February 01, 2015 by The Nation

Newspaper of the Year

Huge crowds as Buhari campaigns in Ilorin, Bauchi

Storm brews over South Africa's military advisers in Nigeria

–Page 5

–Page 4

They face prosecution on return home

Low turnout mars Jonathan’s Kaduna rally Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.09, No. 3113

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

N200.00

FEBRUARY 1, 2015

WAR THREATS

Pressure on Jonathan to move against Tompolo, others –Page 4

NNMA winner, Niyi Osundare, writes open letter to president

FEB POLLS •Saraki

•Tinubu

•Ashafa

•Adeleke

•Abiodun

•Adeola

POWER SHIFT LOOMS IN SENATE

–Pages 9-11

•Tejuosho

•Sunmonu

•Boroffice

•Omoworare

•Lafiaji

•Adeyeye

Shooting at Lagos APC senatorial candidate, Yayi’s, office Adewale: I only visited to complain about my vandalised billboards

–Page 5

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

PAGE 2 Chicago man eats 444 chicken wings in 30 mins

CAPTURED

PROFESSIONAL competitive eater from Chicago downed 444 chicken wings in 30 minutes at the 23rd annual Wing Bowl in Philadelphia, narrowly edging out his nearest rival and shattering the record of 363 wings set a year earlier. "I have the sweats but I feel a lot better because I know I don't have to eat any more chicken wings," the winner, Patrick Bertoletti, said after narrowly beating prior record-holder Molly Schuyler, who gobbled 440 wings in front of a crowd of thousands at the area where the city's National Basketball Association franchise, the 76ers, plays. Bertoletti ate 50 wings in the last two minutes of the contest, ripping the meat from the bone and stuffing it in his mouth, a technique that left him chewing for more than two minutes after the final buzzer rang. The new record shocked Angelo Cataldi, the sports talk radio broadcaster who conceived of the contest as a consolation to Philadelphia sports fans, who have seen their Eagles football team make it only twice to the Super Bowl, which they have never won. "I didn't think it was possible," Cataldi said. The contest, hosted by Philadelphia sports talk radio station 94 WIP, features entrants with colourful nicknames who are ushered in with immense entourages featuring scantily clad women called "wingettes." "It's my first year, and it's really fun, but I'm cold," said wingette Amanda Dennis, who wore a bikini top made from electrical tape as she entered the arena riding in a refrigerator with its top cut off, along with another contestant who went by the name, Meat Fridge.

USPECTING that his discussions with the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, on February's general elections could be quoted out of context and perhaps the wrong emphases placed, President Goodluck Jonathan quickly gave his own version of the meeting, and even signed the statement issued by his spokesman, Reuben Abati. Mr Kerry had talked down to the two main contestants in this month's poll, warning them of the dire consequences of postponing the elections or of sponsoring or inspiring violence before, during and after the polls. Deferentially, the two contestants meekly absorbed the riot act read to them by the top US diplomat. In his version, President Jonathan admitted that he had “a candid and constructive discussion” on a broad range of issues with Secretary Kerry, and assured him Nigeria would have a free and fair election. “I emphasised to Secretary

Good to see you again Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris (r), welcoming President Goodluck Jonathan, during the visit of the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation to the royal father, yesterday. Photo: NAN

BAROMETER sunday@thenationonlineng.net

Jonathan equivocates on election timetable Kerry that I am deeply committed to ensuring that our forthcoming election is free, fair, and credible," said the president triumphantly. “It is especially critical that all political parties abide by the Abuja Accord, which commits each to non-violence before, during, and after the election. I made it absolutely clear that the May 29th handover date is sacrosanct." Observe very closely what the president said he told Mr Kerry, and more importantly what he did not tell him. When President Jonathan said he was committed to a free and fair election, it should ordinarily be a relief, at least for whatever a glib statement is worth. But he said absolutely nothing about the date of the elections, whether it agreed with him or not, or whether

he had principled reservations about it or not. Second, the president said he made it 'absolutely clear' to Mr Kerry that the May 29 handover date was sacrosanct. Barometer was not at the meeting with the two lead-

ers, but it is doubtful Mr Kerry would worry about handover date after an election had been held. So, speaking 'absolutely clearly,' Mr Kerry was likely to be bothered about postponing the elections, with all its attendant connotations, than the obviously unavoidable act of handover, once an election had been held. In his summary, President Jonathan was silent on the issue of election date. However, in his own summary read to the press after meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, Mr Kerry had said: "The fact is that one of the best ways to fight back against Boko Haram and similar groups is by protecting the peaceful, credible, and transparent elections that are essential to any

thriving democracy, and certainly, essential to the largest democracy in Africa. It's imperative that these elections happen on time as scheduled, and that they are an improvement over past elections, and they need to set a new standard for this democracy. That means that Nigerians have to not only reject violence but they have to actually promote peace." In President Jonathan's summary, there was no hint of the philosophical tenets that undergird elections. And though Mr Kerry spelt these nuanced tenets out, President Jonathan was either unable to appreciate them, or he cynically avoided mentioning them. More crucially, Mr Kerry talked of the imperativeness of holding the election 'on time as scheduled.' Presi-

John Kerry talks down to Jonathan, Buhari on polls

S the piece above indicates, Mr Kerry was in Nigeria at the instance of US President Barack Obama to emphasise the need for a timeous and violence-free poll. The problem is not so much with the content of his interactions with the two presidential candidates, President Jonathan and Gen Buhari, as the mere fact that he came at all. His coming, not to say his humiliating warnings, gave many impressions. First, that Nigerians are unable to get their act together, and lack

the depth of knowledge, understanding and wisdom to rule themselves. Second, that President Jonathan who should understand that such warnings ridicule him and his country, failed woefully , like a typical house negro, to appreciate the insult. And third, that had he and his predecessors done the right thing, no leader or country anywhere would be talking down to Nigeria on its domestic affairs. By now it is clear that Nigeria has never had a philosopher-

king. The problem gets increasingly worse, as the Jonathan presidency has shown. Of all the failings of a leader, the worst is probably the inability to appreciate the most elementary philosophy of governance and leadership and their many metaphysical constructs. This is why Mr Kerry's nuanced insult was lost on President Jonathan, and why the Nigerian president seems bent on manipulating the system and all rules and regulations for his private ends. Let President Jonathan redeem him-

self by boldly submitting himself to the polls, and lose or win as fate would have it. And let him, in case he may sometime in the future be capable of it, engage himself in the study of great leaders and what they did to underscore their legacies. This column of course assumes President Jonathan has the inspiring understanding of what a legacy is, why he needs one, and how he must build and safeguard it.

dent Jonathan's answer was to pledge the sacrosanctness of the handover date, a point Mr Kerry apparently took for granted. Furthermore, to pretend to officiousness and patriotism, President Jonathan said in his own summary that he would offer all resources to the electoral body, INEC, to carry out its functions. “In addition, the government will provide all resources that are required by the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that the election goes smoothly," he had said. But his true wish was easily betrayed in the next sentence. “I also emphasised that INEC is an independent body, which makes its own decisions without any interference from the government,” he seemed to deadpan. In other words, it was up to INEC to postpone the elections, and surely the Americans would understand if President Jonathan allowed the electoral body the independence necessary for its operation. Without a shred of doubt, President Jonathan wants the elections postponed, for he is not sure he could win if the polls were held today. What is also clear is that the president knows how to lean on INEC to postpone the polls, an action he thinks neither the rest of us nor the Americans would wise up to. Let the president prevaricate all he can; it must be made 'absolutely clear' to him that he risks too much by postponing the polls, even if he gives the impression the decision is independently that of INEC.

By ADEKUNLE ADE-ADELEYE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

COLUMN

Inferno and the filmmaker W

HAT a grisly birthday present! In August this year, Ola Balogun, the notable Nigerian filmmaker, visual artist, dramatist and culture impresario, will turn seventy. Penultimate Thursday, Ola Balogun lost everything he has acquired in life to a terrible inferno which consumed everything in sight until it was put down. I use the phrase "put down" and not "put out" advisedly. In our part of the world, wild fires are like mad dogs. Everybody runs away from them if they have the chance. They range and roam with volcanic gusto until a combination rudimentary technology and sheer primitive prowess knock them out. Then everybody goes home to await the next mad dog. Such is the fate of societies trapped between the ancient order and modernity. Modernity will bring the consumer goods and all the trappings of occidental and oriental civilizations. But you cannot rent firefighting equipments and firefighters from America. In the absence of these, all the emblems and totems of civilization, all the gadgets acquired from other people's technological labours, are mere ephemeralities awaiting the ultimate consumer. It is known as uninsurable goods and goodies. There are periods in a nation's life when the personal tragedy is indistinguishable from the public tragedy, when indeed the private tragedy of the exceptional individual is a profound metaphor for the collective tragedy of human existence in the society. Take another look at the picture of the bewildered and stoically bemused filmmaker of impeccable upper class breeding amidst the rubble and horrific carnage of what used to be his adored home and you may well be looking at the last snapshot of the old Nigerian middle class or what the French call the "haute culture". In its classical epoch before the barbarians overwhelmed the barricades, Ola Balogun's father, an Aba-based Yoruba lawyer, was part of it all, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Zik, Francis Akanu Ibiam, Eyo Ita, the Adeniyi-Jones and many other members of the emergent illuminati that birthed around the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt and Calabar axis. Just as the middle ground has disappeared from Nigerian politics, the middle class, the cultural, spiritual, political and economic backbone of any civilized society, has also vanished from the Nigerian horizon. It is perhaps profoundly symptomatic of this loss that the values of Calvinist thrift, restraint, delayed gratification, liberality and tolerance with which the European and American bourgeois classes powered modernity and rapid development in its classical epoch have also disappeared from Nigeria. The old African jungle with its commodious capacity for the re-absorption of the absconding has reclaimed its own. It is a tragedy that has been long in coming. Rues Ola Balogun: "Everything is gone now-my books, films and other belongings. Although I still have some of my books in Paris,

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Balogun

France. I have not lived in Paris for many years now. My family is over there. Meanwhile, this is a rented accommodation, which I have occupied for more than 10 years now". Ask yourself what an internationally acclaimed filmmaker was doing in rented quarters and you are beginning to fumble with the firmly shut lid of a national scandal. How many retired professors can boast of having their own houses? As to the cause of the fire, Balogun was even more ironically revealing of the state of the nation and the collapse of its old middle class: "I can't say I saw the start of the fire. There was no light before I slept and I put on my generator. Suddenly, I noticed that my generator went off by itself at about 1.30 am, but I didn't come out for security reasons". This is the image of a global citizen stranded by patriotic choice, a gifted and sensitive soul marooned; a cosmopolitan intellectual trapped in the punishing hell of a retarded postcolonial state. In the darkest moment of tormenting private loss, of strenuous intellectual and creative labour summarily eviscerated, Balogun must have wondered what made him stick to his beloved fatherland in spite of the ominous signals of distress. But it was not always like this. In the not too distant past, there was another country. The mind rolls back to Ife at the turn of the seventies. Anybody associated with the old University of Ife at the turn of the seventies, particularly the ancient Faculty of Arts, must remember a tall stripling young man fabulously attired in native fabric of francophone pedigree and his enchantingly exotic wife. Impeccably mannered and impressively credentialed, Ola Balogun had returned home after degrees from Dakar and Paris to contribute his own quota to the development of the fatherland. The great university at Ife was the place to be at that particular time. There was the aroma of human distinction and future great-

ness in the air. Mesmerising exotica abounded. Ola Balogun together with the likes of Ulli Beer, Professor Feuser, the Heywoods, the Euba couple was part of the charmed circle of learning and culture. There was also the recently departed Jeffrey S. Gruber who had studied Linguistics at MIT and was rumoured to be a protégé of the old MIT hell-raiser, Noam Chomsky. It was a magic mountain. Forty five years down the line, both mountain and magic had disappeared as if toppled by an erupting volcano. But no matter what the ruins of a great architecture must remain. A few months back, as Snooper was traipsing and trampling around the Ikeja supermarket hub like a footloose flaneur, the eyes suddenly fell on a gentleman of unmistakable distinction quietly sipping his afternoon tea while browsing through some newspapers in cheery solitude. It could have been a Parisean café in the glorious era of JeanPaul Sartre and his companion, collaborator and confidante, Simone de Beauvoir. But this was a small cramped coffee shop on the upper stairs of Goddy's Supermarket in Ikeja. Consumed by his own company, it seemed that the gentleman sipping his tea was bent on avoiding eye contact with everybody. But there was something about him and the aura of solitary politeness which increased one's fascination. Then he made a slip by briefly looking up, or it may be that the intense gaze penetrated his chilly armour. It was Ola Balogun. "Dr Ola Balogun, I must presume", Snooper opened with a famous gambit of colonial interlopers. He smiled back, the hesitant and polite smile of the wellborn and well bred before inviting yours sincerely to a vacant seat near him. We had barely finished exchanging pleasantries about the good old days when an animated discussion about the state of the nation ensued. Like all concerned patriots, the famed filmmaker was disturbed and distressed about the state of the nation and how

things could have been allowed to degenerate to this level where everything seemed to have gone to the dogs. He was quietly vehement but soft spoken. He did not seek to impress or to castigate unwholesomely. There was something about him which reminded one of the Etonian charms and diffidence of the old public school boy. From his travels, he has acquired the cosmopolitan savvy of the global denizen. But he also communicated a calm fortitude and stoic endurance. What particularly irked and riled Balogun was the virtual collapse of the middle class culture which supported and valorised the creative industry and artistic production in the country. The half a million readers that bought Gbolabo Ogunsanwo's Sunday Times in the mid-seventies have all vanished into thin air. Even the down market Onitsha market literature has disappeared. In contemporary Onitsha market, you can see sweaty musclemen physically lugging expired freezers and other monstrous looking contraptions. It is not a scene for effete literati. But what was clear that afternoon was that despite the parlous state of the nation, the likes of Ola Balogun refused to

be fazed or daunted. He kept coming up with schemes to revive the reading culture and the revival of an active intellectual class which will spearhead and pioneer the rebirth of the nation. He had many names ready and already penciled down. His quiet enthusiasm was to say the least quite infectious. If he is not persuaded to leave the country as a result of traumatic loss, Balogun may yet live to witness that glorious dawn of a renascent Nigeria and its resurgent middle class. But it is going to be a lot of hard work and imaginative thinking. As they say in American boxing parlance, the Nigerian middle class has taken a bad beat. The middle class is the most vital and vibrant stratum of any society. It is a historical truism and not a curse that any society that tries to wipe out its middle class will know neither peace nor stability. This is because it has removed the buffer that prevents the filthy rich from coming to direct collision with the filthy poor. Those who will redeem Nigeria have their work cut out for them. For now, there is going to be a helluva hollerin and hammerin in the land. May the notable filmmaker find the strength and fortitude to bear his huge loss.

Doyin Abiola @ 70

ER lithe, slim and petite build belie her true age. But believe it or not, Dr Doyinsola Abiola , the first female Managing Director of a newspaper conglomerate in Nigeria, turns seventy this week. Snooper celebrates a great friend of column and columnist. In this age of frauds and other psychotic poseurs, it is a thing of joy to celebrate our true heroes and authentic icons. This talented and exceptionally endowed woman is one of the finest products of the old Nigerian middle class. Educated in the best schools in Nigeria and abroad, this pioneering newspaper dowager has done her country proud in many respects. As a Visiting Scholar and travelling theorist, Snooper remembers being taken to the office of Professor Molefi Kete Asante at the State University of New York at Buffalo in the summer of 1982. Conspicuously displayed on the shelf of the notable African American scholar was the Ph.D thesis of his former ward, Doyin Aboaba. Needless to add that yours sincerely spent the afternoon devouring the thesis. As a youth, one of Doyin's fondest memories as revealed to Snooper was watching her father, a top class civil servant of the old school, playing lawn tennis with the movers and shakers of colonial and postindependence Nigeria. This was when the civil servant was a really civil and civilised servant. Mother was a doting and devoted full time housewife. From her parents, Doyin learnt the middle class habits of restraint, soberness and Calvinist prudence in everything. But there is also a warrior's streak lurking somewhere. On her father side, the former Managing Director of the Concord stable is descended from a proud lineage of

redoubtable Egba warriors, one of her ancestors actually reaching the pinnacle of his career as the Balogun of the old Egba army. From them, Doyin must have taken her fierce determination, rugged streak of independence, indomitable courage in the face of overwhelming odds and ability to fight her own corners and battles with weapons of choice. God will help anybody who mistakes her quiet mien for docility or her natural placidity for timidity. In some other societies more appreciative of exceptionally endowed women with leadership traits, she would have been a natural leader. But we live in a patriarchal male-ordered society where men confuse gender with inherent greatness and masculinity with sagacity and perspicuity. A bundle of talents herself, Doyin took her time to nurture and cultivate talents from their nursery beds to full maturation. There is a whole generation of contemporary Nigerian journalists who would forever be grateful to her for discovering them and allowing them to come into their own. Ever since her husband's political martyrdom, Doyinsola Abiola has led a life of pious rectitude and exemplary public decorum. She has proudly and stoutly avoided anything that would bring her illustrious husband's name into obloquy and public ridicule. The redoubtable MKO must be nodding gratefully in his grave. In keeping with her determination to stay out of the limelight and avoid all public display of vanity, Doyin Abiola quietly slipped out of the country a few weeks back together with her children and grandchildren. Here is wishing the great dame many happy returns wherever she may be.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

NEWS

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is coming under increasing pressure to distance himself from the militants who have been threatening fire and brimstone should he lose this month's election. National Merit Award winner and respected scholar, Professor Niyi Osundare, yesterday asked the president to live up to his constitutional responsibility by personally speaking out immediately on the war threats by Niger Delta militants. He joined former defence minister Lt. Gen Theophilus Danjuma who, on Wednesday, asked that Asari Dokubo, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo) and Victor Ebikabowei (aka Boyloaf) and their likes be arrested for threatening the country's unity and security. Osundare, in an open letter published yesterday by Sahara Reporters said that while no one holds the President responsible for the opinions and utterances of other people no matter how close they appear to be to him, "it is your bounden duty to disclaim incendiary utterances capable of setting the Nigeria house ablaze." "Put succinctly, it is your inescapable duty to respond PERSONALLY and unequivocally to all such utterances with an emphatic:

War threats: Pressure on Jonathan to move against Tompolo, others • National Merit Award winner Osundare wants them disclaimed • Raises posers for President on war threats • Are Niger Delta militants speaking for you? NOT IN MY NAME! " he said in response to the war drum beats. The warlords, at a recent meeting at the Yenagoa Government House with Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State and the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Amnesty ,Mr. Kingsley Kuku, vowed to break up the country in the event that the President loses the February 14 election. The condemnation of their action by General Danjuma, only elicited defiance and further threats from them, with a group of ex-militants giving him a seven-day ultimatum to withdraw the statement or face their wrath. It took the ruling PDP several days to dissociate the Presidency from the threats. However, Osundare continuing in his open letter told President Jonathan: "I have not heard you say that, Mr. President. The whole country is waiting for you to say so. We have not seen your Inspector

General of Police rein in the flame-throwers; nor have we seen your Attorney-General read them the portions of the Nigerian constitution forbidding their inflammatory incitements. " There surely must be a wide discernible difference between a national leader and a tribal jingoist. Say something, Mr. President. Say something. Your silence in this instance is anything but golden. Your ostrich cannot hide for long, for the Nigerian sand has become so transparent, thanks to many years of painful wisdom and enlightened skepticism of the people." Osundare also expressed disappointment that President Jonathan has failed to give Nigerians,as he traverses the country to seek re-election "a credible anti-insurgency plan that would make Nigeria safer in your second term ." His words: "Mr. President, you will agree with me that this election is so crucial, so fateful

