The Nation December 31, 2011 by The Nation

NDLEA Page intercepts 2 N100m drugs from Brazil, Pakistan... at Lagos airport

2011:

15-Page package inside

Farewell to year of disasters

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

VOL.05 N0. 1991

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

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Five killed as Boko Haram strikes again

N150.00

Xmas Day bombings: Islamic Page 4 group replies CAN President Igbo’ll toe Ojukwu’s line if attacks continue -Anglican bishop

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in retrospect

How Nollywood artistes fared in 2011

IN THE NEWS

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... governors unhappy with Jonathan over Boko Haram fight

Amosun signs 2012 Appropriation Bill into law Page 5

2 News

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Five killed as Boko Haram strikes again • Jonathan seeks support of neigbouring countries to police borders

HREE explosions, a market raid and a gun attack on a private house in Maiduguri yesterday by suspected members of Boko Haram left residents lamenting another bloody day. Three members of an Islamic cleric’s family were reported killed in the gun attack while two died in the market raid. The explosions were said to have occurred close to the market shortly after the Jumat service but caused no casualties. However, the Joint Task Force (JTF) denied any explosion. The raid sparked pandemonium in the market with buyers and sellers running for their lives.One person was injured and was taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The armed invaders were said to have gone from one shop to the other robbing traders of cash and other valuables. Men of the JTF, who were dispatched to the market, succeeded in chasing the Boko Haram members away. Spokesman for the JTF, Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Mohammed confirmed the market raid. He said the task force was contacted at about 3pm and it reacted promptly. They subsequently cordoned off the area and embarked on a search for the suspects. No arrest had been made at press time. In the other attack, gunmen reportedly stormed the

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja and Abiodun JOSEPH with agency report residence of the Islamic cleric simply identified as Modu close to the Railway Quarters. “The Boko Haram sect members came this morning looking for Modu, but as he had already gone out, they opened fire on members of his family, killing three of them,” a witness, Baba Lawan, told Reuters. Meanwhile, President Goodluck Jonathan has solicited

the support of Nigeria’s neighbouring states to curb the excesses of religious extremist groups in Nigeria and by extension in the sub-region. Jonathan spoke yesterday while receiving the Deputy Prime Minister of Niger Republic, Mr. Mohame Bazoum, where he said the cooperation of Nigeria's neighbouring countries is imperative to halting the activities of the extremist group. "The perpetrators pass through borders at will and we have to ensure that there

are no safe havens for them in the sub-region," he said. Jonathan reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to fight Boko Haram, calling them the "group of evil-minded people who want to cause anarchy to the end." Saying that both Muslims and Christians were victims of the explosives planted by Boko Haram, Jonathan called for a concerted effort by wellmeaning Nigerians to bring this problem under control. ‘’Besides, the Boko Haram insurgence was not a religious

war. No religion asks its followers to throw bombs to kill people they don't even know," Jonathan added. He thanked the Nigerien President for the message of condolence and solidarity. The Nigerien Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Mohame Bazoum, who brought a condolence message for lives lost during the Christmas day bombings and solidarity message from President Issoufou Mahamadou said President Issoufou was concerned about the violence and loss of lives.

•Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo of Gomber State (left) submitting the state’s 2012 budget proposal to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Inuwa Garba, for approval... at the weekend

Governors unhappy with Jonathan over Boko Haram fight

HE state governors are unhappy that President Goodluck Jonathan is not carrying them along in the fight against Boko Haram. The President met the National Security Adviser and the service Chiefs on Thursday in Abuja on how best to address the menace of the group .An overhaul of the security network is expected to follow with the police slated for a massive restructuring. The Inspector General of Police,Mr.Hafiz Ringim is due to retire within the next three months and the search for his successor may have commenced already. Some of the governors wonder why the President has not deemed it fit to meet with them for suggestions on the way forward.

Yusuf ALLI,Managing er, we will swim and sink together. There is tendency to Editor,Northern Operations see the Boko Haram thing as They are of the view that the political but the threats the sect magnitude of Boko Haram is posing to our democracy derampage requires collective mands that the President efforts. should carry all of us along. A governor, who spoke in "If governors are supposedconfidence, said: "I can tell you ly Chief Security Officers in that some of my colleagues, if their states, it presupposes that not most, are not too happy they must be part of solution with the approach of the Presto the spate of violence in the ident who is sidelining govercountry. nors. "Unfortunately, the Boko "Up till now, the President Haram is being seen from the has not opened up discussions prism of the ruling and oppowith us on how we can address sition parties. That is not too the Boko Haram menace. He good." has forgotten that whatever It was also gathered that affects the nation is a collecanxiety has gripped the secutive burden we need to bear. rity agencies following last Yet, this is a challenge that we Thursday's meeting between should urgently put heads tothe service chiefs and the gether to address. President.He has not declared "We are in the boat togethhis decision.

Bombings: Jonathan meets security chiefs again, gives fresh orders

OR the second time in 24 hours, President Goodluck Jonathan held an emergency meeting with the nation's security chiefs, tasking them on the need to immediately fish out the sponsors of the Boko Haram sect. The meeting, which held at the Presidential Villa, was without the service chiefs. The President was said to have challenged them to put an end to the violence being foisted on the nation by members of the sect. Those at the meeting wore forlorn faces as they emerged

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja from the venue. The National Security Adviser, Gen. Andrew Owoye Azazi, was not in the mood to entertain questions from reporters as his driver zoomed out of the premises after banging the car door. Others who were present at the meeting include Vice President, Namadi Sambo, the Inspector General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, Director General State Security Service (SSS), Ita Ekpenyong, and Director-

General, Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), Olaniyi Oladeji. Sources told State House correspondents that the President reiterated his earlier warning that any security chief who fails to act on information would bear the brunt as the country would no longer tolerate a situation where such negligence would lead to the deaths of the citizens. Speaking with reporters, Rimgim said the meeting was convened to appraise and evaluate the security situation on ground.

However,it was gathered that the restructuring of the police is central to the security overhaul the President plans to tackle the Boko Haram menace. It was gathered that apart from revitalizing police intelligence unit, the presidency is keen to subject the appointment of the next IGP to a thorough screening. A reliable source said the choice of the next IGP might be tied to 'performance' instead of a routine practice of succession. Apart from the IGP, other members of the police management team are the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police: Mrs. Ivy Okoronkwo(2 I/c); Mr. Azubuko Udah (Administration); Alhaji Audu Abubakar (Operations); Alhaji Saleh Abubakar(Logistics and

Supply); Alhaji Sadauna Abubakar (Training); and Alhaji Mohammed Yesufu (Management Services). The source said: "The police overhaul gives concern to the presidency because intelligence service has virtually collapsed in the system. "They also do not have modern equipment and right training to cope with contemporary security problems and methods. "So, that is why the presidency is taking more than a passing interest in the choice of a new IGP. "Although the DIGs are battling to ensure that one of them is made to succeed Ringim, some forces in the presidency are claiming that since they are part of the present management, any of them might not offer better solutions to the challenges at hand.

NDLEA intercepts N100m drugs from Brazil, Pakistan

HE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) last weekend foiled two major attempts by suspected drug syndicates to import 4kg of high grade cocaine from Brazil and 5.1kg of heroin from Pakistan. The seizures with an estimated street value of over N100 million were recorded in two separate operations at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Three prime suspects arrested in connection with the illegal importation are currently being quizzed by antinarcotic officials. A total of 9.800kg of narcotics was intercepted; 4kg of cocaine was hidden inside bed sheets and engine pistons; 700g of cocaine was ingested while 5.1kg of heroin was concealed in a false layer of a luggage. Confirming the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA commander at the MMIA, Hamza Umar, said that the crackdown occurred last weekend when preparation for the Christmas celebration was at its peak. "Three prime suspects by name Akakpo Kossi James, 49, and Nwanchukwu Chukwuma Ferdinard, 42, who were on board Emirate flight from Brazil, as well as Okonkwo John Oforma, 38, who had an emergency travel certificate on his way from Pakistan on board Qatar Airline flight, are currently undergoing interrogation in connection with the drug seizures," Hamza stated. Akakpo allegedly smuggled 4kg of cocaine from Brazil in bed sheets and engine pistons. Nwanchukwu Chukwuma Ferdinard ingested 58 wraps of cocaine weighing 700grammes also from Brazil, while Okonkwo imported 5.1kg heroin from Pakistan, hidden in a luggage. The suspects were said to have made very useful statements that are fast tracking investigation. Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, described the seizures as another victory in the country's anti-narcotics crusade. He said: "This is another victory in the battle to eliminate illicit drugs from our society. We are poised to tackle drug syndicates notwithstanding their shrewd modes of drug concealment." Akakpo Kossi James, a 49-year-old bachelor, told investigators that he got involved in drug trafficking in order to be married and live a settled life. "I have worked as an event planner in Brazil since 2008. I dropped out of secondary school in Class 3.’’

Subsidy withdrawal is ploy to make you fail, Rivers monarchs tell President

HE Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers has cautioned President Goodluck Jonathan against the proposed removal of fuel subsidy. Speaking through their chairman, King (Prof) Theophilus Princewill during an interactive session with journalists at the council’s secretariat in Port Harcourt yesterday, the royal fathers said removing the subsidy could be a ploy to make him not to succeed as the first person from the South-South zone to occupy the exalted position. The traditional rulers also condemned the “acts of terror” through bomb blasts by “Islamic extremists called Boko Haram,” which they said had been killing innocent Nigerians and destroying property across Northern Nigeria.

Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt They admonished the President to have more consultations on the planned removal of fuel subsidy, in order no to make theadministration unpopular at this crucial period of bomb blasts byBoko Haram, while the fuel cartel should also be dislodged. The royal fathers added: “President Jonathan should be very careful over the planned removal of fuel subsidy. Many regimes have come andgone, without removing the fuel subsidy. Our (South-South) man is there. They do not want him to succeed. “This is the first time a South-South man has come to the limelight. The many challenges are to thwart his efforts. He must be careful.”

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

4 NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

BOMBINGS

Chrismas Day explosions: Northern Islamic group replies CAN President T HE influential Islamic group- Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI)- yesterday reacted angrily to the statement credited to the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, that Christians will henceforth defend themselves, saying that the CAN leader has, by his utterance, declared war on Nigerian Muslims. But the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) disagreed with the JNI, arguing that those who have been bombing churches are the ones that have declared war on their fellow citizens. The Secretary General of the Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Dr. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, at a press conference in Kaduna where he spoke extensively on the letter presented by CAN to the President on the Madalla massacre, described the CAN President as "intolerant." He said Pastor Oritsejafor's conduct was unbecoming of a religious leader. The JNI scribe said: "He went right into the heart of Aso Rock Villa to threaten the government and to say whatever he had to say before the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also accused the Muslim leadership, the religious scholars and other leaders within the Muslim community. "He blamed the attack also on religious and traditional rulers whom he said are not publicly condemning this upsurge of bomb attacks. This statement is an unguarded utterance and is intended to incite and instigate Christians against Muslims in this country. "In essence, the man has already called for war. He said that there is going to be a civil war in this country. It is very astonishing for such a person to say that Muslims have not condemned the act when more than two dozens of prominent Muslim scholars have condemned what happened at Madalla. "Apart from that, the governor of Niger State and other traditional leaders have been there. The Sultan himself has declared that the attack was unIslamic and yet, he said that was unacceptable. We don't know whether he

• Catholic bishops: attacks are sin against God, humanity

Tony AKOWE, Kaduna wants us to jump the gun and arrest faceless people whom the government has not been able to arrest and then kill them by shooting them. "What he wants is for us to apply jungle justice on them. Do we have that legal authority to begin to chase people that we don't even know? Therefore, this statement is contempt on the Sultan of Sokoto who is the President General of Jama'atu Nasril Islam and Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. It is also contempt on the Muslim clerics who have come to condemn these acts. "Where were they when Muslims were attacked during the Eid-Fitr celebration that preceeded the month of Ramadan in Plateau State where Muslims were attacked, killed and maimed? Sixteen people were not only slaughtered, but roasted and eaten. "Why is this thing looking like a conspiracy of silence from the media both local and foreign? Are Muslims ani-

mals? Are they not citizens of this country? Why is it always silence when something happened against the Muslims. Who reported the Southern Kaduna genocide? "Are you telling me that there were no Muslims killed in the Madalla bomb blast? In Maiduguri and Damaturu, was it not the Muslims that were killed in their numbers? I think that the CAN President is an intolerant person and his statements are pregnant with very dangerous trends that are capable of telling Christians to attack Muslims. "I think that his statement is even more dangerous than these acts and I think that the government should call him to order. The government should call him to order for going to Aso Rock and calling the government incompetent before the President. How can you say such things and say you want to pray? "Oritsejafor has gone further to criticise Islam and called Islam all sorts of names and according to him, they are ready for war against Muslims. But Muslims are very tolerant people and we are

calling on all Muslims to be calm and be law abiding and continue to be prayerful against this trend. "We cannot be intimidated by these threats and intimidations. We are peaceful people, we respect the laws of the country and we cannot jump over the fence of government because they are charged with the full responsibility of providing security for the lives and property of the people. "Therefore, we will not go beyond that. We will not attack anybody. It is very disheartening when the western media says that Nigeria will disintegrate by 2015. There may be an underground conspiracy to achieve that by creating chaos in the country. "The Sultan has said it loud and clear that Muslims are not at war with Christians, but Oritsejafor says that Christians are at war with Muslims. As Muslims, we will not lower ourselves to such unruly attitude." However, in a statement in Kaduna, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria said the Christmas day bombing at

Madallah was shameful and a crime against God and humanity. It called for prayer and fasting by all Nigerians on December 31, 2011. The Catholic Bishops in the statetment signed by Dr. Alaba Job, said by bombing churches, Boko Haram has apparently declared war on the nation and called on Muslim leaders in the country to take immediate steps to stop the movement. They said: "The Boko Haram have claimed responsibility for this shameful crime against God and humanity. We use this opportunity to call on our peace-loving Muslims, especially their leaders from the political, economic, social and religious spectrums, not only to publicly denounce but for their own good and the good of Nigeria, to be proactive and to do everything positive to end this movement. "This group has apparently declared war on Nigeria, and at times of war, nations count on their reserves. It is apparent that if we depend only on our available active security agents, we shall not make progress. I therefore call on Mr President to recall retired experts in criminology and employ foreign experts in this field to assist the active security agents to put an immediate end to Boko Haram menace.

•Governor Peter Obi (right), receiving from former Secretary General of the Commonweath, Chief Emeka Anyaoku (left) the award of Commander of Peace in Obosi Kingdom from the Obosi people... yesterday

Igbo‘ll toe Ojukwu’s line if attacks continue, says Anglican bishop

NGLICAN Bishop of Enugu, Emmanuel Chukwuma, said yesterday in Awka, Anambra State, that the people of SouthEast will follow in the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu's footstep by declaring war again if the Federal Government fails to address the issue of Boko Haram. He spoke when Oil and Gas mogul, Dr Ifeanyi Uba’s foundation distributed kerosene and other items to indigent persons, widows and less privileged in Awka. Chukwuma, who was not happy over the killing of Nigerians by the Boko Haram sect, said the names of Igbo people who have been killled

Nwanosike ONU, Awka were being compiled, adding that a meeting would soon be called on the issue. He said: '’If the Federal Government fails to do something urgently, we shall declare war in Nigeria. Our quietness should not be seen as cowardice. If the issue is not addressed, we will resume Ojukwu's fight against injustice. Enough is enough.'’ However, he said he was in Awka in his capacity as the South-East Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to give support to the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation for what it had been doing in the country. He stated that even the pov-

erty alleviation programme of the government had equally failed, adding that Ndigbo would look for a common platform in the next election to fight the imbalance in the system. Chukwuma further berated the South-East leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for being unable to carry Ndigbo along, adding that the people of the zone would support the Chief of Capital Oil for whatever ambition he declares. He noted that so many politicians in the South-East have failed the people of the zone by not providing jobs for the youth, adding that the politicians should open constituency offices for the youths. He appluaded what the foun-

dation was doing, stating that his Enugu diocese had supported over 2,614 widows in the state. The founder of the foundation, Dr Ifeanyi Uba, announced that the exercise would be a continous one, adding that about 15 tanker loads of kerosene would be distributed at the rate of N60 per litre. Over 4,000 indigent persons, 4,000 less privileged, 4,000 widows and phyiscally challenged, including over 5, 000 people aged 65 years and above got the largese of the foundation yesterday. Each of them went home with one bag of rice while more than 20 motherless babies homes collected 10 bags of rice each with baby toys, sewing machines and cartons of bis-

cuits, among other items. Also, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance , Chief Victor Umeh, told reporters that the Chief Executive of capital Oil and Gas, Dr Ifeanyi Uba, had joined the party. Although he did not disclose whether he would turn out to be the governorship candidate of APGA, Umeh said APGA would not sell its governorship ticket for 2014 to anybody. On the said earlier arrangement that APGA had zoned the governorship ticket to Anambra North, Umeh said there was no such arrangment, adding that if there was, the party would not honour it because the people of the area voted against APGA during the last general election in the state.

Northern leaders, SCIA should do more than talking, says Anglican Primate •Asks Jonathan to flush out disloyal security officials Augustine EHIKIOYA, Abuja

HE Primate of the Church of Nigeria, the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, wants northern leaders to do more than condemning each havoc caused by Boko Haram. The Primate, who was on a sympathy visit to St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, Niger State, where a bomb blast killed at least 43 people, also called on the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs to seriously tackle the matter. Urgent steps, he told reporters, must be taken now to keep Nigeria one. He said: "The message I have is that it is not everybody in our country that understands what it means to live in peace. Therefore, I make passionate appeal to some organisations and individuals I believe can help us to get out of this. "The first group that I make my appeal to is the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (SCIA). That it is not enough to condemn the act. It is not enough to dissociate itself from it. They must take some pragmatic steps in the interest of all of us to bring about an end to this matter. There is no other body in a better position to speak to Boko Haram. "The second group I make my appeal to is the Northern Governors' Forum. They meet to discuss national issues and I don't see any national issue that is more critical than this one; the issue of the security of the nation. "If they can meet on other things, this is a critical issue that should engage their attention. They should find a solution to it. They are in a better position to find a solution to it." The Primate also appealed to the Arewa Consultative Forum to immediately convene an emergency session on the matter. "They gather, they meet together to discuss what they consider to be of paramount interest to them. This is of paramount interest not only to the north but to the whole of Nigeria. In any case, if there is no Nigeria, there will be no north. "I also make my appeal to the political elite in the National Assembly and those of them in the states. They should find a solution to this matter as a matter of urgency, because if there is no Nigeria, there will be no political office holders. On his message to traditional rulers, he said: "They cannot distance themselves on this matter because if there is no Nigeria, there will be nowhere for them. This is the time to act. Anytime beyond this time will be too late." On claims by government officials to be on top of the situation when an end to the bombings does not appear to be in sight, he said: "The government business is an integrate business. Maybe there are certain things they don't want to reveal to the public to avoid compromising their methods and tactics."

NEWS 5

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

New Year: Catholic bishop petitions Police, SSS

HE Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Reverend Felix Femi Ajakaye, has petitioned the security agencies in the state, including the Police and the SSS, for proper security checks during the festive period, Bishop Ajakaye equally condemned Boko Haram insurgents for directing their killer squad at innocent worshippers at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla, Suleja, Niger State, killing 43 people. He berated the security situation in the country and urged the Federal Government to be proactive in curtailing the activities of the insurgents.

Sulaiman SALAWUDEEN, Ado Ekiti Part of the letter written to the police reads: “Bearing in mind the security challenges we are facing in our beloved country, Nigeria, particularly the continued bombing attacks, all of us need to be security conscious and proactive. “Therefore, I appeal that security

measures should be put in place with extra vigilance on our churches, including other Christian denominations. “I humbly suggest that our security agencies, particularly the Divisional Police Officers in the various local governments in Ekiti State, need to be alert in the area of security of lives and property during the New Year celebrations in

their areas. Today in Catholic churches all over Ekiti State, there will be the celebration of vigil mass to pray for our people, Ekiti State, Nigeria and the world at large as we usher in the New Year. “At St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ado Ekiti, programmes start at 8:45pm while the mass starts at 10pm. In other churches, the programmes may also start from 9pm.”

Assassinations Group sends SOS to IGP, Oyo govt Bisi OLADELE, Ibadan

group, the Isale-Oyo Patri otic Forum, has sent a Save Our Soul (SOS) petition to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Oyo State Government, urging them to unravel the mystery behind a series of assassinations of important people in the ancient town of Oyo. In the petition, the group accused a traditional ruler of rearing hoodlums who are perpetrating the evil, particularly in Isale Oyo area of the town. The petition, which was signed by Chief L. A. Ayankojo, Chief Jacob Oluokun, Chief Ajiboye Sule, Alhaji Sule Badmus and Mr Yekini Ewe, called for respect of the rule of law in the assassination cases. The group emphasized that the “mysterious assassinations raise a serious question of security which must be promptly addressed without fear or favour.” It also alleged that the criminals are enjoying executive protection which it condemned in strong terms. It further stressed that “the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, nowhere in all the provisions therein, permits any citizen whether highly or commonly placed, to take the life of any fellow being arbitrarily or whimsically without the due processes of the law. The constitution also confers the right and the authority to investigate any information received from any citizen on any matter which tends to threaten or jeopardize the security of the state or human life, in the interest of justice.” The forum insisted that the killing of Alhaji Rasheed Atingisi, Alhaji Ademola Adegbile and the most recent abortive assassination attempt made on Mr Gbenga Oyekola (all of Isale-Oyo community) would not have occurred if relevant authorities had acted appropriately.

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left) handing over a jersey to Mr. Allen Andrew Festus (right), the new coach of the 3SC Football Club of Ibadan, while the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Dapo Lam-Adesina, watches at the unveiling of a coach for the club in Ibadan yesterday.

Amosun signs 2012 Appropriation Bill into law

GUN State Governor, Sena tor Ibikunle Amosun, ended the last working day of 2011 by signing into law the 2012 Appropriation Bill which was recently passed by the state’s House of Assembly. The governor performed the constitutional responsibility at exactly 4.45pm yesterday at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. After assenting to the Bill, Senator Amosun commended the efforts of the Ogun State House of Assembly in thoroughly analysing the budget estimates before passing them. “Your oversight functions should now be flawless having

done a good job,” he said. He stated further: “We have now been given the legal backing to fulfil our promises to the electorate; we should, therefore, have no reasons not to perform.” While wishing the people of the state a happy and prosperous 2012, the governor called on them to pray for the administration in its efforts to improve their standard of living. Earlier , the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Suraj Adekumbi, commended the cooperation of the executive during the defence of the budget proposals. The signing ceremony was witnessed by some of the principal of-

Oziegbe OKOEKI The sum of N491.827 billion was approved by the House as the total budget size for year 2012 which is about N6billion more than the N485.292 billion presented to the lawmakers by the governor in November. The governor requested for the additional sum of N6billion for the hosting of the 18th edition of the National Sports Festival in November 2012 and the execution of a

Ajimobi appoints coach for 3SC

OVERNOR Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State yesterday un veiled the coach of the 3SC Football Club of Ibadan with a pledge that the club would never be allowed to suffer relegation again. The new coach, Allen Andrew Festus, an indigene of River State, had been at various times Assistant Coach, Chief Coach and Technical Adviser for the New Star Football Club of Ilorin, Ranchers Bees of Kaduna and Bukola Babes Football Club of Ilorin before his new appointment. He is expected to use his wealth of experience to salvage the club and bring back its lost glory. The governor, while performing the unveiling ceremony in his office, also said that he had been in touch

with other governors in the SouthWest on the need for the zone to support 3SC. “Whether we like it or not, 3SC is a club of the whole of South-West and we must allow it to remain so,’’ he said. Sen. Ajimobi, who also handed over a brand new Renault car to the coach, expressed satisfaction with his profile, saying he had the cognate experience required for the job. He expressed the hope that being an achiever and a master of the game, Festus would be able to impact positively on the club. “3SC is our darling club, but it is unfortunate that the club has been allowed to deteriorate. Even the entire state had been at the brink of preci-

pice. We must transform the club. We must bring it back to our own standard. Never again will we allow it to suffer relegation. “We will provide all the necessary logistics, that is, funding and facilities for the club. And as our coach, you will get our support if you perform well. Try and give your best to the club, and you will be adequately rewarded,’’ the governor said. The state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Dapo Lam-Adesina, in his remarks, thanked Gov. Ajimobi for his support not only to the club, but also to his ministry. “What we met on ground was a terrible situation. The club had been drowned in the pool of relegation, but we thank the governor who has been of tremendous support,’’ he said.

HE vice-chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Alhaji Abass Oloko, has been sacked by the state government. A statement by the Special Adviser to Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Media, Dr Festus AAdedayo, explained that the sack was announced in a letter dated December 30 and addressed to Alhaji Oloko by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Akin Olajide. Alhaji Oloko reportedly engaged the chairman of the board, Alhaji Taofeek Akewugbagold, in a bloody clash on Thursday during which he (Akewugberu) was beaten to a pulp. Akewugbagold and Oloko were said to have been at each other’s throats since their appointment into the board by the state government, a situation that manifested before their departure for the last hajj and even while in the holy land. Alhaji Oloko, who was said to have complained that he was not officially informed about the peace meeting summoned by the chairman, stormed the Olodo, Ibadan secretariat of the board with people suspected to be thugs and asked them to seal off the offices to prevent the meeting from holding.

Face your oversight functions, Boroffice tells Ondo lawmakers

•Amosun ficers of the House and members of the Executive Council of the state.

Early passage of budget ‘ll facilitate development— Lagos Speaker PEAKER of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, has said that the early passage of the 2012 budget of the state by the House will enable Governor Babatunde Fashola and his team to get cracking very early in the new year, especially with construction activities. He stated this on Thursday after the House passed the 2012 Appropriation Bill presented to it by the governor on November 24.

Oyo pilgrims’ board vice-chair sacked

major project at Isalegangan. The total recurrent expenditure is N233.506 billion while the capital expenditure stands at N258.321billion. The House, however, increased the subvention of the Public Works Corporation from N3.2billion to N4billion and the overhead cost of the Assembly Service Commission from N86.400million to N96,400 million. While the sums of N612,383,191 million and N500 million were added to the overhead cost and capital expenditure of the Lagos State House of Assembly, making them N6,123,831,915 billion and N2.769 billion respectively. The sum of N909.594,266 was deducted from other personnel cost (contingency) in the Ministry of Establishments and Training and added to the personnel cost for the Primary Health Care Board for its optimal performance in the health sector. The lawmakers mandated the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget to endeavour to monitor closely the usage of the dedicated revenue domiciled with some MDAs. The relevant House committees were also directed to critically look into the accounts of the MDAs that are commercially oriented such as LTV 8, Radio Lagos/Eko FM, Lagos Printing Corporation and so on.

HE senator representing Ondo North District at the National Assembly, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, yesterday reacted to the resolution of the Ondo State House of Assembly, calling the Senate to declare his seat vacant. A statement by his media aide, Mr. Segun Odidi, Boroffice said there was nothing unconstitutional and immoral about his dumping the Labour Party (LP). He insisted that there was a protracted crisis in the state chapter of the LP, and as a result, he has moved to another party. The chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology described any effort to sack him from the Senate as a mere shadow chasing, saying his defection satisfied the section 68, subsection G1 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He tasked the state House of Assembly to face their oversight functions for which they were elected by the people in their various constituencies. He said: “The resolution of the House will not have any effect since the senator complied with all necessary procedures. The House did not pass a resolution requesting the governor to come up with the 2012 budget that is already belated.

Pa Oni passes on THE family of Pa Jacob Abolaji Oni (Alias Baba Taylor) has announced the death of Pa Oni who died on Thursday, November 17. Aged 85, his burial began on Thursday, 29 December when his body was taken from Rotab Clinic, Isanlu to his residence at Ipa Compound, Ogbe-Loko. This was followed by a wake at 5.00 p.m. Yesterday, he was committed to mother’s earth at his residence at 10 a.m. A thanksgiving service holds today at First ECWA Church, Ogbe. He is survived by wives, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, among whom are Mrs Eyiwunmi Oluwafemi.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

NEWS

Ebonyi proposes N86.9b budget for next year

BONYI State Governor, Chief Martin Elechi yesterday presented to the State House of Assembly a budget proposal of N86, 986,068,160 for the 2012 appropriation year. Presenting the budget tagged Budget of Pragmatism, Chief Elechi said it is 18 per cent higher than the 2011 revised budget, which is also the highest so far in the life of his administration. A breakdown of the proposed budget shows that the recurrent budget of N53, 258, 842,230 accounts for 61.29 per cent while N33, 637, 225 930, which is 38.71 per cent, is expected from capital receipt. Recurrent expenditure of N40.67 billion representing 40 per cent of the total expenditure was proposed while capital expenditure stands at N46.22 billion, representing 53 per cent of the proposed budget. According to the proposal, water supply and sanitation has the highest provision of N9.53 billion and accounts for 21per cent of the capital budget. Roads and electricity were allocated N9.34 billion, general administration has N7.41 billion.

Ogbonnaya OBINNA, Abakaliki Part of the money under capital project will be used to complete the two water schemes at Oferekpe and Ukawu, procure electromechanical equipment and complete the ongoing pipe-

laying from Oferekpe water works to Abakaliki metropolis. According to the proposal, Food supply has the list allocation with an appropriation of N2.03 billion, representing 5 per cent of the total budget. It is expected that the amount appropriated will

be used to complete the three rice cluster under construction by the state government. Elechi expressed optimism that the budget, when passed, would be judiciously implemented, adding that the new budget would substantially transform the state along the line of the

transformation agenda of the federal government. Responding, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chukwuma Nwanzunku, assured the governor that the budget would be speedily passed to enable him to continue the execution of his laudable projects in the state.

•Deputy senate president, Ike Ekweremadu commissioning one of his constituency projects-Umuagwu Imama 2 km road, Awgu LG Enugu state....yesterday. Pix Chris Oji

Bonga spill: Environmentalist calls for complete clean-up

N environmentalist, Prof. Emmanuel Obot, has stated that there is need for complete clean-up of the Bonga crude oil spill to protect the bio-diversity which the people depend on. Obot, the Executive Director of Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), stated this in an interview on Thursday at the Helipad of the Industrial Area (IA) of the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on his return from overfly of Bonga. Many representatives of Non-Governmental

Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourti Organisations (NGOs) overflew the Bonga Oil Field, located 120 kilometres off the coast of Bayelsa State, to access the situation. Besides the NCF, the ProNatura International (Nigeria) and the Living Faith Foundation Nigeria, among other NGOs, were involved in the overfly. Obot, who is also the Nigeria’s Executive Director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), stated that 40,000

barrels of crude oil spilled in the Bonga incident and that there was need for long time view of the spill, to monitor its possible effects. The environmentalist called for continuous watch and monitor, so that the Bonga spill does not cause more problems. He said: “The spill has been dispersed. The company (SPDC) explained to us that it used dispersant, which is a chemical material, just to break the oil into droplets and make it sink and out of sight. “So, there is no oil sleek as you expect to see, if there is a

spill at present. That says a lot aboutt response. But we have also advised that beyond the point where the oil has been taken out of sight, we should have a long time view to monitor the possible effects of the spill. “I was told the volume of the spill was about 40,000 barrels. Cause of leakage as it was explained to me, was that one of the loading nozzles fell. And we asked the question: how come substandard materials, not maintained? The answer given was that they could not say, because they had to contact the manufacturer, who

would supply information on why it suddenly failed. One out of three is quite odd. “I did not go there (Bonga) to get the company to make any promises. I went there as an environmentalist and I want to be able to advise from the environment standpoint what we expect for a complete clean up, so that it will protect the bio-diversity which people depend on. “Here we are about 120 kilometres offshore. So, if it is handled properly, I don’t think human communities at the shore will be really affected directly.’’

Labour Minister asks Abians to embrace FG’s deregulation policy

HE Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has commended the Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, and members of the state House of Assembly for keying into the deregulation policy of the federal government. He also called on all Abians to support the programme in view of the benefits derivable from it. The minister made the commendation while speaking to newsmen at his residence in Aba. He said that deregulation promotes competition, which enhances efficiency and effectiveness in the supply, distribution and sale of petroleum products at reasonable prices. He added that Nigerians will celebrate the downstream sub-sector of the oil and gas industry if it is deregulated just the way they are celebrating the telecom sector 10 years after its deregulation. Chief Wogu expressed satisfaction with the governor for the massive road reconstruction and infrastructural development going on in Aba and other parts of the state, including Ohanko, Obohia and Ukwumango among others. He also lauded the governor for opening up blocked drainage in Aba, especially the school road gutter, and appealed to residents of the town to support the exercise

Ugochukwu EKE, Umuahia as well as the removal of illegal structures in the city. He commended the governor’s approach to road reconstruction and

infrastructural development and extolled him for the improved security situation in the state. The labour and productivity minister described as unfortunate and regrettable the bomb blasts

that erupted in parts of the country on Christmas day, killing many Nigerians. He condemned the dastardly act allegedly perpetrated by the Boko Haram sect. He said it was a sad story of our national history that such

an incident happened at a time Christians were celebrating the birth of Christ. He urged Nigerians to be patient as President Goodluck Jonathan has promised that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.

Anambra community commends Obi’s peace initiatives

HE Obosi community in Anambra State has said that Governor Obi is ripe for the Nobel Prize for Peace, given the way he seeks peace in all the parts of the state without being partisan. The community’s position was made known by Chief Osita Ike after Obi was bestowed with the award of Commander of Peace in Obosi Kingdom. The community leader said

Obi had taken it upon himself to reconcile warring communities in the state, noting that his government was reaping the fruits of that reconciliation, given the tremendous development it was witnessing. Speaking at the event, the Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku said Obi was the first and only governor that

had demonstrated genuine commitment to peace in the state, especially Obosi town. He said his intervention in the town had checked the wanton destruction of lives and property the town had witnessed in a recent crisis. He assured that measures would be taken to rnsure continued peace in the community. In his own remarks, Gov. Obi

called on the people of the town to embrace peace for the restoration of its glory. He warned those fanning the embers of discord and anarchy of serious consequences if they would not mend their ways and embrace peace. He called for collective efforts among the people of the town to draw a new road map that will facilitate the rebuilding of the town to restore mutual trust.

There'll be no more oil exploration in Ogoniland unless UNEP report is implemented —Senator

HE representative of the Rivers South-East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, has said that crude oil would no longer be drilled in Ogoniland except the Federal Government urgently implements the recommendations contained in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report on Ogoni. He said Ogoni people wanted crude oil to be drilled

Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourti on their land, but the previous spills from the Shell Petroleum Development Company’s (SPDC’s) facilities must first be cleaned, Benzene-free water provided for the people and the local economy supported. “UNEP’s report is the issue on the table now and must be holistically addressed,” he de-

clared. Abe, who is also a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), disclosed that there are requests for the creation of 40 new states before the National Assembly, but none would be created, saying most of the existing states are not viable and should be merged. He said 73 per cent of Nigeria’s resources are spent on recurrent expenditure, with internal debt standing at N7.5 tril-

lion, declaring that those requesting new states wanted to get crude oil money from the Niger Delta, to develop their villages. The legislator insisted that the nation did not have resources to spend on things that would not yield profit, while stressing that the proposed Bori State (involving Ogoni) to be created out of the present Rivers State would be viable, in view of the area’s riches in crude oil and gas.

