The Nation, December 8, 2012

www.thenationonlineng.net

SEE PAGE 62 FOR DETAILS

2 NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Knocks for Obasanjo over monitoring role in C Ghana’s elections

riticisms have trailed the appointment of former President Olusegun Obasanjo as the leader of a 250member ECOWAS Election Observer Mission that monitored the presidential election held in Ghana yesterday.

The joint presidential candidate of the All Peoples Party (APP) and the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 1999, Chief Olu Falae, wondered why Obasanjo, who he said presided over the worst election in the history of the country, would lead an election monitoring team to Ghana.

The former Secretary to the Federal Government and Finance Minister said: “What do you want me to say? This country conducted the worst election in its history when Obsanjo was president. What is his qualification to lead an election monitoring team to another country?

Chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) and the promoter of the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms (CODER), Ayo Opadokun, described Obasanjo’s appointment as a sad commentary on democracy in Africa.

He said: It is another way of nature to register Nigeria’s name in the Guinness Book of

Segun AJIBOYE Records. In Nigeria, we export what we don’t have and import what we have. The question that should be asked is, is Nigeria a democracy? What yardstick is used to pick Obasanjo as the leader of an election monitoring group in another country?

“How can a man who conducted the most flawed election in Africa be the one to monitor election in Ghana? It is indeed a sad commentary on democracy.

The truth is that Obasanjo has assisted elements like him to win election at all cost across Africa. For instance, in DR Congo, he helped to broker the

deal that brought the young man there to power and making succession a family affair.

He also helped the man in Sierra-Leone. That has been their way of operation across Africa.”

Activist and President, Women Arise and Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, likened the former president to a naked man who distributed clothes in the name of philanthropy.

She said: “Obasanjo going to Ghana to promote democracy is like a naked man distributing clothes in the name of philanthropy. You cannot give what you don’t have. He has worked against democracy in

Nigeria and therefore not fit to be apostle of democracy in Ghana.”

Former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Abubakar Tsav, said it was difficult to know the yardstick used in selecting Obasanjo for the job. According to him, Obasanjo view election as a do-or-die affair, making him ineligible to lead a monitoring team to another country.

Ghanaians are more advanced than us as far is elections are concerned, especially when it comes to patience.

I believe that ECOWAS picked Obasanjo to honour him. Aside from that, how could

a man who regarded election as a do-or-die affair lead election monitors to Ghana? I believe they only want to honour him. It is hard to know why they picked him.”

The Executive Chairman, Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Debo Adeniran, believes Obasanjo was picked for the job because the international community lacks adequate information about the activities of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He said: “The international community is being misled by lack of adequate information about those who have misruled this country. That is the reason why the international commu-

JTF kills four suspected terrorist commanders in Maiduguri Joseph ABIODUN, Maiduguri

T

HE Joint Task Force (JTF) on Operation Restore Order on Friday, shot dead four suspected terrorist commanders of the Boko Haram group after an operation in Maiduguri.

JTF spokesman Lt.-Col. Sagir Musa announced this in a statement issued in Maiduguri.

He said the operation was sequel to last week’s killing of a notorious commander of the group, Abduulkareem Ibrahim, in Maiduguri by men of the task force.

“Following the killing of Abdulkareem Ibrahim, a high-profile terrorist commander in a joint operation along Damboa-Biu road on Dec. 2, 2012, a follow up operations was conducted between December 3 and December 5, based on additional information,” he said.

Musa said the operations were conducted at different parts of Maiduguri in areas identified as hideouts of the suspected terrorists.

“The operations were successfully conducted in Sabon Gari, Sabon Layin Gwange, Dala Sajeri, Sulemanti areas of the city among others.

“Four identified suspected Boko Haram sub-commanders, including two Improvised Explosive Device (IED) experts were killed in a shootout,” he said.

Musa said that two soldiers were injured during the operations.

“Five AK 47 rifles, one pistol, 11 AK 47 empty magazines, one G3 rifle, 176 assorted ammunitions, 24 assorted prime IED gas cylinders were recovered.

“Other items included 12 pieces of IEDs remote control switches, 16 assorted IED incendiary materials and chemicals among others,” he said.

•Mr Wale Edun, chairman, LOC (publicity) (left) with Ibrahim Segun of Lagos State (middle) after beating his opponent, Ajagba Efe of Delta State, in the 91kg middle-weight category to win a gold medal. With them is Ademola Seriki, former Minister of Defence.

PHOTO: John EBHOTA

nity still finds Obasanjo useful despite his failure as president and as a leader.

“This same Obasanjo presided over the worst election in black Africa. The election, which the beneficiary, late President Umar himself would later condemn as flawed.

“He forced Umar on Nigerians without anything happening. But because he has not been punished for the atrocities he committed as president, the international community still sees him as a good man.

“Obasanjo presided over the Halliburton scandal. His government presided over the ridiculous scandal that was perpetrated in the power ministry with billions of naira wasted.

“But because he is able to dress himself in the garb of a statesman, these people still relate with him as such. It is a matter of time before all this comes to an end. A right thing done the wrong way cannot be right.”

However, former Aviation Minister, Chief Femi FaniKayode, commended ECOWAS for picking Obasanjo for the job. He said it was a wonderful thing which every Nigerian should be proud of.

"I think it is a wonderful thing that we should all be proud of. I mean it is good for Nigeria, and there is nobody better qualified than him."

On the criticisms trailing the appointment, Fani-Kayode said: "May be they don't have anything better to do. We are Nigerians. Why do we like to destroy our own before the world? They should leave this man alone.

“This is what is called bad belle. They should go and submit their own names and see what result they would have."

$1.09b Malabo payment: I’m not a crook, says Adoke T EMPERS flared yesterday during the session by the Leo Ogorheaded ad hoc committee investigating the transaction involving the Federal Government and Shell/Agip companies and Malabu Oil & Gas in respect of Oil Block (OPL 245).

There was a heated exchange of words between the committee members and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke.

Adoke, who was at the hearing, alleged that there has been efforts to malign his name over the payment of $1.09b to Malabo Oil & Gas by the Federal Government.

According to him, he was not to blame for the payment of $1.09b. He said he did the best he could to mediate in the matter by telling those who wrote a petition over the matter on the right course of action to follow.

Adoke said there had been various inferences linking him to the payment and painting pictures that he connived with the Minister of State for Finance to pay the huge sum to Malabu from the Federation Account.

The drama began when he was asked by the committee if he facilitated the payment to Malabu.

Adoke replied: “I was not that irresponsible and I did not authorise the payment of money from the federation account to Malabu. The perception there was that the Attorney-General and the Minister of State for Finance connived to pay some money to

•Tempers flare at Reps’ hearing

Victor OLUWASEGUN and Dele ANOFI, Abuja Malabu” Another question from a committee member, John Dyegh ( ACN Benue) who insisted that the Minister knew about the payment to Malabu got him angry.

“A letter from Shell was transmitted to the Ministry of Finance who carried out the instruction of those who put money in the escrow account.

“My duty was to say to the Minister of Finance that conditions have been met and to pass it on to the Finance Ministry and the Accountant General of the Federation.

“By the time the petition came in, the issues had already been resolved. The process was

irreversible. And I also advised those who wrote the petition that the appropriate thing was, as this was an internal dispute, to go back and resolve it themselves or go to court or report to the appropriate agencies of government.

“The Malabu matter has been on for 12 years and this latter day claimant did not come forward to lay claim to the oil bloc. This latter day claimant waited till after the transaction had been resolved and the issue had become irreversible before writing a petition to the AGF. “The office of the AGF is not an investigative office. I directed them to take that petition to the appropriate agency.

I directed them. I know where this question is coming from.

Ask me and I will give you the answer. I am not a crook and I don’t support crooks!”

But Dyegh retorted: “You are calling yourself names.

Nobody is calling you such a name.”

At this juncture, the Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Leo Ogor, intervened.

“AGF, we are in the green Chamber. We don’t presume.

We are here on a fact finding mission. Members can ask any question, no matter how foolish you presume it is,” he said.

The Minister promptly replied: “Mr Chairman, I also ask you to see reason with me. I cannot be unduly maligned by people who have been the architects of the ruins of this country.”

Part of the petition by the supposed rightful owners of Malabu reads: “We also understand that Mr. President directed right of ownership of the OPL on all the true owners

•Adoke

of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, but unfortunately, the AGF, the Minister of State for Finance and the Minister of Petroleum acted to the contrary and circumvented the presidential approval through various dubious resolution agreement which was crafted dubiously, planned and executed as shown in the conceited move.”

New Jaji Commandant seeks Navy’s support on security

T

HE new Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, AVM Eko Osim, has appealed to the Nigerian Navy to collaborate with other stakeholders on maritime security.

The commandant made the appeal at the opening of a seminar for students of Junior Course 72 in the Department of Maritime Warfare of the college on Friday.

Osim said the seminar would provide the students the opportunity to engage stake-

holders in the maritime business so as to appraise and proffer solutions to the challenges of the sector.

He said that the seminar would also acquaint the students with knowledge on fleet operations as regards the policing role of the Navy and areas of collaboration with other stakeholders.

The commandant urged the students to deliberate on other issues of maritime security and proffer solution to challenges facing the sector.

Earlier, the Director, Mari-

time Warfare, Navy Commodore Ati John, expressed the commitment of the Nigerian Navy to national security.

Represented by the Chief Instructor, Navy Capt. Chally Adewale, the director said that the students had already conducted a study tour of Maritime facilities in Warri, Sapele and Igarra in Delta State, as part of effort to appraise the challenges of the sector.

“We therefore need to enhance the synergy with other maritime stakeholders as a matter of priority,“ Adewale

said.

Forty-five Navy Lieutenants, personnel of the Department of State Security (DSS) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) are attending the seminar.

The theme of the Seminar is ‘Improving Cooperation between the Nigerian Navy and other Stakeholders in Combating Contemporary Maritime Security Challenges‘.

The seminar is the final part of field and classroom courses attended by the students in the last six months.

3

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

O

th

n Friday the 30 Novem ber, 2012; literary hun dreds were shocked by the announcement of the death of Hajiya Zulaiha Muhammad Buhari, the first daughter of the Former Head of State, General Muhammad Buhari (Rtd). To anyone that knew or heard of her gentle soul, Zulaiha or Magajiya (she was named after her paternal grandmother) as she was fondly called by her loved ones, was the most humble and gentle human being you could ever meet. An endless list of complimentary words cannot define the incredible person that this astoundingly selfless lady was. She was the pride of her family, the most obedient daughter, the most caring mother any child could wish for, a devoted wife, a faithful friend and a priceless asset to her community.

Zulaiha Muhammed Buhari was born on the 5th December, 1972 to Muhammad Buhari and Safinatu Buhari, now late. She attended Nursery School in the USA where her family were stationed at the time.

She graduated from Primary School in Air Force Military School in Lagos. Zulaiha began her Secondary School in Queens College, Lagos and in 1985 she began her JS2 in Federal Government College, Kaduna where she graduated in 1990. She was admitted as a student of B.Sc. Economics in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she later completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Management. She worked for a period of time for African Intercontinental Bank (AIB). Zulaiha then proceeded to work with Ministry of Solid Minerals And Steel in Kaduna; where she remained until her passing.

The Hajiya Safinatu Buhari Foun-

A tribute to the rarest gem of all

(a stroke that causes no immediate symptoms but is associated with damage to the brain), opioid tolerance, acute papillary necrosis in the kidneys, leg ulcers, consistent eye infections, high mortality risk during pregnancy, gallstones, aseptic bone necrosis, malfunctioning of spleen, bacterial bone infection, increased pressure on the pulmonary artery and high blood pressure.

Sickle- cell disease occurs more commonly in people (or their dedation (HSB) was founded by her, are unaware that this country has scendants) from parts of tropical and in loving memory of her late Mother the highest number of sickle cell sub-tropical regions where malaria Hajiya Safinatu Buhari who died patients in the world yet the poor- is or was common. In areas where of diabetes in February, 2006. The est health care and support for the malaria is common, there is a fitness benefit in carrying only a single Foundation catered for the destitute helpless patients.

Sickle- cell disease(SCD) or sickle- sickle- cell gene (sickle cell trait). who were stricken by diabetes mellitus. She also served as the Trea- cell anaemia or drepanocytosis, is People with only one of the two alsurer of NIM (Nigerian Institute of an autosomal recessive genetic leles of the sickle- cell disease, while Management). In addition to these blood disorder with overdomi- not totally resistant, are more tolercommunity service obligations, she nance, characterized by red blood ant to the infection and will thereworked diligently yet silently on cells that assume an abnormal, rigid, fore show less severe symptoms several other NGO’s in her imme- sickle shape. Sickling decreases the when infected. It is crucial to edudiate community and beyond. Only cells’ flexibility and results in a risk cate and enlighten parents with AS those closest to her knew of her of various complications. The sick- genotype in the risks involved if a battle with sickle –cell anemia, a ling occurs because of a mutation child may turn out to be of SS genocondition that she lived with brav- in the hemoglobin gene. Life expect- type. In much the same way that we ery for she never succumbed to it ancy is automatically shortened. In inherit blood type, hair color and until it so cruelly snatched her away. 1994, in the US, the average life ex- texture, and other physical traits; the In Nigeria, annually, over 150,000 pectancy of persons with this con- sickle- cell gene is also inherited. If children are born with Sickle- Cell dition was estimated to be 42 years one parent has sickle –cell anaemia disease. Over 100,000 of these chil- in males and 48 years in females, (SS) and the other has sickle-cell trait dren die annually. An estimated but today due to sophisticated then there is 50% chance of a child 5,000,000 Nigerians live with drugs and better management of the having sickle- cell disease and a Sickle- Cell anemia. This is accord- condition, patients can live up to 50% chance of a child’s having ing to the former Director for Insti- their 50’s and beyond. In Nigeria, sickle- cell trait. When both parents tute for Medical Research and the statistics are obviously not as have sickle- cell trait, a child has a Training, College of Medicine, Uni- favorable. This disease can cause 25% chance of sickle- cell disease.

It is a wonder that a person living versity College Hospital, Ibadan; several complications such as: overwhere Professor Adeyinka Falusi whelming post- (auto) splenectomy with this traumatic disease made gave the statistics. Many Nigerians infection (OPSI), stroke, silent stroke such a positive impact on the community as Zulaiha did. She was an epitome of an unassuming lady, who lived her life with the humility and simplicity unheard of for a former first daughter. My sister, OVERNORS of the states in the North-East have Austine TSENZUGHUL, Bauchi Hadiza and I, with tears of sorrow urged the Federal Government to intensify efand a heavy heart recall the memoforts to dialogue with Boko Haram insurgents. the economic development goals of the zone.

“The governors of the zone should also employ the ser- rable undergraduate days spent The givernors maintained that doing so will ensure a lasting peace that will bring about socio economic growth vices of professionals to prepare strategic plan for the eco- with Zulaiha in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. She had a humble nomic development of the sub-region. and development to region.

“Apart from the governments of the zone, other stake- nature, spirit of forgiveness, dediThis was contained in a communiqué at the end of two-

North East governors urge dialogue with Boko Haram

G

day North Eastern Alliance for Transformation summit, held yesterday at the Yankari Game Reserve in Alkaleri Local Government Council of Bauchi State.

The Summit was attended by the governors of Bauchi, Borno and Gombe States. Others are the acting governor of Taraba State, deputy governor of Yobe State and the representative of Adamawa State governor.

The two-day summit was declared open by the Minister of National Planning, Dr.Shamsuddeen Usman, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan. Also in attendance was former Inspector-General of Police, Mike M. Okilo among other dignitaries The Communiqué read in part, said, "The meeting noted with appreciation the role being played by the Federal Government on the security challenges facing the sub-region and urged that efforts should be intensified to dialogue with the Boko Haram insurgents, so that a lasting solution is found for socio-economic growth and development in the entire sub-region."

It also called on the six governors from the sub-region to pool their resources to meet the challenges of insecurity, heath, agriculture, tourism, culture and Education.

It further stated that "Governors of the zone should set out targets on short, medium and long term bases to achieve

holders should be encouraged to take part in tackling the socio-economic problems of the zone.

"The governors should also approach willing development partners to assist with programs to help in reducing the rate of insecurity and economic problems of the zone.

“Also, in tackling the economic development challenges, governors in the zone should initiate investments in the areas of agriculture, education, solid minerals, power and energy.

The communique stated: “The governors agreed to seek Federal Government's enhanced patronage for states the sub-region to place it at par with other sub-regions in the country.

“The Federal Government should be approached by the governors of the zone to assist in developing infrastructures, such as roads, dams and irrigation facilities to boost the economic development of the zone."

The six states unanimously agreed to submit a score-card on the implementation of the resolutions of the summit.

They also resolved that all stakeholders, including elected and appointed officials, traditional rulers, youths, labour organizations, farmers, industrialists and Non-Governmental Organizations should partner and adopt a holistic approach to solving the socio-economic problems of the Northeast.

Court stops PDP rally in Anambra

T

HE Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State has restrained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding any rally or fresh congress in the state, pending the determination of motion on notice for an order of mandamus brought by the Anambra State chairman of the party, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi.

The order was given yesterday in Awka by Hon Justice MT Salihu in suit No: AWK/C2/300/2012.

Emeakayi had filed the suit No: FHC/Awk/CS/300/2012 yesterday against the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Anambra State

Electricity: FG targets 6,873mw in 2013

T

HE Ministry of Power yesterday raised Nigerians’ hope as it announced that it has concluded plans to generate a total of 6,873 mega watts (mw) by the end of next year.

The successor companies of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) will generate 3,879mw, as the National Independent Power Producers (NIPP) and Independent Power Producers generate the extra 2500mw that will bring the national grid available capacity to 6,873 by the end if 2013.

Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power Plant, Engr. Mike Uzoigwe made this disclosure in Abuja during the performance agreement signing ceremony between the Minister, Hajiya Zainab Kuchi and the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lere Awosika and

•To take new direction on labour issue next week •As Perm Sec,CEOs sign performance bond John OFIKHENUA, Abuja the Chief Executive Officers in the ministry.

The target, according to him, was an outcome of the meeting between the Minister, the Presidential Task force and the Managing Director/ CEOs of all the PHCN successor companies that reviewed the capability and performance of all generation company stations.

He, however, explained that “some of NIPP units have been fully commissioned but cannot run due to gas supply-associated problems. The Geregu power plants still experience

gas shortage.”

While commenting on the ministry’s efforts at resolving the (PHCN) labour union crisis that has been a snag on the privatisation of the company, the minister noted that the ministry would take an alternative measure to address the issue.

Kuchi who stressed that the ministry will resolve the issue also announced that by next week, the Federal Government will take a new direction on matter.

Her words: “In terms of labour issues, I will not say we are absolutely on top of the issue, but we are very

cation in studies, accommodation of friends and loved ones, her gift of a simplistic character that drew her to everyone and endeared her in the eyes of all that were privileged to be part of her life. Her soft- spoken voice and beautiful smile were the perfect antidote for calming fiery tempers in the dorm and class. To the best of anyone’s knowledge, Zulaiha never raised her voice or lifted a finger to hurt anyone or anything around her. “Yaya Babba” (fondly called by her sisters) had the gift of an amazing spirit of living her life in the most exemplary way and this served as a shining example to not only her peers but her loved ones at home.

Hajiya Zulaiha Buhari is survived by her husband, Captain Junaid Abdullahi, three wonderful children, Halima Junaid, Muhammad Buhari Junaid and her precious new born baby girl. Her memory lives in the hearts of her caring Father and Mother, beloved sisters and brother, family and many friends. They should take much consolation in the fact that very few people can be described with the wondrous revelation and accolades that this dearest soul has been. No Father can be prouder of a daughter with such an admirable spirit, no child can be prouder of a Mother who transgressed beyond her illness to ensure they got the best in life, no sister can be prouder of one who showed them the path of dignified humility and no friend can be prouder of the legacy this amazing soul has left behind.

No one can question the will of the Almighty, no one can comprehend the torturous pain her family are going through, for surely the grief of even the silent tears are the most painful. But a woman that lived her life in peace and goodness, will surely be rewarded accordingly in the hereafter. It is said that a diamond is the rarest most precious gem, but in Zulaiha Muhammed Buhari, the rarest and most precious of all has been lost.

focused. We are very focused and we are about taking an alternative measure in order to ensure that we finalise that.

“We are very focused on this and I think by next week, we will have a new direction on the labour issues because with the unbundling of the PHCN, we need to resolve this. And by the end of March, we will finally go solo in terms of DISCOs and GENCOs contracting. BPE is trying to finalise to resolve labour issues.

We are focused on this and we are trying to finalise this and we intend to resolve this. And we will by the grace of God.”

Commissioner of Police, as well as Pastor Emma Obiora, Mr. Maurice Anolue and Mr. Chris Uche Okoye, who claimed to be the chairman, secretary and chairman of the planning committee, respectively of Anambra State Fresh Congress Group of PDP. He urged the court to stop the rally scheduled to take place at Emmaus House in Awka.

He also pleaded with the court to ensure compliance with the judgment in suit No:A/171/2011, which defined the leadership of PDP in the state to avoid any breakdown of law and order in Anambra State .

In granting the order, Justice M.T Salihu, who presided, said: “After reading the statement setting out the names and description of the applicant, the relief sought and the grounds as well as nine paragraph affidavit verifying the facts deposed to by the applicant on record and filled at this court’s registry, Awka’ “And after hearing I.C. Nsofor Esq counsel for the applicant, urging court to grant the relief sought’’ “And the court having listened to counsel and perused the processes, it is hereby ordered that applicant’s application is granted as prayed on the motion paper.”

He adjourned further hearing on the matter to January 21, 2013.

It would be that Emeakayi had for years, fought a leadership battle for the control of PDP in the state and was recently elected the state chairman of the party.

Many stakeholders of the party had also pledged to work with him to ensure the return of peace to enable the party prepare adequately for the governorship election in the state expected to take place next year.

4 NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

WAEC releases Nov/Dec SSCE results in two weeks

T

HE Deputy Director, Public Affairs, West African Examination Council (WAEC), Mr Yusuf Ari, said on Friday that the result of the 2012 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) would be released within two weeks.

Ari said this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.

He said that the council of the examination body had ensured that the results would be released on schedule.

“I want to express satisfaction at the conduct of this year’s examination. We had finished the marking exercise for the November/December SSCE for private candidates since November.

“The entire process of conducting and collating was quite impressive because there were no negative reports from any of the centres nationwide.

“We used limited logistics, and this to a great extent relaxed the pressure we normally had during the May/June examination, “ he said.

Ari, however, pleaded with candidates and other stakeholders to be mindful of the activities of touts around the offices of the council in order not to be victims of their nefarious plans.

He said there was the need for members of the public, and government at all levels, to assist the council in its effort to protect innocent citizens from the persistent exploits of the touts.

“We all need to join hands in fighting these

fraudsters who stay around our offices, looking for innocent people they would mislead by issuing fake certificates.

“We have made a lot of efforts to sensitise the public concerning the activities of these people, but still wonder why many people still go to them for transactions.

“Candidates and other stakeholders have been told over time not to transact any form of business with anybody outside our perimeter fence.

“They should walk in straight to our offices and they would be provided with the correct information.

“We do this to prevent them from losing so much in the bid of trying to get their certificates and other relevant information that could determine their future, “ he said.Ari said that before now, the council in collaboration with the police raided the touts around the council’s office at Yaba, adding that various fake WAEC certificates and university certificates found on them.

He said that other documents found on them were fake polytechnic certificates, foreign institution certificates and other documents purported to have been forged by the gangsters.

“I think we should all join hands in intensifying efforts to rid the system of these set of people.

“We should also embark on this continually in other to prevent the heartache their activities usually cause the victims, “ Ari added.

Member, House of Reps, Ahmed Kaita (left) President, Port Harcourt Polo Club, Ibifiri Bob Manuel (left) and one of the sponsors, Prince Tonye T. J. T. Princewill, during the press conference on the forth-coming 2013 Niger/Delta International Polo, in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo ABAYOMI Fayese

De-registration: Balarabe blasts Jega, says he’s a budding fascist T HE National Chairman of the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, yesterday said the 28 opposition parties, which were de-registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will go to court.

He also described Jega as a budding fascist who Nigerians should watch on 2015 general elections.

He described the deregistration of parties by INEC as part of a hidden agenda to exclude some parties from the 2015 poll.

Musa, who spoke exclusively with our correspondent, said the deregistration cannot stand in the light of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

He said the struggle has just started and the affected parties will resist the decision of INEC. He said: “By virtue of Section 40 of 1999 Constitution and Section 78 of the Electoral Act, INEC cannot deregister political parties; it does not have the right. We have an application in court to stop INEC from deregistering parties.

“The case was expected to come up in Lagos on Friday but INEC on Thursday night announced the de-registration of parties.

“Why can’t INEC wait for the outcome of the ongoing case in the court? Why was Jega in hurry to de-register parties in what amounted to a pure case of subjudice.

“The deregistration is unacceptable, We will meet next week and consult on the next line of action. But we will certainly go to court, the deregistration cannot stand.”

Responding to a question, Balarabe added: “The aim of INEC is to make the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and others to merge with other parties by force. They want parties that do not threaten the government of the day to exist.

They want to mess us up for selfish reasons.

“This government is a neocolonialist and capitalist, and it will do anything to undermine parties that are committed to socialism, human rights, equality and positive transformation of the country.

“They are talking about privatisation; they are after minimal participation in party politics and governance. That is why they do not want opposition parties to exist.”

•Okotie, others threaten court action

Court to decide INEC’s power to de-register parties March 6

J

USTICE Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos will on March 6 next year decide whether or not the Independent National Electoral Commission possesses the powers to deregister political parties.

The judge chose the date yesterday for judgment in the suit filed by the National Conscience Party (NCP). Parties adopted their final written addresses yesterday.

NCP is challenging the powers of the INEC to deregister parties.

The suit may have informed why INEC did not include NCP, the party established by the late rights activist, Gani Fawehinmi among the 28 parties deregistered on Thursday. The court also gave an interlocutory injunction on September 12 restraining INEC from deregistering NCP pending the determination of the suit.

The plaintiff is by the suit, challenging the legitimacy of Section 78(7)(ii) of the Electoral Act 2010, which empowers INEC to deregister parties for failing to win at least an elective position legislative or executive election.

It wants the court to void the provision on the ground that the National Assembly erred in enacting such law. NCP argued that provisions of section 78(7)(ii) of the Electoral Act violate citizens’ right to freedom of association guaranteed under the Constitution.

Yesterday, plaintiff’s lawyer, Marcus Eyarhono, urged the court to grant the plaintiff’s prayers and void INEC’s power to deregister parties under the Electoral Act. He argued that the provision infringed on freedom of association guaranteed under section 40 of the Constitution and Article 10 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Right.

“We submit humbly that the combined effects of the provisions of sections 38, 40 and 42 of the Constitution, the right to freedom of association, particularly as it relates to political parties, is inviolable and inaleniable, save as provided by the constitution.”

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation Musa expressed regrets that INEC is allowing itself to be used by the government to achieve a pre-determined agenda.

He said: “Of course, INEC has always been used. Nigerians should watch it; Jega is becoming a budding fascist, a growing fascist. He has graduated from being a radical academician to a budding fascist.

This tendency of Jega is a sign of what the nation should expect in 2015 elections.

“Few days ago, Jega sent proposals to the National Assembly seeking powers for INEC to disqualify candidates from participating in election from 2015. We all knew how disqualification of candidates marred our electoral process in the past but INEC refused to learn from this bitter experi-

ence.

“But barely some days after seeking more powers which have not been granted, Jega is going further to de-register parties. So, this man has become a budding fascist. He has joined them.”

Musa also claimed that the deregistration is part of a “hidden agenda” towards 2015 poll.

He said: “It is all part of the 2015 agenda. It started in 2011.

They do not want credible opposition parties to be part of the nation’s political process.

“I want to appeal to Nigerians to pay more attention to the activities of INEC or else 2015 poll would have been concluded before it is conducted.”

Musa, who went down memory lane, said deregistration was not knew to his party, the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

He added: “The struggle of the PRP is a protracted one. Our

Eric Ikhilae Named as defendants in the suit are INEC, the National Assembly and the Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke.

INEC’s lawyer, Adeniyi Lawal, urged the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that it is incompetent and amounts to abuse of court process.

He urged the court to hold that INEC is empowered by the Constitution and a validly enacted Act of the National Assembly to deregister parties.

Lawal, who argued that his client has not infringed on the plaintiff’s right in any way, contended that the National Assembly is constitutionally empowered to make, enact and amend the nation’s laws.

National Assembly’s lawyer, Oluwatosin Apata urged the court to disregard the plaintiff’s claim.

He contented that sections 4 and 228(d) of the Constitution empowers the National Assembly to exercise legislative powers to enact laws that regulate the activities of INEC, including the power to register and deregister political parties.

Apata further argued that the right to form and join political party is not an absolute right as the Section 40 of the constitution cited by the plaintiff provided for non-recognition of political parties.

“The constitution does not explicitly spell out criteria for the recognition of political associations as political parties, and so by virtue of section 4(1)(2)(3) and item 56 of the Exclusive Legislative List in Part 1 of the 2nd Schedule of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the National Assembly is empowered to make laws that specifically cater for the criteria and other details with respect to regulation of political parties.

“Thus, the provisions of the Electoral Act 2010 as amended and particularly 78(7)(ii) was validly enacted,” Apata said. party has suffered many deregistration in the past but we have survived it. We will survive this latest coercion too.

“As for me, I had gone through this mess before. I could discern when any government is out to dictate to Nigerians how the party structure should be. There is an agenda to restrict the political landscape before 2015. In 1989, when the process was initiated to form political parties, we formed the Peoples Liberation Party (PLP) but the government was uncomfortable because it had its own agenda.

“The government was surprised because we knew that the then military regime wanted a two party system. I was arrested and sent to prison for five months. I was not released until two days to the formation of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Conven-

tion (NRC).”

Some chieftains of the 28 parties affected by the deregistration exercise also described it as a violation of their human rights.

The National Chairman of National Conscience Party (NCP), Dr Yunisa Tanko, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that INEC should be charged for contempt of court.

He added that the de-registration of the parties was also an infringement of their fundamental human rights.

Tanko said there was an ongoing court case in a Lagos High Court between INEC and NCP and many other political parties on the de-registration of political parties.

He said that INEC was not above the law, adding that the judiciary must be respected to ensure the rule of law.

“Injury to one is injury to all,

Nigerians are now being disenfranchised by INEC. This is unacceptable. The law court will interpret this again,” he said.

The Fresh Democratic Party, led by Pastor Chris Okotie, described the deregistration as a rude shock, adding that the action is undemocratic.

The party, in a press release signed by its Director, Media and Publicity, Ladi Ayodeji, condemned INEC and described its action as an affront on the constitution of the country. While laying the blame for INEC’s action on the PDP, the Party promised to challenge the deregistration in court.

Part of the statement said: “It is an affront on the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the decision of the Court of Appeal on the vexed issue.

“We condemn and reject this unilateral and anti-democratic action which is designed to further shut out the opposition from the democratic space, and we would seek legal redress for this injustice in the court of law. “ It is obvious that the ruling party, the PDP, is afraid of the growing stature and acceptability of our party and therefore uses this arm twisting tactic to remove our party from the list.

