyemi, Omolola Damilola, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adekoya, Omolola Damilola.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OWOYEMI Formerly addressed as Oluwafunmilayo Olakitan Owoyemi, now wish to be addressed as Funmilayo YomiShowunmi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADIGUN Formerly addressed as Alhaja Iyabo Fausat Adigun, now wish to be addressed as Alhaja Fausat Ajoke Amao. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MUSA Formerly addressed as Miss Mariam Musa, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Vania Johnson.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MADUBUIKE Formerly addressed as Miss Madubuike, Happiness Anurika, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Anamelechi, Happiness Anurika.

Former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Service and general public take note.

AGBEDE Formerly addressed as Agbede Stephen Oyewole, now wish to be addressed as Akinyemi Oyewole Stephen. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OGBONNA Formerly addressed as Amelia Ngozi Ogbonna, now wish to be addressed as Amelia Ngozi Kentebe. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AJIBADE Formerly addressed as Miss Ajibade, Adejoke Olufunke Kafayat, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Fatai-Aromire, Adewunmi Kafayat. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

WAHEED Formerly addressed as Waheed Kareem, now wish to be addressed as Folarin Sanni. Former documents remain valid. Bankers, NIBSS and general public take note.

OBIORHOMA Formerly addressed as Obiorhoma Elohor Jefferson, now wish to be addressed as Michael Jefferson.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AKINWANDE Formerly addressed as Miss Akinwande, Funmilayo Adenike, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Amosun, Funmilayo Adenike.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADANRI Formerly addressed as Miss Adanri, Bukola Cecilia, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Omolade, Bukola Cecilia. Former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and general public take note.

ALIU Formerly addressed as Miss Aliu, Sherifat Oyindamola, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olawale, Sherifat Oyindamola. Former documents remain valid. Nigeria Immigration Service and general public take note.

AIYENMURO Formerly addressed as Oluwaseyi Roseline Aiyenmuro, now wish to be addressed as Oluwaseyi Roseline Adedoyin. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKINSOWON Formerly addressed as Akinsowon Comfort Funmilayo, now wish to be addressed as Bakare, Comfort Funmilayo. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AJOWELE Formerly addressed as Miss Ajowole, Oluwasola Deborah, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Oreyomi, Oluwasola Deborah.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AKPOVUGHARE Formerly addressed as Miss Akpovughare, Efe Benedicta, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Kesiena Efe Benedicta. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OROGU Formerly addressed as Miss Elohor Precious Orogu, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Precious Elohor Adedipe. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWOSU Formerly addressed as Ezioma Nnema Nwosu, now wish to be addressed as Ezioma Chijioke Nwosu. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ONUOHA Formerly addressed as Miss Catherine Adaku Onuoha, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Catherine Adaku Nwachukwu.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ONYENEKE Formerly addressed as Onyeneke, Sylvia Amarachi, now wish to be addressed as Nwachukwu Sylvia Amarachi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OJEWOLE Formerly addressed as Ojewole, Niyi Ayoola, now wish to be addressed as Titus Niyi Ayoola.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

SALAMI Formerly addressed as Miss Salami, Abolayo, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adigun, Abolayo. Former documents remain valid. Oyo SUBEB and general public take note.

IKE Formerly addressed as Miss Ike, Blessing Ijeoma, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olumba, Ijeoma Blessing.

Former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Oko and general public take note.

HUSSAIN Formerly addressed as Miss Nafisat Toyin Hussain, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Toyin Divine Aniebiet Anthony. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKOREDE Formerly addressed as Gbemisola Ramat Akorede, now wish to be addressed as Gbemisola Ramat Suleiman-Oba. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EFE Formerly addressed as Miss Efe Omotade Ibukun, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Shorunke, Omotade Ibukun.

Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ALABI Formerly addressed as Miss Alabi, Olubunmi Olayisade, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Olatunji, Olubunmi Olayisade. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OYEWO Formerly addressed as MISS OYEWO, ADEBISI IBUKUN, now wish to be addressed as MRS. BANKOLE, ADEBISI IBUKUN. Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

SALIU Formerly addressed as MISS KAFAYAT OLABISI LAWAL SALIU, now wish to be addressed as MRS. KAFAYAT OLABISI MOHAMMED. Former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

NEWS CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEJOLA Formerly addressed as Miss Adejola, Olabisi Michelle, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Omodara, Olabisi Michelle.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADENUSI Formerly addressed as Miss Adenusi, Doyinsola Esther, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ogunremi, Doyinsola Esther.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OYEGOKE Formerly addressed as Miss Oyegoke, Oyenike Mariam, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Alaran, Oyenike Mariam. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UHEGBU Formerly addressed as Miss Uhegbu Justina Chinwe, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Uche Justina Chinwe. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EKE Formerly addressed as Miss Eke, Henrietta Uchechi, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Chukwu Collins Henrietta Uchechi. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKE Formerly addressed as Miss Oke, Bridget Oluwatola now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Bayegun Bridget Oluwatola. Former documents remain valid. The Management. Of University of lbadan and general public take note.

RAJI Formerly addressed as Miss Raji, Shakirat Olaitan now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Adediran, Sakirat Olaitan. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

FRIDAY Formerly addressed as FRIDAY NDAANEE PEBA, now wish to be and addressed as FRIDAY JEREMIAH PEBA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANAEKWE Formerly addressed as Miss ANAEKWE, OBIANUJU GEORGINIA, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. ONYEBUCHI, OBIANUJU GEORGINA. Former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADABANIJA Formerly addressed as Miss ADABANIJA, TAWAKALITU, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. BUSARI, TAWAKALITU ADABANIJA.Former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OPERA Formerly addressed as Miss Onyinyechi Perpetua Opera, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Onyinyechi Perpetua MacsNzirim.Former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

UGWU Formerly addressed as Miss Iseh Chinedu Ugwu, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Shedrack Chinedu Joy.Former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ereba Lekpa Gift and Baba-Ol Ereba Lekpa refers to one and the same person as Ereba Lekpa Gift.

Former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public take note.

OPUSO Formerly addressed as Miss OWUPELE JOHNWILL DEDE OPUSO, now wish to be known as Mrs. OWUPELE HAROLD-ODIDI. Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

UJUNWA Formerly addressed as Miss UJUNWA I. UDEANEKE, now wish to be known as Mrs. UZOIGWE UJUNWA. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ITIMI Formerly addressed as Miss ITIMI OVUEZIRIE JOY, now wish to be known as Mrs. URUBUSI OVUEZIRIE. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ODJEGBA Formerly addressed as Miss ODJEGBA ONOME GLORIA, now wish to be known as Mrs. EZEOGU ONOME GLORIA. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SAMUEL Formerly addressed as Miss PRECIOUS ETUNIM SAMUEL, now wish to be known as Mrs. PRECIOUS ETUNIM FEMILAWAL. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKORO Formerly addressed ass Miss OKORO IFEOMA GETRUDE, now wish to be known as Mrs. NWACHUKWU IFEOMA FAVOUR. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKANLAWON Formerly addressed as Miss Okanlawon, Adeyinka Bosede, now wish to be known as Mrs. Olamilekan Adeyinka Bosede.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ILECHUKWU Formerly addressed as Miss JUDITH ILECHUKWU, now wish to be known as Mrs. Judith ANOLIEFO. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME ELLIS IDUARI HART and ELLIS IDUARI JUMBO refers to one and the same person now wish to be known as ELLIS IDUARI JUMBO. Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

UZOAGU Formerly addressed as Miss UZOAGU, PRECIOUS ONYINYE, now wish to be known as Mrs. IBEKWE, PRECIOUS ONYINYE. Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OGUIKE Formerly addressed as Miss Oguike, Uchechi Miriam, now wish to be known as Mrs. Okoro, Uchechi Miriam. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

UWAJUMOGU Formerly addressed as Mrs. NGOZI SALOME UWAJUMOGU, now wish to be known as Mrs. NGOZI SALOME ONYEMECHILEUZO. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME Bello Kareem Adisa Olanrewaju, Bello Karimu Olanrewaju, and Olanrewaju AdisaKarimu. B, Is This Same Person as Bello Kareem Olanrewaju. Former documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public take note.

OGUNNAIKE Formerly addressed as Ogunnaike Adeola Ayodele, now wish to be addressed as Komolafe Adeola Ayodele Abdul Moruf. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OFOEGBU Formerly addressed as Miss Rita Chinyere Ofoegbu, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Chinyere Emmanuel Okorafor. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLOBA Formerly addressed as Miss Oloba Atinuke Salome, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Phillips Atinuke Salome. Former documents remain valid. TESCOM Oyo State and general public take note.