•Crowd at the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign rally Bauchi, yesterday. PHOTO: Austine Tsenzughul ECURITY personnel battled for several hours yesterday in Ilorin to control the huge crowd of supporters who trooped out to receive the All Progressives Congress (APC)'s presidential camfrom the fight against corrupFrom Adekunle Jimoh, paign train in the Kwara State tion and leakages we will inIlorin and Austine capital. vest heavily in education, infraTsenzughul, Bauchi At the Ilorin International structure, equipment, and teachAirport, the streets and the Meters. The best we can do for our ropolitan Square, venue of the Buhari. generation and future generaGen Buhari told the party tion is to give them qualitative campaign, the crowd sang, danced and waved their broom supporters that there was so and quantitative education. An as the party's flagbearer, Gen- much desperation in the PDP APC government through-out eral Muhammadu Buhari, his camp to win the election and the country definitely will do running mate Professor Yemi urged the people not to allow that." Osinbajo, the APC national the party have its way. National Leader of APC, Every vote for PDP, he said, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu described Chairman, Chief John OdigieOyegun, national leader, amount to ruining the future of the PDP led government in the Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Gover- the country and coming gen- country as wicked and callous nors Abdulfatah Ahmed erations. His words: "President "The most important thing Goodluck Jonathan's adminis(Kwara), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Chibuike Amaechi is that you should vote. Make tration is very wicked. There is (Rivers) and former governor sure you get your permanent pervasive unemployment in of Kwara, Senator Bukola Saraki voter cards and on the election the country. The administration day you come out and make collected money from job seekdrove past. Although the plane carry- sure you vote and that your vote ers for form; again, they said the ing Gen. Buhari and his team counts," he said. jobless people should buy jer"If you allow the PDP any seys and t-shirts. Instead of the landed at the airport at 10:40 am, it took them almost two hours chance to continue to run this people to get employed it was to reach the palace of the Emir country, you are ruining your- death that struck as many of the of Ilorin a distance of less than selves and you are ruining your job seekers died in the process. country." five kilometers. "Again, the same adminisHe pledged to address the tration removed fuel subsidy as From the emir's palace, the APC leaders moved to the Met- problems of corruption, unem- New Year gift for Nigerians on ropolitan Square at about 1.35 ployment and insecurity if January 1, 2013. Many who travpm, throwing the arena into voted into office. elled to their villages for ChristHe said: "What we save mas and New Year were frenzy with the crowd hailing

that its outcome will decide the coming to pass or otherwise of the doom so loudly and so frightfully foretold for Nigeria. The troubling signs are all over the place, as visible, even conspicuous as Aso Rock which overlooks your presidential abode. "Right now, the whole northeastern flank of our country is literally out of and beyond your control. The kidnappings, blood-letting, and other gruesome barbarities in these parts make the Dark Ages look like a humane era. The Chibok Girls have been gone for almost nine months, with no possible solution from your government, and the whole wide world is defining Nigeria's international standing by the utter helplessness and apparent apathy of its government. "Like those of other people in the world, my heart bleeds each time I remember these girls (and I do so many, many

times a day), the manner of their abduction, and worse still, what fate must have befallen them in the hands of their violent captors. We have seen you traversing the country, making speeches, and waxing bold on the hustings, but we have not heard any credible anti-insurgency plan that would make Nigeria safer in your second term." He admonished the President to "please remember there is life after power" and "make sure the coming election does not land Nigeria in the usual post-election crises." " Do not handle it with the impunity that has characterized many of your actions and those of your party's functionaries. You are the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chief Security Officer of the Nation: use these powers justly and fairly by allowing the security agents to supervise the elections in a non-partial manner.

"I say this because experience has shown that election rigging in Nigeria is invariably carried out with the full and blatant 'cooperation' of security agents. Many of them do not even pretend about it as they often ask 'who you think I go side? No be de person who pay my salary, the person who give me kola chop?'. Our police and other security operatives have always looked the other way when illegal ballot thumbprinting is going on, when ballot-box stuffing is in progress, and when ballot snatchers are at work. "They have perfected the act of kidnapping and 'disappearing' leaders of the opposing party and holding them down till the elections are over. This is why the ruling party has always 'won' elections in Nigeria. This is why every major election in Nigeria is trailed by all manner of rancour and mayhem. "Let us do everything to circumvent the 2015 apocalypse. Make sure History does not write you down as the last President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria."

•. The APC presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), his running mate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Sen. Lawal Shuaib, former Kogi State Governor Alh. Abubakar Audu and others at the Ilorin rally, yesterday

Huge crowds as Buhari campaigns in Ilorin, Bauchi • APC flag bearer says PDP's desperation frightening for Nigeria stranded. Many had to sell their personal effects to get back to their workplaces. Is that a gift? Will you still vote for him?" Prof Osinbajo described February 14 as the day of destiny for Nigerians, saying "the Lord God Almighty will help us that day to change the destiny of Nigeria forever. "Whenever something like that is about to happen, whenever destiny is about to be changed, you will find that there are some who do not want it to happen. That is why they want to postpone the election. Your destiny will not be postponed in Jesus name. "The reason our country is poor is because some people have chosen to steal the resources that we have. You can't have posterity, good education, good healthcare, good hospitals, when some people are stealing the money. That is the reason why we are poor and why we are facing what we are facing. "There is too much corruption and too much stealing. Gen Muhammadu Buhari by the

grace of God, President of Nigeria, May 29, 2015 will stop corruption. If we stop corruption, we can begin to prosper again." Other members of the team were former governors of Ekiti and Kogi states, Otunba Segun Oni, and Prince Abubakar Audu as well as Deputy National Chairman, APC, Senator Lawan Shuiab, former national chair of APC, Chief Bisi Akande and Rep. Abike Dabiri-Erewa. Earlier at the emir's palace, General Buhari spoke of his determination to overhaul the economy of the country if elected as President. He told his host, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari, that the national economy was currently in a terrible state. Responding, the emir described Buhari's visit as a homecoming and expressed confidence in the ability of Buhari to improve the lots of Nigerians. The APC Presidential candidate who was also in bauchi State yesterday said the monumental corruption in the country is responsible for unemployment.

He also warned that "the APC government will punish anybody that steals from public the funds, if elected next month". Buhari stated this last night when he addressed millions of APC faithful and supporters at the IBB square during his campaign visit to Bauchi, the home state of Nigeria's first Prime Minister, the late Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Gen. Buhari who was accompanied to the state by his running mate Prof. Osinbajo assured that "agricultural experts will be engaged to assist the people on farming issues, youths will be engaged in profitable farming, and banks will also provide loans." He described as "disgraceful a situation in which Nigerian soldiers will run away and leave their weapons for the insurgents on their fatherland whereas the same soldiers perform creditably at their numerous peace keeping assignments," adding that such cases need to be thoroughly looked into."

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

Don’t boycott presidential debates, NEDG appeals to APC

HE Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG) has appealed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential campaign organization not to boycott the debates being organized by the group for the candidates of the parties taking part in the February 14 presidential election. The group in a statement yesterday in Abuja while reacting to APC Presidential Campaign Organisation’s announcement that it will not take part in the television debates being organized by the B r o a d c a s t i n g Organisation of Nigeria (BON), one of the organizations that formed the NEDG, explained that “the debate is not organized by government controlled stations.” The statement said “no medium in spite of its membership of BON controls nor determines the activities, actions and programmes of the Group.” While explaining the composition of the NEDG, comprising federal, state and privately owned broadcast stations, the group allayed the fears of APC on the debates, saying “we shall continue to engage the party and its flag bearer; hoping they will have a change of mind and seize the unique opportunity provided by the debates to engage the citizenry on their plans for leadership of the country.”

NEWS

Storm brews over South Africa’s military advisers in Nigeria •As ‘private military experts’ arrive to train Nigerian soldiers in counter-terrorism •Pretoria threatens to arrest them on return home

IGERIA and South Africa may be heading towards a fresh diplomatic row after about 100 South African ‘private military experts’ arrived Abuja to train Nigerian soldiers on how to confront the Boko Haram terrorism. The South African government is opposed to the arrangement, calling the ‘military experts’ mercenaries. It threatened to arrest them on returning home. Nigeria is playing down the invitation of the South Africans, many of whom are believed to have worked for the defunct apartheid government to hunt down black freedom fighters. Spokesman for the Defence Headquarters, Major General Chris Olukolade said during the week that : “It is well known that terrorism being an international and trans/cross border menace calls for the involvement of all well

meaning countries all over the world.” The South African Minister for International Relations and Co-operation, Maite NkoanaMashabane, speaking to journalists on the sideline of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia expressed dismay at the involvement of her compatriots in the deal. “We always discourage South Africans to enter the fray in a situation like that,” she said. The brewing face-off is coming on the heels of the September 2014 seizure by South Africa of a total of $15million cash belonging to the federal government. The money was ostensibly for the purchase of arms from the open market to fight the Boko Haram insurgency. The first tranche of $9.3 million cash was confiscated from two Nigerians and an Israeli who flew into South Africa in a jet owned by a

Nigerian clergy. The men landed at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, on September 5 in a private jet from Abuja with the money stashed in three suitcases. At the time, the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS), said customs officers became suspicious when the passengers’ luggage were unloaded and put through the scanners. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), in South Africa said there was an invoice for helicopters and armaments intended to be used in Nigeria. The second tranche of $5.7 million was seized three weeks later. Under South African laws, a person entering or leaving the country is expected to carry cash not exceeding US$2,300, or the equivalent in foreign currency notes. Nigeria responded at the

time that it had to turn to South Africa after the Western countries refused to sell arms to it, on the grounds of human rights abuse. Government has since succeeded in getting some of the required arms from Czech Republic. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Adamawa in this month’s election, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu says Nigeria was “desperate” for military supplies and had to turn to the black market because Western governments were unwilling to help. “The world might regard this as illegal, but we were being stopped from getting help and our people were being slaughtered,” Mr. Ribadu told The Globe and Mail of Canada “We were being wiped out, and the world didn’t give a damn. Nigeria was forced into the black market.”

• The bullet-ridden vehicle at Adeola’s office on Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, yesterday

Shooting at Lagos APC Senatorial candidate, Yayi’s office •Vehicles, equipment smashed

HUGS believed to be sympathetic to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday attacked the campaign office of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Lagos West, Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi. The thugs, who stormed the office at No 32, Adeniyi Jones Ikeja about 7:15pm, reportedly fired shots into the office and damaged property. The bullets, according to the Media Adviser to Adeola, Chief Kayode Odunaro, in a statement, damaged the rear windscreen of the candidate’s Toyota Land Cruiser. He said the pellets also “damaged the exterior of the office room of Adeola’s office.” Odunaro alleged that the PDP’s senatorial candidate for Lagos West, Segun Adewale, personally led the thugs and some policemen on the attack. “The attack today is a brazen assassination attempt as both the vehicle and personal office of Adeola were hit by bullets fired by PDP aspirant who came in his branded campaign vehicle to carry out the attack,” Odunaro further alleged. When contacted, Adewale denied neither he nor his supporters carried out the attack. He said: “What happened was that I was driving by Yayi’s office and stopped at the gate to lodge a complaint to Yayi through the mobile policemen on duty. “How can I go to someone’s office and be shooting? For what?” Adewale accused Adeola’s supporters of destroying his billboards and posters, vowing to retaliate such moves. “Henceforth, it is tit-for-tat. If they destroy one car or billboard, I will destroy one thousand. Please quote me. He has his billboards everywhere; no one is destroying them. “Why should mine be different? I don’t fear him. I only respect Governor Fashola, who has appealed to me to maintain the peace. “Recently one of my campaign vehicles was destroyed. The car is still at Area M police command. I have lodged a complaint with the Police and SSS. “Yayi should call his people to order.”

How UK forced Jonathan, Nigeria to pay Odi N15bn compensation

UT for the intervention of the United Kingdom, the Federal Government would not have negotiated and paid N15billion compensation to Odi, the Bayelsa State community invaded and destroyed by the military in 1999. Chairman of the Odi Destruction Case Prosecution Committee (ODCPC), Prof. Kobina Imananagha, said yesterday in Yenagoa that the Federal Government used all delay tactics at its disposal, including litigations, to avoid payment of the N37.6billion compensation which the Federal High Court, PortHarcourt, ordered it to pay the community on February 19, 2014. Prof. Imananagha said that rather than obey the court judgement, the federal government went to the appeal court six times to overturn the initial verdict,

From: Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

only to fail on each occasion. He said the saving grace was a London court which the community approached and which issued an October 21, 2014 deadline to government to negotiate settlement and pay the agreed compensation to Odi people. He said: “On February 19, 2014, a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt gave its judgement ordering the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay within three weeks N37.6billion as compensation for the destruction of Odi in 1999. “The court order was not complied with; instead, the Federal Government and its agents, the CBN, appealed against the judgement six times and finally lost out. The refusal of the Federal Government of Nigeria to comply with the judgement deadline brought pressure

upon the government from both Nigeria and UK. “The London court issued threats that it was going to enforce the full judgement of the court (payment of N37.6billiom) if by October 21, 2014, government fails to negotiate settlement and pay agreed compensation to Odi. “This seeming that compelled the Federal Ministry of Justice and the leadership of the legal team, ODCPC and the king of Odi to the negotiation table on May 26, 2014 where N15billion (as the only and final payment) offer as compensation to Odi was made by the Federal Government”. Prof. Imananagha denied insinuation that his committee tampered with the compensation. He said the committee members conceded six of the 10 per cent awarded it to make up for their personal

resources, time, numerous travels and risk to life in getting judgement for the people. He said: “The council, in order to encourage the committee that I led, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ODCPC which awarded 10 per cent of whatever amount that would be paid as compensation for their services should the Odi win the case. “That MoU which was signed by the king and his 28 Chiefs in council thus became a legally binding document that empowered us and appropriated what came to us. This is the money purportedly stolen by us”. Imananagha who showed documents to prove different stages of the agreements said that after the lawyers had taken their own dues what remained for the community to share was N9billion.

He said trouble started when the committee members decided to deduct their dues as previously agreed in the MoU. “The MoU and the ODCPC hitherto signed with the king and his council and by extension the entire Odi community legally entitled the committee to collect 10 per cent as payment for our 10 years services in bringing justice to Odi. “However, out of share magnanimity and without any prompting, the ODCPC collected only 6 per cent instead of the 10 per cent earlier agreed thereby forfeiting N600m for the benefit of Odi. “As if this gesture was not good enough we were prevailed upon to make further concessions to Odi people by reducing the percentage to four. We again conceded to Odi another N300m on the

condition that the money would be used to upgrade the Odi General Hospital. “Rather than appreciate us for our role and sacrifices, we were rather labeled black reminiscent of giving the proverbial dog a bad name in order to hang it. What wrong has the king of Odi and his council or my humble self and my committee done to deserve this campaign of calumny?” He commended the intervention of deputy Governor of the state, Rear Admiral John Jonah (rtd) and said without the move, the crisis in the community would have deepened. He said: “ Odi youths must not allow themselves to be used as tools in the hands of anybody under whatever guise no matter the promptings so as not to repeat the incident that precipitated the calamity that befell the community 15 years ago”.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

NEWS

Chadian aircraft bombs Gamboru in anti-Boko Haram raid

HADIAN aircraft yesterday bombed, Gamboru, Borno State in a raid targeting the terror sect Boko Haram, security sources said. The raid came three days after Chad flushed the terrorists out of Malam Fatori, also in Borno. Yesterday’s raid was carried out around midday by two fighter jets on Gamboru, sources from Chad and Cameroon said on condition of anonymity. Boko Haram overran the town several months ago as part of its campaign to seize territory in the region and create an Islamic state. Nigeria’s military said on Thursday that its fighter jets had bombed Malam Fatori, also controlled by Boko Haram. Spokesman for the Defence Headquarters, Major General Chris Olukolade said: “Malam Fatori is within the area of operation covered by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of which Chad has always been a part.” “The Nigerian Air Force has also been conducting (an) air mission there for two days now,” he added. “It is all part of the ongoing efforts against terrorism.”

Canada APC to Jonathan: don’t truncate democracy From: Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

HE All Progressives Congress in Diaspora, Canada Chapter has warned President Goodluck Jonathan and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party against truncating the nation’s democracy by allegedly plotting to postpone the next month general elections. In a statement by the leaders of the party in Canada, Dr. Kay Alabi, Rahman Ilupeju and Jerry Solomon, the party noted that Nigerians at home and in diaspora are already fed up with the current administration of President Goodluck Jonathan and are ready for change by exercising their franchise in the next month general elections. Referring to the recent advice of the National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki, that the Independent National Electoral Commission, should postpone the general elections for at least three months to enable all Nigerians collect their Permanent Voters Cards, the group said that “Nigerians are fully aware that this is a deliberate plot to truncate the will of the people.ý” The group said that the current insecurity in some northern parts of the country, the general infrastructural decay in the country, the epileptic power supply, the soaring unemployment rate, poverty, the incessant naira devaluation in recent time and corruption, among others, without solutions from the government of the day, are clear confirmation of systemic failure and need for change. “President Jonathan is grossly incompetent by not delivering on his promises. He promised to defend and protect Nigerians but today, we have Nigerians being raped, maimed and killed on a daily basis by Boko Haram.

Dokubo, Tompolo, others making enemies for Jonathan in the North, says ex-Rep From Tony Akowe, Abuja

ORMER minority leader of the House of Representatives, Mohammed Khumaila says former warlords Asari Dokubo, Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo),Victor Ebikabowei (aka Boyloaf) and others are not, in any way, helping President Goodluck Jonathan’s chances in this month’s elections by their threats of war. Khumaila said that, if anything, the warloads and other militants from the Niger Delta have only succeeded in making enemies for the President across the North by threatening bloodshed should he lose the February 14 election. Dismissing the war threats as uncalled for, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said the situation has made it difficult for members of the party to stick out their neck to campaign for the President in that part of the country. “I am worried about some of the utterances that some of the ex-militants are making. In fact, those are the guys that are making it more difficult for some of us who are northerners and members of PDP to even talk to our people in the way and manner we should talk to them because of some of the utterances they are making,” Khumaila said in an interview in Abuja. “PDP is a national party, with members from all walks of life, from all geopolitical zones and religious

affiliations, and President Jonathan is a member of the party and President of the country. We don’t see Jonathan as a Christian President of Nigeria or an Ijaw President of Nigeria or a Southsouth President of Nigeria. “We see Jonathan as a Nigerian who happens to be the President of this country and more importantly, a member of the PDP who is the president. That is the way we look at him. “But the type of profiling that people like Tompolo and Asari Dokubo want to give the President is making it difficult for a number of members of the party especially those who are not from the Southsouth to defend what they are doing. I don’t even know if they are members of the PDP and I don’t know what business they have in the PDP. “If they are supporters of

the President, let them go and support him and that ends there. But they should not put their mouth in a business that is not theirs. As far as I am concerned, they are not spokesmen or officials of the PDP and so cannot speak on behalf of the PDP and it is not their business what the PDP does with its presidential candidate.” An angry Khumaila blasted the warlords: “who the hell are you? You can do nothing” and said none or all of you “cannot hold this country to ransom.” He added: “Asari Dokubo cannot hold this country to ransom because this country is bigger and greater than any individual. So, I don’t support what they are saying, I am worried even though I am not the spokesman of the PDP. “However, they should be asked to shut up and face

their business. They are not spokespersons of the PDP and I don’t care if they are from the same tribe as the President. “As a politician, the kind of affinity I have with the President is more relevant and stronger and belonging to the same political party and having the same aspiration, vision and manifesto, being promoted by our party for the country. We are leaders, we are statesmen. “Asari Dokubo and Tompolo should mind their business and leave PDP alone. They are not partisan politicians and should leave it to partisan politicians and Nigerians of good will who have all along demonstrated the good will, good leadership and promoted unity, peace, happiness and well being for the people of this country”.

•Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura introducing his running mate Silas Ali Agara during his campaign at Toto LGA.

APC welcomes Presidency’s denial of pushing for election shift, but...

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) said yesterday that it welcomed the statement by the Presidency/PDP that they are not behind the ongoing campaign for this month’s general elections to be shifted. But it stressed that the Presidency and the PDP must now back up their words with action by cutting off the funding for the surreptitious campaign immediately. National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said in a statement in Ilorin that having seen that the election-shift campaign has been rejected by Nigerians, the Presidency and the PDP “have wisely backed away from it, that is if they can be trusted to mean what they say.”