APGA members pass confidence vote on Umeh MEMBERS of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) have passed a vote of confidence on their National Chairman, Sir Victor Umeh, after warning other members to desist from running the image of the party and its national officers down. The confidence vote came on the heels of purported call by some stakeholders, led by Governor Peter Obi’s aide on parks and market, Chief Sylvester Nwaobualor, on Umeh to resign. In a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the National conference of Stakeholders Forum of APGA, endorsed by the National Coordinator of the forum, Chief George Okereke; the Secretary, Alhaji Sani Usman and the Publicity Secretary, Hon Dr Femi Omosowon, the forum passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of Umeh and reminded members that the constitution stipulated means and processes of removing a national officer of the party. and therefore rascality should not be introduced into the party.

IPMAN, PTD give NNPC 14-day ultimatum over PPMC Aba depot THE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), NNPC Depot, Osisioma, Aba, Abia State have given the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) through its subsidiary, Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a 14-day ultimatum to pump petroleum products to Aba depot or risk all filling stations in the South East being shut down and the services of the tanker drivers withdrawn. The action, which could have started last Friday, was believed to have been shifted to January 6, 2012 owing to the intervention of the Abia State Commissioner for Petroleum, Akujuobi Nkoro, who pleaded with members of the two associations to suspend their planned strike so that people would not suffer during the festive period. Nkoro urged them to allow the government time to sort out things with Abuja and both NNPC and PPMC over their grievances. In a joint communiqué issued after their meeting in Aba , IPMAN and PTD said sometime in 2006, PPMC, Aba depot was cut off from supply of petroleum products through its lines and the reason PPMC gave then was the activities of vandals. They said that over the period, they had met all the conditions given to them by the NNPC through the PPMC under which petroleum products would be pumped to Aba depot from the Port Harcourt refinery (a distance of 54 kilometres).

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

T was US President from 1933 to 1945, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who called the day the Japanese air force bombed Pearl Habor and dragged the US into the second world war [1939-1945] a day of infamy. FDR as he was fondly called then was US president at the height of led the US through recovery from the global recession of 1929 to 1933 which was so reminiscent in terms of hardship to the present global melt down that has made the leading economies of the world today prostrate and impotent in making economic resources meet the needs and expectations of their various electorates. The year 2011 in political, economic and financial terms was a year of infamy not only for the global community which through information technology has become a global village, very aware of what is going on in any part of the world but the entire world. This is especially so for Nigeria which hitherto has been known for the peace and tranquility of its environment and people. For Nigeria the seed of infamy was planted in the failed effort of the Nigerian called , Mutallab the pant bomber whose cruel bomb failed to detonate and thus saved the lives of 300 passengers on a flight over Detroit on Xmas day in 2010. We all lamented then that Mutallab’s action was an isolated event and un-Nigerian. Since then Boko Haram has bombed Abuja on Independence day 2011 at our 50 th independence Anniversary. It has again this 2011 Xmas day bombed Churches in the North in Damaturu and Jos. Worse still, its agents and spokesmen have claimed responsibility but no one has been arrested and no punitive action has been contemplated. What we have had instead is the report that the National Security Adviser has said that the security chiefs can not be replaced because of Boko Haram which he said is a problem of the system. Also the Sultan of Sokoto reportedly visited the President and later disowned and lambasted Boko Haram as not being any part of Islam which forbids the killing of innocent people. Similarly the head of the Christian (CAN) has warned that Xtians can not stand by while Churches are being bombed especially at Xmas or even at any time for that matter. There is certainly so much hand wringing and lamentation from all stake holders in the situation. But the image of Nigeria as a peaceful nation or a haven of peace loving people has been damaged for ever with the gruesome pictures of the bombed churches and victims top of global news in the last few days and certainly staying there for the foreseeable future. Worse still , a new year anywhere should usher in fresh hope for a better future. Definitely insecurity makes that an impossibility in this coming year in Nigeria for the simple reason that the rumor is rife that Boko Haram has threatened to strike on New Year’s day which is tomor-

Year of infamy gives way to uncertainty

row. Churches have been asked to purchase metal detectors which ultimately will place another financial burden on worshippers as they will have to pay not only to secure spiritual salvation as they are used to, but also physical security to prevent annihilation from bombs in their various places of worship. Yet it is the duty of government any where in the world to use all the resources at its disposal including force which the Nigerian state has in abundance given its huge military complex and unprecedented high security budget allocation. Despite all these however the government looks like a paper tiger before a rampaging and uncontrollable Boko Haram So in all ramifications then one can say 2011 was a year of infamy and one can say good riddance to bad rubbish. But can one really say that with confidence in Nigeria given the menace of Boko Haram and its boast on this coming New Year’s day? We have only hours to know an answer to that. Let me say however that Nigeria was not alone as I mentioned earlier in its experience over the passing year of infamy. The euro zone cannot wait for this year to pass . So also the USA. For this was the year when the unthinkable happened when Iran threatened this week to close the Straits of Homuz in the Persian Gulf to naval transportation.

In Asia especially Pakistan and Afghanistan it was a year of murder mayhem and betrayal of trusts . Natural disasters in Japan and the Pacific showed how nature can make science simply impotent and even dangerous to humanity. Globally, the absence of a balance of terror and deterrence made the world more unsafe and insecure in the year of infamy .I will illustrate this first with the threat of Iran over the Straits of Homuz. It is an open but unspoken axiom of diplomacy and international trade that oil is the engine and power house of the world economy . Even with the advent of Information technology and the virtual world of the internet, oil still dominates the quest for world power. That explains why the Chinese are roaming all over the world to sign juicy oil contracts to satisfy both their local and foreign demands, open up cities, build railways and airports to have access to the minerals of the world, especially oil so that China can match the US and Western Europe in terms of any unexpected mobility and deployment of its troops and resources when conflict situations arise. In this regard the Strait of Homuz has always been the lifeline of oil flow to the west and one of huge strategic and military importance. It was to protect it that the first and second Gulf Wars were fought. It was because of it that the west

propped up the dictatorship of a Sunni minority led by Saddam Hussein over the Shiite majority in Iraq for decades. It was to protect it that the West supported Saddam in his seven year war of attrition with Iran under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Iran’s Supreme ruler who sent the Shah of Iran, then the US major ally in the Gulf , scampering across the Gulf to exile in Europe. So it was a rude shock to the US when the Head of the Iranian navy confirmed that it would be easy for Iran to block this vital artery of oil supply to the west. Iran claims it would do this because of the US led sanctions over its nuclear electricity program . Already the Iranians have been taken seriously by US allies in the area as Saudi Arabia has already promised to supply oil in default of the blockade effect . Iraq is already looking for alternative sources of oil . But the US navy has simply reacted by saying that it has the means to protect free transportation in the Straits of Homuz. All these are potent and ominous signs of a looming war in the Gulf and they could only have happened in the year of infamy that 2011 was . A year that seems to be telling the world even at its bloody exit, like Attila the Hun the invader of Europe who said on approaching Ancient Rome that-there, where I have passed the grass will not grow again.

Another nation where the specter of uncertainty looms in 2012 like Nigeria is Pakistan . But Pakistan is a Muslim nation unlike Nigeria which is secular and is said to have a Muslim north and a Christian south . But religion is not at the heart of my comparison of the two nations but leadership. Also Pakistan is neck deep in terrorism and its containment and has had to take money from the US to get Al Qada’s leader Bin Laden . Something it could not do until the US did it itself and that has led to name calling and undiplomatic language between leaders of the US and Pakistan . My intention here however is for Nigerian leaders to learn from Pakistan’s example and curb religious extremism before it destroys the Nigerian nation. First, Pakistan is a democracy and there are many extremist religious groups in the nation but these extremists have never won a major election in Pakistan which has always been led by western educated elite who are also Muslims . But the army has always been there as the referee monitoring the politicians’ excesses and making coups and withdrawing when they become unpopular like politicians and vice versa. Until the war on terror came after 9/11 and the US asked Pakistan to help it look for Bin Laden in Pakistan’s border mountains with Afghanistan . Pakistan was under military rule then and the politicians persuaded the new paymaster -US- to oust the general in power and replace him with democrats or politicians. Ever since both politicians and soldiers have lost face with the Pakistani people because they could not really face the ordinary Pakistan and say they will find Bin Laden. Yet the US funds have kept the Pakistani economy running since the war on terror started. Now the civilian president has been exposed as writing a letter to the US ask-

ing for pressure on the generals not to plan a coup and take over in Pakistan. The truth however is that the army itself does not have the nerve for a coup with the disgrace of the US picking up Bin Laden in a military town after the Pakistani military had claimed they could not locate him .So for a different reason 2011 was a year of infamy for Pakistan and the incoming one that of uncertainty. However, the disturbing analogy with the Nigerian situation is the US funds taken by Pakistan and the attendant insults from the US for money taken for services not rendered. Similarly for Nigeria, the IMF connection, the so called approval of the Nigerian government budget by a visiting IMF MD Christine Lagarde as well as the modus operandi of the Economic Management team in Nigeria, have the grave potential to bring opprobrium on the present administration if the fuel subsidy is removed as this government seems determined to do. The rationale that the economy is being reformed and made more competitive and market oriented is far fetched an does not jell. This is because the results of the fuel subsidy removal are predictable hardship and suffering which the government has admitted but is asking for understanding-an unaffordable and extravagant commodity for the highly impoverished and insecure Nigerian of 2011 facing the bleak , more insecure and uncertain prospect of 2012. Which reminds one again of the suspicion of the Pakistani leadership by the Pakistani people over the rationale for taking money from the US to find Bin Laden in the first instance. A situation which has created an uncertain new year for the Pakistani nation. Just as the subsidy removal is bound to in Nigeria, in addition to the bloody menace of Boko Haram. Happy New Year.

10 COMMENTARY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Our bloody Christmas of body bags Knucklehead

AVING gone through the checks mounted by the church’s security team, I was still trying to look for a convenient parking space when the deep voice of ‘Expensive’, the celebrated broadcaster on Wazobia FM, Abuja, boomed on the radio last Sunday. Somehow, the broadcaster’s voice was shaky and that was quite unusual. Even in his presentation of the Sunday devotional programme, ‘Expensive’ has never failed to add some panache and fun as he dissects issues of faith and spirituality. But that morning, all that was missing as he announced the tragedy that had just befallen Christian faithful at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla, a suburb in Niger State which shares a common border with the Federal Capital Territory. He said the forces of darkness had just detonated yet another bomb within the premises of the church during the Christmas early morning mass and that reports reaching the studio indicated that dead bodies littered the streets. For some moments, I was transfixed. Who, on this mother earth, would take pleasure in inflicting such tears, blood and sorrow in the comity of His faithful on Christmas Day? Did the Lord also create these demented souls? Does blood run in their veins? For one, I knew that was the end of the day’s church service. I barely managed to listen to the sermon of Rt. Rev. Duke Akamisoko of the Diocese of Kubwa Archdeaconry before dashing to Madalla, to cover the tragic event. Of course, I warned members of my family to remain indoors throughout. No picnic, no outing. It was one duty call that I had wished never happened. But, in this job, I have learnt how to put my emotions and sentiments aside. And so, I braved the odds with other journalists to meander our way through the various barricades, to witness the canvass of blood. Even the steel-hearted would grief over the mass murder of innocent worshippers who had simply filed out in a celebratory mood to thank God for sparing their lives to witness yet another Christmas, with the hope of starting afresh in 2012. They had looked forward to sharing meals with their families, going on picnics and trading banters on a day set aside to celebrate the birth of Christ. Unknown to them, the forces of darkness had a different plan. The enemies, who came to steal, kill and destroy, had marked out that glorious day to attack the children of He who came into this world to give life and give it more abundantly. It was a devastation that could only have emanated from the darkest of hearts. I am yet to decipher how anyone with a shade of religiosity in him would have the presence of mind to carry out such hideous carnage. Surely, God did not send the Madalla suicide bomber, whatever his faith, on errand. He was not a religionist but a man of terror who had no place in His heavenly glories. He couldn’t have been a Muslim because peace was far from his warped mind in unleashing that unprovoked attack. By the time this thief in the night finished with his dastardly act, he took along with him the three valiant policemen who tried to stop him from ramming his explosive-laden ‘clean Toyota Camry car’ into the surging crowd of worshippers. Oncoming vehicles, both personal and commercial, their passengers and commercial motorcyclists were not spared. More than 40 adjoining buildings suffered the impact of the blast and blazing fire enveloped the scene. Dismembered and bleached human parts littered different sections of the road as the anguished wail of sympathisers pierced the cacophonous umbrage from the protesting youth who

were baying for reprisal. Wherever you looked, gloom was painted in scary colours. Men shook their heads. Women cried blood. Burnt bibles, rosaries and chaplets cluttered the ground. Rescue workers were overwhelmed with emotions as the body bags piled up. It was not surprising that the head of the rescue team announced that all the 25 body bags brought to the scene had been exhausted in one fell swoop. It was a bloody Christmas of body bags! It was the day Paul Ehis, Joseph Igbla, Inspector Titus Eze; Sgt. Kadiri Danjuma; Chioma Obiukwu, Ifeoma Obiukwu; Uchechukwu Obiukwu, Chidinma Obiukwu, Francis Maduka, Jennifer Maduka and an unnamed oneyear-old child breathed their last. The faceless suicide bomber also murdered several yet-to-be-identified Nigerians who had the ill-luck of being at the right place at the wrong time. They include passers-by and passengers in commercial buses and motorcycles plying the road on the ill-fated day. The Christian faithful could have been targeted for death, but hordes of Muslims also died in the blast. So, what could be the motive? With official figures of the dead currently put at 43 while scores of others are in various degrees of pain on hospital beds, no one is sure of the number of those that are yet to be accounted for as the search for the missing continues. On that dark Sunday, many families were completely torn into shreds. Laughter disappeared from many homes. Joy was abridged. The supremacy of good triumphing over evil was put to question. There were also inspiring tales of hope and faith amidst the hollowness. There were stories of miraculous escapes and thanksgiving in spite of the grief. There was a reason to smile and hope for a better future when the forces of darkness would take a final lap of infamy. Who can understand the ways of the Lord? None. But, in all of this, the agonizing story of Nancy Maduka stood out. The 13-year-old was lucky to be alive. By sheer providence, she bluntly refused to follow her parents to early morning mass at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla that day. She opted for some beauty routine at the hairdresser’s. She was still there when the deafening sound of the blast jerked her into reality. With hope etched on her face, she rushed to the direction of the church to seek refuge under the loving care of her family members. That family re-union was never going to take place again. Nancy’s parents and three elder sisters were the first casualties of the blast. This is her story: “As I was about entering the church, and was making enquiry, I saw somebody lying on the ground, dead. I know my dad’s car; everybody in the car was dead. The first person I identified was one of my sisters; she was dried up by the fire from the explosion. I saw my parents in the front seat, and they were all burnt in the car. I lost all; my parents, my sisters. I lost all. I was crying because I can see a bleak future ahead of me. Where do I go from where I am? I was not only confused; I initially felt all hope was lost. The only thing I recalled was that some people came and dragged me away from my father’s burnt car.” A 13-year-old just became homeless, fatherless, motherless, orphaned and without any sibling in just one moment of sickening madness! How cruel can life be. Still, when journalists met her a day after the Christmas of body bags where five churches across some states in the North were targeted by arsonists, Nancy still holds on to her unshaken faith in the Almighty God. This sole survivor of a family of six took her loss with a mixture of philosophical equanimity and religious piety. Her words: “I don’t know

With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913

why this happened, but since this is the way the good Lord wants it, let it be. All I know is that all hope is not lost. I strongly believe this is not the end of the world for me. I know God has a plan for me to have spared my life.” What else would she cling to in this moment of tragic impulse if not hope and faith? At least she is wise enough to know the futility of holding on to man’s promises. Many would promise to come to her aid but they would soon disappear into thin air with their fake promises. She must have read through the plasticity of those who offer platitudinous ranting each time the terrorist strikes. When they say terrorism is a burden we all have to live with for some time and that it will not last forever, are they asking the likes of Nancy to chew their pains in sombre acceptance of the fate that has befallen them? When they promise to apprehend the perpetrators each time the bombs maim and kill, do they expect Nancy to believe them? And would that bring back the laughter that was cruelly taken away from her life on that dark Sunday? I had earlier confessed to putting emotions and sentiments aside in carrying the arduous task of reporting from the danger zone. Yet, I couldn’t help but allow the teardrops to flow freely when I came in contact with Mrs. Chioma Dike, who lost her husband and five children in the blast. As she struggled to tell her story of how hell was visited on her family, the tears flowed freely. Obviously, she had no more to spare. But those that gathered at the church on Tuesday morning, when the Niger State Governor, Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu, visited the bomb scene, had plenty to release. She had thought all the members of her family would return from church to eat the sumptuous meals she had prepared to celebrate Christmas. They never did. All of them were burnt to ashes. Now, Chioma is all alone without a husband or just one child to console her. At the point when would, ordinarily, have been singing the redemptive song of Christ, she has been forced to sing songs of lamentation, moaning: “I have lost my husband and my children. I have lost all. My life is empty and void. I don’t know where to go now. No husband and no child; where do I start my life? What is my future? Please, let the President and the Governor help me look for my family members. Somebody should tell me I am dreaming.” Pity, it is not a dream. If it were a dream, the teardrops would not be flowing as I write this. If it were a dream, many of us wouldn’t be toying with the idea of staying at home to observe the New Year eve prayers at the family’s altars. But that is the reality of the burden that those who govern us say we must have to live with until they wake from the drudgery of a do-nothing poise. Welcome to our world – an incomprehensible puzzle made even worse by senseless terrorists and insensitive leadership! Oh, what a country!

Reactions to Saturday Flakes Re: Power Minister and his infamous declaration

•Nnaji •It is good that you people at The Nation are beginning to understand or even have a taste of what the PHCN staff have/are being subjected to all this while. It has been lies upon lies and deceit upon deceit from

Nnaji. The popular belief out there is that the PHCN staff is the problem of electricity in the country. Now, how much can you do if you were still to be working with an old rickety typewriter as a reporter? These days, the professor has decided to take the staff on a psychological warfare, and so is the government. Up until this moment, monetisation arrears are still for staff with even legitimate complaints. The other day, the professor went to town with the lie that arrears of 50 per cent salary increase would be paid only if biometric was done. It is over a month now that biometric was concluded, but has any PHCN employee received the money? Have you paid a visit to any PHCN office, especially the outstations that come in direct contact with customers? Can you in all honesty agree

to work in that kind of environment? So much for propanganda. Let the prof shape up or ship out. 081898035.. •May God forgive Nnaji of his blasphemy. Our estate in Ilesa has been marked for constant blackout even as I am writing. There has been no light to celebrate Christmas. 080512756.. •Your write-up on the Power Minister revealed the level of our leaders’ failure. Well, for your information, I have a beautiful Firel Fire 080709020.. •May we get leaders who can sail us through. Where else do we pick the minister outside academics if Prof Barth

Nnaji is also doing this to us? Just as I was reading your piece on Bath Nnaji’s infamous declaration io Kaduna,, sounds of generator from the auto-spray man and that of the gate and door welder at my auto-technician workshop at Eleyele, Ibadan would not make me enjoy my reading. That is to butress the unautheticity of powerlessness of our electriity the Power Minister assereted in Kaduna. What the past and present power ministers have not made us to understand is whether Nigerians asked them to generate higher megawatts and distribute less! Libya, before Gaddafi’s death, was producing 22,000,000 megawatts. When shall Nigeria develop and stop crawling? Togo, our junior, is not dragging and lagging this way. Lanre Oseni, Lagos.

Weekend

PEOPLE THE NATION, Saturday, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Relat io

nship

2011: Farewell to year

in retrospect

Abandoned with six children by her husband, 51-year-old woman battles to save daughter from total blindness Feature/ 47

Life as my mother's only child - Miss Nigeria

Life & style 41

Screen/ 23

of disasters

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

2011 REVIEW

PROLOGUE As the vestiges of 2011 recede into the bowels of history and Nigerians besiege places of worship tonight to welcome the New Year, one of the items on their supplication agenda may read like: Oh God, may we no longer encounter a year like 2011. 2011. What a year! A year of anomie. A year steeped in so much trouble. It has been one long nightmare. It first read like a surreal fib, much like those phantom scenes you view in Hollywood thrillers: a group of people from a corner of the country woke up one day and said: To hell with western education! No qualms. In a free society like ours, anybody can vent his spleen on anything he feels strongly about, as long as he does so within the ambit of the law. But not so for the anti-western education elements. They began to vent their anger, first against the minions of the law and security formations in the north-east states of Borno and Bauchi and then gradually, Yobe. Next, they extended their operations beyond the northeast, to other government institutions, places of worship (mostly churches) and those they perceive as spies. Then, they began to fiddle with bombs, spilling fire, blood and tears. Today, that menace, which expresses itself in Boko Haram (Western education is sin) and which insidiously crept into the polity, has burrowed into the national psyche and honed itself so much that it has begun to do all manner of acrobatics with national existence. And everybody is caught napping. Boko Haram, the latest vocabulary in our political lexicon, has cousins in sectarian violence, robberies and kidnappings (which has assumed the toga of an industry), all of which have combined to steal precious sleep from the eyelids of Nigerians. No part of our national life is spared this cancerous tar which has desecrated the national altar. The debate is still raging as to the propriety or otherwise of removing what government says is subsidy on petroleum products. The polity is heated up as a result. Smarting from spiralling unemployment bogey, youths are restive all over and the proverbial devil is busy finding jobs for the legions of idle hands! Avoidable accidents daily send tens of hundreds to their untimely graves due to the virtual collapse of roads and other social infrastructure. It is like a nation at war with itself. This is the tragic spectacle that confronts the nation as we bid 2011 farewell and, in spite of the gloom, look forward to 2012 with hope.

Bombings, riots: Harvest of

•Scene of the Christmas Day bombing in Madalla, Niger State

•A victim of the Christmas Day bombing being re

•A building torched in Kano during the violence

•A house set ablaze in Kaduna during the April po

ERTAINLY, no year has been as terrible as 2011 in terms of bombings and terrorism. The year was ushered in on January 1 with a taste of what was to come when a bomb went off at a mammy market in an Army Barracks in Abuja. The unprecedented indiscriminate bomb blasts and explosions in virtually every corner of northern Nigeria marked the year as a year of the bomber. The major ones include the bombing of the UN building, that of the Police headquarters in Abuja, the two bomb blasts in Suleja, Niger State and others. On April 8, the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Suleja was bombed, leaving 11 people dead. Niger State was in the news again on Christmas Day as the bombers targeted St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, in Madalla, near Abuja. As at the time of writing

Augustine AVWODE, Assistant Editor

this report, 40 people have been confirmed dead. In mid year, what could be described as an audacious move happened when the Boko Haram sect, which had claimed responsibility for all the bombings, targeted the national headquarters of the Nigeria Police on June 16. Many cars were completely burnt and two lives lost in it. Barely two months after on August 26, a suicidal bomber targeted the UN building in Abuja, killing many. That singular incident effectively branded Nigeria as a possible terrorist country in the eyes of the international community. Apart from these major ones, on April 7, an explosion hit a polling booth at Unguwar Doki, Maiduguri, Borno State, injuring more than 10 people. On April 25, three bomb blasts

ripped through Tudu Palace Hotel and Kano Motor Park in Maidugri, Borno State and on May 28, more than 10 people died and 40 were injured after a blast occurred at the mammy market of Shandawanka Barracks in Bauchi, the Bauchi State capital. On December 7, a heavy explosion occurred at Oria Apata along Katsina Road by Ogbosho Street, opposite the former Scala Cinema. The list seems to be endless. The most biting effect of the bombing spree that rocked the country in 2011 was the unusual steps taken by President Goodluck Jonathan on Independence Day. Unlike past Independence Day celebrations, where the presidential change of guards was conducted in an open arena, President Goodluck Jonathan this time around led other dignitaries to witness the commemorative parade at the Presidential Villa,

Abuja. The low-keyed event was held at the forecourt of the villa. It was conducted by two battalions of the presidential guards brigade the 177 Battalion based in Keffi and the Seventh Guards Battalion, Abuja. The strictly military event was held amidst fears of possible fresh bomb blasts in some parts of the Federal Capital Territory. In 2010, two bomb blasts rocked the neighbourhood of the Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of the nation’s 50th independence anniversary celebration with the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) claiming responsibility; although, a faction of MEND later countered. Many saw the decision of the government to make the ceremony quiet and hold the parade in the presidential villa as a way of avoiding the embarrassment, which another bomb blast might

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

XMAS DAY BOMBING

blood and tears

Day bombing being rescued

una during the April post-election violence

cause the nation. But in justifying the decision, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, had said that the government did not bow to the threats of a faction of MEND, which had threatened another blast. Rather, Maku attributed the low-key nature of the anniversary to the fact that Nigeria had cause to hold two huge national events - the 50th independence anniversary in 2010 and the May 29, 2011 presidential inauguration that attracted world leaders in the last one year. A twin-sister to the bogey of bombings was the violence that overtook the northern part of the country during the April general election s. Worst hit by the violence were Kaduna, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states, where supporters, mostly youths, of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) took to the streets to protest what they alleged to be the rigging of the presidential elec-

tion. Scores of people were killed, while hundreds became refugees during the crisis. The most heartrending aspect of the violence was the killing of 10 corps members who were used as electoral personnel in Bauchi. The callous murder of the corps members expectedly stirred emotions across the country and, in fact, adversely affected the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Many actually called for the outright scrapping of the scheme, which they had outlived its establishment. The emotional outburst was accentuated by the murder of three corps members last year in Jos, Plateau State. The Federal Government acknowledged the grim situation and promised to review the scheme in view of the new reality. As part of that review, posting to the volatile states of Bauchi, Borno and Yobe has been suspended till further notice.

2011 REVIEW

April general elections: Upsets, defining moments

EAR 2011 broke on the nation with politicking all over the land as different political parties in the country were neck deep in their party primaries in a bid to pick the right candidates for the April general elections that were just about four months away then. The general elections can, therefore, be said to be the single most important thing that marked the first half of the year as elections and electoral related matters dominated the landscape. The elections held in April and were adjudged both locally and internationally as ‘relatively free and fair’. But that seemingly encouraging verdict was to be overshadowed by a bloody postelection violence that rocked parts of the north, leaving many dead and properties destroyed. But by far the most painful was the death of youth corps members who had been deployed as ad-hoc staff of the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Emergence of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan The elections surprisingly altered the political map of the country significantly. At the centre, the Peoples Democratic Party (PD) still won the presidency but with a remarkable change as the South-South for the first time produced the president in the person of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. He had been president though since the untimely death of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, the man with whom he had moved into Aso Villa as vice president in 2007. But his victory was preceded by a viciously fought primary in the PDP between the forces of zoning and those who felt Jonathan had the right as guaranteed by the constitution to seek election irrespective of the internal arrangement by the PDP. Even thought the party won the presidency, that struggle left a deep-seated animosity fuelled by a big sense of betrayal in it. This is all the more so given the way Jonathan was able to roundly defeat the consensus machinery floated by some northern elements in the party. And new governors, too The April general elections produced eight new governors. They are: Umaru Tanko AlMakura, Nasarawa State; Kano’s Rabiu Kwakwanso, who was governor of the state between 1999 and 2003; Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State; AbdulFatah Ahmed, Kwara; Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun State; Kashim Shettima, Borno; Ibrahim Dankwambo, Gombe and Yobe’s Ibrahim Gaidam who was elected for the first time as governor but had assumed office two years ago on the death of the former governor of the state, Senator Ali Mamman, to whom he was deputy. Tambuwal ‘Peoples Speaker’ emerged On June 6, the leadership of the ruling party, the PDP suffered a

•Jonathan

•Adeola-Akande

•Ajimobi

•Shettima Augustine AVWODE, Assistant Editor

crushing defeat and was disgraced as members of the 7th House of Representatives defied its directive on zoning and elected a Speaker and Deputy Speaker of their choice, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto) and Emeka Ihedioha (PDP, Imo) respectively. The duo were elected in the presence of the party’s Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Haliru Mohammed Bello, former Board of Trustees (BoT) chairman, Chief Tony Anenih, Secretary to

•Tambuwal

•Amosun

•Al-Makura

•Okorocha Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim and some state governors. Their presence could not deter the lawmakers from going ahead with their decision to elect who they called the ‘people’s speaker’, as they successfully jettisoned the party’s directive and picked candidates of their choice. Tambuwal defeated his only challenger, Hon. Mulikat AdeolaAkande, the PDP anointed candidate by 252 to 90 votes in an election that lasted for almost four •Continued on Page 17

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

2011 REVIEW

Judiciary on trial: Katsina-Alu vs. Salami T

HE Judiciary experienced what many have termed its worst travail ever this year. For the first time in the nation’s judicial history, two most senior judicial officers in the country engaged in what has been aptly described as an act of public cleansing of dirty linen. Then Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Aloysius KatsinaAlu and now suspended President, Court of Appeal (PCA), Justice Isa Ayo Salami, engaged each other in public exchanges that ruptured the much vaunted judicial integrity and sanctity, occasioning damages now threatening the continued relevance of the court system. The acrimony between Justice Katsina-Alu and Justice Salami blew open when the former reportedly made moves to intervene in the Court of Appeal’s handling of the governorship appeal petitions, arising from the disputes over the 2007 elections in Sokoto, Ekiti and Osun states. The then CJN’s decision to ‘arrest’ the judgment in the Sokoto State’s case stirred the crisis, which many believed actually commenced with the Appeal Court’s decisions in the Ekiti and Osun states’s cases. Shortly after the Court of Appeal panels handed down its decisions in the Osun and Ekiti governorship election disputes, some aggrieved members of the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) launched a well orchestrated campaign aimed at rubbishing the integrity of Justices of the Court of Appeal. A group led by then Senator Iyiola Omisore (PDP, Osun State) published an advertorial in a national newspaper entitled “Osun appeal judgment: an elaborate fraud”, querying the integrity and character of Appeal Court’s Justices. As if taking a cue from the Omisore group, two lawyersYahaya Mahmood of Arewa Chambers, Kaduna and Mr. Alfred N. Agu of Renaissance Practitioners, Abuja, petitioned the CJN, querying the integrity of Justice Salami and the Justices of the Court of Appeal, who sat on the appeal arising from the verdict of the Sokoto governorship election dispute. Upon receipt of the two petitions, Justice Katsina-Alu, on February 18, 2010 met with Justice Salami, in what later became the initial subtle move by the then CJN to sway Justice Salami’s mind on the need by the Court of Appeal to stay action on the judgment slated for February 24, 2010 in Sokoto Governorship Appeal. Determined to make his point, the CJN, on February 19, 2010, wrote to the Justices of the Court of Appeal, stopping proceedings in the case, pending investigation and determination of the petitions. Katsina-Alu had argued that since one of the parties had alleged bias, it was necessary to look into the issues raised in the petitions by Mahmood and Agu. Salami responded via memo to the CJN on 22/2/2010, detailing all that had transpired between him and the then CJN, alleging underhand moves to scuttled the Court of Appeal’s resolve to do justice in the Sokoto case.

•Justice Katsina-Alu Eric IKHILAE

For an unexplained reason, the Court of Appeal yielded to Justice Katsina-Alu, suspending its scheduled judgment. Moved by public reactions to all occurrences that culminated in the suspension of the judgment, the National Judicial Council (NJC) was forced to raise a panel, headed by a retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Bolarinwa Babalakin, to look into the case, especially the petitions from Mahmood and Agu. Other members of the panel were: Justice A. B Wali, Justice Anthony Iguh, Justice Emmanuel Olayinka Ayoola, former Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and a onetime president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Mustapha Akanbi. In its report on a March 8, 2010, the Babalakin committee, among others, found that Katsina-Alu was in error in ordering the arrest of the Court of Appeal decision in the Sokoto case. It stated that “The CJN, as the chairman of the NJC, has no power to interfere with any proceedings in any court as was done in this case.” When all thought that was the end, many were unaware of a subterranean move to “push” Justice Salami off his seat, a move that became public on February 4, 2011 when he rejected a curious offer to promote him to the Supreme Court by the CJN.

•Justice Salami

Salami, who wrote a letter to the CJN, warned against an ‘unholy move’ to push him out of the Court of Appeal as its President. He asked the CJN to avoid any action that could create a dangerous precedent for the nation’s judiciary. He went to court to challenge that move. Again, the NJC on March 9, 2011 raised a five-man panel, headed by a former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Umaru Abdullahi. Other members of the panel were: Justice E.O. Ayoola; Justice D.O. Edozie; Justice M.E. Akpiroroh; and Mrs. Rakiya Sarki Ibrahim. The panel was given an expanded mandate following fresh petitions against some Justices of the Court of Appeal who sat on the Governorship Appeal election petitions in Ekiti and Osun states. The petitioners were exGovernors Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Segun Oni and the PDP in Osun State. The ex-governors had alleged that Salami had a relationship with the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its leaders. They submitted some purported MTN call logs in a bid to sustain their claim that Justice Salami allegedly took side with their opposition. When it came out with its report, the Umaru Abdullahi’s Fact-Finding panel chose not to rock the boat by maintaining a middle ground. It gave both gladiators a clean bill of health. Al-

most at the same time, the panel set up by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to investigate the matter, released its report which indicted the CJN and the two lawyers, Agu and Mahmood. The Chief Thompson Okpokoled 12-man NBA panel faulted the CJN’s action in arresting the Court of Appeal judgment on Sokoto Governorship Election Appeal. Not satisfied with the report of the Justice Abdullahi-panel, the NJC raised a review panel under the chairmanship of the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, to review the findings of Abdullahi’s panel and make recommendations. In its August 10, 2011 report, the Auta committee exonerated the CJN from any blame and entered a guilty verdict against Justice Salami. It found Salami guilty of purportedly making false claims against Justice Katsina-Alu, holding that such act amounted to misconduct contrary to Rule 1(1) of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Auta committee ordered Justice Salami to apologise, in writing, to both the CJN and the NJC within a week, failing which he would be subjected punitive actions.At the expiration of the deadline on August 18, the NJC recommended the sack of Justice Salami for alleged insubordination. He was directed to proceed on compulsory suspension pend-

ing when President Goodluck Jonathan would approve the Council’s recommendations. He was also directed to handover to the most senior justice of the Court of Appeal. As if working to achieve a predetermined goal, President Jonathan approved the recommendations, even on a Sunday. While the NJC was busy with its committees, Salami headed for the court with a suit seeking the setting aside of the proceeding and findings of the investigation panel headed by Justice Umaru Abdullahi (retired) and the recommendation of the panel headed by Justice Ibrahim Auta. He asked the court to declare that the setting up of the NJC Investigation Committee and its composition were in gross violation of the principles of natural justice, and his constitutionally guaranteed right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the Constitution and is therefore unconstitutional, null and void. He listed as defendants: the NJC, Justices Dahiru Musdapher; Katsina-Alu; Umaru Abdullahi; Emmanuel Ayoola; Dominic Edozie and Justice Michael Akpiroroh. Others are Mrs. Rakia Sarki Ibrahim; Justices Ibrahim Ndahi Auta; Kate Abiri; and Peter Umeadi. Less than a week after the NJC, presided over by Justice Dahiru Musdapher found him guilty of professional misconduct and directed him to tender unreserved apology, Justice Salami again returned to the court, seeking, among others, an order quashing the verdict of the Council. Justice Salami, in a supporting affidavit, insisted that he stood by his allegation against the CJN to the effect that he asked him to give judgment in favour of the sitting governor in the Sokoto State governorship election dispute. He argued that his allegation against the CJN was beyond what NJC could handle. Specifically, Justice Salami is contending that the NJC, as constituted, has no powers under the law to make findings from allegations made under oath before a law court, describing the Council as a mere administrative body. Justice Salami contended that the two panels set up by Justice Dahiru Musdapher-led NJC breached the age-long principle of fair hearing in the course of discharging their duties and that the entire proceedings conducted by the Justice Abdullahi Umaruled probe panel and the Justice Ibrahim Auta-led panel were invalid. It is also his contention that, assuming both panels were legal, and gave parties fair hearing, their findings and the verdict of the NJC on the issue were against the weight of evidence before it. He argued that it is only a law court that is competent to pronounce on the facts pleaded in his affidavit wherein he accused the CJN of interfering with the proceedings of the Sokoto State governorship election dispute The case now pending before Justice Donatus Okorowo of the Federal High Court, Abuja is yet to proceed beyond its preliminary stage. It has been adjourned to early next year.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

2011 REVIEW

2011 was a year death ran amok, visiting its fury on all sectors. Sports, economy, business, politics, entertainment all lost one or two prominent members. Strangely, it would seem as if death chose two days of the week, Sundays and Thursdays, to unleash its fury.