ARUM Formerly addressed as Miss Arum, Jecinta Chinyere, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. KelechiUkaonu, Jecinta Chinyere. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ABIMBOLA Formerly addressed as Mrs. Abimbola, Aduke Durojaiye, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Abimbola, Aduke Durojaiye Beatrice. Former documents remain valid. FBN and general public take note.

OGUNDARE Formerly addressed as Miss Ogundare, Oluyemisi Adeyanju, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Daramola, Oluyemisi Adeyanju.

Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ABIONA Formerly addressed as Miss Abiona Mojisolaoluwa Oluwaranti, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. OlajideOgunlana, Mojisolaoluwa Oluwaranti. Former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

OLUWAYEMISI Formerly addressed as AYINOLUWA OLUWAYEMISI, now wish to be addressed as OLUWAYEMISI PETER TIAMIYU. Former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

BAKARE Formerly addressed as BAKRE OLABISI MARY, now wish to be addressed as PHILLIPS OLABISI MARY. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BASSEY Formerly addressed as MISS PEACE PAUL BASSEY, now wish to be addressed as MRS. PEACE PIUS ETIM. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLOBO Formerly addressed as Miss OLOBO CHOICE JAMAICA, now wish to be known as Mrs. OLOBO CHOICE IDUARI JUMBO. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHIJIOKE Formerly addressed as Miss CHIJIOKE CHINYERE ROSE, now wish to be known as Mrs. CHINYERE ROSE ONYENAUCHEYA. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AGINAH Formerly addressed as Miss NNEKA OLUCHUKWU AGINAH, now wish to be known as Mrs. NNEKA OLUCHUKWU EZENDUKA. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWIBO Formerly addressed as Nwibo Anagoro Moses, now wish to be known as Ewa Paschal Aniagolu. Former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education, C.R.S, First Bank of Nig. Plc., Cross River State and general public take note.

CHARLES Formerly addressed as Mr. CHARLES CHUKWUDI UWAJUMOGU, now wish to be known as Mr. CHARLES C H U K W U D I ONYEMECHILEUZO. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKINBOLA Formerly addressed as Olajumoke Simisola Akinbola, now wish to be known as Olajumoke Simisola Odubajo. Former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NUHU Formerly addressed as SULAIMAN BELLO NUHU, now wish to be known as SULAIMAN BELLO DULLU. Former documents remain valid. Ministry of Finance Kebbi State and general public take note.

AJAYI Formerly addressed as MISS AJAYI COMFORT IYABODE now wish to be known as MRS AMOSU COMFORT IYABODE. Former documents remain valid. Ojo Local Government and general public take note.

A D V E R T : Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just N4,500.

The payment can be made through FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number 2017220392 Account Name V I N T A G E PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to gbengaodejide @yahoo.com or thenation_advert @yahoo.com.

For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, E m a i l gbengaodejide@ yahoo.com or our offices nationwide.

Note this!

Change of name is now published every Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

65

How to raise productive preschoolers, by experts

By Sunday Oguntola IGERIA must pay closer attention to strict enforcement of policies on early childhood education to save the younger generation fromsocio-economic decadence.

This was the consensus at a one-day early childhood education stakeholders’ conference organised by Green Meadows Education last week in Lagos.

Participants in the event included public school teachers, representatives of Lagos State UniversalEducation Board (SUBEB), crèche owners and operators, as well as private school owners with their teachers.

Corporate organisations such as the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank Plc and Coca Cola Plc were also represented the conference.

The theme of the conference was “reforming the early childhood education: an imperative for improved teacher effectiveness to the Nigerian child education”.

Harping on the importance of effective early childhood education, the Executive Director of Green Meadows Education, Mrs. Chika Nwuche, said kids deprived of quality early education are likely to drop out of school and become teen parents.

50 percent of such kids, she said, are likely to be placed in special schools while 60 percent of them may never attend college.

Another 70 percent of such children, according to her, are more likely to be arrested for violent crimes in later life.

To avert such incidences, Nwuche said Nigeria must train teachers specially to handle children from 0-5 years.

An early childhood lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr Mojisola Manuel, stated the first 1,000 days of every child are crucial to mental and social development.

Pointing out that Nigeria has one of the best policies in the critical sector, Manuel, however lamented that the lackadaisical, attitude of government officials to monitoring and enforcement had turned early childhood education to an all-comer affairs.

She also faulted the wrong methodologies adopted by teachers at the pre-school level and the unavailability of daycare centres at public schools.

Manuel said children learn best with mother’s tongues, stating that the use of English language at pre-primary level is counter-productive.

According to her, Nigeria must get it right at the pre-school level, otherwise the next generation might “hate schooling for the rest of their lives.”

She also made a case for good nutrition to aid the mental development of children, saying parents must be taught on how to feed them well for all-round growth.

Care-givers, she said, must realise they are generalists and get equipped to discover the latent talents in every child as against bullying them to study.

Mrs. Ann Oliver, who has over 30 years of experience working in the field of early childhood education, said Nigeria must embrace community partnership to assist children to develop.

The United States of America-based specialist reiterated the fact that it takes a community to raise a productive child, asking all critical stakeholders to team up for the well-being of preschoolers.

N

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

66

FIRS: Fowler fits the bill

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH P 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

Pundits disagree (1) T HIS column is dedicated to one of my ardent readers and contributors, Mr. Komolafe G. O. It is a reaction to an earlier entry

by Mr. Bayo Oguntunase, a prominent language activist. Let us go: “The deceptive three-letter word, ‘ITS’, has again stirred up a hornet’s nest (it first did in the late 80s).

Back then, the major dramatis personae were Mr. Bayo Oguntunase and my humble self. We are, interestingly, still the major players in the current crisis. Then, the trigger for the unending controversy was my article ‘Grammatical Flaws’ (The Guardian on Sunday, July 31, 1988, April 2, 1989) in which I drew attention to, among other things, the fact that ‘ITS’ and IT’S’ are entirely two different words and, ipso facto, the former cannot play the role of the latter and I proceeded to define ‘ITS’. My definition of ‘ITS’ as a possessive pronoun/adjective provoked Oguntunase’s reaction thus, “I have navigated the sea of books…I cannot find any supporters for his assertion (that ‘ITS’ is a possessive pronoun). I respect the authorities of Professor Geoffrey Leech et al, the High Priest of English Grammar, Dr. B. Elizabeth Pryse….

“From the above, it can be seen that ‘ITS’ is not a possessive pronoun but a possessive adjective”, he concluded (The Guardian, Tuesday, February 14, 1989). And assertively, he stated, “Possessive adjectives are; ‘his’, ‘her’, ‘your’, ‘their’, ‘it’ while possessive pronouns are; ‘mine’, ‘his’, ‘hers’, ‘yours’, ‘ours’, ‘theirs” (The Guardian on Tuesday, Feb 14, 1989).

Our man got himself hoisted with his own petard when he failed to realise that ‘ITS’ fits into the second classification of his set of possessive pronouns. This undoubtedly, must have been due to one of those fleeting moments of oversight rather than from lack of knowledge, for Oguntunase is evidently well read.

Supporting my claim, Gbenga Ayoola Hassan affirmed that ‘ITS’ is either a possessive pronoun/adjective based on the role played with these illustrative examples; ‘The cat has a story; its is a tale of woe’. ‘The boy

has a tale; his is a tale of woe’. He continued, “Oguntunase’s misreading meaning of first example is that the ‘ITS’ in the sentence means and can only mean ‘IT’S’. This of course is wrong…’ He continued, “I maintain that ‘ITS’ and ‘HIS’ are both possessive adjectives and pronouns”, he concluded. (The Guardian, Wednesday, February 1, 1989).

May I at this point invite readers to note that: i. ‘he’, ‘she’, ‘it’, ‘they’, ‘him’ etc ii. ‘his’, ‘her’, ‘its’, ‘theirs’ etc iii. ‘himself’, ‘herself’, ‘themselves’, ‘itself’ etc iv. ‘who’, ‘whom’, ‘whose’, ‘that’, ‘which’ etc v. ‘this’, ‘that’ are examples of personal, possessive, reflexive, relative and demonstrative pronoun respectively. We, please, also note that ‘its’, ‘his’, ‘this’, ‘that’, etc can play other roles than as defined above.

The latest casus belli; was my personal communication to a contributor to the column. The aim was to encourage him to feel undeterred in his laudable effort by persistent negative comments from Oguntunase. Somehow, the message was published which got Oguntunase to typically go off the deep end, calling me names and sarcastically referring to me as a Professor. (The Nation on Sunday, July 26, 2015).

No, I am not a professor, not even a Grammarian. indeed, I have parted company with the Arts since leaving college many decades ago, but was taught all these basics in my third year in college.