However, it called on all Nigerians, as well as local and international observers who have started arriving for the elections, to closely monitor developments as the elections approach, “because the Presidency and the PDP have proven time and again that their words are not their bond.” ‘’Election is a process, not a one-day affair,” the APC said, adding: “That is why we are delighted that some foreign observers have already arrived for the Feb. 14th and 28th polls. Now they must pay a very close attention to the preparations for the elections, the relentless campaign to shift the polls, including through the use of pseudo analysts and the sponsorship of a rash of court cases seeking to stop the presidential candidate of the

APC, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, at all cost. ‘’We know their last joker is the court, amid the unpleasant rumours that a pliable Judge has been procured with millions of dollars to disqualify our candidate. But we strongly believe that the judiciary will do all that is possible to keep its integrity intact and not be a party to desperate efforts to scuttle the elections and trigger a constitutional crisis.’’ The party also asked local and international observers to take note of the threats of violence emanating from a section of the country ahead of the elections. ‘’The ex-militants from the Niger Delta have openly threatened the very existence of the country if President Goodluck Jonathan fails to win

the forthcoming presidential election. The implication is that, as far as they are concerned, the votes of the people do not count and elections are won by fiat. This is a recipe for violence and disaster.’’ APC said even though the Presidency and the PDP have belatedly distanced themselves from the threats, their disclaimer is tepid as it is unreliable, since they are the unseen hands behind the threats anyway. ‘’This is why we are calling for vigilance from all stakeholders. We must not allow desperate politicians to plunge our nation into chaos. Elections are not war, but a celebration of democracy. There will always be winners and losers, hence no one should threaten others if he or she loses,’’ the party said.

Ambode seeks fairness at the polls

R. AKINWUNMI Ambode, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State has asked law enforcement agents to provide a level playing ground for all the parties contesting this month’s

elections. He said at a stakeholders interactive session between the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies and political parties in Lagos that only this could enhance the development of the democratic process in the

country. The security organizations, Mr. Ambode said, should see themselves as agents of the state and not of any particular political party, and stressed the need build the Police and the Directorate of Security Services (DSS) as enduring institutions. He said

they must rise above partisan politics and not be subject to the whims and caprices of any political office holders. He also advised them to improve on their intelligence gathering with a view to forestalling crimes across the country.

Low turnout mars Jonathan’s rally in Kaduna •President vows to revive Kaduna textile mills From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna T was a poor outing for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its Presidential Candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan in Kaduna yesterday, ýas the Presidential campaign rally was poorly attended. Contrary to the initial ýclaim by the planning committee of the rally to mobilise two million men for the rally in Kaduna State, the twenty four thousand capacity Ahmadu Bello Stadium, venue of the rally was scanty. Even though, the stadium was almost full at the arrival of the President and other party leaders, close to half of the crowd left before President Jonathan mounted the podium to deliver his address. Though, none of them expressed their displeasure with the low turnout, disappointment was visibly written on the faces of both Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo and Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero. A party stalwart was also overheard at the venue saying, “this is the worst crowd we have ever seen since the beginning of this campaign. This is unimpressive at all, despite the fact that, this is the state of the Vice President.” Meanwhile, a section of the crowd was intermittently chanting, ‘Sai Buhari’, meaning; “It is Buhari”, while security personnel waded in to stop them. However, President Jonathan in his speech said, his administration would revive textile industries in the state if re-elected. According to him, the state has already benefited tremendously in terms of education, transportation and many more from central government, saying the attention would not be shifted to revamp the textile industries. “We cannot change people without education. Education is the key. That is why we brought Ahmadu Ali 9former chairman of the party) because of his vast knowledge in education. “But the greater thing we need to do within the next one year is to revive Kaduna textile industries. We understand that it will generate employment opportunities for our people. “With power in place now, reviving these companies and ensuring continuity will now easy. We must do everything to revive it,” he stated. In his remark, Senate President, David Mark,ý who described Kaduna as political melting pot of Northern Nigeria, canvassed the people of the state to vote Jonathan in February poll so he could continue with his transformation agenda which the state was a major beneficiary. He said, “Mr. President has the love of the country at heart than any other presidential candidate today. Here is a man who has done a lot for the country. The least you can do is vote for him to continue his transformation agenda, added the senate president.” Earlier in his welcome address, Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Mukhtar Ramalan Yero, commended the President for his transformation programmes, saying the state has benefited immensely from them.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

ECOWAS team meets INEC •Expresses concerns •We 're on top of situation, says Jega From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja HE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) election monitoring team yesterday met with the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the forthcoming elections. The team, led by Mr. Francis Oke, was at the INEC Headquarters Abuja to clarify some issues on the preparation for the polls. The team, which has been in the country in the last ten days, demanded for some clarifications over the report it gathered from stakeholders across the nation. Oke pointed out that the team had some worries, which INEC chair, Prof. Prof Attahiru Jega, obliged to attend to during a closeddoor discussion. It was gathered some of these concerns were not unconnected with the introduction of card readers. The ICT unit of the commission was invited to the closeddoor meeting ostensibly to confirm effectiveness of the card readers, which the electoral body is deploying for the elections. Jega assured the team the body was fully prepared for the election despite the many challenges. He stressed that the commission was on top of the situation. Speaking to newsmen at the end of the closeddoor meeting, which lasted for about 35 minutes, ECOWAS Head of Democracy and Good Governance, Eyesan Okorodudu, said the team was able to extract concrete clarifications on matters it raised concerns on. Though he refused to disclose the issues, Okorodudu noted the team's concerns had been addressed by INEC.

Igwe praises Obiano

HE traditional ruler of Enugwu Ukwu in Anambra State, Igwe Ralph Obumneme Ekpeh, Eze Enugwu Ukwu Na Igwe Umunri, has praised Governor Willie Obiano for tackling security issues in as well as restoration of road safety. He spoke at the fourth Igu Aro festival. He specifically thanked the Igwe for the upgrading of Enugwu Ukwu hospital to Specialist Hospital. Calling on the governor to address grievances of the community, he challenged him to avoid showing dislike for his people like the former Governor Peter Obi's administration did. A famous philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, donated N50million to the community towards its developmental projects.

NEWS

Boko Haram failure of govt, says Catholic Bishops

he Conference of Catholic Bishops in the northern parts has blamed the Boko Haram insurgency on failure of government. It said the sect should have been crushed since 2003 when it was just being forming. The bishops under the auspices of Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province, which covers Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Kafanchan and Kotongora, also called on

From Abdulgafar Alabelewe, Kaduna

Catholics in the country, particularly in the north, to vote only political office seekers ready to give back their schools to them. The bishops made these resolutions at the end of their meeting in Kaduna yesterday. The Archbishop of Kaduna and Metropolitan Kaduna Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev.

Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, who read the communiqué, said Boko Haram should have been detected and nipped in the bud since 2003 when they were building up. According to him: "The growth of the Boko Haram group is as a result of failure of government because we have allowed them to build up to become a monster group that is now difficult to contain. "Today, the destructive

violence of Boko Haram and the state of uncertainty surrounding our democracy are the cumulative impact of these years of blind ambition, mismanagement and squander that have brought our nation almost to its knees." The clerics called on Nigerians, particularly northerners, to irrespective of their religious and ethnic differences, close ranks and work towards genuine healing and reconciliation.

• Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun addressing party supporters at Sango Ward 1 during his ward-to-ward re-election campaign rally in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area...yesterday.

'Why Edo commissioner defected to PDP'

DO State Commissioner for Investment and Public/Private Partnership Denis Idahosa defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the weekend to preempt his removal from the State Executive Council by Governor Adams Oshiomhole, it was learnt yesterday. Sources said that the commissioner has been under investigation by an administrative panel, following various petitions against him by stakeholders. Oshiomhole, who has been inundated with complaints about Idahosa's activities, gave the

committee the mandate to investigate the complaints to clear the name of his administration and reiterate its commitment to transparency, probity and due process. At a PDP rally in Ovia Local Government Area, the commissioner, who was received into the party by the Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, explained that he defected from the APC because of the incessant abuse of President Goodluck Jonathan by the governor. He claimed some commissioners will still follow suit ahead of the general elections. The commissioner also promised to mobilise for the president's re-election bid in

Edo State. However, a source disclosed that Idahosa jumped ship to avoid being sacked from the cabinet by the governor, who was infuriated by the findings of the committee. A source said, "The commissioner was being investigated by the government. Many have complained about his activities in their petitions. You know, the commissioner was in Canada before. "The governor set up an administrative committee to investigate him and when the report came, he was not happy about the findings. "Besides, the commissioner is also being investigated by the anti-graft

agency over the petition. His new party, the PDP, is also aware of the investigation. He may have decided to seek refuge in the PDP. "You know we have a nononsense governor here. The commissioner knew that he was about to be removed. Therefore, he decided to quit to avoid an imminent disgrace." According to the source, Oshiomhole has also been under pressure to relive Idahosa of his position based on the allegation of poor performance by stakeholders. "Many have alerted the governor to the danger of keeping a mole or a double agent in the cabinet and the APC. The result of that was his defection on Friday."

Jonathan will beat Buhari in the north, says PDP

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that its presidential flag bearer, President Goodluck Jonathan, will beat the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.) "fair and square" in the north in the February 14 poll. The ruling party also said with President Jonathan's "soaring popularity" among the voting population across the country, it would win more than two-thirds of the total votes cast as well as the required 25 percent in all the states of the federation. In a statement yesterday by

From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, the PDP said President Jonathan would beat Buhari in the north not only because the PDP controls 12 out of the 19 states that make up the region but also because the citizens are pleased with the numerous development projects he executed in the region. The party said the various projects and appointments in the north have placed President Jonathan ahead of Buhari, especially following the fact that the APC presidential candidate never executed any project in the region when he was head of

state. The statement said? "Indeed, Nigerians in the north are eager to re-elect President Goodluck Jonathan come February 14, 2015. "They appreciate the fact that recognising that agriculture is the mainstay of the northern economy, President Jonathan ensured that out of the 2.7 million direct farm jobs achieved by his administration, over 2 million are in the north. "Also, out of the 14 new universities established by President Jonathan, nine are located in the northern states thereby ensuring that all states of the region have a federal

university. This is in addition to the establishment of new secondary schools and training of teachers for quality education in the region. "Furthermore, our citizens in the north are happy with President Jonathan for his efforts in tackling desertification in the region especially with the establishment of more than 80 km of 15-row Green Belt, in addition to the Presidential Initiative on Afforestation in Kano and 10 other Northern States." The PDP also recalled the increased attention to the health need of the area, especially the interventions towards polio eradication and treatment of

FG seeks legal framework for GES Scheme From: Frank Ikpefan, Abuja

HE federal g o v e r n m e n t yesterday said that it has sent a bill to the National Assembly to institutionalise the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GES). The legislation, it added, will define the legal framework for a constant and orderly implementation of the scheme. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said this in Abuja at a oneday stakeholders' meeting on the draft bill for the consolidation of the GES scheme. Adesina, who was represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Dr. Martins Fregene, said that the bill will provide the legal framework for the sustainability of the GES scheme such that its implementation by successive administration could be guaranteed. The minister noted that the bill will promote greater collaboration between the federal, state and local governments in facilitating the provision of GES to agriculture in Nigeria. According to Adesina, it will facilitate direct purchase by farmers of agricultural inputs across the country. "We must do all possible to ensure that the policies and institutional reforms are institutionalized and backed by legislations to secure the future of our farmers," the minister added.

NPAN's presidential debate holds Tuesday HE Newspapers Proprietors' Association of Nigeria (NPAN) will next Tuesday hold a debate for presidential candidates. The debate is slated for Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. A statement by NPAN said President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and General Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd.) of the All Progressives Congress have accepted to participate in the exercise. The NPAN added that live broadcast of the debate will available on broadcast stations as well as social media.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

NEWS

Jonathan can't defeat Buhari, says group From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan HE Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) in Oyo State yesterday pledged their allegiance to drum up support for Gen Muhammodu Buhari, the presidential candidate of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the forthcoming February 14 presidential election. The group made this known while addressing journalists at the group headquarters to sensitize the general public on its activities towards campaigning for the APC candidate and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in Ibadan, Oyo state capital. The coordinator of the group, Deacon Abimbola Oyemakinde said presently the corruption in the country is such that our second name in the international circle is "corruption;" adding that the government agencies responsible for regulations of affairs in the country are not up to the task. Oyemakinde said this is because something is going under to keep them in perpetual silence. T a k i n g telecommunication sector as an example, he said the services they offer to the public are below average. He maintained that this corruptible acts cut across all sectors of the economy like education, power, security and other areas saying that continuation of the present regime in power will no doubt extinct the name Nigeria in another four years, as the country is sinking and disintegrating. Oyemakinde therefore called on Nigerians to show the world that they are not fools by voting out Jonathan as a way to revamp Nigeria and voting for Buhari for security and proper accountability. Corroborating him, the coordinator of the group at the domestic level, Mr. Ayodeji Abass Aleshinloye said all the groups working for Buhari throughout the country have come under the umbrella of Buhari Support Organisation (BSO).

Assembly clerks are pathfinders for development of legislature, says Ikuforiji By Oziegbe Okoeki

HE Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji has described Clerks of legislative houses as the pathfinders that ensure smooth running, progress and development of the legislature. Ikuforiji made this remark while playing host to members of the Conference of Clerks technical committee on induction of new legislators of the state Houses of Assembly who were at the Lagos Assembly as part of its fact finding mission on induction training for new members on Friday. The committee is an initiative of state houses of assembly clerks to train newly elected lawmakers on the intricacies of lawmaking.

Alaafin, a paramount ruler par excellence- Buhari P

RESIDENTIAL candidate of the All Progressives Congress [APC], retired General Muhammadu Buhari has said that if voted into power, he would rebuild the country within the thrust of the policy which recognises the mode of governance and how far the citizens are regarded therein. This, he said is the crucial variable that is inevitable if the country is to be rectified from the present socio-economic quagmire and reconstructed democratically. Buhari stated this on Thursday night when he and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III. Buhari was highly impressed by the large crowd of residents who besieged the ancient palace as early 8am and waited patiently to receive him a night.

Bode Durojaiye, Oyo According to him, "a nation begins to develop when it assures its citizens the fundamental human rights to dream. APC-led administration will create the trust within which a permanent possibility of symbiotic relationship between the individual rights and the community interests can be nurtured.'' Lambasting the PDP-led administration for unjustly inflicting untold hardships on the citizens through retroactive policies and monumental corruption, Buhari said his administration was hell-bent on re-writing the tragic story of the country as scripted by the Goodluck Jonathan administration, through harnessing the potentials for the betterment of all and sundry. "The ruling party at the centre has no compass for doing these because the public sphere for

negotiating values, agreement, creativity and differences is totally dysfunctional as evident in the state of insecurity, alarming rate of unemployment and brazen impunity.'' He also pledged to construct rail line between Lagos and Abeokuta, as well as revamp the education sector where environments for learning would be more conducive. Buhari described the Alaafin as "a detribalised and highly intelligent paramount ruler with uncompromising intellectual sagacity, whose zeal for mutual co-existence and human resources development remains a source of inspiration." The APC Presidential flagbearer noted that this informed his decision for the appointment of Alaafin as Chancellor, former University of Sokoto, now known as Uthman Dan- Fodio University when he was the military Head

of State. "Our visit to Oyo State would not have been completed without the visit to his Imperial Majesty's palace. We also thank the people for the support and impressive turn-out and pledge not to betray the confidence and trust reposed in us." In his address, Governor Abiola Ajimobi urged the elated residents not to be complacent, but be determined and resolute in actualising the needed change of the present ruling government at the centre through their massive votes for all branded APC candidates during elections. Responding, Oba Adeyemi said Nigeria needs leaders like retired General Buhari whose mind is so enlarged as to be able to understand the demands of national development, as well as the place of the people in such a project.

â&#x20AC;˘L-R:State Vice Chairman Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Mr Adesanya Ibrahim, State Secretary Motorcycle Association , Israel Chukwu , Secretary Nigerian Automobile and Technician, Kayode Ayodele, Lagos East Senator Gbenga Ashafa, and Branch Chairman Ikosi/Isheri National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Gunwaola Ogundipe, during a meeting with the union in Lagos at the weekend. PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

APC govt'll fully implement local content policy, says Osinbajo T

HE local content policy would be aggressively implemented if the All Progressives Congress (APC) forms the next government at the centre. Vice Presidential candidate of party, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) gave this assurance while fielding questions from students of the Lagos Energy Academy during a visit to the institution run by the Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB), a parastatal of the Lagos State government. According to him, local content policy which has been in place for many years has not made the desired impact due largely to the non enforcement of the laws guiding it, poor regulation and the pervasive

By Remi Adelowo

impunity, which he noted, has become the hallmark in the poor implementation of many government policies. An APC-led government, he assured, would fully implement the policy to encourage indigenous professionals, thereby halting the prevailing lack of expertise in different sectors and capital flight. He said, "What has been happening over the years is that the federal government has paid lip service to the local content policy. When the APC forms the next government, it would ensure no job is given

to expatriates when locals can do the job." Speaking on the poor implementation of yearly budgets and how the APC intends to fund its welfarist programs, Osinbajo alleged that the mismanagement of resources by successive PDPled administration has been the bane of the country in the last 16 years, while assuring that the APC would block the leakages in the system in order to free more funds to execute its programs. Osinbajo, who was earlier conducted round the Mainland Independent Power Plant, built by the state government by the General

Manager of LSEB, Mrs. Damilola Adebiyi noted that "The real problem is not the availability of funds, but mismanagement of the nation's commonwealth. Right now, there are just too many leakages in the system. No country can survive this in the long run. "In the last few years, we have heard about the oil subsidy scam, the kerosene scam, pension scam and the missing $20 billion dollars. So many criminal activities are going on and the PDP government appears not interested in checking the massive corruption taking place under its watch. An APCled government would be different."

Ondo APC chieftains condemns attack on Buhari

f o r m e r Commissioner for Natural Resources in Ondo State and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Solagbade Amodeni at the weekend urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to stop attacking the personality of the former

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

head of state, Gen Muhammadu Buhari. Amodeni emphasised that the Nigerian Army is one of the institutions that invested heavily in education and training of its officers and could be rated highly among its peers worldwide.

According to him, discussing issues on the APC presidential candidate is ridiculous, stressing that best brains have always been paraded in the Army. He said, the more the PDP members are casting aspersions on Buhari, the more Nigerians are accepting him as a person

who can salvage the country from its doldrums. The APC stalwart faulted President Jonathan for accusing past leaders of not funding the military, stressing that his predecessors used what they met on ground effectively rather than spending on frivolities.

I'll end your sufferings, Makinde tells Oke Ogun people

HE Social Democratic Party, SDP, governorship

candidate in Oyo state, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, has promised to redress the imbalance in wealth distribution in the state and also unlock the economic treasures tucked within Oke Ogun area of the state. Speaking at the various palaces in Oke Ogun where stories of neglect and deprivation were listed by the traditional rulers, Makinde urged them to ensure victory for his party at the coming polls and leave the rest to him. He said wealth creation through agricultural transformation, using the land which is our God-given resources, will be the bedrock of his government's economic blue print with Oke ogun as its base. His words "With the oil prices crashing at the global market on a daily basis, it is obvious that we must return to agriculture as the economic mainstay of our state." At the palace of Olugbo of Igbojaiye, Oba Oyeleke Olatunji Alobaloke III, Makinde noted that OkeOgun has the resources of Oyo state tucked in its belly and promised to unlock it through agricultural transformation and development of agroallied industries. He said the past governments were never interested in tapping these God-given resources, but now that the Abuja allocation is dwindling, the state is now in a parlour state. At the palace of Olokaka of Okaka, Oba Ayoola Azeez Olatunji, Ogelende IV, Makinde sought royal blessing and promised not to betray the people. Olokaaka noted that SDP is all about progress. The Oba however, expressed fear about the coming elections and urged politicians to play according to the rule.