“It is unheard of that a ruling party will unilaterally decide that the size, spread and strength of opposition parties should be the basis of their existence, when the constitution provides for freedom of association of groups or persons of diverse creed or political persuasions and philosophies.”

Mr Charles Nwodo, National Chairman of Progressive Action Congress (PAC), said the action of INEC was a “mockery of the nation’s democracy.’’

Nwodo said it was “so unfortunate” that there was no brainstorming session between INEC and the chieftains of the affected political parties before the commission took the decision.

He said that since most of the affected political parties had their cases in court over the deregistration, INEC should have allowed court to decided before de-registering the parties.

“We are going to test our strength again at the court of law, it is against the law of the land and undemocratic to deregister 28 parties. Who knows how many will follow?” he said.

NEWS 5

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 , 2012

Boko Haram: Northern leaders lament destruction of region’s economy

W

ORRIED by the decline in the political and economic fortune of the north in recent times, leaders of the region have resolved to forge a strong and united platform to address the current political and security challenges of the region ahead of the 2015 presidential elections.

Rising from a two-day conference, organised by the Centre for Historical Documentation of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, the leaders lamented the effect of the Boko Haram menace and other forms of insecurity, which they said had impacted negatively on the socio-economic, political and the religious life of the people.

They added that the economic growth and development, commerce and trade in both formal and informal sectors of states in the region were being destroyed.

The conference noted that social indicators and statistics showed dismal crises in education, health, water and sanitation services, thereby placing the region far below its counterparts in the country.

They, however, expressed concern over the general conduct of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and how the fundamental rights of the citizens of the north are being violated. It urged the JTF to strictly abide by the professional terms of engagement in the interest of peace.

The leaders, made up of elder statesmen and politicians, called on all political leaders in the region to create a strong and united platform to address the current security and political situation in the north, with particular reference to 2015 elections.

They expressed concern about the failure of the Nigerian state to protect lives and property, as well as its inability to provide basic social services and guarantee freedom and rights of citizens, which they claimed is responsible for the current security challenges confronting the North.

The conference, with the theme “the north and strategies for sustainable development”, also resolved that there is need to harness all sources of energy in the North to meet the domestic and industrial requirements of the region.

The leaders said they are disturbed by the systematic erosion of cherished values of honesty, tolerance and integrity that were once the hallmark of public service in the North, lamenting that these have resulted in bad governance, disregard for the rule of law and general decadence.

The conference also resolved that: “With over 72 per cent of the national landmass and favorable climatic condition for both rain-fed and irrigation farming, millions of livestock and other sundry agricultural endowments, the north has to modernise its agriculture with all the priority attention required to return the region to its erstwhile leading position as the food basket of

Tony AKOWE, Kaduna the nation.

“That human capital development being the key to enhanced living standard must be given special attention to address the northern peculiarities in the primary, secondary and vocational education as well as the provision of required trained manpower for primary health care to give special priority to the eradication of all preventable diseases in the region “That leadership at all levels must be open, transparent and accountable and that the federal government in liaison with state governors, the affected communities, religious leaders should get together to genuinely dialogue with the insurgents with the view to ending the insecurity in the north.

“There is the urgent need to explore and exploit the abundant mineral resources existing all over the north in order to generate more revenue in support of the developmental needs of the region.

“That there is need to harness all sources of energy in the north to meet the domestic and industrial requirements of the region. That this current initiative be sustained through the development of a common vision which would be consciously agreed upon by all groups with clear implementation strategies and timelines for the actualization of this common vision.”

The conference drew participants from a broad spectrum of concerned northerners, including Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Senate Minority Leader, George Akume; former Head of State, Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar; former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; governor of Kaduna State, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa; former Chief Justice of the Federation, Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Alhaji Aliko Mohammed.

Others are former governor of governor of Kebbi State, Adamu Aliero; former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekau; former police affairs minister, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri; former FCT minister, Alhaji Aliyu Modibbo Umar; Senator Dahiru Mohammed, who represented the Senate President, David Mark and former national secretary, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) Dr. Usman Bugaje.

The roll call also included dignitaries from the academia, former ministers, federal and state permanent secretaries, retired army generals and police chiefs, serving heads of federal and state agencies, businessmen, women and youth groups.

The conference was declared open by Governor of Kaduna State, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, CFR, while the Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Alhaji Aliko Mohammed stood in for General Yakubu Gowon, GCFR as the Chairman of the occasion.

The vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was the host.

Police promote 1066 officers to ASP, warn against corruption

T

HE Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Abubakar, has warned men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force to eschew every form of corruption in the performance of their duties.

The IGP gave the warning in Jos yesterday at the graduation ceremony of the officers who had successfully completed the ASP Special Promotion Course 4/2011.

Abubakar said: “The rapid changes in the nation and in the democratic process imposes huge challenges on the police force.”

As trained police officers, he implored them to be diligent, mentally and professionally prepared to surmount these challenges, stressing that in doing their primary and sacred

Yusufu AMINU Idegu, Jos, functions of protection of lives and property, these must not be compromised” Represented by the DIG in charge of training and education, Marvel Akpoyibo, the IGP stated that they must take into cognizance the fundamental human rights of every citizens which must not be infringed upon to gain the confidence of members of the public.

‘Police work is a business of partnership. It depends on the trustworthiness and credibility of the individual involved. Be a good partner by being an individual who is trusted based on the reputation for integrity and competence,” he advised.

He said the Force is working assiduously to ensure that the

welfare of officers and men is adequately addressed; saying this is evident in the renovation and construction works going on in various police institutions to make training environment more conducive for the force.

Commandant of the Police Staff College, AIG Bala Abdullahi Hassan explained that 1071 inspectors and other rank and file were nominated for the programme but 1066 scaled the hurdle through medical and fitness tests, comportment and written examinations He expressed the confidence that the officers would fulfill the purposes for which they were sent to the prestigious institution, stressing that with their injection into the ASP cadre. they would meet societal expectations.

EbonyLife Television audition

T

ALENTED Nigerians have turned out enmasse in Lagos for the EbonyLife Television audition.

THE show is promoted by Mo Abudu, the television personality and anchor of Moments with Mo, an interview programme running on television.

The station, which will run on DSTV cable channels, would be based in Tinapa, Calabar, Cross River State and would produce and broadcast over 700 hours of premium and original African content for global

audience.

“We are looking for Nigeria’s emerging stars. We believe it is time to take the young generation to where they deserve to be. So, if you believe that you have the ability to act, model, be a comedian and present, this is where you should be right now. We are basically giving young people in Nigeria between ages 18 and 34, the opportunity for stardom,” Abudu said while declaring open the audition section.

The Victorian Island, Lagos venue, was transformed into a

Mecca of sort as Africa’s first global black, multi-broadcast entertainment network sets to launch in April, next year. The audition would last for four days to search for Africa’s brightest and newest emerging talents into specific roles for its upcoming bouquet of original, interactive and participatory programming.

The panellists, a mix of some of the best local and international judges, had a magnificent time in the rigorous, but exciting process, which was wrapped up with a two-day closed audition yesterday.

Supreme Court sacks Imo Rep •Frees man charged with Akunyili’s murder attempt Kamarudeen OGUNDELE, Abuja

•Akunyili

T

HE supreme court yesterday sacked Hon. Chudi uwazurike as member representing okigwe south federal constituency of Imo state.

The seven member panel chaired by Justice Walter Onnoghen upheld the decision of the lower courts which upheld Hon. Austine Nwachukwu as the validly nominated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).Dismissing his appeal for lacking in merit, the apex court said the application was frivolous and could not be entertained.

Counsel to Nwaxhukwu, Mr. Kelvin Nwufo, said justice has been finally served by the court when it affirmed the judgment of the lower courts which upheld the

nomination of Hon. Austine Nwachukwu as the valid candidate nominated through the primary election but was wrongfully substituted by the PDP. Meanwhile, the court also remitted back to the trial court, the appeal filed by Hon. Suleiman atago, challenging the nomination of Hon. Ibiso Nwuche as the PDP candidate for Ahoada East state constituency of River state for retrial over his ineligibility to contest the PDP January 2011 primary election.

Nine years after they were charged for alleged murder attempt on former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Dora Akunyili, the Supreme Court yesterday freed one of the seven suspects.

The apex court said that there was no substantial evidence linking the accused, Jude Ugwu with the alleged crime.

The Seven man panel of Justice presided over by justice Datijo Mohammed, arrived at the decision after upholding the decisions of the two lower courts.

Jude ugwu alias “agada” and others were charged before an Abuja high court for attempted murder of Prof.

Akunyili when he was trav-

eling through Anambra to Delta state in 2003.

Akunyili who was then the DG of NAFDAC latere became the Information Minister.

According to the charge, a bullet tore through her headgear when the accused persons fired at her car, an allegation the accused person subsequently challenged its competence of evidence against him The Nation recalls that several attempts were made on the life of Akunyili in her efforts to rid the country of fake drugs.

In the attack of 2003 complained of, Akunyili escaped death by whiskers during the attack on her convoy.

One Emeka Onuekutu in her convoy was however not so lucky as he died from gun shots.

After investigation, a number of people were arrested but prima facie case was made out against only seven of the suspects.

The suspects include Francis Okoye, (aka Ebubedike), Emmanuel Nnamdi Nnakwe,(aka Aboy), Marcel Nnakwe, Emeka Orjiakor and Christopher Okwara Mbah (aka Persus) Others are Olisaemeka Igbokwe,( aka Holy War) and Jude Ugwu (aka Agada).

They were all charged with attempted murder before the Abuja high court sitting at Wuse, Zone 5.

THE NATION, SATURDAY DECEMBER 8, 2012

6 News

Tokyo regains freedom

No going back on traffic law, says lawmaker T C HAIRMAN, Commit tee on Transportation, Commerce and Industry of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebisi Yussuf, has said the state government will not reverse its decision on the traffic law.

He disclosed this at a meeting with the Motorcycle Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MOWAN) held at the Assembly complex yesterday.

The lawmaker noted that before the Assembly passed the traffic law, there was a public hearing where all stakeholders in transportation were present and opinions of the people were taken into consideration.

Oziegbe OKOEKI

Yussuf pointed out that "the law simply restricts the movement of okada in some designated areas in the state.

They are not banned outright."

He said many people had lost members of their families while riding on okada on highways, adding that government would not watch its people being killed by reckless okada riders.

"As we speak now, despite the law being in place, there are some okada riders riding

on highways, " he said.

Yussuf, therefore, appealed to the association to come up with a specified design of transportation system that would not kill people like okada.

Contributing, a member of the committee, Hon. Yinka Ogundimu, urged the association to educate okada riders not to vandalise government property, adding that anybody caught would be dealt with according to the law.

Earlier, the Chairman of the association, Mr. Oladipo

Adediji, said: “We commend the state government for the vision and the ban of motorcycles on 475 roads out of 9,000 roads in the state.

"Inasmuch as we support the policies of the state, we are pleading with you to make good use of your office for a review of the number of roads where motorcycles are banned from plying".

He said the restriction would also hurt the economy in general. Mechanics, vulcanizers, spare parts dealers and okada riders’ families will all be affected.

Oseheye OKWUOFU, Ibadan

HE embattled leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyo State chapter, Alhaji Lateef Akinsola (a.k.a. Tokyo), who was arrested on Wednesday,regained freedom on Thursday evening, following his release by the state police Criminal Investigation Department ( CID).

Though details of the bail conditions were still scanty as at the time of filing this, the Oyo State Police Acting Public Relations Officer, Mr Ayodele Lanade, who confirmed his release, said he was released on bail on Thursday evening by the state police CID. Tokyo and his rival, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi (a.k.a Auxiliary), who were embroiled in a leadership tussle, had been declared wanted by the police since last year, following the series of crises caused by members of the union, leading to the death of many innocent people in the state.

To douse the tension caused by the union members, Governor Ajimobi appointed Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde (a.k.a.

Fele) leading 13 others as a caretaker committee to be steering the affairs of the union.

Last week, however, the government raised the alarm that the rival groups of the union were planning to foment trouble.

Sequel to this, the police through the Police Commissioner, Mr Joseph Mbu, invited the two leaders to the police headquarters, Eleyele.

Tokyo, who had been favoured by the National Industrial Court (NIC) and a Federal High Court over his removal from office and who has been agitating for his reinstatement, went to honour the invitation, but, to his consternation, he was promptly arrested.

It was gathered that Tokyo was detained at Eleyele till the afternoon of Wednesday before he was taken away to the Iyaganku Police Division where he was made to write a statement.

Fashola, Adefulire, Ikuforiji eulogise former Lagos Speaker

T

From left: Bishop David Oyedepo of the Living Faith Church, Pastor Love Oyedepo, Pastor Faith Oyedepo, Bishop Aremu and Bishop Mike Afolabi praising God at the ongoing Shiloh at Canaanland, Ota, Ogun State... yesterday.

PHOTO: Dayo ADEWUNMI

Ajimobi recalls sacked council workers

O

YO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has approved the reinstatement of about 40 per cent of the staff of local governments in the state who were sacked three months ago.

In a statement by the Local Government Service Commis-

Bisi OLADELE, Ibadan sion, the Chairman of the commission, Chief Lasisi Ayankojo, expressed gratitude to Ajimobi for setting up a review committee which painstakingly considered appeals by some of the affected staff and later approved their

reinstatement. The statement was signed by the commission's Director of Information, Mr. Bimbo Ladepo.

In its public service reform, the state ordered a verification exercise for officers in the commission across the 33 councils which led to the disengagement of 1,115 staff. The criteria used included old age, stag-

We’ve restored confidence in public education— Amosun

O

GUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has stated that his administration is restoring public confidence in state-owned schools through its functional free education policy.

He said the fact that all the best students in the 2012 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) from all the 20 local councils in the state were all from public schools was a testimony to the fact that “we are restoring the glory of public education in Ogun State.”

The governor spoke yesterday in Abeokuta when he received in his office the best WAEC students from the 20 local government areas of Ogun State who just returned from a trip to the United Kingdom sponsored by Mrs Olufunso Amosun, wife of the governor.

The governor said the res-

toration of public confidence in government schools through the introduction of free education, renovation of dilapidated school buildings, training and retraining of teachers, competitive conditions of service for teachers, promotion of staff as and when due and regular payment of salaries, among others, had led to a pleasant situation where pupils of private schools were now returning to public schools.

He commended the vision of Mrs Amosun to motivate the children of the state towards academic excellence.

The governor said the state government would give scholarships to the students to study in Nigerian universities.

Speaking to newsmen at the end of the courtesy visit, Mrs Amosun said her passion was to see the children of public schools attain excellence “as it was in our days.”

“I feel fulfilled by what we have achieved with these chil-

dren,” she said.

She promised to do her best to secure more sponsors so that the most outstanding of them all could go for studies abroad.

The students, who travelled out of Nigeria for the first time, expressed profound gratitude to the wife of the governor for the unique exposure she afforded them in the United Kingdom and promised not to disappoint the state.

The two-week leadership training visit to Great Britain, organised by the wife of the governor, was under the “Uplifting the SS3 Students Initiative”. It was designed to reward excellence and motivate students of the state to excel in their studies.

The trip took the children to Buckingham Palace, House of Commons, House of Lords, Trafalgar Square and Nigerian High Commission, among others.

nation, failure to produce primary school and birth certificates, falsification of official records and ill-health.

But the government set up a review committee which looked into various appeals and complaints of the affected officers which exonerated those reinstated.

"The committee further recommended that officers qualified to receive retirement/withdrawal benefits should be requested to commence the processing of payments of such benefits. The feat was achieved through the painstaking efforts of the review committee which included representatives of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

"In this regard, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Chief Lasisi Ayankojo, has commended the state governor for his undaunting efforts to reposition the local government service and indeed the entire public service of the state for efficient and effective service delivery," the statement reads in part.

Cele Itedo Alafia holds harvest

T

HE members of Celestial Church of Christ, Ileri Oluwa Parish, Itedo Alafia will hold their third adult harvest and thanksgiving tomorrow on the church premises, Abule Isale-Mesan, Iju Ota, Ogun State

HE Lagos State House of Assembly held a ly ing-in-state/special valedictory session on Thursday in honour of the Speaker of the Second Assembly of the state, Oladimeji Longe, who passed away on Wednesday, September 12.

Governor Babatunde Fashola, who could not attend the event, in a condolence letter personally signed by him, noted that the late Longe contributed immensely to the development of not only AgudaSurulere community, but Lagos as whole.

Fashola pointed out that the deceased lived a fulfilled life and impacted positively on his community as a worthy representative of his people and the entire state he served diligently as a distinguished lawmaker.

Oziegbe OKOEKI On her part, the Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, noted that the deceased’s service to the people as a legislator was without blemish. “He was a religious man who believed in transforming people’s lives,” she said.

Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, who noted that the end is the same for each and everyone, described Longe as a hero who will not be forgotten so easily by those who knew him.

“His death should make us all put our heads together and think of what we are doing because there will be a tomorrow which may not be for you or me.

We should think of our responsibilities and think of how well we are prepared,” Ikuforiji added.

Law for management of infrastructure in Lagos underway

L

AGOS State Commis sioner for Works and Infrastructure, Obafemi Hamzat, has said that the bill on Asset Management Agency, when it becomes law, will ensure maintenance of infrastructure in the state and create many jobs for citizens.

He stated this at the public hearing on the bill at the Lateef Jakande Auditorium at the Assembly Complex yesterday He said: "The purpose of the bill is to cure the virus already known to us in the country and that has to do with our maintenance culture. The law is needed in our country because facilities in our public places like hospitals, roads, houses and others require people that would continually maintain them.

"If you cannot measure something, you cannot

Oziegbe OKOEKI manage it. One of the purposes of the proposed law is to set a template that every ministry, department and agencies would work with.”

Some of the stakeholders at the hearing, while expressing satisfaction with the provisions of the bill, commended the state government for coming up with a law that would encourage maintenance and for being the first of such a law in the country.

Femi Akintunde, a facilities manager, in his contribution, charged the lawmakers to incorporate people of integrity in the membership of the agency.

He said: “If the leadership is right, more than 50 per cent of the problems are solved.”

7

T

HE bombing of a church in a military barrack in Kaduna in Nigeria and the placement of a bounty of 50m naira by the army on leaders of the terrorist group Boko Haram highlight Nigeria’s intractable and messy problem with terrorism. Unlike Nigeria, however Egypt faces a new problem from the use and misuse of power from its new president Mohammed Morsi, who recently issued presidential orders granting him powers that are not challengeable in any court in Egypt.

In Nigeria again ,in a strange concoction of politics and finance, the nation’s Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi, the Champion of Islamic banking in Nigeria asked the Federal government to sack 50% of its civil servants because it is spending 70% of its revenue on paying the salaries of these civil servants .In far away New York , the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon asked the UN Security Council to approve the sending of an ECOWAS force to Mali to rescue that nation from invaders both Tuaregs and religious militants but asked the UN body not to provide the funds said to be worth $50m.

The issues highlighted above raise issues of terrorism, authoritarianism, economic planning and finan ce; national, regional and global stability and I intend to highlight these issues in that light and context today. Let me stress that it will require a huge balancing act to do this and it is in that regard that I will make reference to an article by Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyii titled - ‘A Sense of Balance ‘ in The Economist which stressed that both peoples and nations will need to balance their acts to make the world a peaceful place to live in.

In that fine article Suu Kyii noted that the end of authoritarianism is not synonymous with the end of dissent or the demise of fundamentalism.

The power impasse in Egypt is a clear vindication of that. Dissent she said should be channeled towards concensus and compromise while she stressed that fundamentalism, which can be volatile in times of change and uncertainty, is in reality the natural enemy of balance .Suu Kyii identified terrorists as those people lacking in self-respect who are incapable of compassion and restraint when they have an opportunity to deal with those who they think put them in a state of incapacity to attain what they perceive as their deserved niche. Such people

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Terrorism, politics and the law

who lack self respect are incapable of respecting others. The terrorist mentality she concluded is spawned by intellectual and social influences that widen to an extreme ‘the gap‘ between the terrorist and others - and this destroys the essential balance that promotes a common bond of humanity.

It is in the light of the wisdom of this Burmese Nobel laureate that I take on the issues raised first on terrorism in Nigeria and the resurgence of authoritarianism in Egypt in the wake of President Mohammed Morsi’s surprising and bold move to concentrate power in his hands. In Nigeria, terrorism unfortunately is waxing stronger as terrorists recently week bombed the headquarters of the special police unit in Abuja where terrorists were being kept, and some were said to have escaped. There have been reports that some suspected terrorists were found round the State House in Ekiti State while Members of the National Assembly are said to be apprehensive that the Assembly could be the target of Boko Haram terrorists.

It is my considered view that no government should allow terrorists to operate with such impunity as this weakens respect for constituted authority and casts aspersion on the sovereignty of the state. It is ironically to protect such sovereignty that President Mohammed Morsi in Egypt seized the powers of the courts and decreed they could not be used to challenge him in his bid to control law and order in Egypt.

In Nigeria’s case it is apparent that the state is lax in tackling insecurity and terrorism for reasons best known to the authorities. But human lives should not be treated with levity and

nonchalance by the rest of us because we have not had any relatives killed yet by terrorists. It is dehumanizing to see churches bombed on a weekly basis while Christians elsewhere and those not directly involved just pause for a moment and move on while the state wrings its hands in futile admonitions and does nothing to deter the terrorist against the next attack. In Egypt where there is no such terror as in Nigeria, President Morsi has seized power ostensibly to forestall such state impotence in the face of expected terror.

Morsi is acting proactively in anticipation of spurious litigations that could hamstring the state - even though his anticipation and actions are decidedly undemocratic. The difference between the Nigerian and Egyptian situation is that the party of President Morsi, the Islamic Brotherhood is a Fundamentalist Party and secular Egyptians are afraid that Morsi and his party will use the power he has seized to introduce Sharia Law in Egypt, to the detriment of opposition parties and other religions in Egypt. Whereas in Nigeria the terrorist is rampant and running amok as it were.

Yet, there is still some caution and restraint in the way the stakeholders

and politicians in the Egyptian state deal with each other. When the demonstrations against Morsi started, the Muslim Brotherhood planned its own counter one for the next week. But it cancelled this to avert bloodshed when it saw the turn out of opposition demonstrators at Tahrir Square against the president’s usurpation of the power of the Egyptian Courts.

This week the demonstrators in their thousands have piched camp in front of the Presidential palace in Cairo.

Unfortunately, Such restraint is barren in the way Boko Haram bombs Churches, killing and maiming Christians and passers by in Nigeria.

Worse still the business as usual stance of the security forces as well as the ‘not my turn yet‘ attitude of the rest of us has portrayed Nigeria as a nation of people thick skinned to murder and mayhem in their midst. Which simply means that human life is cheap here as in the Hobbessian theory that says that in a state of terror, where might is right, human life is violent, brutish and short. Surely that is a sad and unfortunate image for any nation not enmeshed in America’s war on terror like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, nations where most unfortunately, suicide bombing has made a mockery of the sanctity of human lives. Again, it is in that light that I consider the call by the CBN governor to sack half the work force of our civil service as well as the posture of the UN not being ready to spend money on rescuing Mali. The CBN governor’s call reminds one of ‘the shoot the messenger‘ syndrome while the UN uncharacteristic frugality on Mali’s survival reminds one of the proverbial cat that would eat fish without getting its paws wet.

What the CBN governor has said is the correct thing for any government spending 70% of its revenue on sala-

‘

It is dehumanizing to see churches bombed on a weekly basis while Christians elsewhere and those not directly involved just pause for a moment and move on while the state wrings its hands in futile admonitions and does nothing to deter the terrorist against the next attack

’

ries to do, but even he knows that no politician or government in Nigeria will do that and survive. Even the host governor at the venue where the CBN delivered his stricture said it was not possible. So the CBN governor was just barking at the moon even though every one knows that sacking of civil servants was never part of his schedule of duties and that makes the civil servants happy as they plan his downfall in the full Nigerian retaliatory syndrome. Anyway, the CBN governor is as impervious to criticism as the politicians in the way he carried through his Islamic Banking agenda which is in tune with his Master’s degree in Islamic studies from the University of Khartoum. Really what is good for the goose should be good for the gander.

Lastly, Ban Ki Moon has shown that he or the UN does not understand the gravity of the situation in Mali.

ECOWAS states alone cannot fund the reclamation of Northern Mali because they all have financial problems of their own. They mostly rely on Nigeria as the Father Xmas of such military adventures. But Nigeria has problems of its own such as the one pointed out by the CBN governor, the oil subsidy theft, the huge allowances of its legislators as well as the fight against Boko Haram to which huge funds have been committed.

The UN should not turn the proposed Mali ECOWAS force into another laughing stock like the blue beret UN Congo troops who stood by and watched unconcerned as M23 rebels seized the town of Goma from government forces in the DRC recently. Mali is a member state of the UN that is in trouble because of regional problems stemming from the growth of militancy and fundamentalism on the northern part of all ECOWAS states and needs help, especially the financial type to maintain its stability and sovereignty.

If Mali falls there will be a wrong signal to militants in the Sahel that they can simulate the situation in Mali in any state in ECOWAS . That is one message that is lost to the UN Scribe for now . Not funding the military rescue of Mali can be counter productive and very costly for the UN in the short run not to talk of in the long. A word is enough for the wise.

8 COMMENTARY

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Will Jonathan float where Atiku sank?

vincentakanmode@yahoo.com

T

HEIRS is a study in the instability of hu man relationship. Two years ago, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was at the vanguard of the campaign for President Goodluck Jonathan to run for election after completing the tenure of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua who passed on half way into his four-year tenure after a protracted illness.

Today, a storm is brewing between Jonathan and Obasanjo after the latter began a quiet but bruising campaign against Jonathan’s ambition for re-election in 2015.

Many would recall how Obasanjo had visited Jonathan in the Aso Rock Presidential Villa at a time a debate raged on whether he should throw his hat in the ring for the 2011 presidential race and urged him to run for the coveted seat. This was in spite of the obvious danger Jonathan’s candidacy posed to the zoning arrangement in the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) whose Board of Trustees Obasanjo chaired at the time.

Jonathan, whose body language was still being read by perceptible members of the public, was said to have been totally embarrassed when in his usual comical way, Obasanjo stormed the Villa on May 29, 2010, pointed at him and said repeatedly: “You will run! You will run! Don’t tell me you are thinking about it! We just have to move forward!” And when a former Special Assistant to Obasanjo tried to persuade the ex-President to keep the plan close to his chest, he exploded: “I won’t keep quiet on this matter! You know that I will always say my mind!”

From then until Jonathan won the presidential race in April 2011, Obasanjo neither wavered nor despaired in his resolute campaign for Jonathan. For instance, he reportedly told the Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, who

visited his Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Ogun State home on August 21, 2010 to mobilise every machinery in Abia State to ensure Jonathan’s victory in the 2011 election in a move he declared as “Operation Totality”. He would later follow that up August 28, 2010 with a meeting he held in Ibadan with the PDP governors in the South West and other party bigwigs in the zone, urging them to unanimously adopt Jonathan as the party’s presidential flag bearer.

Obasanjo’s ruthless support for Jonathan was widely believed to have remarkably influenced his emergence as the presidential candidate of the PDP and his eventual victory at the presidential poll. And that was not unexpected, considering that Jonathan’s rise into national consciousness had been the handiwork of Obasanjo himself. He was minding his business as Deputy Governor in Bayelsa State until December 2005 when his boss, Diepriye Alamieyeseigha, was impeached and arrested after he had jumped bail in London where he was facing trial for money laundering and ran back to Nigeria. Obasanjo, then the President, was believed to have mounted sufficient pressure on the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to impeach Alamieyeseigha, paving the way for Jonathan’s emergence as the Bayelsa State governor.

And Obasanjo was not done yet. After influencing the emergence of the late President Umaru Yar’Adua’s emergence as the presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2007 general election, the outgoing president needed a levelheaded man to be his running mate, and his mind went straight to Jonathan. Two years into Yar’Adua’s tenure, however, he lost his battle with an ailment that had tormented him since his days as the governor of Katsina State.

Jonathan then stepped in in an acting capacity and later as the substantive president.

But if Jonathan had been perceptive, he would realise that Obasanjo is pencil and eraser rolled into one. He is endowed with the ability to make in the same measure as his ability to unmake. That much has been demonstrated in his relationships with his erstwhile deputy, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Jonathan’s immediate predecessor, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua.

After clinching the presidential ticket of the PDP with the aid of the political platform of

‘

It would seem, however, that the time has come for Jonathan to have a taste of the whip with which Obasanjo had flogged Atiku and Yar’Adua. After rooting for Jonathan for years, two incidents appear to have set the former President thinking in the direction of the Atiku and Yar’Adua treatments

Ode to a bleeding nation T

HAT Nigeria bleeds on all fronts is not debatable. What surprises many is its almost inelastic capacity to suck in all the deadly punches, wobbling still, under the crushing effects of the multiple fractures sustained over the years. They just cannot understand how it manages to survive the endless pummeling from capricious elements and odious circumstances within and without. It is confounding that a nation that trudges on, on worn-out crutches, still puts up the fractured and sorry image of one indivisible entity united by a common creed. But then, national unity is the ideal. Unfortunately, idealism becomes a façade when confronted with reality. Therefore, regardless of the pretence to nationhood, this nation is being bled to death by our actions and inactions. True, this house may not have fallen yet; it is definitely not standing on a solid foundation and, from the look of things today, it is not also treading the path to recovery.

Question is: should this 52-year-old toddler be perennially on the sick bed? The answer is not that far-fetched. Its journey to greatness has been blighted by three key factors—corruption, ethnicity and religion—all in no particular order. Unfortunately, the hawks of power, forever keen to impoverish the entire citizenry, are exploiting these factors. Greed of the rotten hue is at the heart of the underdevelopment of Nigeria. In addition, that problem is not helped by the fact that most of our rulers, both past and present, shamelessly wear their primordial and ethnic sentiments on the collars of their flowing garments. Of course, their tribesmen and kinsmen often excuse the larceny; it does not preclude the fact that poverty has no ethnic coloration, creed or language. It is a universal plague that dehumanises the populace.

It is quite a daunting task to come up with the exact amount that has been pilfered from our national till since ‘kleptocrazy’ became the directive principle of governance. Various figures are being bandied around the public space. However, we should be sufficiently angry that, years after the military reluctantly handed over power to a democratically elected government after creaming off trillions of naira without being questioned; successive administrations have not fared any better. And because the long arm of the law seems too short to rein in those responsible for this ‘Authority Stealing’, those opportune to get close to the public treasury have become more brazen in the art of scientific looting in modern times.

If the late General Sani Abacha could, in his six-year reign as Head of State, launder $700m (about N112bn) to various accounts in Switzerland, we should be more than interested in knowing the quantum of public funds that have found their ways into such foreign accounts in opaque jurisdictions since May 29, 1999 when politicians took bare-faced robbery to a dizzying height.