These basics include the rules governing ‘am’, ‘are’, ‘is’, ‘was’, etc; the definition of relative pronouns; ‘who’, ‘whom’ etc with regard to the fact that they agree with their antecedents in number, gender and person but take their own case. Unfortunately, these rules are being persistently flouted.

Consider this: ‘The people petitioned the governor over the conduct of the magistrate whom (who) they alleged miscarried justice.’

Thanks to good old unerring college Latin for my cherished sound foundation.

Back to Oguntunase: If he requires the endorsement of a professor for the acceptance of the correctness or otherwise of a

word, then I am right in my “article titled” (The Nation on Sunday, July 2015). He is referred to page 56 of the first paragraph of Sunday Punch, August 2, 2015.

FEEDBACK “Dehumanising” (Dehumanizing) the environment is responsible for domestic violence.”

(THE NATION ON SUNDAY, August 16, 2015).

Indeed, the move towards the “dollarisation” (dollarization) of our fragile economy would seem one of such absurdities fuelled only by the illusion of petro– cash. (THE NATION, August 17, 2015).

Veteran comedian, Baba Sala, “hospitalised” (hospitalized) at UCH. Nine kids “hospitalised” (hospitalized) in Delta communities’ kerosene explosions. – THE NATION, August 19, 2015.

Special notes on grammar and usage: The priests of usage or the usagists have ruled or decreed that the endingize and – ization are generally preferred to –ise and–isation in the 21st Century English. Besides, they say we MUST write: humanize (not humanise); dehumanize (not dehumanise), dollarize (not dollarise), hospitalize (not hospitalise), womanize (not womanise), immunize, capsize, Africanize, Europeanize, Americanize, Russianize, industrialize, capitalize, harmonize, privatize, commercialize, modernize, and so on.

We must spell or write: improvise, advertise, advise, analyse, apprise, arise, baptize (but, John the Baptizer); catalyse, chastise, circumcise, comprise, compromise, demise, despise, devise (device), dialyse (dialysis), disfranchise, disguise, emprise, enfranchise, enterprise, excise (excision), exercise, franchise, hynotise (hypnotism), improvise, incise, merchandise, paralyse, patronise, prise, promise, reprise, revise, summarise, supervise, surmise, surprise, televise (television), vasecomise (vasectomy).

Ebere, who will educate the educator? That is the huge question. ( B A Y O OGUNTUNASE/ 08056180046)

ERFECT. That single word summed up my reaction to the announcement of Mr. Babatunde Fowler as Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). It was not a word uttered on reflex, but on long and careful consideration of Fowler’s performance record on the job he has just left: Chairman, Lagos Board of Internal Revenue and Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS).

Fowler, without a doubt, is coming into his new job with a stunning resume, forged in 10 years at LIRS, where he masterminded the growth of internally generated revenue of Lagos State from a monthly average of N6billion to over N20billion In any language, this must spell success. It did, as LIRS became a model of tax administration that other states have attempted to copy-with varying degrees of success.

That Lagos State currently generates an average of N20 billion monthly is the outcome of the radical surgical procedure carried out by Fowler on the revenue collection apparatus of the government.

Preparation for the surgical procedure was laid by the administration of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, which succeeded the military in 1999 when democracy returned.

At the return of democracy, internally generated revenue, IGR, of the state stood at a measly monthly average of N600million.

With the state’s numerous challenges and the leanness of funds coming from the Federation Account, the Tinubu administration knew its chances of fulfilling its promise of addressing the challenges were near-zero. The alternative was to find an alternative source of funding.

The search for an alternative compelled it to look inwards.

The state that government realised is a hub for commerce, a quality indicative of its status as a dormant, but rich mine of financial resources in the shape of IGR. The dormancy of the mine, without doubt, was the cause of the almost debilitating leanness of the state’s finances.

The situation required a reversal, an urgent one which, over the next six years, yielded a dolphin-like leap to an average of N3.6billion monthly. That was the equivalent of 500 per cent.

Even at that, the administration knew the state was nowhere near its potential.

To get to the next level, it moved to refocus the tax administration system. That began in 2005 with the appointment of Fowler as the Chairman, Lagos Board of Internal Revenue and Chief Executive Officer of LIRS. Before the appointment of Fowler, a US-trained economist, business administrator and banker of vast experience, the government had sent a bill to the state legislature, seeking to make the Board of Internal Revenue an autonomous and self-accounting body.

The bill, passed into law in 2006, made it the first

•Babatunde Fowler

By Adolphus Tiewei

autonomous revenue board in the country.

What followed was the implementation of radical changes in tax administration.

But it was by no means a cakewalk.

Fowler and his team at LIRS were taking on a monster in form of widespread tax avoidance, a task not many would relish undertaking. The LIRS kicked off in 2006 by breaking down barriers to voluntary tax compliance. This was achieved through making tax assessment and payment easier by establishing mini-tax offices in markets around the state.

Currently, there are about 50 of such offices across the state. Two years later, it introduced the Self Assessment Filing System for individuals, a tax regime that allows the taxpayer compute his own tax liability, pay the tax due and produce evidence of payment.

The system has ensured that individuals could conveniently pay their taxes at any of the 1,200 branches of the designated banks and the LIRS tax stations. It has also made it possible for taxpayers to obtain their receipts within 72 hours of payment. Alongside that ran a heavy public enlightenment campaign to raise awareness among businesses and individuals on how their taxes would benefit citizens, communities and commerce in the state.

An important part of the campaign was the use of prominent Lagos residents across tribal, religious and professional lines in testimonial adverts on the importance of fulfillment of tax obligations.

LIRS also designed its system in a way that ensures that all payment to the Lagos Internal Revenue Board are made directly to designated revenue collecting banks for the state. All of these are electronically linked to databases that issue electronic receipts to tax payers. In addition, LIRS introduced personal electronic tax clearance cards (e-TCC), the first of its type in the country.

These measures banished the opacity that characterised tax collection in the past, as the process became more transparent to tax payers, who were granted access to their records via the internet.

The results were

astounding. Between 2008 and 2012, the average monthly IGR of the state rose from N18.9 billion to N23billion. During the 2012 Annual Public Lecture of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, Governor Babatunde Fashola proudly declared that Lagos State IGR accounted for over 65 per cent of government revenue, making the state considerably less reliant on funds from the Federation Account. Inline image Data from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, and Joint Tax Board, JTB, confirmed Fashola’s claim as well as the success LIRS has engineered.

Released in December 2013, the figures showed that Lagos State generated more revenue than any other state of the federation between 2010 and 2012. The figures show that the state generated N185.9 billion in 2010, N202.76 billion in 2011 and N219.2 billion in 2012.

Of the N219.2 billion in 2012, Lagos earned the highest revenue of N172.44 billion from PAYE. The sum of N4.36 billion came from road taxes, N1.89 billion from direct assessment of companies domiciled in the state, while N40.513 billion came from other revenue sources.

About N120.25 billion was earned through PAYE in 2011; N7.97 billion from direct assessment, and N74.54 billion from other sources, while N104.681 billion came from PAYE in 2010; N7.51 billion from direct sources, and N73.704 billion from other sources.

Oil-rich Rivers State placed a distant second on the chart, earning N49.59 billion in 2010; N57.19 billion in 2011 and N66.28 billion in 2012. The sum of N55.1 billion came from PAYE in 2012; N485.9 million through road taxes; N22.075 million through direct tax assessment and N10.668 million through other revenue sources.

The figures showed, convincingly, that Lagos is the only state in the federation capable of doing without funds from the Federation Account.

Fowler’s tenure at LIRS attracted interests from many states, including Delta, Edo, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Kano and Bayelsa, to study the model and adopt methods bequeathed by Fowler. Square peg in a similarly shaped hole? You bet.

•Tiewei, an accountant, lives in Lagos

NEWS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

•Buhari •Buhari

I

NTRODUCTION Democracy is a government for all. The rich, the poor, the weak and the strong, all make the system tick. The system gives the people the freedom to participate and choose those that will rule them. It also gives them the liberty to associate freely and talk freely against and about their rulers.

In a democracy, there should be justice for all citizens regardless of social status, economic power or political leverage. These are the theoretical foundations of democracy. They are the sacrosanct elements of democracy and the bedrock of participatory governance.

However, the reality of the situation is that some of these features are simply academic because they are not operationally obtainable in some cases especially in developing nations. However, what is sure is that in the course of setting up the structure of government, intense competitions and competitiveness for power develop among political parties and the individuals.

In a country like, Nigeria, it is evident that most of those who seek power through the ballot box are motivated by the desire to improve their economic status and raise their capacity for participation in resource sharing.