500 gets free treatment from Mrs. Aregbesola's foundation From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

o fewer than five hundred people with various ailments and diseases have got free treatment and surgery from Sheri Care Foundation (SCARF), the pet project of the Osun State first lady, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola. Performing the take-off of the medical mission at the Primary Health Centre, OkeBaale in Osogbo, the wife of the Osun State Governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, who is also the founder of the foundation said she embarked on the medical outreach because of her passion for people with one ailment or the other but lacking fund to undertakes the medical treatment of the diseases. The surgery operations were conducted by some medical experts in the public and private health institutions drawn from Lagos and Osun States. The surgery covers conditions such as lumps, hernias, hydrocele and ganglion.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

•Nigeria’s National Assembly

INCE 1999, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been managing the two chambers of the National assembly. The story changed with the merger of key opposition parties into All Progressives Congress (APC). For the first time in the last 16 years, the opposition now controls the House of Representatives to the discomfiture of the PDP. As at the last count before recess, APC had 179 members in the House, PDP 162 and others 19. In the Senate, it is too close for comfort: PDP has 59 seats, APC 44, SDP 4 Accord 1 and PPA 1. Emerging evidence points to radically changed power balance in the upper chamber after February 14. The scenarios playing out in the states are as follows: JIGAWA Four parties are jostling for the three Senatorial tickets in Jigawa State. They are PDP, APC, Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) and Social Democratic Party (SDP). But the power of incumbency may weigh heavily on the outcome of the poll because Governor Sule Lamido is determined to secure the state for PDP at all levels except the presidential poll which had always been won by the APC Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. There are fears however that the Buhari bandwagon may lead to the defeat of the PDP candidates since the two elections will hold the same day. Unless there is adequate voters' education, PDP may not be able to retain the three seats. In the North-West district, the candidates are Governor Sule Lamido's arch-loyalist, Sen. Dnaladi Abdullahi Sankara (PDP); Hon. Abdullahi Abubakar Gumel (APC), Ibrahim Musa(PDM) and Ibrahim Gambo (SDP). The contestants in Jigawa South-West Senatorial District are Abdulmumini Muhammad Hassan (PDP) Sabo Mohammed (APC) and Hafiz Sule Abubakar (PDM). But it is a two-horse race in Jigawa North-East District between Sen. Muhammad Ubali Shittu (APC) and Capt. Ahmed Adamu Kaugama (rtd). Verdict: It might be 2-1 in favour of PDP. KWARA It is a motley-crowd jostle for the Senate in Kwara State where 29 candidates from 11 parties have been officially cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the three available seats. But the fight-to-the finish is between the ruling APC and the PDP.

Power shift looms in 9th Senate In less than two weeks Nigerians would be casting their votes in this year's general elections. As the countdown to D-Day continues tension is heightening. Although the presidential contest has been attracting the most attention, voters would on the same day be electing the next class of senators. In this piece, Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, Sam Egburonu, Associate Editor and Dare Odufowokan, Assistant Editor, take a look at the jostling for senatorial tickets from in the 109 districts nationwide. These are their projections state by state. Though the slot is still conceded to the Nupe in Kwara North, the incumbent holder, exGovernor Mohammed Sha'aba Lafiagi faces a tough opponent in a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yahaya Yinusa (PDP). Other candidates are Bello Abdulateef Bello(CPP), Ahmed Shuaib Danjuma (ID), Idris Haliru Usman(Kowa), Usman Jibril(LP), Umar Dantala Yusuf(PPN) and Josiah Esther Nnang(SDP). The battle for Kwara Central, which had been dominated by Saraki Dynasty since 1979, is still a repeat of the old game between the scion of Saraki Empire, ex-Governor Bukola Saraki and eight others. The rest candidates are Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq (from the famous AGF Abdulrasaq political clan) of the PDP, Suleiman Abdullahi

(ADC), Oyewusi Jonathan Akangbe (CPP), Adepoju Oluwaseun Vivian (ID), Mustapha Isiaka Alabi (Kowa) Aliu Buhari (LP) and Anjorin John Temitayo (PPN). In Kwara South, the fight is between a member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Rafiu Adedayo Ibrahim, who a die-hard loyalist of Bukola Saraki, and business mogul, Ashiru Yisa Oyelola of the PDP. While Ibrahim is from Igbomina axis of the district, Ashiru represents Ibolo (Offa) end. It is a tough terrain with 10 other contestants including Aina Adetunji(ACPN), Toyin Onaolapo(ADC), Hon(Mrs.) Adeleke Taofikat Jumoke(CPP), Ahmed Bukola Faslat(ID), Chief Sunday Adedayo(Kowa), Otunba Owolabi Olabode(LP), Akande Olushola Samuel(NCP), Adeboye

Funsho Mariam(NNPP), Mrs. Ajayi Iyabo Abosede(PPN) and Lawal Morohunmubo Comfort(SDP). Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed will also be under pressure to deliver his district. Verdict: It will be a three seat clean sweep for APC. YOBE This state has a moderate size of seven candidates for the three Senatorial districts. Leading the pack is a former Governor of the state, Sen. Bukar Abba Ibrahim who is slugging it out in Yobe East with a former Chairman of Bursari LGA, Alh. Abba Gana Tata. While Ibrahim is from the Fulani stock, Tata is of Manga. Having been a governor for 10 years, he has become the anointed political godfather of the state. He might have an easy ride. In Yobe North, the incumbent Sen. Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan (APC), who is rated a grassroots politician and a former Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama (PDP) who lost the governorship ticket to a former Minister of Police Affairs, Adamu Maina Waziri. Although Ngama, within a short time, has tried to reach out to the grassroots as much as Lawan had been doing in the past 20 years, the APC candidate is likely to win the district. The real test is in Yobe South where a former Commissioner for Agriculture, Sen. Alkali Abdulakadir Jajere (APC) has a date with a former Commissioner for Finance, Alh. Mohammed Hassan (PDP). The problem with Jajere was his inability to carry his constituents along and they are angry with him. Though a Hausa-Fulani, Jajere is also unsure of the backing of his tribe this time around going by what happened at a rally recently. Hassan, who is from Ngizim tribe, has an edge because his people are used to block-voting. Verdict: The race can be 2-1 for APC in Yobe State unless it tidies up the loose ends in Yobe South. TARABA The reconciliation of all warring factions in PDP in Taraba State has diminished the chances of APC in the state. In Taraba South, the seat is for grab between the incumbent, Sen. Emmanuel Bwacha (PDP) and three others. They are Waziri Salihu Mamman (APC), Ishaya Gamgum Bauka (SDP) and Hon. Bitrus Rimande Nuhu (UPN). Bwacha, the hitherto crowned governorship preference of Governor Danbaba Fulani Suntai,

•Contd. on page 10

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

NEWS REVIEW •Contd. from page 9

is going to win because he emerged as a consensus candidate of all the tribal stakeholders. As for Taraba Central, a former Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Marafa Bashir Abba(PDP) is contesting with Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf (APC), Abarshi Joseph Yaro (LP) and the incumbent Sen. Abubakar Tutare Umar(SDP), who is banking on his popularity. Tutare's only setback is the lateness in selling SDP to the electorate in a state where illiteracy level is high. But Abba's previous position as a former Special Adviser for Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs earned him more political mileage than any other candidate. The Acting Governor of Taraba State, Abubakar Sani Danladi will vie for North Senatorial District's ticket with a former Local Government Chairman, Ali Sani (APC), Jibrin Hassan (DPP), Rahab Bulus Sabo (MPPP) and Kundila Assochi Philip (SDP). Banking on the incumbency factor, Danladi may win hands down. His handling of his travails after he was impeached as a Deputy Governor endeared him to many citizens of the state and his constituents. Verdict: PDP may win all three seats. NIGER The loss of Niger East Senatorial ticket to APC by PDP at the National Assembly Elections Petitions Tribunal in Minna on Friday has sent shivers down the spine of Governor Babangida Aliyu (PDP) who is going to contest for the seat with APC's victorious candidate, Mr. David Umaru on February 14. Like the Biblical David, Umaru who defeated a former Deputy Governor of the state, Sen. Nuhu Zagbayi at the tribunal, may defeat the outgoing governor too. In a district made of the natives (Gbagyi), it will be difficult for Governor Babangida Aliyu (a Hausa) to defeat the 'son-of-the-soil'. The people of the East are still angry over the brazen manner in which the PDP rigged the Senatorial bye-election in favour of Zagbayi on September 6, 2014. Other contestants in the East are Musa Hassan (ADC), Inno Ibrahim (LP), Mohammed Audu (NNPP), Musa Yusuf (PPA) and Shuaibu Abdullahi Diko (SDP). In Niger South, the incumbent Sen. Zainab Abdulkadir Kure (PDP) may retain her seat because of the influence of her husband, exGovernor Abdulkadir Kure. But going by the increasing rate of defection from PDP to APC in the South District, there can be an upset. Others in the race are Mustapha Sani Mohammed (APC), Chewuya Yabagi Mohammed (ADC), Kudu Idris (NNPP) and Nma Masin (SDP). Regarding Niger North District, this is a stronghold of APC. The candidates are Dr. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (APC), Aliyu Mohammed Halidu (PDP), Hajiya Hauwakul Haruna (SDP) and Abdullahi Dantani Mairabo (NNPP). Verdict: The outcome may be 2-1 for APC. NASARAWA The PDP Presidential Campaign train needed no soothsayer to know that its game was up in Nasarawa State. It got to a frustrating level that verbal assaults were poured on exMinister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku who has defected from PDP to APGA. With exGovernor Abdullahi Adamu in full control and PDP factionalized, the APC may clinch the three senatorial tickets in the state. The former governor is expected to retain his Nasarawa West District on February 14 when he confronts Anjugu Avre Samuel (APGA), Alackson Gimba (LP) and Hon. Aliyu Wadada Aliyu (PDP). One credit for Adamu borders on the fact that he was instrumental to the creation of the state as a minister in the military regime of the late Gen. Sani Abacha. Those vying for Nasarawa South slot are the incumbent PDP Sen. Suleiman Asonya Adokwe (the chairman of the Senate Committee on Services), Arc. Salihu Hussain Egye (APC), Musa Rosha (ADC), Jonathan Asoloko (APGA) and Musa Sambo (LP). In Nasarawa North, the candidates are Hob. Idris Yahuza Yakubu(APC), Hon. Philip Aruwa Gyunka(PDP), Inusa Anga(Accord), Samuel Alu(APGA), Danjuma Kadon(ID), Zakari Allumaga(LP), and Sen. Yusuf Musa Nagogo(PDM). Verdict: A 3-0 or 2-1 victory is projected for APC. KOGI No fewer than 22 candidates are interested in being senators in Kogi State with all the three incumbents facing tough hurdles. In Kogi West, Sen. Smart Adeyemi (PDP), who is seeking a third term ticket, is embattled by the unyielding anti-corruption activist, Hon. Dino

Who controls t

•Mark Melaye (a former member of the House of Representatives) from the APC; Another ex-Rep Aro Samuel Bamidele (Accord) who is on trial for fuel subsidy scam; Mohammed Lawal Hudu (ACPB), Awe Bola Esther (CPP); Adeyemi Abidemi Adebola (LP), Barr. Bello Ajayi (PPA); Williams Toyin Akanle (SDP) and Badanga Hajarat. The issue in Kogi West is whether or not senatorial power should shift from Ijumu axis to Yagba end of the district. Following Adeyemi's appreciable performance, the seven Local Government chairmen in the district have resolved to retain the ticket in Ijumu making it a headlong battle between Sen. Smart Adeyemi and Hon. Dino Melaye as the most popular. But the masses have the final say on February 14. The centre does not hold for PDP in Kogi Central District. The development forced the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) to rush to the district last Saturday on a salvage mission for President Goodluck Jonathan. Though Adoke's visit largely influenced the equation, it is still too close to call. The crack candidates in the district are Sen. Mohammed Abdulsalami Ohiare(APC), Ogembe Salau Ahmed(PDP), Bashir Sani-Omolori(MPPP), Dr. Moses Musa Wokili (SDP) and the incumbent Senator Abatemi Usman who defected from PDP to PPA. In Kogi East, the current Sen. Atai Aidoko Ali Usman of PDP remains the candidate to beat. Being from the same Senatorial District with Governor Idris Wada, ex-Governor Ibrahim Idris and other PDP stalwarts like Jonathan's Campaign DG, Sen. Ahmadu Ali, the incumbent might have the upper hand. Other candidates are heavyweight Abdulrahman Abubakar (APC), Aboh Samuel Jekeli Advojo (ACPN), Hon. Bala Okpanachi (Kowa), Hon. Ibrahim Gabriel Itodo (LP), Enemaku Amos Arome (MPPP) and Victor Akubo (UPP). Verdict: It could be 2-1 in favour of PDP. ADAMAWA The bigwigs in the senatorial race in Adamawa State make the state one of those to watch keenly. The names and their credentials are really intimidating. In Adamawa South, the old war horse, Sen. Jonathan Silas Zwingina (PDP) is back in the contest with hot favourite Ahmadu Abubakar (MOALLAHYIDI) of the APC going by the power rotation formula in the district. Others are Jones Bakamso (CPP), Elon Raymond Mamuno(Kowa), Philomina Saleh (LP), Binos Dauda Yaroe (PDM) and Pagiel Naomi Godsdelight (PPN). In the Central District, the PDM candidate, Hon. Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed (PDM) is a towering figure that other candidates are struggling to beat. A serving member of the House of Representatives, Aishatu (aka Binani) does not only enjoy uncommon grassroots support base, she is rated to have performed than any member

•Ekweremadu of the National Assembly from the state. She has a photo-finish battle with a former Minister of State for Health, Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong who is also popular among the youths and a godson of exMinister of Petroleum Resources, Prof. Jibril Aminu; Abdulaziz Murtala Nyako(APC), who is the son of the immediate past Governor of the State, Rear Admiral Murtala Nyako; Fidelis Gaddama(AD); Adamu Hayatu(CPP); Mohammed Jibrin Muntaka(ID); Usman Abubakar(Kowa); and Hajiya Maryam Sani(LP). Unless the PDP reconciliation is successful in the district, the party may suffer a huge loss. The PDP knew the challenge when it lifted the suspension of one of its former national chairmen, Alh. Bamanga Tukur on Thursday. In the North, Governor Bala Ngilari, who sacrificed his right of first refusal for the PDP Governorship candidate in Adamawa State, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is the man to beat for the district's ticket. His opponents are two-term member of the House of Representatives, Iron Lady and masses-inclined Hon. Binta Mashi Garba (APC); Richard Christopher Kodere(CPP), Muhammadu Manza(LP); Babangida M. Jibrilla (PDM); Aja Nwabueze Onyaabor Chris (PPA) and John Papika Kaigama (SDP). Verdict: It is too close to call in Adamawa. BENUE The toughest district is Benue North-East where Sen. Barnabas Gemade (APC) will be in a survival battle with Governor Gabriel Suswam (PDP). The governor knew it is not a tea-party this time around because as at 8.00 pm on Thursday, he was in some villages to seek their votes. Other candidates for the district poll are Tondo Joseph (APGA), Mathew Adumbu (SDP), and Idya Francis Ikule Idyu (CPP). In Benue North West, it is a walkover for Sen. George Akume who is respected for its grassroots politics. His opponents, who are not stronger, include Macikpah Mngunengen Ata (APGA) and Hon. Mike Mkum (PDP). In Benue South, President of the Senate, David Mark, is expected to overwhelm a former President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Daniel Donald Onjeh. In terms of resources and ethnic group support from the Idoma, Mark has a comfortable lead. Verdict: One seat each sure for PDP and APC, while Benue North-East is too close to call. KADUNA The old rivalry is being rekindled in Kaduna North between ex-Governor Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi and Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and the outcome could go either way. In 1999, Hunkuyi was the Director of Makarfi Camapaign and later his Commissioner for Finance. But he fell out with Makarfi when the former governor failed to hand over to him in 2007. With the Buhari factor in Kaduna politics, the ex-governor is walking a tight rope. Others in the race are Jibrin Muntaka (ID), and Nda Usman

Mohammed (LP), Mohammed Sani (NNPP). Kaduna Central Senatorial District is more or less an APC terrain where it produced the Senator and most members of the House of Representatives. With a human rights activist, Comrade Shehu Sani as its candidate, the opposition may sustain the momentum. Other candidates are Sen. Muktar Ahmed Aruwa (PDP), Salihu Haliru (ACPN), Sherrifatu F. Abdullahi (ADC), Talatu Abdullahi (LP) and Mohammed Inuwa Haruna (PPA). In Kaduna South, the battle line is drawn between Danjuma La'ah (PDP), who has defended the interest of the people of the area and Dr. Ishaku Mabushi Shekarau (APC). Others are Mohammed Shehu Sumaila (ACPN), Hon. Alice Alisabatu Leo(ADC), Ahmad Mohammad Raji(CPP), Augustine Ambi (LP), and Adamu Mohammed (NNPP). If the low turn-out at the PDP Presidential Campaign rally in Kaduna on Saturday was anything to go by, the senatorial race may be either 2-1 or 3-0 in favour of APC. Verdict: Two seats to one in favour of APC. KATSINA With unity among APC members in Katsina State, it might be difficult for PDP to win in any of the three Senatorial districts because of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari's influence. The Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shema, was said to have read the political mood of the state and opted to stay away from senatorial race. The candidates for Katsina North are Engr. Mustapha Bukar(APC), Safuyanu Usman(LP), Abdu Umar Yandoma(PDM) and Hon. Yau Umar Gojo Gojo(PDP). For Katsina South, those in the race are Buhari's core loyalist, Sen. Abu Ibrahim (APC), Murtala Haruna (LP), Kasimu Ibrahim (PDM) and Abdullahi Garba Faskari (PDP). In Katsina Central, the contestants are Umaru Ibrahim Kurfi(APC), Ahmed Sani Stores (APGA), Haruna Ibrahim (LP), Hamisu Gambo (PDM) and Lamis Shehu Dikko (PDP). Verdict: APC wins the three tickets in Katsina. KEBBI Reports indicate that APC may convincingly win at least two out of the three Senatorial districts in Kebbi. In Kebbi Central, the odds are in favour of Sen. Adamu Aliero (a former Minister of FCT) who is the APC candidate. Others are Dalhatu Gayi (Accord), Muhammad Abubakar (ACD), Mustapha Umar (ADC), Abdullahi Dantati Kamba (APA), Bashar Muhammad B.K (AOGA), Yushau Ahmed (Kowa), Ahmad Umaru Gwandu(NCP), Atiku Sahabi (NNPP), Abubakar Malam Abubakar (PDP), Muhammed Isah(PPA), Zayannu Muhammed(PPN) and Mohammed Tukur(UDP). In Kebbi South, the candidates are Abdullahi Kamba(APA), a former member of the House of Representatives, Bala Ibn Na'Allahv(APC), Yahaya Wada(CPP) and Abubakar Sadiq Yelwa(PDP). The top candidates are Na'Allah and Yelwa but Na'Allah who is being compensated

•Contd. from page 9

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

NEWS REVIEW

the 9th senate?