‘Oh death, where is thy sting?’

Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu An era ended in Nigeria’s history with the death on November 26 of the former Biafran leader, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu. Before his demise on November 26, there had been rumours that he was dead. But like the warlord that he was, he bounced back on each occasion. His health later deteriorated and he had to be flown to Royal Berkshire Hospital, UK, where he died. His death is believed to have created a vacuum in the leadership of Igbo nation. He was the voice and rallying factor among the Igbo people before he passed on in a London hospital. It will probably take the Igbo nation many years to produce another charismatic leader like the Ikemba Nnewi. Augustus Aikhomu Former Chief of General Staff in the Ibrahim Babangida regime, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, died on a day many people would regard as an anti-climax. Known for his unflinching support for the former Military President, Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Aikhomu died on the day his alter ego and soul mate clocked 70. He died battling a prolonged sickness on August 17, 2011.

•Ojukwu

•Aikhomu

•Ibru

•Ume-Ezeoke

•Christy Essien

•Sam Loco

•Olubayo

•Okafor

Alex Ibru November 2011 was another tragic month when Nigeria lost two of her prominent citizens. The first was the founder of The Guardian Newspaper, Alex Ibru. The former Minister of Internal Affairs succumbed to death on November 20 after a health problem he had been battling with since he was attacked by assassins on February 2, 1996. Edwin Ume-Ezeoke The immediate past National Chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and Second Republic Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke, was one of the prominent Nigerians who died in the outgoing year. He died on August 1, two days to his 76th birthday. According to a report, it was the second time that news of his death would filter to the public. Unlike the first time when he was eventually resuscitated, however, his death on August 1 turned out to be real. News of his death had made the rounds about 28 years ago when some gunmen stormed his 1004 Flats residence on Victoria Island, Lagos. It was reported that the gunmen fired many shots at him and left in the belief that he was dead. Ume-Ezeoke’s long stay abroad after the attack made many people to believe newspaper reports then that he was dead. On Monday, August 1, 2011, the former speaker died at Fortis Super Specialty Hospital in New Delhi, India. Many people will remember him for his disagreement with the former presidential candidate of the Congress for Positive Change (CPC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, whose running mate he was in the 2007 presidential election. Christy Essien Igbokwe The harvest of deaths did not spare the entertainment industry with the death on June 30 of the Nigerian lady of songs, Christy Essien Igbokwe, after a brief illness. A few days earlier, she had performed at the TV musical contest, the Nigerian Idol, alongside the first runner-up, Naomi Mac, without any indication that her health was failing. The musician-turned politician was the rave in the 1980s. She was, however, rumoured to be managing some health problems. From what was seen of her at the Nigerian Idol, however, it was difficult to believe that the first president of the Performing Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (PMAN) would go so soon. She died at 51.

•Jobi-Fele Gbenga ADERANTI

Sam Loco Nigerians were still mourning the death of Igbokwe when the news broke on June 20 that the cold hand of death had seized another popular artiste, Sam Loco at 69. He died on Sunday August 7 at Rapport Hotel, Amakohia, Owerri, Imo State. The Nollywood star was said to have died in his hotel room while he was on location for a film that was being shot. Uche Okafor The demise of ex-Super Eagles defender, Uche Okafor, heralded the harvest of deaths on January 7. The manner and the way he died left a sour taste in the mouths of many Nigerians. Okafor was alleged to have died in his Texas, US apartment shortly after dropping his son in school. When the news of his death was first

announced, he was alleged to have committed suicide. But a new twist was added to the story of his death when the Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI) claimed in a report that the footballer was actually murdered. The mystery surrounding his death is yet to be unravelled. He was aged 43. Otunba Jobi-Fele Like Uche Okafor, frontline industrialist and former Chairman of Oodua Group of Companies, Otunba Muhammed Jobi-Fele, died on a Thursday, March 24 in Abuja. The Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) had travelled from Lagos to Abuja on a business trip and was believed to be hale and hearty. But he later died in his hotel room on March 24. He was believed to have died of heart attack. Adefemi Olubayo The death of a former Super Eagles defender and 2008 Olympic silver medallist,

Adefemi Olubayo, was as painful to many Nigerians as it was tragic. He died in a car crash at his base in Greece on April 18 on his way to the airport as he prepared for his wedding in Nigeria. The Skoda Xanthi of Greece player died at the age of 25. Reports in some quarters alleged that Olubayo’s death could have been induced as both the breaks and the tyres of his car were suspected to have tampered with by some unknown persons. That, however, remains in the realm of speculation. Ganiyu Dawodu On Thursday December 16, a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ganiyu Dawodu, attached to ‘D’ Department, Force CID, Abuja died in Lagos. He was said to have died of a heart attack. The DIG had just returned from South Africa where he had gone for the treatment of on a heart-related ailment.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

2011 REVIEW

Trying year for bigwigs For many prominent Nigerians, the outgoing year has been challenging. It is a year some of them will not forget in a hurry on account of the pains it inflicted on them. Below are some of the different folks with different strokes. Olabode George The release of a chieftain of the people’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, from the Kiririkiri Maximum Prisons in February would go down as one of the high points of political and social activities in the outgoing year. The former Chairman of the board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) had been sentenced to two years imprisonment along with the Managing Director and four other members of the board after they were convicted by Justice Joseph Oyewole of the Lagos High Court on September 26, 2009 for contract inflation. It was one of the few cases in which an eminent politician like George would be convicted for corrupt practices. The matter, as would be expected, generated national and international interest. While in detention, he had fought tooth and nail to secure a bail, but all his efforts were to no avail. Twice his friends, associates and family members stormed the court in their aso ebi (ceremonial uniform) in the hope that their man would be released on bail so that they would see him home amid drumming and dancing, but twice they returned home crestfallen And when George completed his jail term and was eventually released, many expected a subdued celebration or that George would bow his head and go home quietly. But they were shocked to find that the drums were rolled out by some of his friends and political associates to herald his freedom. As would be expected, the development generated widespread condemnation from many Nigerians who could not understand what was worth celebrating in a man that had just returned from prison for engaging in corruption. Included among the critics of the mega show of shame was former President Olusegun Obasanjo who had attended the thanksgiving service held in honour of George at a Lagos church but later condemned the reception held in honour of the PDP chieftain as a celebration of criminality. Obasanjo said: “Let us get a few things right. When (Bode) George went to prison, the first thing that I did was to find out from his lawyer what really went wrong. What the lawyer said was not what I found out eventually. “Then, he (Bode George) sent a passionate message to me from prison, urging me to attend a family church thanksgiving and I believe that for whatever reason, if any family is giving thanks in the church or in the mosque and they invite me and I am able to go there, I will go, whether it is for marriage, for burial, house warming or christening a child. But when I got to the church, the atmosphere I found was more than a family affair. “And I even took the opportunity to ask the state PDP chairman, ‘Is this a PDP affair?’ And he told me it was not a PDP affair because I don’t see why the PDP, as a national party, as a party that is trying to form a government in Lagos State, as a party that formed the government at the national level and in at least 27 states in the country, should be celebrating criminality because whatever we may say, the reason Bode went to prison should be condemned by everybody and I have condemned it. He did not go to prison for a political offence. “If he had been sent to prison for a political offence, then, he comes back and all his political associates may get round him and the PDP must do something noble and wholesome; but in this case, the PDP as a party must dissociates itself from celebrating criminality.” James Onanefe Ibori The outgoing year is one a former Governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori,

•Waziri

•Ibori

•George Vincent AKANMODE

would not forget in a hurry. After many years of hide-and-seek with the law, he eventually came face to face with it with his arrest for fraud and money laundering in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in May last year. It was a fate inflicted on him by the death of former President, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, whose administration was literally a stooge of the fugitive former governor of Delta State. While Ibori had been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged diversion of N528 million shares belonging to Delta State in Oceanic Bank, he was believed to have been so influential in the administration of Yar’Adua that he influenced the appointment of many key officials of the administration, including the then Minister of Justice, Mr Michael Aondoakaa, who did everything he could to frustrate efforts made at bringing Ibori to justice. With the death of Yar’Adua, Ibori, suspecting that there would be no more hiding place for him in Nigeria, fled to Dubai, where he hoped to live it up without any disturbance. But he was arrested in May last year before he was extradited to London in April this year under the Extradition Treaty and Mutual Legal Assistance signed between the UK and the government of the United Arab Emirates, to answer to charges of money laundering. He was believed to have been arrested on a warrant issued by the London Metropolitan Police following a tip-off by Nigerian security agencies. If convicted, Ibori will join his wife, Theresa Ibori, who was sentenced to five years imprisonment on November 22 last year by a Southwark Crown Court in London where she was also tried for money laundering. In a previous trial, the court had also sent to prison Ibori’s sister, Christine Ibori-Ibie and his mistress, Udoamaka OkoronkwoOnuigbo. Farida Waziri After weeks of speculation concerning alleged frosty relationship between the immediate past chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mrs Farida Waziri, the former EFCC boss was last month unceremoniously removed by President Goodluck Jonathan. Her removal

•Alao-Akala

was conveyed in a terse statement by the President’s spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, which gave no reason for her immediate replacement with the former Director of Operations at the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Larmode. The statement had stated that “Larmode’s appointment effectively relieves Mrs Farida Waziri of her position as EFCC Chairman.” Mrs. Waziri was appointed EFCC Chairman by the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua on May 18, 2008, after which her appointment was confirmed by the Senate on May 27 the same year. Prior to her removal, Waziri had repeatedly complained that she was being frustrated by the powers that be in the execution of her duties. There were speculations that she could have been marked for removal from the day Jonathan succeeded Yar’Adua as the nation’s substantive President because Waziri was seen as a loyalist of perceived political enemies of Jonathan. She was also said not to have demonstrated support for Jonathan in the heady succession game in Aso Rock during the dying days of Yar’Adua. Besides, there was said to have been intense pressure for her removal from formidable political interests which cut across party lines. The National Assembly and the Governors’ Forum were said to have harboured some of the people who influenced the decision of President Jonathan to fire her. Be it as it may, Waziri would be credited with the conviction of the former Managing Director of Oceanic Bank, Mrs Cecilia Ibru, from whom the bank’s assets worth about N90 billion were recovered and Chief Bode George, among others. Gbenga Daniel Of the politicians whose ambitions crumbled in the last general elections, former Ogun State governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel would rank as one of the most notable. Although he served for two terms as the governor of the Gateway State, his bid to install his strong political ally, Gbenga Isiaka, as his successor fell on his face, just like his senatorial ambition crumbled like a pack of cards. His undoing were the confrontation he had with former Nigerian President and

•Daniel

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Gen. Olusegun Obsanjo and the political machinery of the Action Conress of Nigeria (ACN), which assumed the dimension of a hydrokinetic force in the South West during the elections. Realising that he would not secure the senatorial and governorship tickets in the state on account of his confrontation with Obasanjo, he floated a new political party through which he sought to be elected into the Senate and install Isiaka, but it was the ACN candidates that triumphed in the election. As if the pain of losing the elections were not enough, Daniel has been facing trial over allegations of misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N58 billion levelled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), although his media assistant, Adebanjo Adegbenro, said the sum involved was inflated by the media and could not have been more than N5 billion. Although he is currently enjoying the bail granted him by an Abeokuta High Court under very stringent conditions, his palatial home, the Asoludero Court, has been under threats of demolition/acquisition by the Ogun State Government, because he was alleged to have acquired the government land upon which it is erected with executive fiat. Adebayo Alao-Akala Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, the immediate past governor of Oyo State, is also one of the victims of the rejuvenated Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which swept the polls in the South West during the last general elections. He had sought a second term in office only to be roundly defeated by the ACN candidate, Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Like the former governor of Ogun State, Gbenga Daniel, Alao-Akala was also arrested over allegations of misappropriation of public funds. In fact, he was said to be so afraid of his fate after losing the governorship election to Ajimobi that he made an attempt to flee the country before he was encouraged by the Presidency to remain in the country. His case is also pending in court.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

2011 REVIEW

Rebound of the progressives in South West

NE of the major defining moments of the April elections was the rebound of the progressives. The South West fell to the opposition Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), as it now controls a total of six states. They are Edo, in the South-South region and five of the six states in the South-West except Ondo State. This development also altered the trend in the National Assembly as the absolute majority status of the PDP was reduced drastically such that whatever bill that requires a two-third majority to pass will be at the mercy of the opposition lawmakers. The progressives made significant gains in states like Lagos, Oyo and Edo, Osun and Ogun and other states. The PDP could not have foreseen the rate at which it lost many seats during the April elections, since the party had great majority in both chambers of the National Assembly in both the 2003 and 2007 elections. In 2003 elections, in which 55 political parties participated, the party won 56 percent of the senatorial seats and 73 percent of the House of Representatives. The party’s control of the National Assembly shored up to 79 percent in the House of Representatives and 68 percent for the Senate in the 2007 elections. But as it is today, though the PDP will still retains its majority in the two chambers, the party would no longer enjoy the more than 2/ 3 absolute majority it used to enjoy. Indications that the progressives were on the rebound, politically, appeared in 2010. The Appeal Court had by November restored the mandates of three governors on the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which were 'stolen' in the 2007 gubernatorial election. And the Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola philosophically underscored this in an advert he signed and which appeared in some dailies on Saturday, Novemeber 27, 2010. it read: "ONE by one, by God …and still counting". It had the pictures of the four governors of the party, ACN, with himself

elections was not surprising. In the run up to the April election, there were flurry of activities as many politicians moved rather quickly the ACN to ensure that their political future was secured. Apart from the fact that many more people have noticed the stunning performance of the governors of the party, the political sagacity and doggedness of its leaders, its progressive slant and commitment to free, fair and credible elections were some of the attractions that catapulted the ACN to the position of the opposition leader hitherto enjoyed by the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). •Continued from Page 13

•Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ACN National Leader

•Fashola

•Oshiomhole

coming first, followed by Comrade Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; Dr. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, and then Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, who had just been declared winner in Osun State by the court. Finally, a vacant position, waiting to be filled was left. It was prophetic. Less than six months later, the ACN had added two more state governors to its fold in Ogun and Oyo. That was not all; the party

•Chief Bisi Akande, ACN National Chairman

•Fayemi

•Aregbesola

swept the State Assembly and National Assembly elections in the South West and proved more than a match for its rival in Edo, the PDP. It was such a massive rebound that even the immediate Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, was swept away; same with the Senate Majority Leader, Teslim Folarin. The success of the party in the

hours. Ihedioha was elected unopposed. Incidentally, Tambuwal was deputy chief whip while Ihedioha was chief whip respectively in the 6th House of Representatives. First female Majority Leader Year 2011 also produced the first female Majority Leader in the House of Representatives in the person of Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande. Adeola-Akande, who contested against Tambuwal on June 3, 2011 for the position of Speaker, was chosen through consensus following the insistence of the PDP leadership that she be compensated after she lost to Tambuwal. Akande-Adeola, a lawyer by training, was born on November 11, 1960 and attended the famous Queen Amina College in Kaduna. In 1979, she enrolled at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and graduated with a LL.B degree in 1982. The Majority Leader was at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos between 1982 and 1983 for her BL. She later obtained an LL.M in 1985 at the University of Lagos. She was first elected to the House in 2007. She was reelected in 2011.

Plateau: Crises unlimited

LATEAU State in central Nigeria used to be an epitome of peace, serenity and what co-existence should be in a multi ethnic, multi-religious society. That was until about 10 years ago. Today, Plateau as a state and Jos as its capital have both lost their innocence. They are now more known and seen as killing fields and slaughter slabs where hapless and innocent women, children and aged men are daily mowed down in a most vicious and gruesome manner. The remote cause of the incessant maiming and killing of Nigerian citizens in Jos, the Plateau State capital, has remained the same. It is a case of ethnic groups, specifically the Berom, Anaguta, and Afizere and the Hausa-Fulani, laying claim to pre-eminence over one another. The contention lies with who is an ‘indigene’ or ‘settler’ in Jos. Years of built-up animosity eventually degenerated into open confrontation on April 12, 1994. The government’s failure to learn from the 1994 crisis escalated into the 2001 Jos crisis which claimed over 1000 lives, left many more displaced and destroyed property worth over N3 billion. Between 1994 and 2011, there have been at least 70 cases of violence in Jos and environs. At least, seven ‘high-powered’ commissions at all levels of government, have been instituted in the past 17 years. Of these, none has ever been implemented. In May 2004, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency in Plateau State. Obasanjo sacked then Governor Joshua Dariye, accusing him of failing to act to end a cycle of violence between the Plateau State’s Muslim and Christian communities. The bloodletting has claimed more than 2,000 lives since

Augustine AVWODE, Assistant Editor

September 2001. In September, President Jonathan had to read the riot act to the security forces following the incessant blood letting in Jos. That month, a family of eight was wiped out in a single night raid. The Special Task F (STF) could not do anything to prevent or stop the killings. Jonathan just ordered the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Oluseyi Petinrin “to take full charge of the security situation in Plateau State”. Recently, a Federal High Court in Jos sentenced 15 persons to 10 years each for their part in the violent crisis in Jos on March 8, 2011. The convicts, all from Kadunung in Mangu Local Government Area, were found guilty on three counts of conspiracy, possession of fire arms and acts of terrorism. The convicts had been arrested with dangerous weapons on March 8. Delivering the judgment, Justice A. L. Allagoa said the prosecution counsel, Charles Maduenyi, proved beyond reasonable doubt that the suspects were guilty of the offences. “Considering the evidence before this honourable court, the accused are guilty as charged. The Jos crisis has left several people dead, others maimed, and many more wounded; while property worth millions of naira were destroyed. “It has caused Nigeria a lot of embarrassment before the international community. These perpetrators of the crisis are guilty of the charges levelled against them,” the judge said. Unfortunately, such judicial pronouncements have failed to deter the

•Women morning the killing of their loved ones in Jos... during the year

perpetrators of this ugly trend. Just two days after Christmas, the killers of Jos struck again and wiped out a family of

four. The questions remain: Will this orgy of killing in Jos ever end? Will there be a new page in the New Year?

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

New twist in outcry over 52-year-old baker allegedly beaten to death by policemen •Lagos govt writes IG, demands justice, compensation for victim’s family •Quadri on sick bed

•late Quadri

HE public outcry that greeted the death of a 52-year-old baker, Mr. Ismail Quadri, in September, after he was allegedly beaten by some policemen attached to the Ipaja Police Station in Lagos until his skull, ribs and spinal cord were broken, has assumed a new dimension with the intervention of the Lagos State Government in the matter. The state government has asked the police authorities and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Hafiz Ringim, to compensate the family of the deceased baker or face a legal battle with the government. In its Saturday September 24, 2011 edition, The Nation had reported how some policemen from the Ipaja Police Station stormed the Baruwa, Oke- Oko area on a raid. The late Quadri was among those arrested during the raid and beaten black and blue by the policemen, led by one Corporal Mayowa Obaniyi aka Mayor. The deceased was said to have been subjected to further torture at the station where his hands were tied backwards to a stationary motorcycle, while the policemen beat him until they fractured his spinal cord, ribs and skull. Quadri collapsed shortly after, fell

into a coma and was taken to a private clinic, Agape Hospital, from where he was transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Ikeja, where he later died. After a long silence, the Police had claimed that the deceased was arrested for being in possession of Indian hemp; an allegation that was denied by some members of the deceased’s family as well as some eyewitnesses. On October 8, 2011, The Nation published a follow-up story with a bromide of the death certificate of Quadri, which was based on the result of an autopsy carried out on his body at the LASUTH, which revealed that the deceased died as a result of internal bleeding in the brain. The story attracted the attention of the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Public Advice Centre (LSPAC), Mr Alex Omorodion, who contacted our correspondent, asking to be linked with the family of the late baker. Following a meeting between the widows and family members of the deceased and officials of LSPAC, the agency wrote a letter, dated November 20, 2011 and signed by Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Fashola on Public Law, Bola Agunbiade, to the office of the Inspector General of Police, Abuja, and that of Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Yakubu Alkali. Titled “Re: Alleged murder of Quadri Olushola Ismail by the Police,” the letter reads in part: “The Public Advice Centre is an initiative of the Lagos State Government; a department in the Ministry of Justice saddled with the responsibility of providing residents with easy access to information and advice, which will benefit and improve their lives and ensure that the rights of residents are not violated. “We are in receipt of a complaint from one Mrs. Moriamo Quadri of

•Bromide of the letter

Kunle AKINRINADE No 29, Kalu Crescent, New London, Baruwa, Ipaja, Lagos State. She alleged that she is the wife of Late Ismail Olushola Quadri. She told us that on September 7, 2011, a team of policemen went to Oke Oko, New London in Baruwa ,Ipaja to raid. “According to the complaints, the team of policemen was led by one Corporal Mayowa Obaniyi aka Mayor. Our complainant further alleged that the police officers arrested several young men in that area, including her late husband, Ismail Quadri, who was inside the premises of his bakery when the team of policemen arrived the area. We were also informed that when the deceased was arrested, the (members of the) Landlords’ Association on the day of arrest met the police officers and told ‘Mayor’ that Ismail Quadri was a man of peace and good character. Those arrested

w e r e t a k e n away to Ipaja Police Station. “Mariam Quadri further told us that when her late husband was taken to the station, his hands were tied backwards and fastened to a motorbike within the premises and he was tortured and in the process, he fainted. The deceased’s wife stressed that the police officers rushed her husband to Agape Hospital, Olude Bus Stop, Ipaja, where he received treatment for about seven days and was transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, where he later died. “According to the death certificate, which was signed by Dr. U.V Okeke of the Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, LASUTH, the deceased died of Subdural Haematoma and blunt Force Trauma. “Consequently, we seek on behalf of the family of the deceased an adequate compensation and diligent prosecution of this case. We also urge the Inspector General of Police to use his good offices to ensure a thorough investigation and to ensure that the ends of justice are served in this matter.” Omorodion explained that the letter was part of the intervention by the Lagos State Government towards ensuring that justice was done in the matter, adding that the agency would be compelled to ask the government to make a resort to legal means to seek justice on the matter should the police authorities refuse to compensate the deceased’s family. In a telephone conversation with our correspondent on Wednesday, Omorodion said: “Yes, it is true that we sent a letter to the police authorities, asking for compensation on behalf of the family.

•late Quadri

The police have acknowledged the receipt of our letter. “We have intervened in the matter in order to ensure that the widow of the deceased is adequately compensated for the untimely death of her husband in the hands of the errant policemen. The compensation could be N60 million or N100 million, depending on the agreement with the family. “However, should the police refuse to compensate the family of the deceased, we shall advise the Lagos State Attorney General to take legal action against the police on behalf of the family.” In her response, the widow of the deceased, Mrs.Mariam Quadri, said: “After the letter was sent to the police authorities by the Lagos State Government Public Advice Centre, I was invited by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) where the head of the department asked me for clarifications on the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident in the presence of Mayor, the police officer who led his colleagues to beat my husband to death during their illegal raid. I am hoping that justice will be done on the matter soon.” The Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Samuel Jinadu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), was yet to officially respond to the latest twist to the story as at press time.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Saturday

THRILLER REVIEW

Robberies: Banks under siege

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

2011 REVIEW

Bankers, their customers, In the next 24 hours, the world will bid 2011 goodbye. But for many bankers across the country, it is a year they won’t forget in a hurry, no thanks to incessant robbery attacks, write Jide Orintunsin, Bisi Olaniyi, Polycarp Orosevwotu, Osagie Otabor and Damisi Ojo

INCE December 1, a first generation bank has refused to open its doors for businesses within Sabonginda Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State. Reason: Its branch in the area was attacked by armed robbers two weeks after it resumed operations in the area. The bank had closed the branch to business for over two years following incessant robbery attacks. The robbers, during the December 1 operation, stole an undisclosed amount of money. Besides Sabonginda Ora, the bank also closed to customers in Auchi, Estako West Local Government Area due to robbery attacks. Its branch in the locality was robbed and a policeman was killed in one of the attacks. Banks operating in the state, especially in Edo North and Edo Central senatorial districts witnessed heavy armed robbery attacks in 2011. Hardly did a month pass by without news of robbery attacks on banks. The problem is not peculiar to Edo State. Almost all the states in the country had similar sad experiences. Like in Edo, many banks in Ogun State were forced to close down in the last few weeks. In January, seven persons were reportedly injured during a raid on a new generation bank at the university town of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The bank was located a few metres from the Esan West Divisional Police headquarters and the robbers destroyed the ATM machines and emptied the cash. Two workers of the bank, a cleaner and a security personnel, attached to the bank, including a two- year old- child were among those injured in the raid and they were rushed to the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Irrua. The incessant bank robberies in Edo central forced the 26 commercial banks operating in Uromi, Ekpoma and Irrua to close. The sleepy town of Uromi, Esan North East local council witnessed the deadliest bank raid in August as armed robbers raided a branch of a new generation bank in the locality, killing several persons. The robbery operation lasted over one hour. The armed robbers who were stuck inside a bank during a raid disappeared without a trace. The robbers had attacked an old generation bank at Auchi, headquarters of Estako West Local Government Council, when security agencies surrounded the bank following an alert. The robbers held the bank workers and customers hostage for several hours inside the bank, but the security team did not find any of the armed robbers when they broke in. The incident led to the closure of many banks in the locality. They gave a five-point demand before they would re-open for business.

Financial institutions in Warri and its environs in Delta State also suffered from armed robbers. Twenty-five persons died in bank robberies in the state. N124 million was also forcefully stolen from several banks. The armed robbers have unleashed terror on passersby, killed bank customers, workers, policemen and private security personnel. Between January and December, bank robberies took the centre stage in the twin city of Warri andEffurun and its environs. Frequent attacks on commercial banks in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, threatened banking operations. Recent attacks on banks by hoodlums affected three banks in Port Harcourt and its environs, leading to the death of innocent persons and policemen, with huge sums of money carted away. Customers are now scared of transacting businesses at the banks. On October 17, armed robbers killed a police corporal on escort duty and the driver of a Toyota Hilux van they drove to a bank on Mile One, Diobu, on Ikwerre Road in Port Harcourt. The gang of four armed men escaped with N28 million, which the victims withdrew from the bank, near the Divisional Police Headquarters, Mile One, Diobu, beside the popular Mile One Market and the Rivers Secretariat of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The operation lasted about 10 minutes, with the ever-busy Ikwerre Road, recently dualised by the Rotimi Amaechi administration, completely deserted. There was confusion at the nearby Mile One market, offices and shops around the scene. The four robbers walked freely on Ikwerre Road and were so relaxed without any challenge from security operatives for the period they operated. Men of the Rivers Police Command later recovered N1.5 million from the victims’ Hilux van. A journalist, Mr. George Onah, who was the Bureau Chief of Vanguard newspaper in Port Harcourt, whose office is beside the bank, escaped death by a whisker, but the rear glass of his KIA Rio car was shattered by the robbers’ bullets. The side glass of a latest model of Volkswagen Passat was also destroyed by the hoodlums’ bullets. Onah, shortly after the robbery, said: “I left my office beside the bank at 2:57 pm, with the intention of driving my car to the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel (FCC) office at 49, Ikwerre Road to use the cyber-café. I entered the car and was about reversing to Ikwerre Road, to move forward and make U-turn to the chapel, when I started hearing gunshots. “I completely folded myself and bent between the pedals and the passenger’s seat for the armed robbers not to see me, but I was conscious of what was happening

and using the rear view mirror to monitor what was going on. “The armed robbers, who came with an unmarked Toyota Camry salon car, thought I wanted to block them from operating, making them to shoot from the rear glass, probably with the intention of killing me in order not to hinder their operation.. “The covered Hilux, with foreign registration number 758 ONG RB, was about leaving the bank when the armed robbers first shot at the driver who died on the spot. They then pumped bullets into the head of the policeman who sat with the driver in front, shattering his skull and collected his AK-47 rifle. “The armed robbers then moved to the back of the Hilux vehicle and pulled out bags of money. They escaped with the dead policeman’s rifle and the bags of money in the Toyota Camry car they came with. “When I came out of my car, people around could not believe what they saw. They thought I was a ghost, presuming that I had been killed by the robbers’ bullets.” Rivers police spokesman, Ben Ugwuegbulam, said: “A police corporal, serving with the Swift Operation Squad (SOS), escorting the van and the driver were shot, resulting in their death. Diobu police and the bank’s guards responded, forcing the robbers to flee, leaving behind the vehicle attacked, from which the sum of N1.5 million was recovered. Investigation has been intensified with efforts to arrest the culprits.” Onah (the journalist), who could not recover from the shock of the close shave with the armed robbers, died in his sleep on Sunday, November 27 and was buried at Ogoja, Cross River State on Monday, December 19. On November 4, armed robbers killed six policemen and three civilian bystanders in an attack on a bullion van at Elikpokwuodu-Rukpokwu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. In the van was a huge cash being conveyed to a bank at the TransAmadi Industrial Estate from Port Harcourt International Airport. The money was stolen and many persons injured. The armed robbers laid ambush for the bullion van and the escort vans the policemen were occupying, while the hoodlums suddenly opened fire on the security personnel. The incident took place in front of Governor Rotimi Amaechi’s newly-built Model Primary School, near Rukpokwu Market, with the armed robbers shooting sporadically into the bullion van, police vehicles and into the air to scare passersby and motorists. The Rivers Police Commissioner, Mr. Suleiman Abba, said two policemen and two others died in the robbery,adding that two police rifles and N5.6 million were recovered by several patrol teams chasing the fleeing hoodlums. Also on October 31, armed robbers attacked a team that was moving cash from Everyday Emporium,

Rumuola, Port Harcourt, killing a police corporal on escort duty and an employee of the highbrow supermarket. On November 21, a notorious gang of armed robbers, comprising a woman, engaged men of the Rivers State Police Command in a shootout in Port Harcourt, and two of the hoodlums were killed in the gun duel. The shootout took place along Olu Obasanjo Road. A Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) RAV 4, four AK-47 rifles, 360 live ammunition and three explosives were recovered from the hoodlums. Ugwuegbulam said: “The three armed men and lady gang, robbing bank customers of cash and shooting, especially police escorts, was burst with fatal injuries inflicted on two in a shoot-out, while one escaped. “Their vehicle (SUV RAV 4) and arms, as well as their military colour jackets and face (fez) caps were recovered. “So far, it is found they shot dead and robbed one Shem Graham Dabbey in front of Micasa Hotel, shot dead and robbed one Lucky and Prince at Eligbam and stole N10m at Ocean Marine SY Ltd in September 2011. “On October 31, 2011, they robbed and killed four Everyday Supermarket staff and police escorts, and most recently on November 4, 2011, they attacked Oceanic Bank Special Escort at Rukpokwu Market Junction, killing two policemen and two other persons.”

On December 5, a pregnant woman, Aida, a police sergeant on escort duty, the driver of a blue Volkswagen Jetta saloon car and a male bystander were killed by a five- man gang of armed robbers led by two women on RumuolaRumuokwuta Road in Port Harcourt. Shortly after the robbery, all the banks along the dualised and busy road, where the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Port Harcourt is located, closed to avoid unpleasant incidents. Some of the banks that closed for business, from around 8:45 am, are: First , Zenith, Oceanic and Enterprise , as well as the United Bank for Africa, all on Rumuola-Rumuokwuta Road. The three victims in the Jetta car were taking a huge cash to a bank. The pregnant woman and the driver were employees of Multinet Communications, a company selling recharge cards, while the policeman was on escort duty. The expectant mother sat at the back of the car, while the police escort was in front with the driver when the armed robbers struck in front of Enterprise Bank, killing all the occupants at the centre of the road. Stray bullets hit a male bystander who died on the spot. The AK-47 rifle of the slain policeman was stolen by the armed robbers, while another policeman, who was injured by the hoodlums, received treatment in an undisclosed hospital in the Rivers State capital.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

XMAS DAY BOMBING

policemen also cry

2011 REVIEW

•Left, suspected armed robbers on parade, top on the right, another set of suspected armed robbers arrested with weapons; down on the right, Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) acquired by the Lagos State government to combat crime; and combat-ready policemen.

The armed robbers who carried Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs) with ammunition chains tied round their necks, used a black Mazda car for the 25-minute operation without any resistance from the police and other security agencies. The hoodlums’ car trailed the occupants of the Jetta car to the front of Collectibles, a boutique, near the Rivers State College of Arts and Science, Port Harcourt. The armed robbers caught up with the victims’ car in front of Blazer Plaza, directly opposite Collectibles, while the driver of a Toyota Camry saloon car attempted to block the hoodlums from operating. Ugwuegbulam, who confirmed the incident, said: “Today, 5/12/11 at 0845hrs, along Rumuola Road, Port Harcourt, a Jetta Volkswagen, navy colour conveying goods, belonging to Multinet Comunications - GSM recharge card dealers, was ambushed and attacked by armed men. “A police sergeant, in company with two staff, were shot and robbed of yet-to-be-determined quantity of GSM recharge cards. They were rushed to hospital where a doctor confirmed them dead. “Stray bullets sprayed by the hoodlums also wounded a passerby who receives treatment in a clinic. Investigation is ongoing, while the search of the hoodlums is intensified.” Angered by the ugly developments, especially taking place a few

‘Police not well-equipped to foil bank robberies’ From Osagie Otabor, Benin

DO State Police Command has said its men are not wellequipped to foil bank robberies and other crimes. Police spokesman, ASP Peter Ogboi, in an interview, said some bank robbers were arrested and money recovered at Auchi and Uromi in 2011. ASP Peter Ogboi said the command successfully foiled a bank robbery attack at Auchi in November and that the incident at First Bank in Sabonginda Ora was not a bank robbery as only a policeman was killed. He, however, said successes of bank robbery attacks were due to information about the banks available to armed robbers. Ogboi said the Edo Police Command needed more Armoured Personnel Carriers and launchers to deal with the use of explosives and sophisticated weapons by robbers. He said: “No Police Division in the state has more than one patrol van. The need for APCs in the divisions is long overdue. We will need launchers that could detect and prevent the use of explosives by the robbers. The police is currently not well-equipped to fight against the use of explosives.”

weeks to Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Rivers governor ordered a joint military and police patrol of Port Harcourt and its environs. Cases of robbery in Ondo State between January and Decenber 2011 were not rampant, but the few that occurred claimed lives. The incident cut across the state particularly in Akure, the state capital, Akoko and Owo areas of the state. In February, robbers raided an old

generation bank , off the popular Oyemekun Road where they killed three persons, including a woman with her child strapped on her back. In the operation that lasted about 30 minutes, the hoodlums carted away several millions of naira. Also, on March 24 this year, a 10man armed robbery gang struck in the ancient town of Ikare and killed three people. The robbery, which lasted almost one hour, also witnessed the attacks on seven persons.