We simply miss the point when we push Abacha’s image forward as the perfect poster boy for corruption in Nigeria. Would we have been bold enough to point accusing fingers at his direction if he had not gone six-foot under some years back? Why have we

’

the PDM, the political platform of the late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua in the build-up to the 1999 presidential election, Obasanjo felt an urge to compensate the platform by appointing its heir, Atiku, as his running mate, even though the latter had coasted to victory as the governor-elect of Adamawa State. Obasanjo won the presidential election and Atiku became the Vice President. But their relationship, which began on a rosy note later turned sour. Obasanjo did not only make life unbearable for Atiku for most of their second term, he also made sure he frustrated Atiku’s ambition to succeed him as president.

In place of Atiku, Obasanjo rooted for the younger Yar’Adua as his successor, sticking out his neck for the erstwhile Katsina State governor even in the face of public outrage over Umaru Yar’Adua’s ill health. But the eraser in Obasanjo showed up when the health condition of Yar’Adua graduated from a matter of serious national concern to that of national embarrassment. In the midst of the political brouhaha generated by the situation, Obasanjo, who had vehemently defended Yar’Adua’s ability to continue in office, made a volte face, famously declaring that no individual, group or section had the right to hold the country to ransom.

been pussyfooting over the need to investigate former heads of state and presidents who are still alive and kicking? Why is the state treating them as untouchables?

Sometime ago, a former governor who was facing trial for money laundering cried out that the looted money found in his possession had been re-looted by state officials who had earlier confiscated the loot as ‘exhibits’. Till today, the public has not been told what happened to the money as the case annoyingly snails through the Nigerian legal system. The same question has been asked regarding the Abacha loot that which returned by the Swiss government to the Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo-led civilian regime. Instead of rolling out facts and figures on what his government did with the N112bn windfall, Obasanjo was quoted as saying that over $Ibn of the Abacha loot is still stashed away in Swiss banks and should be returned. We thank Obasanjo for the statesmanship and the show of patriotism in tasking the present government to reclaim Nigeria’s money.

However, while at it, can he give us a list of the infrastructures that the $700m was used to develop under his watch?

In a country groaning under the yoke of infrastructural and systemic decay, it would be a tragedy of monumental proportion if it turns out that the recovered loot has been re-looted or wasted on some irrelevant pet projects that have no direct impact on the people.

In addition, we would be deceiving ourselves if we assume that the callous bleeding can continue ad-infinitum. Truth is: the country cannot take the bashing anymore. Already, it has been robbed blind and tempers are already flaring against the profligacy. Something must be done about the leakages in our finances before the country burst at its seams. All it takes is the political will to put an end to the scary rush for filthy lucre in high places. The only snag is that not many people believe President Jonathan has what it takes to halt the drift. That perception in being inflamed by the fact that his lieutenants, using the instrumentality of his office, have turned governance into one huge money-sucking machine; high on expectations, abysmally low on delivery.

Nothing exemplifies this than the astonishing figures contained in the proposed 2013 budget and the equally shocking defence of the illegally appropriated funds by Ministries, Departments and Agencies at the National Assembly during the week. It is heartrending, to say the least, that the Subsidy Reinvestment Programmes (SURE-P), an agency primarily set up to utilise the savings from the partial removal of petrol subsidy in January 2012, did not waste time in joining the spendthrift, penny wise pound foolish train. For an agency chaired by the highly respected Ambassador Christopher Kolade, Nigerians had expected it to be far-removed from the madness of spending millions on inanities. However, if we were to believe its submission that it spent a whopping N2.2bn on ‘secretariat services’ and N75m on local travels in just four months, we should also have the presence of mind to blame ourselves for placing a wager on the wrong horse. Our hope was fundamentally flawed right from inception. It is a big shame, too, that the SURE-P management plans spending N27bn on ‘public works for youth’

His declaration turned events unto the fast lane. Individuals and groups keyed into the call that Jonathan be named the Acting President. The National Assembly pandered to public pulse and Jonathan became the Acting President until Yar’Adua passed on and he became the substantive President.

It would seem, however, that the time has come for Jonathan to have a taste of the whip with which Obasanjo had flogged Atiku and Yar’Adua. After rooting for Jonathan for years, two incidents appear to have set the former President thinking in the direction of the Atiku and Yar’Adua treatments. The first was Jonathan’s defiance of Obasanjo’s advice late last year against Federal Government’s threat to remove the subsidy on fuel. Contrary to Obasanjo’s counsel, the nation woke up on January 1 to the shocking news that the government had removed fuel subsidy.

The second incident is the Jonathan administration’s handling of the menace of the Boko Haram sect in the northern part of the country. Irked by the administration’s tepid handling of the crisis, Obasanjo had recommended his aggressive response to the killing of soldiers and policemen in Odi and Zaki Biam, two communities in Bayelsa and Benue states respectively when he held sway as the President. But in one of his monthly media chats, Jonathan dismissed the Obasanjo approach as ineffectual and rash. It was a sword driven into Obasanjo’s heart, and it is believed to have provoked the ex-President to resolve that Jonathan must not spend a day longer than the expiration of his current tenure in Aso Rock.

Already, the ex-President is believed to be hobnobbing with northern leaders with a view to picking a candidate of northern extraction to fly the flag of the PDP in 2015. In particular, he is believed to favour the candidacy of the Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido. The first test of their strength will occur on January 8 when the party is scheduled to elect a new chairman for its Board of Trustees. President Jonathan is believed to have supported the candidacy of Chief Tony Anenih,while Obasanjo is rooting for Senator Ahmadu Ali. For the two political titans, therefore, the January 8 event is not just an election, but a battle for ego and political relevance.

Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913 and all other sundry spend which were clearly dubious replications of the responsibilities of other agencies.

Where then is the hope for a greater future? Who will cure Nigeria of this terminal disease? Is it in the N5bn being sought by the Minister of Culture and Tourism to develop a ‘masterplan’ for the sector? Is it in the boastful arrogance of Senator Bala Mohammed of the Federal Capital Capital Territory who informed the lawmakers that no law in the land could stop him from demolishing 31 estates built through the sweat of many suffering residents while seeing nothing wrong in setting aside N2bn to complete the palatial residence for the Vice President? In any way, what manner of mansion are these persons planning to build for the Nation’s No. 2 such that a project estimated to cost N7bn in 2009 now needs additional N9bn to complete in 2012? Are the bricks made of diamonds? Do we place our hope on the fact that Nigeria is now poised to compete with other developed nations with the plan to erect a ‘befitting’, all-purpose banquet hall worth N2.2bn for Mr. President? Is it in the depressing report that, under his able leadership, not less than N5trn has been fleeced off the system? Or, should we take respite in the Finance Minister’s confession that, in spite of all the fool-proof checks put in place, N232bn was illegally paid to oil marketers as subsidy funds while only N29bn has, so far, been been recovered? Is it in the N9bn allegedly being spent to maintain the 10 aircraft in the presidential fleet or the steady rise in the nation’s debt profile? Maybe, just maybe, we can glean a ray of hope in the truthful pronouncement by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, that 50% of government’s annual revenue is spent illegally.

If all these appropriations have not meaningfully impacted on the people’s lives, need we ask how billions of dollars find their ways to foreign lands and private vaults? Need we ask why Nigeria bleeds from the despicable act of these serial rapists? Do we require any test to verify why this young, old man still wears diapers at 52?

Why do we then heckle when Transparency International ranks us as the 35th most corrupt nation in the world? Seriously, do we need to ask further questions when the unusually audacious handwritings of our rapacious VIPs are apparent everywhere?

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

9

10

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

11

‘We feed ourselves and parents with leftovers we gather at parties’ PAGE S

12&13

I hope there’s a man for me —Moyo Lawal

PA GE 2

3

Bedridden with spinal cord injury, youth corps member cries for help PAGE 14

THE NATION, Saturday, December 8, 2012

12

Sad tales of kids •Our survival depends on leftovers we get at parties go to parties to beg for food because my grandmother, who I live with, cannot give me one full meal a day. Where I cannot get fresh food, I beg for leftovers from the people. My grandmother gives me just N10 to buy food, but because I don’t want to die of hunger, I go to parties or any other place I can get food to help myself.”

Those were the words of John, one of the numerous kids scavenging for food in some remote areas of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. It is the story of his life as a scavenger in a nation that is richly endowed with oil and other natural resources.

For John and his co-scavengers, survival is a function of how much left-over food they are able to gather at social functions.

They eat to their satisfaction when there are

“I

•Gbolahan

n Innocent DURU n

Ajimobi inherited he’s tackling it

social functions and starve when there is none.

It is usual to see them go to such functions with polythene bags. With the polythene bags, they pack HE Director of Child Welfare in Oyo State, as much left-over food as Mrs FolakayodeOluyemisi has said that the possible and hope it would age long problem of scavenging in some sustain them until they parts of the state is not new. She said it was stumble on another one. a phenomenon inherited by by the Governor Abiola John appeared quite Ajimobi administration in the state. dishevelled when our She said the present administration was already correspondent ran into doing everything possible to address the problem. him at a party at Lagelu In a chart with our correspondent, Oluyemisi said: Grammar School, Ibadan.

“The problem did not start today in those areas.

He clutched a fairly large They had been in existence long before this portion of chicken a kindadministration came into power. The state hearted guest had given to government is doing its best to salvage the him, nibbling at it slowly situation. We classify these children as vulnerable as if the stuff should last group. We have been having series of programmes forever. for them in the state.

He told The Nation that We often go out on what we call rescue mission to he does not feel happy to take them off the street. We work with the beg for food, saying that immigration and the police to take them off the he started scavenging for street. As I am talking to you, we have 23 that their food about five years ago cases are in court. They were rescued from a place I when his parents would not make public because the case is still in abandoned him with his court.” grandmother.

Explaining the steps the government is taking to He said: "I am 11 years address the problem she said old. I started scavenging “We are about completing a shelter where these for food at parties after my children would be adequately taken care of. The father and mother travelled and left me with my grandmother. My grandmother does a menial job in one of the big hospitals and can hardly give me one meal a day.

“Before she left home this morning, she gave me N10 to eat. The money is not enough to buy food that will fill my stomach.

So, I came here to look for food because I don't want to die of hunger.

“But for social functions like this, most of us would not taste chicken throughout the year. The best that my grandmother’s N10 can give me is biscuit."

Asked if the grand mother is aware that he scavenges for food, he responded: "She knows, but there is nothing she can do about it. If she stops me from doing this, will she be able to feed me? It is not strange to her because whenever I have surplus food, I take some to the house.

•John “In fact some of my peers are specifically sent by their parents to get food from parties. This is why you find the majority of us for food because there is nobody to provide with polythene bags. When such people for my family. My father died some years eat to their satisfaction here, they pack as ago. Shortly after, my mum lost her sight. I much as possible in the bags and take them am the first born of the family. My to their parents." education is in jeopardy because I often A 14-year old girl, Sidi Kazeem, told our abandon school to hustle for food. correspondent that she started scavenging “Whenever we go to parties, we make when her blind mother and widow was no sure we eat as much as our stomachs can longer able to fend for the family. She said take and do all we can to get as much food she had no option but to look for food as we can to take home to our mother. At anywhere she could get it because there times, I wash plates at food canteens to be was nobody to assist the family. able to get food and money to take home She said: “I am compelled to scavenge for our survival.

T

THE NATION, Saturday, December 8, 2012

13

who live on leftovers •Ajimobi tackles age-long problem the problem but –Child Welfare Director shelter will be ready on or before January 2013.

Meanwhile, there is a remand home in place where we are currently taking care of them. We are also working with many non-governmental organisations in the state to touch the lives of these kids. For example we had a programme in October where the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community Development, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation Mrs AtinukeOsunkoya, presented funds to the community-based organisations and the non-governmental organisations we are working with to touch the lives of these vulnerable children.

“We have been sending them to school and providing them with educational materials to ensure that they have equal right to education like their privileged colleagues. Those who do not have the capacity to go to school are enrolled in different vocational training. We have been reintegrating many of them to their parents after rehabilitation.

“We also take our time to assist their parents.

Unfortunately, some of parents are not doing their duties. We always plead with them to watch over their kids and do everything possible to prevent them from going back to the street.

“As time goes on, we will begin to prosecute such parents that fail to adhere to our advice. “

“ My siblings also go out to hawk pure water during the week to support the family.”

The stories of Tosin and Yussuf are not different from those of their counterparts.

Tosin told our correspondent that he took to scavenging in order to augment the food he gets at home.

He said: “I do eat at home, but it is never enough. The quality and quantity of food I eat at public functions are far better than what they give me at home,” he said.

Parents are also not left out of the practice as some of them were seen scrambling for food and soft drinks, stuffing them in their polythene bags. A parent who identified herself as Soji Saki said she started scavenging for food after her husband stopped taking care of her and their two children. She had on her a polythene bag in which she stuffed all manner of food she had packed at different social functions. She emotionally told our

,

•Mrs Folakayode

correspondent that the food she and her children ate in the morning was from the one they got from a social function they had attended the previous night.

Asked where she expected to get the food they would eat the following day, she said: “God will provide. The Lord that has not allowed us to die will continue to preserve our lives. What is important is that we have something to eat right now.

Before the end of the day, we may be able to get more food that will sustain us for some time.

“It is not my wish to scavenge for food because it makes one to be exposed to all manner of insults. To avoid too much insult, I sometimes volunteer to wash plates at parties so that I can easily gather the leftover foods for my children.

“I am not a lazy person. I had my apprenticeship in the sale of engine oil but I had no money to start the business. I sell pure (sachet) water to earn some money to take care of my children, but it is never sufficient.

“My husband who should have assisted me has long abandoned the family. He is a driver and only comes home once in six months without sending any money for our upkeep. As I am talking to you now, we are owing six-month rent. My children and I starved almost to death before I could save money to pay the previous rent.”

Findings also revealed that many kids in the city who had fled their parents’ homes now hang around Agbaja market in Ayeye area. A visit to the area showed that many of the kids had become tools in the hands of mature touts. In spite of the state government’s efforts to give compulsory basic education to school-age children in the state, checks revealed that many of the street kids prefer to do menial jobs in the market.

A trader, who gave her name as Jumoke Bello, told our correspondent that the kids form the bulk of children that carry loads in the market.

She said: “When you come to this market

•Tosin and Yusuf

criminal acts.

“Instead of going to school, they come here to carry loads for people for peanuts. Many of It is not my wish to scavenge them have at various times been taken away from this place by for food because it makes their parents, but before you one to be exposed to all know what is happening, you will see them again. When they manner of insults. To avoid are not carrying loads in the too much insult, I sometimes market, they are gambling and smoking inside uncompleted volunteer to wash plates at buildings at the back of the parties so that I can easily market.”

Gbolahan Ajani, one of the gather the leftover foods for street kids cornered by our my children. I am not a lazy correspondent, said he ran away from home in order to person. I had my fend for himself. He said he apprenticeship in the sale of stopped going to school because he preferred to be a engine oil but I had no butcher. money to start the business. I He said: “I came to this place to fend for myself because my sell pure (sachet) water to parents do not give me earn some money to take care adequate attention. When I load for people, I make of my children, but it is never carry between N50 and N60 a day. I sufficient. “My husband who don’t feel like going to school again. I want to be a butcher.” should have assisted me has He denied sleeping in the long abandoned the family. area or working touts, saying: “I sleep here. I go home in He is a driver and only comes don’t the evening after doing my home once in six months work. It is true that some of my colleagues sleep here and work without sending any money for the area boys, but I don’t for our upkeep join others in doing bad things.”

But a question mark was put on his innocence after he deceived our correspondent to get into the den of hooligans.

He had volunteered to lead our correspondent to his peers but early in the morning, you find them lying led him Instead to the haven of street down on our tables in their hundreds. urchins who were busy smoking Indian They are tools in the hands of grown up hemp. But before he could finish speaking touts because they teach them how to to them in coded terms, our correspondent smoke Indian hemp and carry out other took to his heels.

,

14

T

HE joy of 24-year-old Temitope Ajayi, a graduate of the Adekunle Ajasin University (AAU), Ondo State knew no bounds when he was posted to Kano State for the mandatory oneyear National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) in 2011.

Notwithstanding the series of violent attacks unleashed on states in the Northern part of Nigeria by Boko Haram sect which occasioned the decision by some state governments in the South- west to reject postings of their graduates to northern states, Ajayi had brimmed with enthusiasm and patriotism to serve his fatherland not knowing that he was embarking on a fated journey.

In order to beat the deadline for resumption to camp, Ajayi had boarded a vehicle in Akure enroute Kano. His joy was however cut short when he was involved in a ghastly auto accident along Zaria-Kano Expressway leaving him with a spinal cord injury.

At the moment, the once bubbling life of the young lad has turned nightmarish as he now vegetates in excruciating pains on his sickbed.

Speaking with our correspondent on his reclining sickbed, he cut a pitiable picture of a person in dire need of assistance as he opened up on his predicament. He said: “I was among the Batch “B” youth corps members posted to Kano State in 2011, and we were asked to report to camp on July 5, 2011.

“In order to catch up with the deadline, I boarded a vehicle in Akure on July 4, 2011. The journey was smooth until we arrived a particular spot on Kano-Zaria Road when our vehicle got involved in a multiple accident that left in its wake many dead travellers. The accident left me with a spinal cord injury that has since taken me to various hospitals in search of remedy”.

Amidst hot tears, he expatiated further on the unfortunate incident and the fruitless battle to find a solution to his condition.

He said: “I was initially rushed to the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, Zaria, Kaduna State from where I was later transferred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, NOH, Kano State. I stayed in the hospital for about one year and left on May 30, 2012. I was discharged because I could no longer afford medical bills.

“While at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Kano, the state coordinator of the NYSC visited me on two occasions, but he could not do anything to help because he said only the national headquarters of the NYSC could assist me. We have since approached the NYSC secretariat in Abuja, but we are being tossed around while my condition continues to deteriorate.

I struggled to earn good education after losing my father and my patriotic zeal encouraged me to accept to serve in the north despite the violence caused by Boko Haram in that part of the country, yet I have been abandoned to fate by the same Nigerian authority that should ordinarily protect my interest and look after my well-being. It’s sad, very sad. “ Ajayi’s explanation was echoed by his guardian, Barrister Samson Ufumwen, who narrated the fruitless search for financial assistance to put ailing Ajayi back on his feet.

He said: “It is almost a hopeless situation. We have called on the authorities of the NYSC to assist in taking care of Ajayi on many occasions, but the responses have not been encouraging. We have written many letters to the NYSC state office in Kano from where we were referred to the national office in Abuja, but the matter is being treated with levity. We were

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Bedridden with spinal cord injury, youth corps member cries for help •He’s only entitled to N500,000 —NYSC official Kunle AKINRINADE asked to provide receipts of the money spent so far on Ajayi’s treatment and we have complied. But despite submitting receipts to the tune of N1.2million for possible reimbursement about ten months ago, the NYSC is yet to reimburse us let alone respond to Ajayi’s call for assistance to enable him receive proper treatment. The last time we visited the NYSC secretariat in Abuja, a senior female official that attended to us treated us badly.

“I think the attitude of the NYSC towards Ajayi is not encouraging at all as it is capable of sending a message to other young graduates to have a rethink before accepting the call to serve Nigeria because if Ajayi had not embarked on the trip to Kano , he would not have been involved in a motor accident.”

Ufumwen said further: “Ajayi is an orphan who struggled to earn a university degree in Linguistics, and it is so unfortunate that he got involved in a motor accident that has since practically rendered him useless. He is an indigene of Akure, Ondo State , and we have also written a letter Governor Olusegun Mimiko for financial assistance, but we have not got any response. We have since approached the NeuroGen Brain and Spine Institute in India which offered to help fix Ajayi’s spinal cord.

“We have been told that Ajayi spinal

problem can be solved through the stem transfer surgery to strengthen his bone and put him back on his feet, but the hospital had requested for the sum of five million naira to carry out the surgery. We don’t have the resources to sponsor him to India for the operation, hence we are calling on Nigerians to assist Ajayi because he encountered this problem while serving his fatherland. His condition continues to deteriorate and we cannot but cry out to Nigerians for necessary assistance.”

An NYSC official, who asked not to be named because of the sensitive nature of the matter, said: “It is not true that we have abandoned him (Ajayi). As a matter of fact, the NYSC has been proactive when it comes to taking care of corps members with similar cases, and we have recently sponsored a corps member’s medical treatment in India. Concerning the case of Ajayi, as I speak to you, his file is now at the office of the Director-General for necessary action.

“It is true that Ajayi’s guardian had approached our office, asking for financial assistance on his behalf, but he could not provide all the receipts of medical bills incurred and that is where the problem lies. While they are demanding for one million naira reimbursement, the receipts of his medical treatment submitted only reflect that they have so far spent N500, 000 and that is what the NYSC will pay them. However, when they would be paid is what I don’t know.”

Those who are willing to assist Ajayi, who is now bedridden, can send their donations via Temitope Ajayi’s First Bank account: 2022208169 while he can also be reached on 08057653553 and 08034245782.

...on sick bed

•Ajayi before the incident

15

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Saturday

THRILLER

' e i d o t y a 'A fake w

Obsession with counterfeit goods kills Nigerians and the local economy

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

16

A nation threatened by

•Twenty years after the production of these brake-pads was halted, its knock-off versions are still in circulation

•Knock-off jeans like these are favourite

I

NSIDE Kemi Asade’s sleek flagship store on Lagos city’s Broad Street, two ladies persistently ogled the new ubiquitous N48, 000 Hermes leather tote bag. One was stunning in freshly acquired Ralph Lauren N27, 000 blue chiffon check dress; the other however glowed attractively in a N25, 000 DKNY pink patterned chiffon dress. They were both putting on Christian Louboutin sling-back heel platform sandals valued at N24, 600 respectively. Their entire outfits were bought from the shop except their watches which they reportedly bought on shopping spree in the United Kingdom.

They strolled around the store haughtily, momentarily flipping price labels with intimidating chips on their shoulders. Velvety, clipped notes wafted from their lips like the scent of crisp naira. The effect was priceless.

The four store attendants tripped on themselves, each jostling to be the one to attend to the parading deep pockets.

Asade simply grinned and managed a smug smile. And the reason was hardly far-fetched; the two ladies, she explained, were very bigspenders and daughters of a senior Nigerian Navy Admiral thus her certainty of making a killing by the patronage of her elegant, promising customers.

But just when they were expected to make good with their purchase, the two ladies muttered silently and quite assuredly to the store attendant. Then they turned around and made for the door. Promptly Asade sprang to her feet to ask cheerily for the reason they were leaving and one of the pair sashayed nearer to tell her that they had to get to the bank.

But the shifty grins on their faces as they made for the door indicated otherwise hence the reporter excused himself and took after the departing pair. Three blocks from Asade’s store; her two “loyal” customers cut a sight counting animatedly crisp naira for the purchase of 40 pairs of the same handbag that they assured Asade they were coming back to buy.

Further findings from the store owner, Margaret Okojie, revealed that Asade’s customers had actually come purchase knock off (counterfeit) versions of the tote bags.

According to Okojie, the sisters had recently brokered a deal with her to purchase counterfeit versions of the bags from her every quarter.

“They said they were opening a boutique in a high end area of Opebi Ikeja. A mutual friend

Olatunji OLOLADE, Assistant Editor introduced them to me. She actually saved them from spending millions of naira importing bags that will gather dust in their shops. Very few people can afford to buy $10, 000 (almost N1million) Gucci bags or N60, 000 to N70, 000 worth of Chanel and Prada bags. Most ladies visit expensive boutiques to window shop and take pictures of latest bags only to come to my store to buy same bags between N2, 500 and N7, 500,” revealed Okojie. According to her, Asade’s customers only patronise her when they intend to buy original versions of her designer products for personal use and whenever they intend to use original brands of the bags to attract customers’ attention and lure them to purchase mostly knock off versions of the designer bangs in their store.

It’s an unforgivable fraud but Nigerians do love a good bargain. For instance, Sayo Aweda, a banker and one of Okojie’s “most loyal” customers was found perusing a hanger stacked with fake Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs and Chanel handbags. She was looking for a counterfeit of the new Kate Spade bag because the gold-plated metal strap on the one she bought in a high end boutique in Opebi is broken. “I bought it at N35, 000 and I don’t want to pay another N35, 000 another one yet,” she said with a shrug.

It’s a familiar refrain these days. Counterfeit shopping has become something of a sport, much to the chagrin of luxury-goods manufacturers.

Fake designer bags are everywhere, it seems and it has become so easy to acquire that it’s virtually abominable in certain social circuits, particularly among the middle class and low income earners to flaunt the real thing.

Once limited to shady stalls on Lagos Island and low budget boutiques scattered around Lagos mainland, counterfeit luxury goods have gradually found inroads into many high end boutiques across Lagos and Abuja. They are also found online and in malls, and have even turned up at discount and used goods stores. Among the ladies-who-lunch crowd, purse parties, where guests buy inexpensive fakes in private homes while they sip champagne, are the latest trend.

With all this fun, cheap merchandise, why buy the real thing?

Kayode Adebisi for instance, lost his wife and a child earlier in the year when his car brake failed to hold on the Lagos-Ibadan highway. Adebisi

•Youth Unemployment: Trade in counterfeit goods is fingered as a major bane to economic growth and job creation had paid his auto mechanic to replace his worn brake pads for him and the repairer, according to him, collected money for an “original used brake pad” known across local mechanic villages as “follow come part.”

Having patronised the same mechanic for four years, Adebisi harboured no reservations about the safety of such used part or the skill of his favourite artisan. Nor did the latter’s work ethic ever gave him cause to smart and fret. But that was to change sooner than he imagined. Few minutes before they got to Ibadan, Oyo State, the car brake suddenly failed Adebisi and he crashed into a stationary articulated truck even as he pressed frantically on his vehicle’s brake.

He claimed perceived some terrible burning odour from the engine but it smelt like some vehicle clutch was burning. He said: “I used a vehicle with auto transmission gear so I heard no cause to worry. I thought it was some passing vehicle’s clutch burning. So I speeded on ignorantly.” And the consequence is better imagined. No sooner than his vehicle’s brake failed him, he slammed on the brakes and the car skidded and swerved into the stationary truck by the roadside.

As you read, he is bedridden. He is healing from an excruciating fracture at his pelvic region and he experiences recurrent back pain. But every pain he feels pales beside the unbearable agony of losing his wife and child.

Further findings revealed that the brake pads installed in his car by his mechanic was actually a knock off model of his preferred German brand.

But much as Adebisi would like to have his ‘trusted’ mechanic suffer for what he did, the latter desperately claims his innocence claiming he bought the auto part from a trusted auto parts dealer. “I never knew he had started mixing original and fake parts,” he lamented.

Lateef Durojaiye, an auto mechanic and proprietor of Ogun State based Baal Opeyemi Motor Works, noted that the defaulting mechanic may be telling the truth. According to him, most of the auto parts currently in circulation are “fake.”

And more worrisome is the fact that erstwhile dealers in original auto parts have started mixing

their merchandise with all manner of counterfeit and substandard parts.

Apparently miffed by the scourge of the importation of substandard products into the country, the Federal Government has vowed to atop importation of counterfeit goods into the country particularly by Asian nations. The Minister of State, Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom said that because President Goodluck Jonathan was no longer comfortable over the development, he summoned the relevant agencies to meet with National Assembly on the way forward.

Ortom lamented that 80 percent of counterfeit and substandard goods that come into the country are from Asian countries.

Those directed to meet with the National Assembly included the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), and National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

It is very hard to obtain accurate statistics on counterfeiting, mainly because it is a clandestine activity but Joseph Odumodu, Director General of SON, revealed that Nigerians spend N1 trillion annually to import substandard goods.

Odumodu explained that 20 per cent of road accident is caused due by substandard auto parts while over 200 lives have been lost to collapsed buildings occasioned by substandard products within five years.

According to him, Nigeria could save N500 million annually by buying correct bulbs instead of buying counterfeit that won’t last. Odumodu said faking, counterfeiting and substandard goods are global phenomena but the Nigerian case is worse due to obsolete and weak legislation.

“We are strong patrons of substandard goods.

We know the real ones but we claim that we don’t have money to buy them. Average Nigerian importers are criminals, murderers and killers. We must do something about them.”

Products targeted by the faker cut across items like drugs, tyres, household utensils, phones, electronics, clothing materials, IT equipment, as well as food items like beverages, milk, canned

17

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

imitation •Lateef Durojaiye: admits to the prevalence of counterfeit autoparts in the automobile industry •Many counterfeit products are produced in underground Chinese sweat shops like this

•These counterfeit Gucci labels are a permanent feature on many knock-offs of the designer label

We are strong patrons of substandard goods. We know the real ones but we claim that we don’t have money to buy them. Average Nigerian importers are criminals, murderers and killers. We must do something about them

‘

foods, toys, cables, automatic voltage regulators, amongst several others.

It is estimated that Nigeria loses about N50 billion annually to importation of fake and substandard products. Of this figure, trade in substandard auto spare parts accounts for about N20 billion. Especially startling is the fact that the fake auto parts market is dominated by adulterated parts of a popular Japanese product with large market in Nigeria.

Counterfeiting is a hugely lucrative business, with criminals relying on the continued high demand for cheap goods coupled with low production and distribution costs. The illegal activities related to counterfeiting take advantage of unwitting consumers and bargain-hunters, exploiting people’s appetites for cut-price brands or simply their financial position.

While the costs are difficult to quantify - and do not include non-monetary damage such as illness and death - the value of counterfeiting is estimated by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation for Development (OECD) to be in the region of $250 billion per year. And while counterfeiters continue to reap significant profits, millions of consumers are at risk from unsafe and ineffective products.

A bargain gone wrong Counterfeiters are involved in the illegal production of knock-offs in virtually every area - food, drinks, clothes, shoes, pharmaceuticals, electronics, auto parts, toys, currency, tickets for transport systems and concerts, alcohol, cigarettes, toiletries, building materials and much, much more. Often the temptation for consumers can be too strong to resist, with many not understanding the risks and ramifications attached to this illicit industry. Buying a counterfeit handbag or pair of jeans, for example, might not be regarded as an illegal transaction simply a cheaper way to wear the latest fashion goods.

However, often little thought is given to how the money may ultimately end up in the hands of organized crime groups or how the industries that rely on legitimate sales suffer. Even obscure purchases like safety goggles or electrical plugs

’

that have been illegally copied and reproduced present significant risks, given their lower quality.

Counterfeit cigarettes also present multiple risks: they are even more harmful than genuine cigarettes, as they may contain much higher levels of nicotine and other dangerous chemicals such as arsenic, benzene, cadmium and formaldehyde.

One devastation too many Recently, former President Olusegun Obasanjo warned of an imminent revolution in Nigeria.

Obasanjo’s call was hinged on the prevailing high rate of youth unemployment, which he estimated to be about 72 per cent. Youth unemployment in the country is currently pegged at 75 per cent. Unemployment rate in the country increased to 23.90 percent in 2011 from 21.10 percent in 2010 according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Historically, from 2006 until 2011, Nigeria unemployment Rate averaged 14.6 Percent reaching an all time high of 23.9 Percent in December of 2011 and a record low of 5.3 Percent in December of 2006.

Besides robbing millions of youths of opportunities to be productively engaged in local industries and other indigenous growth efforts, the ramifications of counterfeiting affects everyone, with Governments, businesses and society being robbed of tax revenue, business income and jobs. The flood of counterfeit and pirated products creates an enormous drain on the global economy by creating an underground trade that deprives Governments of revenue for vital public services and imposes greater burdens on taxpayers.