These days, there are more claimants to scarce resources than can simultaneously be accommodated. Some of these resources are being depleted with avaricious rapidity by the consuming ruling class. Besides, there are additional pressures on existing state resources as a result of the greed of those scrambling for them.

The picture painted above illustrates the general view that politics is fundamentally about the struggle over scarce resources. With regards to acts of injustice, this is one example that produces its own paradox. In this group, you have different categories of citizens with different reasons for participating in democratic governance. There are those who lack the means of protecting themselves and thus seek refuge in politics believing that success in politics automatically confers on them immunity from state humiliation and protection against state persecution and prosecution for atrocities committed in their private capacities.

The second category includes people who, despite their economic power, still suffer some indignities from the political class. Such people tend to realize that political power is a complement to economic power. Though the economic power gives them leverage for enhanced social image, the power of the state over them is grossly over-

Electoral process and the dramatics of beneclientelism: A conceptual analysis of Orubebe’s grandstanding and Jega’s stricture Abridged version of a paper delivered by Dr. Dapo Thomas at the National Conference on the 2015 general elections in Nigeria: The real issues, in Abuja. whelming. Therefore, their foray into politics was meant to garner sufficient political clout that can protect their economic empire and fortify them against state persecution.

Elections and electoral process The struggle for political power among the competing entities begins with the election of candidates into various positions at all tiers of government. This process therefore requires elaborate organization, planning, coordination, thoroughness and security arrangement. In view of the stakes involved, which, in Nigeria for instance, are often very high, massive resources and personnel are mobilized by the organizing agency to ensure that the process is smooth, orderly, violence-free, credible, free, fair and transparent.

In specific terms, the recent elections in Nigeria conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the Chairmanship of Prof. Attahiru Jega, between March and April, 2015, were very challenging and tasking. The two major Parties, the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the major opposition Party, All Progressives Congress (APC) engaged each other in serious political intrigues, campaigns of calumny, character assassination, strategic mind-games and mudslinging.

The electoral body (INEC) was not spared in the crossfire. The Commission was at different times accused by the two Parties of working for their opponents. When the Commission shifted the polls from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, there were protests by the local and international communities. The US, for instance, condemned the postponement in very strong terms: At the local level, the APC Presidential Candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari also took exception to the postponement. The PDP was also inspiring of Jega on its criticism of his actions.

Clientelism, beneclientelism and elite fraternity The stage had already been set for the drama that played out when results of the elections were being released one after the other by returning officers from different states under the supervision of the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who was the Presiding officer. The pre-election tension had escalated

into the election and was carried over to the venue where the results were being announced.

For historical purpose and dramatic effect, I am reproducing unedited the Orubebe’s drama as captured by The Punch Newspaper: The fever generated by the eagerness of Nigerians about the outcome of the collation of the Presidential election results in Abuja inched to its peak on Tuesday when the Peoples Democratic Party’s agent, Godsday Orubebe, caused a row at the venue.

Tension rose as those within the hall and others watching the exercise on the television acts in their homes began to entertain fear that Orubebe’s attempt to stop the proceedings from going on could truncate the electoral process.

The drama had barely ended when Orubebe’s profile was immediately updated on Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, as attempting to disrupt the announcement of the presidential election on Tuesday.

The exercise started on a dramatic note at about 11.30am when Orubebe signified his intention to raise an observation.

At that time, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega who presided over the exercise, had already invited the Ebonyi State Collation Officer to announce the result of the presidential election from the state. Orubebe’s drama at the collation centre that day was well captured by the media. In the face of his rantings, Jega eventually replied Orubebe, saying: “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 conducts. Thank you”.6 Godsday Orubebe’s action was not strange to any analytical template or any theoretical construction. A lot of scholars have described it as clientelism. In a parody of a review on Roman Politics done by the historian S.E. Finer at the end of the Republic, Francis Fukuyama wrote: “if you strip personalities away… you will find no more sophistication, disinterestedness, or nobility than in a Latin-American banana republic. Call the country the Freedonian Republic; set the time in the mid-nineteenth century:

imagine Sulla, Pompey Caesar as generals Garcia Lopez, Pedro Podrilla, and Jaime Villegas and you will find clientelist factions, personalist armies, and military struggle for the Presidency that parallel at every point of the collapsing Republic”.7 In expanding his argument on this concept, Fukuyama says politics to a large extent is dependent on personalistic patron-client ties, that is, a “reciprocal exchange of favours between leaders and followers, where leadership is won rather than inherited, based on the leader’s ability to advance the interests of the group.8 However, a broader perspective of clientelism was advanced by Richard A. Joseph. According to Joseph, clientelism often referred to as patron-client ties is as essential to a satisfactory analysis of Nigerian politics and society as are the features of ethnicity and class.

He puts it succinctly: “Clientelism therefore is the very channel through which one joins the dominant class and a practice which is then seen as fundamental to the continued enjoyment of the perquisites of that class”.9 Articulating this further, 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, licences, 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.

Both Fukuyama and Joseph may need to re-work their analysis of patron-client ties or better still, clientelism considering Orubebe’s theatrics and the new dimension that was introduced. I have opted to refer to this new political twist as “Beneclientelism” in view of the strategic setting and the critical element of this political dramatics.

Before explaining any further what Beneclientelism is all about, I wish to draw attention to other authors who disagree with the myopic interpretations of clientelism given by both Fukuyama and Joseph. In his own interpretation, James C. Scott contends that clientelism, “patronage systems”, “patron-client clusters” are terms that are used interchangeably to refer to the same phenomenon. He posits: “The patron –client relationship-an exchange relationship between roles-may be defined as a special case of dyadic (two person) ties involving a largely instrumental friendship in which an individual of higher socio-economic status (patron) uses his own influence and resources to provide pro-

67

•Jonathan

tection or benefits or both, for a person of lower status (Client) who, for his part, reciprocates by offering general support and assistance, including personal services to the patron”.10 In his official capacity, Orubebe was an agent of the ruling and the losing PDP, but he was a client to President Goodluck Jonathan being a tribal associate of the President. Both of them are from the Niger Delta area where there is high concentration of the minorities. From the report of the incident, it was obvious that Orubebe’s behaivour, despicable and shameful as it appeared could trigger a national crisis if there had been simultaneous and corresponding support for his action by official and unofficial clients that are spread across the nation. In what some people regarded as Divine intervention, the security agents at the venue were uncharacteristically civil towards him while other parties’ agents remained glued to their seats for the duration of the one-man show. The only official reaction to this drama came from INEC Chairman, Prof.

Jega who scolded Orubebe for his undignified conduct. His words: “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 conducts. Thank you’.11 There was a general approbation for Jega’s response with people commending him for his maturity and the manner with which he handled the situation. However, Jega himself, being a member of the elite class cannot absolve himself from blame except of course, he is claiming to have a moral authority to condemn another member of his class. From his statement, it appeared Jega was more concerned about the status and stature of the personality involved than the grave implication of Orubebe’s action on the electoral process in particular and the political process in general.

His 49-word stricture was a sentimental appeasement to Orubebe to respect his personality, social pedigree, class and of course, his political status as a Statesman.

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.

It was baffling that Jega chose a sentimental approach to manage •Continued on Page 68

68

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

NEWS

Electoral process and the dramatics of beneclientelism:

A conceptual analysis of Orubebe’s grandstanding and Jega’s stricture

•Continued from Page 67 the Orubebe’s rantings. Though it worked for him, there was the possibility of Orubebe rejecting such patronizing supplication, an action which may stimulate mob protestation that would distrupt the process and eventually put the whole political system in grave danger.

In his book, The Theory of Moral Sentiments, Adam Smith puts everything in perspective: “The principle by which we naturally either approve or disapprove of our own conduct, seems to be altogether the same with that, by which we exercise the like judgements concerning the conduct of other people. We either approve or disapprove of the conduct of another man, according as we feel that, when we bring his case home to ourselves, we either can or cannot entirely sympathize with the sentiments and motives which directed it. And, in the same manner, we either approve or disapprove of our own conduct, according as we feel that, when we place ourselves in the situation of another man…”12 By adopting a moral option in resolving the Orubebe’s drama, Jega underrated Orubebe’s desperation to ensure that Jonathan remained in office at all cost. There were obvious political options and actions that could have been taken and that would have helped in strengthening our political institutions and protecting their inviolability for posterity.

Jega’s moral position was more of a personal rapproachment that is too weak to serve any political referral in case of future occurrence(s). A statement drawing Orubebe’s attention to the sanctity of our political institutions would have been appropriate. There was, however, no crime in interspersing such statement with some moral preachment. Jega should not have been silent on the sacred responsibility of INEC to ensure the completion of the electoral process. The impression should not have been created as if Jega was playing a personal role instead of an establishment and bureaucratic role.