•Tinubu for his activism while in the House may win. While Na'Allah is from Zuru Emirate with four local governments, Yelwa is from Yauri Emirate with three LGAs. A greatest disadvantage for Yelwa is the neglect of Kebbi South by Governor Saidu Dakingari, a development which had provoked anger against the PDP. It was learnt that up till now, the governor has not been able to accompany PDP campaign train to the district. In Kebbi North, Governor Saidu Nasamu Usman Dakingari is in dilemma as he faces a tough challenge from seven contenders including a former Federal Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi of the APC. The governor's popularity has waned following imposition of candidates during the PDP primaries. Other contestants in the district are Isa Abdullahi (Accord), Hassan Dandare(AD), Basharu Birnin Kebbi(ADC), Garba Sirajo(APGA), Bello Muhammed Dakingari(Kowa) and Shehu Salihu(PPA). Verdict: APC clean sweep. KANO The APC may clear all the Senatorial seats in the state because its consensus mode of election of candidates has caused upset for PDP. In Kano Central, the political numero uno in the state, Governor Mohammed Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso(a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives) will return to a familiar ground of legislative business. He seeks the ticket alongside contestants like Rufai Hanga(Accord), Salisu Surajo(APGA), Ibrahim Idris(CPP), Ibrahim Haruna Ibrahim(LP), Sen. Bash Garba Mohammed(PDP, Ahmed Ragazawa(PPN), Salisu Umar Tunkunawa(SDP) and Musa Isa(UPN). Apart from his political dexterity, the incumbent advantage is at the beck and call of Kwankwaso. In Kano South, Sen. Kabiru Gaya( a former governor of the state) is treading the same turf and might defeat his opponents. The rest candidates are Abdullahi Sani Rogo(PDP), Nafiu Indabo(APGA), Sani Usman(CPP), Yakubu Sadiq(LP) and Kabir Mamuda(UPN). The equation in Kano North may change this time around. For Senator Bello Hayatu Gwarzo of PDP he is unlikely to return to the Senate for the fifth time because he appears to be swimming against the political tide in the state. He has a strong competitor in Barau Jibrin of APC. Other candidates are Ado Sule (APGA), Tukur Abubakar(LP), Yasir Chedi(NCP) and Z.A. Ibrahim(UPN). Verdict: APC clean sweep. BAUCHI The game in Bauchi State is neither here nor there because the PDP seems to be a victim of mutual suspicion among its leaders. It could be a 50-50 winnable position between the PDP and APC in the Senatorial race. In Bauchi South, Governor Isa Yuguda is seeking the ticket with Malam Ali Wakili (APC), Bello Waziri (AD),

•Ngige Aminu Mohammed (ADC), Aliyu Bununu(APA), Mohammad Jahun(APGA), Maijamaa Bello Waziri (LP), and Umar Musa Gwaskwaram (UPN). If there is internal sabotage by PDP leaders, Yuguda can lose the election to APC. In Bauchi North, the man to beat is the youthful grassroots politician, Sen. Suleiman Mohammed Nazif of the APC. His rivals are Okoli Georginia(MPPP) and Hon. Farouk Mustapha(PDP). In Bauchi Central, the Deputy Senate Leaders, Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi(PDP) is looking for a fresh ticket to the Senate. Those against him are Isah Misau(APC), Inuwa Adamu Nasara(MPPP) and Abdulkarim Darazo(UPN). BORNO The sudden disappearance of the name of exGovernor Modu Ali Sheriff from the PDP's list for senatorial contest has made the competition bearable for APC. Going by the angst over insurgency, the rejection of PDP, the need for change, the performance of Governor Kashim Shettima and the ability of the governor to earn the confidence of all stakeholders in the state, APC may sweep the senatorial votes in the three districts if the general election holds in the state. In Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume(APC), who is a strategist in winning elections irrespective of party platform, is being challenged by Nicholas Msheila(PDP), Zakariya Ibrahim(AD), Mohammed Aminu(APGA), Haruna Isa Shettima(PPA), Pogu Bitrus(SDP), and Ali Ibrahim(LP). Concerning Borno Central, the incumbent Ahmad Zannah(APC) wants a return ticket but he has to cope with challengers like Abdulkadir Fema(AD), Tijani Habib(Kowa), Wakil Bukar(PPA), Zakari Musa(SDP) and Alhaji A. Bukar(LP). In Borno North, the race is between Hon. Isa Lawan(PDP) and Abubakar Kyari (APC). Other candidates are Umar Lawan Asheikh(Kowa), Mohammed Tatabe(PPA) and Bukar Shehu(LP). GOMBE The involvement of ex-Governor Danjuma Goje and a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Bayero Usman Nafada in the senatorial race has upped the ante for APC in Gombe State. The opposition may win two out of the senatorial seats in the state. In Gombe Central, Goje is being challenged by Usman Bello Kumo(PDP) and Mohammed Adamu Umar(SDP). In Gombe North, Nafada is to seek the ticket with Auwal Barde(ADC), Adamu Jungudo(PDC), Abdulkadir Sale(PDP) and Halilu Mohammed(SDP). The four candidates in Gombe South are Haruna Adamu Njibi(ADC), Adams Balah(APC), Sen. Joshua Lidani Moltobok and David John Shogom(SDP). PLATEAU In spite the fact that power shift prejudices are dotting the political landscape of Plateau State, PDP may be still retain its senatorial control of

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the state. In Plateau South, old Army Generals will square it up as Gen. John Shagaya (APC) contests with a former Minister of FCT, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Timbuk Useni(PDP). The third candidate is Sarah Haruna(MPPP). Ex-Governor Joshua Dariye is eyeing the Senate again from Plateau Central to become high-ranking. His contestants are Satzilang Pilit Dashi(APC), Jephthah Valentine(APGA), Agnes Daniel(MPPP) and Mahanan Rose U, David (PPA). In Plateau North, Governor David Jonah Jang(PDP) has three candidates to beat. They are Eunice Ayisa Sambo(APC), Jerry Fon Daniel Chung(APGA), and Grace Zamfara(MPPP) SOKOTO This state has the largest number of 42 senatorial candidates throughout the federation. Yet it is apparent that the is actually APC-PDP affair. As a matter of fact, the wrangling within the PDP yesterday signposted that APC may sweep the three senatorial seats. The outcome of the PDP presidential Campaign in Sokoto showed that the party might record little impact. The statement from ex-President Shehu Shagari's family on Friday finally broke the PDP camel's back. In Sokoto South, APC's Ibrahim Abdullahi faces 14 others for the district's seat. Others are Abdullahi Muhammad Kiryo(PDP)Saidu Bodinga(ACPN), Abubakar Buhari(AD), Nasiru Usman(APGA), Muktar Garba(CPP), Muhammad Haruna(ID), Abubakar Muhammed(LP), Zainab Aliyu(NCP), Bello Bodinga (PDC), Balaraba Mohammed (PPN), Aminu Arzika(SDP), Gani (UDP), Sode Sanyinna(UPN) and Abubakar Alhaji(UPP). In Sokoto North, there are also 15 candidates. Leading the pack is Governor Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko(APC) who has scores to settle with Sen. Ahmad Mohammed Maccido(PDP) who refused to defect to APC. If Wamakko wins the seat, which is 90 per cent likely, he would have become the political giant of Sokoto politics. A defeat for Maccido will have a telling effect on the perception of the masses on his royal lineage. It could prove fatal for his political career. Other candidates are Maimuna Aliyu(AA), Umar Usman(AD), Malami Shehu Abdullahi(ADC), Isa Aliyu Nayaba(APGA), Abdullahi Muazu(CPP), Ahmed Umar(ID), Sanusi Abubakar(LP), Masur Ahmed(NCP), Muhammadu Abubakar(NNPP), Nasiru Dahiru (PDC), Abubakar Arzika(PPN), Aliyu Buhari SDP, Jelani Marimi(UDP) Kasimu Mohammed(UPN) and Auwalu Hussaini (UPP). In Sokoto East, the candidates are Adamu Salihu(ACPN), Dauda Hamza(AD), Ibrahim Abdullahi Gobir(APC), Mohammad Kabir Bello(APGA), Saidu Gobir(UDP), Kabiru Wurno(SDP), Sani Galadima Gandi(PPA), Dahiru Yari Gandi(PDP), Umaru Adamu(PDC), Umar Aliyu Gandi (PDC), Nasiru Habibu(NCP), Halima Musa(ID). ZAMFARA There are 38 candidates for the three

senatorial slots in Zamfara State but APC may win all the three senatorial tickets because there is no major threat to the party's consolidation in the state. The godfather of politics in the state, Senator Ahmed Rufai Sani (Yerima) is out to join the high-ranking league from Zamfara West Senatorial District. His main rival is Bello Mohammed Matawalle from PDP. Going by precedents, Sani will beat Matawalle and nine others who are after his job. They are Abdulrahman Shittu(AD), Bello Balarabe(ADC), Dan Maliki Mustapha(APGA), Abubakar Mohammed(CPP), Mustapha Anka9LP), Samaila Ibrahim(MPPP), Umar Faruk Garba(NNPP), Nuhammed Sanusi Kubbaniya(PDC) and Sani Maradun(Unknown). In Zamfara North, a former Minister, Tijani Yahaya Kaura(APC) is the star to beat. Other candidates are Sahabi Ya'u Alhaji(PDP) Sirajo Haidana Kaura(UPN), Badamasi Yabo(Accord), Mohammed Lawal Gusau(ACD), Ibrahim Muhammed(AD), Umar Sani(ADC) and Abdullahi Misala(APGA), Bala Haliru(LP), Ibrahim Nasiru(NCP) and Bashiru Umar(NNPP). In Zamfara Central, the candidates are Kabir Garba Marafa(APC) , Hon. Ibrahim Shehu Gusau(PDP), Ahmed Abdullahi(PPA), Kulu Bello(UPP), Fatima Yakubu(Accord), Aliyu Idris(ACD), Imuwa Audu Zakari(AD), Bello Ahmad Bungudu(APGA), Muktar Mohammad(CPP), Nazifi Hassan(DPP), Ladan Mohammed(Kowa), Nasiru Suleiman Maru(LP), Wakili Abdullahi(NCP), Yahaya Aliyu(NNPP). Aminu Sani Maifilawa(PDC), and Hon Isyaku Andi(UPN). FCT This is a political acre of Sen. Philips Tanimu Aduda (PDP) whose late mother was a foremost rights activist, church worker and mobilizer par excellence. Whatever grip the Senator has today, his mother laid the foundation. For the FCT Senatorial seat, Aduda may have it keener with the APC candidate, Adamu Muhammad Sidi-Ali because of Buhari's influence. Other opponents of Aduda are Anayo-Arinze Ada Appolonia(ADC), John Daniel Onum(CPP), Ikeh Chidi Oliver(ID), Janet Taiwo(MPPP), Abe Fisayo Makanjuola(NCP), Kehinde Edun(PPA) Olubunmi Wilson(SDP), Obiayi Echefule(UDP) and Mrs. Uju Uchendu Ozoka(UPP). PDP may win the seat. ONDO The division within the ruling PDP in the state has thrown the contest open contrary to expectations that the defection of Governor Segun Mimiko to the PDP would seal the deal for the party. Now, party chieftains are preoccupied with internal bickering and court cases which have helped to slow down the preparations of the party and its candidates for the election. The defection by some PDP leaders led by the younger brother of the late Governor Segun Agagu, Femi Agagu to the All Progressives Congress, APC is another disadvantage for the party in the state. In Ondo North, Senator Bode Olajumoke of the PDP is in the race against incumbent Senator Ajayi Boroffice. The duo are not new rivals. It was Boroffice that sent Olajumoke packing from the senate in 2011. This time, pundit say the incumbent Senator still look good to repeat the feat. With the division in the PDP and the coming into APC of many chieftains of both the PDP and the LP in recent times, Olajumo's chances are not too bright. Pastor Yele Omogunwa of the PDP and Morayo Lebi of the APC are to slug it out in Ondo South. According to pundits, but for the failure of the APC to field a more popular politician than Lebi in the race, it would have been an easy victory for the party. While his party may not be having the best of time in the district as we speak, Omogunwa is a grassroots politician who is well known amongst the people of both Ilaje and Ikale areas of the district. Ondo central contest is between former Commisisoner for Finance, Tayo Alasoadura and incumbent Senator Ayo Akinyelure. Because this is the senatorial district of Governor Mimiko, observers say he will put up a stiff resistance to the rampaging APC. But Alasoadura is expected to give the Governor and his party a good run for their money. However, the PDP is favoured to carry the day with a slight margin at the end of political hostilities. Verdict: two to one in favour of APC OGUN The contest for the three senatorial seats in Ogun state will be fiercely fought amongst the three leading parties in the state namely

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

NEWS REVIEW

Who controls the 9th senate? •Contd. from page 11 the APC; the PDP and the newly formed Social Democratic Party (SDP). While the APC is the ruling party in the state, the PDP has not hidden its determination to displace Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his party from the saddle in 2015. On its part, the SDP is a serious contender in the senate race because all the three current senators are its chieftains. In Ogun West senatorial zone the APC candidate Prince Gbolahan Dada and his PDP counterpart, Alhaji Waliu Taiwo, are the frontrunners. This is because Senator Akin Odunsi, the current occupier of the seat, is not seeking re-election. The contest between Dada and Taiwo, according to pundits, can go either way because while the APC is popular in the area as a result of Amosun's performance and appointment of indigenes into the current administration, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Gboyega Isiaka, is from the district. Speaking of the two candidates, while Taiwo, a veteran politician, is more popular, Dada, a political ally of Amosun, is expected to benefit from the governor's popularity in the area. Verdict: Too close to call In Ogun Central, the contest would be another two-horse race. But this time, it is the incumbent senator, Gbenga Obadara versus Dr. Olanrewaju Tejuoso of the ruling APC. Both the PDP and its candidate, Dr. Abisola Sodipo Clarke, are unpopular in the area. According to observers, although Obadara will put up a good fight, two major factors will give Tejuoso, son of Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, a slim victory at the February 14 electoral contest. One, the people of the district are most likely to vote for the APC in support of Amosun, who is from the area. Secondly, the status of Obadara's party, the SDP in the area may work against his ambition. Aside Obadara himself and a few of his associates, no prominent Egba politician is a member of the SDP. Consequently, the party will struggle for votes in the area. Verdict: APC In Ogun East, the three political parties are in a head to head race in all ramifications. However, the result is likely to favour the APC giving the pedigree and popularity of its candidate. Senator Dapo Abiodun. Abiodun's emergence as the candidate of the ruling party had altered earlier political permutations that had given the seat to the incumbent and candidate of the SDP, Senator Gbenga Kaka. The SDP candidate, though popular, is perceived to be too conservative by the very social people of Ijebu and Remo Kingdoms. PDP as a party is very popular and deep rooted in the area on the strength of chieftains like former Governor Gbenga Daniel, Jubril Martins Kuye, Senator Lekan Mustapha, Doyin Okupe etc. However, the emergence of Buruji Kashamu as the candidate of the party has pitched it against the people, masses and elites of the district. Thus, the party's chances are damaged leaving the APC and the SDP to slug it out. Verdict: APC LAGOS Although the PDP is currently laying claim to an upsurge in its popularity in the state, the facts on ground show that the ruling APC will have no problem retaining all the three senatorial seats at the next election. In the Central District, PDP is fielding Dr. Adegboyega Dosunmu, a one-time defeated governorship candidate of the party. Senator Oluremi Tinubu, former Lagos State First Lady and Founder of New Era Foundation who is seeking re-election on the platform of APC is his opponent. Bookmakers have given victory to Tinubu, who is said to have represented the district well in the last four years. Dosunmu, though known in the district, would have problem selling his party to the people of the district. Verdict: APC The battle for Lagos East senatorial district is between incumbent Senator Bareehu Olugbenga Ashafa, and an unknown woman politician from Kosofe area, Mrs. Olabisi Owolabi Salis-Fakos, wife of a serial governorship aspirant, Owolabi Salis. Given Ashafa's pedigree before going to the senate and his performance at the National

•Wammako

•Sylva Assembly, pundits are of the opinion that the PDP, by fielding a political upstart as its candidate had virtually conceded the seat to its rival. Verdict: APC In Lagos West, two old rivals, Hon. Solomon Adeola Olamilekan of the APC and his 2011 challenger, Mr. Segun Adewale of PDP will slug it out again. The duo had a fierce contest for the House of Representatives seat of Alimosho Federal Constituency four years ago. Though Adeola won the race, Adewale was adjudged to have given him a good fight all the way. Pundits are once again predicting victory for Adeola in another heated electoral contest largely on account of the popularity of his party and his performance as a representative of his people in the last four years. Verdict: APC OYO The senatorial contest in all the districts in the state would be keenly contested. As it is today, three political parties namely the APC, the PDP and Accord Party (AP) are sufficiently strong to make for a three-way contest. There are three serving senators in the race and they are experienced politicians. But, they will work hard to retain their seats because new entrants are also pushing to dislodge them. The three senators are Olufemi Lanlehin (Accord), Ayoola Agboola (PDP) and Ayoade Adeseun (PDP). Lanlehin and Adeseun defected from the APC to their new parties. Oyo Central This district cuts across three major towns of Ibadan, Oyo and Ogbomoso. Adeseun, who hails from Ogbomoso, currently occupies the seat. Chief Oyebisi Ilaka, the Ladilu of Oyo, is the AP flag bearer while Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Monsurat Sunmonu, is the APC candidate. While Adeseun is expected to get the support from the Ogbomosho axis of the district, Ilaka and Sunmonu will share the votes in Oyo. However, the Speaker is expected to receive massive support from the Ibadan part of the district on the strength of the peoples support for Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the APC. This same permutation worked for Adeseun in 2011 enabling him to emerge as the senator. Verdict: APC Oyo South The incumbent senator, Lanlehin, defected to AP from APC earlier this year. A popular politician, he hopes to coast to victory with the support of former Governor Rasheed Ladoja as

well as his incumbency factor. He is well loved in the area and his membership of Ladoja's party may win him more support at the polls. The APC candidate, Soji Akanbi, is another experienced politician. He was a governorship aspirant in 2011. A disciple of the late Alhaji Lam Adesina, former governor of the state, he is hoping the combination of Adesina's political family and Ajimobi's support will deliver the seat to him. The popularity of APC in the district is a great advantage for him. The PDP candidate, Adedeji Otiti, a relatively unknown politician with uncertain political experience, is not seen as a serious contender for the seat. Thus, the race is a close one between APC and AP. Verdict: Too close to call Oyo North This is another two-horse race, but this time between PDP and APC. The candidate of the PDP, Senator Ayoola Agboola, is a very popular grassroots politician in the district. Incumbency is also in his favour. Likewise, the APC is popular in the district and its candidate, Hon. Fatai Buhari, a former member of the House of Representatives and Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, is well known too. But with the acceptance currently being enjoyed by Governor Ajimobi across the state, analysts are giving Buhari a slight victory over the incumbent senator at the February 14 poll. Verdict: APC OSUN In Osun State, the APC is looking good to clinch the three senate seats come February 14. Former governor of the state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, is the APC candidate for Osun West senatorial district. His main opponent is former Minister of Youth Development, Senator Olasunkanmi Akinlabi. All factors considered, it should be an easy victory for Adeleke given his popularity in the district and the strength of his new party, the APC, in the state. No surprise is anticipated here. The incumbent senator, representing Osun Central senatorial district, Professor Sola Adeyeye, secured the APC's ticket for a return to the upper chamber, while his counterpart in PDP is a retired Deputy Comptroller General of Nigeria Custom Service, Chief Francis Fadahunsi. The odds are in favour of the incumbent. Aside from the popularity of his party in the district over the years, Adeyeye is highly respected by his people on the strength of his activism.