The gang came with two vehicles and stormed Ilepa area where banks are located in the ancient town. The incident, which happened around 10.am, threw the entire community into pandemonium as the robbers shot sporadically in the air. The robbers forcefully gained entry into two new generation banks and carted away an undisclosed amount of money. In the process, many people scampered for safety and the robbers raided with impunity as policemen did not respond on time. The ever- busy Ilepa road was deserted as traders hurriedly closed their shops, while motorists also parked their vehicles abruptly. There was also another robbery last August in Owo where police arrested three innocent persons after the robbers successfully operated in a new generation bank and carted away a huge amount of money. The latest robbery incident was on November 22 when hoodlums invaded Diamond Bank at bye-pass area in Akure. For over 30 minutes, the robbers laid siege on the popular Oyemekun Road, shooting sporadically into the air. They were said to have entered Akure through Leo Junction passing through Ayedun to Adegbola Junction before invading the bank. To gain entry into the new generation bank, they were said to have blown off the bullet-proof doors with dynamites

Among the victims was a security man attached to the bank. Many customers and residents in the area sustained various degrees of injuries. For the period that the operation lasted, Oyemekun Road became a ghost street. Like Ondo, the cases of bank robberies in Niger State were relatively low. Throughout the year, only two armed robbery incidents were recorded. In the two cases, one of the hoodlums was killed, three policemen were injured, while five customers and a female staff of one of the banks was injured. The armed bandits carted away about N6.9 million from the two incidents. The first bank robbery was in July when a five-man gang raided a micro finance bank at Maikunkele, a suburb of the state capital. The gang looted the bank and went away with over N2 million. The 30-minute raid caused the death of a member of the gang. He was killed by one of the policemen attached to the bank. Five months after, two new generation banks, Zenith Bank Plc and Keystone Bank Plc, were raided on December 1 by armed robbers. The banks, located within the premises of the Suleja deport of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), were raided by a gang of 12 armed robbers, carting away N4.9 million. At the end of the operation, no life was lost, but two policemen and two customers sustained injuries.

TRAVELOGUE

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

AVING completed their religious assignment that lasted 10 days in Israel, Palestine and Egypt, the 2011 pilgrims to the holy land from Lagos State looked forward to the return trip and re-union with their families. A day to their return, the pilgrims were given their JP certificates and brooches at a colourful ceremony organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture. They were led to Israel by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, Mrs Adedoyin Olusoga and the Secretary to the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs Funke Adepoju. The Lagos pilgrims boarded the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos-bound Atlas airline flight at a few minutes to noon. It was on Monday, November 28. About 10 minutes into the journey, the usual prayers were offered for a safe trip and the pilgrims settled down to enjoy their flight. An argument suddenly ensued from somewhere in the middle row seats close to where I was sitting. I managed to snap out of my illhealth-induced sleep to see what was happening. Alas! One of the passengers, referred to as Iya Idowu, frightened other passengers by defying the airline’s regulation of switching off mobile phone sets while airborne. ‘Say your last prayers!’, Iya Idowu, who was sandwiched between a coLagos pilgrim and an Ondo State pilgrim, seemed to have said as she suddenly switched on her phone while the aircraft was airborne. She was trying to call somebody, but other passengers shouted her down. She was very stubborn; to chargrin of all, she told everyone not to bother with her because nobody could stop her from making the call. Many of us prevailed on her to switch off the phone, but she refused. Her refusal made me to scamper towards the cabin crew corner andI reported her. One of the crew members, Elchin, came with me to order her to switch off the phone. She even tried to wrestle the phone from her; that was when she agreed to switch it off, and she did. Shortly after Elchin returned to what she was doing(Arranging food items on a trolley), Iya Idowu started abusing us for calling the air hostess. “You people don’t want to die, heen? Afterall, you have gone to Jerusalem and prayed to God; you should be ready to meet Jesus now,” she said. The cabin erupted with all sorts of interjections. “None of us will die! This plane will land safely in Jesus’ name!” A woman sitting close to Iya Idowu said. Everybody started praying. A man from Ondo State, whom people referred to as ‘Ambassador’ called Iya Idowu a witch. That angered her and she started singing funeral hymns! The situation was arrested by Rev. Julius Odofin who started a praise worship. All the passengers gladly joined the worship and the aircraft became a flying church. Passengers prayed, sang and clapped. All the unfolding events in the mobile church amused the Israeli flight attendants as one of them went to call the others to come and watch. She gesticulated and mimicked the Nigerian passengers who were clapping and raising up their arms in supplication and praise to God to see them through the journey. As the flight attendant, Elchin, was passing, I called her to help make use of my camera. She immediately passed it to her coleague so she could pose for a snapshot with me. She said her name ‘Elchin’ means,“ Contact with God”. The passengers prayed throughout the journey. Even when the flight captain announced: “Shortly, we shall commence our descent to-

•Olusoga sitting behind the wheels of the luxury bus

Holy pilgrimage:

When Lagos pilgrims defied call to say their last prayers

•Atlas Cabin attendant, Elchin, posing with Osinkolu

Dupe OLAOYE-OSINKOLU wards Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos”, the prayer became more intense. And when the tyres were released for landing, everybody clapped in relief. When the aircraft finally landed at 8.46pm, the cabin erupted in a thunderous applause. It was a holy pilgrimage, no doubt. But jokes were employed most of the time to cheer pilgrims and make them forget their fatigue. Besides the strenuous activities of climbing mountains, the pilgrims enjoyed these few lighter moments.

One of such was when our guide, Colette Nakleh, wondered why men always want their wives to obey them religiously. This was when the pilgrims were shown the pillar of salt which was said to be Lot’s wife. The Bible said she turned into a pillar of salt because she disobeyed orders not to look back. She joked that women are so important in the lives of men that they at times drive them crazy; and that the men cannot really do without the women. All the women in our bus, Bus 14, conveying Groups 14 and 15, supported her on this claim. However, the bus driver, Jawad Amouri, being a man, feigned an-

noyance and parked the 55-seater luxury bus. When people asked him: “What is the matter? Why did you stop?” He simply disembarked, saying: “Women are important? Now, let the women drive this bus.” The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Mrs Anne Adedoyin Olusoga, rose to the occasion by sitting behind the wheels. She said: “You watch, whether a woman is not capable of driving the bus.” On seeing her determination, the driver came back, and the journey continued. On another occasion, Colette gave us a quiz which nobody could resolve. She said: “Who knows why

The cabin erupted with all sorts of interjections. “None of us will die! This plane will land safely in Jesus’ name!” A woman sitting close to Iya Idowu said. Everybody started praying. A man from Ondo State, whom people referred to as ‘Ambassador’ called Iya Idowu a witch. That angered her and she started singing funeral hymns!

Peter denied Jesus three times after he was led away from the garden of Gethsemane?” The pilgrims offered many answers, but did not get it right, according to her. At last she said: “The answer is not biblical. You know Peter’s motherin-law lived in his (Peter’s) house. When she had fever, Jesus went to Peter’s house and cured her. That was probably Peter’s way of getting back at Jesus.” People screamed and laughed. She then said: “Don’t mind me, it was just a joke!”

STANDh BY! Wit

VICTOR AKANDE E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com Tel: 08077408676 (SMS only)

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

THINK

SNAPSHOTS

nt part of An importa s of any the succes is its civilisation late the mu ability to e t led to the a th factors ther success of o Eric .â&#x20AC;&#x201D; s civilisation rt Reine

For the 2012th time, pass the MOPPICON Bill!

HE motion picture industry is the only sector in Art, culture and entertainment sector that is under the Federal Ministry of Information, while all the others are under the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism. This has caused a major disconnect between the industry and other sectors in the Arts. This is a dilemma, as only the Ministry Of Culture is empowered by law, to sign and implement International treaties, bi-lateral agreements, and access to global film funds, on behalf of the Federal Government, which are very much needed for the sustainable growth of the film industry. Film production seems to be the least developed among the Nigerian mass communications industries. The local production of films is not encouraged; neither financially nor through some cultural policy. The poor distribution networks is yet to find solution and so is the overbearing issue of structure and enabling environment for Nollywood. Let us consider one of the presentations of Bond Emeruwa, president, Directors'Guild of Nigeria (DGN) andChairman, Coalition of Nollywood Guilds and Associations (CONGA), through the following points raised and see if this will at last have a place in 2012. The Nigeria motion picture industry popularly called Nollywood is 19 years old. In this few years, it has positioned itself as the most viable information dissemination and image making tool in Africa as well as a veritable source of income for Nigeria; providing employment for hundreds of thousands of people. The industry has not utilized up to 10% of its potentials, while its continued growth has been hampered by a number of issues. Some of which are:1) Structure:- Nollywood can be called a successful experiment in that its meteoric rise was not planned. Now to move it to the next level and to successfully harness all its potentials, there is a need to

This is a dilemma, as only the Ministry Of Culture is empowered by law, to sign and implement International treaties, bi-lateral agreements, and access to global film funds, on behalf of the Federal Government, which are very much needed for the sustainable growth of the film industry establish policies and laws that will guide motion picture practice in the country while strengthening existing ones. A) The Revised Nigerian Film Policy:- The existing Nigerian film policy came into existence in 1992 hence did not take into consideration the emergence of the phenomenon called NOLLYWOOD. Recognising the inability of the policy to address the affairs in the new film industry, Government in 2006 under the

FEEDBACK Dear Victor Akande I am a big fan of your column and I appreciate the way you rightly analyze our movie industry. I humbly want to ask if you know how much is paid for a high quality screenplay for a Nollywood movie. I also want to know if there is any organization where someone can register his script to protect its rights before sending it out to producers. Thank you. â&#x20AC;&#x201D;David

then Minister, Mr Chukwuemeka Chikelu had the policy reviewed. This reviewed film policy meant to bring the motion picture industry in line with international best practices and prepare it for sustainable growth stating among other things that*The National Film and Video Censors Board should become the National Film and Video Classification Board while restricting itself to the business of film classification *That the Nigerian Film Corporation should become the Nigerian Film Commission and concern itself primarily with developmental initiatives. * That a practitioners council to be called Motion Picture practitioners Council of Nigeria (MOPPICON) must be set up to administer, regulate and control motion picture practice in the country. *That all Local Governments must be mandated to build community Cinemas. The revised film policy bill, MOPPICON bill and the Revived NFC bill have been ready since 2006. And for all sorts of reasons, has not gone beyond the Ministry of Information since then. B) Piracy: Overwhelming piracy has almost killed the industry. This is no more done in the hiding but in the glare of all including the Nigerian Copyright Commission who have persistently looked the other way. Pirated movies are now hawked in the open released only a few days after the original copies. It now accounts for over 70% of all sales and now makes it impossible for filmmakers to recoup their investment. Of course international piracy is another issue. More than 95% of all Nigerian movies sold outside the shores of Nigeria are done by pirates. We can only hope, again, for the 2012 time that some one is listening. Happy New Year!

WRITE TO US! Do you watch Nollywood movies? What do you think of the Nigerian motion picture industry? Send your review of any movie or short essay on any topic of your choice about the film industry in not more than 200 words. Send entries by e-mail to: victor_akande@yahoo.com or SMS your short comments to 08077408676

RMD, Jumobi renew vows

OW time flies, Nollywood lover-boy of all time, Richard MofeDamijo and his delectable wife, Jumobi celebrated their wedding anniversary last Thursday, December 29, 2011. This came at a time when some Nollywood couples are bowing out of their marriages. It came as a pleasure and a sigh of relief going by gist from rumour mills, to find out that these two celebrities are not just married

but happily married. Just early this year, Jumobi had thrown a th fabulous 50 birthday bash for her husband, which held at the House of God Church, Ikeja, Lagos. RMD met and married the onetime AIT big girl and although both have practically veeered from mainstream showbiz, they are still very much loved by fans for their parts in the history of the Nigerian entertainment and media industry.

Uche Jumbo's year of difference

OR delectable actress, Uche Jumbo, the year 2011 could not be less fulfilling. It would be recalled that within the year, the actress produced her first commercial movie entitled Damage. That movie, according to industry watchers came third place in cinema sales after Tango with Me and Kiss and Tell. The gist however is that Uche, who before her Damage Trilogy has been working on her shape, now wears a trimmer look. Beer parlor gossips are divided over the version of the actress they prefer. Some say she was just cute for an African lady the way she was before, others say her present shape fits her better. The argument took a new dimension, resting on what she might have done to be so trimmedregular exercise and food intake discipline or some sort of drugs drug, which many say could spur some unpleasant side effects in the future?

Sam Klef no ni!

OU can't miss that sonorous line Sam Klef no ni (no one else but Sam Klef) in some of Wizkid's songs. Indeed, it's no one else but Sam Klef who made so much news in the year 2011. The producer-cum singer whose original name is Samuel Oguachuba, remained a top choice on the music scene, for producing some of Wizkid's hit songs like What Up, Baby Girl, among others. Only on Wednesday December th 28 , the musician and producer had his traditional wedding in Imo State. Sam Klef's pregnant bride, Yvonne Ikedru is said to be a 200 Level student of

Banking and Finance. She is the elder sister of Peggy, a female aspiring rapper under the tutelage of Sam Klef.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

SNAPSHOTS

RE ELNEW S

Mercy Johnson bags award!

Nigeria shines at Montreux Comedy Festival

OMEDY talents recently flew the Nigerian Flag high at the Montreux Comedy Festival, held annually in Switzerland, doing justice to the theme “The American Dream” before a capacity multilingual crowd. Five vibrant Nigerians who represented the country and indeed Africa, in the first ever English Language Comedy feature at the 21 year-old Montreux Comedy Festival, in Switzerland are Ojieh

ALKING about one actress who made so much news this year, Mercy Johnson will readily come to mind. This time, she has been adjudged the best actress at the Afro-Australian Music and Movies Award (AAMMA) which is the only African award event in the whole of Australia and New Zealand. The award recognizes Mercy Johnson as Africa's Queen of the screen. The award was the third edition held at the Emmore Theatre in Sydney, Australia. Though Mercy Johnson was said to be absent at the award ceremony, her colleague, Desmond Elliot was on hand to receive the award on her behalf. The icing on the cake was when MJ emerged the most 'goggled' Nigerian celebrity on the popular search engine Google. According to statistics, the top search terms concerning Mercy Johnson include: 'Mercy Johnson wedding', and 'Mercy Johnson is blind', 'about Mercy Johnson' among others.

•Buchi

Onyebuchi (Buchi), Damilola Adekoya (Princess), Benneth Daniel (MC Accapela), Nnwoka Daniel (Daniel D' Homorous) and Njoku Bethel Uzoma (Senator). Wholly sponsored by Trend TV, Managing Director, Mr. Wilson expressed delight at the performances of all the comedians. “We see it as part of developing the country's creative industry, especially the entertainment sector and as a gesture to give back to society as a responsible corporate citizen,” he said. Wilson stated that the outing is an attempt to take Nigerian comedy and stand-up comedians to international mainstream and point a lead towards wider interests as well as patronage in the sector. Such events as this, he pointed, will spur huge demand for made-in-Nigeria stand-up comedy content and sit-com

programming, internationally. “We as leaders in the Nigerian pay TV industry are lending considerable weight to the worldwide promotion of African comedy in general and Nigerian comedy in particular as well as commitment to promoting indigenous African content and to empower African talents”. Project manager and Marketing Manager for Basic Lead-Ijeoma Onah expressed deep gratitude to Trend TV's chairman-Uzo Udemba, Managing Director- Wilson Kalada and Executive Director Programming-Fathia Plange for buying into the idea of raising the stakes in Nigeria's next major entertainment export, after Nollywood-Nigerian Comedy as wholly packaged and presented by Basic Lead. The team has since returned back to Nigeria after a successful outing in Montreux Switzerland.

•Princess

'Sango' celebrates with kids Changing Faces OPULARLY called Sango reigns at GDC by fans and friends alike movies at Silverbird Galleria It's down the and more recently as and Shoprite. This was the first URRENTLY the only Corporal Segun for his role in time the actor would be Nigerian movie on the top aisle for Wale Adenuga's popular TV engaging in such feat, it was ten movies showing at the series Superstory, Wale Adebayo learnt. Genesis Deluxe Cinemas in Lagos 40. He celebrated his Aside being a season of Muma Gee! clocked and at the Silverbird Cinemas birthday last Saturday with sharing, Adebayo said, he chose outside Lagos, Changing Faces is Evelyn OSAGIE

HE entertainment industry has recorded many weddings this year but one of the weddings that finally wrapped it all up was the white wedding of music diva Muma Gee which held last Saturday, December 23 in Port-Harcourt amidst glee and glamour. The solemnization of Muma Gee and Prince Oluebube Eke, took place at The Recovery House, located on 36 Stadium Road, Port Harcourt after which the couple, their guests, friends and family moved to Civic Centre on Moscow Road for the Reception. The groom and his best-man, Nollywood actor, Tammy Opusunju arrived the church in a horse-drawn carriage. Although, they waited for almost an hour before Muma and her train got to the church, when they showed up, Muma who was led into the church by her eldest brother, Mr. Anthony Ukachukwu Uwame, looked stunning in a white wedding gown. Vows taken, the couple then danced their spinsters and Bachelor's final dance before moving to the reception venue. Decorated in Red and White colours, the couple and their train danced into the hall as the DJ took over. It took quite a while for this to be done as the couple refused to be outdanced by •Muma Gee one another. The toast then followed immediately.

LOTS Foundation and kids at a section of Ajegunle, Lagos, known popularly as the 'Dustbin Estate' as the charity held its Fun Day for Kids. In the spirit of the season, the actor said, shared fun moments with the kids. They tripped around Lagos and visited the

to spend the day with the kid because of his love for children. “I love children a lot. Even though I grew up in an estate, I also understand with what it means growing up in such an environment. They need a lot of love. So, I wanted them to know that they are loved,” he said.

fast breaking grounds among movie lovers. A production of Faruk Lasaki, Changing Faces has two relatively unknown British actors in the lead roles and only two popular Nigerian actors Alex Lopez and Keppy Ekpenyong. They are seasoned Nollywood stars, but they don't have the superstar

popularity of Genevieve and Omotola. IJÉ would not have been so successful in West Africa without them.

DStv opens Mushin office

I •Wale Adebayo with kids

N line with its promise to enhance the proximity of DStv products and services to subscribers within Lagos region, MultiChoice Nigeria has opened a new office in Mushin. Speaking at the launch of the office, Managing Director of MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe said that the outfit takes a keen interest in its subscribers because they remain the driving force behind the sustenance of pay

Comedy Club set for January launch

CCORDING to the management of M-Net, the third season of Comedy Club: Live in Lagos is set to air on M-Net West on DStv in January 2012. An M-Net Africa production that profiles comedians, and offers them a wider television platform to demonstrate their talent as stand-up comedians, the series features some of the hottest comedians in Africa, with its lineup including performers from Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone and Uganda. Hosted by IK Osakioduwa of Studio 53 and Big Brother Africa, the programme provides one hour of entertainment for the live venue audience as well as the viewer at home. After the comedians perform, they're invited to sit down for an interview with IK as

well as a live band performance by Law, Akpororo, Frank the Don, Qwela to entertain the audience. Bow Joint, Funnybone and AY; during each episode, two DKB and Funnyface of Ghana; comedians will perform - the first Sierra Leone's Vamboi and Patrick is usually an up-and-coming Idringi of Uganda. comedian while the other is an “M-Net is committed to creating established comedian. The quality African programming content providers for and with Comedy Club: Live In DStv say that the third Lagos we are pleased to once season promises more showcase the talent performances by and abilities of the Nigeria's Odogwu, continent's finest and Jafextra, Shola funniest performers,” says Sampson, Mandy, M-Net Africa Managing Koffi, Klint, Director Biola Alabi. Owen G, Big Comedy Club: Live Mickey, In Lagos Season 3 Lepacious, Mc premieres on When, Bovi, Monday 2 Small Mummy, January, Emeka Smith, 2012. Cee Y, Alarm Blow, Seyi •IK

TV business in the country. Ugbe notes that creating meaningful value for DStv subscribers is always a priority. That is why MultiChoice is determined to have offices and consumer touch points in all major cities and neighbourhoods in the country” The MD explained that MultiChoice will continue to heed to customers' needs by providing quality services and programmes which will appeal to the whole family. “To show dedication and commitment to our subscribers, we are currently rewarding loyal DStv subscribers who subscribed for at least a period of 3 months without disconnecting their account” he remarked. Head; Corporate Communications, MultiChoice Nigeria, Segun Fayose said that besides the expansion of more branches and outlets, MultiChoice is firmly devoted to the provision of innovative and unique home viewing service which keeps Nigerian viewers at the cutting edge of pay television: “For us to achieve this, there is the continuous introduction not only of new programming and channels which meet the viewing requirements of the whole family, but also new technology such as the PVR, High Definition PVR and DStv Mobile among others” he noted.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Burgeoning rap act Afolabi Durotoye a.k.a Beazy is patiently waiting for his time under the sun as he has his eyes firmly fixed on making a huge impact on the scene with his songs. The rap artiste who was never particularly crazy about listening to music when he was younger has quickly immersed himself on the local scene and he admits that being a good rapper doesn't quite make the cut. He reveals that and more in this revealing interview with AHMED BOULOR.

â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Rap artiste, Beazy

I learnt a lot about life over there because I had little or no supervision. I also discovered so much about myself too; I discovered I am not the type that drink or smoke. I found out a lot about my life which somewhat affects my music

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Goldie, Dipp, others join Uti for charity

Shina Peters, Obesere, others wow fans at TOP10 MICS concert

AST week Friday, December 23 at the Tafawa Balewa Square venue of the much anticipated Top10 Mics Concert, witness a mammoth crowd who trouped out to catch a glimpse of their favourite artistes billed to perform at what turned out to be the biggest concert of the year. Anchored by acclaimed King of Comedy Ali Baba and STV sweetheart Chioma, the show was indeed hilarious. The audiences were thrilled at intervals. Of course, for Ali Baba it was a piece of cake as he effortlessly delivered jokes that were right on point. Chioma wasn't a notice either; she was very much on top of her game. Both were a wonderful peer. In spirit of the season, delectable A-list actress and songstress, Stella Damasus gave a stellar performance with choirlike backup singers to sing Christmas carol songs which sent the crowd screaming in excitement. The concert which paraded 10 of the best hands in the music industry, 2face Idibia, MI, Eldee, Mocheddah, Femi Kuti, Obesere, Sir Shina Peters, P Square, Wizkid

•PSquare performing at the event

''Grammy'' performance with his hit track I love my baby, Pakurumo among others. The Okoye Brothers, P square wowed the crowd •Obesere with the hit ''chop my money'', ''Ifunaya'' and others. Abass Obesere and his dancers and Duncan Mighty started as gave the crowd something to think early 7pm with many stars on the about when he performed. red carpet posing for the Grammy nominee, Femi Kuti paparazzi. Mocheddah opened the didn't disappoint his fans as he TOP10 MICS concert officially took them way back with his with her hit track Loke Loke to the tunes. Hypertek headliner, Tuface delight of many; she also Idibia did his piece by implicating performed other tracks. the crowd with his award winning Sir Shina Peters held the crowd track ''Implication''. Trybesmen spellbound when he performed boss, Eldee closed the concert. some of his old tracks and the Speaking on the concert an crowd sang along with him he official of KOGA Entertainment, performed songs from his Ace Anu Awoseyi, the brain behind album, which was a massive hit the TOP10 MICS concert said ''we years ago. appreciate the fans that thronged Duncan Mighty, who wore a the venue in their thousands and grey color blazer on stage we want to reiterate that this will performed ''Obianuju'' and ''Port be a yearly event as that of year Harcourt boy'' to the delight of the 2012 will be bigger and better than audience. Wizkid gave a this.”

N the spirit of the season, BBA winner Uti Nwachukwu in company with some of his friends in the entertainment industry stormed Surulere for a charity event organized by his fan club at Ojez on December 21, 2011. The event had many celebrities, fans and friends of Uti in attendance and saw them trooping out in their numbers to donate food items and material things to the needy who had been carefully selected from different parts of the state. Among the friends of Uti in attendance were; Tonto Dikeh, Susan Peters, Desmond Elliot, Alex Ekubo, Micheal Okon, Goldie, Ajibade Gbenro Emmanuel, Moyo Lawal, Halima Abubakar, Chika Ike, Bryan Okwara, Keneth Okoli, Gulder Ultimate man Micheal Nwachukwu, and the recently crowned Ultimate man Christopher Okechukwu, RnB star, Dipp and Lanky C. A galaxy of celebrities who stormed the event had a nice time

socializing with the celebrated children and widows by wining and dining with them . For Uti, this was just his way of celebrating the festive season and also appreciating God's goodness to him through the year. The charitable event was organized mainly to cater for widows, and the physically challenged children in the society. Among the organizations which benefitted from this charitable works were; school for physically challenged children Modupe Cole, School for the Down syndrome kids etc. Friends of Uti not only came out to honour the event but they also showed their generosity by bringing along with them various food items and gifts for the less privileged and the widows who were been celebrated. Other Notable People/outfits that supported this cause include Orode Uduaghan(daughter of Governor of Delta State) Martini who recently endorsed Uti and Eku.

Aero Play launches promo album

•Tuface (left) performing for Jacco van der Linden

Tuface bids Nigerian Breweries MD goodbye

& B sensation, Tuface Idibia, made a special appearance at the farewell party, held in honour of Jacco van der Linden, outgoing Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc. Tuface acknowledged the great works of the outgoing Marketing Director while he rendered a medley of some of his hits. He was supported by the Diamondz Band, past winners of the Star Quest, Nigeria's first and only band based musical reality TV competition. However, it was a rendition of his classic hit “African Queen” which delighted the audience, at the pool side of Oriental Hotel. The song was a special request from Gbenga Adeyinka, who anchored proceedings at the farewell ceremony.

Tuface's appearance at the farewell ceremony was his second appearance for Nigerian Breweries Plc. The musical sensation was the headlining act at the 'Hat Trick' event, organized by Nigerian Breweries Plc a few weeks back. In his response, Mr. van der Linden, the outgoing Marketing Director, thanked the eight agencies for according him the honour of the farewell ceremony. He stated that he would be taking favourable memories of Nigeria with him, after his stay in the country. He said: “What is phenomenal is the human energy in Nigeria. It is so amazing. It is something that I will always remember about the country. I have come to discover that Nigerians are so energetic and always willing to learn.”

UESDAY, December 20, Oriental Hotel played host to guests of all class and from all walks as they trooped to the promo album launch of budding music group, Aero Play. Compered by ace comedian/ musician cum actor, Kilnt de Drunk, the show witnessed the presences of bigwigs from the Nigerian corporate world as well as from across the shores of the country. Though the group Aero Play comprises two budding artistes, Christopher Young (Babatunde Afolabi) and DJ Fame (Henry Adebola) only Young was around to host guests to a few of the tracks. As he explains, Fame, the founder of the group got stuck in the Unive

rsity of Ottawa Canada where he is currently studying. “You should expect the full album same time next year but with a concert. It is more of a kick off. We have a whole lot going on for us so there is a need to start something. This is that time,” he enthused. Like the name connotes, the artiste said, Aero Play means to fly in whatever you do. We are flying with our songs. That is what we know how to do best, that is why we are doing all this. That is why we are here to celebrate. We do music in any direction and in anywhere the inspiration comes from. This promo album has three tracks but the original album boasts of 11 tracks that touch on a

host of topics. Commending the duo for the effort put into the self titled promo album, Special Guest of the day, Taiwo Afolabi said that it is time Nigerians learnt to throw their weight behind the arts. Following performance by the lone member of the group present, guests took turns to launch the album.

•Aero Play

JKL drops album in Malaysia

USTIN Kingland, Nigerianborn international dancehall/ragga artiste, known in entertainment circles as JKL, has successfully launched his new music CD, 'Imperial Light' at the Ampang Water Front, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Also the head of 4Real Records and Entertainment, the artiste held the launching in collaboration with Ofu-Obi Nwanneamaka international club and Entertainment SDN/BHD. Highpoint of the event was the mounting of the stage by the •JKL artiste to perform a couple of tracks from the Imperial Light album, which would be out in stores soon. “We are already working out modalities for some

of the international videos with our foreign partners and artistes. But the video of Google Me is ready and creating waves on line, it will soon hit TV/cable stations soon. This is likely going to be my last Malaysian album,” disclosed the act who is about to sign a two year deal with an International label. Kingland was also full of praises to God for giving him the inspiration to compose the songs in the CD, which he described as songs of Jah. Meanwhile, JKL and his crew will soon be in Nigeria to officially launch the Imperial Light album as well as his foundation, before embarking on a nationwide tour.

Bent fit for Iniesta backing Messi, Chelsea clash Xaxi for Ballon dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;or Pg. 32

Pg. 33

Nation Saturday, December 31, 2011

2011

Whither Nigeria sports? (1)

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

NATION SPORT

Goodbye 2011, welcome 2012 A

S we bid farewell to 2011, the year of unmitigated disaster in Nigeria’s recent sports history, it is instructive that we project into 2012 and beyond with a view to having a road map to where we want to see the country’s sports in the times ahead. Three Sports Ministers in one year would have meant a surfeit of fresh dynamism in the industry going by the saying that two heads are better than one. But it also meant that ideas were merely inchoate deprived of conventional gestation period to germinate and blossom. It is symptomatic of the value placed on the industry by successive administrations that have failed despite continued ministrations by industry stakeholders to move away from the practice of appointing journeymen into the office of Sports Minister. With the coming of Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi, whose experience in Journalism brought him quite close to the Media practitioners of Sports, it is hoped he would in 2012 take some steps back from the grinding controversy and fratricidal war between the Director General and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Abdullahi must approach the situation with rolled sleeves and bare knuckles ready to hit hard at any intransigent quarters fuelling the crisis. In the interest of football, the Minister will have to explore avenues to massage bruised egos and at the same time ensuring that persons in positions of authority must exercise their powers for the

By Harry Iwuala common good as against parochial interests. Elections into the Executive Committee of the NFF has been won and lost and those who were not favoured the last time should be encouraged to look forward to the next elections to preserve the seeming democracy we have enthroned in football administration. If the election into the highest office in the country is admitted with generally acclaimed imperfections, those who organise the NFF elections we must acknowledge did not sprout from the moon and neither did the contestants. The charge this time should be for improved processes and perhaps, a review of the processes which I personally believe will never produce the best brains for football administration. In 2012, the Minister should therefore evolve a working relationship with the NFF and other sports associations that will lead to opening of administrative space to attract corporate technocrats and commercial entrepreneurs to sports administration 2012 is also a year the new helmsman at the Sports Ministry must review the entire gamut of the philosophy behind having sports development and research departments in the Ministry with a view to making them responsive to the challenges of their calling. Over the years, the Sports Development department has merely functioned as a competition’s facilitating department but doing very little

by way of training coaches, charting new ways forward for athletes’ discovery and nurturing. Little is heard these days of the scholarship scheme for education-minded sportsmen and women, a channel from which we had great world beaters in the 1970’s to early 1990’s. Yet we ponder why we have been experiencing the back-slide all these years. Research is the power house of innovation, improvement and performances which explains the wisdom in setting up a Department of Research and Statistics in the Ministry. From my past interaction with previous Directors of that office, it has been obvious that the department have not been appropriately equipped in quality and quantity of staff. I may be wrong but then their output does not suggest otherwise. In 2012, the Minister’s attention should be drawn to the National Institute for Sports (NIS) which one cannot say for certainty where its operations are based- Lagos or Abuja. But starting with the structure housing the institute in Lagos, it is doubtful that the NIS is living up to its mandate of training and re-training coaches. If coaches are not exposed to modern facilities during their formative years, how then can they coach athletes in later years using modern techniques that are dependent on latest technologies? The NIS ought to have been a training destination hub for sub-Sahara African states and not just a place for retired sportsmen and women to return to as a last resort in

finding a means of livelihood. A situation where products of the institute are at most times unemployable is as much a poor reflection of the quality of content they are offered as it is the calibre of resource persons providing the content. This is one place we need the presence of expatriate personnel to operate for a tenure within which Nigerians would have been groomed to take over. More essentially, the NIS requires a make-over by way of infrastructure and conducive learning environment. In 2012, the Minister should strive to convince his principal and the Federal Executive Council •Okagbare (FEC) on the need to treat sports as a social security tool as against the popular but wrong perception of selffunding business and recreation. Sport is a recreation at the level of the past times that Senator David Mark and others indulge in at the IBB Golf Course. It is a recreation at Ikoyi Club and other fancy hang-outs of the rich spread across the country and peopled by members of the Army, FEC, State Cabinets, Senior t h e Civil Servants and private C u s sector big boys. But it is not toms, the leisure for the Ajegunle boy Diplomats and other kids from city and even the slums across the country for President whose who sports is their future funding is never and their key to membersourced from the ship of the upper crust private sector and if clubs. To this end, it is the that is what governright of these poor Nigement thinks good for rian youths to be sponsored sports, then they by the Federal Government to should be the ones apinternational competitions whenever they meet the quali- proaching the private sector fication marks. The sportsmen for the funding the same way and women are serving the they go about gathering funds country just like the Police, the for their campaign. I have not

AS Gubbio tracks Obiorah Nwankwo

REAM TEAM skipper Obiorah Nwankwo is not getting match time at Parma. In January, he could end up in Serie B club AS Gubbio. Gubbio's sporting director, Stefano Giammarioli has confirmed to the microphones of FCInterNews.it that the club could sign the Nigerian midfielder.

• Nwankwo

He said: ''He's a guy who has the quality and quantity: I know for some time. However, to date, we have no negotiations with Parma. Nwankwo we have not decided on anything, so much so that we are not aware of

either his contractual situation or agreements between Parma and the Nerazzurri.'' Obiorah Nwankwo's only appearance in the Serie A was against AC Milan in October. He saw an hour of action in the 4-1 loss.

Obinna learning to communicate OCOMOTIV Moscow in Russian midfielder Denis

Glushakov has talked about his relationship with the Nigeria international Victor Obinna to Soviet sport. ''Obinna is trying to communicate in Russian, and he is extremely funny. Word are confused, you do not understand it. On the day of the match with Spartak Moscow, Obinna wanted us to cheer up - went to the locker room in the corner and head painted in wonderful red color. ''Bright colors obviously liked our Nigerian friend. Sorry, after the match there was no reason for the jokes,'' says Glushakov. The Russian League is on break. When hostilities

resume, Locomotive welcome Kuban' Krasnodar to the Locomotive Moscow Stadium, March 3, 2012.

• Uche Kalu (C) vies for the ball with Wydad Casablanca players Allaoui Mustapha (L) and Ayoub El-Khaliqi

Enyimba grabs N30m from Kalu's Wydad deal

T • Obinna

HERE is an agreement in principle for Enyimba striker Uche Kalu to join 12-time Morocco Champions Wydad Casablanca. Kalu tested with Wydad early December and impressed the bench. He is expected to sign the dotted lines with Wydad on Saturday. The transfer fee was not disclosed, but Enyimba is expected to be richer by more than 150,000 euros (=N= 30 Million). The 24-year-old forward was impressive in the CAF Champions League. His four goals fired Enyimba to the semifinals of the competition.

heard of the President, Ministers or State Governors cancelling a foreign trip on account of insufficient or lack of funds and sports should not be singled out for maltreatment. In 2012, National Football Coach, Stephen Keshi and the NFF should put an end to the arbitrary invitation of domestic league players to camp without due consideration to their obligations to their clubs. They must accord the same respect to the clubs as they do any other club outside the country where Nigerian players are found. A situation where players in the domestic league are forced to camp does not augur well for the development of truly professional club football in the country. We must not take Enyimba for granted while inviting Uche Kalu and consult Chelsea when inviting a Mikel Obi. Shooting Stars pay Gbolahan Salami salary and allowances just the same way Milan pays Taye Taiwo. Even when we can argue that invitations to national teams serve the domestic league players well, the same professional approach to Anichebe’s Everton must be used in approaching Dolphins for the invitation of Ike Thankgod. In 2012, Nigeria will parade teams in Athletics, Boxing, Weightlifting, Taekwandoe and others but whereas the Olympic mantra highlights the beauty of participation, the Minister should lay a foundation for fruitful outing in Brazil 2016. Presently, there is nothing to show that the country wants to reap medals from London and it is regrettable because we have had this event on our calendar since the last Olympic Games in Beijing. Part of the foundation the Minister will work out is the setting up of world class sports centres across the six geo-political zones. This is not for geographical spread or political balancing but for the purpose of citing the centres in areas of best competence of the people. This way, long distance training centre will be located in North Central while sprints will be based in the South East/ South South. It has been said that the National Sports Commission built some centres over the last four years, it is therefore left for the Minister to take a tour of those locations and ascertain if they are worth the money spent on the project and if not, account should be called. I wish all of us a happier 2012 in Sports.