In the words of Mehran Kamrava: “The role of the bureaucratic apparatus as an agent of political institutionalization… is particularly important, in fact, so much so that the bureaucracy has come to be one of the most central of state institutions itself… Bureaucracies are, in fact, by far the most omnipresent symbols and extensions of the political establishment. They frequently serve as the sole source of contact between the average citizen and the government and are thus the only forum for political input and participation.”13 Judging by the way the whole issue was resolved as if it was a minor family disagreement or misunderstanding gives the impression that it was a grand conspiracy by two influential members of the elite class to protect the integrity of their class at the expense of the sanctity of our political institutions. When Orubebe eventually accepted to listen to Jega, it was an opportunity for Jega to chastise Orubebe for creating a situation that was capable of threatening the electoral process.

But instead of doing that, Jega waxed moral. The fact that he was

•Orubebe

applauded for his short comment was not sufficient to excuse his failure to promote the ideals of political morality. This is the only way similar occurrence(s) in future could have been handled. An institutional resolution of the drama could have offered the nation a procedural precedent and a resolution mechanism for future occurrence(s). If Jega was applauded for his statement, it was because Orubebe refused to react.

In the future, another actor with similar stunt may decide to ignore Jega’s moral preachment.

The truth is that when Jega had the opportunity to respond to Orubebe’s accusations, that was not the time to sacrifice the sanctity of the institution he was heading for brevity and moral expediency.

Though Orubebe could not have been ignorant of the various channels opened to him and his Party to seek justice or redress, Jega should have publicly called his attention to this critical and important option. In a way, this would have helped in letting the whole world know that our judicial system is credible and reliable. The mischief in Orubebe’s drama was clear: to rubbish our political institutions and create the impression that the institutions particularly our judicial system lack credibility and that seeking justice through them was an herculean task. So, his mischief failed because people know that the failure and the success of the institutions depend largely on our elite. If therefore our political institutions malfunction and collapse, the society puts the blame on the likes of Orubebe who are the custodians and operatorts of the institutions.

The people as democracy “burnt offerings” There have been various arguments among scholars as to the role of the people in democracy or democratic government. Lord Bryce, for instance, believes that democracy is government in which the will of the majority of qualified citizens rules. But Lord Plamenatz sees democratic government as government by persons freely chosen by and responsible to the governed.15 In a categorical manner, J.A. Schumpeter tried to put to rest once and for all the seemingly metaphysical notions about how democracy serves the will and seeks

•Jega

the common good of the people, ideas which are subject to endless disputation. Democracy for him is an institutional process which is subject to verification as to whether it does or does not exist.

“The democratic method is that institutional arrangement for arriving at political decisions in which individuals acquire the power to decide by means of a competitive struggle for the people’s vote”.16 Schumpeter’s position is reinforced in an article titled: The African Peasantry: Neglected by African Political Science, written by Ebitini Chikwendu. According to her, “in

any polity, there is a distinction between the elite and the mass”. In describing the elite, Chikwendu posits that the elite are those who exercise power while the mass have power exercised over them.17 This struggle for power, ultimately snowballing into scramble for scarce resources, has always been responsible for the conflict situation between the rulers who desire to preserve their power and the ruled who demand to be heard and considered.

In the Orubebe - Jega saga, the protest was about the preservation of power and protection of group

or individuals’ interests. The elite, a very dominant and domineering class was exhibiting the greed tendencies with one part trying to hang on to power and the other struggling to take over power though legitimately through a democratic process that was under threat for the period the process was on. In the final analysis, the strategic re-alignments and alliances of old political friends and the fisticuffs that took place in the National Assembly over power sharing have clearly demonstrated that the wish and will of the people are of little or no relevance to our rogue leaders.

While power remains primary to them, the interest of the people which was the basis for the conferment of power on them by the people, constantly suffers because such interest is conveniently abandoned by these rogue leaders.

Conclusion The Orubebe’s drama and Jega’s strategic reticence were manifestations of the degeneracy of our political system. The poor people who lack the capacity to understand the dynamics of our politics expect the ruling elite who are responsible for this rot and mess in the system to fix it back into shape before Nigeria finally becomes a rogue state ruled by rogue elite.

•Dr. Dapo Thomas, is of the Dept. of History and International Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos.

Computerise learning, students beg Buhari

T

HE National Association of Nigerian Colleges of Education Student (NANCES) yesterday pleaded with the President Muhammadu Buhari -led administration to digitalise learning process in their institutions.

In an open letter titled “Digitalisation of learning process in Nigerian Colleges of Educations as being practiced by Osun state government code-named Opon Imo”, the students laments that many of them, including their lecturers were aliens to computers.

They stated that the computerisation of education should start with the training of teachers, especially at the NCE level.

The students suggested that

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja there should be e-learning in Colleges of Education nationwide because the world is a global village with everything now computerised.

To make computers available to students, NANCES suggested that the cost of acquiring tablets should be spread to the three years of their study at a subsidised rate.

According to the students’ body: “By this new method, our educational system will not find it difficult to catch up with the rest of the world.

“A laptop/tablet was suggested with high memory capacity that will be powerful enough to accommodate the NCE curriculum and all needed textbooks for the

period of three years.

“If NCE education is digitalised, the primary education, which is the foundation of our education system, would have been solidly built and the menace of falling standard of education will gradually go into oblivion.

“The federal government should make it as a policy to mandate each student of the Nigerian Colleges of Education to get one laptop/tablet, which must be specially designed and customised for teachers’ education.

“We are now appealing to the government to be ready to subsidise the computers to make it affordable for financially incapacitated students.”

I didn’t hire lobbyists for ministerial appointment, says Moghalu

T

HE national auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief George Moghalu yesterday said he has not engaged anybody to lobby for his appointment as a member of the yet-to-be constituted Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He stated that those campaigning for his appointment as minister were not doing his bidding as only President Muhammadu Buhari has the mandate to appoint those he believes can deliver his electoral promises.

Moghalu, in a statement in Abuja, said appointments into the Federal Executive Council is the sole prerogative of President Buhari.

From Tony Akowe, Abuja He said: “It has been brought to my notice that certain groups have embarked on a media campaign to lobby for my appointment into the Federal Executive.

“Let it be on the record that these persons are acting of their own accord. I have not, and I do not intend to engage the services of any persons or groups, to lobby on my behalf either covertly or overtly.

“I believe that my antecedents over many years in politics are sufficient to speak for me if ever the need arose.

“If I am called to serve, I will do so to the best of my abilities. Till then, I will continue to serve my

party and my country in my present capacity as National Auditor and member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

He added: “In over three decades in politics and public service, I have never been associated with any acts that will suggest unseemly clamour for political office. I do not desire to change that record now.

“I advise these self appointed lobbyists to disengage from their activities forthwith. The challenges of nation building at this critical time are too big for us to get distracted by the pursuit of individual ambitions.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY AUGUST 23, 2015

NEWS

Police yet to begin recruitment of 10,000 personnel

APC: No preferred candidate for national youth council

T

HE recruitment of 10, 000 men promised by P r e s i d e n t Muhammadu Buhari has not begun, the Police High Command said yesterday.

The Command warned Nigerians to be wary of fraudsters, stating that the commencement of the process will be well communicated via the media at the appropriate time.

A statement by Force Public Relations officer, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu, said: “Following the approval for recruitment of 10,000 Police officers by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari, the Nigeria Police wishes to inform the general public that recruitment into the Force is yet to commence.

“The modalities for the recruitment are being worked out with the Police Service Commission and would be announced in due course.

“The general public is hereby warned to beware of online fraudsters who may take advantage of the recruitment information to defraud them of their hard earned money.

“The Nigeria Police Force will adequately advertise on all forms of media (Televisions, Newspapers, etc) when the recruitment commences.

You can also visit the Police website on www.npf.gov.ng for necessary information.”

Ex-FCT Minister‘s aide defects to APC •5,000 dump PDP From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

S

ENATOR Usman Wowo, the Senior Special Adviser on Political and National Matters to the immediate past Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Bala Mohammed, yesterday dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with his supporters.

Wowo, with no fewer than 5,000 of his supporters, was received by the All Progressives Congress (APC) FCT’s chairman, Abudulmalik Usman.

Thousands of APC’s supporters witnessed the formal declaration in Kuje.

Wowo told reporters that he decided to return home to the APC to contribute his quota to the present administration.

According to him: “I am going back home, which is the APC to make my impact felt.”

Wowo, who is a grassroots politician, called on his numerous supporters to vote for the All Progressives Congress in the forthcoming FCT area council elections.