It also leads to more public resources being spent on fraud-detection methods by public sector authorities and larger intelligence and policing budgets being needed to counter sophisticated schemes and networks. Counterfeit goods also undermine employment, as products are copied and produced illegally, thereby displacing sales of original merchandise and reducing the turnover of legitimate companies. Fraudulent medicines also have a direct impact on increased medical costs due to prolonged treatment periods and medical complications in the spread of

•Counterfeit autoparts are blamed for many ghastly auto accidents treatment-intensive diseases. The prices of products also go up because companies increase security systems to counter organized criminal activities and have to invest more in research and development.

Taming the scourge Yemi Ogunsanwo, Managing Director of Crest Communications suggested the need to build more awareness of the scale of the problem. He said that private companies complicit in counterfeit trade should be named and shamed, and codes of conduct more rigorously enforced.

He emphasized coordinated and cross-sector action at the international level as vital measures for identifying, investigating and prosecuting counterfeiters.

Consumers also have a responsibility to exert their influence with their purchasing choices according Hamida Shittu, a clothier and fashion designer. According to her, counterfeiting networks will continue to operate as long as customers support it. If your favourite designer brand is clearly not made by your favourite designer, stay away. Beyond these obvious counterfeit products, stay alert to other warning signs. While these purchases may save you money in the short term, the longer-term losses are far more costly, she said.

Nigerians have continued to spend a fortune on the importation of finished consumer products that could be sourced locally if efforts are made to patronize locally made goods. The National Bureau of Statistics claims that “Mineral products, raw hides and skins, leather etc, textiles and associated articles and vehicles, aircraft and associated parts, represented the highest growth in imports between the third quarter of 2011 and the same period of 2010 while crude oil exports contributed 95.3 per cent of total exports”.

This has resulted in the continued low capacity utilisation and low production in Nigeria-based companies and industries resulting in high unemployment figures in the country, according to the trade statistics. The United Nations Development programme (UNDP) recently raised concerns over the increasing rate of poverty and unemployment in Nigeria.

DaoudaToure, the Resident Representative of UNDP, made the observation in Abuja at the 53rd Annual conference of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES).

Toure noted that “for almost a decade now, Nigeria has been recording consistently high economic growth rate that has not produced commensurate employment opportunities and reduction in poverty among its citizens.” He urged the government to engage in growth patterns that generate jobs on a large scale to mitigate youth unemployment and a shift from jobless growth strategies toward inclusive and pro-poor growth strategies that equip youths and women with required skills for decent employment.

But this may prove very difficult to achieve given the average Nigerian youth’s mentality

about locally produced goods. Cornelius Akpan, a shoe maker who recently relocated from Aba to Lagos, disclosed that he experience has taught him to attach foreign designer labels to his locally made shoes. Thus at his shop, many counterfeit brands of Gucci, Marc Jobs, Kenneth Cole among others are on display to the delight of many high end customers – mostly boutique owners who come to buy them in large quantities at a normal rate of N4, 500 to N5, 000 per shoe although they sell them, fully packaged as originals at ridiculous rates of N17, to N45, 000 per shoe.

Then there is Bolanle Awe who jets out every month to purchase counterfeit versions of designer shoes, hand bags and clothes in Dubai.

Likewise, Fidelis Okhagbue, an auto parts dealer, travels to China more frequently as the Chinese market, he claims, is more profitable than any other. True, many vehicle parts dealers in Nigeria travel to China to determine the quality of the items they buy.

Most times, they place orders for low quality goods in order to attract low prices and attract higher patronage.

This explains why most imported knock off goods in Nigeria bear Chinese labels.

Unfortunately, the regulatory authorities in the country simply ask importers to pay penalties and permit them to take delivery of their goods to the detriment of the end users.

“We have a crisis situation. We now insist on certificate of free trade,” according to Odumodu, SON boss who declared that the agency will go beyond seizure of substandard goods and embark on re-export of such goods.

In response to the devastating effect of the trade in counterfeit goods, SON launched its zero tolerance campaign against fake products last year. And till date, the regulator claimed it had removed about N3 billion worth of substandard products from circulation.

The life of counterfeit goods through back alleys, mafia connections, and sweat-shops into the homes of middle-class Nigerians and impoverished children trying to obtain malaria medicine constitutes a national malady of devastating proportions.

The sharp contrast between the Sex in the City, a popular sitcom’s idealization of a good knockoff Hermes bag as a status symbol, and the overnight “ghost shift” worked at factories, pumping out counterfeit goods in China as well as the devastation of the knock off produced on a developing country like Nigeria is no doubt unimaginable.

It ruins the chances of a country like Nigeria to rise through the doldrums of self-inflicted economic decline and unemployment to the socio-economic Eden of its dreams. But who cares; as long as there is a ready stream of knock off goods, counterfeit product dealers like Awe and Okhagbue will continue to travel to Dubai and China import knock offs as usual. And if it means killing the economy and luring more Nigerian consumers to their deaths, so be it.

18

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

A peep into Ojukwu’s love life

Following the emergence of Tenny Haman, a previously unknown love child of the late Odumegwu Ojukwu when the latter's will was read penultimate Friday, Assistant Editor, LINUS OBOGO, x-rays the love life of the late Biafran warlord.

•Ojukwu and Stella

•Njideka

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

•Ojukwu and Bianca

19

THE NATION, Saturday, December 8, 2012

20

Our near death experiences and encounters n terms of hazards, few jobs can compare to diving into the sea or rivers to scoop sharp sand; a material used for building and construction purposes. The tools of the trade include buckets designed for that purpose and wooden ladders placed on both sides of the canoe, through which the divers launch into the sea and find their ways back to the canoe. Also needed is the ability of the dredger to swim, holding his breath for long.

Dredgers stand the risk of drowning, coming across wild sea animals and other similar dangers. Yet the average dredger does not believe that theirs is the riskiest of professions. For them, diving into the sea to scoop the special species sand is nothing but a pleasurable kind of business that also avails them the opportunity to eke out a living.

For obvious reasons, it is a profession dominated by Ilaje and Ijaw people whose affinity with water is legendary.

Having grown up mostly on sea shores, they often go into the profession as children. Fatai Adekola, who said he had worked for more than 10 years scooping sharp sand from the sea before he ventured into other kinds of trade a few years ago, believes a man who allows fear to rule his life is doomed. He boasted that no fish or monster in the sea would make him shiver, no matter how big. ”It is not a matter of boasting. I don’t see anything in the sea that can scare me. I am not easily scared by anything, and I think that really helped me on the job.”

He recalled that about five years ago, he came face to face with death while fetching sand from the sea. The weather on that day, he said, could hardly be better for a successful venture into the sea. With the sun shining brightly overhead and cool breeze wafting across from the sea, Fatai, his boss and a few others in sand dredging business went sailing on the sea at about 9 pm.

He said: “We left the shore at exactly 9 pm. The plan was that we would work for about four or five hours and return before 5 am. But that was not to be. No sooner had the team left the shore than the friendly weather changed. It began with the weather becoming cooler. We all thought it would stop there, but it gathered momentum and a huge storm started, accompanied by a heavy rain.”

Without any form of cover on their canoe, the rain pounded the crew while the storm tossed the canoe up and down until it capsized. The team leader drowned in the unfortunate incident.

Fatai said: “The storm was so fierce that it tossed us up and down for a long time while we clung to whatever we could find. But the canoe finally capsized and threw all of us into the sea. By the time the storm calmed, we discovered that my boss, who was the leader of the team, was nowhere to be found. He had drowned.”

The incident more or less turned Fatai into a lily-livered man and ended his love for diving into the sea to scoop sand.

He added: “You may be right if you say I stopped the job because of that experience. But at the same time, I won’t say that is totally true, because I didn’t stop immediately the accident occurred. I

I

n Segun AJIBOYE n still worked for some time before I finally stopped. However, it was one of the reasons I made up my mind to stop.”

But he said beyond his close shave with death, he never encountered any other thing that scared him. According to him, most of the creatures in the sea are fishes of different sizes, including the Octopus, which he claimed he encountered once in a while.

For 36-year-old Ife Philips, a BSc degree holder in Guidance and Counselling, his venture into sand dredging started even before he could tell right from wrong.

Philips, who said he had to stop the job a few years ago in order to concentrate on his education, noted that most young men who ply the trade are forced into it by poverty.

He said: “The young men you see around here are not doing the job for the money. For the fact that it is very dangerous, the money they get from it is so meagre that it can hardly take care of their needs. But they do it because they don’t want to steal or beg.”

He listed three stages a sand excavator would pass through before venturing into the sea. “You know that we all grew up on sea shores. So, most young men grow up knowing nothing else but activities that have to do with the sea.

“For instance, they start as little children when they try their hands on the shovels, trying to scoop sand into little containers.

“After a while, they may graduate into loading tippers and other vehicles used to transport sand. And finally, depending on how brave the child is, he may start going with canoe into the sea to

,

The storm was so fierce that it tossed us up and down for a long time while we all clung to whatever we could find. But the canoe finally capsized and threw all of us into the sea. By the time the storm calmed down, we discovered that my boss, who was the leader of the team, was nowhere to be found. He had drowned

,

excavate sand from the sea bed.”

He further explained that while the job is not as dangerous as most people think it is, “it is very tough and energy-sapping, but very interesting.”

While many people believe that the creatures under the sea pose the biggest danger to sand excavators, Philips said their most dangerous enemy is stormy weather, which he said has killed more sand excavators than any sea creature.

He said: “It is true that we sometimes encounter some dangerous animals in water, but none of them is as dangerous as rain. Rains accompanied with strong winds can capsize the canoe, especially when they are loaded with sand. We are always very careful not to go out whenever we feared that rain might fall.”

But Philips too once had a near-death experience when his canoe was torpedoed by a powerful wind. Although no life as lost in the accident, Philips said its memory had clung to him like a cloak.

“Till today, I still cannot explain how I survived the accident. On that particular day, we left the shore and headed for the sea without any premonition of what awaited us. The weather was good and the sky was very clear, so we had no reason to nurse any fear.

“I cannot really recall the exact time, but I think it was around 1 am that the rain started. But we knew what was happening. A huge storm followed the rain and tossed the canoe up and down until it capsized. I was able to cling unto a wood that was floating on the sea. I

THE NATION, Saturday, December 8, 2012

21

with wild sea animals —Sand dredgers

•Some scooped sand being loaded into lorries

•Philips

•Adebawo

remained like that until about 6 am when a passing boat rescued all of us.

“I don’t think I can forget that experience for the rest of my life.”

Philips did not risk another mishap before he made up his mind to quit the risky job of diving into the sea to scoop sand. He moved on to the more lucrative and less risky business of supplying sand.

He said: “I now supply sand to people who buy from us. But you know that it is not everybody that can raise the capital to start supplying sand. So, the bulk of our young men are still struggling to survive.”

Seventy-year-old John Orimisan is a veteran of many years. Although he quit the job a few years ago on account of old age, he had gathered enough experience to last him a lifetime while he was active in the business.

The father of four told The Nation that most sand dredgers are forced into the business because they have no alternatives. Like most young men who grew up along the coastal areas, Obadiah said he started the business

even before he realised what it meant.

He said: “I started very early. What happens in this area is that you start by going to the sea shore with your parents or elder siblings. You would then start trying your hands on one thing or the other. You either go to sea to catch fish or you pack sand and sell. From there, you’ll start going into the sea to fetch sand.”

He is not surprised that many of his people are into the business in spite of the risks involved. “How can you blame these young people for going into the business?” he queried. “As a matter of fact, I think they deserve our praises.

They do it because they don’t want to steal or beg. So, the most honourable thing for them to do is to do the job, even if it means risking their lives.”

However, his experience in the trade is awe-inspiring. For the two decades that he practised, he lost count of the number of accidents that threatened to claim his life. Speaking about his experience many years after he retired, Pa Orimisan still had something to smile about.

“This is very funny,” he said. “Nobody

•Obadiah would believe that I would be alive to talk about these stories. There were too many accidents that I cannot just remember. But a particular accident that readily comes to my mind was the day I lost about four members of my team.

“Many of the accidents happened because we failed to do something or because of what we did. Sometimes, we became overconfident and made some mistakes, which can lead to death on the sea. But this particular accident was not anybody’s fault.

“We had set out to work early so that we could return early. When we got to the point where we wanted to work, we lowered the ladder, and the man who would go into the water went under. But we waited for a long time without seeing him. Another person went to look for him, but also failed to come up.

“At that point, fear gripped everybody in the boat. To cut the story short, that was how we lost four men. Each of them went into the water and never returned.

We later found out that they were killed by a mysterious sea

creature.”

If you think this experience was strong enough to unnerve Orimisan, you are wrong. He soon got over it and returned to the sea.

“What else would I have done if I decided to stop doing the job I had known for most of my life? To do so would mean that I had started something that might bring shame to me and my family.”

In spite of the seeming hardship, Orimisan remains proud of his job. “I know you would want to say that the job is hard or that it does not bring good money like your own job. But the truth is that I am very proud that I worked for whatever money I used to feed my family. I am sure that all my people are proud to do the job too. It is better than not doing anything or to go into stealing.”

Twenty-three-year-old Seun Adebawo is a student. He, alongside many of friends, earns some stipend to support their education by loading sand into vehicles at the shore. Seun, who disclosed that he earns an average of N2000 per day, confessed that the job is tedious.

“It is a very tough job,” he said. “Most of the boys you see in this area do it to survive. Those of us who are in school do it to support our parents. For me, the little that I get goes a long way to help me in school.”

Seun, however, hopes to get a more dignifying job the moment he completes his higher education. “The first thing I would do is to look for a better job. I will also wish to help my people who are here to do better things with their lives,” he said.

Pa Olatunde Obadiah, a veteran diver, blames the incidents of deaths among divers on inexperience. According to him, most divers who meet with death while plying the trade die as a result of mistakes or greed.

“In my long time on the job, I discovered that most accidents happen because people make mistakes they should never have made. For instance, while standing on the edge of the boat, they get carried away, forgetting that it is slippery. Greed also plays a very important role in most of the accidents.

Some people, out of greed, overload the canoe with sand. Don’t forget that the sand is wet, thereby making the canoe to sink into the water.

“And whenever there is a serious wind, it makes water to enter the canoe, thereby making it to sink.”

Asked if tales about dangerous encounters with sea creatures is true, Obadiah looked up, a cheeky smile etched on his lips: “If a sand dredger were to recount his experience in water, nobody would want to go into the profession. I believe it is out of sheer bravery that we go into water not minding what we would encounter.

“There are different kinds of creatures that would scare the daylight out of you, but we just look at them and go on with our work. For instance, creatures like the octopus and big fishes will swim up to you and go away.”

He, however, said he had never encountered a mystery being or spirit as claimed by some people. “As for me, I have never come across any spirit in the waters. But I have heard several stories about divers who encountered spirit beings inside water. I believe the stories because there are many things going on around us that we cannot see with naked eyes,” he said.

THE NATION, Saturday, December 8, 2012

22

Onokpite would continue to haunt those who killed him..

In his contribution, renowned •Family members assemble protest human rights activist, Comrade Ifeanyi Agbah, who gave an emotion-laden speech at the event, noted that both Onokpite and his killers had made history. But he quickly added that the killers of Onokpite would be dumped on the bad side of history unlike the deceased, who he said would always be mentioned on the good side of history.

Extolling the virtues of Onokpite, the Oshimili North-born human rights activist noted that the late politician did not die fighting the course of the Urhobo alone but those of oppressed Deltans, wondering why some of the people who benefited from the cause of the late Onokpite had not shown interest in the fight for justice over his death.

He likened the late Onokpite to the likes of Isaac Adaka Boro, Ken Saro-Wiwas and Martin Luther King (Jnr).

He said: “Before he was killed, he was a gentleman who was well established with over 4,000 workers on his payroll and receiving their salaries as and when due. So, the claim that he was a gunrunner was baseless and frivolous.”

Similarly, the former personal assistant to the late Onokpite and DDP councillorship aspirant in Uvwie Local Government Area, Comrade Wilson Akpos, noted that those who killed his boss were afraid of him.

He said: “They even begged him to work for them but he refused. They have killed him but they can’t kill what he stood for: a better Delta State and Urhobo nation”.

Calling on President Jonathan and the Inspector •The late Onokpite General of Police to bring the killers of Onokpite to book, he said if it were to be the Oduduwa, Arewa, Oheaneze, Ijaw or Itsekiri, they would not have taken the gruesome murder brains behind his death would be references.” lightly. unveiled.

The affidavit accompanying the He also lamented the silence of those A family source said while he would petition by Onokpite’s lawyers to the that matter in Urhobo land on the death not want to preempt the outcome of PSC was sworn to by Mr. Gbenga of Chief Onokpite who he said died police investigation, Onokpite’s death Onosuyi, said to have witnessed the fighting the cause of the Urhobo. could not have been unconnected with incident which occurred at Beeland The Uvwie Local Government his growing popularity in the build-up to Hotel, Orhuwhorun. The petitioners Council councillorship aspirant the election. averred that the deceased was arrested disclosed that the event would be “Those who felt threatened by his by a team of uniformed men and mufti celebrated annually and that a book on growing popularity could have been who stormed the hotel in a Nissan the biography of the late Onokpite responsible for the murder. Ogbe was Pathfinder Jeep and two Hilux vans. would be launched in no distant time. seen as an emerging leader in Delta They added that the deceased was shot “He founded Ogbe Political Change State,” the source said. in both knees and was taken to Warri , (OPC) and Ogbe Foundation. In fact he Following the appointment of Mr. where he was “finally killed’’. was a source of inspiration to most of Mohammed Abubakar as the Inspector Onokpite’s lawyers also argued in the us, particularly we the Urhobo,” he said.

General of Police and a petition from petition that the deceased was killed as a Even the clergy were not left out in another counsel to the Onokpite family, result of his “principled stance’’ on the the raining of curses on Onokpite’s Messrs Eriata and Partners, the police marginalisation of the Urhobo in the killers. authorities decided to set up a panel to sharing of an alleged monthly N2bn Apostle Love Ededuwah, who investigate the killing. pipeline surveillance fund . officiated at the event, presented a copy In a letter to the IG, the Chairman of One year after, siblings, friends, of the photograph of the late Onokpite Police Service Commission, Mr. Parry political associates and human rights to every guest at the event, following Osayande, directed that the panel should activists gathered at the ancient Ugolowhich curses were placed on his killers, undertake a “discreet investigation of the Okpe community in Okpe Local backed with inscriptions from the Bible. facts surrounding the death of the Government of Delta State to mark the Placards protesting the killing of Ogbe politician in police custody.” first anniversary of his death. Virtually and call for justice on his death were The letter reads in part: ‘’You are to everyone who spoke at the crowd also displayed at the event. Some of retrieve all police files records, books, moving event renewed the call for justice them read: “Chief Ogbe, your vision is registers, case files and other relevant in the death of the politician. our mission”, “Chief Ogbe died as a documents pertaining to this case for Chief Paul Ibeyon, a human rights hero”, “Your dreams of founding Ogbe proper scrutiny. Identify the police activist who chaired the event, noted that Political Change (OPC) Ogbe officers and their civilian cohorts who are those who killed Onokpite would never Foundation and Urhobo New Face is responsible for the unlawful killing of kill his dream of a better society for all. still alive” “CJN, please bring the killers Chief Ogbe Onokpite while in police He vowed that the friends and associates of Chief Ogbe Onokpite to book. “We custody for disciplinary action and of the deceased man would keep his are asking Urhobos, Nigerians, Deltans, prosecution. And forward their names to dreams alive. what did Chief Ogbe Onokpite do to the commission for onward transmission Similarly a Sapele Local Government deserve his death? “Chief Ogbe, your to the Presidential Committee on Police Council Democratic People’s Party (DPP) song of freedom, love, peace and unity, Reform for appropriate recommendation chairmanship aspirant, Comrade (Chief) will never be in vain”. in accordance with its terms of Abel Oharume, warned that the ghost of

Family, associates of murdered governorship candidate seek justice n Gbenga ADERANTI n NTIL he was allegedly murdered early last year, Chief Ogbe Onokpite was the governorship candidate of the Citizens Peoples Party (CPP) during the last governorship election in Delta State.

More than one and a half years after, the death of the 38-year-old politician is still raising dusts in Delta State. In spite of series of petitions by the family and human rights groups aimed at unraveling the brains behind his death, there are worries that the people behind the gruesome murder might go unpunished. Hence, the deceased’s family insists insist his killers must be brought to book and that his remains would not be interred until that is done.

According to the family, although the police are working to unravel the mysteries behind Onokpite’s death, there appears to be powerful forces preventing the force from getting to the root of his death.

Indeed, there have been accusations and counter-accusations over the death of the politician, who was allegedly shot dead by some men in police uniform at Beeland Hotel, Orhuwhorun Road, Ovwian in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

It will be recalled that the slain politician was a close associate of Chief Great Ogboru, the governorship candidate of Democratic People’s Party (DPP) .

At the commencement of investigation into his death, hopes were high that the

U

LOCATION

BACKSTAGE

SNAPSHOT

REEL NEWS

MUSIC

SCREEN

Edited by: VICTOR AKANDE

Tel: 07029013958

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

ntertainment

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

I hope there’s a man for me

ress t c a d o o w y l l o —N

l a w a L o y o M

23

SEE PAGES 28-37

24

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

STAND BY! h

Wit

VICTOR AKANDE

E-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com Tel: 07029013958 (SMS only)

THINK

nt part of An importa s of any the succes is its civilisation late the mu ability to e t led to the a factors th f other success o s.—Eric civilisation rt Reine

Still on Channel O's surround expedition The mood for a fast beat was imminent and everyone on board wanted to dance to the Nigerian tune. Thus, from D'banj's Oliver Twist, P.Square's Chop My Money, Flavours's Oyi and Davido's Dami Duro, the climax to an evening of fun was attained

SNAPSHOTS

Belinda Effah partners Project Alert on genderbased violence

Victor Osuagwu set to quit bachelorhood But the unique nature of Nollywood and the creative ingenuity our music artistes, some of which transformed into Nigeria's overwhelming victory at the Channel O Awards the previous night, were some of the values that still earns Nigeria respect among other African countries

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 07029013958

25

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

RE ELNEW S

Lagos powers Nollywood Upgrade Training project

•Gov. Babatunde Fashola

Wale Adenuga bags award Nigeria's Got Talent semi-final wraps up

Tonto Dikeh in The

•Mrs Gloria Makinde and Mrs Elizabeth Ampka

GOtv goes to Benin City

•Tonto Dikeh

Illiterate

26

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

I love my studies but music is really my passion —Deola Currrently rocking the airwaves and cyberspace is Beremole, the debut effort of UK-based artiste, Adeola Ososami. An undergraduate of Dentistry, the artiste who goes by the stage name Deola, says that the inspiration for her sound is a fusion of genres and a range of artistes, including Asa, Corine Bailey Rae, Erykah Badu and the Kutis. Her sojourn in the world of music started at an early age as a member of he church choir and music vocal groups. She also attended the prestigious Tech Music School, graduating with a certificate in popular music performance. In this interview with OVWE MEDEME, she talks about the song Beremole and her upcoming mixtape among other issues.

You can't really take the culture away. It is within me. It is not something one can lose, so the Nigerian culture is still a big part of me

27

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Tyme Out with Tee A live concert rocks

Exclusive Magazine fetes Atawewe

Nigga Raw excites at ‘Legend Real Deal Nite’ Winners emerge at NBMA

Bigiano rebrands

•Dat Nigga Raw performing

Turaka sets Olabisi on a high

28

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

ntertainment

ntertainment

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

ntertainment

ntertainment

ntertainment

ntertainment

And we were supposed to kiss and do all those things.

It was so crazy, but it was fun. And I think for me, I had a whole lot of fun and that is what matters. I just finished another one about two months ago with my very good friend, Amanda Ebeye, and we had to kiss and do all those stuff

37

ntertainment

‘Nigerian Idol’ goes on TV

ss e r t c a d o o w y l l —No

l a w a L o y o M Funke Akindele, other stars storm A Wish Premiere

Do I have a particular stature?

No, I do not have challenges having roles because of my stature. I think I get to play role which somebody of my age should be playing

Pg 30

Ferguson eyes 'best ever win'

Pg 30

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

30

Planning commercial futures for National Sports Festival

35

National Sports Festival gold medallists speak

Keshi’s contract can’t make Eagles win

As the curtains fall on the 18th National Sports Festival tomorrow, states competing in the week –long event are racing towards the finishing line in terms of medal haul. But as some athletes did well to set the pace in their various categories and events by winning gold medals, others settled for the silver and bronze medals respectively. INNOCENT AMOMOH, AKEEM LAWAL AND TUNDE LIADI spoke to some of the gold medallists at the events.

•Brume Ese

•Olayiwola (L) and Adeyinka

•Wilson

•Nicholas •Asigbe

•Bukola (R) and Queen

•Jodan

•Keshi

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Delta rules Sports Festival Chess event

Some observations on the 18th National Sports Festival

•Nigerian chess players at an international meet

'We promote responsible drinking at Eko 2012'

•Taekwondo action in Eko 2012 National Sport Festival

Photo: BOLA OMILABU

• Women's Hockey Semi-Finals between Delta state in blue shirt and Adamawa Photo: JOHN EBHOTA

Ferguson eyes 'best ever win'

GOAL SCORERS Player

Team

Goals

Demba Ba Newcastle Luis Suarez Liverpool Miguel Michu Swansea van Persie Man Utd Jermain Defoe Tottenham Marouane Fellaini Everton Carlos Tevez Man City Edin Dzeko Man City Gareth Bale Tottenham Rickie Lambert Southampton Steven Fletcher Sunderland Dimitar Berbatov Fulham Javier Hernandez Man Utd Juan Mata Chelsea Kevin Nolan West Ham Nikica Jelavic Everton

10 10 10 10 9 8 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Back to the future!

NATIONAL SPORTS FESTIVAL EKO 2012 NATIONS CUP

3,000 supporters to storm SA for Eagles

By Paul Oluwakoya

'Why we backed Eko 2012'

Saturday, December 8, 2012

36

GOLFLINE

with

•Ian Poulter

Tony Akhigbe golflineintl@yahoo.com 08094863638

MUCH ADO about David Mark

IAN POULTER: 'I played too much’

Tiger Woods still has long way to go

IBB Golf club honours SA, Botswana ambassadors

•Tiger Woods

•David Mark

38

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

DIFF calls for entries

•Ashley Nwosu Sam Loco

A lost generation of gems

•Sam Loco

“

•Pete Eneh

The Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, has been thrown into mourning in recent times, with the deaths of actors that could be described as a generation of thespians who lived and gave their all to the profession. These fallen actors undoubtedly left indelible marks in the industry, leading to calls on actors to be careful about their health. AHMED BOULOR writes.

Excitement At The Club with Remy Martin

After three months at the hospital without making headway regarding treatment, the actor was advised to get the leg amputated to reduce the risk of the infection spreading to other parts of his body

•Dr SiD

&

LIFE

Society Profile

THE NATION, Saturday, DECEMBER 8, 2012

STYLE Gossip Interviews

39

SEE PAGES 44 & 45

‘I’ve benefited ‘I've benefited aa lot from polygamy’ polygamy’

42

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

this season

•Uru Eke

•Kunb

i Oye

•Karen Igho

Lawani, •Ene Maya- eria ig N s is Ex M

•Vick

•Kate He

lese

•Samantha Dollar

•Princess Fifi Ej

indu

y He

ldan

nshaw

43

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Newton, Olude, Folusho shine at FADAN Talent Hunt

14-year-old wins NNSM Award

JPKingdom opens doors to fashionistas

New role for Anna Wintour

44

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

How I became top operator in oil, pharmacy and engineering with a degree in Geography —Ex-Pfizer’s head of marketing Chairman of Tricontinental Group of Companies and Deputy President of Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Chief Olabintan Famutimi, has come a long way from his humble beginnings in Ondo town.

Without a formal training in Medicine or Pharmacist, he worked at management level with blue chip companies in the pharmaceutical industry before left for the oil and gas industry to set up Tricontinental Group, which today has branches in Angola, Canada, the Caribbeans and the USA. He recently handed over the running of the Group of Companies he established to Dr. Oluwatoyin Ashiru, an acclaimed engineer, as he contemplates retirement. These days, Chief Famutimi finds time to cruise around Nigerian waters in his yacht which he anchors on the Lagoon at Victoria Island. And when he is abroad, he hires a posh car and drives around for adventure. He tells PAUL UKPABIO that he deserves every bit of the pleasure because “I have worked my ass out to get this far.” Excerpts

•Olabintan Famutimi

W

OULD you say your background as a child has influenced your person?

To a large extent, the things that I do now have their foundation in my childhood. To start with, I come from a family where you had no choice but to struggle: a polygamous family of four wives and 23 children. And I happened to be the first born. So, from childhood, my life has been that of struggle as I grew up in the midst of so many children.

There was no way one would want to lag behind because the competition was keen and the mothers were all ready to push their children.

As a child, your success was your mother’s gain in a polygamous home. And so, during my childhood and youth, I was forced to be competitive. I was all out to achieve tasks.

We also knew then that in a polygamous home, if your father gave you an opportu-

nity to have education, it was a priviledge and not a right. If it turned out that you were not doing well, he would turn the attention and support from you to others.

So, I had no choice but to work hard and have good grades and excel. To a great extent, that sharpened the way I grew up into adulthood.

Tell us briefly your early journey to the top I was smart enough to look around me and realise that it was only if I was educated that I could escape from poverty or just learning a trade like my father. I did my early school in Ondo, and higher school in Molusi College, Ijebu Igbo where I had the best result in Ijebu province, AAB, in that year’s Advanced Level GCE. I then came to Lagos where I taught as a secondary school teacher for a while before I applied to the University of Ibadan to further my education.

I had no guidance. Nobody was telling me what to do. So, I asked for the most difficult course because I was looking for challenges.

I was told that Geography was the most difficult subject. That was how I applied to study it. I was automatically given admission because of the result I had. I spent three years there. After the first year, I got a scholarship.

When I applied and started the course, I was not sure where the fund was going to come from. Three years later, I had one of the best results in 1971. Five of us got Second Class Upper division. It was believed that if I had done some other social science courses, I would have had a First Class. It was four alphas to make first class in other social science courses, but in geography, you needed five.

Can you compare the system of education then with what obtains now in Nigerian universities?

Nigeria was totally different then. There

were just five universities at the time I went into the university. Our student population was low. Perhaps it was just over 5,000 then.

We enjoyed the best as undergraduates. We were all in hostels, served breakfast, lunch with half of a full chicken, and an equally sumptuous dinner. Our laundry was done for us and in the final year, you had a room to yourself. Life was so good in those days as Nigerian students. And by the time we were graduating, there were many companies in Nigeria that were doing well, and they were waiting to give us employment.

For this, they set for us job interviews. They were actually struggling to get us. So in our final year, the big companies like UAC, SCOA, Leventis and others came around and we were being recruited straight from the universities.