NATIONSPORT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

NATION SPORT

ETURNING to the Italian international set-up has always been an objective for Antonio Di Natale, says his agent. Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli has confirmed that he will select the 34-year-old for February's friendly against America. It will be the first time that the Udinese man, who hasn't played for Italy since the 3-2 loss to Slovakia at World Cup 2010, has been selected by Prandelli. ”This is a big deal for him and the right reward for what he has been doing on the field of play,” agent Bruno Carpeggiani told calciomercato.it. “Antonio is world class and he'll certainly be useful to the Azzurri cause at the European Championship should he be called up. “The national side has always been something very special to him and I'm sure that he would do well if selected.” Di Natale himself has thanked Prandelli for the proposed recall and admitted his desire to play alongside Manchester City youngster Mario Balotelli. “They are two champions who would work well together in terms of characteristics and technique,” Carpeggiani continued. “We'll just have to see how Coach Prandelli decides to use them and integrate them into the rest of the team.” Di Natale has been a scoring machine in Serie A over the last 30 months. He's netted 67 goals in top-flight since the summer of 2009.

•De Natali

Table

Italia Seria A league Table AC Milan Juventus Udinese Lazio Inter Milan Napoli Roma Catania Palermo Genoa Atalanta Chievo Parma Fiorentina Cagliari Siena Bologna Novara Cesena Lecce

16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

10 9 9 8 8 6 7 5 6 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 4 2 3 2

4 7 5 6 2 6 3 7 3 3 8 5 4 6 6 6 3 6 3 3

2 0 2 2 6 4 6 4 7 7 2 6 7 6 6 7 9 8 10 11

35 27 20 24 22 29 21 20 18 19 23 13 21 15 12 14 14 17 8 17

18 11 9 13 19 18 19 23 20 24 19 18 26 17 17 16 24 29 20 33

AVIER Zanetti is convinced that Inter can still have a campaign to remember despite a troubled start.

Inter had a terrible opening to 2011-12, a run of results which saw Gian Piero Gasperini replaced by Claudio Ranieri. “We started the season with some difficulty, mostly because of the coaching change and the absence of so many important players who were injured,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “But in the last month we've won six out of seven games. We're recovering, we know that the road is still long, but we hope to be contenders until the end. “We're still in all three competitions. “We know, however, that we still have to make up ground in the League and we also know that it will be Dec difficult because the teams that are ahead of us are strong. “However, we believe.” 17 34 Inter, who were hovering just above the relegation 16 34 zone for a time, are now fifth in the standings eight 11 32 points behind co-leaders Milan and Juventus. 11 30 3 26 They are also expected to make some changes to the 11 24 squad once the January transfer window opens. 2 24 -3 22 -2 21 Sat 07 Jan 2012 -5 21 v Lazio Denis Atalanta 12 Siena 4 20 Inter Milan v Parma Ibrah AC Milan 11 -5 20 Di Natale Udinese 10 Sun 08 Jan 2012 -5 19 Udinese v Cesena Cavani Napoli 9 -2 18 Atalanta v AC Milan Klose Lazio 8 -5 18 Bologna v Catania Giovinco Parma 8 -2 15 Cagliari v Genoa Osvaldo Roma 7 -10 15 Lecce v Juventus Jovetic Fiorentina7 -12 12 Novara v Fiorentina Matri Juventus 6 -12 12 Roma v Chievo Nocerino AC Milan6 Palermo v Napoli -16 9 Marchisio Juventus 6

afte

•Bent

RAMIRES:

HELSEA midfielder Ramires is happy to be playing for manager Andre Villas-Boas. The Brazilian is showing his best form for Chelsea and says that is down to AVB's influence. "I knew him from Portugal, but not personally. He treats everyone the same, regardless of the names. He has everything to be a Mourinho or even better. Of course, for this, we have to help him too. He has everything to be the best coach in the world. I can say that he is one of the best coaches I ever had in my career."

VERTON boss David Moyes has revealed that midfielder Marouane Fellaini is a serious doubt for the trip to West Brom on New Year's Day. The Goodison Park boss admitted the absence of the 24-year-old Belgian from his side for the Boxing Day draw with Sunderland was a blow. Fellaini is suffering from an abductor strain and Moyes hopes the damage is not a long-term problem. "I don't think it's too bad so who knows," the Scot said.

BARCELONA midfielder Andres Iniesta has given his backing to either Lionel Messi or Xavi Hernandez to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award for 2011. The pair have been named on a three-man shortlist alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, with Iniesta missing out after making it to the final stage last year. Argentine international Messi was the player who claimed the award in 2010, and his Barca teammate has no intention of hiding the fact that he wants the award to stay at the Nou Camp. "The three that are there are the best three. But I have two colleagues and I will be happy if the winner is one of them," said the Spanish international ahead of the awards ceremony, which takes place in Zurich on January 9th. 27-year-old Iniesta also admitted he's excited for the year ahead with both club and country, highlighting Euro 2012 as one of the major challenges that lay ahead. "2012 will be an exciting year. Spain have a big challenge at Euro 2012, and Barcelona have a season that will also be exciting," he added. Concluding his speech at the Albacete Sports Gala, Iniesta was also keen to stress that the hamstring injury picked up in the Copa del Rey clash with L'Hospitalet is not serious.

ARREN BENT was today included in Villa's squad for the trip to Chelsea r a scan on his thigh/groin revealed no fresh injury concerns.

The England international missed Villa's goalless draw with Stoke on Boxing Day after complaining of soreness in the area following training. But club medical staff have since confirmed it is not a new injury and the 27-year-old has responded well to treatment at Bodymoor Heath over the past couple of days. It is a boost for Villa boss Alex McLeish who had initially thought he would only have to choose from rookie strikers Nathan Delfouneso and Andreas Weimann to partner G a b b y Agbonlahor in attack. McLeish was also encouraged by news that Emile Heskey, who limped out of the Stoke game at halftime with a recurrence of an Achilles injury, could be back for the visit of Swansea on January 2 after his injury was not deemed as bad as first thought. Meanwhile, defender Alan Hutton has spoken of how his partnership down Villa's right flank with Charles N'Zogbia has started to blossom. H u t t o n i s available again for the game at Stamford Bridge having served a onematch suspension for the red card he received against Arsenal and believes he is starting to build up a rapport with the French winger. “We can help each other. That's what happens it's about partnerships,” said Hutton. “It's getting to know each other's games. I can help him, he can help me and the more we play together the more that can click and we can hopefully become a great partnership. He's definitely been getting better and he's a great talent. You can see it in training and you know from his performances at Wigan and Newcastle that he's a top quality player. “Sometimes it just takes time for people to settle in, become comfortable and build up their confidence. Hopefully that's starting to happen now. I think it can happen where supporters forget players are human

EAL MADRID captain Iker Casillas hopes to stay with the club for life.Casillas is eager to have an off-field role with Real once he hangs up his gloves. "In the future I would like to stay tied somehow to the world of football and if possible at Real Madrid, I think I've had the opportunity to live great experiences that I would like to pass on to other generations so they can enjoy football and life as I have done," said the goalkeeper.

YAN Giggs believes that Manchester United's greater experience of performing under pressure gives them the edge in the Premier League title race.The Red Devils are behind fierce rivals Manchester City on goal difference at the top of the table, having chased down a longstanding points deficit and the Welshman, who has won 12 league titles during his time at Old Trafford, feels that they are in the stronger position. “The experience that the manager, the players and the coaching staff have of what's required in the second half of the season, as well as the overall hunger and desire to win competitions, will help us,” Giggs told the club's official website. “Big players can't wait for big games. Towards the end of the season the games just get bigger and bigger. “For me personally, you want that in the run-in - you want to be involved in big games and going for the title. That's why you become a footballer.”

Barclays Premier league Table - Dec

•Fellaini "With Marouane being out it affected us. With Jack Rodwell out as well, we don't really have a lot of creativity in midfield. " We put Johnny Heitinga in midfield [against Sunderland] and I thought he did a good job. We put Sylvain Distin in at the back and we needed all the squad.”

Man City Man Utd Tottenham Chelsea Arsenal Liverpool Newcastle Stoke Norwich West Brom Everton Aston Villa Fulham Swansea Sunderland QPR Wolves Wigan Bolton

17 17 15 16 17 17 17 17 17 17 16 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

14 13 11 10 10 8 7 7 5 6 6 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4

2 3 1 2 2 6 6 3 6 3 2 7 6 6 5 4 3 5 0

1 1 3 4 5 3 4 7 6 8 8 6 7 7 8 9 10 9 13

53 42 31 34 33 20 23 18 27 19 17 19 18 16 21 17 19 15 22

15 14 18 19 25 13 22 28 31 26 19 23 23 21 21 31 32 30 39

38 28 13 15 8 7 1 -10 -4 -7 -2 -4 -5 -5 0 -14 -13 -15 -17

44 42 34 32 32 30 27 24 21 21 20 19 18 18 17 16 15 14 12

•Giggs

TOP SCORERS van Persie Demba Ba Aguero Rooney Yakubu Dzeko Sturridge Adebayor Balotelli Lampard Holt Helguson Klasnic Hernandez Defoe

Arsenal Newcastle Man City Man Utd Blackburn Man City Chelsea Tottenham Man City Chelsea Norwich QPR Bolton Man Utd Tottenham

16 14 13 13 10 10 9 9 8 7 7 7 7 6 6

FIXTURES

Sat 31 Dec 2011 Man Utd v Norwich v Stoke v Swansea v Arsenal v Bolton v Chelsea v Arsenal v

Blackburn Fulham Wigan Tottenham QPR Wolves Aston Villa Wolves

•Casillas

TLETICO MADRID attacker Jose Antonio Reyes has revealed that he harbours hopes of making a return to former club Sevilla in the near future.The 28-year-old has been linked with a departure from the Vicente Calderon for a second spell in Andalusia in recent weeks, and reports from earlier this month indicated that a deal has already been agreed. Reyes, however, maintained that he is not aware of any official correspondence regarding a potential transfer. "I have just found out that an agreement [between Atletico Madrid and Sevilla] has been reached, but I have not received any correspondence of the pact," Reyes told AS.

Ronaldo Madrid 20 Messi Barcelona 17 Higuain Madrid 12 Soldado Valencia 11 Falcao A/Madrid 10 Fabregas Barca 8 Benzema Madrid 8 Barral S/Gijon 7 Kone Levante 6 Llorente A/Bilbao6 Juanlu Levante 6 Sanchez Barca 5 Negredo Sevilla 5 Villa Barca 5 Garcia Espanyol 5 Manu Sevilla 5 Postiga Zaragoza 5 Xavi Barca 5

Spanish Laliga Table - Dec Madrid Barcelona Valencia Levante •Reyes Osasuna Sevilla Malaga Espanyol Sun 08 Jan 2012 A/ Bilbao Madrid v Granada A/Madrid Santander v Zaragoza Real Betis Espanyol v Barcelona Getafe Sociedad v Osasuna Granada Betis v S/ Gijon Mallorca Malaga v A/Madrid Sociedad Vallecano Vallecano v Sevilla Villarreal Levante vMallorca S/Gijon Getafe vA Bilba Santander Villarreal v Valencia Zaragoza

16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

13 11 10 9 6 6 7 7 5 5 6 5 5 4 4 4 3 4 2 2

1 4 3 2 7 6 3 2 7 4 1 4 4 6 5 4 6 3 8 4

2 1 3 5 3 4 6 7 4 7 9 7 7 6 7 8 7 9 6 10

56 50 26 25 21 18 20 17 23 23 17 17 10 15 16 17 13 16 11 13

15 8 16 19 28 17 22 20 19 27 22 23 16 22 23 25 23 27 21 31

41 42 10 6 -7 1 -2 -3 4 -4 -5 -6 -6 -7 -7 -8 -10 -11 -10 -18

40 37 33 29 25 24 24 23 22 19 19 19 19 18 17 16 15 15 14 10

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

NATION SPORT

Inside The Glass House WITH AMINU MAIGARI

NFF General Assembly 2011

T was a captivating atmosphere at the Royal Tropicana Suites on Isah Kaita Road, Kaduna on Thursday as the 2011 Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation took place there. Days and weeks before, there were those who doubted that Kaduna could host, or whether the delegates to the General Assembly, comprising of Chairmen and Secretaries of the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT, as well as Chairmen and Secretaries of the Nigeria Premier League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women’s League, Nigeria Amateur League, Coaches Association, Referees Association and Players’ Union could make it there. At all times, the NFF affirmed that the Annual General Assembly would take place in Kaduna. Days before the event, when bombs went off in nearby Niger State, right on the road leading into Kaduna, the fears were palpable, not among delegates, but among those who felt and wished negatively. The Executive Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, CON, surprised everyone when he arrived well before the 10am take off time for the General Assembly. Alhaji Adamu Gumba, chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and Social Development, confessed how truly impressed he was. The Honourable Minister/

•Yakowa

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi, represented by the Director of Federations and Elite Athletes department of the NSC, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba gave a stirring speech, in which he sued for peace in the house of football and charged the NFF to wake up and take decisions that would ultimately return Nigeria to the glory days, and even higher. “It is true that little can be achieved without peace, harmony and tranquility. I wish to earnestly appeal to all stakeholders of the Nigeria game to unite and forge a common front to tackle the malaise and give our football the filip it needs to step back into sunshine and give our people joy through positive results, once more. “Football is a huge binding factor among Nigerians, no doubt. I wish to assure you all that the Government of His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR takes football serious, and the President personally monitors the performances of our teams at home and abroad. The last quarter of the year brought much to worry about. While we cannot continue to grumble over spilt milk, we must reflect hard on the factors that undermined our teams in those important matches and competitions and root out those evils. “On the part of the National Sports Commission, we will continue to provide the necessary support and

encouragement for football, as well as other sports, not only for our youths to have noble areas to channel their energy, but in realization of the fact that sport has replaced warfare as the key tool in international relations in the past decades. “The NFF also has a responsibility to re-orientate football players selected to represent the country at all levels. Commitment on the field of play and patriotic zeal go a long way in achieving results, but the tenor of of these virtues in our National Teams has been appreciably low. “Several persons and interest groups have advocated a return to the grassroots, and to the schools to unearth talents, which would be harnessed and refined appropriately through a well-structured and dynamic process to become good enough to represent our country”. Inspiring words, no doubt. And Governor Patrick Yakowa also added his own wise counsel with a speech that had knowledge about, and keen interest in, football written all over it. The delegates appreciated this very much and gave the man a standing ovation. The speeches of Governor Yakowa and Honourable Minister/Chairman, NSC reminded me of our visit to the Sultan, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III last weeek, during which the footballpassionate Royal Father admonished the NFF to go back to the grassroots and bring out the talented home boys who would show commitment and passion on the field of play while wearing the green and white. This message resonated through the auditorium at the Annual General Assembly, and showed clearly the level of its acceptance when the Congress unanimously adopted a proposal by the NFF Executive Committee to set up an independent Task Force, as a matter of urgency, to fashion a roadmap for sustainable development of Nigeria football. With the mandate given by the Congress for the NFF Executive Committee to go ahead, it is only a matter of time before we come out with the composition of this committee, which will surely have a lot of work to do collating ideas from far and near, and harmonizing and articulating before presenting its report. Some of the Congress members told me in private that they were impressed with the decision of the NFF Executive Committee in that regard and are excited at the level of acceptance this will receive by Nigerians at home and abroad.

I have said several times that we are all worried about the dwindling state of our football, at home and internationally. It is wrong for anyone to think that the NFF is not bothered. The business we do is football, and we hold office in trust for over 160 million Nigerians who follow the game passionately. It is our responsibility, at all times, to come up with policies and guidelines that will continue to improve the game and boost our country’s image in the international arena. I watched Alhaji Ahmad Muazu Kawu, chairman of the Nigeria Amateur League, grin from ear to ear as his proposal for changing the name to Nigeria Nationwide League sailed through effortlessly. As captured in the communique, this was easily accepted in recognition of its critical position in football development, and to enhance its glamour and marketability. The 2nd Vice President and chairman of the Nigeria Premier League, Chief Rumson Baribote was another happy man as all the decisions of the NPL AGM were ratified by Congress. So, by and large it was an exciting day, followed by a novelty match and the Charity Shield match between Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt and Heartland FC of Owerri at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. Dolphins, champions of the Premier League, lost 0-1 to the winners of Federation Cup, Heartland FC and I made this clear to Chief Baribote as we stepped out of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium. Our collective appreciation goes to the Kaduna State Governor, Sir Patrick Yakowa, CON, members of the Kaduna State cabinet and House of Assembly, the Honourable Minister/ Chairman, NSC, Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Alhaji Adamu Gumba, chairman of the House of Reps Committee on Sports, Honourabl Godfrey Gaiya, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye and former NFF President Colonel Abdulmumuni Aminu, former NFF General Secretaries Mr. Momodu Kadiri, Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro, Dr. Ahmed Tijjani Yusuf and Ambassador Fanny Amun. There were so many dignitaries, invited guests and stakeholders of the game that one cannot go on to mention everyone present, but there is no how I would not mention the President-General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Oladipo, who enlivened the place with his people. There are also the Members of the NFF Executive Committee, including myself, who worked hard with the Management team to ensure the day was a success. And how can one forget the Chairmen and Secretaries from the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT, who refused to be intimidated or discouraged by fear slogans of all types and turned up in Kaduna. TO ALL OF YOU, AND INDEED TO EVERY NIGERIAN, I WISH A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS YEAR 2012.

AKINLOYE AT LARGE 08050246155 atlarge84@yahoo.com

An open letter to Keshi (2)

OU said in an interview that the Super Eagles is for every one. I agree with you to an extent. The national team is for every one. Any body who wants to contribute to the progress of the team should be welcome but not saboteurs. There are saboteurs milling round the team and they should be shown the way out. You should not give them the opportunity to influence your decisions. They are powerful. They can get their ways round the team because of whom they are, but you can shake them off by not accepting their words which they would claim would help in the rebuilding. Prayer is necessary, but you must do the necessary things first for the prayers to be effective. We have taught the world to pray. We started praying on the field of play and the world has taken to it. At least, we have contribute something positive to football that the world is copying, but you should not accept distractions. Some will come in the name of God. They should be listened to for mentioning God, but you should be careful before they turn bone in your throat. There is a lot to be done in the church that should stop the clerics from constituting distraction in the camp. There is a lot to do in the camp to allow for distraction. You should make your assistants your friends. They should be your confidants and brothers for the three years as gaffer of the Super Eagles. They should be your advisers because they have been there. They played the game. They have coached teams and they know the in and out of the soccer scene in the country Rely on them. There should be no cabinet outside the four. They will guide you aright. The journey of the qualifiers for the 2013 African Cup of Nations and the 2014 World Cup will be long and tortuous. You need players who can last the distance. Amodu Shaibu described his players as average, but they were able to win bronze in the Nations Cup and qualify for the World Cup. Samson Siasia's boys must be below average for failing to qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup. These are the players you inherited and you must do something to turn them to a special class. You are lucky that you have good goal keepers. At least, you have three good ones you can choose from. They are Vincent Enyeama, Dele Ayenugba and Austin Ejide.There is little you can choose from among them. Enyeama will remain the first choice and may be yours as well. He will be assisted by Ayenugba. There is something about him, which must be cleared. He was blamed for the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the Nations Cup. The truth is that the midfield collapsed and the defence could not hold. I don't want to be accused of tribalism. Ayenugba is from Kogi which is in the North Central so he is not a Yoruba or my attempt at defending him be seen as a Yoruba defending another. The right back is still problematic. You need to find a natural player for the role. The domestic football should be able to produce a natural right back for the Super Eagles. The left back will naturally go to Taye Taiwo, but his inability to make the grade in Milan will affect his national team output. He needs help to get out of the problem and it is now that the country needs him. As I have written, Elderson Echiejile or Taiwo can be converted to the left side of the midfield to play as a winger whenever the Super Eagles attack. You may be of the opinion that the creative midfield role is too big for a local player. I do not think so. The local player, if found, will grow into the role since we cannot have Austin Okocha back. I agree with Jay jay that it is failure of development that we have not found another creative midfielder five years after Okocha retired from the game. It is your responsibility to find one in your own interest. Joseph Yobo would soon be calling it quits with the game and we will be looking for a central defender to take over from him. Now we are still looking for one to pair him in the heart of the defence. Let us see what you come out with from the domestic players you have in camp with you in Abuja. Nigeria has the history of producing good central defenders. They had always been home based. You were one yourself before you were converted to a libero. We have had Christian Chukwu and Godwin Odiye. We have had Okechukwu and Chidi Nwanu. We have had Taribo West. We have had a couple of others too numerous to mention. Can we have a better right winger than Ahmed Musa? If there is one in Abuja, bring him on. Let there be competition. The more, the merrier!. Uche Kalu has a way of being quiet in games, but has the knack of scoring goals when you least expect him. His experience in Europe and in the national team will come handy in future games. His brother, Ikechukwu is the most consistent player in the national team. He scores important goals as well. He has established himself in the national team, but he has a fight in his hands if Yakubu Ayegbeni and Brown Ideye keep scoring for club. Yakubu is an accomplished striker for both country and club, a pedigree Ikechukwu is fighting to inculcate in his game. You have three strikers who can score goals and you should be able to use them successfully during the Nations Cup and World Cup qualifiers.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Golf...Golf...Golf...Golf...Golf...Golf...Golf...Golf...Golf

Four new things in 2012

HEY say football is the real thing that places Nigerians on the same platform. It could be true. Fact is several members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect could even be Gunners [Arsenal]. But the heart bleeds when a man who eats and sleeps football recalls that since Nigeria gained independence in 1960, this ending year reads like a nightmare to the nation's football. That folk is dead right. Every province, not even a nation, had the audacity of beating our national teams like a drum, to that point the nation could not even qualify for January's Nations Cup. But no Nigerian is grieving over this football affront. With the Premiership throwing thrilling games through the yuletide, it's Arsenal, Man U,and, okay, let's manage Chelsea, that beat up the pulse of Nigerians. Truth is most Nigerian football fans would not miss Eagles in the Nations Cup... even if the Eagles are competing. Truth is our football has lost it. Another truth is our football has found a hiding place in a wrong place... That is the Premiership, a yesterday's thing when today's league in Nigeria is dying. Good thing for football. That game, even dead, has got a hiding place. Now talk of golf. A game of Kings and Princes. A game of even the poor, but honest people, is presently heading for the 'Out of Bounds'. Football claimed the game had not been this bad since independence. You can now hear it that golf has not gone this astray since the late sage, Chief Anthony Enahoro formally introduced the game to Nigerians. And this was before Independence. Okay, it's known that football, even dead, has no time or even need to grieve. The Premiership has wiped off all tears. But sad for golf, the game doesn't have the luxury of grief. The game of golf,through 2011, has been thrown curve balls. The game has been laid down cold by jobbers who perceive just the scent of money, especially at the Professional level. The good thing here is golf has been given another chance in the sun and this will happen in 2012. But four things must be observed and strictly adhered to. Let's reel through the Four Commandments. MULTINATIONALS: They bleed Nigerians dry in terms of what they chalk up as profit after tax. Yet you keep wondering where they move such profits without a thought for souls that are sucked dry for such money to come into chips. Some multinationals like MTN and Etisalat claim they want to help golf but jobbers around golf clubs don't furnish them with good information on how to go about things. All loafers in most clubs want is to pull the likes of MTN and Etisalat to a corner where they can cut a little piece of cake at the detriment of golf events that could benefit golfers across the nation. It will be good if members should face their games and allow sponsors think straight. PROFESSIONAL GOLF; In all honesty, this one is a hard-sell. The Professional golfers don't know how to appease corporate bodies which put on the table millions they play for. Sponsorship is like looking at the bigger picture, a brand that could bring in more customers and revenue. Our Pro golf is so silly you hardly see people who want to watch Pros play. And the reason is clear enough. Pros now return ridiculous scores like amateurs do. So, what's the point watching them. In last month's Oba of Benin Cup, no member of the Benin Club came around to watch the Pros play, even though they were the hosts. Ask them why and they would tell you, boldly, "i fit beat their score. So wetin I wan watch". Sad. But again, why won't Pros play bad when rather than hone their games, they prefer a mud fight to be part of the Pro Golfers Committee where few share funds that belong to over 150 golf p r o f e s s i o n a l s . Multinationals acclaim that they can pay for golf, but it •Patrick Ekeji must be good golf. So let the Pros play straight so we can

GOLFLINE

NTDC brings for

WITH

Tony Akhigbe golflineintl@yahoo.com 0 8 0 94863638

see 'Under-par' in tourneys rather than '18-over' winning a tourney. BRING GUN BACK; Don't run adrift yet. The GUN here has nothing to do with Boko Haram. This one is the Golf Union of Nigeria. It is a powerful body that is made up of Captains of all Golf Clubs in Nigeria. And we have close to 70. The funny thing here is GUN has a life President in Ogbueshi Uche Okpuno, the magnate who sits atop ULO Consultants, but on ground, GUN is dead and buried. Up till now, no golf Captain can testify to a fact that he has been in a GUN meeting in past five years. The irony here is when GUN was in place, golf was in place. Amateur golf was never in disarray like it is now. Issues of Handicapping and well being of clubs are being handled at GUN forum. The whole thing was that smooth that no Captain could be an island on to himself since there was GUN in place to cut wings of erring Captains. Tournaments were aplenty because GUN was always pushing to corporate bodies to come forth with meaningful tourneys. GUN on its part was ensuring local rules of clubs were merged into one so there would be no need for bad calls. Ethic of the game were on the high. But with no GUN functioning clubs now allow a week old member to wander around the Fairway all in the name of playing. Thank God the body's Life President Ogbueshi Okpuno is still alive. He should come forth and revive this body in the new year. This is a sure way forward. NGF AND OLYMPIC GOLF; This is true. The game of golf is no longer a property of the National Sports Commission. The NSC, pushed the game to a private concern. When asked why they sold golf such duff cards, NSC chiefs merely stated that the game was not likely to win laurels for the nation in years to come. Someone asked why they didn't sell of Swimming and the nightmare itself, football. Ekeji didn't look far enough. 2016 Olympics is around the corner. Golf would play out in this Olympiad. And if you must know, golf alone, like swimming, accounts for close to 20 gold medals. Though we have so much waters in Nigeria but lack quality swimmers, golf is not like this. Move across golf clubs in Nigeria and you will see youths who are Caddies and they could rival the so-called Pro golfers in 'stroke play'. All they need is a stage, where they could train and mix with the best across the globe and they will be on the Leader Board. The United States has put on table over 700 million dollars to train youths who will represent its golf in 2016 Olympiad. Hardly would the private body NSC sold Nigerian golf to part with even a paltry N20 million naira to train youths. Truth is such thing should be covered by government's budget and not an individual who will be in this for monetary gains. We need not go further, NSC even mentioned that golf had no business in 2016 Olympics. Well, Nigeria as a nation is bigger than Ekeji. We must get golf back to the government in the new year and we must prepare our youths for the Olympics. Everybody is tired of this charade they call 'Catch them Young' programs that are indeed meaningless. Even I can pick 100 talented youths, especially caddies all on my own. We don't need to catch them young like they are making the Senate President, David Mark, believe. We already have them. Let's train them. Happy New Year, golfers All!

PERPETUAL NKWOCHA BOAST

Female players need more to upstage me In far away Accra, Ghana she was again named the best female player in Africa.An award she has won for the fourth time running. The Sunnanå SK of Sweden forward Perpetua Nkwocha in this interview with INNOCENT AMOMOH in Ghana, declared that female players in Africa will do more to upstage her next year. Excerpts.

HAT can be done to revive the female league in Nigeria? Like I said earlier, I think we must return to the basis and organize the game the way it used to be so that we can attract the right sponsorship. For the league to be good again, corporate organizations must be encouraged to sponsor the league like it is with the male league so that we can discover players that can feature for the Falcons and other women national teams. Also the welfare of the players is important and it is only when you have the presence of a good sponsor in the league that the player’s condition can be improved. By so doing new players will be discovered to play for the Falcons. In those days we were being paid 12 thousand Naira as salary, I don’t think that can be applicable today, because things are changing. But today some of these clubs don’t pay there players, and for some of these players this is there only source of leaving. You have again been named Best African Women Player of the Year. Now do you see any Nigeria player stepping into this shoe when you must have left the stage? I think we have players who can step in but they need to work harder than they are doing right now. I don’t know what will happen after I quit next year. I still want Nigeria to keep winning the award. Talking about the award, how do feel winning it the fourth time running? Well as always I feel satisfied and greatful to every one who contributed in one way or the other to make it possible. But I will want to say that the first time I won it was significant, and yesterday’s (Thursday 22nd Dec.) feat was even more significant because it is only Sanuel Eto’o Fils of Cameroon that has won it this number of times. Do you see yourself winning it again? Of course if I work as hard as I used to do and even more, I think winning it again is possible. When will you quit football? That will be next year definitely. Yes both club and national team football. A lot of football fans have described you as the most focused female player in the country. What has been the secret of your success? I think it has to do with how I was brought up from home. I came from a very humble back ground and I was brought up as such. When i return home, I still do the things I used to do like participating in the domestic duties at home regardless of my present status. What will you say have been your most disappointing moment as a football player? I think that will be the last World Cup in Germany when I could not score a goal. I think that is the only I can think of right now. Your most memorable moment? I think that was when I scored five goals against Cameroon at the African Women Championship (AWC) in South Africa. How did you feel when the Falcons failed to qualify for the All African Games (AAG) and the Olympics? I felt very bad, but felt worst when I realized that we will not be represented at the Olympics in the football event because I wanted to use that tournament to round up my long career. I felt really sad but there was nothing I could do. It was most painful for the younger players who have never attended the games before. It will take a longer time to play in the Olympics again. What is your message to the younger female players? My message to them will be that they should be dedicated, focused and concentrate on their chosen career. They must consciously shun all forms of distractions and pursue their dreams. How do you relax, what other sport do you play? I hang out with friends but not all the time. I don’t play any other game except football. Who is your best friend in the Falcons? The second choice goalkeeper, Tochukwu Oluehi is my best friend at the national team. A lot of people feel that female players find it difficult to settle down with a man in marriage. Is Perpetual thinking of settling down? Of course yes and when the time comes I will definitely make public. But for now I am still playing and I am looking forward to rounding up my career.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Xtreme Sports treats media to daring experience

ECENTLY, Xtreme Sports hosted members of the media to a pulsating games session at its Paintball Arena situated at Oniru, the landmark village axis of Victoria Island. Ibrahim Yusuf, the MD of the arena gave a tour and some interesting details about a sport that has been used for decades by military and paramilitary organizations round the world for battle simulation exercises. Complete with an ATV track, large battle arenas with gun shelters, sandbags sniper posts, a gun range, a volleyball pitch, and several ATVs or quad bikes, Yusuf said that the their key priority is to make sure the game is safe. That is why, he said, they have face masks, chest protectors, and coveralls and we never allow anyone into the arena without the face mask and chest protector. “This place is a combination of passion, hobby, and business at work. I personally love extreme sports, so, after

an experience in Dubai where I went paint-balling in the desert, I promised myself that I was going to bring the experience to Lagos, to give discerning folks the opportunity to engage in a different kind of fun, teambuilding activity, other than the regular hanging out,” he added. Revelers at the arena are open to two types of play; “Capture the Flag” or “Elimination”. Both plays, Yusuf explains, are best enjoyed in teams and can accommodate up to 15 players on each team. “Xtreme Sports Paintball Arena isn't just for thrillseekers, we've had corporate organizations like Etisalat, Nestle, and Redbull send their staff here for various customized team-building exercises. It is also great for burning calories and keeping fit in an extremely fun way. We have also had interesting guests like the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria come in here to use the facilities,” he says.

2011: Hollywood's year of film sequels

HE year 2011 is notable for containing the release of the most film sequels in a single year, at 28 sequels. The following tables list Hollywood films that were released in the

United States and Canada at some point in 2011, and by the tradition of the English-language film industry, the top-grossing films or the top ten films of 2011.