He assured that the present administration will lead the country and FCT to the Promised Land.

Usman described the movement as a vote of confidence in the leadership of APC, assuring that the party will capture the six area councils in the elections next year.

He described the event as a major landmark, tasking the defectors to be resolute in canvassing for votes.

He assured all council aspirants of equal opportunity, stressing that the party will be fair and just to them.

69

From Tony Akowe, Abuja

T

•NYSC Director-General, Brig-Gen. Johnson Olawumi (left) receiving a plaque from the Commander, Brigade of Guards, Brig.PHOTO: NAN Gen. Musa Yusuf, during the Commander’s visit to the Director-General in Abuja.. at the weekend.

Aregbesola: South West glad to support Buhari’s victory T HE South West geo-political zone has no regret supporting the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has declared.

The region’s support, he said, was based on Buhari’s charismatic leadership and impeccable integrity.

Aregbesola spoke at a civic reception by the people of Ipetumodu in Ife North local government area of Osun State in honour of Mr. Femi Adesina, Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, as well as a serving Federal Commissioner in the National Pension Commission (NPC), Barrister Olaoba Efuntayo.

The governor said Buhari enjoys the support of wellmeaning Nigerians and the international community because of his antecedence as a man of honour, integrity and sound judgment.

According to him: “The All Progressives Congress (APC) is a party of men and women of honour and integrity.

“For the first time in our history, the national treasury is an open book to all the governors in Buhari’s time.

“All of us as governors and leaders of our various states are made to know how much, where it comes and how they

•Kinsmen honour presidential aide, Adesina From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

come into our common purse by the Buhari administration.

This has never happened before now.”

Aregbesola expressed delight that Osun State was the first beneficiary of the victory of Buhari in the South West through Adesina’s appointment.

Aregbesola, who congratulated Adesina, the people of Ipetumodu and Osun State, said he was not surprised that Adesina was appointed by Buhari.

He said Adesina’s passion for honesty stood him out as former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

He tasked the Ipetumodu community to ask the federal government to dualise the road linking the town via Sekona- Edunabon, promising to throw weight of the state behind the demand.

The Apetumodu, Oba Adegoke, commended Buhari for appointing one of his subjects to the esteemed position.

He said: “This is a good thing we have initiated to openly celebrate any indigene

of Ipetumodu who is elevated to position of honour and responsibilities in Abuja or anywhere else in the world.

The monarch charged Adesina to be upright in the assignment given to him.

He also charged Adesina to assist the youths of the town whenever there were vacancies for job appointments.

Adesina promised to assist his kinsmen whenever he has the opportunity to do so.

He, however, stated that he could only facilitate opportunities and not appoint directly.

Troops clear terrorists’ camps in Borno, says Army The 7 Brigade of the Nigerian Army yesterday cleared Gudumbali town in Guzamala local government area of Borno.

A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman said the effort was part of the ongoing offensive against the Boko Haram terrorists.

He claimed that many Boko Haram fighters were killed during the operation while their weapons and equipment were also destroyed.

Usman recalled that the

Nigerian Air Force inflicted severe damage on the terrorists’ camps within the general area last Monday.

He said that troops of 5 Brigade Explosive Ordinance Devices (EOD) units ran into landmines while advancing towards Dikwa.

He said the landmines were buried by the terrorists between old Marte and Kerenoa junction in Marte Local Government Area of Borno.

According to Usman, two soldiers lost their lives, while two others sustained critical injuries from the landmine explosion.

“The bodies of the two gallant soldiers have been evacuated while the two wounded soldiers are already receiving treatment at the military hospital,’’ he said.

Usman said the army also lost a Mowag Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) in the same location.

“Despite these sad events, the troops are not deterred as they continue their advance and pursuit of the terrorists to their enclaves in Sambisa forest.

“The troops in the various formations and units in Operation LAFIYA DOLE are in very high spirits and more determined to destroy the terrorists’ camps and enclaves,’’ he said.

Dickson to civil servants: stay away from politics

B

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has warned civil servants against partisan politics ahead of the December 5 governorship election in the state.

Dickson spoke at the weekend in Government House, Yenagoa, while inaugurating a newly appointed Head of Service of the State, Dr. Peter Singabele, and member of the state Civil Service Commission, Dr. Boumkuma Kpokiri.

He said civil servants must uphold the principles of neutrality and loyalty to government in power.

He charged Singabale to further depoliticise and instill more discipline in the state civil service to achieve improved service delivery.

He said engaging in politics was against the ethics of

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

professional civil service and negatively impact on efficiency and effectiveness in the public service.

Describing the public service as the most important sector in service delivery in a government, Dickson said he would not allow political considerations to determine the occupant of head of the state civil service office.

Dickson said: “For the past one year, no state government can boast of any effective construction work because we are in a state of recession.

“But despite of all that, we are not owing salaries of members of the public service in this state.

“We do not also owe their pension entitlements. The only thing that is left for us

to handle is the gratuity that has accumulated for the past ten years, which is not a creation of this government. But we are determined to finding a solution to address it.”

He paid tribute to the out gone Head of Service, Dr. Josephine Igodo, for her efforts in fostering cordial relationship between the government and the workforce.

He promised to organise a state banquet in her honour at an appropriate date to fulfill the tradition already set by the present administration.

Dickson urged Singabele and Kpokiri, who replaces late Sir Patrick Tekenah, to apply their wealth of experiences in performing their duties.

Addressing them, he said: “You are appointed to lead the public service,

which is the most important group as far as service delivery is concerned. It is our expectation that you are going to depoliticise the civil service.

“We don’t want to play politics with the civil service. When we came on board, I promised a civil service that would not be politicised.

“And that is exactly what we are doing. The permanent secretaries that have been appointed know that none of them lobbied.

“There was no political influence or interference whatsoever. It was strictly in accordance with our judgment in terms of merit, hard work and capacity for improved service delivery.

“And that is the civil service that we want to leave behind for succeeding generations of this state.”

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has dissociated itself from those parading themselves as preferred candidates of the party for the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

The national youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ibrahim Jalo, told reporters yesterday that the party does not have any control over the council.

Jalo added that the APC neither has any specific interest in the leadership of the council nor has endorsed any candidate for the youth body.

He maintained that since the youth council is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, only the Minister of Youths has control over the activities of the council.

The APC youth leader urged Nigerians to disregard some of the aspirants already associating themselves with the party.

According to him: “There was supposed to be an election for the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) but we all witnessed what happened particularly that the election could not hold because of the crises.

“The party has not endorsed anybody and the party has not asked anybody to contest for any position.”

Jalo assured that youth development is one of the three major priorities of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that Nigerian youths will soon be the better for it.

16 fuel stations shut in Lagos for cheating

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

T

HE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) yesterday shut 16 filling stations in Lagos for various offences including selling with under-dispensing pumps, operating without valid licence and hoarding, among other sharp practices.

The defaulting retail outlets were detected during DPR’s routine monitoring and inspection exercise.

In some of the filling stations, only the under-dispensing pumps were sealed while in others the entire filling stations were sealed.

Some of the filling stations found cheating include Mobil station at Owode Bus Stop, Ikorodu; So Super Limited (Sahara); General Oil Limited, Ketu; Walesaf, Owode-Idera Bus Stop, Ikorodu road and HS Petroleum at Ketu.

Two pumps were sealed at MRS station at Alapere, Ikorodu road.

At NNPC station at Irawo Bus Stop, Ikorodu road, three of its pumps were sealed for under-dispensing.

Other found with similar offence include Kaz Oil, Lakowe; Forte Oil, Gulf road, Lakowe; Ona Ara Oil and Gas Station; Forte Oil, Molete; Wakass, Igando-Oloja; Forte Oil, Abule Folly Ibeju and Forte Oil, Oribanwa Ibeju Lekki; The DPR inspection and monitoring team led by the Deputy Manager, Retail Outlets, Lagos Zonal office, Mr. Olusegun Dabo warned all marketers to heed the rules of the business as harsher measures would be taken in the future.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015 •Contd. from page 10 The Kwara State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has directed all the stateowned tertiary institutions to open single treasury accounts for fees and other payments.

He also directed them to close all other revenue accounts maintained in commercial banks across the state.

The directive, the governor said, is a pilot exercise that will actually extend to all revenue generating agencies in the state.

Ahmed, who spoke at a meeting with heads of tertiary institutions and banks in the state, said the directive is to enable the government get a clear picture of the institution's finances as a prelude to the debut of the newly established state's Internal Revenue Service (KSIRS).

The governor said the new directive also bars the institutions from receiving fees and other revenues in cash or maintaining any other bank accounts other than those approved by the state's accountant-general.

According to him, the move was designed to ensure efficiency in revenue collection and disbursement.