As a graduate, I had three job offers from UAC, Elder Dempstar Shipping and Lintas Advertising. Getting out of the university and being unemployed was unheard of in those days. We were being pampered and made to feel really wanted and needed. I picked the job offered by UAC under their graduate management programme. Young graduates from Nigerian universities and those returning from abroad were put together, trained and posted to subsidiaries of UAC. I was posted to Kingsway Stores. UAC had a training school that offered the best of management training. That was where I started my career.

Although you did not train as a pharmacist, many still recall how popular you were in the pharmaceutical industry. How were you able to achieve that?

My niche has always been hard work.

Wherever I worked, I was usually known for hard work. That differentiated me. At a stage, I had to determine that when it was time for my annual leave, I would buy a ticket and travel abroad. Because what used to happen was that whenever I was on leave, I would be at home and all around me I would be seeing people going to work. I would feel so idle and end up going to the office. Then I would sit on my table and worked as if I was not on leave and still closed late. In later years, I realised that the only way to enjoy my holiday and not turn it into work all over again was to spend the time outside the country. So what I later started doing was usually to buy my holiday ticket the Friday before the commencement of my leave. That way, I was sure that my annual leave would be work-free. That became a strategy to tear myself away from work.

Every boss that I had worked with knew me as an asset. I believed that nothing was too much for me to take on. I was always looking for challenges. Though I studied Geography, I have not applied to work for any job that is directly on that subject. After leaving Kingsway, I worked at R. T. Briscoe Nigerian Division. I then went into the pharmaceutical industry. I became the Head of Marketing for a UK company known as Boots. From there, I went to Beecham, and then to Pfizer Products Company Plc. Most of my career was in the pharmaceutical industry. I was attending local and international conferences, and most of the pharmacists in Nigeria that I was regularly interacting with did not even know that I was not a pharmacist. My movement from one pharmaceutical company to another was always through attraction. Pfizer interviewed me a year before I finally joined.

We couldn’t agree initially.

I remember how shocked the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure was when he got to know that I had never been to school to study any of the medicine-related courses. He was amazed.

Though I did not get involved in drug mixing or core professional work that belonged to them, I was versed in the knowledge of what they were doing. I read extensively.

Now the field I am in, the oil and gas industry where we provide services for companies in the upstream sector, we are also into corrosion management, tests and inspection. I set this company up in 1977. I ran it successfully until two years ago when I brought in the Group Managing Director, Prof. Toyin Ashiru, who is a professor of engineering. Again, most people are still amazed that I have no training whatsoever

45

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012 in any aspect of the engineering field. And to have been able to establish a company like this and employ all the engineers, direct the growth and get to where we are today and still be undaunted, is much to say. But I must let you know that I have worked my ass out to get this far.

How big is your oil and gas organisation?

In Nigeria, we have our head office for the group in Lagos and, still in Lagos, a big office for a subsidiary of the group. We have offices in Port Harcourt, Warri, and operations in Eket. We have locations in Canada in Trinidad and Tobago to cover our operations in the Caribbean where we are sole agents to some agencies. In the USA, we have an office in North Carolina and Houston. We are setting up operations in Angola. So, to some extent, we can be called a medium-scale enterprise.

The number of direct employees is over 400.

We are also contract manpower suppliers to some oil companies in Nigeria. We employ people and then deploy them to the oil industry.

You are from Ondo town, studied in Ibadan and Ijebuland and then moved to Lagos. Which of these places are you more inclined to?

The point is that I have more friends who hail from Ijebu than Ondo. However, one way or the other, my path and those of my Ijebu friends always cross and we joke a lot. Sometimes I tell them jokingly that the only good Ijebu man is a dead one (laughs). But then, I wine and dine with them. And three of my children are married to Ijebu people (laughs).

So I believe that I am a very cosmopolitan person. I relate across. I have no discerning line in choosing my friends or who I relate to. My wife at home is an Igbo woman. The man who is running my organisation now is from the famous Ashiru family from Ijebu Ode. So, I am not limited.

What do you see as challenges in the oil and gas industry in present day Nigeria?

A major problem has been the reluctance of the International Oil Companies (IOC) to recognise the indigenous companies. Since the international oil companies started operations in this country in 1958, they have, unfortunately for the country, been given and enjoying such free hand to do whatever they like.

So they have kept their operations under wraps. Until recently when the government began to put pressure on them to open the field to indigenous players, not only in exploration and production but also in services, they used to give all the contracts in support operations to companies from their home countries. So we ended up having a situation where until recently, every dollar that was spent in the oil and gas industry was sent back to their home countries. The jobs went to natives of their home countries.

They kept giving the excuse that we didn’t have the experience. But there was no way we were going to gain experience without being given the opportunity to try and train and become professionally alright. But now, the government has put in place a legislation concerning local content. Now there is change. But we are not yet there totally until the field is opened up and more and more Nigerian companies are involved before we can totally say that change has come. So, a major challenge is that the major foreign oil companies are not opening up opportunities for indigenous firms. Some of these IOCs are however better than others. But they are still hurdles.

Do you see the situation improving soon?

It is for the government to stay the cost by insisting that the major IOCs accept their commitment because the government has compelled them to sign on this. By the time this is done, we shall improve. As it is now, they are forced to do it, and even if they are doing it reluctantly, they still have to do it.

Nigerians also have a fault. We are so individualistic. Let us even take our eyes away from the IOCs; some of these contracts are beyond what one man’s company can do. The average Nigerian businessman’s attitude is not helping matters. We are not thorough and we are always looking for short cuts. We collect contracts and look for ways of getting the money without doing a thorough job. We spend the money on what is not even related to the business. The persistence to sit back and do long term thinking and take long term actions is not there. We need to develop attitude to learn and become good. The oil industry is so big there are so many aspects of it. Whichever aspect one wants to go into, it is better to learn, train and develop. The owners of the business, that is the foreign compa-

‘I don’t see Nigeria coming out of fuel shortage soon’

‘

When Obasanjo came, he gave licences to prospective refinery builders, but none of them has broken ground to set up refineries. The only ones we still have are those built by the government.

They are drain pipes. They are not efficient, commercially-driven organisations. And when they sold them in OBJ’s last days, Yar’Adua came up and he was blackmailed into suspending the sale. I don’t see Nigeria coming out of fuel shortage soon

,

nies and a few indigenous companies, will be more comfortable if they are sure that when you are given the contracts that you will deliver and you won’t cut corners. That is not easy to find among Nigerians. We are shortterm thinking people.

Then, of course, there is the challenge of finance. And here, the Nigerian banks are the problem. The things they ask for, you wonder what they are after. We have banks that we have been using for decades but they have never supported us on any business even when the contracts are from blue chip organisations. Loans in Nigeria, when they decide to give, the interest rate does not help long term investment. You can’t be borrowing money with interest rate above 20 per cent. It is killing. Such situation is unfortunate for businesses that are international in nature.

Meanwhile, we are in competition with other organisations all over the world providing same services. If they are borrowing money on two or three per cent like it is happening in some countries around the world, and you are borrowing money at 20%, you can never compete. Meanwhile, the world is now a global village and we have to compete. Other companies support local businesses by making funds available, but that is not taking place here. There are funds that are available overseas for you to fund your businesses here. But the catch there is that you borrow in hard currency; that is FOREX. You use it for business in Nigeria, but before you say Jack Robinson, the exchange rate has changed. So, what you thought you were going to pay back changes and you need more money to pay back. Before you know it, you are in debt.

But you are also into business in the West Coast. How easy is that kind of operation?

From experience, I can say that it is easier with the English-speaking countries than the French-speaking countries. That is why it is

easier for us to operate in Ghana. We have principals that we are agents to on the West Coast, up to Angola, though a bit more difficult there because they speak Portuguese.

Very few speak English. The concept of ECOWAS is a good idea but we still have a long way to go with the processes.

Are we making any impact with gas as an alternative to heavy dependence on oil?

It is unfortunate that Nigeria has continually been flaring gas. We have not harnessed our gas and used it the way we should. Take the case of power generation; Nigeria is celebrating because we are generating 4000 kilowatts of electricity for a population of over 160 million people. Meanwhile we are flaring unbelievable quantity of gas. During the military era, investment in development of the oil industry was more or less abandoned. Generation, transmission and distribution were all neglected. The civilians came to tackle it but there is not enough understanding and planning in their desire. They are busy in the wrong direction. One can recall the case of the generating plants set up and commissioned without the thinking of where they would get gas from.

So, what we have on ground is places that can generate power but no gas to go there.

The only gas pipeline that comes to Lagos passes through the Gateway. The government has liberalised the field.

People want to come and set up.

Even we too. But there is no gas.

There are about 900 derivatives from gas that can be produced here. Meanwhile, we are importing all of them and flaring gas in the Niger Delta.

Nigeria is actually a gas zone.

We have more gas than oil.

So, the government should look more in this direction. If government goes after gas, much will be achieved.

As oil producing company operator, why in your own estimation are we having repeated fuel queues at our filling stations?

That is easy to solve.

Government has no business in the importation and distribution of oil and gas products. As long as government, because of political convenience, insists on controlling the selling price of fuel, we will never get out of shortage. The reason we do not have dollar investment in the building of refineries in Nigeria is because of the control of fuel prices here. It’s so totally illogical. You want people to come and invest their money to build refineries here and refine fuel, but when they finish building

•Olabintan Famutimi

them, you tell them what price to sell. So, if you tell them to sell at a particular price and their cost of production is more than that, how will they make their money back? You tell them at that point that you will subsidise by paying them the difference. The problem that arises at that point would be how they will be sure that you will keep your word, especially for a government that is not famous for being consistent and in a place where promises change immediately after elections and the personalities in government also change.

When Obasanjo came, he gave licences to prospective refinery builders, but none of them has broken ground to set up refineries. The only ones we still have are those built by the government.

They are drain pipes. They are not efficient, commercially-driven organisations. And when they sold them in OBJ’s last days, Yar’Adua came up and he was blackmailed into suspending the sale. I don’t see Nigeria coming out of fuel shortage soon.

46

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

they normally put the carnival in their annual budgets.

“Regrettably, from my interactions with the Abuja Hotel Owners’ Forum, the festival has no impact on their business since most participants from states normally stay in schools and hostels for the duration of the festival.”

However, having said it, one needs to point out that the Abuja Carnival that was organized between last week and this week only shows that the gradual reversal of fortune that the festival has been going through in the last couple of years has reached a level that it has become an embarrassment to the country.

There are many reasons for this. Unlike in the past when efforts were made to mobilise and sensitise Nigerians about the festival so that they would participate, no such thing was done.

This led to the venue of the festival, Eagle Square, being empty. It was a show in which the participants were also the audience. The street float, one of the hallmarks of the carnival, was done on

•Participants at the carnival

Okorie UGURU The Abuja Carnival 2012 was held between November 24 and November 27. The organizers of the festival must be commended for hosting the festival tagged Carnival of Peace and Harmony under difficult conditions, most especially in the light of national security challenges and paucity of funds.

The festival featured important programmes such as the carnival float, the boat regatta and, of course, the command performance that featured performances from countries like Egypt, China,

Namibia and Trinidad and Tobago.

Many would say that for such festival to hold at all signals, to a large extent, that the security situation in the country is not as bad as it has been painted.

The organisers should also be commended because within the short time that the nod for the festival was given, they could still put up a show for a select audience in Abuja to see.

The question that needs to be answered is that having staged the festival, how would it impact on the country’s quest to become

one of the preferred tourist destinations in Africa?

Speaking on the carnival, one of Nigeria’s foremost tour operators, Mr. Jemi Alade, said: “I knew that Abuja Carnival was going to take place. But nobody seems to know about Abuja Carnival outside Nigeria. It is a difficult sell. It is not that I am against it, but it not something marketable for me. I don’t know about other persons.”

Some officials of the National Association of Nigerian Tour Operators (NATOP) told this reporter that the NATOP could not

make any input to the carnival because it was not carried along. So, there was no way the members could go out to start marketing an event that they had no details about.

Lucky George, the veteran travel journalist and publisher of the African Travel Magazine, had this to say about the festival: “Unfortunately, from what was seen in the last two editions, it is obvious that the carnival has remained at the level of just making money for the organizers and to appease state art councils which normally participate in the carnival as

Tourism News

S

TARWOOD Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has announced that it will increase its African portfolio by nearly 30 per cent with 10 new hotels set to open over the next three years, adding more than 4,200 guest rooms to the continent and creating thousands of local employment opportunities.

Three of these hotels will be in Nigeria.

Emphasising the importance of Africa as one of the world’s fastest-growing hotel and travel markets, the company’s Frits van Paasschen and members of Starwood’s senior executive team were in Nigeria and two other key growth markets,Angola and Gabon.

“Home to seven of the world’s 10 fastest growing economies, there could not be a better time to expand our footprint in Africa,” said Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO, Starwood Hotels and Resorts. ”From a vastly improving infrastructure, major investments

Starwood to open three hotels in Nigeria

•Starwood’s team from China, rapid economic growth, rising personal incomes and a growing middle class – we are seeing exciting changes that are driving the African future and we intend to be a part of it,”he said.

At a press conference in

Lagos, van Paasschen shared Starwood’s plans to further expand its portfolio in Nigeria, the company’s largest growth market on the African continent.

Starwood currently operates five hotels in Nigeria, one in Abuja, one in Ibom, one in Port

empty streets.

If the aim of the festival was to attract inbound tourists, it was a woeful failure as no foreign visitor that would be travelling with his or her money would take off to Nigeria under such short notice.

Severally, it has been pointed out that organizing such event that requires inbound tourists needs long notice, a minimum of one year, but those at the helms at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation

Harcourt and two in Lagos under its Sheraton, Le Méridien and Four Points

by Sheraton brands. By 2015, Starwood will open three additional hotels in Nigeria, one property in Benin City and two in Lagos.

“Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and boasts the secondlargest economy on the continent, presenting tremendous opportunities for the country to play a key role in our African expansion.With investorfriendly policies in place and ongoing economic growth, Nigeria epitomises the economic ascent of Africa as a development destination,”said Simon Turner, President of Global Development & Acquisition, Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

With more than 70 per cent of the world’s economic growth coming from fast-growing markets over the next few years, Starwood is focused on expansion in developing African countries such as Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt and South Africa. The company is also looking to enter key emerging countries, including Angola, Ivory Coast and Ghana.

As part of this strategy, Starwood is investing in the development, sales and expansion of its Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) programme in Africa. By the end of this year, Starwood will double its dedicated development team focused on growth in Africa, underscoring the company’s commitment to continued growth in the region.

FTAN organises T

T

HE Federation of Tour ism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN) is to organise a tourism investment forum next year.

Chief Samuel Alabi, National President of the FTAN made this known recently in Lagos.

According to him, the tourism sector is faced with a series of challenges, one of which is the issue of funding for the sector either by financial institutions or established government sources that has not really been handy.

In making it a memorable and exemplary event, many private and public individuals have been pencilled down to speak at the forum.

Top issues to be discussed at the forum are: the Place of Tourism in Nigeria and the Challenges of Funding, the Role of Tourism in the Eco-

47

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012 chose not to know. It seems the most important thing is that once there is an approval for the festival to be organised, then it has to go on no matter how poorly planned. Since it is organised with the aim of wooing tourists to Nigeria, organizers of the festival should give us the number of inbound tourists that came for the festival outside those countries invited by the government. If the Abuja residents did not come out for the festival as seen in the poor turn out and there were almost zero visitors from abroad, the question then is for who was the 2012 Abuja Carnival was held.

The Abuja Carnival that was envisaged when the festival made a debut in 2005 during the Obasanjo government is far from what currently obtains. There are so many reasons for this. First, the uncertainty that has shrouded the festival in the last couple of years.

However, in the last couple of years, the quality of the festival in terms of form and content has much nosedived.

From all indications, this year’s event has further given fillip to those strongly canvassing that the festival should be scrapped as it is adding nothing to the tourism profile of the country

United adds B787 Dreamliner

which was the initial goal the festival set out to achieve when it was started. Rather all we have is a cobbled event organised with an eye to spend the allotted budget rather than adding value to the tourism industry.

With the wastage that has become the hallmark of the Abuja Carnival and its current descent into mediocrity with little or no audience, the

Federal Government’s quest to diversify the Nigeria’s economy from overdependence on oil will be better served, if the money currently expended in the Abuja Carnival is spent in making the Carnival Calabar better.

Many stakeholders in tourism are of the opinion that if driving the tourist traffic into the country was the reason

for the annual staging of the carnival, it has failed woefully and should be discontinued.

The money for the festival could be better used in developing other critical subsectors of the tourism industry instead of spending it on a festival that is adding absolutely nothing to the country’s tourism development.

‘

I knew that Abuja Carnival was going to take place. But nobody seems to know about Abuja Carnival outside Nigeria. It is a difficult sell. It is not that I am against it, but it not something marketable for me.

I don’t know about other persons

’

s Tourism Investors’ Forum

African Centre Project, CBAAC to hold HAACE 2013 Risikat RAMONI

T

• One of the winners of Arik free tickets during the WTM receiving her prize nomic Development of Nigeria and Nigerian Fiscal Policies and its Imperatives on Tourism Development.

Others are Taxation as a Tool of Tourism Development, the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its Tourism Potential and an Appraisal of Current Sectoral Intervention Funds.

The highlights of the event would be an exhibition and broad participation from stakeholders from the travel and tourism industry.

HE Harvest of African Arts and Cultural Edge (HAACE), a replica of Festac ’77 and an initiative of the African Centre Project and the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), which will feature Miss Culture Africa, will take place between March 28 and 30, 2013 at the Nigerian French Language Village in Badagry, Lagos.

HAACE of the Border Kingdoms is the theme of the 2013 event.

According to the CEO of Gembeach Arena, Mr Leo Aggrey, the HAACE will “create new career focus and alleviate poverty in all border kingdoms. The border edge kingdoms will be transformed into a colossal zone for developing tourism and cultural potentials, thus becoming an economic driving force and a positive influence on Africa.

“The HAACE is to revamp the lost cultural ingenuity, scientific profoundness and unfeigned identity of the black race. We want the whole of Africa to come together and have a common culture and be one.”

Among the activities that will feature in the HAACE is cultural display, a lecture to crusade on mannerism of the African youth, how to bring them back to the normal African culture and tradition as well as a showcase of arts and sciences of different countries in Africa.

Government representatives, kings from Nigeria and other African countries,among others, are expected at the harvest ceremony.

United Airlines and the Consul General of the U.S Consulate, Lagos celebrated the first anniversary of the airlines’ direct flight from Lagos to Houston in a cocktail reception held on Tuesday, November 20 in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The event was also used to inform the audience about the plans of the airline to add the B787 Dreamliner to its fleet flying between Lagos and Houston direct route, come early January 2013.

It would be recalled that United Airlines officially inaugurated its Lagos to Houston non-stop direct flight on November 17 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The reception was held in celebration of the route’s success in its first year of operation. The event set in a spectacular location, the very residence of the U.S Consul General, Mr. Jeffery Hawkins.

The location turned out to be a beautifully welltrimmed, natural turf over-looking a panoramic waterfront view of the massive Lagos Lagoon. The setting creates an ambient atmosphere that speaks of class, the event’s packaging answers to qualit and creative perfection and uniqueness for which the Americans are noted for.

The event turned out not to be one of long speech makings but rather afforded participants the opportunity to connect, familiarise and network among themselves freely amidst abundant flow of assorted delicacies, wines and good music. Thanks to the classy and quality services of the staff of Four Points Hotel who positioned themselves at strategic spots within the event arena to respond to guests’ requests and so displayed their skills in the hospitality business to perfection.

Rebecca Armand, the commercial counsellor for the Embassy of the United States of America, stepped on to the podium, called the attention of the participants and opened the event.

The commercial counsellor, in steering the event, explained that it has been a huge experience doing business in Nigeria, as it has been yielding benefits to them.

Making a short remark at the event also, the Country Manager for United Airlines, Gary Bidmead, touched on the importance of the Nigerian aviation industry to focus more effort on air safety issues. “Nigeria needs to upgrade her security facility in the aviation sector as air safety is important to the travelling public”, he concluded.

The Country Manager went on to reveal, to the excitement of the audience, that the airline is joining the league of companies that has the new B787 Dreamliner aircraft in their fleet.

“Come early January 2013, United Airlines will be launching and adding the B787 Dreamliner aircraft to its fleet to fly the Lagos and Houston route”. The B787 is one of the most technologically advanced commercial airlines in the world, with the right humidity for passengers’ comfort and the biggest window in the sky.

Mr. Hawkins took time to recount his pleasant experience in Lagos within the period that he has been in the country.

Some of the dignitaries present at the event included Capt. Edward Boyo, MD/CEO, Landover Aviation Company; the GSA for United Airline, Ashley Batemann; Senior Consultant, U.S. Federal Team, Global Business Services, IBM; Chief Bintan Famutimi, Deputy President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce; Dr Ladi Awosika, CEO Total Health Trust Ltd; Queen Ahneva Ahneva, Chief Operating Officer, Quintessentially Lifestyle, among others.

In his remark, Chief Famutimi observed that “Nigeria was one of the countries blacklisted for nonsafety in air transport by the United states.

“A Delta airline was the first to break the non-safety jinx to fly direct to Lagos from the United States. And now United Airlines has joined with its Lagos to Houston direct flight”.

•United Airline

THE NATION, Saturday, December 8, 2012

48 ONATHAN Patterson, a Briton, has a family of four sons in the United Kingdom. But he chose to make Nigeria his home. He has already spent four years in the country, which he believes is a time long enough to convince him that Nigeria is the place to be. Besides, he has launched a silent campaign against the negative stories the foreign media peddle about Nigeria.

The opening manager for Lonrho Hotels, a unit of a business conglomerate with extensive interests in aviation, mining, logistics infrastructure and hotels across the world, including 16 African countries, said: “It was after •Patterson the hotel was set up in Botswana that I moved to Nigeria. I eat Nigerian foods. I try everything, I love the people here, and I love the culture, the feel of the country and the weather.

“What I see Nigeria and the government in particular doing is to improve the image of the country. It is very unfortunate that Nigeria gets into the media for the wrong reasons. I travel from time to time, and when I meet people outside Nigeria and ask them about Nigeria, I can always see that they already have pre-conceived notion about the country. This is where the government has to come in because you’ve got fantastic places here.”

As the opening manager for Lonrho Hotels, Jonathan Patterson is bringing to Nigeria great investment and employment.

He said: “Lonrho is a company in a large conglomerate. We have as far as •Photo: MUYIWA HASSAN the hotel division is concerned, luxury hotels in Democratic Republic of Congo, Mumbashi, Kinshasha, Mozambique n Paul UKPABIO n and Zimbabwe, and we are working on opening our new luxury hotel brand, With such task ahead of him, one could Landsmore, our in-house five-star brand in not but ask Jonathan how prepared he is.

Botswana, in Gabon with new development “Well, Lonrho is a big company,” he also taking place in Accra. continued. “I have a lot of back-up as it is.

“As far as Lonrho is concerned, we are That is the beauty of working for a major very interested in the Nigerian hotel market company because you have the service and with both of our brands, and the positioning the financing. We think it is an exciting of the Lansmore luxury hotel in Lagos and time and soon Nigerians and visitors into Abuja, so that the country can benefit from the country will begin to feel a lot of our super luxury five-star operations. presence.

“The other brand is the ‘easy brand.’ We “I was reading in a newspaper recently have a 20-year franchise with the Easy that despite the bad economy, tourism has Group and the Easy Group is part of where increased with a margin of 4 per cent the easy jet airline came from. We have the between January and now. The newspaper exclusive right to operate the easy brand in went on to say that it is a better index Africa. compared to last year. Now, that is fantastic.

“As a company, we intend to open up at “So, with our new easy budget hotels least 15 of these hotels in Nigeria in the next coming into the country, we should expect a four years. Also, as far as Nigeria is better report next year. This is also why we concerned, we are looking at having ‘easy are comfortable in breaking into the market hotels: six in Lagos and others in Abuja, Port even alongside our competitive luxury 5-star Harcourt, Benin, Warri and other parts of the hotel that has succeeded in other parts of country.

Africa.

“In the four years that I have been in “Again, within the period I have been in Nigeria, I have noticed that people are more Nigeria, I have seen extra and extra hotel and more brand-aware. Easy and Lonrho are rooms being available. The hotel industry international brands and we are working on here, whether budget or luxury rooms, is having a minimum of 15 ‘easy hotels. very exciting. What we are doing elsewhere, Though as I see it, we may end up having is what we will be doing here. We are about 30 in Nigeria, with a very simple focused more on connectivity, international model. If you take Lagos for example, you standard and going beyond the ordinary. have expensive hotels and it is difficult to get That is our model. a hotel that is up scale and at the same time “I was the one that opened up the hotel in cheap. If you find one, you’ll also notice that Gaboroni, Botswana. It’s there operating such hotel has compromised quality. now. There is indeed the need for a “So, with the easy model, we have a very Landsmor Hotel in Lagos and I can see that strict model to follow, and it has been proven it is very sustainable. to work. We had our first in Johannesburg in “But then, there is a huge gap in the South Africa and these and other projects are market for good quality and budget class. presently in different stages right here in Our easy hotels will be in very buoyant Nigeria.” commercial areas, close to eateries with very

J

,

Security has to be taken into great consideration, especially considering the insecurity in northern Nigeria because this results into international headlines which portray Nigeria as a dangerous place. However, I feel confident here and I feel safe walking the streets of Nigeria than even the streets of London

,

visitors from abroad are encouraged to come.

“When more and more people come in here, it will become more and more easier for more people to come, and tourism here will keep growing. I believe it is becoming more and easier for tourists outside Nigeria, to come in here.

“Lagos, for instance, has got fantastic beach experience to offer, resort hotels on beaches, which is just five/six hours from Europe, especially at this time when the cold starts in Europe and it could be very miserable there.

“Meanwhile Nigeria has got fantastic whether all year round, and the beautiful beaches, mile upon mile golden sand and what have you. So, investing here right now of course means that we are confident that people are going to come here.

“But again, we are also looking inward. Domestic tourism must be encouraged. A lot of Nigerians do travel out. They go on holiday abroad. We are of the opinion that if we provide them with the class of what they get abroad, it becomes relatively cheaper to holiday here and still enjoy. We will also be courting those who can’t afford to travel abroad. Such class of people definitely fit into our easy budget hotels which would be affordable for them.

“If you take the Caribbean where I once worked, the tourism industry is the biggest player. Fortunately, Nigeria has the crude oil, food products like the palm oil, but sincerely, the tourism industry here, is still untapped.

“However, developing tourism here also has to take cognizance of imputing confidence on investors who will also be assisting in developing the industry. Security has to be taken into great consideration, especially considering the insecurity in northern Nigeria because this results into international headlines which portray Nigeria as a dangerous place.

However, I feel confident here and I feel safe walking the streets of Nigeria than even the streets of London.

“We have to also encourage persuasive selling of the tourism aspect of the country in the international market.

There are so many opportunities to be derived from tourism here for the majority of the people. Tourism gives room for spillover effects that encourages more and more of the indigenes of a place to get more and more into businesses of their own.

“We have identified 12 hotels that have already been on ground. Yes we are looking at existing hotels which we could convert to the easy hotel model. Regarding this, there is still opportunity for existing hotel owners who may want to convert and be part of a plc because it also boils down to brand awareness, marketing scope and so on.

“This is quite apart from other sites that we have located and commenced work on, especially for the Lonrho brand of hotels which are luxury five star brands.”

Although he was born in Singapore, lived in Malaysia for many years, worked in the UK, and other parts of Europe, Singapore, Caribbean, Southern Guinea and some other parts of Africa before arriving Nigeria, Jonathan’s first love was aviation. He always wanted to be a pilot.

He said: “Aviation was my major first interest. I always wanted to be a pilot right from when I was five. But by the time I was ready for it, it wasn’t viable again for me.

Growing up in the Far East, Singapore, my father was moving a lot because of the nature of his work. So, I stayed a lot in hotels.

So, I told myself that if I couldn’t be a pilot, perhaps I can work in a hotel. That was how I ended up in the hospitality industry.”

I feel safer walking the streets of Lagos than those of London —Jonathan Patterson, Briton and Opening Manager, Lonrho Hotels affordable charge, and we will build brand loyalty with it.”

Jonathan is also counting on the reach advantage of the conglomerate’s airline business. “We also have links with our airline Lonrho’s Fly 540, the leading budget and second major airline in East Africa. They are also called fast jets. It began operations in November in Nairobi, Accra and Tanzania.

And we are expecting that these will be flying into Lagos, Abuja and all other places that we will be having our hotels in the near future.

“The planes go to wherever we have our hotels. With such an enduring patronage of our aircraft, it will also be the opportunity to showcase our new hotels here to the passengers.”

Having been in Nigeria for a while and considering the investment his company is putting on ground, how easy does Jonathan think it is for tourists to come into the country?

Still optimistic, Jonathan said: “It is well recognised that tourism is on the increase in this clime. But it is so obvious that tourism is still much untapped. Tourism for Nigeria could be huge. I have been to places, hotels and resorts around the country; the Obudu Mountain Resort and others. They are mostly fantastic facilities, I must say.

“So, I can conveniently tell you that Nigeria has good facilities on ground which our hotels are also going to build upon. But the country’s image abroad also has to be worked upon to ensure that more and more

49

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

G A L I N U r o f n o i s My vis

o ll e B n o m a h a R , C V w —Ne S

TEPPING into the shoes left behind by your predecessors usually comes with a measure of nervousness.

The anxiety of ensuring your legs fit into them is one thing; the burden of expectation is another. Are the fresh legs big enough to fit in?

Can they carry the shoes?

These were questions that hung on the lips of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) community following the appointment of Prof.

Rahamon Adisa Bello as the new vice chancellor of the 50-year-old institution on November 12, 2012.

Striding into the coveted office as the 11th Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG can be quite intimidating. Yet it is a rare opportunity for Bello to prove that it is not so much about the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog. And for the ‘large shoes’, his legs are more than sizeable.

As the former Deputy ViceChancellor (Management Services), Prof Bello is rather too familiar with the inner workings, duties and responsibilities of his new portfolio, particularly as he had served in the office of the ViceChancellor in an acting capacity since May 12, 2012, following the sudden passing away of his predecessor, Prof. Babatunde Sofoluwe, early this year.

A rounded academic and astute administrator, Bello began what could be described as his nomadic career as a Mechanical Engineering Technician with the Nigerian Tobacco Company (NTC) in 1969, after he graduated from the then University of Ife, IleIfe (now Obafemi Awolowo University), in 1974.

After his spell at the Nigerian Tobacco Company, Bello had a brief stint with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources as a Petroleum Engineer.

While many of his ilk would have found themselves lulled into complacency of attractive and remunerative career prospect at the NTC and the Petroleum Resources Ministry, Bello’s unquenchable appetite for knowledge necessitating his calling time on salaried jobs. He proceeded to the University of Waterloo, Canada, where he earned M.A.Sc (1977) and Ph.D (1981) in Chemical Engineering.

Upon his return, he joined the service of the University of Lagos as an Assistant Lecturer in 1977 and rose steadily to the posts of Lecturer II, Lecturer 1 and Senior Lecturer, in 1981, 1982 and 1985 re-

Linus OBOGO, Assistant Editor spectively. He was appointed Associate Professor in 1991 and Professor of Chemical Engineering in 1998.