Fadahunsi on his part is not grounded in the politics of the area and his party, the PDP, has not done well in the district in recent times. Coming to Osun East, APC's Senator Babajide Omoworare, the incumbent, is looking good to defeat his rival, Dr. Daisi Aina, an associate of President Goodluck Jonathan. While Omoworare is from Ife, Aina, an Abuja-based businessman, hails from Iresi, where Jonathan did his one year mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The APC candidate is expected to benefit from both the numerical strength of the Ife bloc and the popularity of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who is also from the district. Verdict: APC to take all three seats EKITI In Ekiti, the battle is between the ruling PDP and APC. Pundits say it may not be easy to predict who wins the seats as the two parties have good following across the state. In Ekiti North, former House of Representatives member Mr. Duro Faseyi who defeated Senator Otunba Ayo Arise to win the ticket is the PDP candidate. Faseyi, who represented Ekiti North 2 Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber between 2003 and 2011, is an ally of Governor Ayodele Fayose. Contesting against him is Senator Olubunmi Ayodeji Adetumbi, the current occupier of the seat. A grassroots politician, well loved by his people, Adetunbi is not a pushover. The contest between the two is expected to be fierce and observers say given Adetunbi's pedigree and performance against Faseyi's popularity and backing from the Governor, the pendulum could swing either way. Verdict: Too close to call Former Deputy Governor, Mrs. Abiodun Olujimi, won the Ekiti South PDP senatorial ticket and is hoping to defeat her main opponent, Senator Anthony Adeniyi of the APC. The senatorial district is the largest in the state with six local government areas and it stretches from the boundary with Osun State in the western axis to the boundary with Kogi State in the northeastern flank. Olujimi, a board member of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), and deputy governor to Fayose between October 2005 and October 2006, is not very popular with the people of the area as she is seen largely as an Abuja politician. Adeniyi has been the Senator representing the area in the last four years. Olujimi enjoys the support of Fayose but Adeniyi is banking on the support of the people to clinch victory. It promises to be an interesting contest. Verdict: Too close to call In Ekiti Central, the PDP is fielding another former House of Representatives member Mrs. Fatimat Raji-Rasaki as its candidate while Ambassador Gbenga Olofin is in the race for APC. It promises to be another political showdown with Raji-Rasaki expected to carry the day with a slight margin on account of the popularity of her party in the senatorial district. Pundits say the refusal of incumbent Senator, Babafemi Ojudu, to seek re-election has hurt the chances of the APC in the area. And with Fayose solidly behind Raji-Rasaki, she is better positioned to win. Verdict: PDP ABIA The senatorial contest in Abia State promises to be very interesting as the ruling PDP is fielding the outgoing governor, Chief Theodore Orji, for the Abia Central seat, former deputy governor of the state and serving senator, Enyinnaya Abaribe, for Abia South and Hon. Mao Ohuabunwa, a former member of the House of Representatives, for Abia North. Though Ohuabunwa defeated serving Senator Uche Chukwumerije to pick the Abia North ticket, it seems clear that PDP will need to fight hard to win in this district. This is primarily because there would be no incumbency advantage here. Besides, the opposition parties are very popular here. For example, PPA still has strong grassroots support in this zone. Added to this fact is that the party (PPA) submitted the name of the former governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, as its senatorial candidate. There is no doubt that the former governor enjoys great support here. Also, the APGA candidate for this zone, Dr David Ogba (Bourdex), is rated very influential in the zone. While APC is fielding a very dynamic and

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Ropo Sekoni

Page 14

Femi Orebe Page 16

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

The militants' threats tunjade@yahoo.co.uk 08054503906 (sms only)

They missed it all when they threatened to plunge the country into war should the president lose the election

HREATS by some Niger Delta militants to shut down the country by taking their (the Niger Delta) oil back should President Goodluck Jonathan lose reelection on February 14 have deservedly attracted angry reactions from many Nigerians. Perhaps the latest was from General Theophilus Danjuma, a former chief of defence staff who hardly comments on national issues. Danjuma is of the opinion that the said militants, Mujahid Asari Dokubo, leader, Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force; Victor Ben Ebikabowei, aka, Boyloaf and Government Ekpudomenowei, aka Tompolo went overboard and ought to have been arrested by now. Dokubo was quoted as saying: "For every Goliath, God created a David. For every Pharaoh, there is a Moses. We are going to war. Every one of you should go and fortify yourself," Premium Times quoted him as saying. You may be wondering how Dokubo came about such knowledge of the Holy Bible! Holy Moses! I am, too. Then, Boyloaf: "Keep grudges and sentiments apart. We are ready to match them bumper to bumper", whatever this means. These, no doubt are weighty statements for which the militant warlords ought to be sanctioned. But then, President Jonathan has hardly caused to be arrested people who make combustible statements that could tear the country apart. For instance, when in 2011 Alhaji Lawal Kaita said the north would make Nigeria ungovernable if President Jonathan became president in 2011, hell was not let loose. If the president did not arrest him and others then despite the security challenges the country has been witnessing in the last five years or so, then it is going to be difficult to expect him to crucify his own in the Niger Delta for similar provocative statement now that elections are around the corner. At least not with the waves the opposition has been making all over the country in the kind of ‘hurricane’ that would have seemed unimaginable only a few months ago. A shocking aspect of the tragedy is that the meeting where the provocative statements were reportedly made was the Bayelsa State House, with the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and chairman of Amnesty Implementation Committee, Kingsley Kuku, and Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, among others, in attendance. One can understand where Governor Dickson is coming from, though. He has been having running battles with Dame Patience Jonathan, the president's wife and, since he is seeking reelection, he probably felt he had to do something to impress the president who actually used him (Dickson) to unseat the former governor, Timipre Silva, in spite of indication the president's wife might have made up her mind not to reconcile with him. Perhaps some underground fence-mending was done seeing the way things are going for the president, to ensure that he does not have a major challenge in his home state, hence, Dickson's volte-face because he appeared set for broke only a few days back. It is possible the governor was not aware that such threats were going to be made since he might not have had an idea of what the militants would say prior to the time the meeting took place. In that case, a public apology from him after the unfortunate incident would have ameliorated the damage done to his person, his office and the State House in Bayelsa. He never did. Rather, he appeared to give his imprimatur to what the militants said in his remark at the occasion by thanking the former militant leaders for deciding to back President Jonathan, and promised to convey same to the president. Apparently, the feeling by the militant warlords (I don't necessarily want to equate that to

• Dokubo be the thinking of all Ijaw) is that it is the Ijaw that has been dethroned if the president loses the reelection and they would not accept such an intimidation by other Nigerians. One wonders where they got this impression from. The way the militant leaders are talking, it is as if they were the ones that put President Jonathan in office. They know that even the entire votes in the south-south could not have done that. So, why would anyone be threatening fire and brimstone if the president is not reelected? If that is the way to go, then Nigerians should have had no business having election this year; we should not have wasted the billions that we have committed to the polls. We simply should have been told that the president is the sole candidate for the office as is done in many backward African countries so that militants won't shut down the economy or plunge the country into war, as restated by Tompolo on Thursday, despite denial from the Ijaw Youth Council. But the militants need to tread cautiously. Perhaps what they call dethronement is the fact that unlike Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, President Jonathan may not be able to enjoy a second term in office going by the political trend in the country. But this cannot be automatic. Even the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that has zoning in its constitution never said a candidate must do two terms. Again, even if that is the rule in the ruling party, it is unknown to the grundnorm, the Nigerian Constitution. The implication is that there is an opportunity to replace a non-performing leader at any level after four years, or reward him with reelection if he has done well. And, in a democratic setting, only the people can make such decision. The way things are going, it is as if even the militant leaders themselves are not confident the president could scale the reelection hurdle, hence the resort to threats now. The point is, if an incumbent president who has stayed more than five years in office is having difficulties at seeking reelection the way President Jonathan is, then, something must have been amiss. And, indeed, a lot is amiss. Apart from the fact that the president has not performed well, his kinsmen have not helped his cause. They keep talking as if it was their votes alone that brought the president into office in the first place. Whereas when Chief Obasanjo was president, his kith and kin in Yoruba land were about his most vociferous critics. Even when President Jonathan was about being denied his right to succeed former President Umaru Yar'Adua after the latter's death, Nigerians, not the Ijaw, rose in unison to ensure that the constitution was protected. If today, Nigerians are looking back with

It is a sad commentary that in our country, it is militants or warlords, whether in the north or in the south, that are calling the shots now. It is part of the tragedies of how far sunk we are as a nation that we are returning to the Hobbessian state of nature. In democracies all over the world, the majority always have their way; the minority

nostalgia at the days of General Muhammadu Buhari (the All Progressives Congress’ presidential candidate in the February election) in power and the high-handedness, perceived or real, with which he ruled the country alongside his second-in-command, the late General Tunde Idiagbon, President Jonathan is to blame. Even as civilian president ruling the country 32 years after Buhari took over, one would easily forgive Buhari's sins because we are supposed to have advanced in every particular material by now; regrettably, we have not. Rather, we are retrogressing, or at best marching forward to the past. If the people benefitting from the present government do not know that things have progressively gone from bad to worse, especially in the last half decade, then their patriotism is suspect because that alone explains the huge support that General Buhari has been having all over the country, that is now making people with whom he contested thrice before to suddenly remember now that he does not have school certificate. It means he is now an issue; and, indeed, Buhari has always been an issue at the polls because, for anyone to have more than 12 million votes in elections twice (2003 and 2011), coming second to the ruling party in all elections he had contested against it, you can only write off such a person at your own risk. Mind you, in all those elections, Buhari was, so to say, on his own. It certainly must be source for worry now that his political tentacles have widened, such that the ruling party that had been under the euphoria of ruling for 60 straight years now feel sufficiently threatened and has realised, almost too late, that it could only ignore him now at its peril. When an incumbent government is campaigning as if it is just seeking a fresh mandate or lists such esoteric things as Nigeria attaining the status of the largest economy in Africa as its achievements, it is saying nothing. Indeed, that is akin to what the Austrian chancellor, Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich, referred to as 'high sounding nothing'. It does not appeal to the man on the street whose son left school five, six years ago and is still roaming the streets. It makes no sense to the millions that go hungry daily, in spite of the country's resources. I looked at a particular advert on the president's achievements, nothing was said on corruption; nothing was said on power. Nothing on security; the raison detre of any government properly so-called. Although this is charitable enough because it is better to be silent on such when there is nothing to report, than assault our sensibilities with provocative lies as achievements. I agree with Dokubo and his colleagues that those stoning the president's campaign in the north or anywhere in the country should be arrested and punished, irrespective of whether they are from the opposition or they are aggrieved members of the ruling party. That is barbaric. Anyone that is unhappy with what is happening in the country now has an opportunity: 'stone' the president with his or her vote on February 14. That is why many people have been clamouring for the sanctity of the vote. There won't be problem if people who lose election admit and quit honourably, after all there is always another time. That is what election is all about. That is what democracy is all about. There is nothing unusual in people losing election; it is like that all over the world. You rejuvenate government when those there are beginning to show signs of fatigue. In our own case, it is not just inertia but one worsened by massive corruption. So, unless Tompolo et al already have a different agenda which they only want to use the result of the election to achieve, there is no basis for their threats of fire and brimstone. It is a sad commentary that in our country, it is militants or warlords, whether in the north or in the south, that are calling the shots now. It is part of the tragedies of how far sunk we are as a nation that we are returning to the Hobbessian state of nature. In democracies all over the world, the majority always have their way; the minority only their say.

Oyedepo: Facts are sacred, comments are free

HE origin of the controversial statement credited to Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel in which he allegedly threatened to open the gate of hell for anti-Jonathan supporters is one of the wonders of social- media. An activist who was nowhere near Cannanland, Otta where President Goodluck Jonathan worshipped last Sunday sent out a tweet claiming that a source told him Bishop Oyedepo made the statement. A popular blogger simply shared the shocking tweet on her platform and asked "Can this be true?". What followed was the typical frenzy of re -publishing of the quote and comments of all kinds, majority of which were not only unjustifiably critical but abusive. For those who have been angry about the alleged preference of the Bishop for President Jonathan in the presidential election, they found the statement a good excuse to lash out at him as hard as they could irrespective of his revered position. As a journalist, though also a member of the Church, who witnessed the visit and shared live tweets on statements by both President Jonathan and Bishop, I was shocked by the slant of reporting of the visit. I found it difficult to understand how such a quote could be fabricated and attributed to the Bishop when he said nothing close to it at all. I concede to those who do not think it is right to allow the President or any other politician mount the pulpit for any reason, but attributing a statement the Bishop did not make to him was the height of mischief. What those who originated the falsehood did for reasons known to them was an abuse of the freedom offered by the social media. While anybody should be free to share information and comment on the social media, it is wrong to deliberately mislead others on the platforms. What I find more disturbing is that, even when every evidence has shown that the Bishop did not make the statement, the originators and many promoters of the falsehood have refused to admit their error and apologise for engaging in what has been rightly described as social media terrorism. I salute some facebook commentators who have withdrawn their comments on the matter and regretted being misled. One of the lessons of this unfortunate incident is that more than ever before, social media users have to be more careful about the information they get online. In a situation where some people can choose to spread falsehood as truth, there is need for more restraint before commenting on what is attributed to people. As the campaign for the general election continues, supporters of candidates should refrain from heating up the polity through social media postings that make it seems that the February 14 presidential election is a do-or- die battle. Everybody should be free to support whichever candidate he or she prefers. The acrimony generated over choice of candidate is unnecessary. Democracy is about freedom of choice and nothing should be done to deny that freedom.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

COMMENT

From politics of promise to blackmail? Let us stop using the ritual time set up for making promises to citizens

HE propensity for violence in the country during the season of political campaign has reached a height that cannot be ignored by civilized people. This must have been one of the reasons behind the recent unusual emissary of President Obama to Lagos. Secretary of State John Kerry's unequivocal advice to the two leading presidential candidates to prepare their supporters for a violence-free election fits into the paradigm of early sensitivity to the 'night cough' of neighbors. But despite assurances from the two leading contestants for the country's highest office, there is no evidence that communities and individuals that threatened war before the coming of Kerry have had a re-think. Instead, new and more subtle forms of terrorization of voters have taken over the space of public communication in the country. Just 48 hours before the arrival of President Obama's chief diplomat, leaders of Nigeria's fourth largest ethnic nationality assured the nation of the preparedness of Ijaw militants to declare war on Nigeria, should voters choose to vote for presidential candidates other than their kinsman, President Goodluck Jonathan. One of the leaders of ex-militants, Boy Loaf, has been reported to have said: "We are Nigerians but not one Nigeria; what brings us together is oil. The North wants to use insecurity to push out our ownâ&#x20AC;Ś.If they take power back from us, we will take back our oil. Let us fight this last fight and I tell you the Devil is a liar." As some pundits have already argued, the threat by Boy Loaf, Tompolo, Dokubo and others is not to declare war on Nigeria but to take the oil that they all believe holds the constituent parts of the country together away. In other words, leaders of the Ijaw nation plan to secede from Nigeria, an act that has the likelihood to lead to war in a country sutured essentially by oil. As the present moment is too significant for hairsplitting argument, it is necessary for citizens to recognize clearly that Ijaw militants have given notice of their intention to break the country, should majority of the electorate vote for candidates other than Jonathan. Again, just a few days before the visit of Kerry, the National Security Adviser suggested that the

election be postponed in order to allow the election agency distribute permanent voter cards to all registered voters: 68.8 million. This must also have informed the advice by Kerry that the election should hold as scheduled and in a manner devoid of violence and replete with fairness and credibility. Fanatics of Nigeria's national pride with a bent for partisanship have since the departure of Kerry used the social media to argue that no country has the right to dictate to other countries in the modern free world on how it chooses to run its affairs, more so an independent country like Nigeria. The time is also too short for hair-splitting academic arguments. President Obama must have sent Kerry to warn Nigerian leaders and their citizens of the danger of taking the wrong course of action. This warning is similar to the warning usually given to neighbours in many African communities when they set out to do the wrong thing. Such neighbours are generally told in image-laden language " not to eat vermin, in order to guard against stretching cough infection to neighbours." Should there be any serious post-election violence in the country on account of any tampering with the election, it is certain that it is the United States, more than the other countries including our former colonizer, the United Kingdom, which would be called upon by the international community to provide the greatest assistance for damage control. It is better for the U.S. to warn Nigeria against knowingly 'eating vermin.' The report from a recent (after Kerry's departure) INEC meeting with stakeholders is that the ruling party and many other mushroom political associations are also threatening to boycott the election, should INEC go ahead to conduct elections as originally scheduled, despite the preference of these parties for postponement. The argument is that voters who are unable to receive their PVCs are going to be disenfranchised and that the integrity of the election will diminish unless all the 68.8 million voters receive their permanent voter cards before the February 14 presidential election. Since there is no law on the books that insists that voters cannot vote with temporary voter cards, is it not more peaceenhancing for all the political parties to urge INEC

to stop wasting otherwise valuable time on distributing PVCs and just allow voters with temporary voter cards to vote with them on the dates scheduled for election? Even, the few remaining members of the Afenifere, once chaired by late Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Chief Abraham Adesanya, two leading members of the organization that led the struggle for restoration of democracy after the annulment of MKO Abiola's presidential election, have added their frail or enfeebled voices to what looks like well orchestrated blackmails in different parts of the country. In a recent communiquĂŠ issued at the end of a meeting of Afenifere (Traditional not Renewal) in Akure during President Jonathan's campaign visit to Chief Rueben Fasoranti, Afenifere also called for shift of the elections. The group stated pointedly: "We (Afenifere leaders) want to warn that any election conducted on the basis of disenfranchising almost half of the electorate, the outcome will not be credible or acceptable." Another threat, despite the fact that Afenifere members no longer have the capacity to fight wars, like Ijaw ex-militants. In response to the threat, many people would argue that in the days of Ajasin, Adesanya, and Bola Ige, elders of the socio-cultural group would have called on INEC to stop wasting the nation's time with PVCs and allow voters to use the cards with which they elected President Jonathan in 2011, instead of calling for postponement or boycott of elections. There are many inferences that can be made from the division of the electorate into two groups: 1) Those who want the election to take place as originally scheduled while wanting citizens to choose whichever candidate they believe in; and 2) Those who want the election postponed and to lead automatically when it finally takes place to re-enthronement of the incumbent president. We may be guilty of over-simplification if we conclude that the two groups only stand for proJonathan and anti-Jonathan forces or voters. What is at issue is the depth of commitment of many Nigerians and organizations with military prowess (like Ijaw militants) or historical prestige (like Afenifere) to democracy and the ethics and deliberative imagination that sustain this form

of government. So far, the most frank of those putting pressure on the electorate is the Ijaw militant group. The organization's members are straightforward in their demand about democracy in Nigeria: it must result in Jonathan's election or nothing. It is Jonathan's way or the highway. With the Ijaw militants' mindset, there should be no reason for any election. We should just decide how to rotate power among ethnic war lords and enthrone as president whomever ethnic war lords choose on behalf of their nationality. There seems to be nothing that INEC can do about the demand of Ijaw ex-militants. Elections are not designed to achieve what Ijaw militants prefer; they are designed to enable citizens choose with their votes any of the alternatives thrown up for office by their parties. The non-negotiable aspect of electoral democracy is Citizens' Choice. Once citizens are terrorized to vote for any candidate, such exercise is no longer democratic. On the Afenifere side, the argument is premised on protecting the right of every citizen to vote, even if doing so has to lead to preventing all citizens from voting as and when due. One good part of Afenifere's threat is that there is no promise of violence against Nigeria or of secession of Afenifere people from Nigeria with or without their oil. More reassuring is the fact that unlike the Ijaw, Afenifere does not have any space that it can threaten to take out of Nigeria. Another good part of the group's demand is that Afenifere's love for democracy, manifested in the association's pre-occupation with the right of each citizen to vote, can still be achieved without calling for change of dates and disruption of fouryear old arrangements for the 2015 elections. Nigerians (including Yoruba voters being claimed to be Afenifere's own constituency) voted Goodluck Jonathan into power in 2011 with their temporary voter cards. There is nothing sacrosanct about the use of permanent voter cards by every voter. Citizens without PVCs should be allowed to bring their TVCs to the polling stations to cast their votes for candidates of their choice. Let us stop using the ritual time set up for making promises to citizens about the future to mount blackmails on voters.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

COMMENT

The Soludo challenge The ex-CBN boss raised issues that demand answers, not abuses

FTER the mudslinging and other inanities that have characterised electioneering campaigns in the last few weeks, the intervention by former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Charles Chukwuma Soludo, must have come as a refreshing, well-timed contribution as the campaigns enter the final laps. The premise of his lengthy but suggestive piece with the title “Federal Government's economic team weak, selfish” was that the two main parties - the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have correctly identified the major development challenges facing the nation; that it is however a far cry to suggest that they have a "credible agenda to deal with the issues, especially within the context of the evolving global economy and Nigeria's broken public finance". Specifically, Soludo wanted the parties to come clean on each of their programmes and the strategies to fund them, particularly in the difficult days ahead. As the party in government, it was perhaps expected that Soludo would be unsparing of the Jonathan administration over what he called the "mess" it had made of the public finance system in the last five years and the gross mismanagement that has brought the economy to the brink. In this, he gave the administration thumbs down on several counts: its record borrowing which, he noted, exceeded the actual expenditure on critical infrastructure; its inability to add a penny to the stock of foreign reserves at a period Nigeria earned hundreds of billions from oil; the rate of public debt accumulation at a time of unprecedented boom which he insisted has no parallel in the world; and finally, the poverty incidence and unemployment currently at an all-time high levels. While scoring the administration a miserable 'F' on the economy, he left no doubt about his desire to see the debates properly structured along these issues. In the same vein, he wanted APC, currently positioned as government-in-waiting, to provide

write to once again bring to the notice of Governor Ibikunle Amosun the issue of the Iken-Ogbo bridge in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. The bridge which is the only gateway to several communities in the area, such as Okelamuren, Ibido, Idagbo, collapsed on May 16, 2012, throwing the people into untold hardship. The people thus have to go through huge difficulties navigating through difficult paths to connect with the outside world. To the people's surprise, the bridge has remained in the same state, despite official reports to the local and state government offices. We are therefore seizing this opportunity to bring the matter to your attention, especially as you are billed to tour the area in the coming week. It is also important to remind you that the area is largely dominated by APC members and faithful, who cannot understand why they have been abandoned to this fate for almost three years. We are also using this opportunity to bring to your notice the terrible state of our road in Ward 15 and the fact that the whole area has been left in total darkness since

more clarity on its policies and how it intends to implement them. Soludo, it must be said, did not say anything new that several Nigerians have not said at different times and in different fora. Unfortunately, such views have gone largely ignored not so much because Nigerians would not cherish the environment for a lively debate on their future, but mainly because incumbent office-holders have somehow managed to sow distractions to escape the scrutiny on their records in office. The singular merit in the intervention would therefore lie not necessarily in its wisdom or lack thereof, but in reminding Nigerians of what should in fact be the issues of the moment. No matter how distasteful Soludo's views are, we must insist that like every Nigerian, he is entitled to them. The subject here of course is the future of the country and the welfare of the citizens. Given that he was until very recently a key member of economic management team as well as the nation's number one banker, his insights would ordinarily be considered as rich and invaluable - something that the current actors can learn from. It is something that his critics cannot deny him. Are Soludo's motives entirely altruistic at this time? Nothing in the world says they must necessarily be to be legitimate. Rather, what is more important is whether the views are premised on truth as he sees them. And to the extent that Nige-