The governor assured that all institutions will continue to receive budgeted funds from the state government as at when due and stressed that the government's only desire was to ensure efficiency in revenue generation and management.

He identified enhanced internally generated revenue as the only way through which the state can survive the current economic crisis in the country, adding that even if the federal government stops crude oil theft, federal allocations are unlikely to return to previous levels as the sustained drop in global oil prices is likely to continue.

The governor added that Heads of tertiary institutions in the state have an opportunity to demonstrate their managerial skills as they migrate from inefficiency in revenue generation to levels of sufficiency, adding that all ministries, departments and agencies are also barred from opening bank accounts or obtaining bank loans without authorisation from the office of the Accountant-General.

Ahmed called on banks to key into the government's new revenue drive and avoid any actions capable of contravening the new revenue law, saying the government will not hesitate to review its relationship with any commercial banks that attempts to sabotage the law.

International dimension of TSA It is globally recommended that no other government agency should operate bank accounts outside the oversight of the treasury.

Institutional structures and transaction processing arrangements determine how a TSA is accessed and operated.

The treasury, as the chief financial agent of the government, should manage the government's cash (and debt) positions to ensure that sufficient funds are available to meet financial obligations, idle cash is efficiently invested, and debt is optimally issued according to the appropriate statutes.

In some cases, debt management including issuance of debt is done by a Debt Management Office (DMO).

The TSA should have comprehensive coverage, i.e., it should ideally include cash balances of all government entities, both budgetary and extra-budgetary, to ensure full consolidation of government's cash resources.

The TSA coverage should be comprehensive by including all governmentfunded entities, including the autonomous and statutory government bodies as well as extra-budgetary funds (EBFs) and special accounts. This is to ensure that the TSA covers, as far as possible, all relevant cash resources of the government. All cash flows related to government revenue, expenditure, donor financing, debt issuance and amortization (including those associated with external debt) should be fully integrated into the TSA system.

However, if a public corporation is discharging a government function, it should be designated as a government unit (in line with the definition in the GFSM 2001) and its activities and resources should be integrated with the budget and TSA, respectively. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) believes that government's banking arrangements are an important

NEWS REVIEW

One economy, one account

•Ahmed

•Udom

factor in managing and controlling its cash resources.

The IMF believes that these banking arrangements are critical for ensuring that all tax and non-tax revenues are collected and payments are made correctly in a timely manner.

Besides, the IMF believes that government cash balances are optimally managed to reduce borrowing costs (or to maximise returns on surplus cash).

To achieve all these, it is recommended by the monetary fund that a transparent government will establish a unified structure of government bank accounts via a Treasury Single Account (TSA) system.

Argument against TSA Speaking with a cross-section of experts, they said the TSA policy may not serve the intended purpose which is to unify the government accounting system to ensure transparency if the remaining 'supper' MDAs cannot be made to comply.

Raising a poser, Mr. Abdulwaheed Usman, a policy analyst asked: "How do we explain for instance, why the head of a big earning MDA in the maritime sector recently appealed to the federal government at the launch of one of its projects, that it should be exempted from remitting revenue to the government because it is embarking on big projects? The federal government must be wary of waivers in implementation of the TSA that could be exploited as a conduit for embezzlement of

public funds.

"But how much money does the federal government expects to save by keeping all MDA's earnings with the CBN? We doubt that it would be that much compared to the huge revenue it needs to bridge the huge deficit in the 2015 and 2016 federal budgets."

The federal government, Usman said, "Should look beyond the TSA policy and ensure that the targets for non-oil revenue in the 2015 and subsequent budgets like custom duties, and taxes from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) are met and possibly exceeded. All traces of corruption in the system must be identified and eliminated."

Besides, the federal government must decisively combat oil theft and pipeline vandalism both of which accounts for the loss of $7 billion revenue and brace up for a further crash in the international price of crude oil. The nation's huge prospects in agriculture, solid minerals and tourism should also be adequately explored to boost the nation's income on a sustainable basis giving the fall in the value of the Naira and the threat to global financial stability occasioned by the devaluation of the Chinese Yuan.

Downside of policy Laudable as the TSA policy seems, not a few believe that it has its downsides.

To operators in the banking sector, it is feared that the sector would be losing about N2 trillion

71

deposits to the CBN, with the implementation of the Treasury Single The report on accounts of banks with CBN shows that as at beginning of this current quarter, banks' total public sector deposits was N1.3 trillion but additional net flows from Federation Accounts Allocation Committee, FACC, as at end of last month (about N240 billion) as well as expected inflows by end of this month may push the figure close to N2.2 trillion by the time the pull out begins next month.

Bankers had pressurised the former government of Goodluck Jonathan, which had initiated the policy in December 2014, to soft pedal on the implementation which was originally scheduled for February 2015, on the reasons of a likely negative impact on the economy.

Bank treasurers had confided in The Nation at the weekend that the implementation would adversely affect liquidity in the banking system and end up putting pressure on interest rates and availability of credit to the economy.

In a statement issued at the weekend, Afrinvest Group, a Lagos-based financial investment house, said: "Whilst the directive issued came as the first official statement by the Presidency on the TSA, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, had earlier began withdrawing its funds from banks for retirement into CBN. "This had an impact on liquidity level in the banking system, resulting in a surge in money market rates during the period as banks scrambled for funds to cover their liquidity positions.

"With the TSA implementation now extended to all federal MDAs, the Nigerian banking industry, on an aggregate basis, would be affected in terms of deposits and funding cost structure."

In a related development, FBN Capital, an investment arm of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, stated in its money market reports last weekend that the NNPC withdrew about N400 billion from the banks last month pushing Open Buy Back (OBB), and overnight interest rates to a record high of 50 per cent. It, however, stated that this pressure was corrected when FACC inflow came to the banks within the same period.

In the implementation of the TSA there will be no FACC inflow to correct or compensate for the outflows.

Blessed assurance The Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris has assured that the introduction of the TSA is not a punitive measure aimed at any government establishment.

Idris made this clarification in Abuja whilst receiving members of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Federal Universities who were at Treasury House to discuss issues bothering the operations of the varsities.

According to the Accountant General of the Federation, "the introduction of the TSA is not a punitive measure targeted at any government establishment or an attempt to jeopardise the peace and stability of the university system, but part of the reforms being introduced by this administration to institutionalise a more effective and transparent management of public finances in the country."

The TSA, he maintained, is aimed at creating a single pool where all government's receipts are kept in one account, thus making it possible at a glance to know the state of all the accounts.

To ensure a hitch-free implementation of the TSA, Idris revealed that the Office of the Accountant General (OAGF) has set up a special committee to be headed by a director, to address all issues or enquires from all affected MDAs. He reassured the Committee of Vice Chancellors that Office of the Accountant General of the Federation will collaborate with the universities to ensure that all matters raised will be passionately addressed to ensure that the varsities are more efficient and transparently managed.

Idris allayed fears being expressed by some agencies of government that the recent directive of President Buhari on the establishment and operation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for the collection of government receipts for all the MDAs, will negatively affect the operations of some specialised agencies, saying that "it will rather improve their efficiency and increase the rating of the nation's economy."

QUOTABLE

“With the paucity of funds in the state, we had to face the reality that we could not continue to sponsor children without involving their parents in a way. This is why we introduced the Developmental Levy.”

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 9, NO. 3316

—Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on decision to stop the payment of the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination registration fees for candidates and the introduction of N3,000 annual Developmental Levy.

N

O matter how much gloss anyone would like to put on the recent views of Bishop Matthew Kukah, especially his opinion on former president Goodluck Jonathan, it is undeniable that he has not shown enough discretion in many of the interviews he has granted the media. Some of the views were indeed incendiary, going both the mood of the country and the horrifying tales of graft perpetrated by officials of the last government. Given all he has had to say on the matter, the Bishop of Sokoto Diocese seems to have sympathy for Dr Jonathan, and appears to prefer that the man be left alone. Unfortunately for the bishop, no one wants to leave the former president alone, a baying for blood that is exacerbated by the worsening state of the economy, the hunger in the land, and the continuing constriction of the political space due to stalled appointments and lack of opportunities.

Press interviews, by nature, do not afford the interviewee the luxury of long pauses and reflections. Even the best of politicians and officials, lay and ecclesiastical, are prone to gaffes, hyperboles and incendiary statements. To survive and flourish, therefore, media workers, particularly the broadcast media, prefer direct, live interviews where the true man often manifests in all his volatile and ugly colours, without garnishments, and with all his faults, warts and demons. In such interviews, the real, prejudiced, intemperate and maudlin man is often coaxed out, to the entertainment of the public, the dismay of the interviewee’s supporters, and sometimes the grief and humiliation of his family.