A specialist in Biochemical Engineering Processes, Bello has carried out researches and consultancy in Industrial Biotechnology, as well as offering consultancy and professional services to various organizations, including the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd., Elf Petroleum, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Proceng Limited, among others.

A deft player, Bello is not one contented with playing at the domestic league alone, having variously plied his trade with international agencies like the National Project Manager for the UNDP/ ILO project on “Strategies for SelfEmployment Promotion” between 1991 and 1992.

A ‘hot commodity’ he came to personify at various stages, Bello’s services were also in hot demand in his home state of Ogun. And in 1994, he was appointed from his UNILAG office and made a member of the Ogun State Executive Council as Commissioner for Special Duties; a position he held till 1996.

Prof. Bello was a member of the Central Working Group of Vision 20-2020 and served as alternative Chairman for the Energy and Transportation Sub-section.

A man always in a hurry to run with his vision for the university, he has, since his appointment, hit the ground running by unfolding his lofty agenda for UNILAG, foremost of which is to make the institution the first to be reckoned with in Africa in the next five years. For Bello, time is really of essence and everyone who wants to run with his vi-

•Rahamon Bello

sion must quickly get on their marks.

Not exactly on a coat tails of his late predecessor, Prof. Sofoluwe, Bello has typified what a team player ought to be by inviting every institution’s stakeholder to join his transformation train and help realise his dream.

An indication that his doors will at all times be

opened to all, the Vice-Chancellor, immediately after he was swornin, swung into action by holding various consultative meetings with Committee of Provost and Deans of Faculties, academic heads of de-

partments, student faculty executives and all staff unions, where issues ranging from upgrade of academic facilities to new arrangements with several institutions in China and USA, improvement of academic programmes, research, staff welfare and projects in the pipeline were unveiled.

Nothing could be more reassuring. Accordingly, the Vice-Chancellor informed his expectant audience that a unit which will coordinate and promote research activities in the university was in the pipeline. In his words: “In the course of time, the Unit would grow to become a department, coordinating group research proposals, promote end-use of research findings and attract grants for research activities. The drive, he said, is to take the University of Lagos to a comfortable position in the league of top class universities in the world.” Currently, UNILAG reportedly ranks 9th in Africa.

Fazed by what he described as the stifling learning environment in the institution, Bello also assured of an urgent need for a facelift by promising that in a matter of few months, teaching infrastructure would begin to don a new look. As part of the upgrading exercise, each classroom would have interactive ICT board, internet connectivity, airconditioning and comfortable seats Matching words with action, he hinted that funds had already been earmarked for the project. He also said the university library would be spared by his transformation train.

Determined to eradicate a seeming class structure existing on the campus, the Vice-Chancellor said in line with the upgrading exercise, more toilet facilities will be provided in all the faculties. He noted that “the use of different toilets by staff and student in the faculties would be eradicated. In its place, it would be just male and female toilets. This, he noted, is intended to create a wholesome responsibility for the maintenance of the toilet facilities in the faculties.

Aware of the university’s limited capabilities, the new ViceChancellor is not looking to rest on his oars. Accordingly, a robust synergy and collaboration with local and international institutions is well underway.

Leading the pack of local institutions lending their support to UNILAG is the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which has concluded plans to build a Maritime Institute in the university.

UNILAG was chosen for the project because of its pool of intellectuals, immense contribution to national development, topography and location near the lagoon.

Following on the heels of NIMASA is the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). It has set the necessary machinery in motion for the construction of an ultra-modern “Centre of Excellence” project in the university. When completed, the project will include an academic facility and a five-star hostel.

With assured infrastructural transformation, a top-ranking varsity in Africa, a peaceful and conducive academic environment, the University of Lagos would hardly ask for more. But the next five years will define Bello’s place in the institution’s history.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012 50 Women are Talent called Balogun Danjuma I have two everywhere THOUGH Facebook profiles with Omo Baale Dale Katunsa 8,000 followership bebut queens over tween the two and so many his wall and even contribut- should encourage talents With Adeola Agoro when I see it. Balogun is a confirmed friends, ing to some of his posts. Yes, are scarce yet-to-be raw talent and I’m embracE-mail: libranadeola@yahoo.co.uk but I’m not a die-hard Balogin Danjuma is some-

Hearts

B

EAUTY attracts men, but wisdom keeps them. Elegance catches men’s attention but intelligence convinces them.

Nagging irritates men but constructive silence weakens them. The boy in every man pumps out occasionally, the ability to handle this is a woman’s truest maturity.

Men have secret struggles and silent pains, should you ever find them out, you have exhibited the greatest maturity. In the long run, your words matter more to a man than your ‘looks’ so invest in the right words.

Earn a man’s respect and he will consider you the yardstick for all his action.

Learn to mould the moods of your man. Men will naturally give you their futures if they can recall your maturity in yesterday’s issues....

Women are everywhere but queens are scarce. Let the queen in you come alive and he will hold you in high esteem. Share this to any beautiful woman you know and also to any man who knows a beautiful woman.

Facebook person. Facebook for me is about keeping in touch with old friends and maintaining contact with fans and new friends. I must confess that I like learning from wise posts too and I never fail to visit the walls of those I have identified as reasonable and wise people.

I really can’t remember at what stage I began to notice Balogun OmoBaale DaleKatunsa, but somehow, he crept so much into my sub-conscious that I began to look out for his posts on the home page.

Before long, I was visiting

kind of man will want to engage a babe with status like – ‘Liquids loadin’, Elegushi loadin’, ‘Movida on point’, ‘Wine bar Abuja toh bad’, ‘6 bottles I gallant’, ‘Clubbing mode activated’, ‘Champaign rain’, “Missing my bed tonite’, ‘Off to Crystal Lounge’, “Am gonna party real hard 2nite’ ‘Owerri, Benin, Lagos, PH,

what we face now in relationships and marital issues would be like child’s play in the nearest future. An individual cheats on a perfectly okay partner.

When I say perfectly okay, I mean, (using a male as an example) physically he’s an Adonis! Sexually he delivers pinpoint heavenly pleasure, he treats her like a queen, he’s an awesome father and possesses other laudable attributes, yet one day she cheats on him. It happens every day and when you ask the cheating partner, they cannot explain why they did it. Very funny, they blame the devil forgetting that we

ing him. It takes a lot of sit down and write and draw up followership. So, when I see a young person making efforts to stand apart from the yahoo-yahoo guys of our days and make a difference, I want to hug that person.

I’m hugging you today Balogun Danjuma for the nice things you have written and published on Facebook.

Thanks for granting me the permission to share some of them today on my page. Keep writing and please, compile some of these things you’ve written and do a book one day. I wish you the very best.

...every girl

VERY girl wants to be en E gaged to a serious man and wish to get married, but what

Sever all ties with the crap-giving guy before frolicking with the new guy If a guy treats a lady like crap and she meets someone that treats her like a queen, of course she has to sever all ties with the crap-giving guy before frolicking with the new guy okay, when you are still in a relationship with someone and you have another lover on the side, it’s cheating my dear. The same applies for guys.

I’m sure you know there are people who have partners that treat them like goddesses or gods and yet they cheat! What do you call that?

Greed! It’s human nature.

If we don’t learn to be disciplined and positively or morally principled,

times crazy and sometimes so hilarious that I find myself laughing out loud (LOL), but he could be sometimes wise and right on point.

That he writes about relationships some of the time has really endeared him to me. Balogun has a way of putting some things that I sometimes frown at, but that doesn’t take away the fact that he makes a whole lot of sense.

Other than the few times I have actually met him online and had interactions with him, I’ve never met Balogun.

But at this stage in my life, I

Abuja, Asaba, Bayelsa on my mind’, ‘Painting Accra blue and red’, ‘Dubai n Italy tins’…

You wear skimpy cloths, almost naked, loud nails and paintings you call makeups and you put it as your DP (display picture). You put DPs that you took in different hotels, hotel bedrooms and bathrooms. You then put ‘Alhaji thank you’ or ‘Baby thank you’ as your bf (boyfriend) no get name). Or you put ‘Senator, God bless you’, ‘Hon. You’re too much’. You take pictures in different cars; are you a driver?

...in fact God go punish you

Y

OU went to a club, took home a whore and paid her 15k. The next day, your girlfriend came over and spent d whole weekend with you. She washed your clothes, cooked your meals, cleaned your house and you gave her 2k. You say you are testing her to know if she is after your money.

God is seriously watching you.... In fact God go punish you.

Stories by Danladi Balogun

From Left: Chairman, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Hon. Benjamin Olabinjo; Senior Adviser, Parastatal Monitoring, Mr. Gboyega Salvador-Adebayo; member Lagos House of Assembly representing Ifako-Ijaye Constituency, Hon. Dayo Saka; member Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Ahmed Omisore and chairman Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area, Hon. Oloruntoba Oke, during the governor’s monitoring project at Ifako Ijaye, Lagos

Ipad 3, Bold 5, Porsche as DP and your boyfriend dey use Curve 2. Brazilian hair. Romanian hair. Peruvian hair etc.

Who is fooling who?.......

Some babes never ready!!!

Or you think those men ain’t seeing them? You better have a rethink. Maybe when you are 33 years, you’ll change your status to ‘Church on ma mind’, ‘I love Jesus’, ‘Jesus saves’.

At 35 years you begin to say all men are evil.

At 37 you no go miss any church service or crusade again. By then you don expire comot for market.

Fresh adventurous babes full university dey roll out, then beef go start. You spend hours in your saloon gossiping about younger girls, other married girls and how bad men are.

I know say many girls go vex but sharing this might save a frustrated depressed girl before it’s too late. All good men & Women should please rebroadcast and save a frustrated girl.

Joke You must be single A woman was shopping at our local supermarket where she selected: A half dozen of milk, hald crate of eggs, a pack of orange juice, a loaf of bread, a tin of coffee and packet of biscuits. As she was unloading her items on the conveyor belt to check out, a drunk standing behind her watched as she placed the items in front of the cashier. While the cashier was ringing up her purchases, the drunk calmly stated, “You must be single.”

The woman was a bit startled by this proclamation, but she was intrigued by the derelict’s intuition, since she was indeed single.

She looked at her items on the belt and saw nothing particularly unusual about her selections that could have tipped off the drunk to her marital status. Curiosity getting the better of her, she said “Well, you know what, you’re absolutely correct, but how on earth did you know that?”

The drunk replied, “Cause you’re ugly.”

Tel: 08023162609

Whatshouldbetheright attitudeofyoungwomen hopingformarriage?

Dear Adeola, I love reading your page a lot. I am particularly fascinated by the edition of 24th November 2012. I like the way you answered the issue raised by the 16 year old girl. Without reading your reply, I felt very bad about what the girl wrote. Your answer drew my respect for you as a mother. You were truthful in what you said. I want you in future to chastise such girls and go a step forward to reprimand parents under whose carelessness such things happen.

At 16, such girls should be tied to their mothers’ apron learning how to sweep, how to prepare food and should be made to carry bibles on their heads while going to church.

On the issues of love discussed, you did well. But can you say something about girls who are due for marriage but despise men so much and think that by shunning men, they will get a suitor. Can you please write on the right attitude expected of a girl of 30 who hopes to marry in life.

I would have told the attitude of a particular girl, but I do not want to taint your thinking with my bias. Please let us be educated again as usual. Is this attitude of ‘I must drag it with him’ right from a lady? Is festering every issue a positive attribute from a lady? Thank you. - Ifeoluwa Dear Ifeoluwa, when girls are advanced in age, it is easy for men to think that they are easy conquests. What men do not know however is that the more advanced a woman is in age, the wiser about men she is. Do not forget that at a certain age, a smart woman can smell a serious guy from a distance and would rather remain single than dabble into a relationship that will break her already broken heart (not in all cases are the hearts broken). So in order not to start a relationship that is doomed from the beginning, a woman might withdraw from you no matter how nice you may be.

Women know what they want in a man. Do not forget that marriage is not a one-time thing. So, a smart woman would want a man she can be proud of long after the wedding ceremonies. It may not be enough that a guy is good-looking or that he has a good job. There are other factors women look out for before giving you the come-on signs. There may be something about your personality that she may not be too comfortable with and she may think you and her cannot have lasting companionship.

At a particular stage in a woman’s life, especially if she’s really confident, she has to feel that she’s perfectly attracted to you. Yes, you may not be physically perfect but she’s looking for a man that will balance her out in the future. She may not be looking anymore for a hot stud who is smart, athletic, funny and successful.

She may be looking for a soul mate, a real partner, a father for her unborn children and so, she’s looking for a real man who will play the roles well.

For instance, if you have earrings in your ears and she’s already climbing the ladder in her profession, you will not be a good match.

If you do not have manners and she’s at that stage when she’s taking lessons in etiquette then you’re off the radar as far as she’s concerned. And if tattoos and she just got promoted to the management team, you don’t even stand a chance. In fact, you are totally incompatible in qualities.

Always keep in mind that the fact that a girl is advanced in age doesn’t mean she doesn’t know what she wants. A woman desirous of a long and happy marriage knows that she has waited enough, so she’s ready to wait for the right guy. When she meets a guy who gives her the most excitement and the biggest soul connection, she won’t dare despise that kind of guy. I bet, she will look for ways to encourage him.

Having said that, this is to all ladies out there who are good but advanced in age, check out the tips below and catch for yourselves good gusy: Confidence, independence, an inviting smile, a sense of humor. The important thing for every woman is to be approachable. Your body language says everything when wanting to attract a man. If you go out at night with your girlfriends and you spend the entire evening as part of a pack, how is a guy supposed to come over and strike up a conversation?

Alternatively, how is a guy going to take you seriously if you are all over him and fondling him in a public place?

It may sound like a no-brainer, but if you’re the kind of girl who really likes sports, go to a game or a sports bar to find your man.

But if you’re also smart and looking for a guy who can keep up, wear a sweatshirt from your university. You may run into a sportsloving guy from your alma mater. Being true to yourself is the best way to find a guy who will be true to you too. Don’t go to trendy club looking to find a match if your real idea of a good time is going to a book club.

Doing this you will discover a man who shares your interests, and most importantly, appreciates you for you.

When it’s all said and done, patience is always the key to attracting the kind of man that you want. Never settling, never getting discouraged and taking your time is going to make finding your perfect man all the sweeter.

51

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

T

HE trip to Ghana was sup posed to last for a week but due to an unforeseen situation, we had to stay an extra one week. The organization had a guest house in one of the housing estates in Accra and that’s where Flora and I stayed.

We were very busy most days as we had to visit several locations where my outfit had ongoing projects in some suburbs of the city like Osu and Jamestown and even some communities many miles from the city.

Then a few days before our return home and with most of the work done, I took some time off so Flora could do some sight seeing as it was her first visit to the country. She had worked really hard and I believed she deserved a treat.

We visited several tourists sites including the popular Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum. A wedding reception was taking place in the spacious garden of the centre when we arrived. Inside the mausoleum, we stood silently surveying the final resting place of the late Ghanaian leader. Close by was the grave of his Egyptian wife who the guide informed us had directed her children to bury her close to her husband after her death.

“Her body was brought from Egypt and buried here according to her wish,” the guide explained.

“Their love must have been really strong that even death could not separate them,” Flora commented as we went outside towards the fountain...

The following day Ronnie Blankson, a very good Ghanaian friend of mine called to invite me to join a group of friends that were visiting a beach resort on the outskirts of the city that weekend.

“I won’t take no for an answer. Most times you come to Accra, do your work and run back to that mad Lagos city of yours. You need to take a break, man,” he stated.

“Alright,” I conceded, not in the mood to argue with him.

“I’ll come and pick you at around 10 a.m,” he said. “And Bari,” he added. “Make sure you come with that sexy secretary of yours. I want to see her again.”

“What for? And she’s my P.A, by the way,” I corrected him. He had met Flora the couple of times he had come to visit me at the guest house.

“I like her and I want to be close to her,” he stated.

To a chronic womanizer like

Ronnie, that meant one thing.

“No way, dude! She’s my staff, that makes her off-limits to you. Look elsewhere for your fun and games,” I stated firmly. Whenever, he saw a beautiful lady that he liked, Ronnie, who at 33 was the same age as me, often behaved like an excited child in a toy shop instead of a grown man.

“Thank God, you said staff and not your wife. So, why are you fencing me off? Or are you interested in her? Are you two...?” he said before I cut him off.

“Nothing of the sort. It’s just that, that girl has been through a lot and I don’t want her to be hurt again,” I explained.

“Who’s going to hurt her?

Not me! Infact, I think she will enjoy what I have in mind for her,” he stated with a chuckle.

“Ronnie! You will never change!” I stated in an admonishing tone.

“You know me now!

Alright. I get the message-no messing around with your precious P.A. Just come with her, though. I will just chat with her, be on my best behaviour...” he vowed.

I laughed and hung up.

Ronnie’s friends were already there when we arrived at the resort that Saturday. It was built close to the oceanfront with a beach nearby. It was a popular spot for holiday makers, weekend revellers and foreign tourists. Several of these were already at the beach when we got there.

“Aren’t you joining us in the water?” Ronnie asked Flora who had gone to sit under a canopy with the girlfriend of a guy in our group.

“No. I didn’t come with a swimming suit,” she stated.

“That shouldn’t be a problem. I can always go back to town and get one for you,” he offered.

“Thanks for the offer. But I’m fine. I will just sit here with Efua and watch you guys have fun,” she stated.

“Ah, you’ll miss a lot. Let me...” said Ronnie.

“She said she’s ok so let’s go,” I said, taking his hand and dragging him towards the sea.

“Hey, man! Take it easy! Na which kind bad belle be this as you people love to say in Nigeria...” Ronnie protested, as we left. Later, we played a game of beach volleyball which was keenly watched by a large number of the resort guests.

After lunch, we sat at the open-air bar under some coconut trees to drink and chat.

Flora forever (4) Flora and the other ladies in our group had gone to the gift shop at the resort to ‘browse’ the items as Efua had put it.

“Women and shopping!

They never miss an opportunity to buy stuff,” said Ronnie, taking a sip of his cold drink.

“And we always end up picking up the bills!” George, who was Efua’s boyfriend, grumbled.

We all laughed.

Moonlight rendezvous “Hope you are having fun,” I said to Flora later that evening. We were taking a stroll on the beach after watching a live band that performed at the resort regularly. Ronnie and the others were still there dancing and grooving.

“Yes,” Flora replied as we walked along the nearly deserted beach. “I love this place.

It’s beautiful. And it has such a soothing, calming effect on the mind,” she added.

She was right. The soft sea

breeze which gently rustled the coconut trees, the moonlight and the sound of the waves of the sea lapping at the shore, created an ambience that could soothe the most troubled soul.

“It’s magical!” she exclaimed, spreading her arms wide. I took a peek at her, noting how the soft moonlight playing on her face, added an extra glow to her radiant looks.

“Oh!” she said suddenly, looking downwards.

“What is it?”

“It’s like one of my bangles fell,” she said.

“I’ll look for it,” I said, bending down to search for the ornament. She did the same too and we ended up colliding into each other, “Oh! Sorry!” she said, laughing as she tried to get up.

But I held her hand to stop her and drew her to me. I caressed her face as my lips slowly searched for hers. I

kissed her and for a while, she was unresponsive. Then she sighed and kissed me back, holding me tightly in her arms. Her soft body, the sweet scent of her, got to my senses and I kissed her like a thirsty man who had finally found water on a hot day.

I unbuttoned her blouse as my lips trailed down her neck towards her bosom. As my fingers reached inside her blouse, my mobile phone which was in my pocket, rang. I ignored it at first but it kept ringing incessantly and it broke the spell.

It was Ronnie, asking where we were, that he wanted to dance with Flora…

A few days later, we returned to Nigeria. Life went on as usual but things were no longer the same. Before we left Accra, I had apologized to Flora about the incident on the beach, blaming it on the booze I had taken. She was quite understanding about it.

“It’s not your fault. The ambience in that place is enough to turn any one’s head,” she stated quietly.

Deep in my heart though, I knew that was not the case. My actions that day had nothing to do with that. She was the problem. It was clear to me now that I was in love with her and after that night on the beach, I just could not get her out of my mind or head. Remembering the sensation of holding her in my arms made me realize that that was where I wanted her to be now and forever. By my side. In other words, I wanted her for keeps.

And there lay my dilemma.

For by this time, I had already got engaged to Nikki and we were already planning our wedding. But how could I marry one woman while in love with another?

“Dude, you have a serious problem,” my friend, Abel said bluntly, after I had discussed the matter with him.

“But one thing is clear. You can’t go ahead with this wedding,” he stated.

He explained that since marriage was a serious affair, it was foolish to jump into it. “Doing so when you are unsure, can make you jump out again quickly and end up divorced.

But let me give you a tip that will help you decide. Which of these women fills your heart with joy at the mere sight of her? Whoever it is, should be your choice.”

I took his advice and my heart chose Flora. As a result, I intend meeting Nikki soon to call off the wedding. I know she will be hurt but I can no longer deceive myself. Much as I care about her, it’s Flora that I’m in love with. The woman I want to be with always. I don’t know yet what she feels for me but from her reaction to my caresses that night on the beach, it was obvious she liked me.

I know my family might not be too happy with my decision to call off the wedding or my choice of Flora for that matter.

They might have objections to her being a divorcee with two children. But she’s my choice, the one after my heart. For me, it’s Flora forever.

And since I don’t care about her past, I don’t think it’s anyone’s business to do so. Or what do you think? I will like readers’ views on this.

Concluded Names have been changed to protect the narrator’s identity.

Send comments/advice to 08023201831(sms only) or psaduwa@yahoo.com

Football obsession and ennui in the land (2)

E

NNUI has thus become the most common ‘affliction’ in the land, affecting millions irrespective of social status. Keen observers of the nation’s affairs in the past couple of decades or so, should have seen this state of affairs coming. For afterall, there’s so much battering the human body and soul can take before it reaches breaking point.

So, many citizens, traumatized by years of bad, irresponsible governance, the obscene greed of the ruling class and the gradual killing of their dreams for a decent society, have finally ‘switched off,’ become disinterested in the country’s affairs. Football and other obsessions have thus, become one of the means of anaesthesising the mind against the pain of watching a once promising country reduced to a beggarly state.

But there’s danger in this attitude for an indifferent followership, is equally as bad as poor, incompetent leadership.

Citizen participation is vital in a modern democracy if not for anything, but to keep the politicians and elected leaders on their toes. This can’t happen with a siddon look, ‘not my problem’ mentality especially among the elites, the professional class and others better informed and educated than the average Joe on the street who should know better. The harsh truth is that it’s

everybody’s problem. Since providence has put us in this space called Nigeria, it behoves everyone to do their bit for the fatherland.

But how can we do that when so many citizens have become so unconcerned about the country? “Let me face my own life.

Nigeria’s problem isn’t my business,” you might say.

Ok, so you focus exclusively on your personal affairs but you have to practically struggle to do everything for yourself. You struggle to build a nice house to stay with your family. But what about the amenities essential for making your home comfortable? Virtually none exists. The road on your street looks more like a village footpath than a city street and electricity is epileptic so you generate your own power supply with a generating set.

The same applies to other utilities like water (which you have to provide for yourself via a borehole), security, health care, transportation... Nearly everything in this country is through self-help. Thus, most of us have become our own local government councils. So, what are the real councils (and other arms of government), that are constitutionally mandated to provide these amenities for the people doing?

That is the million Naira question we all should be asking.

And the reason why it’s wrong and even irresponsible to be apathetic or indifferent to the evil things happening in the country. The business of developing a nation is a serious one. It’s not something to be left to the politicians alone who most of the time don’t have a clue about what to do and whose actions are mostly self-serving.

It’s not just in Nigeria that people have this suspicious attitude towards politicians; it’s a worldwide phenomenon. The only

difference is that, in more advanced democracies, the followership, knowing that politicians cannot be trusted, do things to keep checks on them, so they don’t deviate from the right track.

That is the culture we need to imbibe here. Active participation in the polity is essential because this country is our birthright and we can’t just stand helplessly by and watch a tiny minority steal our inheritance. By this, I’m not talking about contesting elections for political positions alone. There are other ways to be actively involved.

If there are essential social services lacking in your community (and I’m sure there are many), draw the authorities attention to this through petitions and other means. You may likely not get any response immediately. But don’t be discouraged, remain steadfast and even mobilize others in your community to the cause. Join protests, demonstrations and other legitimate means of civil disobedience.

That is the only way positive change can come. And not through the indifference or inertia of a citizenry who have immersed themselves in football and other distractions, unconcerned that their country is gradually falling apart.

The consequences of staying indifferent at this crucial period in our country’s history is too deadly to contemplate. It was due to the silence and inertia of the Germans for instance, during the second World War and even the years preceding it that led to the death of millions of Jews at the hands of that maniac Adolf Hitler.

We pray that will not be our portion.

Concluded

FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

52

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Poisons that affect different parts of the body

P

OISONS can get into our bodies through breathing, con sumption, injection, bites, and contact. There are some well-known poisons that can get into our bodies through environmental exposure. For example smog can precipitate asthma, asbestos causes mesothelioma (a lung cancer), and lead causes learning disabilities. We should be particularly aware of how toxins affect our vital organs and recognize the symptoms of toxicity to these organs.

Breathing may be considered the most vital function for our bodies because if we do not breathe well we cannot think well nor do anything else well. We breathe through an amazing channel starting from the nose, passing through the pharynx, trachea, bronchi, and ending in the lungs. This process brings oxygen to our bodies as we breathe in and expels the waste gas carbon dioxide as we breathe out. Substances such as asbestos, radon, cadmium, benzene, carbon monoxide, moulds, and soot can enter our breathing passage and cause asbestosis, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, fibrosis, or emphysema, and therefore decrease oxygen supply to the body.

Asbestos is found in old fashioned ceiling materials. Radon naturally occurs in the ground. Cadmium is a component of old batteries. Benzene is found in some household cleaning products. Carbon monoxide and soot are released from electricity generators using petrol. When you cook outdoors with wood, you could breathe in soot. Avoid standing at the windward side and position yourself at the opposite (leeward) side. Badly maintained kerosene cookers also release soot. All these substances are potential health hazards. One day, I saw a young lady who is a professional cleaner and she was sweeping the street. Perhaps she does this for several hours a day. What struck me was that she carried a baby on her back and that was a lot of exposure to dust for the baby. For the good health of members of the family, we should examine routinely how we cleanse the air in our homes. A clean cooking environment, good home ventilation, and proper storage of hazardous materials are important preventive measures for good lung health.

The kidneys are vital organs that we cannot live without.

They filter the blood and excrete waste and toxins from the blood and these collect as dissolved substances in urine. The urine passes from the kidneys via tubes called ureters and is stored in a sac called the bladder. When the bladder is distended the urine is passed out through a tube called the urethra in the process of urination. In this way the kidneys keep the amounts of salts and fluids in our bodies regulated so that toxic substances do not build up or remain in our bodies. The kidneys and urinary system may become dysfunctional or may develop structural damage or cancer. Substances that can cause such problems include metals such as lead, cadmium, uranium, and mercury. Some industrial products that contain chlorinated hydrocarbons can cause kidney damage. These include paint removers, dry cleaning solutions and degreasers. Some pain relievers that contain aspirin or ibuprofen can cause allergic inflammation in certain persons which can affect their kidneys. Therefore you should not share your prescription pain killers with other persons.

When the kidneys fail, there is build-up of waste products in the body. The victim may therefore feel weak and manifest shortness of breath, lethargy, confusion, seizures, and swell-

ing in the leg, foot, or ankle. Some of these symptoms develop slowly. Excess potassium that is not removed from the blood by the kidneys can cause irregular heart rhythms and sudden death.

The liver works to break down food and store nutrients, to produce clotting factors so that we do not bleed to death when we get a cut, and to degrade drugs and chemicals. If the liver is dysfunctional or damaged, the victim can develop cancers from toxic substances that the liver fails to remove and fat storage problems. A tip to preserve one’s liver is to avoid or limit the consumption of synthetic foods and chemicals, including recreational drugs and unnecessary medication.

Chemicals, drugs, food additives, etc., pass through the liver where they are converted into substances that can be excreted.

However, their presence in the liver may directly do some damage and this possibly happens regularly. However, even if 80% of the liver is damaged, it can still serve its protective function for the body but the remaining 20% may get damaged faster by overload of chemicals to process. There are many ways we can limit consumption of chemicals. For example, always wash your fruits and vegetables very well to remove pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and antibiotics used in agriculture.

Alcohol, carbon tetrachloride from adhesives, methylene chloride from car part cleaners and paint removers and vinyl chloride from pipe sealer are examples of substances that are toxic to the liver, therefore working with these in well ventilated and spacious environments and using a face mask limits the user’s exposure. Some medications have a potential to damage the liver. For example, excess acetaminophen (pain killer) causes liver damage. All drugs in general, since most of them are either detoxified or made toxic by passing through the liver, should strictly be used according to the manufacturer’s and health care giver’s instructions. We should always avoid fake drugs and “remedies” marketed by quacks, no matter how exciting, cheap, and easy to get they are. Such drugs and herbal concoctions do not have the backing of scientific scrutiny and do not carry warnings of verified toxicity. If you must buy herbal products, fresh herbs are safer than concoctions.

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

A

ments, cartilage, and tendons, and many have the potential to affect other internal body areas.

Symptoms Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling, (swollen

with Prof. Dayo Oyekole

Diabetes

Arthritis: Causes and treatment RTHRITIS is a joint dis order featuring inflam mation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones.

Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints. Arthritis is frequently accompanied by joint pain.

Joint pain is referred to as arthralgia.

There are many types of arthritis (over 100 identified, and the number is growing).

The types range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage, to those associated with inflammation resulting from an overactive immune system (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis.

Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), metabolic abnormalities (such as gout), hereditary factors, the direct and indirect effect of infections (bacterial and viral), and a misdirected immune system with autoimmunity.

Arthritis is classified as one of the rheumatic diseases.

These are conditions that are different individual illnesses, with differing features, treatments, complications, and prognoses. They are similar in that they have a tendency to affect the joints, muscles, liga-

Coping with diseases

lymph nodes), weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart or kidneys.

Those at risk Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults. Approximately 350 million people worldwide have arthritis. More than 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis. Approximately 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. More than half of those with arthritis are under 65 years of age and nearly 60% of those with arthritis are women.

Diagnosis The first step in the diagnosis of arthritis is a meeting between the doctor and the patient. The doctor will review the history of symp-

toms, examine the joints for inflammation and deformity, as well as ask questions about or examine other parts of the body for inflammation or signs of diseases that can affect other body areas. Furthermore, certain blood, urine, joint fluid, and/or X-ray tests might be ordered. The diagnosis will be based on the pattern of symptoms, the distribution of the inflamed joints, and any blood and X-ray findings. Several visits may be necessary before the doctor can be certain of the diagnosis. A doctor with special training in arthritis and related diseases is called a rheumatologist.

Many forms of arthritis are more of an annoyance than serious. However, millions of people suffer daily with pain and disability from arthritis or its complications.

Treatment The treatment of arthritis is very dependent on the precise type of arthritis present.