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

•Editor Festus Eriye •Deputy Editor Olayinka Oyegbile •Associate Editors Taiwo Ogundipe Sam Egburonu

•Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Adekunle Ade-Adeleye

rians readily agree that the issues largely reflect their concerns, they qualify as a good point to engage both the administration on its record, and the opposition APC on its plan, in an election year. Was the administration under which Soludo served any less guilty of the same charge for which he accuses the current administration? That again, is irrelevant. What about his records at the apex bank, particularly the highly touted consolidation said to have unravelled sooner after he left the apex bank? Again, this is neither here nor there; Soludo after all is not known to be running for office at least at this time; even if he was, the matters under reference would still have remained no less matters of public interest. This is why we found it rather disappointing that the PDP and the finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, have dwelt more on attacking the messenger rather than address the message. The descent to vulgar abuse is not only in bad taste, it is not the way to play politics. This, we must observe is in sharp contrast to what the APC has done in the wake of the Soludo challenge. The party not only addressed the issues raised, it provided illumination on some grey areas of its policies, leaving Nigerians with the judgment of whether or not they meet their aspirations. That, in our view, is how things should be. Going forward, we expect that both parties would toe the path of an orderly debate of issues. With barely a fortnight to the presidential election, it seems about time they returned to the issues that truly matter to the ordinary citizen. Nigerians are interested in their thoughts on job creation, security of lives and property, infrastructure financing, corruption and the whole gamut of issues that have defined their existence. Nigerians obviously understand the current distractions for what they are: a path for the Jonathan-led Federal Government to escape scrutiny, given its monumental failures in office. The irritation of the administration's hierarchs, in the circumstance ought to be perfectly understandable.

LETTER

Gov Amosun, please fix the collapsed Iken-Ogbo bridge 2012, when the transformer packed up. As a community, we have been collaborating with the local government

HE recent demise of coach Musa Abdulahi who contributed to the growth and development of soccer in age grade competition in this country would never be forgotten in hurry. When the late Abdullahi took ill no assistance was made available to him in spite of his immense contribution to the upliftment of sports in the country. The late coach was assistant coach to Coach Fanny Amu when they won the Under-17 soccer competition

chairman, Olawale Shittu, but it seems these projects are a bit beyond his capacity. Even Kabiyesi, Oba Law-

rence Oguntayo, the Alawunren of Okelamuren and High Chief Lekan Odunfejo have not been left

out in the quest to find lasting solution to these problems, as he has severally taken the matter to both the

Crocodile tears for late coach Musa Abdullahi World Cup in Japan. He also assisted Coach Bonfray Joe to win the gold medal at Atlanta Olympic Games where Nigeria's soccer power came to the limelight, but all this success by late coach Abduallhi was not recognized by the sporting authority to give him any necessary assistance when he needed it most. The plight of sports men and women who toil to bring

honour and glory to their father land are often forgotten when they find themselves in critical conditions. Many of our sportsmen and women are always been neglected and abandoned to fend for themselves without any assistance from government. It's unfortunate, after the demise of such sportsmen and women, the authority would now start to shed crocodile

tears and shower encomium, which is not in tune with the agony he passed through when he was alive. Its clarion call on all relevant stakeholders and government to always come to the rescue of such sportsmen and women who found themselves in any unfortunate situation and stop the trend of always paying tribute when they pass to world beyond. We should encourage the

Checking indecent political programmes on TV

T is high time the regulatory body constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of ensuring sanity through monitoring of programmes on radio and TV intervened and checked the cur-

local and the state governments. We will therefore appreciate it if you can come to our aid, as the situation is getting unbearable by the day and affecting commercial activities. We wish you success in the coming election and once again promise you our unflinching support as a people. •Muyiwa Omobulejo, 1, Igbodile Quarters, IkenOgbo-Ijebu near Ijebu-Ode.

rent wave of falsehood, misinformation and mudslinging under the pretext of updating the public on political trends on the 2015 election. This is as exemplified by a programme shown on Africa

Independent Television (AIT) between 1 and 3 a.m on January 25th, 2015. The programme lacked professionalism and decency during which decorum was thrown into the wind only to embark on char-

acter assassination of the person of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd).), the presidential flag bearer of All Progressives Congress (APC), Unfounded inflammatory statements and purported ac-

living legend of our heroes and heroines who did the nation proud in any human endeavour to send signal to the upcoming generation that they would not be neglected in time of their needs. May the soul of the lateAbdullahi rest in perfect peace. •Bala Nayashi Lokoja, Kogi State. tions designed to undermine the integrity of any of the presidential candidates should be condemned by right-thinking and well-meaning Nigerians especially those that can further polarize the country along religious and ethnic lines. •Odunayo Joseph odunayo_joseph20016@yahoo.com

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

COMMENT

This is some real confusion of the head now, eh?

Politicians tend to think that once they get into a representative seat or office, that seat automatically converts to being theirs to keep and to hold, till death do them part. In many instances, death has been the perfect gentleman; it has obliged them

AVE you ever stayed still long enough to observe children at play? They call it play, but the earnestness on the faces of the children almost belies the fact. First, they agree they want to play hospital. Then they assign roles to each other. Then they gather what materials they can lay their hands on that closely resemble those used in the hospital. Then the conversation starts. That's when you begin to hear the instructions flying left, right and centre from the leader; you hear the reproofs shooting straight at erring ones, and the open threats coming out of young, innocent lips when other innocent lips howl their protests, 'why do I have to be the one to take the injection all the time? Why can't I play the doctor today?' And when it is time to take injections, you begin to hear the threats, 'I'm not playing with you anymore; you are baaaad.' Indeed, the declarations from the innocent lips are so bad they rival the sanctions coming out of the globalised lips of the United Nations. Since the beginning of Nigeria's latest experiment in democracy, I have been hard put to it to distinguish between politicians' antics and children's play. At all levels, whether representative or delegate, your politicians have found ways of cornering the biggest chunks of the nation's resources to themselves, just like the children, as if that is what politics is all about. And just as children also forget that they are only play acting, your politicians also forget that their power is not real but temporary. Somehow,

EAR President Jonathan, let me begin this letter by telling you what you already know; by reminding you of what you are not expected to have forgotten: the year 2015 has been predicted to be, and is being widely seen as, the year of Nigeria's unravelling. Dear President Jonathan, let me begin this letter by telling you what you already know; by reminding you of what you are not expected to have forgotten: the year 2015 has been predicted to be, and is being widely seen as, the year of Nigeria's unravelling. The year that Leviathan contraption knocked together by Frederick Lugard for the glory of the British Empire, will totter back to its separate aboriginal parts and drown an already overwhelmed Africa with another swarm of hapless refugees in an unspeakable maelstrom of the typical African misery. This dreadful prediction is generally believed to have originated from the star-gazing wizardry of American soothsayers, reinforced by the frighteningly frank morbidity of studies such as Karl Maier's This House Has Fallen. Some Nigerians as well as non-Nigerians interested in Nigeria's affairs shudder at the threatening inevitability of this prediction. Others dismiss it as another tale from the seamless yarn of Nostradamus, the religious among them claiming that the God that brought us together this far is not about to abandon us and let us fall apart. The rich and fat kleptocrats who hold their knives

however, they convince themselves that they are there forever. To me, that is some real confusion of the head. Not long ago, I read the story of a woman who had been stricken by a rare autoimmune disease which attacked her brain and made her imagine many impossible things. She imagined that her parents were plotting against her; she was being watched on her hospital bed on national television through cameras strung on helicopters; she was being pursued by enemy forces ... the list goes on. Actually at a point, she had to be pursued by nurses who strapped her down as she kept trying to escape from the hospital. This woman's story is pathetic, no? Our politicians' story is even more pathetic. I would pity them if I wasn't so outraged by their audacity, carelessness and devilmay-care attitude. Usually, it's that kind of attitude that causes many a cartoon character to whistle his way right into a pothole, manhole or deep, deep gully. And, if you are like me watching these cartoons, you will laugh heartily because you are sitting there in your comfy chair, righteously thinking that the character only got what he deserved. I mean, when you can no longer distinguish between what is real and what is delusionary, and you're whistling and not watching where you are stepping, it can make for some real scratching of the head and some loud guffaws. I will be honest. I scratched my head at the utterances of Buhari

while he was campaigning in 2011. I believe he was said to have said (I was not there) that he would make the nation ungovernable should he lose the elections. (Indeed, he lost, and the nation became ungovernable for a while). What made many of us scratch our heads? I think we thought something like: what was he thinking, like the state was his? I believe he has since learnt not to make that kind of utterance. Not so our brothers from the south-south though. They have fallen, whistling in a devil-maycare attitude, into the same pothole, manhole or deep, deep gully that Buhari had to struggle out of. I would honestly have been laughing from my deep, deep armchair if I wasn't so disgusted, outraged and scratching my head. Did they really say they were ready for war if their candidate did not win the election? What the...?! Well, if they did utter those words, then I can only say: what were they thinking of, like the state was theirs? Illusions, delusions, make beliefs, false convictions, you may call them what you like; my encyclopaedia is not helping me. Perhaps, I should appeal to higher authorities: say, Aro. Anyway, pardon me for mixing them up but they do nothing good for the soul because they deceive. Unfortunately, our politicians and their supporters are suffering from them all. Supporters can often be pardoned. One, they are poor. Two, they are mindless, mainly because they are poor. Three, they are often full of drink, mainly

because they are poor and mindless. Are you beginning to see a pattern here? Anyway, supporters often think at the behest of the suppliers of their passion. So, when people make such utterances as credited to the boys from the south-south, it sends a few signals about the delusions that Nigerian politicians are labouring under, the suppliers of thought to the supporters. First, they tend to think that once they get into a representative seat or office, that seat automatically converts to being theirs to keep and to hold, till death do them part. In many instances, death has been the perfect gentleman; it has obliged them. Nevertheless, it is a wonder just where this illusion sprang from. Could it have come from the fact that people are hardly thrown out of office, impeached or not given a return ticket unless they inadvertently displease their godfathers? Who knows? Secondly, people tend to think that the seat they have won has become an inheritance from their father's house. They think it is a permanent win to pass down to the son and for the son to shoot bullets into the sky over (just to frighten away all goats that may want to nibble at it). I honestly do not know where this also came from. Maybe it's the fact that Nigerians have ways of worshipping their representatives who throw crumbs at them in the form of money, jeeps, or marrying their daughters while dissipating everyone's future in useless fritters. The third signal these winners

Letter to president Jonathan By Niyi Osundare

to the carcass of the Nigerian elephant are too avaricious, too satiated, too visionless to notice the dangers in the Nigerian forest, forever festering, as they do, in the illusion that the booty is far too big, too sumptuous to vanish under their gaze. Worthy descendants of ancient Nero, they feast while the country burns. The politically clever among this group try to paper over the cracks and fissures in the Nigeria house with dubious "advertorials" and syrupy sloganeering as if a loud noise of can smother the stench of a rotting corpse. Mr. President, between the morbid prognostication of the first group and the heady optimism of the second lies the real truth of the Nigerian condition as well as the sane, intelligent appreciation and analysis which the situation requires. The contraption over which you preside is not a country yet: it is still very much a work-inprogress with its frustratingly rough edges and unpolished aspects. I am tempted to conclude that you yourself know this. Which was why you convoked that huge National Conference last year, an act many Nigerians saw as so suspiciously close to the end of your first term as President as to constitute a major plank in the campaign for a second. But, at least, yours was an attempt at a task

many of your predecessors in office had routinely shied away from, though we are all wondering what benefits are likely to emerge from that very expensive national constitutional jamboree. Oh, please forgive my patriotic digression. The burden of this open letter is the impending national election, the run-off to it, its actual execution, and its possible aftermath. Mr. President, you will agree with me that this election is so crucial, so fateful that its outcome will decide the coming to pass or otherwise of the doom so loudly and so frightfully foretold for Nigeria. The troubling signs are all over the place, as visible, even conspicuous as Aso Rock which overlooks your presidential abode. Right now, the whole northeastern flank of our country is literally out of and beyond your control. The kidnappings, blood-letting, and other gruesome barbarities in these parts make the Dark Ages look like a humane era. The Chibok Girls have been gone for almost nine months, with no possible solution from your government, and the whole wide world is defining Nigeria's international standing by the utter helplessness and apparent apathy of its government. Like those of other people in the world, my heart bleeds each time I remember these girls (and I do so many, many times a day), the manner of their abduction, and

worse still, what fate must have befallen them in the hands of their violent captors. We have seen you traversing the country, making speeches, and waxing bold on the hustings, but we have not heard any credible anti-insurgency plan that would make Nigeria safer in your second term Another alarming phenomenon is the treasonous threat from some 'militants' from your region of origin who claim to be speaking and acting in your defence and on your behalf. One of them actually declared for the whole world to hear that 'Nigeria will be history' if you are not 'given' a second term. The closer we get to the election, the louder has become the thunder of this piece of ethnic blackmail. For the avoidance of doubt, I am one of those who fervently believe that the Niger Delta has been done a terribly raw deal by previous Nigerian governments, and that a combination of reparation and reconstruction has become a compulsory political and economic (and environmental!) necessity. But, Mr. President, have you been hearing what these 'militants' have been saying? Have you been listening to them? Are they really speaking on your behalf? What do you see and sense in their threats: a bond of ethnic solidarity, or a threat to Nigeria, the country over which you preside? Are you a

pass across flows naturally down from the above: that the nation which houses the seats they have won belongs to them. Big illusion, huge! Somewhere along the thin line, the illusion translates to the nation even existing for them. I think this is the grandest delusion of them all, pure fantasy. The source of this is not clear. Perhaps, it has something to do with the docile nature of Nigerians who do not cry foul unless you tamper with the source of their daily corruption. I have been thinking. Should Nigeria go to war now over the loss of an elective seat, what is to be gained? Nothing, except for losses, huge losses. For one thing, history will judge us most unkindly. Have you noticed that you can distort your face, your car but not your history? The blessed thing has a way of recording exactly what happened, just like children. 'Question: Children, what was the cause of the year twenty-something war in Nigeria? Answer: Someone lost an elective office.' I end as I started. If you have ever observed children at play, you would have you noticed that when their play ends (usually when the leader gets hungry or when someone breaks into howls over the imaginary injections), they all leave the scene of play to go home. They don't go to war, but wait to reconvene the next day to play at something else, say housekeeping; they don't remember yesterday's howls. Let us clear the confusion from our heads and remember that Nigeria belongs to nobody but Nigerians only. president of the whole of Nigeria or a tribal champion for an ethnic enclave? Have you done a study of the sociology and statistical diversity of the votes that brought you to the presidential throne - or that Nigerian conundrum called 'doctrine of necessity' which eased your way to full presidential power a few years ago? Mr. President, while the country cannot hold you responsible for the opinions and utterances of other people no matter how close they appear to be to you, it is your bounden duty to disclaim incendiary utterances capable of setting the Nigeria house ablaze. Put succinctly, it is your inescapable duty to respond PERSONALLY and unequivocally to all such utterances with an emphatic: NOT IN MY NAME! I have not heard you say that, Mr. President. The whole country is waiting for you to say so. We have not seen your Inspector General of Police rein in the flame-throwers; nor have we seen your AttorneyGeneral read them the portions of the Nigerian constitution forbidding their inflammatory incitements. There surely must be a wide discernible difference between a national leader and a tribal jingoist. Say something, Mr. President. Say something. Your silence in this instance is anything but golden. Your ostrich cannot hide for long, for the Nigerian sand has become so transparent, thanks to many years of painful wisdom and enlightened skepticism of the people. â&#x20AC;˘To be continued next week

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

COMMENT

(101) Jonathan as "the most abused and negatively profiled President in the history of this country": seeing beyond the man to the party and the era "You are the most abused and negatively profiled President in the history of this country". Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, at the launching of the Jonathan reelection campaign in Lagos, January 7, 2015 N all honesty and fairness, I should start this piece by admitting that when Dr. Mimiko, the outgoing Ondo State Governor, addressed President Jonathan with the words that I am using as the epigraph for this essay, he added the following words to complete the full intent of his declaration: "And yet, you have not sent anyone to prison for abusing you". Thus, Mimiko's full declaration was this: 'Mr. President, you are the most abused and negatively profiled President in the history of this country and yet you have not sent anyone to prison for abusing you". The point of Mimiko's declaration was to contrast Jonathan with Buhari whom he accused of sending even people who hadn't abused him, who had told the truth to prison when the APC presidential candidate was a military dictator. But in making this sidewise attack on Buhari, Mimiko made the extraordinary declaration that Jonathan is the most abused, the most reviled President in our political history. In continuation of my invocation of honesty and fairness here, I should add that Mimiko did not give any reasons why Jonathan is in his view the most despised Head of State that this country has ever had bar none - bar even Sani Abacha. As a matter of fact, in that speech from which this declaration has been culled to serve as the epigraph to this essay, Mimiko went on to give very weak and forgettable reasons why, in spite of this universal dislike of their President, Nigerians should vote for Jonathan. But he made absolutely no effort to reflect on and give some explanation as to why Nigerians so much love to hate Jonathan. It is a strange thing for someone like Mimiko who is very close to the President, someone who, body and soul, is devoted to Jonathan to declare to his face that he is the