In the now widely quoted Channels Television interview, Bishop Kukah let off a firestorm that may affect his image for a while longer than he would hope.

He was absolutely himself — no pretences, no dissembling, no fear. But was he wise in his answers? It is hard to judge, for, sometimes, it is not so much wisdom that makes a man, but courage. In the interview, the bishop was doubtless courageous and brilliant, and he managed to say what he wanted to say, even if it rubbed the public the wrong way. In parts, he struggled to give the impression he was a patriot with a sound and unquestionable view of crime and punishment; but in other parts, he also laboured to prove that patriotism must be without hysteria, especially mass hysteria, and be balanced with the long-term interest of the country.

For speaking his mind courageously on Jonathan and corruption, Bishop Kukah will in the foreseeable future continue to draw the ire of the public. The Channels interview was not his first on Jonathan and the corruption investigations. But he apparently felt the need to explain himself, and, forsaking the admonition to let bad enough alone, as the wise always say, he managed to worsen the situation by revealing his innermost thoughts on the matter. He had initially responded to allegations that the National Peace Committee sought audience with President Buhari to plead for Dr Jonathan in regard to the ongoing frenzy over the anti-corruption war. The public felt uncomfortable with his answer. Now, Channels Television asked why he thought it was a distraction to emphasise the investigation of corruption cases. His answer this time was even more provocative.

Predicating his intervention on his priestly duties, a responsibility he insinuates is apparently answerable to heaven rather than to public opinion, Bishop Kukah defended his right to intervene on anybody’s behalf. Then, out of the blue, the bishop exploded: “And please let us not lose sight of what has happened in this country. Jonathan said it and I am sure Nigerians have heard it, that when we met with the Board of Trustees of the Peoples Democratic Party, they also made it very clear that not all of them were in

Bishop Kukah’s firestorm support of the singular decision that Jonathan took (conceding electoral defeat) and I think that as Nigerians, we must become sufficiently serious and realise that that singular act is what has kept us as a nation. With all the billions and trillions in the world coming from the outer space, we would need to have a nation first. So, I think that even for that singular act alone, Nigerians must be appreciative of what President Jonathan did.”

It was this response that infuriated many Nigerians. Their belief that Bishop Kukah and the peace committee had unpopular and unhealthy opinion of the hated Dr Jonathan was reinforced. They suggested it was perhaps true that the committee had soft spot for Dr Jonathan, a feeling that might have been caused by a deal reached between Candidate Jonathan and Candidate Buhari before the polls, a deal that was probably cemented shortly before Dr Jonathan’s famous concession. Whatever the case, it is no longer speculation that Bishop Kukah and the peace committee think exceedingly highly of Dr Jonathan’s magnanimity in conceding defeat, and in addition think that that singular act is unexampled and expiatory. Said the bishop: “Even if you are going to go into a probe, it is not a substitute for governance and we are interested in the fact that every sane Nigerian must be conscious of the fact that it might be another person today and might be you tomorrow. And I think that we should not become so preoccupied with Jonathan to the extent that we forget the spectacular benefit that we gained under his presi-

dency. Politics has ended, and now is the time for governance.”

Bishop Kukah’s controversial but honest opinion is undoubtedly unpopular. While it is difficult for him and the peace committee to disguise their respect and possibly love for Dr Jonathan, a sentiment that may be unhelpful in fostering economic and political development of the country, not to say public morality, their view on the skewed focus of the government on ‘probes’, or what some have described as ‘public lynching of Dr Jonathan’, is no doubt a timely and critical observation. This incidentally is also the view of Anthony Olubunmi Cardinal Okogie, former Catholic Archbishop of Lagos. In the opinion of the cardinal, bishop and peace committee, while corruption investigations should go on in the background, the shape and structure of governance must come to the fore. The former must not be a substitute for the latter, they argue, and the latter must receive priority. Even if Bishop Kukah and the peace committee wrongly felt obliged to rescue Dr Jonathan from public lynching, their observations on the diminution of governance seems beyond cavil.

Without saying it directly, perhaps because they feared it might be misinterpreted, the peace committee also tried to suggest that the peaceful change from one government and party to another is a salutary development that must be nurtured as much as the desire to recover looted state funds. Bishop Kukah advances two main reasons for this conclusion. One is that the committee fears

that if the dynamics of calling to account a successor government is not well managed, the incentive for peaceful handover of power may be eroded, with all the deleterious consequences. Two is that if the process of calling a preceding government to account is not handled with all the dignity and solemnity it requires, it may set a bad inquisitorial precedence for future governments, with no one sure who’ll be next. In other words, for Bishop Kukah, it is not everything that is right that is expedient. And when the bishop further suggested that the ruling party needed to be faithful over little things in order to deserve bigger responsibilities, he appeared to hint that a gentleman’s agreement was in place, and that that deal was probably being violated.

Two weeks ago, in this place, this column suggested it was urgent and crucial for President Buhari to unveil his economic blueprint in order to dispel the feeling of tentativeness and ad hocism enveloping the country and the economy. It suggested that the president’s American trip should have been delayed until that blueprint was published, scrutinised and fine-tuned, and a cabinet put in place. The column concluded by suggesting that the Buhari government seemed to have placed undue emphasis on winning office than on preparing for office. In some ways, both Bishop Kukah and Cardinal Okogie are also saying that the unending and almost titillating talk of probe is caviar to the general. It is important to call the last government to account, given the huge amount of stealing that went on under Dr Jonathan, but it is even more crucial for the Buhari presidency to manage the process with all the solemnity, gravity, order and brilliance it deserves.

This column may not exactly agree with the peace committee and Bishop Kukah on why the previous government should be scrupulously investigated, or whether the investigations should be conducted in a way that does not reek of witch-hunting, but there is no dispute on why it is urgent for the Buhari government to enunciate its economic, political and social manifestos, and elevate governance above the frenzied blood sport that the probes are threatening to become.

President Buhari must strive for balance in everything, learn to discriminate between various public opinions and the many publics, and have the good judgement to set the foundation for how the Nigerian presidency should be perceived and judged both locally and internationally.

Buhari faces dilemma in anti-corruption war

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari must be gradually facing up to the reality and complexity of ruling a country in a democracy, where things are not always what they seem. If he thought he had the liberty and exclusive right to circumscribe the boundaries of his war on corruption, he must by now be coming to terms with how grossly mistaken he is. It is no secret that Nigerians appear to be enjoying daily breaking news on the astounding sleaze that went on under the Goodluck Jonathan government. Indeed, already, some of the looted funds are being recovered or surrendered.

In consequence too, reputations are being shredded, especially that of the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and its backers and leaders.

Those opposed to President Buhari’s anti-corruption war, or who oppose his methods, are beginning to fight back. They are presenting the president with a number of moral dilemmas. First, they suggest that the president has no moral, political or constitutional defence to limit the war to only his predecessor’s time in office, as he stated before assuming office and has reiterated since he assumed office. He should extend the probes farther down the line. Second, they also argue that those who financed his election did not use their personal funds but

•Buhari •Jonathan public funds, and must therefore be investigated as well.

The president’s opponents are clearly not making these arguments from altruistic or patriotic points of view. They are simply determined to stymie the anti-corruption war, or failing that, to make the sky fall on everybody’s head. If the president should heed the call to expand the investigations, he risks making it unwieldy and impracticable. But whether he likes it or not, he will not be able to convince his opponents that no APC state government deserves to be investigated. And if he continues to shun the calls to expand the investigations, the campaign will only grow more deafening, if not even threatening.

The president made a mistake from the beginning by inadvertently allowing his anti-corruption campaign to be conducted with fanfare and extravagant flourish. He of course had no choice but to call the last government to account, but he is president, and should have anticipated the reactions of his opponents, many of whom for sentimental reasons are still smarting badly from the humiliation they received at the last polls.

But is the president really able to control or limit the manner and circumstances of the investigations? Could he order the EFCC to limit its investigations? Or could he persuade the media to de-emphasise selected reports? The president clearly faces a dilemma. One way out, probably the best way out, is for him to give better and bigger meat to the public and the media to chew. (See main article). While he continues his anti-corruption battles, perhaps on as many fronts as he wishes, let him more importantly refocus the attention of the country to his main blueprints for the radical make-over of Nigeria, away from corruption and EFCC/ ICPC, and to governance and ideas for rebuilding Nigeria in the 21st century and beyond, along the change paradigm his party promised before the 2015 polls.

Published by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025, Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 08034505516 Marketing: 4520939, Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Telephone: 07028105302. Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790.

Website: www.thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 E-mail: sunday@thenationonlineng.net Editor: FESTUS ERIYE