Highest-grossing films of 2011 As of December 28, 2011 Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Title Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Transformers: Dark of the Moon Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Studio

Worldwide

US and Canada

Australia

Warner Bros. $1,328,111,219 $381,011,219 $117,228,296 $51,328,689

Paramount $1,123,746,996 $352,390,543 $45,470,012 Pictures Walt Disney $1,043,871,802 $241,071,802 $54,187,325 Pictures DreamWorks Kung Fu Panda 2 $665,692,281 $165,249,063 $26,906,998 Animation The Twilight Saga: Breaking Summit $652,184,000 $271,184,000 $45,880,220 Dawn – Part 1 Entertainment Universal Fast Five $626,137,675 $209,837,675 $30,243,825 Pictures The Hangover Part II Warner Bros. $581,464,305 $254,464,305 $53,496,869 Columbia $562,547,576 $142,614,158 $27,805,533 The Smurfs Pictures / SPA Walt Disney $551,852,396 $191,452,396 $24,894,721 Cars 2 Pictures / Pixar 20th Century Rio Fox / Blue $484,635,760 $143,619,809 $21,578,418 Sky

$38,820,321 $29,006,640 $20,219,645 $27,232,810 $26,794,607 $35,371,018 $20,564,629

$20,811,602

$17,230,382

Star Community Festivals thrills rural dwellers

XTENDING its frontiers on the entertainment landscape this December, Star, a premium brand of Nigerian Breweries Plc's new show; The Star Community Festival, is a testimony of the fact that a showstopper is not the exclusive right of big cities. A visit to any of the community festivals would only explain the reason the concept so patronised and successful. The reason may not be far fetched: Star is connecting with its rural consumers. What separates the community festivals from the other Star-inspired-activations is that the community festivals have a local appeal unlike Star Trek, Star Mega Jam, and Star Quest and others which has a more national following. Star Community Festivals accommodates that special group of Star drinkers who reside in the lower strata of the community. These are folks who may not be able to afford tickets to the Star Mega Jam. They also may not care much for joining the Star Trek trail should the tour visit their states. They may not mind missing out on being the winning band in the Star Quest. Indeed, these Community Festivals were tailored made for these peculiar consumers of the product. It's their own 'community' Star Mega Jam, Community Star Quest and community Star Quest all rolled in one. This year alone, the brand has taken the festival to 19 communities across the country. They include; the Igue Festival in BeninCity, Edo State; the Ofalla Nnewi in Enugu State; the Iriji Mbaise in Imo State; the Otan Day in Otan Aiyegbaju, Osun State; the Wilderness Groove in Gboko, Benue State; the Ekimogun Day in Ondo, Ondo State; and the Osun

Osogbo Festival in Osun State to mention but a few. There was also th the 20 anniversary celebration of the Ojuromi of Uromi, His Royal Highness, Anselm Odaloighe Edenojien II. In addition to these festivals, the brand also sponsored 26 days of celebrations in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital and Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital. The sponsorship of the events also included consumer promotions that saw winners walking away with various prizes throughout the duration of the celebration. There were also special concerts which featured displays by local musical acts from the community as well as local comedians. The entertainment value that comes with the cultural festivals is such that local musical acts display their talents during the occasion. You may not find the likes of Basket Mouths and other popular comedians in any of Star's community festivals but what you get are the home breed comedians who would proudly give Basket Mouth a run for his money. For some of these comedians, the Star Community Festival turned out to be the biggest show they had ever participated in. Thus while it keeps visitors to the venue entertained, it also gives aspiring entertainers a chance to showcase their talents. But beyond the entertainment value is the unique experience of connecting with the brand. Indeed, for some of

these communities, the Star Community Festival is the closest they have ever come to interacting with the brand. Before the inception of the community festivals, the only opportunity consumers of Star in the rural areas had to interact with the brand was through direct purchase. Now, the relationship has been taken further with the coming of the community festivals. Ibrahim Mohammed is a native of Igarra, Edo State. The Lagos based Engineer was present during the Aba festival in Igarra, an international festival sponsored by Star that attracted a huge crowd earlier in the year. According to Ibrahim, Star's presence made the celebrations even more exciting. “This is the first time that Star would be coming here to Igarra to celebrate with us and it has really been exciting. It is such a wonderful thing to know that Star recognizes the Akoko Edo people” Mohammed said. For Umanna Abasi, a resident of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and undergraduate of the University of Uyo, it's the best way to start the Christmas celebrations. “I didn't miss one day of the event. I was not disappointed at all because it really spiced my Christmas celebration. That has been the trend since the carnival started years ago,” she said. As for Gushime Ada, an upcoming artiste, who performed in the Port Harcourt Beer Carnival, the opportunity to perform before the teeming crowd is one that would remain indelible in his memories. “I won't forget this opportunity that I had. People know me here in Port Harcourt as an upcoming artiste but I never really had the chance to show what I can do until today. That is why I am happy,” he said.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Y heart goes out to those that lost their loved ones on Christmas day, sequel to the bombings in Jos. It was really terrifying. Here we were talking about Christmas stories, not knowing that some people were plotting such evil. Now we have more than the removal of fuel subsidy to worry about. Our prayers are with their families. Weddings, Weddings and more weddings. The weddings I have attended this December especially on working days almost triple the ones I have attended from January to November. Some weddings take this format, first; the introduction or engagement is held, and then the traditional rite is performed. Then the white weddings are held. In some areas; like the eastern part of Nigeria; the bride is fully recognized if the traditional part of the wedding has been performed; this is known as “ Igba Nkwu” translated means “wine carrying” or “ibu ego” which means payment of bridal dowries. The traditional marriage involves fully the families of the bride and the groom. The venue is usually at the bride’s country home. Except in cases where the bride’s parent are based in Lagos, Portharcourt, Abuja or anywhere outside their home town. Only then can it be held outside the bride’s country home. Usually, the bride’s family gives a list of items to the groom’s family intimating them of things to come along with on the wedding day. The list can be negotiated in most cases putting into consideration the financial standing of the groom. Most parent of the bride does not want to be perceived as “selling” their daughter. This informs why these days’ parents do not “burden” their would-be son in-laws. Traditional marriage has four stages. § Introduction. § Family requirement. § Taking a date. § The marriage ceremony proper. Introduction: is the first step to traditional marriage. Here the man and the family formally inform the family of the

Are Nigerian men embracing registry weddings? woman their intention of coming to visit them. Family requirement: If the introduction is properly done and the girl agrees to the purpose of the visit, the family of the woman gives certain condition and requirement which the man will fulfill. Taking a date: after fulfilling the family conditions and requirement, he makes another visit to take a date for the marriage. The date that will be taken should be suitable to the bride and the groom’s family.’ The marriage: At the appointed date, both the family of the bride and the groom gather for the marriage. The families of the bride officially hand over the bride to the father of the groom charging him to take care of her. The father of the groom then hands over the bride to his son charging him to take care of his wife. Conclusion of the marriage: The marriage is concluded by the women from the bride’s family formally escorting her with luggage to her husband’s house. THE REGISTRY WEDDING This is what has inspired me to write piece. I attended a course mate’s wedding and there were above seventy bride’s waiting to be wedded to their grooms. The registry is no doubt very important as it is recognized by the laws of Nigeria and can on its own serve as proof of a marriage contract between two people. The civil or registry marriage is protected under the marriage Act, Chapter 218 of laws of the federation of Nigeria

•Ethan Tobenna Michael cutting his first birthday cake

1990. (An act to make provisions for the celebration of marriages) there are two types of marriage registries in Nigeria. Federal registries and state registries. There are some important things to know when you decide to have a registry wedding. Filling of Marriage Notice a) Once a decision has been made to have a civil wedding, the intending bride or groom picks up a form from the registry of their choice to indicate their intention to marry. The form is a NOTICE FOR PIOR otherwise called a FORM A. you are required to fill in all your personal details including name, age, address, occupation, status (Single, married, divorce or widow) consent (minor under 21 years) signatures e.t.c b) You will need to have two coloured passport photographs. c) The form is posted on the NOTICE BOARD at the registry for 21days. The notice is also entered in a book called the marriage notice book, which may be inspected during office hours without fee. d) After the expiration of the notice and payment of the prescribed fee (this differs at each registry but it is usually not more than N2,000) the registry would issue a form C after the following criteria has been met and satisfied. i. That one of the parties has been resident within the district in which the marriage is intended to be celebrated. ii. That each of the parties to the intended marriage (not

being a widower or widow) is 21 years old and if wider that age, the consent hereinafter made requisite has been obtained in writing and is annexed to such affidavit (big grammar, it simply means you have to get written permission from the lady’s parent or legal guardian. iii. That there is not any impediment of kindred or affinity or any other lawful hindrances to the marriage. iv. That neither of the parties to the intended marriage is married by customary law to any person other than the person with whom such marriage is proposed to be contracted. 2. Oath Taking. Once the above mentioned things have been confirmed the couple would swear an affidavit before the registrar or recognized minister of religion. During the sworn affidavit, the registrar would reiterate the above prohibitive degrees and also explain the penalties involved. Any failure to disclose a breach in any of the above makes the defaulter liable to two(2)years imprisonment… The registrar signs a declaration/affidavit to show that the couple understands the implication under the law and have met and satisfied all that has been required of them. The minister upon proof that there is no lawful impediment to the proposed marriage and that the necessary consent, if any, to such marriage has been obtained, will dispense with giving of notice, issue the certificate, and grant his license known as form D, authorized the celebration of a marriage between the parties named in such license, A date for the wedding selected by the couple, this would have to be within three (3) months from the date the notice has been placed with the registry 3. Celebration Of Marriage The Big Day! The couple with their families and friends would come on the day they have chosen to finalize the marriage proceedings. There are a lot of other couples that would be around for their own celebration and as such each couple is given a specific time that must be adhered to; the ceremony is usually less than thirty(30) minutes…….! No unnecessary ceremonies, donations e.t.c as against the other types of marriage celebration! You are done with the whole affair within 2hours . During the proceedings the registrar would print the marriage certificate in duplicate and with counterfoils as in the Form E. the officiating minister will fill up in duplicate a marriage certificate with the particulars required by form E, and enter in the counterfoil the number of the certificate

the date of the marriage, names of the parties and the names of the witnesses. The certificate will be signed in duplicate by the officiating minister, by the parties and by two or more witness to the marriage. The minister having also signed his name to the counterfoil will deliver one certificate to the parties, and within seven (7) days thereafter file the same in his office. Every registrar will register the marriage in a book called the MARRIAGE REGISTER BOOK, every certificate of marriage filed in his office according to the Form F…..! by the power vested in me, by the Federal Laws, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride. Both the bride and the groom thereafter becomes legally married and bond by law. Everyone is happy. Right? Now that we have weighed both options, can we then safely say that the Registry marriage is less strenuous? The registry can be attended by as few people as possible. The bride and the groom, their witnesses, a couple of friends perhaps. The traditional marriage has traditional backing; infact I will like to call it, ancestral backing while the other has legal backing. Ancestral, legal, what do you think? My observation however is that most couples are now going for the Registry wedding take for instance the last wedding I attended, there

were seventy brides, I tell you. Are Nigerian opting for the white man’s ways? What could be their reasons? Who says we cannot have traditional wedding, weekdays, like they have with the Registry wedding? Who says traditional wedding are more expensive? In Delta state where I came from, if you are not traditionally married, legal backing or not you are not married. How many parents attend registry wedding thats because it’s not compulsory that they do. There are low keyed traditional marriages, , well they may not be the best though but you can actually have it on a low budget. The reason it appears expensive is because we often want to invite all and sundry. So, who is to blame? Some families want to close a whole street and then blame it on tradition. Well, call me old fashioned, but tradition works for me. Give me tradition any day. I love traditional weddings with all the proverbs, local jokes and teasing between the families, the traditional songs, leading the bride to the groom’s arms or house just blows my mind. Legal can come in handy no doubt but, my take on this is simple, marriage is a big deal. So let’s play safe and have both the tradition first of course and simple registry; or what do you think? Have a prosperous new year in advance

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Re:It’s Christmas, what’s your story...? •My opinion is that, Christmas is all about celebrating and remembering the birth of Jesus on December 25 as believed by the Christian majority. Love should flow among all celebrants. Muslims and Christians, Vera Happy celebration, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year in advance and thanks for all your efforts during the year in educating and enlightening the old, young, male and female. Merry Christmas. Lanre Oseni, Lagos •Christmas to me, means a time for sober reflection. A time to review the past months. A time to make resolutions, for the coming year. I have really enjoyed your articles these past months. I started reading your articles early this year and I must ademit, I am stil hooked keep it up girlfriend. Bukola King, Lagos •I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year. God bless you all. Amen Dear Vera, I don’t have a Christmas story, unfortunately, Nigeria as a nation has a bloody Christmas story. A

Christmas ridden with bloodbath. Bomb blasts in churches. What is this? A religious war? Why churches? What a national disgrace. What a shame indeed. Our security system has failed. Tune your televiusion to CNN, etc. The world is agog with the Christmas bombing. What a story, what a sad, bloody story. Be good Vera. Anthony, Abuja •The first time I read your article was on the topic, phone sex. In it you showcased some expertise in communicating sexually with ones spouse even when he is not physically together. Come 2012 by God's grace, I implore you to bring back those happy days. I look forward to reading similar articles like, "Are you a firebrand or a log in bed" "Our women have mumu buttons too" Promise us your addicted readers that better days are ahead. I thank you for keeping my spouse and I looking forward to The Nation on Saturdays. Happy new year in Advance. Bamigbe, Port Harcourt

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Good morning beautiful 2012

Y normal day starts with prayers. Oh yes! As busy as my phones could ever get (for obvious reasons), I speak first with my Maker. It could be that or it could just be His ever loving presense in my life that gives me so much joy and makes me the sweethearted person I’ve been told over and over again that I am by those who act as my mirrors. Anyway, I woke up today, did my prayers, had some good and tricky times with the skipping ropes to burn the calories I loaded into my system yesterday as I tucked into shawamah, ice-cream and some sweets. Good thing, the bathroom scale just told me that despite my careless abandon of last night, I actually weight a kilo less today. Hurrah! After that I did the usual - I kick-started my music box. And of God! That did it for me. As the cool old school sentimental blues warfed through the music box into my head, I instantly got transported into the life I foresee every waking day - a life of goodliness and great fortunes. A life of never needing money to buy anything for myself but one where I would regularly move from school to streets to homes with special bags filled with goodies for those who are unable to to get the basic things of life. A life where my sheer appearance alone ushers someone into a bright new day and one where people’s worries are taken away and replaced by cheery laughter. I love visualising that life. Phone calls and the buzzing sound of the intercom from the security gate jolted back to the present and I saw how easy it is for dreams to gradually come alive even if it’s in small

ways. Some little kids needed breakfast and thought Hajia would have some warm and delicious meals just like the last time. If I can’t start dishing out bags and bags of goodies now, I can start dishing out hot plates of food cooked with love from my kitchen and that is what I do these days. That got me thinking. Many of us expect the good things of life and pray earnestly for them. We tell ourselves that when we make it in life, we would touch lives. Then the Makers puts us to test to see how big-hearted we would be when that times comes -He gives us little problems to solve in our envinroment and we call those who come to us irritants. Let’s love those irritants and see what’s in store for us through them. The last week of 2011 brought with it many gifts for me and one of them is this beautiful new abode in the centre of Abuja. Waking up in it since I moved in last week has given me hope for 2012. I may not blink until it’s dawn tomorrow, so I would be awake to see the glorious Year 2012 as it enters in all its splendour. I will be on my knees thanking the Maker for giving me sight, health and the dreams. And of course, I will be smilling as I spread out my hands saying, ‘Good morning beautiful 2012.’ May we all start this year well and see the end of it in one piece and with more joy than we entered it. May the angels surround us with goodies and never leave us. May each morning for us be so nice that we shall have a smile for everybody. Smile and say amen. Happy New Year to you all! P.S: It’s a new year tomorrow, so we won’t start with problems, rather, let’s share some lively things - jokes, inspirational quotes and some oddities about life as we prayerfully enter the new year.

Some Jokes

man was going on a trip and the wife packed his clothes in a bag. When he was about to leave, the wife gave him a box of condoms and said Honey, take this with you, in case of temptations. With a broad smile the husband said,”Thanks honey”. When he got into his car, his wife came running, “Honey leave some for me maybe I might also be tempted”. The man canceled the trip. •A woman lost her handbag in the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. A small boy found it and returned it to her. Looking in her purse, she said, ‘’Hmmmm’’..... This is strange;

when I lost my bag, there was a single note of N1,000 and now there are five notes of N200...” The boy quickly replied with a charming smile and a cockney accent, ‘’That’s right madam, the last time I found a lady’s purse, she didn’t have any change for a reward!!!”

everyone inserted their fingers in the dog’s bum and tasted it! When everyone had finished, the professor looked at them and said, ”The most important quality in this class is ‘observation’; I inserted my middle finger but tasted my index finger! Now Learn to pay attention!”

•All students gather around the surgical table with a real dead dog lying on it. The professor puts his finger in the dog’s bum and put it in his mouth. Then he said to students, “Do the Same!” The students hesitated for several minutes, but eventually

•From his death bed, the husband called his wife and said, “One month after I die, I want you to marry Samy.” “Samy? But he is your enemy!”, she said. “Yes, I know that. I’ve suffered all these years; so let him suffer now.” •Ozioma the house boy enters Madam Sarah room without knocking. Madam: “Ozioma, this is wrong, what if I am naked or dressing up.” Ozioma: “Madam, that one can never happen. Before I enter, I always peep, if you’re naked I go just wait a little.

Hearts With Adeola Agoro E-mail: libranadeola@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 08023162609

Food for thought A man and his wife are getting a divorce. The problem is who should have custody of the child. The wife said “Your honour I brought him into the world with pain and labour so I must have custody.” The judge turns to the man and say, “What do you have to say in your defence?” “Your honour, if Ii put my ATM card into the ATM machine and money comes out, whose money is it ? The machine’s or mine?” the husband asked. •A professor in philosophy once stood in front of his class with some materials on the table in front of him, for illustrations. When the class finally began, the professor, without saying a word, picked up a very wide and empty jar and filled it with broken rocks, each roughly about 2 inches in diameter. Until the jar was filled with rock particles . He then asked the students if the jar was full. They all agreed and told the professor it was full. So the professor picked up a box filled with pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. This of course made the pebbles to roll into the open areas between the rocks. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. Once again, they all agreed it was full. The professor again, picked up a box of sand and

Inspirational stuff for you I asked God I asked God to take away my pain. God said, “No, It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up”. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, “No, her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary”. I asked God to grant me patience. God said, “No, patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is earned”. I asked God to give me happiness. God said, “No, I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you”. I asked God to spare me pain.

I found my girlfriend with my best friend’s key and condoms in her bag I found my girlfriend with my best friend’s key and condoms in her bag; but I love her so much. What should I do? Dal, Jos.

•The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. David Omojola recently gave out his lawyer daughter, Tosin in a marriage that took place at the Ikeja Police College in lagos. Here the couple pose with the bride parents

Honestly Dal, I don’t know what you should do in this case. At this stage, she must have given you a reason why she’s your best friend’s key-keeper. Make your investigations and it’s probable you will find something there. Why would she keep your friend’s key without any of them telling you and seeking your permission to do so?

poured it into the jar. And surely, the sand filled up every other tiny space in the jar. And once more, he asked his students if the jar was full. The students responded, “Yes.” “Now,” said the professor, “I want you to know that this jar represents your life. The rocks represent the important things – your family members, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles represent the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your vehicles. The sand is everything else. The small stuff.” “If I had put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there would be no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room/ time for the things that are important to you. Always pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.” What moral did you learn from the story?

The condom matter doesn’t really cause any suspicion because these days, condoms are given at some medical related events. By the way, do you use condom with her? If no, then stop asking me what you already know; your girl may be cheating with your pal. If possible, put an end to the relationship. If your friend and your babe could be doing it behind your back, then you’re standing on dangerous and sinking sands. It will swallow you up. Let us stop loving those who obviously do not love us. You deserve a faithful girl.

God said, “No, suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me”. I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, “No, you must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful”. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, “No, I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things”. I ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. God said, “... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea”. -Author Unknown.

LIFE

Society Profile

THE NATION, Saturday, DECEMBER 31, 2011

STYLE Gossip Interviews

Life as my mother's only child

- Miss Nigeria

See Page 48

&STYLE

LIFE

Society Profile

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

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Gossip Interviews

Alhaji Bashy Kuti buries sister in style

No more dirge for Mariam Babangida?

he death of a loved one is usually painful. But the truth is that they are only mourned for some time, after which they fade away from the memories of those who claim to love them so deeply. For Mariam Babangida, the former Nigerian first lady, the same rule would seem to have applied. Two years after her demise, it seems she has been forgotten. On the anniversary of her death on Tuesday this week, one would expect that many advertorials would grace the pages of the national dailies. But this has not been the case. While she was alive, she only needed to sneeze before her bootlickers and hangers-on would run to the papers with messages and advertorials in her honour. But all that has changed now. No more are the consolatory messages pouring in, as it seems memories of Mariam has been put in the dustbin of history? The pretty wife of the former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, and the founder of Better Life for Rural Women programme, died at the age of 61 after a protracted illness. She had been hospitalised for ovarian cancer at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center in the US.

alk of a befitting burial and Alhaji Bashy would come to mind as someone who knows exactly how to achieve it. Penultimate weekend, the Ibadanbased designer had the final burial of his late sister, Alhaja Nimotalahi Adepate Oluwo Akande at Hall of Grace, Jogor Event Centre, Off Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan. It was a day that all roads led to the Jogor Event centre and the entire Ibadan residents could feel that a major ceremony was going on. Movers and shakers of the social scenes in Lagos, Abuja and Ibadan were present in abundance. It was a gathering of who is who, including guests who came from beyond the shores of the country. And the fact that fuji music maestro, K1 De Ultimate, was the one on the bandstand added prestige and glamour to the shindig. Those who graced the occasion included Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande; Hon. Muyiwa Ige; Alhaji Tunde Badmus; Lawunmi Bibilari; Taye Elemosho Okesanjo; Alhaja Bose Adedibu; Chief (Mrs.) Tina Ogundoyin; Peter Obafemi; Otunba Deji Oshibogun; Dele Bankole; Chief (Mrs.) Akeredolu; Chief Jide Odekunle; Alhaji Ajadi Lanihun and Alhaja Adenekan. Others were Tunji Oshosanya; Tokunbo Adegbite; Alhaji Tunde and Bola Oloburo; Jade Qudus; Otunba Lekan Oshifeso; Tayo and Rhoda Alakiu; Rotimi Ajanaku; Shina Peller; Akeem Shobande; Demola Alimi; Kemi Akinyemi; Demola Oniru; Abibat Odunbaku; Ronke Adisa; Alhaja Ganiyat Oluokun; Debola Adeyemi; Alhaji Mutiyat Adeniran and Gbenga Obembe, amongst others.

Onyeka Onwenu's mother goes home

Tayo Ayeni celebrates 49

he Elegant Stallion, as popular female musician, Onyeka Onwenu, is popularly known, is gearing up to ensure her mother is sent home like the Queen that she is. The Onwenu siblings, who include Azunna, Richard, Ijeoma and Onyeka, are pulling all the stops ahead of January 6, 2012, when the who is who in society will gather for a night of tributes and songs in honour of their deceased matriarch, Dame Hope Onwenu (Ochie Dike) at the Unity Centre, 28B Isaac John Street, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos. Onyeka told reporters in Lagos that the Night of Tributes and Songs will be a red carpet event to honour a truly great woman. She said: "It will be a night of excellent entertainment in every way. People will enjoy good music in a refreshing atmosphere. It will be a fantastic evening. It will also be a night to give glory to God for a life well spent." Listed to perform at the occasion are: Stella Monye, Yinka Davis, Omawunmi, Vicky & Tee Songs, the two top 10 contestants on Glo Naija Sings. They will be backed by The Kabassa Band, owned by Onyeka Onwenu. Beautiful Nollywood star and singer, Stella Damasus, will be the compere alongside Chido Obidaiegwu. Adding a spice of laughter to the star-studded event will be the multi-talented Gbenga Adeyinka and other comedians like Mandy, Lepacious Bose, Koffi and a good number of other talents. The late Dame Hope Onwenu, who died at the age 92 on October 22, 2011, was a successful business woman, philanthropist, woman leader, singer, song writer and actress. Her daughter, Onyeka, testified to her mother's great compassion for the weak and helpless. She was passionate about the work of God and sowed the seeds of hardwork and diligence into the lives of the children around her. Her late husband, Hon. D.K. Onwenu, was a First Republic federal legislator and the first Arondizuogu man at the House of Representatives. But he was elected from Port Harcourt where he had served as councillor and Deputy Mayor. He was also the principal of Enitonna High School, Port Harcourt.

f there is one thing Lagos auto dealer, Tayo Ayeni, does not take lightly, it his birthday. He observes religiously the biblical saying: "Help me Lord to number my days that I may apply my heart unto wisdom." He is reputed for gathering family and friends to celebrate with him. On December 29, 2011, the autodealer clocked 49. Although the news that had been going around was that the chairman/chief executive officer of Skymit Limited would clock 50, he celebrated his 49th birthday on Thursday. It was a grand affair as all the plans put in place to ensure that his Ikeja residence hosted his guests in an impressive way were successful. Tayo Ayeni is respected in the comity of auto dealers, not just for his polished looks but for running an automobile company that has endured the vicissitudes of the Nigerian economic environment. An entrepreneur with a cult following, Ayeni established his automobile company more than two decades ago, and since then it has grown in leaps and bounds. Now, he sits on top of a conglomerate which includes Space Ventures Ltd, a company that deals in photography materials; Space Properties, a real estate firm; Moontrends Holdings, a project financing and management firm; and Limoserve, among others. He is happily married to Adetutu, pioneer Managing Director of Skymiles Travels and Tours Limited, a member of the Advisory Council of the prestigious Grange School and a successful lawyer. The couple is blessed with five children.

Bukky Wright in ecstasy

tar actress, Bukky Wright seems to have found joy, after her adventures through the tunnel of love. Those who have seen her lately would attest to the fact that she is over the moon. She had kept her head while she suffered series of heartbreaks. And now it would seem that her perseverance has paid off as she has found love again. The lucky dude, Wale Onitiri, is said to have fallen head over heels in love with the charming actress. Happenstances gathered that although she has been married for almost six months now in the United States, her new status has been kept under

wraps. Those in the know believe that it is a strategy on her part to avoid the jinx. They say she is not leaving anything to chance in her new-found love, especially because it took her so long to find. At present, her two sons reside with her new husband, while she breezes in and out of the country at will. Those who have seen her in recent times would admit there is a new spring to her footsteps and her smile radiates much more brightly than ever. While there are speculations that Wale Onitiri's family is not in support of the union, the two lovebirds are enjoying life to the fullest.

THE NATION, SATURDAY DECEMBER 31, 2011

fashion in retrospect

1 1 0 2 T

HIS year will go down in history as it was the year that the Nigerian fashion ndustry had its first world standard fashion week (The MTN Lagos Fashion Week).This was followed Folake Majin Royal Collections and others. . The week has already begun to change the ways designers work and do business for the better. It has also brought in positive media attention as well as feedback and interest from international buyers. It has given young designers new opportunities and working designers a strong focus. Throughout 2011, a series of fashion and style events dominated the scene. Beauty queens emerged through pageants organized by different fashion and beauty companies. In the Face of Sleek competition organized by the Sleek sisters, Ebele and Ify Ugochukwu, 24-yearold Alexandra Nwokedi was crowned as the Face of Sleek Nigeria 2011. Nwokedi emerged winner from the 10 finalists at the grand finale, Symphony of Style III , held at Harbour Point in Victoria Island, Lagos. She walked away with mouth-watering prizes which included a brand new Jeep and a modelling contract. The glamorous event was held at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki. In November, 2011 at the Expo Centre, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.21- year- old Feyijinmi Sodipo, representing Ogun State was crowned Miss Nigeria 2011. It was activated in three continents, namely Africa, Europe and North America. Osinowo, who is the Chief Executive and Creative Director of the pageant, said that the new Miss Nigeria Pageant would once again showcase positive attributes of the Nigerian woman “which are elegance, poise, talent, intelligence as well as beauty.” The seventh edition of the Nigerian Hair Show got a boost with the introduction of an innovation in the making of wigs. At the grand finale, which took place at the Durban, Ogba, Mrs. Esther Osho of Style Me Salon based in Lagos was declared winner. Braids ruled at the Kanekalon Night of 1000 Braids, the third in the series with the brand ambassador, Ms. Stephanie Okereke. It was Kanekalon’s way of celebrating the African Woman and what she stands for- a symbol of beauty and strength.The FAB Award, the second in the series, was another major event which shook the industry during the year. The event, which took place at the Landmark Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos, was attended by important people, including celebrities and ‘fashionistas’ from all over the world. The award is about celebrating individuals and corporate organizations that have excelled in the fashion, style and entertainment industry in the course of the year. Also during the year, The 2011 Elite Model Look Nigeria

came up on September 3 at the prestigious Civic Centre,Ozumba Mbadiwe,Victoria Island,Lagos. 18year-old Chinwe Ejere won the coveted crown in an event which paraded 14 contestants. The show brought by Elohor Aisien,who was former Miss Nigeria UK, was hugely attended by fashion designers,models, model scouts and others. Sylvia Nduka won the 24th edition of the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2011 held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. And at the last quarter of the year, she launched her brand of hair extensions-Sylva Hair Also during the year, some make-up companies introduced their products to the esteemed fashionable and beauty conscious Nigerian women. Zaron hair and beauty products were formally launched into the Nigerian market. Notable Nollywood star actresses, Stephanie Okereke, Ini Edo and Tonto Dike became the faces of beauty products. Ever-stunning and ageless ex beauty queen and fashion icon, Nike Osinowo – Soleye, launched a debut Eau de parfum fragrance called ÀSÀBÍ The Mrein Store, which started in 2006 officially, launched her products (home fragrances). Miss Mercedes Richards is the brain behind the store. The Bunmi Koko brand became one of the most talked about emerging brands in 2011. The highly successful London-based fashion brand has resulted in the creation of lngitudinal Caissons, a new method of creating tubular silhouettes in fabric. It’s no wonder she counts former Spice Girl Melanie Brown, members of the Destiny Child and First Lady Michelle Obama as her celebrity clients Poised to trail the blaze of fashion, Didi Ocheja, a former scientist in biological researcher at the prestigious University of Cambridge, UK and the Director of Operations of the Miss Nigeria Competition launched her range of products into the Nigeria market called Didi Isah bags and accessories. With her entrance into the fashion industry, she believes that some form of revolution has started in the industry. The surge of fashion weeks in the year provided great opportunities for upcoming talents to show off their work to the industry and the general public. Ready-to-wear was all the rage, and I think the trend will continue in the next year, and I believe that prices for designer clothes will go down by quite a fair amount in the coming year.

THE NATION, SATURDAY DECEMBER 31, 2011

Those who set fashion pulses racing in 2011 Egbagbe She chooses only the best of colours, boldest of prints, then accessories with solid stilettos and dazzling jewellery. Grace has always been one step ahead of the game in fashion and accessories. She sure knows how to pull the look together without going overboard. Ifeoma Williams For many years now, Ifeoma Williams has been on top of the game when it comes to style. At different times when some erroneously thought Ifeoma has slowed down, she has kept on confounding people by upping the ante on the style scene. Nkiru Anumudu Like or hate her, hazel-eyed Nkiru, the popular wife of the Globe Motors boss, Willie Anumudu, has emerged one of the most stylish young women around, Never one to shy from expressing herself, Nkiru loves to dress up in outfits that flatter her figure. She is a sucker for designer labels Nnaji Genevieve That this screen idol is beautiful is not in doubt. And the fact that she knows what counts in fashion is not contestable. For as long as anyone can remember, Genny, a mother of one, has been a trendsetter in style. From classic dresses to simple V-neck, she is one of the trendsetters that despite their young age, you can’t get enough of her ever evolving style. She is very unique and simple and her accompanying accessories equally accentuate her look. Nike Oshinowo-Soleye It’s hard to list the fashion trailblazers in Nigeria without mentioning her name and you can’t help but take a bow for her. After over two decades that she was crowned Miss Nigeria, she has remained a constant feature on the style and social scene. Mai Atafo Atafo’s fashion statement definitely is not about wearing the coolest trends or something that everyone likes, his fashion is not being afraid to step out of the box and try new things. Atafo is a risk takers in the fashion sense. Therefore, he is without a doubt the most fashionable male celebrities. Arguably the country’s leading fashion guru that always gets it right, he is the ultimate Fashsion Male. He sets trends and shows the world how it’s done. He is dictating a fashion and men are always copying the way he dresses. Without doubt, he looks the best, no matter what simply because he can rock any look. Dayo Ephraim No qualm about it. Dayo, one of the new entrants into the fashionistas’ club, is more of a trendsetter than a fashion hanger-on. Whenever seen at high octane events, his smartly tailored bespoke and confident poise, which has now become a trademark of his, sets him apart as a fashionistas, deserving of a second look. Omowunmi Akinnifesi Former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria does not do anything half way, especially when it comes to what she wears. She has this scarce combination power.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

‘I don’t have one kobo to show for my participation in 11 robberies’

robbery suspect believed to have led eight robbery operations before he was sent to prison has been arrested by operatives of the Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS), Lagos State Police Command with two members of a new gang he formed after he returned from the prison. Felix Umukolo (35) was said to have completed his prison term during the year, only to recruit Saheed and Anayo to form a new gang. The gang was said to have successfully carried out two robbery operations but was smashed during the third one. Narrating his experience in crime, Umukolo said: “The first operation I participated in occurred in Badagry, Lagos State, where we robbed a Faragon bus. We were six in number. I was given N45,000 as my own share. It was a successful operation. “The second operation was in a traffic jam at Mile 2, Lagos. We were eight in number. My share was N15,000 and three mobile phones. The third one took place at Agric Bus Stop. We robbed coaster buses and collected money and phones. I was given N12,000 and one phone. “The fourth operation occurred in Apapa, Lagos in a traffic jam at about 7 pm. I was given N35,000 and two phones. We were six in number. The fifth one was a bus going to Ajangbadi, Lagos. We collected from money from the passengers. I was given N20,000.. The sixth operation was at Mile 2 Estate, also in Lagos, where we robbed the occupants of a flat. I got N7,500 with three handsets. We were four in number. “The seventh one was at Iyana Search. We robbed the occupants of a two-bedroom flat. We collected money and phones and. I was given N12,000 with four phones. But during the eighth one, which took place at Agric Bus

Ebele BONIFACE Stop, I was arrested while the five others in the gang escaped. “From the Ojo Police Station where I was arrested, I was transferred me to SARS, which took me to Court 32, Ikeja High Court, presided over by Justice Oyewole. I was remanded in the Kirikiri Medium Prisons in 2008, where I spent four and a half years awaiting trial. “I was released with the effort of the Office of Public Defender. The court said they could not find the investigating police officer. So, I was released. “I participated in two robbery operations with Saheed and Anayo before we were arrested.” He added: “The four years I spent in the Kirikiri Medium Prisons were like going for an advanced course in criminology. I learnt a lot. “If I have a chance to join the police, I will perform. But if I cannot join them, I would prefer to be a pastor to enable me to advise youths on the danger of participating in robbery. “I participated in 11 operations but I had nothing; not even a kobo to show for it. I spent all my shares on women, drinks, Indian hemp, cigarettes and sleeping in hotels to escape arrest”. The other two suspects also narrated their roles in the operations. Saheed Rasheed (32), a native of Ede, Osun State, said: “We met at a smoking joint at Alaba Rago Football field along Badagry Expressway where criminals are groomed every week. The place is the recruitment centre for robbers. “I was arrested on November 16, 2011. We were there smoking together. We had not got guns and ammunition then. Later, we contributed money to buy the gun we are holding and the cartridges. We contributed N10,000 each. We bought the gun and the cartridge for N30,000 from a Beninois called John. He is still in Benin Republic where he resides.