An accurate diagnosis increases the chances for successful treatment. Treatments available include physical therapy, splinting, cold-pack application, paraffin wax dips, anti-inflammatory medications, pain medications, immune-altering medications and surgical operations.

The term diabetes, when not specified, refers to Diabetes mellitus, a serious metabolic disorder characterized by defects in the body's use of carbohydrates.

The other kind of diabetes is Diabetes insipidus, which is quite a different and relatively rare condition, in which an individual passes large quantities of pale, dilute urine, with consequent dehydration and excessive thirst.

Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome in which the basic defect is the absence or shortage of the hormone called insulin. This hormone is carried by the blood to the kidneys, where it limits the outflow of water in the urine.

The great majority cases of Diabetes insipidus are due to a tumour or inflammation in the region of the pituitary gland, thereby suppressing ADH production. Physical damage in form of fracture of the base of the skull or surgery in the pituitary area can also cause Diabetes insipidus. In addition, there is a rare inherited form of Diabetes insipidus where the production of Anti-Diuretic Hormone is normal, but the kidneys do not respond to the circulating hormone.

As earlier stated, in Diabetes mellitus, an organ in the body (called the pancreas) is found not to be functioning properly.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the Beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Insulin is carried by the blood to all parts of the body. The body's cells use glucose (blood sugar) as their fuel. They have receptors to which insulin becomes attached. This binding of insulin enables the cells to use glucose by converting it into energy or storing it as fat. Any defect in this process, either in the pancreas, where insulin is being produced, or at the sites of attachment of insulin to the cells, would interfere with the body's use of fuel to produce energy.

Apart from the malfunctioning of the Pancreas, one other cause of this disorder is unbalanced diet. Most of us consume denatured food in one way or the other.

Also, food additives and unhealthy drinks, whether soft drinks, teas, coffee or liquor may predispose one to metabolic imbalance.

Symptoms: Having explained the primary causes of diabetes, let us consider the symptoms. The symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, loss of flesh, inordinate appetite, constant hunger, mental depression, progressive weakness, great thirst, dry tongue and impaired vision. The person could be irritable, restless and morose. The loss of energy is due to the loss of sugar, which is needed to generate the energy for daily activities.

It must be noted that it is not in every case that all the symptoms are present in a patient. Therefore, it is most helpful to do tests in hospitals and diagnostic centers, in order to confirm whether a patient is diabetic or not.

Luckily, there are simple kits now available for routine tests in this case.

Treatment: Having touched on some causes and symptoms of diabetes, let us see how we can remove the causes and help quicken recovery where the disease is already there, or how one can prevent it in healthy bodies. One thing is obvious, that is, we must turn to NATURE. In Holistic Lifecare, it is strongly advised that imported styles of living (i.e. cooking, eating & drinking) must be looked into especially on the use of food additives and colourants in fast foods and so-called take-away. Heavy starchy foods should be cut down drastically, if they cannot be avoided, pending total recovery from the ailment.

As we make efforts to repair a malfunctioning pancreas, there are some fruits and vegetables known to be helpful. These include carrots, paw-paw, cucumber, onions, garlic and lettuce, combined with soya-milk mixed with guinea-corn pap or porridge.

Many of us might say that there is no time to embark on natural lifestyles, forgetting that the time required is less than the time we would spend at the clinic when we fall sick. The choice is yours.

Control: The Holistic remedy that has been popularly suggested for the control of Diabetes is a combination of the natural extracts of some herbs scientifically called Anchomanes difformis, Pergularia daemia, Vinca rosea and Viscum album.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Health Matters

FAMIL Y HEAL TH AMILY HEALTH

With DR MIKE OYAKHIRE 08170268670 email: drmikeoyakhire@yahoo.com

Unfavourable symtoms and signs of cardiac asthma or bronchial asthma

Analysis of the basic mechanisms and the role of calcium 2

W

HEN an elderly in dividual who is not known to be asthmatic, but has high blood pressure suddenly finds it difficult to breathe down, has noisy breathing, coughs at times with blood stains in the sputum, appears to be choking and waves frantically for help, it will be unwise to think of any thing outside getting him to Hospital as quickly as possible.

First aid in any shape or form in this situation is often accompanied with disaster, because even when the patient gets to the Hospital alive, it takes the utmost best out of the Doctor on duty to very quickly analyze the situation, do the right and only the right thing and prevent death In more than 3 quarters of the world, the life span of men and women is not more than 50 years, with women no longer living longer than men . After the age of 50 years, diseases of the cells in various forms declare themselves, no matter how powerfully we try to fight them. Diseases of the brain, kidneys, the Heart and it’s blood vessels, are usually the ones every one seems to hear and worry about. Unfortunately, except for those who take health matters for granted, and those who live carelessly and dangerously, patients with frightening clinical feature of heart failure such as pitting leg and thigh swelling, enlarged heart with beating sounds like the sounds made by the galloping feet of a horse, achieve full recovery, and often go back to physical activities they enjoy, but problems with the respiratory system are commonly ignored, by patient.

Diseases of the respiratory system are not that easy to diagnose , as they either arise on their own or may actually be secondary to diseases existing elsewhere in other parts of the body. Liver failure, kidney failure, brain failure, in fact, nearly any failing organ in the body is capable of releasing chemicals that will change the pattern and effectiveness of breathing, the sudden appearance of cheyne stokes breathing in a patient being managed for diabetic keto acidosis or hypertensive encephalopathy is a message that the status quo is about to get out of hand very quickly.

In terms of normal anatomy, the cardiovascular system and the respiratory system have lots in common, at the microscopic and macroscopic level. The relationship though more complicated is even more intimate at the level of cellular biochemistry. For instance, the bronchi are invested with secretory glands which in the healthy state are very helpful in trapping, liquefaction, transport etc, but in disease conditions become dangerously obstructive.

In terms of morphology, the airway consists of epithelia with different characteristics, secretory glands, connective tissue, cartilage a and muscles. The respiratory bronchioles have neither cartilahe nor mucus glands, but are the most muscular portion of the airway. receptors for irritants such as antigens, aerosols, dust pollen and smoke, and other rapidly adapting stretch receptors are located at or near openings in the respiratory channels just underneath the surface epithelia. The k(

kulchitsky-like ) cells contain neurosecretory granules.

The nerve fibers that receive stimulation of the muscle of trachea and bronchi do so via the release of chemicals and vary from one individual to the other, but in one individual, they work together as a unit, hence in an attack of bronchial asthma, the patient strains sweats because whole units of muscles are contracting as a single unit.

Thus human asthma is characterized by change of smooth muscle characteristics in the direction of becoming single unit. As a result of all these, it is dangerous for any one to casually administer any drugs to a patient known to have asthma because the drug worked for another person known to be suffering from the condition. An elderly asthmatic who is given Aspirin by an unsuspecting patent medicine seller for his arthritis may drop dead after after ingesting the tablet of Aspirin.

Those who have been free of attack and those whose airways have been damaged by other agents such as cigarette smoke or even chronic chest infections can die from excessive reaction to drugs, which seem at first to be harmless It has long been recognized that contraction of smooth muscle of the airway depends upon the level of free (i.e unbound) ions within the cytoplasm of the cell. The cell membrane creates an effective partition between the intracellular calcium ion of .05 and 0.35µ and the extra cellular fluid compartment with calcium ion concentration in the range of 1-2mm

How fatty food triggers diabetes F

ATTY food trips a genetic switch in the body that can trigger diabetes, a study has found.

Understanding the biological pathway could lead to a potential cure for the disease, say scientists.

The discovery helps explain why Type 2 diabetes is so often linked to obesity.

Prime suspect: The new research has finally established why diabetes is often linked to obesity In studies of mice and humans, researchers found that high levels of fat disrupted two key proteins that turn genes on and off.

The ‘transcription factors’ FOXA2 and HNF1A activate a pancreatic enzyme that in healthy people prevents diabetes developing.

More When the proteins stop working, the enzyme is shut down, which in turn upsets the ability of insulin-secreting beta cells in the pancreas to monitor blood sugar levels.

Without this glucose sugar-sensing mechanism, blood sugar cannot be regulated properly.

Diabetes: Fatty foods can trigger the condition. Here someone injects themselves with insulin Study leader Dr Jamey Marth, from the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute in the U.S., said: ‘Now that we know more

fully how states of over-nutrition can lead to Type 2 diabetes, we can see more clearly how to intervene.

‘The identification of the molecular players in this pathway to diabetes suggests new therapeutic targets and approaches towards developing an effective preventative or perhaps curative treatment.

‘This may be accomplished by beta cell gene therapy or by drugs that interfere with this pathway in order to maintain normal beta cell function.’

The research is published in the journal Nature Medicine.

Experiments in mice showed that preserving the function of the enzyme affected by FOXA2 and HNF1A blocked the onset of diabetes, even in obese animals.

Diminished glucose sensing by beta cells was an important factor in both the development and severity of the disease.

Dr Marth and his team are now looking at ways to augment the enzyme’s activity in humans.

More than two million people in the UK have Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease.

Insulin-dependent, or Type 1 diabetes is a quite different condition caused by an autoimmune disorder.

53

54 INTERVIEW

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said during his recent media chat that the Federal Government could not dialogue with the Boko Haram sect because, according to him, the Islamic sect is faceless. Would you subscribe to the government going into a parley with the Boko Haram?

The President was right in the sense that if you are going to dialogue with anybody, the people must show their faces. Otherwise, with whom is he going to dialogue? Even if the people are interested in dialogue, the fact remains that the Federal Government does not know who to dialogue with. So, President Jonathan was absolutely right.

What do you make of the refusal by the former head of state, General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd), to be Boko Haram’s representative at the dialogue?

Well, General Buhari has since dissociated himself from the news item that he had been chosen by the sect to represent them. He said he had nothing to do with Boko Haram and it is to that extent of dissociating himself with the sect that we should draw the curtain on the issue. You cannot force somebody who is not a member of your group or association to represent you when he does not even know who you are in the first place.

It is true that we all desire peace. But how do we even know that those sending out these messages are doing so on behalf of Boko Haram? It is still not clear that those behind the message of dialogue are representing anybody. If Boko Haram genuinely wants to dialogue, they should come out in the open and say here we are, this is our grouse and this is what we want under so and so conditions. They should make themselves known before anybody would want to dialogue with them or for anyone to want to be representative at a dialogue.

For me, it is the only way to look at the issue. Dialogue has become a mantra where virtually everyone is mouthing it. That is why I maintain that the Federal Government is correct by insisting that it does not know who it is going to dialogue with. Another thing is that no one is sure about who are the people behind those asking for dialogue with the government.

In all sincerity sir, do you think there are convincing grounds for any dialogue with the Boko Haram, given their unrestrained attacks on government’s and Christians’ institutions?

In the first place, as an ex-military officer, when you are confronted by a threat, you will try to do some analysis of where it is coming from. But because of the statements people have been making about who the Boko Haram members are and who they represent, it has been very difficult for us to identify who the Boko Haram elements are and also what their grouses are.

An average southerner believes that Boko Haram and their activities are the handiwork of disgruntled politicians who lost out in the 2011 presidential election. They also believe that because power did not shift to the North, disgruntled politicians from the region have decided to use the Bok Haram to distabilise the country and make things difficult for President Jonathan’s government. I do not think this is true.

Also, an average Northerner believes that Boko Haram is a tool being used by the Federal Government to distabilise the North and ensure that the economy of the region collapses.

For me, neither of the two positions is true.

The truth is that we are faced by a group that is a fundamentalist organisation in outlook and which does not have a stable or consistent agenda. The only thing I see happening is that people are being killed and the economy of the North is being totally destroyed. From what is happening, both Moslems and Christians are being killed. How then can we support the theory or the assumption that some Northern politicians are manipulating the Boko Haram? If it were true, the northerners themselves should have been the first people to deal with the alleged politicians behind the activities of the sect.

In the same vein, if the Federal Government is allegedly complicit, according to the position of some northerners, what does Federal stand to gain by destabilising its own component unit of the federation? If the Federal Government is destabilising the North, is the region not a part of the nation?

I think what we must do is to dispassionately look at who the Boko Haram are, what they represent and then forge a united front against the threat. If we cannot identify who they are and what their activities constitute, then we may not be in a position to deal decisively with the danger it poses to the region and the country as a whole.

Some people have tried to rationalise that

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

Col. Abubakar Umar is a former governor of Kaduna State from August 1985 to June 1988 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. After his retirement from the army, Umar became Chairman and Chief Executive, Work and Worship (Gas Company) Nigeria Limited, Kaduna.

Umar was an unrepentant critic of the Abacha regime. He joined the G18 group of politicians that publicly opposed Abacha’s plan to become president. Known for his outspokenness, Umar, who has variously dismissed the concept of a monolithic Northern region as obsolete and unnecessary, in this interview with Assistant Editor, LINUS OBOGO, condemned those asking for power to shift to the North ahead of 2015, insisting that they are not speaking for the region.

He also spoke on the helplessness of the Northern leaders to deal with the menace of Boko Haram. Excerpts: poverty is a major causal factor that has fuelled the activities of the violent Islamist sect coupled with long years of neglect by the government of the North. How true is this?

There are too many interpretations and suggestions as to the factors responsible for the emergence of Boko Haram. Yes, poverty could be identified as one of the reasons.

When the youths are unemployed and no hope of being employed anytime soon, that will certainly exacerbate the kind of crisis we are confronted with. There is a saying that the most dangerous person on earth is that person who has nothing to lose.

These youths are detached from their parents. They are seeking a means of eking out a living. Yet there is no employment anywhere for them. So they are ready and willing recruits by those who do not wish the country well, whether it is Boko Haram, the militants or the kidnappers, poverty has a lot to do with this. It is nationwide.

There is this theory that the North is more poverty-stricken when compared to the South. But from my reading of the situation today, poverty is all over the land. Youth unemployment is all over the land, hopelessness is all over the land. And there is also the issue of corruption. A situation where 90 per cent of the country’s resources are in the hands of only two per cent of the population, it is a recipe for disaster and anarchy in the land.

Today, our universities are producing graduates that cannot be gainfully employed. The general economic situation is so bad and worrisome that we no longer have the middle class. 90 per cent of the country’s population is living below poverty line and that is not a good storyline for the country.

So this kind of dark and ugly scenario has the tendency to put pressure on the idle youths to want to seek for some something violent to engage their time.

With the economy of the North completely on its knees, social life absent in the region, what would you say leaders like you

•Col Umar

and others have done to resolve the standoff?

You see, today, when people talk of Northern leaders, I do not think they know who they are talking about. Are they talking about the so-called elders, the governors or members of the National Assembly? Who are they referring to? But if you are talking of the elders like most people tend to emphasise on nowadays, you must ask yourself, what do these leaders have at their disposal to be able take on Boko Haram or solve the problem of the sect that the Federal Government does not have?

The Northern leaders people often refer to are usually very difficult to define. Are we referring to religious leaders like the Christian or Moslem heads? And if the answer is yes, do they have the police or the military or the courts. So, if the Northern leaders they are referring to do not have these means, it is difficult to see how they can solve the problem of Boko Haram. The solution to the menace of Boko Haram is the responsibility of all Nigerians, irrespective of geographical or ethnic affiliation or extraction. Unless every Nigerian gets behind the Federal Government to think of ways or means by which Boko Haram can be defeated, we cannot make any headway. So, Northern leaders are not the police, soldiers or the courts. They are civilians like other civilians who have neither guns nor bullets at their disposal.

The elite generally have the responsibility to allow for the growth of the middle class.

Unless there is employment and less corruption in the land, that is only when there will be a reduction in the wave of violent crime in the country.

Do you think the Federal Government has been proactive enough in dealing with the scourge of Boko Haram or what should it be doing differently?

Well, government has a responsibility to solve not only the menace of Boko Haram, but all other anti-social vices in the country.

And it can do this through empowering and creation of opportunities. All the tiers of government have a responsibility and must demonstrate that in the way they manage their economy to impact on the youth and the unemployed. It is another way to go about it.

Governments at all levels must be seen to be genuinely fighting corruption in such a way that it makes it extremely impossible for just two per cent of the population to control the resources of this country. The everwidening gap between the rich and the poor is another problem that gives rise to the emergence of violent groups in the country.

There is a saying that if the economy cannot assist many who are poor in like manner, it cannot save the few rich. When people wake up to find out that those who are not contributing to the growth of the economy are making it big, there is the tendency for those who are contributing, but not making it to think of adopting the strategy of their opposite counterparts.

How do you react to the criticism of former President Olusegun Obasanjo against President Jonathan’s handling of the Boko Haram challenge?

In fact, I was very surprised that former President Obasanjo had to take on President Jonathan on his handling of Boko Haram.

People are still talking about the operations

INTERVIEW 55

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

•Col Umar

•Col Umar

2015: Those asking for power shift to the North are self-seekers — Umar he ordered in Odi and Zaki Biam that were considered high-handed. People like former Chief of Army Staff, General Victor Malu, threatened to take him to the International Criminal Court for what he referred to as genocide in Zaki Biam.

President Goodluck Jonathan was on a national television sometime ago talking about the massacre of innocent elderly women and children in an operation ordered by Obasanjo. He said after the massacre, nothing came out of the Odi debacle. In the end, the problem of militancy was not solved with the massacre of innocent children and women by the band of soldiers deployed by Obasanjo.

I really do not understand why Obasanjo should think of the use of what he thought

was a good strategy in dealing with Odi and Zaki Biam crises to deal with other groups in the country. Does Boko Haram have a fixed location like the militancy in Odi? We are talking about a group that does not have a fixed or permanent address. So why would Obasanjo want Jonathan to adopt the same tactics he used in Odi? From what is coming out now, it is obvious that Obasanjo’s strategy in Odi and Zaki Biam did not achieve its desired result in curbing militancy in the region, and to that extent, I do not see how the same approach can be applied in dealing with Boko Haram.

Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano State recently said the South was getting richer at the expense of the North. What exactly do you think was on his mind when

As far as I am concerned, it is extremely counter-productive and retrogressive to be harping on power shift all for the sake of power shifting to a small clique from the region asking for power to shift in 2015. If you probe further, when people are asking for power to shift to the North, they are asking that power should actually shift to their own men or to themselves and specifically, to their zone

‘

he made the statement and is the North truly getting poorer and if so, why?

Governor Rabiu Kwankwas’s statement was ironic. And I want to look at it from two perspectives, one of which is that we are becoming more and more dependent on oil which is not the right strategy for the growth of the economy of this country.

What some countries are doing is to try and diversify their economy from being solely dependent on one source of commodity. Our continuous dependence on oil revenue to drive the economy cannot last for forever.

This is for two reasons: world oil prices are bound to suffer the effect of fluctuation and so, it is dangerous to depend on oil revenue to run the economy.

Secondly, the operations of oil exploration are destroying the Niger Delta more and more. So, I feel that there will be less oil activities in the Niger Delta in the long run.

From my understanding of the situation on ground today, I feel that what the oil and non-oil producing states should begin to do is to use the little allocations they are getting now to expand their internally-generated revenue base and to look for other sources of funding and not depend wholly on oil revenue.

The North, for instance, should begin to think of expanding its agricultural activities and industry. More and more countries are developing without oil than with oil. There are more states in the South which are nonoil-producing just like the North. So, if they are not crying, I wonder why the North should be crying. The question is that what have the states done with the so-called little revenue they have been getting from the centre?

There are a few states today that are putting their allocations to good use. It is even more worrisome to hear that an oil-producing state is borrowing money to finance projects and pay its contractors. The truth is that very few states are putting their oil money to good use.

What I want to emphasise essentially is that states must diversify their sources of revenue by exploring other sources to boost the economy of their states than continue to wait for handouts from the Federal Government.

Again, I do not know why people try to dichotomize between the North and the South when it comes to the issue of development. The truth is that the entire states of the federation are poorer than they had ever been. How many states are truly developing their economies with the allocations they are getting? There is embezzlement going on in all the states of the federation by their chief executives, council chairmen and their commissioners.

But there is this idea that the North is getting poorer while the South is becoming richer and richer. When the World Bank carried out a survey the last time, it found out that Nigeria was getting poorer. We must not dichotomize on the basis of the North and South when we are trying to analyze the economic performance of Nigeria. It is a fact that today, over 80 per cent of Nigeria’s population are living below poverty line.

This percentage cuts across religious, cultural and geographical lines. So, it is fallacious for Kwankwaso to think that the North is poorer than the South.

There are currently agitations across the country for the creation of more states by the National Assembly Committee on Constitution Review. Do you think there are justifiable grounds for the creation of more states?

I do not want to be drawn into the arithmetic of state creation or be engaged in doing a balancing act over which region has less or more states than the other. But what I want to tell you here is that one of the greatest tragedies of our national development today is the creation of so many states. And one of the main causes of our backwardness today is the number of states and local government areas.

If it were possible to cut down on the number of states and bring them to a more manageable size, I would gladly welcome that.

Any attempt to continue to create more administrative units simply for the purpose of getting oil revenue from the centre will spell doom in the long run.

We have to be honest with ourselves, how many of these states are really viable? I know that I would have stepped on so many toes by the time this interviewed is being read by those clamouring for a state of their own.

But the truth must be said, no matter who may be affected.

However, having said this, it is up to those saddled with the responsibility of reviewing the constitution to look at the various issues dispassionately. In the end, national interest must be seen to be paramount. It is

not in the interest of this country to continue to create more administrative units. That is my position. I really do not want to get involved in how many states the North has and how many are in the South East or South West. The more we keep talking about what divides us, the more we remain divided.

Nigeria is 35th most corrupt country in the corruption index released by the Transparency International. Is this a statement about the helplessness or complicity of the government in the fight against corruption?

I am not surprised with the position of Nigeria as the 35th most corrupt country in the world. The truth is, the government has not done enough to end the scourge of corruption. When I say the government, I mean the executive, the legislature and the judiciary.

What we have seen is the occasional dramatic way government advertises its effort at fighting corruption. Once in a while, it will make some arrest and cause it to be shown on a national television after which nothing is heard again. Or the suspect’s file is sent to the EFCC with a lot of fanfare and the man is arraigned in court and there will be a lot of manipulation to delay the process or prosecution of the suspect.

The Federal Government is always quick to point to cases of corruption and then goes ahead to effect arrest. After the arrest, nothing happens and the court begins to play a kind of filibuster and delay the process with a series of adjournments. At the end, the government will beat its chest that it has achieved a feat in the fight against corruption.

Some five years ago, some former governors were arrested on charges of corruption, but as we speak, there has been no conviction.

In fact, in the last three years, none of the governors has gone back to court to appeal his arraignment. What that tells you is that the fight against corruption has not been sincere in that respect.

The judiciary is as guilty as the executive of the process militating against the war on corruption. There have been cases of alleged inducements by suspects, culminating in adjournments. Take a look at the National Assembly, they engage in a lot of investigations after which reports are written and they are heard no more. That is the situation we have found ourselves as a nation.

A case in point is the Police Pension Fund.

Up till today, we have not been told what went wrong. So, the National Assembly has not been vigorous in getting the executive and the judiciary to do their own part of prosecuting because they are neck deep in corruption themselves. Another instance is the case involving Mr. Farouk Lawan. Up till now the House of Representatives has not told us the complicity of Lawan in the fuel subsidy bribery saga.

You can see that the fight against corruption is done in the most lackadaisical fashion. The three organs of government are not serious about stemming the tide of corruption.

Ahead of 2015, there have been clamours that power should shift. Would you say the agitations are well informed or are rather misplaced and where should power shift to?

As far as I am concerned, it is extremely counter-productive and retrogressive to be harping on power shift all for the sake of power shifting to a small clique from the region asking for power to shift in 2015. If you probe further, when people are asking for power to shift to the North, they are asking that power should actually shift to their own men or to themselves and specifically, to their zone.

When they say power should shift to the North, they have a particular place in mind and exactly where the man from the North comes from. It is either to themselves or to their own men and not just any man from the North. So, they are not fighting for the North, but for their own selfish interest.

Even those advocating that power should remain in the South, they already have a fixed address in mind. It is not often the whole region, but a small section of the region.

So, even when they agree on power shift to the North, they will tell you oh, power should shift to the North East or the North West or North Central. There is a need to be wary of the intentions of this group of power shift advocates.

For me, power should reside anywhere in the country where the best man resides. This country is one and from wherever the best man emerges, the man from the North West, North East, South West, South East or North Central should vote for him. Nigerians should begin to disregard ethnic jingoists camouflaging as nationalists.

‘

56

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

News 57

THE NATION, SATURDAY DECEMBER 8, 2012

Senator’s father’s kidnappers bag 180-year jail term

A

DELTA State High Court has sentenced four youths to 45 years imprisonment each for kidnapping and robbing the father of former Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG), Chief Pa Arthur Okowa.

Pa Okowa, father of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa was kidnapped in 2009 at his residence, Efeizomor Street, Boji Boji Owa, as he was prepar-

Okungbowa AIWERIE Asaba ing to attend a church service.

He regained freedom after three weeks in the captivity of his abductors.

Justice C.O Ogisi, in his judgment yesterday at the High Court sitting in OwaOyibu, in Ika North East Lo-

cal Government Area, said each of the accused persons were convicted and sentenced to thirty-five years each on count 1 and 2 and ten years imprisonment on count 3 and 4.

Justice Ogisi also said that the sentence is to run concurrently as the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt that the accused persons com-

mitted the crime.

Justice Ogisi, in the judgment that lasted for about one hour further stated that the court was convinced that the accused persons committed the offence following their confessional statement that linked them to the offence for which they were charged.

The accused persons; Fresher Aiworo, Victor Ajulor, Bright

Onyemani and George Ogala, all male, according to the charge sheet, were charged with offence of committing armed robbery, punishable under section 1(2) (a) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provision) Act and kidnapping, punishable under section 516 (A)(1) of the criminal code of the laws of the Federation.

Traders install Obi as patron Odogwu EMEKA ODOGWU, Nnewi

T

RADERS at the Bridgehead Market in Onitsha have installed Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State as their Patron.

Coordinator of Bridgehead Market Stakeholders’ Forum, Sir Peter Okala, who announced this said the decision to make the governor their leader was reached after wide consultations and appraisal of his contributions to markets across the state.

Okala said their decision was informed by what they described as his developmental strides in all the markets in the state as well as bringing security to the markets.

He further said the traders were unanimous in their decision to make Governor Obi their leader following his contributions in sanitising open markets across the state as well allowing democracy to thrive in the markets.

Okala said: “The patron of this organization was given to Governor Peter Obi for having put in so much to ensure that traders and customers enjoy freedom as well as reducing the hoodlums that have held the traders hostage in the past through introduction of illegal levies in the markets.”

The association called on the government to recognise their desire in curbing criminalities in various markets in the state especially at the Bridgehead, adding that the hoodlums sacked from the markets are now returning with even greater violence to harass and extort traders.

“We, especially at the Bridgehead which led to closure of the drug market when they attacked NAFDAC officials have all returned with their illegal activities, selling various levy tickets and diverting state government’s revenue.”

He called on the security agencies in the state to beam their search light on all the markets in the state, especially the Bridgehead with a view to arresting the illegal traders who hidden under the guise of traders to commit crime.

“Within a few period, we have recorded not less than three kidnap cases and the genuine traders are no longer safe because of infiltration of criminal elements in the name of traders. We call on the state government and security agen-

•Gov Obi of Anambra State (middle), flanked by the CEO of Akiota Works, Okwy Emejulu, and Mr. Dave at the inspection of the ongoing Anambra Hotel and Convention Centre (at the back), Onitsha and the site for the new shopping mall... yesterday

A

LL is now set for this year’s Miss Ecowas Peace Pageant hosted by the Rivers State Government, for the 5th time in a row since its maiden edition in 2008.

Delegates are expected to arrive Port Harcourt on today with the opening press conference scheduled for the evening.

The pageant targeted at the unification of the West African sub-region, youth development and showcasing West African fashion, art and culture to Africa and the world, will in its tradition coincide with the annual Port Harcourt Carnival (CARNIRIV 2012) where delegates of the pageant would feature at the grand closing ceremony.

Organisers of the programme have been full of praises for the Rivers State government and the host city, Port Harcourt, noting that the state has set the bar high for others to tag along.

To celebrate Rivers state for its enormous contributions to the growth of the pageant, the organisers have planned to ensure huge participation of ECOWAS states at this year’s CARNIRIV. According to them, “the 2012 ECOWAS Peace Pageant is scheduled to hold on the evening of Friday, 14th December, 2012.

A

Oshiomhole signs Property Tax into law

E

DO State Governor, Adams Oshimhole yesterday signed into law the Land Use Charge bill otherwise known as Property Tax. The law makes provision for the consolidation of all land-based rates and charges payable in Edo State into a single charge.

Governor Oshiomhole said the law will not affect those living in rural areas including 95% percent of the popu-

•Says 95% population not affected Osagie OTABOR, Benin lation in the state.

He, however, said those living in modern buildings in rural areas including himself would be taxed.

Oshiomhole described the tax as pro-development and targeted at those who have property.

According to him, “Govern-

ment is not value free. It is driven by value. The character of a government and the value that drives this character are captured by the type of tax policies pursued by the government.

“Property tax is a reality. It is in the interest of the property owners to pay tax for government to find resources to secure this property.”

“I am not apologetic that this government is determined to tax the rich so that we can provide for the poor.

It is in the interest of the rich for us to collect the tax. It is targeted at those who are taxable. Those who owned property. Government needs to find the resources to provide the basic necessities.”

Governor Oshiomhole vowed that anybody that defaulted in complying with the property tax would be jailed.

Cross River donates 26 patrol vans to police

T

HE Cross River State government has donated 26 patrol vans to the state police command to enable it carry out their duty of security more efficiently.

Presenting the vehicles to the police yesterday in Calabar, the acting governor of Cross River State, Mr. Efiok Cobham warned against reckless use of vehicles given to them.

He said though the state is adjudged the safest in the country, government would not relent in ensuring that the security of lives and property was paramount.

Cobham said the state has a crime rate of about two per cent and is still bent on reducing it.

He said between 2007 and now, about 100 vehicles have been given to the various se-

Nicholas KALU, Calabar curity outfits in the state despite its lean resources.

State Security Adviser, Mr. Rekpene Bassey said the state government placed priority on the fact that mobility was key to quickly and effec-

Chinehinedu Onyebuchi, respectively, called on all members of the National Assembly from the South East to boycott sittings for the passage of the budget if specific amount was not earmarked for the commencement of the Second Niger Bridge “We urge all the National Assembly members from the South East geopolitical zone to

tively addressing new and evolving threats to security challenges.

He urged the Federal Government to live up to its responsibilities by providing state police commands with the facilities to carry out their duties efficiently.

Acting Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Ibrahim Mukhtar, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, said the duty of maintaining a peaceful society was the collective responsibilities of all.

Rivers varsity crisis deepens, as VC, ASUU draw statutory committees’ meetBisi OLANIYI, Port battleline ings are going on. Senate, comHarcourt

T

HERE is a deepening crisis at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt, following the re-appointment of Prof. Barineme Fakae as the Vice-Chancellor.

A battle-line was yesterday drawn between Fakae and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), RSUST chapter, led by Dr. Felix Igwe, with

Igbo youth group wants 2nd Niger Bridge completed N IGBO youth group, Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF) has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to set up a joint task that will ensure a full implementation of the 2013 national budget.