‘

I participated in 11 operations but I had nothing; not even a kobo to show for it. I spent all my shares on women, drinks, Indian hemp, cigarettes and sleeping in hotels to escape arrest

’

They call the area Celigal. That is where I live also. I then brought the gun to Nigeria. I showed them the gun and ammunition and we planned to use it for operations. “The first operation took place at the Alasia area on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. We robbed a house there. We entered only one of the rooms. The frontage was a church. The person we robbed wore a white gown. We robbed him of N68,000 and two handsets. We got N15,000 each. We also sold the Nokia handsets at N4,000 each. “I was the one who pointed a gun at the victim. We demanded for the money and he said it was in a bag. We got it from the bag. He was sleeping when we woke him up. As we were leaving, we told him to continue sleeping. The second operation was at Magbo along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. There was a beer parlour there. We collected N52,000 form there. The beer parlour had closed when we got there around 2 am. We met many people who lived in the adjoining house and we robbed all of them. We collects six handsets and one flat screen television. We sold the TV for N20,000. The person that took the TV to where it was sold, Kehinde, got N2,000 while the three of us got N6,00 each. “We were sleeping at Peoples But Stop at about 2 am preparing for an operation the day we were arrested. Somebody just came and held me. When

I opened my eyes, it was a policeman from the Ajangbadi Police Station. I was arrested with the two other members, (Felix Umukolo and Anayo Sunday) and transferred to SARS office.” Anayo Sunday (21), a native of Apapa Nike, Enugu State, said: “I do loading and off-loading at the Alaba Internantional Market, Lagos. I met these people only recently at a football field in Ojo area. From there, I followed them to an operation. “I took orders from Saheed our leader. If he told me to search a place, I would comply with the order. “All the money I got, I used it to feed myself and buy choice clothes. I got a total sum of N28,000 from two operations.” On how he was arrested, he said: “I was arrested at the Peoples Bus Stop, Ajangbadi by policemen from Ajangbadi Police Station, and we were transferred to SARS office on November 16. I was sleeping when I was arrested.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

OR 51-year-old Mrs Toyin Osasogie, fate has been cruel. Abandoned with six children by her husband, her burden is compounded with the plight of her 20-year-old daughter who is at the verge of total blindness. It was a sorry sight when she led her 20-year-old daughter, Blessing, to The Nation’s head office in Lagos penultimate Friday to seek help from kind-hearted Nigerians. Mrs Osasogie has been running from pillar to post in a bid to save Blessing from perpetual darkness following a sickness that has taken a toll on her sight, but help appears to be far off. In a chat with our correspondent, the Edo State-born woman fought back tears as she recalled the incident that led to her daughter’s condition after her husband had abandoned the family for another woman. She said: “Blessing is my fifth child. Her problem started four years ago when she complained of poor vision and pains in one of her eyes. We took her to a private hospital where she was treated and given some drugs. But her condition later worsened and we were referred to Eye Foundation Hospital at G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos State on February 14, 2011. There, doctors diagnosed her of retinal detachment and corneal opacity. They further said that she had cataract infection and a corrective surgery on the affected eye would be needed to restore her vision. “After the surgery was successfully carried out, she regained her sight. We were initially asked to apply a particular eye ointment, which was very expensive. I struggled to buy the ointment until I could no longer afford it. She subsequently lost the affected eye. By the time we went back to the hospital, doctors said her condition had gone beyond what they could manage and that a second operation would be needed to restore her sight. She was left with one eye because we could not raise the sum needed to carry out the operation.” Blessing’s condition was later compounded after another problem she encountered at their Ikotun, Lagos neighbourhood a few months ago. Some boys in the neighbouirhood were playing football when two of the boys started throwing stones at each other. Unfortunately, one of the stones missed its target and hit Blessing in the head where she was seated. She started complaining of excruciating pain. Shortly after that, she slumped and went into coma. It took the effort of the people around the scene to ferry her to another hospital where she was revived. The mother said: “Some boys were playing football near our residence when two of the boys started throwing stones at each other and one of the stones hit her in the head. She started experiencing pain and blurred vision. I took her to Mecure Healthcare Centre, Lagos where doctors said she would need N2 million to undergo corrective eye surgery in India. The money would cover transport fare, accommodation and treatment. We were assured that she would regain her sight after the major operation is carried out on her. “The doctors said her condition would not have degenerated if she had undergone another surgery after the first one was carried out on her. It was God who saved her life last Sunday when she went into coma again. I thank God that some neighbours quickly came to her rescue and she was rushed to the hospital where she was revived after some hours. “I am helpless. As I speak, I don’t have any money to take care of her again. My husband abandoned me for another woman owing to pressure from her family because I am not Igbo. He is from Nnewi in Anambra State, while I am from Edo State. I have no one to run to for help and the meagre amount I make from my house cleaning job is not even enough to take care of myself let alone her health. “In fact, my grown up daughters have refused to consider marriage because of the way I was treated by their father. They said they would take their time before settling down with any man to avoid ending up like me. I am making a passionate appeal

Abandoned with six children by her husband, 51-year-old woman battles to save daughter from total blindness In fact, my grown up daughters have refused to consider marriage because of the way I was treated by their father. They said they would take their time before settling down with any man to avoid ending up like me. I am making a passionate appeal to kind-hearted Nigerians to come to my rescue, so that my daughter can once again see with her two eyes. Kunle AKINRINADE to kind-hearted Nigerians to come to my rescue, so that my daughter can once again see with her two eyes. “Her condition had forced her to stop schooling in JSS 1 because she could not cope with the rigours of going to school every day. Her father does not care whether she survives or not, as he has ignored her since her problem began.” Speaking with our correspondent, Blessing said: “I cannot see anything at all with my eyes. After I had lost my right eye, I was using the left one to see until some boys threw stones at me. Since then, I have not been seeing with the eyes. The pain `is excruciating. It is so terrible that my entire system is affected. “It happened to me last Sunday and I fell into a coma. I was told that it was those around that rescued me when I regained my consciousness at the hospital. Kindly help me appeal to kind-hearted Nigerians to

come to my rescue, because my mother has suffered so much since my predicament began.” Blessing can be contacted on 07089326427, while her mother can be reached on 08121626701. A First Bank account number 3047523723 has also been opened for cash donation.

Mrs. Osasogie. Inset: Daughter

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Twenty-one-year-old Oluwafeyijimi Sodipo was recently crowned the winner of the Miss Nigeria beauty contest. She represented Ogun State at the competition. A holder of the Babcock University diploma in Data Processing, ‘Feyijimi is a polyglot who speaks Yoruba, Hausa, English and German fluently. In this interview with KEHINDE FALODE and JENNIFER MORDI, the Shagamu, Ogun State-born queen relives her experience in camp in the build-up to the contest and speaks about other issues concerning her private life.

'I no longer control my movements'

OW does it feel to be crowned as MissNigeria? It has been very challenging. It involves a lot of hard work because I have to wake up early every day and go to bed late. But it has been good. Again, there were certain things I could do when I was a normal girl but now, I have to be mindful of who I am. I cannot just go anywhere, do anything or dress anyhow. So, it is a lot of change. So, how did you feel when you were announced as the winner? Wow! I was very excited. It felt like a dream. What was it like during the preparations for the event and in the house? You know we had to perform a lot of tasks. We had to go to bed late, wake up early, read and cook. We had to perform a

lot of tasks. We also had to learn to comport ourselves at all times and in whatever we were doing. I tried to be myself and took the challenges as they came. How would you combine your duties as the Queen Ambassador with your education? Actually, I have taken the year off. So, I am going to be facing my duties as a queen for one year. When I am through with that, I will return to school. What do you miss about your privacy? I definitely miss being able to go to any place at any time with my friends. Even now, I have to report every of my activities. Even if I’m going to the movies, I have to let them know. I can’t just make snap decisions right now. What does style mean to you? I think style is the definition of an individual. It is the way a person looks and how that look defines the person. You can tell the kind of person someone is from the way they dress. That is style. So, I think style is a personal thing. By my style, you can tell that oh, she’s a very colorful person or a very down-to-earth person. So, I think style reflects how you dress and who you are. The kind of person you are should reflect in the way you dress. What determines what you wear? Is it your mood or the occasion? It is the occasion. I am Miss Nigeria. Even if I feel gloomy, I can’t wear black and black. So, it is the occasion. What is your favourite local fabric? Vlisco Ankara. What about your favourite Nigerian designer? It is still Vlisco. They make my dresses, including the one I wore to be crowned. What is your favourite colour? I have lots of favourite colours. So, I can’t say it is a particular one. But I love bright colours like green, orange and magenta. How would you describe your style? Well, as a queen now, I have to dress like a lady all the time. But for my personal style, I try to infuse some Africaness into it. I also try to be comfortable in whatever I wear and let my style reflect.

‘

I am an only child and have been alone for years. So, I have learnt all the tricks to keep myself entertained by reading or doing something to help me be by myself. I don’t really need to be around people to be entertained

’

Now that you are a queen, how do you unwind? Or is it all work and no play? I am a home person. If I am at home, I am fine. I read a book or two and sleep. That is how I basically relax or I go to the spa. May we know more about your native place? I am a native of Ogun State; Shagamu Local Government to be precise. I lived in Shagamu with my parents. I still live with my mum in Ogun State, but my dad is late. I speak four languages–English, Yoruba, German and Hausa. What was growing up like? It was good. I grew up as an only child of my mum. That was quite nice. I also learnt how to entertain myself as an only child since I didn’t have siblings. I grew up quite as an independent person because I had to be responsible for myself. My mum is a kind of person who made me to be responsible for myself. She did a great job. H o w does it feel to be an only child? Well it has advantages and disadvantages. I don’t have siblings, but it is good and I enjoyed being an only child. Is it not boring? No, it is not for me. I am an only child and have been alone for years. So, I have learnt all the tricks to keep myself entertained by reading or doing something to help me be by myself. I don’t really need to be around people to be entertained.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

•Female members of one of the carnival bands

Carnival Calabar: Simply unforgettable C

ROSS River within the nation’s political equa tion is light weight. Ironically, it is probably the only state with a soul in the country. This is reflected in the state’s capital, Calabar. No matter the number of times one visits Calabar, the difference between this unique town and other cities and states in the country is clear. This has nothing to do with the infrastructure or edifices in the city. It is the ability of the residents and the city to fuse into one in defining the essence of the city and what it stands for. This is easily noticeable. Just as one feels the quickening vibration as one enters Lagos, Calabar infuses the same calmness and unconscious relaxation once one steps into the city. This is the essence of the city and this is what the government and the people

guard jealousy. So, fusing the carnival into such an environment is almost like gorging an already satiated infant with his best meal, the tendency is for the child to eat himself silly. That is the story of the Calabar Christmas Festival with its flagship product, Carnival Calabar. The Carnival Calabar 2011 with the theme “Exploring All Possibilities” was another showpiece that would once again continue to nurture the reputation that the seven-year festival has built over the year. It was held on the traditional carnival day of December 27. The event kicked off in the afternoon with little ceremony as the state governor, Liyel Imoke, and his wife, Obioma, flagged off the event. In attendance were the Governor of the Central Bank, Lamido

Sanusi; the Culture and Tourism Minister, Chief Edem Duke; Senator Udoma Egba and many other dignitaries.

The competing bands on parade were Seagull, Freedom, Bayside, Passion 4 and Masta Blasta. The bands using the general theme of

•A scene at the carnival route

“Endless Possibilities” crafted different interpretations to come out with a highly entertaining showpiece. Seagull built their pres-

entation around a symbolic representation of Cross River State, leadership and aspiraContinued on Page 50

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Carnival Calabar: Simply unforgettable Continued from Page 49

tions. According to their story line, Cross River has enormous potential, resources and infrastructure which could be harnessed to bring about the desired change and a possible turnaround in fortunes of the state. Freedom band was futuristic in outlook, projecting and conceptualizing where they expect the state to be in future under the sub-theme “Pearls of Greatness” predicated on the story of a people with different customs, traditions and values , showing diversity in an entity but bonded to move forward as a a single entity. Bayside came up with

“Paradise of Joy”; Passion 4 had the sub-theme “Harmony” between man and nature, a pathway to Eldorado; and finally Masta Blasta with “I Believe I Can Fly”. In the 2011 carnival, costuming was wonderful with brightly colours that shone on the street and generally added to the air of revelry. Also one could notice less of inhibition in the costuming. For the prudish, they may have one or two issues in the more generous revelation of flesh by some of the girls. But one can’t fault the creativity that gave birth to such artistic creation. The band costuming was definitely one of the best the carnival has come out with. While the costuming was

beautiful and well crafted, showing that there is a certain element of specialization in carnival costume designing , one may not say the same for the choreography. One felt that this year’s choreography by the bands could come out better. There were no coherence and discipline among band members. Generally, the organization was an improvement on the previous edition. Although the statistics may not be out to compare the number with the past, but the number seems larger. At the end of the carnival, Passion 4 Band came first. It was followed by the Seagull and Masta Blasta.

•Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke and wife, Obioma, flagging off the carnival

•Lead float of one of the bands

•Dancing time

Kehinde FALODE: 08023689894

Bay and lemon brined turkey

Foluke DARAMOLA Christmas has gone with all the eating and merry. Now everybody is looking forward to the new year. If you are one of those who want to try something new for the New Year, ring in the fun with a festive cocktail food and drink. Ingredients 1 (6-7Kg) turkey For the brine: 7.5L water 1 cup sugar 1 cup salt 2 lemons, sliced in 1/2 4 bay leaves 3 cinnamon sticks Small handful cloves Method Combine all brine ingredients in a container or pot large enough to hold the turkey. Make sure all the sugar and salt have been

fully dissolved. Add the turkey and refrigerate about 6 hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Remove turkey from brine and transfer to a roasting pan with a rack. Stuff turkey with the lemon halves, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks used in the brine. Cook turkey for about 3 1/2 hours, basting every 40 minutes or so. If any part of the turkey gets too brown towards the end of cooking, shield with pieces of tin foil. When the turkey is done, juices should run clear from the breast and the legs should pull away from the bird easily. Remove from the heat and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

Health and nutritional benefits of mango It is a seasonal fruit mainly available during hot summer season. Mango is mostly cultivated in tropical regions. Scientific name of mango is mangifera indica. Mango is widely known as the “king of fruit”, and that is not without a purpose. It is regarded as a valuable item of diet and a household remedy. It is rich in amino acids, vitamins C and E, beta carotene, niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. It has different functions in the body. High iron for women: It’s a known fact that mango is rich in iron. People who suffer from anemia can regularly take mango along with their dinner. Generally, women after menopause become weak and they should take mangoes and other fruits rich in iron. Pregnant ladies can also take mangoes occasionally as their body need iron and calcium during that time. Too much consumption of mangoes should be avoided during pregnancy. If you have generally taken many mangoes right from your childhood, then you can consume mangoes when you are pregnant as it won’t affect your body. Benefits to skin: Mango is effective in relieving clogged pores of the skin. What this means is that people who suffer from acne, which is caused by clogged pores, will benefit from mango. Just remove the mango pulp and apply it on your skin for about 10 minutes before washing it. Eating mango regularly makes the complexion fair and the skin soft and shining. Anti cancer: The phenols in mangoes, such as quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, gallic acid and methylgallat, as well as the abundant enzymes, have cancer-preventing capacities. Mango is also high in a soluble dietary fibre known as pectin. Scientist have identified a strong link between eating lots of fibre and a

lower risk of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. A cup of sliced mangoes (around 165 gram) contains 76 per cent of the needed daily value of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant which helps protect cells from free radical damage and reduces risk of cancer. Eye health: One cup of sliced mangoes supplies 25 per cent of the needed daily value of vitamin A, which promotes good eyesight. Eating mangoes regularly prevents night blindness, refractive errors and dryness of the eyes, softening of the cornea, itching and burning in the eyes. Helps in digestion: Mangoes contain digestive enzymes that help break down proteins and aid digestion. It is also valuable to combat acidity and poor digestion because of an enzyme found in the fruit which soothes the stomach. Due to the high amounts of fibre found in mango, it can be helpful in keeping you regular, thereby helping or preventing constipation. Boost memory: Mangoes are useful to children who lack concentration in studies as it contains glutamine acid which is good to boost memory and keep cells active. Avoid heat stroke: Unripe mango, a rich source of pectin, when steamed and juiced with cumin (jeera), rock salt and sugar, provides an excellent remedy for heat stroke and heat exhaustion in summer. Heart diseases: High amount of antioxidants are present in mangoes. So mango when consumed regularly fights against cancer and other heart diseases.

As mentioned earlier, it also lowers cholesterol. Helps in diabetes: Mango is slowly gaining new acclaim as diabetes fighter. Earlier, there was a myth that people with diabetes should not eat mangoes, but that’s not true. Not only the fruit but the leaves also fight against diabetes. Before going to bed, put some 10 or 15 mango leaves in warm water and close it with lid. Next day morning, filter the water and drink it in empty stomach. Do this regularly. Beneficial for anemia: Mangoes are beneficial for pregnant

women and individuals suffering from anemia because of their iron content. Also, vitamin C in the mango enhances the absorption of iron from vegetable food like rice. Generally women after menopause become weak and they should take mangoes and other fruits rich in iron. Weight gain: Mangoes can be beneficial for people wanting to gain weight. A 100 gram of mango contains about 75 calories. Also, raw mangoes contain starch which gets converted into sugar as the fruit ripens. So ripe and sweet mangoes, when consumed with milk (rich in protein) ,can be very helpful in weight gain. For treating acne: Mango helps in clearing clogged pores that cause acne. Just slice the mango into very thin pieces and keep it on your face for 10 to 15 minutes and then take bath or wash your face. Use warm water for washing your face.

Mango shake After your lovely meals ,you always need a drink to cool down the food .Try this mango shake. I am sure it will shake you up! Ingredients 300g ripe mango chunks (about 1 mango) 250g ice cubes 245g natural yoghurt 25g granulated sugar 1/2 tsp star anise powder (optional) 1/2 tsp mint powder (optional) Method Put everything into a blender and process until smooth and creamy.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Brighter Life for Gboko people

•Music star, MI, entertaining fans

BOKO, the traditional capital of the Tiv peo ple, was agog on the Boxing Day as Star beer stormed the town with “Wilderness Groove,” a celebration of the heritage and culture of the people. The show, held behind Old Barn Resort, Gboko, was billed to commence 10pm,but it had traffic of people as early as 6:pm when preparations were still being made. The show, which was well attended ,had MI and Zaki performing on a day many local artistes shone like a day star. Speaking on the show, the Brand Manager of Star,

Gbenga ADERANTI Adenusi Omotunde, said it was the policy of Star to celebrate the heritage of the Nigerian people. He explained that the show, which started early in the month, was held at different venues in Benue State. According to him, the show was particularly brought to Gboko because “for Star, Gboko is not just one of the places; it is a special place; it is the capital city of Tiv people and what the brand is doing is to connect with the people wherever they are celebrating their heritage. “As we are here now,

Star is supporting cultural festivals, and it is the time for the Tiv people to feel Star. That is why we said it is the night of brightness. To add value to people, that is what Star believes. We add brightness to everything.” The brand manager of Star did not fail to see the energy of the people of Gboko which he commended. Sonia, one of the local artistes that performed during the show, was full of praises for Star, organizers of “Wilderness Groove”. According to her, she was elated because Star gave her the rare opportunity to share the same stage with

big artistes like MI and Zaki. She said it was only a company like Star that could do this. Beauty queens and their entourages also graced the event. Those who came included Miss Culture and Miss Kaka Samata who is the reigning Miss Gboko. Though Miss Gboko had planned to spend one hour or less at the “Wilderness Groove”, she was held spell bound as she could not resist the groove and ended up staying close to three hours. She commended the show, saying,” It is great, it is part of fun”. Probably impressed with the acceptance of Star

Gani Adams makes case for culture

HE Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival Foun dation, Otunba Gani Adams, has restated the need for individuals and governments to project the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba race in the face global challenges. He made the call at the Ogun Ajobo and Elegbara Festival held at Ikorodu, Lagos State last week. The event attracted indigenes of the ancient community and dignitaries from different parts of the country. Giving reasons why the people must be unwavering in the projection of their rich culture, he said foreign influence had permeated most values in the country with negative consequences. He said: “Without doubt, the derogation of our culture and values is not the fault of the youths. It is due to the bad situation. They engage in act of immorality because they lack cultural values.” The chief promoter maintained that a child, who had been properly integrated, was usually seen as wise because he or she did not get attracted to immoral behaviour. “Nothing can give us peace of heart until our children grow up to be useful and responsible adults,”he said. He described the Yoruba deities, Ogun and Elegbara,

•Miss Gboko at the event and the energy displayed by the guests, Omotunde assured that Star would come back again to celebrate the people of Gboko. “The energy is superb and Star can only continue to say thank you. We will definitely be here to say thank you once more. As long as people continue to celebrate their heritage, Star will be there. I can assure you that we will be in Gboko again. Over all, the performance was okay,“he said. “Though there were about five different big shows being held simultaneously in

Gboko, the traffic of people to the ‘Wilderness Groove’ was amazing,” confessed Mary, a guest. She said she was surprised to see the place full. Guests were still coming in till the early hours of Tuesday when the show ended. Apart from the fact that the organisation of the show was superb, security was at its best as no crisis was recorded throughout the duration of the show. Many people also went home with different prizes as raffle draw was held.

Pilgrims told to pray for Nigeria

•L-R: HRM Salaudeen Oyefusi, Otunba Adams and Prince Kabiru Adewale

Musa ODOSHIMOKHE

as humane and good because they were patrons that made the Yoruba culture relevant worldwide. “I appeal to every Yoruba indigene, irrespective of his religious background, to learn how to venerate the ancestral heads,”he said. The guest speaker on the occasion, Dr Adewale

Adeyemi of the Department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University, noted that the most important issue confronting the Yoruba race was the establishment of a credible platform for the rebirth of its culture. He said the continuous celebration of Ogun and Elegbara underpinned a reawakening spirit to the real-

ity of the potency of the divinities and the values inherent in their remembrance. In his words: “My message to the proselytizers of the alien faiths is that in defence of our identity, culture, civilization and spiritual being, we shall resist the new deceitful and imperial trickery to make the black race forget there essence and culture.”

HE Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Chris tian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), John Kennedy Opara, has urged Nigerian pilgrims in the Holy Land to pray fervently for Nigeria and for the success of the programmes of the Federal Government. He disclosed this recently in Abuja while fielding questions from newsmen. He stated that the Federal Government was currently facing a serious challenge as a result of the issue of terrorism attack in the country. Mr. Opara thanked God profusely for the success of the 2011 Christian pilgrimage which, he described, as “so far rewarding”. He was particularly elated by the rich spiritual content which it was built on. He said the commission had been able to airlift about 14,000 pilgrims since the kick-off of this year’s pil-

grimage operation on November 5 and so far had about 46 flights. The NCPC helmsman also thanked God for the zero-mortality that the commission was able to achieve since this year’s operation. However, he regretted the death of one pilgrim from Akwa Ibom State and prayed that his soul would rest in perfect peace with the Lord. The NCPC boss was optimistic that the 2011 Christian pilgrimage would come to a denouement by the second week of January 2012. He explained that the projection of the commission was that the pilgrimage exercise would end within the same calendar year, but payment of late fees from the states delayed the commencement of the exercise by one week.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

How to improve on your marriage (5)

EAR Reader, I strongly believe you enjoyed the Christmas celebration. I feel so delighted to say to you, "Happy New Year in advance!" Sounds of joy shall not cease from your habitation in Jesus' name. I started this teaching by notifying you that marriage is a miracle. Also, I unveiled to you marriage covenant responsibilities. I also told you to beware of divorce. Today, as 2011 passes by, never to be observed again, I wish for you to Make Right the Wrongs of your Marriage Covenant! Time never corrects an error! An

error yesterday remains an error today, except it is corrected. You can make wrong right! Many people pass through a lot of difficulties in their marriage, today, because of a wrong foundation in their marriage. I have seen women being driven out of their homes at the death of their husbands, because their union was "illegal". The woman has no voice, because she has no legal backing. Wisdom is profitable to direct (Ecclesiastes 10:10). I remember a woman I counselled sometime ago. She had been going through a tough time in her home, and was ready to call it quits. To

top it up, she had no child. When I interviewed her closely, I discovered that there were a lot of loopholes in her marriage. Her dowry was not paid, and there was nothing legally binding herself and the man together, as husband and wife. No court wedding, no church wedding! Both of them just started living together! I counselled her to ensure that the dowry was paid, legal papers signed in the court of law, and their union is blessed by a minister of the gospel. The next time I saw her, she was over-joyous and full of testimonies. To the glory of God, today all is well with that marriage. To crown it all, she was also expecting a baby as at that time! If the foundation of your marriage is not built on the instructions of the Word of God, there is no way you will have a fulfilled family life. It is important, therefore, that you go and pay the dowry, if it has not been paid. This is scriptural! Furthermore, parental blessing is very important in a marriage covenant, as read in Genesis 24:58-60. It is something you cannot rule out. There is something about the blessings your parents pronounce on you

that stick on you, until all their good wishes be established in your life. From the above scripture, Abraham's servant did not just grab Rebekah and disappear with her. Due procedures were properly followed, and the blessings of her parent became a practical reality in her life. It is also very important in your marriage covenant to acknowledge the place of a holy Christian wedding. The Word of God says: And the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man (Genesis 2:22). In this verse of scripture, we see God's practical involvement in the institution of marriage. He gave Eve out to Adam. It is therefore, unsafe for you to go into marriage without God. This will definitely attract the attacks of the devil. You shall not be a victim in Jesus' name! Are you reading this article and have been living together with your partner without the payment of dowry, or having a formal engagement or public Christian wedding? Or you have been living together for years and have even had children, without a proper marriage. This is not a holy union. Instead of feeling or living in con-

demnation, you need to make things right, today, by paying the dowry. Go and legalize your union. A proper legal documentation of your union is that point of contact to remind God that you have fulfilled all righteousness concerning your marriage, and therefore, the enemy must not have access into your family. You can do this simply by going to the court for a court wedding. Then look for a minister of the gospel to bless your union. You need the grace of God to make every wrong right in your marriage. You can say this prayer and be born again: Dear Lord, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious Blood. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Now I know I am born again! Congratulations! Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through: E-mail: faithdavid@yahoo.com Tel. No: 2341-7747546-8; 07026385437, 07094254102. For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all the Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Making Marriage Work, Marriage Covenant and Building A Successful Family.

Foods that may help save your memory

EALTHY memory

food

and

Healthy eating lowers risk of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Here are foods that researchers think will keep your whole body— including your brain—healthy. Oil-based salad dressings “The data support eating foods that are high in vitamin E and this includes healthy vegetable oil-based salad dressings, seeds and nuts, peanut butter, and whole grains,” says Martha Clare Morris, ScD, director of the section on nutrition and nutritional epidemiology in the Department of Internal Medicine at Rush University, in Chicago. The benefit has been seen with vitamin-E rich foods, but not supplements, she says. A potent antioxidant, vitamin E may help protect neurons or nerve cells. Fish Salmon, mackerel, tuna, and other fish are rich in heart-healthy omega3 fatty acids, including docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). “In the brain, DHA seems to be very important for the normal functioning of neurons,” Morris says. Another plus: Eating more fish often means eating less red meat and other forms of protein that are high in artery-clogging saturated fats. Dark green leafy vegetables Spinach,pumpkin,kale, collard greens, and broccoli are good sources

of vitamin E and folate, Morris says. For example, one cup of raw spinach has 15 percent of the required daily intake of vitamin E, and 1/2 a cup of cooked spinach has 25 percent of your daily intake. Exactly how folate may protect the brain is unclear, but it may be by lowering levels of an amino acid known as homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine may trigger the death of nerve cells in the brain, but folic acid helps break down homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels have also been linked to an increased risk for heart disease. Avocado This creamy treat is also a rich source of the antioxidant vitamin E. Research by Morris and her colleague suggests that foods rich in vitamin E—including avocado, which is also high in the antioxidant powerhouse vitamin C—are associated with a lower risk of developing some diseases. Peanuts and peanut butter Although both are high in fat, peanuts and peanut butter tend to be a source of healthy fats. And they are also packed with vitamin E. Both foods may help keep the heart and brain healthy and functioning properly. Other good choices are almonds and hazelnuts. “There has been some very good research that diets that are high in healthy fats, low in saturated fat and trans fats, and rich in whole grains, green leafy vegetables, and nuts are good for the brain and the heart,”

•Avocado is high in anti-oxidant and rich in vitamin E which helps not only the brain but the body as a whole

says Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, senior director of medical and scientific relations at the Chicago-based Alzheimer’s Association. Berries The latest research presented at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Boston found that blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help put the brakes on age-related cognitive decline by preserving the brain’s natural “housekeeper” mechanism, which wanes with age. This mechanism helps get rid of toxic proteins associated with agerelated memory loss. Whole grains Fiber-rich whole grains are an integral part of the Mediterranean diet, which is also loaded with fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and olive. Research out of Columbia University Medical Center in New York City shows that this diet may be linked to lower risk of the mild cognitive impairment that can progress to diseases. “We don’t eat foods or nutrients in isolation, we eat in combination with other foods so there is value in dietary patterns,” says Nikolaos Scarmeas, MD, an associate professor of neurology at Columbia UniNew Year’s resolutions are a bit like babies: They’re fun to make but extremely difficult to maintain. While about 75 percent of people stick to their goals for at least a week, less than half (46 percent) are still on target six months later, a 2002 study found. It’s hard to keep up the enthusiasm months after the resolutions are made, but it’s not impossible. This year, pick one of the following worthy resolutions, and stick with it. Lose weight The fact that this is perennially among the most popular resolutions suggests just how difficult it is to commit to. But you can succeed if you don’t expect overnight success. Quit smoking Fear that you’ve failed too many times to try again? “It’s one of the harder habits to quit,” says Merle Myerson, MD, director of the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Program at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals, in New York City. Healthy lifestyle changes

•Eating fish especially mackerel and tuna helps the memory far better than meat versity, who conducted the studies. This type of diet may reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and other vascular risk factors such as high blood pressure—all of which may have a role in increasing risk for brain and heart diseases. Exercise Okay it can’t be eaten, but research suggests that regular exercise is as important, if not more so, as what is eaten when it comes to memory-sav-

ing lifestyle changes. All experts stressed that getting regular exercise is also an important part of the equation when it comes to staving off many diseases. The bottom line? “We can‘t go out and say, ‘Eat these things and you are protected from certain diseases,' but there is almost no downside to increasing your physical activity and consuming a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, fish, healthy oils, nuts, and seeds,” Morris says.

New Year, healthier you Save money by making healthy lifestyle changes. Walk or climb stairs once in a while in place of the elevator. Visit the gym once in a while but ensure a regular exercise at home. Cut stress A little pressure now and again won’t kill us; in fact, short bouts of stress give us an energy boost. But if stress is chronic, it can increase one’s risk of—or worsen—insomnia, depression, obesity, heart disease, and more. Long work hours, little sleep, no exercise, poor diet, and not spending time with family and friends can contribute to stress, says Roberta Lee, MD, an integrative medicine specialist at Beth Israel Medical Center, in New York City, and the author of The Super Stress Solution. “Stress is an inevitable part of life,” she says. “Relaxation, sleep, socializing, and taking vacations are all things we tell ourselves we deserve but don’t allow ourselves to have.” Cut back on alcohol Drinking alcohol in excess affects

the brain’s neurotransmitters and can increase the risk of depression, memory loss, or even seizures. Chronic heavy drinking boosts the risk of liver and heart disease, hypertension, stroke, and mental deterioration, and even cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, and breast. Stay in touch Research suggests people with strong social ties live longer than those who don’t. In fact, a lack of social bonds can damage your health as much as alcohol abuse and smoking, and even more than obesity and lack of exercise, a 2010 study in the journal PLoS Medicine suggests. Get more sleep To be healthy, one probably already knows that a good night’s rest can do wonders for the mood and appearance. But sleep is more beneficial to the health than one might realize. A lack of sleep has been linked to a greater risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. And sleep is crucial for strengthening memories (a process called consolidation).

53 Coping with diseases

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

A healthy new year to you

with Prof. Dayo Oyekole

HIV/ AIDS

HERE is no happiness in ill health. If we have all the money we would like, the most wonderful family, the best of friends, the greatest achievements, worldly power and influence, security, privacy, and protection and all the comforts of life, and we lack good health, I dare say, none of the other blessings would console us. On the other hand, good health is a good consolation for lack of other blessings. "No treasure greater than a healthy body" wrote Sirach, an ancient sage. We need good health to be able to enjoy life, to do good things and live fruitfully, to relate well to fellow human beings, to play our roles in society effectively. Many blessings that we have such as qualifications, achievements, experience, relationships, and possessions, come with time and some effort. We gain them. Health is life. For most of us who were born healthy, we need to maintain rather than gain our health. Ill health is often a result of a loss. A happy New Year means a healthy new year. For those who lack health, we hope for recovery, restoration, or assistance for good living. For those who are healthy, we hope they retain and maintain their health. To maintain good health, we need to think on three levels: body, mind, and spirit. The body weakens in and loses some of its capabilities and strengths as we grow

older. This is a programmed phenomenon within human nature. We can hasten this natural aging or bring about non-programmed losses by our choices and way of life. With each New Year that arrives, it is helpful to spend a little while to reflect and examine how we are maintaining or sustaining our bodily health. We should examine our consumption habits what and how we consume; be it foods, drinks, drugs, and pleasures. We should examine our level of fitness and what we do to keep fit and productive; be it routine professional work or business, housework, exercise, hobbies and interests. We should examine our environments, especially places where we routinely spend many hours such as our bedrooms, sitting rooms, cars, offices, etc. Are they supportive of good health? We should do whatever we can to eliminate health hazards. A popular proverb goes: "prevention is better than cure". If we care more, we would cure less. The mind is not as easy to care for as the body is. This is primarily because we ourselves cannot tell when we are out of our minds or when the mind is sick. Entering a New Year with old year baggage is not going to ensure our happiness. We do need to unwind and reflect and gather our minds into wellbeing. Each year, there are people who commit suicide

Staph and erectile dysfunction

TAPHYLOCOCCAL infections can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. Erectile dysfunction is the inability of a man to produce a consistent or maintain an erection of the penis sufficient to have a sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction is also referred to as sexual impotence. Sexual impotence is a serious health problem that has broken many marriages today. Studies have revealed that apart from the need for couples to be rooted in God, sex is the next best tonic for a strong relationship! Studies have shown that over 20% of men in our society today are either partially or totally impotent. Impotency is usually caused by two major factors; •The presence of serious ailments like diabetes and

•STD (sexually transmitted diseases). In the days of our forefathers, excessive consumption of sugary foods and alcohol were not encouraged, that was why they were able to remain sexually potent till old age. Secondly, the presence of STD’s is another major causative factor. Most men suffer from STD’s which have ended up destroying their libidos. A sexual disease like staph.aureus is a known destroyer of the sexual organ. Apart from those that are born with sexual impotence, these two factors are usually responsible for the impotence in men these days.

T or murder, there are people who wind up in jail or in an asylum, there are people who cause accidents, catastrophes and wars, there are people who hinder and harm and incur losses for others, etc. Perhaps on New Year's Day they never imagined what would happen to them or what they would be responsible for that year. We cannot be happy without healthy minds therefore for a happy new year, we need to examine how we are proceeding with our minds, what preoccupies our minds, how we balance good and bad influences on our minds, and how to gain and maintain sanity. People who have fulfilled lives are amongst those with the healthiest minds. Therefore for a happy New Year, we need to exercise and use our minds for good and positive things and to bear good fruits from our minds. Finally we think of the spiritual. There are cases of ill health that defy medicine and all the efforts and means of medical expertise. They are carried to spiritual experts for prayer and deliverance and even there too they defy all forms of assistance. Such sick persons are left to live with

Normally, a healthy man with full potency should be able to have erection at least three times daily. If a man sleeps, an erection should be the first thing to wake him from sleep if truly he’s sexually potent, it is a natural phenomenon. If a man does not experience an erection even when a naked body of a woman is paraded before him, then there is a serious problem. Naturally, although age has a role to play in erection sustainability that is it takes a little stimulation for a youth of between ages 20 to 30 to gain an erection, he may climax quickly but he gains back his erection in a few minutes. An adult male of 40 years will need a more direct stimulation to attain an erection, while a 60 year old male may need an even more direct stimulation before an erection can be achieved. But these days it’s so amazing that even youths in their early twenties are having a problem of erectile dysfunction and almost all the cases involved are due to one infection or another most especially staph infection. This situation is so alarming that I begin to wonder what the situation will be like in the next 5 to 7 years. Even as an adult one’s sexual life should be very active especially among married adults because this will foster a serious relationship among such couples. Most men usually complain of having difficulty in retaining their erection after a round of sexual intercourse, and this has really caused a lot of problem between them and their hubby. This reminds me of a case of Mr. Ade (not real name), who came to our office to complain

such ill health or die through it. We are left to look at such illness as a curse. A curse is a demise that is often beyond all known and all available powers to undo. We see many such demises in our midst but many of us do not believe in curses or in keeping them away from our lives until it is too late. Curses cannot be explained medically, scientifically, or even by most spiritual experts, but it is evident that they operate in human lives. To be on the safe side, if you wish yourself a happy and healthy New Year, make sure you do good and avoid evil always. Do nothing that might bring curses upon you, your family, or your country or that might make curses operate in your life and environment because you deserve it. Rather, be a blessing in all you do and attract other blessings to yourself, your family, and your country. Let us remember that a happy new year does not come just by a wish; it comes with a wish and some effort. A happy and a healthy New Year to you! Dr. 'Bola John is a biomedical scientist based in Nigeria and in the USA. For any comments or questions on this column, please Email bolajohnwritings@yahoo.com or call 07028338910

bitterly of a problem with his sexual incompetence. He is a 40 year old man married to a lady in her late twenties and he is finding it rather difficult to satisfy her in bed. The reason being that after just about 5 mins of intercourse he ejaculates and could not get back his erection till the following day. After listening to his complains, we carried out some tests on him and it was discovered that he has a heavy growth of staph. aureus. He was treated for the infection, then after the treatment he was giving some herbal drugs for his sexual performance. Now the table has turned around as it is the man that is complaining that his wife cannot withstand his sexual prowess. There have been many cases like that, that we have treated and God has used us to save homes from breaking apart. If as a man you wake up in the morning without your manhood becoming turgid for more than 3 – 5 days then you should know that there is a cause for alarm. You really need to examine yourself before it becomes too late. My candid advice to all men is to avoid having any form of casual sex in order to prevent infection. They should also live a healthy life, eat good and well- balanced diet, exercise regularly and abstain from casual sex. Whenever they notice any form of problem concerning their sexual life they should not hesitate to go for medical check up before the situation gets worse. •Dr B. Filani is the Chief Consultant of Sound Health Centre, Lagos. You can contact him on 08023422010 or on facebook or email soundhealthcentre@yahoo.com.

HE term AIDS is an acronym that stands for “Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome”. It is acquired because the victims do not inherit the condition, but contract it. Immune deficiency means that the victim’s natural bodily defense mechanisms are unable to function properly, and “syndrome” refers to the combination of different abnormalities or diseases making up this condition. AIDS is a complex of diseases and symptoms resulting from unexplained immune deficiency; caused by a retrovirus, culminating in a “mixed-bag” of life-threatening opportunistic infections, which invariably results in death. The retrovirus that causes AIDS is known as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) with types I, II, and III already isolated. Although there have been wide speculations and insinuations as to the origin of the virus (HIV), the fact still remains that the first cases of AIDS were diagnosed in North America, Europe and Central Africa about the same time in 1981. Since then, cases are being reported all over the world and most countries now have people with “full-blown” AIDS as well as carriers infected with the virus. It occurs in about 1 to 10% of the population and the incubation period is 4 to 10 years. The virus has been isolated mostly from semen, vaginal secretion and blood. It is generally believed to be contracted through sexual intercourse, transfusion of contaminated blood, use of un-sterile instruments such as needles, blades and catheters, trans-placental infection, organ transplant, tattooing and circumcision as well as breast-feeding. The major characteristic feature of AIDS is weight loss of about 10kg within 1 month without a known cause. Other symptoms include chronic diarrhoea, persistent cough, skin infections, oro-pharyngeal candidiasis, swollen lymph glands and night sweating. Prevention Prevention of AIDS is achieved through avoidance of casual sex, and other factors that may predispose to HIV infection; as well as sterile procedures in clinico-surgical practices. Treatment and Control Before recommending our treatment and control packages for HIV/ AIDS, it is pertinent to ask the following questions: 1. Why do outbreaks of serious infectious diseases leave some people devastated and others free? 2. If some people are known to be carriers and could go around with the virus for up to 15 years before they physically breakdown, couldn’t there be ways of helping to cleanse the virus from the system before it manifests? 3. Are the sufferer’s thoughts, aspirations and living habits not affecting the disease cycle as well as response to treatment? If yes, then in Holistic Lifecare, we are committed to total cure of HIV/AIDS sufferers when they have just been tested and diagnosed positive, when they are still able to eat, drink and move around on their own, but not when they are expecting their funeral the next day! The Holistic Natural Remedy being suggested for restoring good health, vitality, and total cure in HIV/AIDS sufferers; is a combination of herbal, nutritional and psycho-social therapies at the appropriate time and in the right proportion. Notable among the useful herbs for HIV/AIDS are Aloe vera, Allium sativum, Harpagophytum zeyheri, Echinacea augustifolia and Zingiber officinale. For further information and consultation on Holistic Lifecare research and services, especially on Blood Infections, Infertility, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Chronic Debilitating Conditions as well as mental and social problems, please call on: 0803-330-3897 or visit: Mosebolatan Holistic Lifecare Centre, Adeyalo Layout, OgbereTioya, Off Olorunsogo Express Bridge, Ibadan. Website: www.holisticlifecare.com. Distance is no barrier, we can send remedies by courier if need be. We also have facilities for accommodation, admission and hospitalization in a serene and homely environment.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

•Entrance to the National Assembly, Abuja

F the speech of the Senate President, David Mark, on September 13, 2011 is any thing to go by, the seventh Senate is set to break new grounds. At every opportunity within and outside the Senate chamber, Mark has left nobody in doubt about his determination to show leadership. He has demonstrated firmness, fairness and focus in handling the legislative business of the upper chamber. Perhaps it is no longer business as usual in the Senate. Mark, many say, may have elected to leave a mark in the sands of history, hence, his insistence that the Senate must walk the talk. The September 13th speech aptly described as a legislative road map by observers, stirred robust debate by Nigerians. The question however remains how far can the Senate deliver on its promises? The Senate did not lose sight of the expectations of Nigerians as Mark reminded Senators that Nigerians expect them to revisit some fundamental issues such as state creation, the local government system, devolution of powers, revenue allocation, state police, state Independent National Electoral Commission, uniform minimum

Senate: No longer business as usual Onyedi OJIABOR, Assistant Editor wage, joint account and other contentious but important issues. Should we allow state police? Will it enhance policing duties and reduce criminality in the country? Is the current revenue formula equitable? Will a change in favour of the states enhance the deliverables to the people? Should power distribution be on the Exclusive Legislative List? Shouldn’t states that invest in power generation be allowed to distribute? Is it necessary to create new states? Will it bring government nearer to the people and address feelings of

2011 REVIEW marginalisation? How effective are the local governments? Should they be made to function independently of the states? Is the Joint State/Local Governments account still necessary? “We will not run away from any of these issues. I therefore expect that in this session, we will not only deal with them, but also with other issues that will guarantee good governance, peace, justice, and development in our country,” Mark assured as he received a standing ovation. Six months down the line, how has the Senate fared? Some say it is too

early in the day to judge, while others believe that morning tells the day. The investigation of the privatisation and commercialisation activities of the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) by an ad-hoc panel of the upper chamber and the zeal with which the report and recommendations of the panel were adopted may have proved cynics wrong. When the Senator Ahmed Lawanled panel was constituted to probe activities of the BPE from 1999 to date, many did not give it any chance. Doubters may have been

disappointed with the unflattering recommendations the panel turned in. And in keeping with its promise not to sweep anything under the carpet, the Senate in session considered and adopted 45 recommendations made by the committee. Some of the recommendations included immediate sack of the Director General of BPE Ms Bolanle Onagoruwa for alleged “gross incompetence in the management of the BPE and for illegal and fraudulent sale of the five per cent Federal Government’s shares in the Eleme Petrochemical Company limited (EPCL); to reprimand three former Directors-General of BPE, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, Dr. Julius

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011 Bala and Mrs. Irene Chigbue, for seeking approval directly from the President instead of the NCP as stipulated in the Public Enterprises Act 1999. Senate also adopted the recommendation that Bala should be investigated by ant-graft agencies for giving approval to Folio Communications Limited for the illegal sale of assets of Daily Times of Nigeria Plc, to rescind the sale of the Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) to Folio Communications Limited in keeping with an earlier court judgment. The lawmakers endorsed as recommended that the Share Purchase Agreement of Volkswagen Nigeria Limited now VON Automobile Nigeria Limited should be rescinded for non-performance as provided in the SPA and be readvertised for sale. It mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately probe economic crimes being perpetrated against the nation at VON Automobile Nig. Ltd by Barbedos Venture Limited (BVI). This may have been in keeping with the solemn promise of the Senate President that “this Senate will do justice to the report without fear or favour when it is eventually presented.” Nigerians are waiting anxiously to see what President Goodluck Jonathan will do with the Senate recommendations. Will he act on the recommendations to save the BPE from its present comatose? Time will tell. Another Senate investigation that is bound to ruffle some powerful feathers is the ongoing probe of the management of gasoline subsidy. Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki raised the issue under motion of urgent national importance when he chronicled the unbridled abuse of fuel subsidy funds by the custodians of the country’s common wealth. Chilling revelations are already tumbling out of the Senator Magnus Abe-led investigative panel with tales and allegations of wheeling and dealing occasioned by round

The Senate may have distinguished itself in its legislative activities within the time under review, Nigerians are however looking up to the chamber to save the country from mindless bloodletting occasioned by the frightening onslaught by the Boko Haram sect

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tripping and in some cases downright thievery. Nigerians cannot wait to see how the N240 billion voted for fuel subsidy in the 2011 budget jumped to N1.3 trillion in eight months. Some say that it may not be enough to merely name the beneficiaries in the oil industry. What is more important, they insist, is to recover and punish the round trippers and their backers in government. It may be needless to remind Senator Abe that he too is on trial.

2011 REVIEW Another development in the Senate that hit Nigerians like a thunder bolt was the seamless passage of the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill sponsored by Senator Obende Domingo. Most observers described the light speed within which the bill was passed as one of the high points of the Senate in recent times. Senators rose in unison to pass the bill damning entreaties by a few interest groups and the western countries, especially Britain and United States , who threatened to cut aid to the country should the bill sail through. The Senate called the bluff of protagonists of same sex marriage and prohibited it within a record time to the approval of a greater percentage of Nigerians. The bill has since been forwarded to the House of Representatives for concurrence. Will our smiling President sign the bill when it is presented to him for his assent? Again, time will tell. Some say Jonathan is too close to the powers that be in the US and UK to offend them by appending his presidential signature on the Same Sex Prohibition Bill to make it effective. Apart from investigations, consideration of bills and motions, the upper chamber’s first major assignment at inauguration on June 5 was the screening and confirmation of 41 ministerial nominees. Out of the 42 nominees sent to the Senate, one, Ando Obadia, was dropped when three senators from his Taraba State opposed the nominee. The Senate may have distinguished itself in its legislative activities within the time under review, Nigerians are however looking up to the chamber to save the country from mindless bloodletting occasioned by the frightening onslaught by the Boko Haram sect. This is what Mark said on September 13th. “Distinguished colleagues, permit me to note, albeit most sadly, that in the past few

•Mark

months, our dear nation has come under grievous attacks by forces of darkness and agents of insecurity and destabilisation. “Innocent lives have been mindlessly wasted and properties wantonly destroyed through bomb explosions and related acts of violence. “Emotions have been ruptured, rivers of tears ripped open, and the land needlessly drenched with the blood of hapless innocent citizens. “Indeed, what we have witnessed is gravely discordant with our cultural and religious values of the sanctity of life and our age long tradition of being our brothers’

keeper. “I have no doubt therefore that you share my view that this is most deplorable and totally unacceptable. We must address the issue of insecurity squarely, head on once and for all.” It may be important to remind Mark that months after his harsh missive against the insurgents, innocent blood is still flowing with no end in sight to the orgy of senseless butchery. Need we remind Mark, nay the Senate of the enormous power it wields? There may be no time for lacklustre or sitting on the fence any longer.

House of Reps: So far, how well? Victor OLUWASEGUN & Dele ANOFI

•Tambuwal

HE emergence of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as the Speaker of the7th House of Representatives could be said to

have been a hard-earned victory because of the groundswell of opposition from within his party (the PDP) and the Presidency.

Even the emergence of the Leader of the House, Mulikat AkandeAdeola, was not only dramatic but also keenly contested. The process eventually shaped the emergence of the chairmen of House committees. Intrigues and horse trading characterised the process. Members of the opposition were said to have seized the opportunity to corner for themselves some ‘juicy committees’, though that has been denied by the leadership of the house. When the 7th House of Representatives came into session, the leadership of the House, led by Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, left no one in doubt as to the direction it would go in the next four years. The House quickly presented to the country a working document it called its legislative agenda. Because of the manner in which Tambuwal and other members of the House leadership emerged, Nigerians believed that the House would be independent-minded and devoid of meddlesomeness from the Executive. This is because, for the first time, members shunned the influence of the Presidency and picked a leader of their choice. For this reason, many Nigerians believed that the members of the Green chamber would work in consonance with the interests of the masses. The legislative agenda spans critical areas like the review of the internal processes of the House, E-Parliament, archiving and documentation, national economy and the budget-

ary process, priority legislation and policy issues, engagement with stakeholders as well as monitoring and evaluation. “Over the next four years, the House of Representatives will pursue an aggressive legislative agenda

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Nigerians believed that the House would be independent-minded and devoid of meddlesomeness from the Executive. This is because, for the first time, members shunned the influence of the Presidency and picked a leader of their choice...

to reposition itself as key branch of government, able and determined to deliver on the key elements of governance,” Tambuwal stated while presenting the agenda of the House. Ironically, the House had to endure about three months of doing its legislative business on outdated rules. Although it was able to weather the confusion that followed, this was after some discerning members were able to puncture some moves that could lead to legal tussles. The Speaker had to mandate House Committee on Rules and Business to produce the new rules within a week before normalcy was restored to the House. However, with the year rolling to an end, the House of Representatives has given itself kudos for doing the country proud in terms of the advancement of the interest of Nigerians. But has the House really met the expectations of the Nigerian people? In the area of core legislation, the House, within six months, has passed 10 bills out of the 127 bills that went through first reading, while78 of the bills are awaiting second reading and 33 bills have been referred to standing committees. Of the lot, eight bills are awaiting consideration in the Committee of the Whole and one was withdrawn. About 137 motions were reviewed on the floor of the House on various subjects with 35 passed as Resolutions. Ninetytwo motions were referred to standing and ad-hoc committees while six were negative, three differed and one withdrawn. One of the most visible areas of in•Continued on Page 56

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

House of Reps: So far, how well? •Continued from Page 55 tervention by the House of Representatives, which has wormed the legislature into the hearts of many Nigerians, is its stance against the planned removal of petroleum subsidy by President Goodluck Jonathan. Before then, the House had intervened in the scarcity of kerosene that cuts across the country, believing that the majority of Nigerians are affected by the development. The Minister of Petroleum and other government officials concerned were invited to explain the reason behind the scarcity that threw Nigerians into unwarranted hardship. It was during that period that the Minister of Petroleum disclosed that the usual turn-around maintenance carried out on the nation’s refineries had never been what they were meant to be. The House has been consistent in its opposition to the removal of fuel subsidy. While its counterpart, the Senate, dithered on the issue, the House has reiterated its opposition to the removal of the subsidy, stating that it is premature and insisting that the government needs to put certain structures in place before the subsidy could be removed. The House, against all odds, passed two major bills which some experts said were too hasty and that thorough jobs were not done on the said bills, namely the 2011 N98bVirement for nine ministries sponsored by the Executive and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). At the introduction of the Virement bill, the venom with which the members from across the floor opposed it was unprecedented. The Presiding Officer, Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha had to use his wisdom to tactically allow the sponsor, House Leader, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, to step it down. At its introduction, majority of the lawmakers rose in opposition of the proposal, and this forced the House into executive session to reconcile their differences. The House Leader, Hon. Mulikat Akande-Adeola, who introduced the general principle on the debate of the proposal on reading the mood of the House, requested to step down the motion. By stepping it down, the proposal is allowed, legislatively, to be presented again at a later date. Discovering that the majority of the lawmakers were not placated by the House Leader’s decision, the Deputy Speaker called for an executive session where the issue would be resolved. Majority of the members, however, rose in disagreement with shouts of “no”, saying it must be debated. Some other lawmakers wanted the proposal to be thrown out without being referred to the Appropriation Committee. The lawmakers said President Jonathan failed to adhere to the provisions of the constitution in the presentation of the virement bill and that the timing was wrong. “The President has only fulfilled part of the Act but has violated the other because no budget performance report has been submitted before the presentation of this virement,” one of the lawmakers said. However, when the bill was re-introduced, the Representatives were singing a new song. The bill was rushed through the process and it was passed, though cut by more than half. Although the NDDC 2011 budget, which was presented in December, was not totally opposed, it was equally rushed through the process on the last day before the legislators took the Christmas break. The budget was even jerked up by about N2 billion. The need to avert a relapse of the relative peace in the Niger Delta region and the entire country by implication was advanced as a

2011 REVIEW

•Adeola-Akande

major reason for the hurried passage of the 2011 budget of the NDDC. In line with its pro-people stance, the House also vehemently opposed the implementation of the new drivers’ licence and number plate by the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) with the believe that it is not only economically oppressive but lacks added value to national security since a comprehensive central data bank does not exist in the country. The legislators, however, directed its committee on FRSC to investigate the rationale. To drum home its decision, the House launched an investigation into the process of the policy while urging the FRSC to put on hold for now the implementation of the policy on new number plates and licences, pending the outcome of the investigation. The House also summoned the Corps Marshal of FRSC, Osita Chidoka, who appeared before the FRSC committee in company of the Chairman of the Joint tax Board and the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru. At the meeting, Chidoka denied saying that no one had the power to stop the implementation of the new policy which was meant to earn his organisation a minimum of N192 billion within one year. However, one of the areas the House could have been blamed is the delay in the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) which it said should rather be directed to the executive. Albert Sam-Tsokwa, Chairman, Committee on Rules and Business said the bill was sponsored by the Executive in the last Assembly but the current House decided to re-introduce it when it became apparent that the Executive was not in a hurry to re-present it. “This is an executive bill presented in the last Assembly and the delay in passing it was caused by series of amendments introduced by the Executive. Every Nigerian is interested in the bill being passed, but

The House has been consistent in its opposition to the removal of fuel subsidy. While its counterpart, the Senate, dithered on the issue, the House has reiterated its opposition to the removal of the subsidy, stating that it is premature and insisting that the government needs to put certain structures in place before the subsidy could be removed

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up to this moment, the Executive has not re-introduced the bill. It was based on this that the legislature decided to let Nigerians know that we are committed to the bill that we re-introduced it. It has passed through the first reading but the Executive said they are bringing another version, and it was because of that we are holding on to what we have to see what version they said they are bringing. When that is

done, we will take the first reading of the Executive’s version, harmonise the two and then work on it at committee level. If the executive had not indicated that they are going to re-introduce it, we would have gone further than where we are today,” he said. The lawmakers were also at a loss on why licences granted 18 private investors to set up refineries have not seen the light of the day since they were issued in 2002. The lawmakers were concerned, going by the controversial issue of removal of subsidy on petroleum products, and directed the House committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream) to conduct an investigation into the issuance as well as delays in completion of construction and commencement of refining of crude oil in the country. The position of the lawmakers was hinged on the frustrating estimated domestic daily demand for petroleum products put at 30 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) (petrol), 12 million litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), 18 million litres of Automotive Gas Oils (AGO) and 780 metric tons or 1.4 million litres of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The existing four refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna could only generate 445,000 barrels per day with current out of 18.72 per cent that can only meet 17 per cent of our domestic demand. “It is even more worrisome when we consider the fact that about N1.256 trillion is being spent on fuel subsidy annually that we can save. Moreover, the money is enough to build two refineries,” one of the lawmakers said. On the controversial subsidy removal, the House is insisting that the proposed removal of subsidy on petroleum products is premature. The lawmakers said President Goodluck Jonathan should look elsewhere to finance expected deficit in the budget rather than rely on savings from the proposed removal of subsidy on petroleum products. Spokesman of the House, Zakari Mohammed, said Nigerians should have fate in the House on the issue of fuel subsidy removal, stressing that the President must present it to the National Assembly. According to him, the President must be able to explain to Nigerians details of what is expended on fuel subsidy as against what was appropriated by the National Assembly. “The position of the House is that we don’t even know the amount spent on subsidy. All oil producing countries in the world subsidise and we said if last year we spent half a trillion, this year, we are talking about over a trillion, there is a problem somewhere. We are saying where is this money going? We told Mr. President at the last meeting we had with him to go after the cabal. ‘You are empowered. If it is on that, we are supporting you to unravel these economic saboteurs. “We are still on that page. Until we are convinced, we will not do anything to betray the confidence of the people. We have closed this matter for a while. We are on it and we have not concluded on it. What we are saying is that the appropriate government agency from the NNPC and others should give us information.” He also regretted the misconception of knowledgeable people that subsidy removal does not necessarily have to go through the National Assembly. The House of Representatives also took a strong posture against MDAs and other organisations which flout its directives. It adopted a resolu-

tion asking those that flout its directives to be prosecuted by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF). According to the Representatives, persons and authorities have found ways of disregarding resolutions of the National Assembly by manipulating Sections 58 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). In view of the development, the House resolved to alter the constitution to that effect. The bill for an Act to alter the provisions of Section 89 and 129 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to direct the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to prosecute any person or authority found wanting by the Senate or the House of Representatives went through second reading without opposition. One of the representatives said the House has been rendered ineffective due to its inability to compel prosecution of offenders after investigations backed with facts. He said questions are being raised over the ineffectiveness of several investigations carried out by the National Assembly. Altering the provisions of the constitution was seen as the only means of reversing the current perception of the House by the public as a toothless bulldog. “Investigations by the parliament usually reveal that one or two persons are found wanting. The aim here is to direct the Attorney General by simple resolution to prosecute anybody found wanting, and it will also give state assemblies similar powers,” he said. Similarly, the green chamber also passed a resolution asking that MDAs should create a compliance desk that will enable an interface with the legislature and seamless compliance with resolutions and legislations from the National Assembly. Another intervention from the House relates to the 2011 budget in which the lawmakers extended the implementation window of the capital projects component till 31st March. Initially, members had earlier kicked against the extension, limiting it to only projects in the virement approved for President Jonathan. But they later extended it to include all capital projects in the 2011budget. One of the areas the House has continuously dragged feet is on its warning that the 2012 budget would not be considered if the budgets of NNPC, CBN, NPA and 30 other important revenue-generating agencies were not laid before the National Assembly in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. These organisations have consistently flouted the Fiscal Responsibilities Act by not bringing their budgets before the National Assembly. But the House said the same thing in 2010 when the 2011 budget was being expected only to later capitulate. The 2012 budget has been placed before the House and it remains to be seen if the same scenario will repeat itself. Some of the important pending bills which are currently at the committee stage before the House are Fiscal Responsibility Act (Amendment Bill), 2011; Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria Bill, 2011; National Youth Service Corps Act (Amendment) Bill, 2011; Banks and Other Financial Institutions Bill, 2011; Maintenance of Public Infrastructure Bill, 2011; Federal Road Fund Bill, 2011; Kidnapping and Hostage Taking (Prohibition) Bill, 2011and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2011.

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

SPORT EXTRA

NFF to name technical director in January T HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is expected to name a technical director for its national teams in January 2012,

SuperSport.com has been informed. The technical sub-committee of the federation could not forward its recommendation to the NFF

Reps to starve NSC of funds if… T HE Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Godfrey Gaya has threatened that funds will not be appropriated to the National Sports Commission (NSC) if its officers refuse to account for what was given to it in the 2009 and 2010 budgets. Speaking to sports writer in Kaduna on Thursday, the Honourable Member representing Zango Kataf Constituency in the National Assembly said that the Sports Commission has failed to realise that it is only when such have been done that new appropriation would be extended to the NSC. He said that even that of 2011 which the Commission tried to put together, there were a lot of discrepancies “you can imagine that N9 billion was spent on the All African Game in Maputo, but

From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja in all that was repeated in three different sub heads. We told them to go back with it and itemize everything just as it is suppose to be. Since then, they did not come back until the House went on break”. He vowed to use all legal means to ensure that the reports of the finding does not go as that before now. He said that his Committee has all the power to ensure that the right thing is done in the NSC.

executive committee before the 2011 NFF Annual General Assembly in Kaduna on Thursday. A member of the subcommittee told SuperSport.com that the decision on the technical director will be finalised in January. “No decision has been taken yet on the appointment of the technical director for the national teams. But I can tell you that in January we will have a technical director,” the NFF Technical Subcommittee member said on condition of anonymity. Already reports are being circulated that Belgian, Tom Saintfiet is favoured to land the technical director’s job. Also, the technical subcommittee of the NFF is expected to name head coaches for the vacant positions of the Super Falcons and the men’s Under20 national team, the Flying Eagles in January.

2012 of hope contined from back page

Sadly, our tendency to pander towards sentiments in making critical decisions cost Nigeria her place in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins mid-January. I don’t subscribe to the notion that our players lack commitment. It takes a good coach to whip the players in line, if he picks them on current form and not experience. The Super Eagles is in tatters today because of our coaches’ fixation when it comes to selecting players. HELSEA boss Andre Such tendencies frustrate the younger players who resort to Villas-Boas is ready to declaring false ages to play for the age-grade teams. sell John Obi Mikel. Again, the absence of credible nurseries has made it impossible The Daily Express says Villasfor us to have a data base or the grassroots players and is chiefly Boas has been given responsible for the dearth of competitions, such as the Principals £150million by Roman Cup, Governor’s Cup, Oba Cup, Hussey Shield, Lady Manuwa Abramovich to transform Cup etc that served as the platform to discover new talents. Chelsea from title has-beens We must also cultivate the habit of giving the same attention to recharged challengers. football gets to all the sports, if we hope to be tagged a sporting Frank Lampard will have to nation like Spain, England, Germany, France, Brazil etc. accept he is no longer an A holistic approach to sports development would compel the automatic starter while the corporate world to pick sports to bankroll. The Federal club will look to offload Obi Government should offer juicy incentives to companies that Mikel. identify with sports as it is done in other climes. Elsewhere, TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP sport is financed by the people, I, Mrs. Josephine Kahai Obuh of Block 107 Flat 2, Amuwo Odofin Housing Estate, Lagos hereby not the government. notify the general public that I have applied to LSDPC for its consent to change the ownership Like they say, government of Block 74 Flat 5, Iba Low Cost Housing Estate, Lagos, which was originally allocated to Mr. & Mrs. A. F. Omolekulo. I have made series of efforts to contact Mr. & Mrs. A. F. Omolekulo the money is cheap and largely assignor from whom I bought the property but all efforts made to locate him proved abortive. I unaccounted for, hence those hereby indemnify the corporation against any future claims against that may arise if my application who supervise sports here are is granted and undertake to pay cost of any dispute that may arise on same. LSDPC, Mr. & Mrs. A. F. Omolekulo and general public take note. not perturbed about the absence of corporate funds in developing the industry. The minister must institute an independent body that would disburse money meant for our participation at the 2012 Olympics. Such a body must account for what it got so that we can know how much it cost us to attend the games in London. Nigeria has hosted many major sporting competitions and till date, no one has told us if they were financial successes or conduit pipes for a few people to enrich themselves. It is only when we evolve a system that can reduce the ills in sports that we can aim to excel. Countries that excel in sports do so because they have workable templates that would achieve the desired results. Even before the 2016 Olympic Games, these countries with discerning templates already have athletes that they have primed to peak at that time simply because their nurseries are targeted at the youth, whose ages they can confirm. Sports development is not rocket science; you either have the template or you swim in the mud of failure, like we have done in 2011. May we never pass through such a tortuous path again. Will somebody shout Amen?

Villas-Boas seeks buyer for Mikel Obi

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011

Tomorrow in THE NATION PUNCHLINE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.7, NO. 1991

It has now become clear that the law enforcement system preferred by the military is not necessarily the right one for the country. —Ropo Sekoni

ull marks must be given to President Goodluck Jonathan’s economic team for attending and participating actively in the recent debate on the removal of oil subsidy organized under the auspices of the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN). After all, Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iwealla, Petroleum Minister, Mrs Diezani Allison-Madueke and Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, could easily have chickened out of the event given the intensity of popular opposition to removal of fuel subsidy. But they personally defended government’s position with admirable courage and vigour on the occasion. Of course, you could bet that trade unionists, human rights activists and civil society organizations would never let such an opportunity to debate fuel subsidy removal slip by. Thus, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Peter Esele, Vice President of the NLC, comrade Issa Aremu as well as activist lawyers, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Mr. Femi Falana were on hand to make a robust case for the retention of the subsidy. The Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole , was in no enviable position. For several years he was an activist labour leader who was at the forefront of opposition to removal of fuel subsidy. Today, he is a state Governor; a powerful member of the political establishment. It was thus understandable that the Comrade Governor carefully straddled both sides of the debate – urging the people to give government the benefit of the doubt on the proposed removal of oil subsidy but at the same time calling on President Jonathan to ensure the prosecution of all those responsible for the failure of the country’s refineries. I am sure that Mr. Ben Murray Bruce, Chairman of Silverbird, would have no difficulty fuelling his vehicles even if the pump price is raised to N1000 today. Yet, he stood unequivocally against the proposed removal of fuel subsidy now because of the hazardous implications for the poor. Indeed Ben Bruce struck the nail on the head when he declared emphatically that “we have been subsidising the rich while we do nothing to subsidize the poor.” Perhaps inadvertently, the CBN Governor, Lamido Sanusi, confirmed the assertion of Ben Bruce when he declared that he could not remember when last he went to a filling station to buy fuel! Now, is this the same with the army of political office holders across the country? Is this the reason why they cannot understand how the abrupt removal of the

Anatomy of a fuel subsidy debate

•Okonjo-Iweala

subsidy will have severe negative implications for the teeming masses? Are they far removed from reality because of the subsidized life style they enjoy at public expense? In the Y2012 budget, for instance, the sum of N1.2 billion has reportedly been voted for the construction of a State House clinic at Aso Rock. Even domestic animals privileged to live within the presidential premises will enjoy subsidized health care at the ultra modern health facility once it is completed. Beyond this, the Presidential and Vice presiden-

tial palates will be soothed next year with the finest culinary delights that will cost the tax payer just a little under N1 billion. Pray, do these kinds of budgetary priorities and allocations suggest an economy facing imminent collapse as the proponents of fuel subsidy removal never tire of telling us? According to the Government Economic Team, the sum of N3.7 billion was expended on fuel subsidy between 2006 and 2011. As at October this year, the subsidy had reportedly risen to N1.3 billion and may eventually reach N1.43 billion by the end of the year. As far as they are concerned, the opportunity cost of retaining the subsidy will be the critical infrastructure and social services that government will not be able to provide due to paucity of funds. Furthermore, government will have to continue borrowing to finance both recurrent and capital expenditure. However, that is only one way of looking at the matter. I could also argue that the real cost of removing the subsidy will be the escalation of crime and social vices attendant on increased hardship suffered by the majority of the populace. The resultant increased spending on security will, therefore, erode whatever gains are calculated to emanate from savings on fuel subsidy removal. Of course, some will argue that the benefits of fuel subsidy removal will become manifest in the long run. But then, as Lord John Maynard Keynes once quipped: In the long run we are all dead. The economic team insists that government agencies cannot build or operate refineries. They even say that a private board of prominent and credible Nigerians will be constituted to manage the savings accruing from

the fuel subsidy removal. Government cannot even trust itself to transparently and competently manage the fund! Yet, the same economic team prepared a budget that has allocated over N900 billion to defence. To the best of my knowledge, this defence allocation will be expended by such government agencies as the Police, Army, Navy, Air force and SSS among others. If government agencies are inherently incapable of running efficient organizations, why entrust the management of such huge defence expenditure to publicly owned defence agencies? If the Customs and Immigrations outfits cannot effectively police our borders and prevent the criminal exportation of fuel to neighbouring countries why not immediately scrap them and contract out the job to private outfits that will more efficiently discharge their duties? If the position of the economic team is pushed to its logical conclusion, there is no alternative to the ultimate privatisation of Nigeria.

…and the man lives The news sent shock waves throughout and beyond Lagos State. It was reported that Mr Femi Ogunsanya, a 39 year old staff of the Power Holding Corporation of Nigeria (PHCN) was shot and killed by the police while participating in a protest against the commencement of toll collection on the Lekki Epe Expressway. Accusing fingers were pointed at the Fashola administration. A picture of the purported corpse was published. A woman claiming to be the deceased’s wife was featured in a radio interview. An incensed national newspaper wrote a damning editorial on the incident. Governor Fashola immediately ordered an investigation to unravel the truth. Eleven days after his purported death, Mr Femi Ogunsanya showed up in public. He admitted it was his photograph published in a national daily. He was hale and hearty. Speaking at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, Femi Ogunsanya said he was not married and could not understand how anybody could have gone air to claim she was his wife. Narrating what happened, he said he was going to work on that day when he ran into the protests and was manhandled by some policemen even though he sustained no injuries. Thank God the man lives after all. But there is a lesson here for the police. No matter how difficult the situation, they must always be restrained and measured in dealing with fellow citizens. And the press must always be circumspect to avoid being hoodwinked by partisan political interests.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

2012 of hope O

NCE again, it’s resolutions time. The time to correct the mistakes of the past, vow to be of good behaviour and dream of a great future. Resolutions are wishes that are guided by conceived plans to either increase the blessings of the past year or to ask for God’s favour to bind bad omens that stunted growth in the lives of those seeking such divine favours. But such wishes can only be actualised if the visionary sincerely does those things that will make his requests achievable and not just depend on God’s miracle only. For sports in Nigeria, 2011 has been the worst, not because it wasn’t a disaster foretold, but for the fact that we always believe that there is a Nigerian way of achieving successes. The rot that deteriorated into the monumental poor outings of our contingents had been sown when we started using quota system (some say it’s the federal character enshrined in the Constitution) in decision making in all facets of sports and its administration. So, if we expect changes in 2012, the Federal Government should challenge Sports

Minister Bolaji Abdullahi to ensure that our athletes’ preparation for the London 2012 Olympic Games is handled professionally by competent coaches and technocrats, not by those at the National Sports Commission (NSC), who put us in this turbulence. Our 2012 London Olympics preparation is in shambles because our sports administrators have failed to use the National Sports Festivals as the breeding ground to discover new athletes. This multi-sports fiesta climaxes the routine intra and inter-states individual sport competitions and it has always been shown live to Nigerians in their living rooms. Going to London in July for the Olympics will be a jamboree- if we stay the way we are. But, things may well change, if the minister opens a domestic camp in Port-Harcourt, using the facilities used to host the last National Sports Festival to prepare the athletes who live here for the Games. He could also appeal to President Goodluck Jonathan to fund our foreign-based athletes, who will remain in Europe to train with their coaches. The establishment and maintenance of sports facilities is central to development. You can only maintain facilities by using them and possibly upgrade for them to qualify to host big competitions.

We have lost time to make any meaningful impact at the London 2012 Olympics. Those promising medals in track and field are hallucinating because no Nigerian won a medal at the last World Athletic Championships nor has anyone clocked times that can qualify him or her for an Olympic medal in the last six months. Perhaps, we can win medals in the relay event for women, if the minister can recruit the best trainer in relays to start preparing the girls for the Olympic Games relay, like Segun Odegbami did with Chioma Ajunwa, ahead of the Atlantic ’96 Olympic Games. It will not be out of place, if the minister rubs mind with Odegbami, but he must make an independent decision. For the athletes in camp, the minister should get foreign coaches to come to Port Harcourt to teach them the modern tricks of their sport because our coaches are not equipped for the task ahead, except for the Olympic medalist Igali, who learnt his craft in Canada. These foreign coaches will retain our coaches and ultimately provide the templates for subsequent exercises. These technocrats can be given short-term contracts and assigned to the grassroots areas that have the potentials of producing athletes in such sports.

The key to winning medals in the relays rests with the swiftness in which the baton is exchanged. Nigeria has consistently dropped the baton and many have blamed it on sabotage, most times caused by in-fighting among members of the quartet. A professional trainer’s judgment will always consider the preferences of the quartet members since relay is a team event; no one should be the cog in its quest for laurels. Wrestling could spring surprises, if we make the cut in this era of not attending qualifiers either due to lack of funds or the federation’s inability to secure entry visas for the travelling squad. The National Sports Commission (NSC) must assign someone in its establishment department to liaise with the federations and the embassies here to fast track such trips in 2012. If we don’t attend major competitions, our athletes won’t know their worth and won’t be able to get used to the new equipment and modern trends in their games. A new daown for sports in 2012 would include an articulated programme to train new coaches and retrain the older ones to acquire the new techniques of their sport. This idea of our participating against better trained and equipped athletes should stop. Any coach who fails in any assignment should be eased off than recycled. We have found ourselves running in circles because people are not punished when we fail. Coaches should be selected on merit, not on who he/she knows in high places. •Continued on Page 61

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025, Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor-08094000052, Marketing: 01-8155547, Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, Tel/ 07028105302 `E-mail: saturday@thenationonlineng.com Editor: DELE ADEOSUN

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2011