The group, in a press statement, signed by its president and secretary, Augustine Chukwudum and

5th edition of Miss ECOWAS Peace pageant holds in Port Harcourt

boycott the passage of 2013 budget, if a specific amount is not earmarked for the commencement of the construction of the second Niger Bridge.”

The NUF also called on governors of the five south-east states to put their differences aside and join hands to pursue a common blueprint for the development of the zone.

no end in sight to the lecturers’ strike, which commenced on August 13.

The Vice-Chancellor claimed that there was no strike in the university, established in the Second Republic by the administration of late Chief Melford Okilo, while insisting that “few” lecturers decided to stay away.

Fakae, who spoke through the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Des Wosu, said having “successfully” concluded the second semester examinations, which started on September 17, lectures would commence on Monday, December 10, as approved by the Senate. The Vice-Chancellor said: “The delegation from the National Universities Commission (NUC) was recently at RSUST for two days and confirmed smooth activities. The

prising HODs, Deans of Faculties and Professors, are also holding meetings.

“It is not true that ASUU members in RSUST are on strike. Normal activities are on. Examinations were conducted smoothly. Deserving members of staff are being promoted.

“Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has stated that due process was followed in appointing Prof.

Barineme Fakae as the ViceChancellor and told the few aggrieved lecturers to go to court, which they have not done.”

The ASUU Chairman of RSUST, Dr. Felix Igwe, however, stated that over 75 per cent of the lecturers had been on strike since August 13, and would not resume, until due process was followed in the appointment of a vice-chancellor for the university.

P

Governor Akpabio turns 50 tomorrow

LANS are in top gear to celebrate the birthday of His Excellency, Chief Godswill Akpabio, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom, as he turns 50 tomorrow, December 9, 2012.

A release by Her Excellency, the wife of the governor, Mrs Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, expressed special gratitude to the Almighty God, “for making my dear husband and friend, His Excellency, Chief Godswill Obot Akpabio, attain the golden age of 50 on December 9. 2012.”

To this end, Mrs. Akpabio, said: “A special thanksgiving service and a Golden Jubilee Dinner will be held on that day by the family and friends of the governor to commemorate the milestone.”

Similarly, another release by “Friends of Godswill Akpabio”, indicates that a Special Golden Jubilee lecture will hold on Monday, December 10, at the Le’Meridien Ibom Hotel, where a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Salihu Alfa Belgore is expected to be the chairman.

According to the release, the Guest Lecturer on the occasion is Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency, Ojo Maduekwe, while the Special Guests are Alhaji Sule Lamido, Governor Theodore Orji, Abdullaziz Abubakar Yari, Barr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, Alhaji Ibrahim Dankwambo and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the governors of Jigawa, Abia, Zamfara, Katsina Kaduna, Ondo, Kano, Gombe and Edo, States respectively.

Also slated to grace the occasion as Royal Fathers of the Day are, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Okunade Sijuade; the Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty, Igwe Alfred Achebe.

THE NATION, Saturday, December 8, 2012

58 NEWS

Kwara halts employment into councils HE Kwara State government has suspended employment into the local government areas in the state based on alleged inability of the councils to meet their obligations.

The state is also resolved to sanction council chairmen who obtained what it describes as “unauthorised loans” to run their councils.

This directive was contained in a letter sent to the state House of Assembly by Governor AbdulFattah Ahmed on efforts by his administration to tackle the challenges facing the local governments in the state.

The House Speaker, Alhaji Razaq Atunwa, read the letter on the floor of the House early this week.

Already the state legislators had approved an investigation

T

n Adekunle JIMOH, Ilorin n of the finance management and administration of the councils by its Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy.

The committee is expected to submit its report next Thursday.

According to the letter, only two council areas, Baruten and Kaima, have clean bills of health in relation to the issue of loan.

The councils which obtained loans without authorisation included Ilorin East, Oke-Ero, Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Ilorin South, Offa, Edu, Ifelodun and Asa. The letter was the outcome of an investigation into the affairs of councils in the state following the widespread confrontation between the councils and their workers over

default in salary payment. The committee recommended that council chairmen found to have run foul of the law should be sanctioned as a deterrent to others. Atunwa noted that the house committee had already toured the 16 councils which he said should aid an effective discharge of their duty.

Excerpt from the letter reads: “As you may probably have been aware, the state government has for some time now been having a running battle with local government councils in the state over maladministration occasioned by reckless spending which culminated in mass discontent and above all the inability to pay staff salaries and fulfil statutory obligations.

“However, as the situation continued to degenerate

unabated and assuming a chaotic and calamitous dimension, government had to intervene quickly by setting up a committee to look into the matter and advise as appropriate.

“High points of the committee’s observations and findings include: “That the internally-generated revenue of all the local government councils is abysmally low and cannot effectively complement other sources of revenue, such as the regular inflow of the state 10 per cent to local governments.

“That local government councils should scale up their revenue drives as the local government councils are experiencing dwindling inflow from the federated account.

“That local government

Adamawa female Rep spends N73.6m on 32 boreholes n Yusuf ALLI, Managing n Editor, Northern Operation HE Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe, yesterday inaugurated 32 motorized boreholes constructed at N73.6m by a female member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Hajiya Aisha Dahiru Ahmed.

The member represents Yola North/Yola South and Girei Constituency.

The minister, who commissioned some of the boreholes in Gokra in the Girei Local Government Area of the state, said the boreholes would assist in eradicating some water-borne diseases in the area.

Ochekpe said: “This is a good example of service to one’s constituency and community. I wish to appeal to other elected political office holders to emulate Hajia Aisha’s efforts at complementing the present administration’s policy to provide social amenities to Nigerians.

“The water projects executed

by Hajia Aisha will improve the health of the people in the various benefiting communities because most of the water associated diseases which is very common in rural areas will no longer affect the people of these communities.

“With these boreholes, many girls in the rural areas who could not continue with their education as a result of searching for water for their parents can now return to classes. Also women devoting more time looking for water than concentrating on their businesses could now heave a sigh of relief.

“Hajia Aisha is a political mentor to our young women.

She proved that if women are more in leadership position the welfare of the people and the economy of the country will improve fast and the electorate will appreciate democracy.”

Hajiya Aisha said the construction of the 32 solar powered boreholes in all the wards in her constituency was her personal efforts to complement the government of Adamawa State under Governor Murtala Nyako to provide dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

She added: “Your Excellency, this is part of my personal contributions to the efforts of your administration at improving the living condition of our people.”

T

The Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu (left), during a condolence visit to former Head of State, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, over the death of his daughter, Zulaihatu, at his residence in Kaduna...yesterday.

councils obtain loan from banks and other unauthorised sources without official authorisation and due clearance from constituted authority-with Ilorin East, Ilorin South, Offa, Edu, Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, OkeEro and Asa local government councils being the worst culprits and that only Baruten and Kaima local government councils presented clean bills of health in this regard, “That all chairmen found culpable particularly in obtaining unauthorised loans should be sanctioned to serve as deterrent to others.

“That embargo be placed on general recruitment in the local government areas with the exception of recruiting only qualified accounts personnel who should be regularly trained for proper accounting system in the local government councils, that the local government councils should not exceed the reviewed personnel and overhead costs without the approval f the governor.

“These recommendations were upheld after thorough appraisal with emphasis on the decision that the local government councils should not exceed the reviewed personnel and overhead costs if they have to break even without the approval of the governor.

“The import of this letter is to bring the honourable members of the house into the picture of happenings in the third tier of government supposedly expected to be the nearest to the people and solicit the house support to extract the commitment of the councils to abide by the decisions of the government in order to salvage the situation and bring the councils back on track and path of sustainable growth and development.”

Niger suspends three officers for mismanagement of funds IGER State government has suspended three principal officers in the Niger State Housing Cooperation, including the former General Manager for mismanagement of funds and using of funds without approval from relevant authorities.

Disclosing this to newsmen in Minna, the Head of Service, Alhaji Ibrahim Matane, said the officers used N48 million paid to the cooperation for some of the housing units without superior approval.

According to him, only N2 million out of N48 million could be assessed, stating that the money was supposed to be saved and given to the

N

n Jide ORINTUNSIN, Minna n developer after the work had been completed.

"Three principal officers, including the former General Manager, was suspended. It is not a flouting of law; it is about the mismanagement of funds kept in the custody of the corporation. They should have had superior approval if the money was to be spent", he said.

Matane said the suspension was in line with the transparency and accountability policy of the state government, adding that the government was determined to ensure that every single naira used or deposited in the state is

accounted for.

He further said N88 billion will be needed for the eight years for the implementation of projects in the water sector, adding that the government had been facing the problem on how to balance the current challenge in providing water for the state and to pay off the huge amount of liabilities.

Matane said the white paper committee constituted by the state governor had recommended that “people who connect to the water mains illegally should be disconnected to ease the pressure of water.”

The Head of Service, who is also the Chairman of the committee, stated that the

NSE recommends e-voting for 2015 elections

T

HE Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has recommended electronicvoting system for the 2015 general elections.

The society said e-voting would entrench transparency in Nigeria’s democratic system, adding that Nigerian engineers were ready to collaborate with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to achieve that.

In a communiqué at the end of its 45th annual general meeting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, yesterday the NSE said “the society has successfully deployed e-voting for the election of the officers to run its affairs in 2013. This has been made possible by the collaboration between the NSE and the NigComSat Ltd. “It is important also to

n Adekunle JIMOH, Ilorin n

highlight that the software used was developed by the Nigerian engineers in Nigeria. The lesson learnt in this exercise is that it is possible for the INEC to use evoting in the local government, state and federal elections.The NSE will be ready to collaborate with the INEC in this regards.”

Part of the communiqué read by the society’s President, Engr.

Mustafa B. Shehu, goes thus: “Evoting is very possible in the 2015 general elections because there are some countries larger than Nigeria in terms of population that are adopting evoting. What we need is the commitment. The resources to be deployed are the challenges to be encountered and definitely the Nigerian engineers are there

to meet up with these challenges.

“With the clamour for transparent elections everywhere in the country, once we go through electric voting, nobody will accuse government or any tier of government of non-transparency. Whoever emerges as the elected candidate is the one that has been declared the winner of the election and there would not be hard feelings.

“The elected officials would know they are the voice of the people and they will do everything to discharge their obligations to the people that have genuinely elected them.

But people who have not been transparently elected will be reluctant and indifferent in delivering service to the people.”

state council approved the institutional restructuring of the water sector for better service delivery.

Also briefing newsmen, the Commissioner for Information, Alhaji Danladi Abdulhamid, said to meet up with the target of the state government to generate more funds, “the Board of Internal Revenue is set to engage the services of 19 consultants as the challenges are becoming enormous for one consultant to manage.”

The consultants, Abdulhamid said “are needed because the target given is beyond the capacity of the current consultant in the state. When more professionals are put together, they produce more desirable results”.

FG donates N400m to flood victims in Kano HE Federal Government yesterday donated N400 million to victims of the recent flood disaster in Kano State.

Ambassador Bashir Yuguda, the Minister of State for Works, announced the donation when he paid a courtesy visit on Governor Rabi’u Kwankwaso at the Government House, Kano yesterday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister was accompanied on the visit by members of the Presidential Sub-committee on Flood Assessment.

He said the gesture was aimed at complementing the state government's efforts towards alleviating the sufferings of the victims of the disaster.

Yuguda, who expressed the Federal Government’s sympathy to the government and people of Kano State, commended the Kwankwaso administration for the steps it had taken to alleviate the sufferings of the flood victims.

According to him, the committee, which is under the chairmanship of the Minister of Environment, Hajiya Hadiza Mailafia, would assess the extent of damage caused by the flood with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problem.

Responding, Gov. Musa Kwankwaso said the state government had concluded arrangement to relocate the affected villagers.

He explained that ``the state government realises that the annual flood affects the same villages, hence its decision to relocate the villagers to safer areas.''

He also disclosed that his government had awarded contract for the upgrading of three local government headquarters in the state.

On flooding in Kano City, Kwankwaso promised to construct a dual carriageway over Jakara stream which runs through four local government areas in the metropolis, as part of measures to address the problem.

He thanked the Federal Government for the gesture and gave assurance that the assistance would reach those who deserve it.

In another development, the Federal Government yesterday released 24,000 bags of assorted grains for distribution to flood victims in Taraba.

T

59

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-11-12

Key indicators appreciate further

T

HE Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) yesterday ended the week with a growth of 0.47 per cent. The positive performance started on Tuesday when the key indicators recorded marginal increase, though small but constant all through the week.

Market capitalisation added N40 billion to close at N8.522 trillion while the All-Share-Index improved by 125.52 points to close at 26,671.72 points.

Specifically, investors transacted 228.939 million shares worth N2.771 billion across 3,551 deals. The interest in the Financial Services sector continued to grow as it leads the activities chart with 174.669 million shares worth N1.708 billion across 2,200 deals.

The Consumer Goods sector followed with 19.833 million shares worth N794.033 million exchanged in 663 deals while the Oil & Gas sector closely followed with 17.063 million shares worth N52.750 million.

Others with relatively high volume of transaction were Services, Industrial Goods and the Conglomerates 6.866 million shares, 4.374 million shares and 2.357 million shares respectively.

However, the list of

路 ASHON lauds FG Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

gainers increased compared to the other days during the just conclude week with 31 equities as against 13 on the losers side of the table.

AIICO Insurance led the gainers table with N0.05 to close at N0.66 followed by UAC-Property with an increase of N0.55 to close at N10.60. Sterling Bank came next with N0.08 to close at N1.57.

Others on the list were NNFM, Oando, Eterna Oil & Gas, NEM, UBA, Japaul Oil and Custodian and Allied Insurance.

On the flip side UTC led with a drop of N0.03 to close at N0.58 followed by MCNICHOLS with price drop of N0.04 to close at N0.85. Still on the negative side were Neimeth, Livestock, Honeywell Flour, FCMB, Presco, Transcorp, NASCON and Red Star Express.

Meanwhile, the Association of Stock broking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) has lauded Federal Government for granting forbearance to indebted brokers.

It would be recalled that body has over the last 3 years

solicited for the forbearance on the margin accounts of some of their members with banks now taken over by AMCON. The request was based on the premise that for margin accounts where parties made contributions, no party looses more than the contribution it had made. The 'debt' on the margin accounts came about from the fact that bank failed to exercise the margin calls as required by the arrangement in the face of falling share prices.

According to the body, this singular act by the Federal Government gives the Capital Market a lot of hope that the market will begin to play its pivotal role as the engine room for the transformation of our nation's economy.

"We trust the government will continue to look for other ways to resuscitate the Capitak Market to enable it compliment the various reform programmes of government and to become an integral component for the growth and development of the economy", the body said.

The group however, pledged that working along with other stakeholders in the Capital Market, will continue to initiate and pursue processes, procedures and policies in the areas of risk management , investors protection, corporate governance and professional conduct, to ensure there will be no reoccurrence of the situation that led us to this position.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 31-11-12

THE N

60

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

61

THE NATION SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

62

SPORT EXTRA

Mikel won’t appeal FA ban T M IKEL OBI will not appeal FA sanctions in the stormy

aftermath of Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat against Manchester United in October.

The Chelsea midfielder was handed a three-match ban and £60,000 fine for threatening referee Mark Clattenburg after the match.

It means he will miss the Premier League fixtures against Sunderland and Aston Villa, as well as the Capital One Cup quarter-final against Leeds United.

However, Mikel, who signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea on Wednesday, will still be available to play in the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan next week.

Chelsea is well aware that players have been suspended for much longer for serious

abuse against an official and, following a personal hearing, there is a sense of relief that the Football Association’s regulatory commission accepted the mitigation that was put forward for Mikel’s behaviour.

Mikel had been told by Ramires, his team-mate, that Clattenburg had referred to him as a ‘monkey’ during the game, prompting the subsequent confrontation and threat in the referee’s office.

Clattenburg has since been cleared by both the police and the FA of the Ramires allegation, but the commission did also believe that Mikel genuinely thought he had been racially abused when he made his threat.

But for that mitigating factor, Mikel’s ban would have been “significantly longer”.

• Continued from back levity after the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup. But he moved on.

He still accepted to serve in the NFF’s Technical Committee on patriotic grounds. That is the spirit that Siasia should imbibe, more so when his feats at the 2005 U-20 World Youth Championship (WYC) in Holland and at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games still serve as benchmarks to gauge the rise and fall of the beautiful game here.

The lesson to learn from Amodu’s experience is that time is the healer of all wounds. Siasia should accept all the mistakes he made as a manager and which include the flaws in the contract, which he now feels tied his hands to the advantage of his former employers.

What Siasia should do is to get an expert to prepare his contract.

Secondly, he should never enter into any agreement without a lawyer. He fell into the trap because he was excited and thought that the voice of Nigerians was the immunity he needed to keep his job, irrespective of the results. He has learnt the hard way. It was bound to happen with the Nigerian fan, who is a bad loser.

Siasia couldn’t manage the Eagles’ big boys. He allowed the Nigerians’ cry to instill discipline in the team get into his head and abandoned the carrot and stick approach. He ought to have known

Mikel admitted to the commission that he had used threatening, abusive, insulting words or behaviour in the official’s changing room at the end of the game and quickly decided on Thursday to accept his punishment.

EAM Lagos won all the 9 bouts they competed in the final of the Boxing event of the Eko 2012 18th National Sports Festival, while Ogun grabbed 5 gold as well topping the event’s medal table.

Lagos’ Dauda Azeez(Female,49kg), Adebayo Mutiat(Female, 51kg), Joseph Otto(male, 60kg), Fijabi Olaide(male,

Provost stresses need for sporting activities

T

HE Acting Provost of the Oyo State College of Agriculture Igboora, Oyo State, Professor Gbemiga Adewale has emphasised the need for management institutions to support sporting activities.

He stated this as activities marking the 2011/2012 provost games of the institution which was rounded off with a football competition organised among the various departments in the College.

The Acting Provost, Professor Jacob Gbemiga Adewale while declaring the games open, revealed that the football competition which was third of its kind, was conceived in order to create opportunities for students to relax and socialise. This he said was necessary for their programmes to be a rewarding one.

Adewale further hinted that the College does not only emphasise pursuit of academic excellence but also encourage students to participate in sporting activities which is capable of making students to be physically fit and to also discover the hidden sporting talents in them .

Lagos, Ogun sweep Boxing medals • As Oyo cries foul Tunde LIADI 64kg), Peter Kate (female, 69kg) and Gabriel Francis(male 91kg) all won their respective fights.

Ogun boxers also took part of the gold rush after scooping 5 gold medals out of the 10 that qualified for the final.

Yetunde Egunjobi (48kg), Sanusi Abiodun (56kg), Olaniyi Bola(60kg), (Tijani Falilat(64kg), Ademola Najeem(75kg) and Rasheed Fatai (81kg) all did Ogun proud with the gold medals secured in their final bouts.

Ondo ‘s James Kemi (57kg) and Ojo Sunday (69kg) won two gold medals for the state.

Oyo produced two boxers in the final but could only muster two silver medals one which the Secretary of the Association in the State, Oyekola B.O has described as unacceptable.

He confessed that with the

type of officiating evident in the final bouts boxing would never grow in the country and that Nigeria reps would continue to suffer misfortunes in international competitions except the officials change their ways.

Oyekola Said:”We can’t accept the results of the final bouts we just had. We have been robbed of our legitimate chance to get gold medals. My fighters did the fighting and clearly won the bout until the referee altered it and gave victory to undeserving winners.

“Boxing will continue to suffer retarded growth if this kind of officiating is allowed to continue. Is it a must to host and win? I am hoghly disappointed with Lagos and the way they go about grabbing everything possible.”

Samson Siasia’s pains that as a coach, he is judged not by what he says or/and how well he prepares the players for matches, but by the outcome of games.

He had issues with key members of the team. There was a mutiny.

This writer is convinced, even though without sufficient evidence, that Siasia was sabotaged by the players for a breath of fresh air.

It would interest Siasia to know that Stephen Keshi learnt from his mistakes in instilling discipline in the Eagles. Managing players is an attribute, not a way of life. It is the key to success. If the players are aggrieved, they will ease off the coach. They are like the proverbial “barracks that is static while the coaches come and go”.

One needs to tell Siasia that part of the lessons he should take from his sack is the need to accept responsibility for his team’s poor showing. He got it wrong each time he blamed the players for poor results only to take the credit whenever the team won. Of course, the coach who picked them for matches that they won did so for those that they lost.

To err, they say, is human, but to forgive is divine. Siasia should learn to forgive people. It was his albatross as the Super Eagles coach.

If he truly forgave those players who crossed his path, he would still

be the Super Eagles’ coach. Good luck, Siasia.

Thank you, The Nation and SportingLife readers Last week Saturday at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, I was decorated as the Best Sports Editor of the Year by Hally Sports International, the business and sports conglomerate. It was a well attended ceremony.

I never knew I would be adjudged as the best. I went there with an open mind and was prepared to celebrate any winner since our two titles The Nation and Sportinglife are seemingly new in the market.

When my name was announced, I was transfixed. I summoned courage to rise to my feet to receive the award.

But the award is not mine; it is yours, readers of The Nation and Sportinglife. I promise on behalf of my colleagues on the sports desk to continue to dish out interesting stories to satisfy your yearnings.

Like I told everyone in the hall last Saturday, I promise to be back to pick more laurels next year, after satisfying our readers with the best of sports.

Thank you, dear readers, for having faith in The Nation and Sportinglife.

Cheers!

069

8-12-12

THE NATION, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012

63

TOMORROWPUNCHLINE IN THE NATION

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.7, NO. 2332

Legislative aides (if any) need to tell lawmakers that most of the countries that operate federalism do have a tradition of at least two levels of symbols of allegiance: federal and state

W

OULD it not have been much better if the Lord Jesus Christ, the founder of the Christian religion and saviour of humanity had been born a Nigerian rather than a Jew? ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness”, Jesus admonished his followers, “and everything will be added unto you”. But if Jesus were a Nigerian, he would have the street wisdom to enable his adherents enjoy to the fullest both the kingdom of this world and the blessings of the world to come – a win –win situation for all. If Christ was a Nigerian, he would have said something like this: “Seek ye first the kingdom of private jets, palatial mansions, exotic four wheel drives, lucrative oil blocs, multi-million private university enterprises, companionship of the high and mighty of this world and every other thing will be added unto you both in this world and that which is to come”. A Nigerian Christ would have found a workable compromise between the Kingdom of darkness and that of light. He would have urged us all to give unto Caesar what is God’s and give unto God what is Caesar’s and there would have been eternal peace between good and evil world without end, Amen.

Can you imagine John the Baptist being foolish enough to have his head cut off for speaking truth to power if he were a Nigerian?

No, he would have blessed the unholy matrimony between Herod and his brother’s wife, invoked divine blessings on them and gone on to spend the rest of his days in splendour and prosperity while fulfilling his God ordained mission on earth.

I have often found some of the words of Christ in the Bible confounding, stupefying and astounding. For instance, there were two men fishing for their livelihood in the Sea of Galilee. “Follow me”, Jesus simply told them and I will make you fishers of men”. But how do you fish for men? Simply by seeking to win them over to the kingdom of God I can now understand. However, if it were in today’s Nigeria, how exactly would Jesus have framed his mission?

I think he would have said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of private jets.” And the reason would be quite simple. With luxury private jets, fishing for the souls of men becomes much more efficient, stressfree and maximally productive. Much more importantly, the man of God, cruising the heavenly spheres in his modern flying gadget would have a closer proximity to the Almighty and have a greater possibility of his prayers being answered on behalf of his prosperity seeking adherents.

As I pen these words, two men of God, fishers of men in their own peculiar ways are on my mind. First, is Pastor Ayodele Joseph Oritsejafor, founding and senior pastor of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Delta State. Ever since he was converted by the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa in 1972,

Give us this day our private jet

•Kukah Pastor Oritsejafor has not looked back. He has been a fiery, uncompromising preacher passionately seeking to win souls to Christ.

Over the last four decades, his ministry has flourished abundantly and he has become one of the success symbols of the now fashionable prosperity gospel. Only recently, Pastor Oritsejafor justly celebrated his 40th year on the pulpit. President Goodluck Jonathan personally graced the occasion – an indication of Pastor Oritsejafor’s standing in the kingdom of this world. President Jonathan on that occasion considered it noteworthy that Oritsejafor was President both of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). I really do not think this is to Pastor Oritsejafor’s credit. Why should any individual want to cling to the two very influential positions? Does this not smack of some mini megalomania of sorts? But the highlight of Pastor Oritsejafor’s 40th anni-

•Oritsejafor versary as a preacher, was the gift presented to him by his congregation of Canadianmade Bombadier jet manufactured in 1994 and costing $3.5 million. When the announcement of the gift was made, the entire congregation reportedly erupted in joy, congratulating and backslapping each other on the good fortune of their pastor and, most assuredly, praying it would one day be their turn to be living testimonies to God’s miraculous blessings.

If Pastor Oritsejafor symbolises the overly individualistic and materialistic orientation of the Pentecostal movement in contemporary Nigeria, the Metropolitan and Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence, John Olorunfemi Onaiyekan, exemplifies the restraint, asceticism, deep learning and self effacement that is the essence of the Church.

Archbishop Onaiyekan was one of the 22 new Cardinals elevated as elite princes of the church by Pope Benedict XVI. He thus fol-

—Ropo Sekoni

lows in the footsteps of Francis Cardinal Arinze and Anthony Cardinal Okogie who were ordained Cardinals before him. An accomplished polyglot, John Cardinal Onaiyekan earned his doctorate in 1976. His interesting dissertation was on “The Priesthood in Pre-monarchical Ancient Israel and among the Owe-Yoruba of Kabba: A comparative study”. Surely, the Cardinal would do well to revise his thesis for publication and accessibility to a wider audience.

The Catholic Church is a most unique organisation. It is at once all too human and yet manifests unquestionable traits of divinity. The Catholic Church places no premium on miracles. It does not pride itself on raising the dead or opening the eyes of the blind or conferring instant prosperity on the poor. Yet, despite millions flocking to instant miracle centres, the Catholic Church continues to flourish and maintain its own in the Christian community. By 2005, for instance, it was estimated that there were 18 million baptised Catholics in Nigeria and the country along with the Congo Democratic Republic had the highest number of priests in Africa. One of the greatest strengths of the Catholic Church is the very rigorous theological, philosophical and logical training that the church gives its priests. I have absolutely no doubt, for instance, that the average Catholic priest is far more intellectually equipped than his Pentecostal counterpart to respond pungently and effectively to such new books as ‘The God Delusion’ by the English biologist, Richard Dawkins or ‘God is not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything’ by Christopher Hitchens; books that question the very basis of faith in the existence of God and the supernatural.

I am not surprised that it is another great Catholic priest and intellectual, Dr. Monsignor Mathew Hassan Kukah, who has had the courage and honesty to speak up against the very obscene, purported gift of a private jet to Pastor Oritsejafor by members of his congregation. According to Father Kukah, “I do not see anywhere in the world where any worshipping community can claim that they’ve been able to raise over 7 billion Naira to buy such a gift for their pastor. But most importantly for me is that, amidst the squalor and poverty that we face in Nigeria, these are not the kind of model display that we should be to our people”. It is difficult to fault the cleric’s logic.

And on the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Father Kukah is even more trenchant and biting. In his words “CAN has become more visible in relation to national prayer sessions, pilgrimages, alliances with state power and so on. Unless we distance ourselves, we cannot speak the truth to power.

We cannot hear the wails of the poor and the weak. We should not be seen as playing the praying wing of the party in power”. Surely, I cannot put it better. But is Pastor Oritsejafor listening?

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Samson Siasia’s pains

S

AMSON Siasia is an interesting charac ter. He sees things from his cocoon. He doesn’t think others’ views count.

Things must be done his way; otherwise, nothing works. He knows it all, making it imperative to ask if he truly needs any employment.

It’s over one year since Siasia lost the Super Eagles job and he has been very inconsistent in his comments. He threatened to challenge his removal in court but wisely did a recant which many people, including this writer, applauded as a sign of maturity.

Since that rethink, Siasia has gone about his pet project of identifying future players from the grassroots - this is his area of strength and this writer was impressed, given his feats in the age-grade category that in the past was riddled with age-cheats.

Since Siasia’s sack from the Eagles job, this writer has met him twice. He was cajoled to take pictures with me during the MTN Football Hub in Lagos last year and I wasn’t sur-

prised. Yet, Siasia showed maturity when he said that all that transpired between us was in the course of doing our jobs. I was impressed. I shook hands with him. While taking the photographs with Siasia, his face didn’t light up. He still had pains; rightly so.

The second meeting was in Abuja this year.

We greeted and walked our different ways.

Yet one was marvelled at the fact that he came to the Nigeria National League finals.

Indeed, I gathered that he was in Abuja, training young lads. I asked The Nation and SportingLife’s correspondents to track what he was doing and send the reports for publication.

I was, therefore, pleasantly surprised last Sunday when I read Siasia’s potshots against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the manner of his sack. Not again, was my first response. I wanted to push the report aside. But an inner voice urged me to read it dispassionately. I did and the same voice challenged me to appeal to him to forget the past.

Siasia is entitled to his views. It appears

to me too that each time he throws this salvo; it helps him reduce the pains inside him. I sympathise with him. His sack truncated a promising career. But he should also understand that coaching is about hiring and firing, especially when the results go awry as in his case.

Siasia should take a cue from what happened to Chelsea’s Roberto d’ Matteo, who won the UEFA Champions League trophy for the Blues, yet was sacked with ignominy because of the team’s poor results, in spite of the fact that they were third in the Barclays English Premier League table, then had a mathematical chance of remaining in the UEFA Champions League, among other competitions ahead of the season.

There has been global condemnation over Matteo’s sack. Chelsea fans still carry placards voicing their rage. They boo the new man, Rafa Benitez, all through their matches.

Matteo has not said a word against Chelsea’s owner; nor has he granted any interview to lament his situation. Instead, he has moved on, leaving the club’s supporters

to fight his battle. Chelsea is out of the UEFA Champions League, a fate which many have ascribed to retributive justice. Yet Matteo is better off for it. His silence is golden. Need I remind Siasia of the shabby treatment meted out to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea for not winning the UEFA Champions League? He left quietly to lead Inter Milan to lift the UEFA Champions League, the Portuguese’s second as a coach, ahead of the English side, which did theirs last year.

I urge Siaisa to emulate Matteo since he has age on his side. Shuaibu Amodu said worse things when former Sports Minister Jim Nwobodo sacked him. Indeed, Amodu’s wife granted interviews in which she advocated for foreign sports minister as the panacea for change since Nwobodo preferred a foreign coach to her husband.

Amodu returned to coach the Super Eagles after a brief stint with Orlando Pirates in South Africa. Again, he was sacked after Nigeria’s qualification for the 2002 Korea/ Japan World Cup. He made another appearance and Nigeria qualified for her second World Cup appearance, but Amodu didn’t sit on the bench to reap the fruits of his labour.

•Continued on Page 62

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, E-mail: Tel/07028105302 Port Harcourt Office: 12/14, Njemanze Street, Mile 1, Diobu, PH. 08023595790 `Website: www.thenationonlineng.net saturday@thenationonlineng.com ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: DELE ADEOSUN