â&#x20AC;˘Mimiko, "Mr. President, you are the most abused and negatively profiled President in the history of this country"

most hated and despised Nigerian Head of State in our political history. Indeed, as I watched that launching of Jonathan's reelection campaign on TV, I looked to see if the cameras would pan to show Jonathan's face at that particular moment when his chief promoter was declaring him a ruler for whom Nigerians have no respect, no love. Unfortunately, no camera showed what the President's reaction was to this extraordinary declaration. At any rate, neither at the event itself nor since then has the Mimiko declaration drawn any commentary from the PDP campaign machine and its army of spokespersons. I suggest that the reason for this is quite easy to fathom: Mimiko was saying what everyone in the PDP already knows and knows only too well and this is the fact that their candidate draws contempt and hatred to himself the way excreta draws flies to itself. Thus, Mimiko's declaration was merely a moment of slippage, a moment at which the pressure cooker of campaigning for a weak and unloved candidate reached boiling point and the truth came out unrestrained and unvarnished. I am using the scatological metaphor of faeces here deliberately. In my view, the most appropriate metaphor for what it takes for most of our peoples to merely survive at the present time is not that of a vast pit latrine; rather, it is that of a vast refugee camp in a land where oil wealth is flowing in abundance. The excreta analogy is suited specifically to the moral and psychic

condition of our country and the great majority of the populace. In line with this metaphor one can say that everywhere and anywhere that faeces reigns untreated and is left as an affront, a danger to public health and public good, there disease-carrying flies will flock. Not to mince words at all, I am suggesting here that the excreta of monumental corruption, colossal waste and squandermania and mediocre performance for which Jonathan is hated and despised by most Nigerians is symptomatic; it goes far beyond him to his party, the PDP. Beyond that party, it goes to virtually all the other ruling class parties; and it attaches to the whole political order that has been in place since 1999. This is the main point that I wish to reflect upon in this piece. I do not of course wish to deflect attention from Mimiko's hapless and unintended quarry, President Jonathan; he is the current chief occupant of the cesspit of Nigerian political misrule and he must bear full responsibility for the miasmic rot and decay in the land. But the rot, the decay goes far beyond Jonathan and I think in fact this awareness may have been the unconscious motivation for Mimiko's extraordinary declaration. At any rate, in the rest of this piece, I wish to briefly pursue this line of thought that urges us to look beyond Jonathan to, first the PDP and then to the whole of the present era if we wish to usher in a tidal wave strong enough to clean up the vast reaches of the moral and psy-

chic ordure that covers the whole land. To see how the moral excrement that covers Jonathan has its roots in his party, the PDP, one need go no further than the fact that, as strange as it may seem, the strongest revelations and denunciations have come not from its opponents but from present and former party members themselves. As the list is long, we can only select a few telling instances. Item: in the year 2005, Obasanjo sent a letter to the Nigerian parliament asking for the impeachment of his Deputy, Atiku Abubakar, on charges of gross acts of stealing and embezzlement of state funds. In his letter, Obasanjo gave copious details of Atiku's thievery. In a countermove that took everyone by surprise, Atiku did not deny the charges; rather, he produced his own document detailing Obasanjo's extensive acts of looting and misuse of public funds. In the event, both men revealed enough about one another that could or should have led to their impeachment. Item: while getting rid of honest and generally respected people like Audu Ogbeh, Party Chairman, Obasanjo enthroned knownothings and nonentities in positions of power at federal, state and local levels throughout the country, the most astounding of whom were Mrs. Ette, a semi-literate hair dresser, as Speaker of the House of Representatives; Chris Ubah, a person whom Chinua Achebe describes in his book, There Was A Country, as one of scores of "politicians with low IQ" as the godfather of Anambra state PDP; and Lamidi Adedibu, an illiterate enforcer and the infamous avatar of "amala politics" as the godfather of Oyo state PDP. Item: In the year 2011, a cardinal member of Jonathan's cabinet, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, told an interviewer from the British newsmagazine, The Economist, that corruption and waste were so monumental and so entrenched in the federal government that she would be quite satisfied if by the end of her term in office she might have reduced the scale by as little as 4%. Thus, Jonathan is completely at home in this gargantuan moral cesspool, this landscape of untold psychic aridity. But isn't this profile applicable to the whole country in

at least the last two to three decades? What exactly are thinking people in our country to feel, to imagine confronted with the grim fact that in this same period, the passing rate of our high school leavers has never risen above 35%? What are we to think, to feel about the fact that in one year, 2009, 98.2% actually failed in the NECO exams? What are we to think of the fact that no state of emergency has ever been declared to confront this extremely dispiriting crisis of the utter collapse of the education of our young people? And what of the widespread incidence of examination malpractices which are sometimes accompanied by great violence when attempts are made to expose or curb them? What of our universities and other tertiary institutions: doesn't everyone say that, with few exceptions, they are all in a state of complete ruination? What of the universal fear and worry among our peoples at all levels of society that the man or woman who decides to be honest and hardworking, who refuses to bribe, cheat or lie is putting her/his life and the lives of relatives and friends at great risk? Jonathan is also at home in this universe of moral darkness for just as we love to hate the President, every thinking Nigerian loves to hate all these things about our country and its terribly anomalous moral and psychic state. In conclusion, compatriots, as I urge that we kick Jonathan and the PDP out of office and into political and historical oblivion, I also urge that we please note that PDP is secreted deep, deep into the moral and psychological veins and arteries of the country. I would in fact suggest that three quarters of APC is PDP! Thus, Mimiko is right but not in the manner that he intended his declaration to be read. For if Jonathan is indeed the most reviled and despised President that we have ever had in this country, that is because the Nigeria we have been living through these past two decades is the most hateful and frightening expression of who we are. At almost every level this is far, far from who we would like to be, for now and for those that will come after us. Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

COMMENT

sms only: 08116759748

OMETIMES you wonder what's in a name or tag especially when there is a convergence in their meaning. Given their topicality I decided to do a little research on two words 'militant' and 'insurgent' - and discovered that not much separates the two. One definition says the militant is one who favours using confrontational or violent methods in support of a political or social cause. The insurgent on the other hand is a person fighting against a government or invading force; a rebel or revolutionary. This is the classic case of trying to make six look different from half a dozen. These days the fashionable way to refer to bloodthirsty Boko Haram fighters is to call them 'insurgents'. Their goal is to bring down the entity called Nigeria and supplant it with a caliphate governed by the tenets of their own strange strain of Islam. Before the sect seized the headlines with their uprising and brutality, there was the insurgency in the Niger Delta. Although the militants in the creeks never descended to the inhuman depths of Boko Haram, they also took up arms against the Nigerian state. They targeted and destroyed vital oil infrastructure and killed federal troops in the occasional firefights. To their credit they never targeted unarmed civilians for mindless slaughter. The parallels I draw here are only limited therefore to the fact that the two groups took military action in pursuit of their grievances against the state. It's been almost seven years since the Niger Delta insurgency was brought to heel courtesy of the amnesty programme that has transformed erstwhile warlords into multimillionaires and seen foot soldiers receiving skills training and cash handouts. Since that landmark deal, the relationship between the Niger Delta insurgents and the center has been radically transformed. As an icing on the cake, President Goodluck Jonathan, an Ijaw politician, providentially found himself on the seat of power. In this new world, some of the one-time militants have prospered beyond their wildest dreams. Today, Chief Government 'Tompolo' Ekpemupolo is the proud owner of a cushy contract for policing Nigeria's waterways effectively making the Navy observers over what should naturally be their assignment. The new arrangement works perfectly for all sides. While the former agitators have become recipients of uncommon financial transformation, they have in turn provided political muscle for Jonathan in the never-ending power struggles of the Nigerian elite. Long before the 2015 campaign season, the likes of Asari Dokubo have been threatening trouble if the president wasn't returned for a second term. Many who had in the past dismissed this as the rantings of a rabble-rouser may have had cause to rethink after a group of the ex-militants gathered for peculiar conclave at the Bayelsa State Government House in Yenagoa a little over a week ago.

E-mail: festus.eriye@gmail.com Twitter: @EriyeFestus

Good militant, bad militant

• Tompolo

• Okah

• Dokubo

While the real reason the meeting was called remains subject of controversy, what is not in doubt is that sentiments were expressed which promised trouble if Jonathan was voted out of office on Febryary 14. The intervention of former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma asking that those threatening war be arrested, has only attracted insults and a reaffirmation from Tompolo and others that there would indeed be trouble if the president lost the election. Danuuma's call was no doubt triggered by the threats made not too long ago by Minister of Police Affairs, Jelili Adesiyan, who said he had directed the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba and the Department of State Security to arrest and prosecute politicians who make provocative statements. The immediate trigger for that outburst of outrage from officialdom was the comment by Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, to the effect that soldiers who had been tried for protesting being asked to fight Boko Haram without adequate arms were within their rights to complain. DSS spokesperson, Marilyn Ogar, left no one in doubt as to the target of their fury when she talked of a "serving governor". My worry back then was that what would be defined as 'provocative' would be left to the subjective judgment of the minister and his friends. And that is exactly how it has turned out. It is a shame that while Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, has described the threats attributed to the ex-militants as reprehensible, the Police Minister and all those who had warned 'Enough is

Enough' have gone 'Missing in Action'. If the outcome of the first meeting was ever in dispute, the reiteration of positions of these Jonathan backers without any official action being taken, underlines the fact that in today's Nigeria it is one rule for the president's pals and another for his foes. Danjuma and others who have dared speak up are being called names and reminded of the comments form 2011 which they didn't criticize. I can understand the partisan passion of the ex-militants. However, the question we should be asking is whether their comments in the context of the 2015 elections have crossed the line. I believe they did. For one thing, no democrat should blackmail anyone at gunpoint to vote for him. None should accept such tainted endorsement no matter how desperate he is. If anything the positions of Tompolo, Dokubo and others, instead of cowing the rest of Nigeria, is infuriating many and hardening positions against Jonathan's reelection bid. The exmilitants forget that whatever their claims maybe, it wasn't only Ijaw votes that got Jonathan elected in 2011. Those sections of the country they are now threatening contributed millions of votes to the incumbent's cause four years ago. Even in the South-South zone these presumptuous threats are not popular because the region is peopled by diverse ethnic groups and not just the president's Ijaw kinsmen. There are Edos, Ikwerres, Urhobos, Itsekiris, Ukwanis, Isokos, Efiks, Ibiobios, Esan - just to mention a few. The lands of most

of these people are also oil-bearing. There's no evidence that they are raring to rush off to war in the event of a Jonathan loss. What I find most amusing is the cavalier way these men throw around these threats. Those who experienced the Biafran War still retail gut-wrenching tales of human misery and suffering. War is not romantic: Tompolo and friends would discover that swiftly whenever they start theirs. In today's Nigeria not much surprises one. But I am amazed that the president didn't utter ever the mildest of rebukes to the utterances of the exuberant former agitators. Does he not feel embarrassed those supporters of his are people who are brazenly threatening the country from the comfort of the Government House in his home state? As head of the Nigerian state should he not keep some distance from these figures? Does he appreciate that his continued open embrace of them makes him look more like a clan chieftain than national leader? His silence is funny given the rage that greeted the endorsement by the Henry Okah-led Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) of the ambitions of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari. Okah and his former cotravelers in the Niger Delta struggle parted ways long ago and there's long been a dispute over the copyright to the MEND acronym. Between Okah and the president there's no love lost. Little wonder that his backing of Buhari triggered the recollection by Jonathan of some failed assassination bids by group from way back.

Port Harcourt stadium as metaphor

HE PDP's presidential campaign rally in Port Harcourt has come and gone. True to the boast of the party's gubernatorial candidate in the Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, the event held in the newly-built Adokiye Amiesemeka Stadium which Governor Rotimi Amaechi had refused to release. His excuse was that the facility was being repaired and offered the Liberation Stadium as an alternative. The response of the ruling party was to deploy soldiers to occupy the place.

I believe Amaechi was wrong to have attempted to deny PDP use of the facility given that APC had used it twice for huge rallies. Not many were convinced that whatever repair work was being done was of such magnitude as to preclude its use for the one-day event. The governor's action was clearly just another episode in his arm-wrestling match with the president. But even if he was wrong, the decision of the president to deploy the Nigerian Army and force his way into the stadium was even worse. The facility is state-owned and not the

property of the Federal Government. The governor was within his rights to say 'yes' or 'no' even if we judge his action to be faulty. By breaking and entering, the President and his party confirmed once again that under their watch impunity reigns. Their claims to be committed to the rule of law are only in words only. But even more ominous is the fact that Nigerian soldiers whose constitutional roles are clearly defined are increasingly being pressed into carrying out partisan political errands.

Okah, who's cooling his heels in some South African prison, is no longer in the militancy business. He may be an ex-militant but by being on the opposite side, he's a bad ex-militant who would probably be apprehended and prosecuted by our able security agents for his 'careless and provocative endorsement' were he to wander into these parts. Those who are threatening to divide Nigeria are bad when they belong to the opposition. They are good and untouchable for as long as they remain solidly behind the president's second term ambition. Shades of Animal Farm!

"My name is Na Madina"

HE PDP narrative is that APC is a Muslim-dominated party that is out to Islamise the country. Now it appears like the ruling party would like to keep the tag for itself. In rallies across the North in the last two weeks, Vice President Namadi Sambo has been telling the audiences curious things positioning himself in almost fundamentalist hues. On January 21st, at the presidential campaign rally of in Dutse, Jigawa State, he declared in Hausa: "Buhari ya dauko pastor a matsayin mataimakinsa kunsan coci nawa yake dashi? Yanada coci 5000, don haka karku zabesu." Roughly translated it means: "Buhari has selected a pastor as his running mate. Do you know how many churches he has? He has 5,000 churches. So based on that, don't vote for them". At the Zamfara rally he introduced himself as 'Muhammadu Na Madina,' meaning 'Muhammadu of Madina'. "I am Muhammadu Na Madina, Na Madina, Na Madina, Na Madina! If they want to deceive you with religion, you should know that I am Na Madina. So, nobody should come and deceive you with religion. I have a link with Madina that is why my name is Muhammadu Na Madina." He then followed with chants of "Allahu Akbar" to which the crowd responded enthusiastically "Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar". Significantly, these remarks have not been denied or repudiated by the Vice President who made them whilst President Jonathan was seated. Sambo just exposed the dangerous religious politics of the ruling party. He is setting Muslims against Christians up North, while his boss is church-hopping down South trying to paint his rivals as anti-Christian. Unfortunately, the Vice President's campaign speech shows that Jonathan is joined at the hip with someone as fundamentalist as they come.

• Namadi Sambo

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

20 SUNDAY LIFE Taiwo Alimi explores the amazing world of female boxers, who are daring all obstacles and impediments to express themselves in the tough and male-dominated world of pugilism.

• L-R: Oluwatomisin, Coach Adeyeye and Peters

Photos: Olusegun Rapheal

•Continued on Page 21

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

SUNDAY LIFE 21

•Gov. Fashola congratulating champion Kate Peters

•Adegboyega Adeniji-Adele

•Continued on Page 24

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

22 SUNDAY LIFE Traders at the bustling Ojuwoye market, Mushin are calling on Governor Babatunde Fashola to come to their rescue, as they allege harassment and extortion in the hands of street urchins and hoodlums. Medinat Kanabe reports.

Save us from these hoodlums, Ojuwoye traders appeal to Fashola

•Ojuwoye market

•Adebunmi

• Ojukwu

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

SUNDAY LIFE

Ghanaian-born Barrister Kofi Atiemo-Gyan is a Nigerian at heart, having lived in Nigeria for 33 years. In this interview with Taiwo Abiodun, he speaks about life in Nigeria, Ghana’s turbulent years and the persecution that led to his relocation, plus his experience working with the late Gani Fawehinmi

•Atiemo-Gyan

Photo: Taiwo Abiodun

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

24 SUNDAY LIFE

•Continued from Page 21

•Olalude Oluwatomisin

• Osibogun

•Kate Peter

• Adadevoh

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

SUNDAY LIFE 25

The Odo tradition is a masquerade festival celebrated every two years by the people of Amaeke Ngwo in Enugu State. Edozie Udeze who witnessed this year's celebration which began on January 9th, reports that the festival usually lasts for three months, during which the community converges as one for the celebration of love, peace and progress.

â&#x20AC;˘Ozo, Okolo and Agu

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

26 SUNDAY LIFE Paramount Ruler of Bakassi in Cross River State, Dr Etim Okon Edet, in this exclusive interview with NICHOLAS KALU ties the Boko Haram menace in parts of the country to the loss of the Bakassi Peninsula to Cameroon. He also spoke other issues.

–

•Okon Edet

Page 28

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

30 GLAMOUR

ADETUTU AUDU

crownkool@yahoo.com

08023849036, 08112662587

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

Fola Ogunlesi single and mingling

ociety lady and b u s i n e s s woman,Ndidi Anyaehie is the popular lady behind Designer's Club. But the news making the round recently is that Ndidi who in her 40's has sold the clothing and accessories store to Tania Omotayo, mulatto beauty and lover of music sensation, Wizkid. It was however gathered that, Ndidi only leased out the place for Tania to run for a period of time since the young lady has signified her interest in turning the place around. While Ndidi's attention is now more on her Clear Essence Wellness Spa.

GLAMOUR 31

Engr. Peter Origho with wife Mrs. Phina and the Children Cutting the 25th wedding anniversary

POLITICS

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POLITICS 37

POLITICS

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POLITICS 41

POLITICS

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POLITICS 43

POLITICS

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POLITICS

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

IN VOGUE By Kehinde Oluleye

Tel: 08023689894 (sms) E-mail: kehinde.oluleye@thenationonlineng.net

Raising a voice for the Nigerian girl With Temilolu Okeowo temilolu@girlsclub.org.ng 07086620576 (sms only) Please visit my blog www.temiloluokeowo.wordpress.com for more inspiring articles. Twitter@temiloluokeowo

Dear Yetty

yetimo2012@gmail.com

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Counting cost of 2015 elections •Jonathan

Page 60, 61

How -- Page 53 NAFDAC Central Drug Control lab will impact consumers

‘We’re performance driven’ •Ajadi

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Page 63

price reduction of no Demand for petrol to hit 40ml/ 'Fuelimpact on economy' T day this year T HE demand of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) may grow from about 40million litres/day in 2015 to about 77million litres/ day in 2020, said the Director General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Eli Jidere Bala at the weekend. Speaking at the National Validation Workshop on the Review of the National Energy Master Plan (NEMP) inAbuja, he maintained that by 2030, demand for PMS would have hit 115 million litres per day. His words: "A study conducted by Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) on Nigeria's long term

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

energy demand and supply using IAEA energy planning tools of MAED and MESSAGE predicted huge amount of energy requirements in the economy under various economic scenarios. "For example, the study indicates that under the reference scenario, Nigeria would require about 45,000MW installed capacity of electricity by 2020 and about 120,000MW by 2030.

"If however, the economy is to grow by double the current rate, the supply of electricity would have to reach about 90,000MW by 2020 and over 300,000MW by 2030 in the referenced scenario. "On the other hand, PMS demand may grow from about 40million litres/day in 2015, to about 77 million litres/day in 2020 and 155 million litres / day by 2030 in the referenced scenario. Whereas for the optimistic scenario, demand could reach 97 million litre/

day by 2020 and 242 million litres/in 2030." The draft revised National Energy Master Plan, he said, would capture activities from petroleum policy, coal and tar sand/bitumen policy; nuclear energy policy; renewable energy policy; bio-energy policy; electricity policy and policy on energy utilisation. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdul Bulama explained that the existing draft of the National Energy Master Plan (NEMP) seeks to attain the goals of the revised masterplan by converting its strategies to actionable programmes and activities with timelines in the short, medium and long terms.

Experts optimistic capital market can address budget deficit

T a time the nation is experiencing serious credit crunch which has adversely affected the ability of the government to deliver on its avowed promises, opinions are that the capital market can help augment the capital required to drive necessary socio-economic development in the country. This was the submission made by a cross-section of experts in Lagos at a one-day dialogue on 'The capital market and 2015 federal budget', organised by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers in collaboration with Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria and the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria. According to the experts, the nation's capital market can serve as a veritable source of funding for capital projects at all tiers of government. The capital market, the experts noted, was best suited for infrastructure fi-

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf nancing, given the paucity ofn funds in the economy. While giving his remarks at the event, the Acting Director-General Securities and Exchange Commission, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, said, "I think beyond this year's budget, the capital market must begin to assert itself as the most reliable medium for government to source for funds to finance critical infrastructure. Our infrastructure needs are too massive to be dependent on the meager yearly budgetary allocation." Gwarzo, who was represented by Mr. Edward Okolo, called on the stakeholders to come up with viable products through which such funds could be raised. Speaking earlier, Mr. Emeka Madubuike, chairman, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), said the capital market remains a rallying point for the national economy. "It is important that

we draw the attention of policy makers at the highest level of government to know the role the capital market can play as far as growing the economy." The Chairman, NASD OTC Plc, Mr. Olutola Mobolurin, in a keynote presentation, stressed that the 2015 budget proposal did not address key issues, stressing that the baseline assumptions of the budget were faulty especially with regards to the oil price benchmark. He also raised concerns about the presence of an allocation for subsidy and SURE P. Mobolurin also lamented the continued dominance of the stock market by foreign portfolio investors, who flee from the market at the slightest rumour or uncertainty. The NASD chairman, who noted that foreign portfolio participation in the market had increased from 14.8 per cent in 2007 to 59 per cent as of November 2014, said, "We must generate savings within the country to supplement the foreign investment.

We cannot depend on foreign investment if we want to salvage this country. We need to expand local institutional investment capacity and to achieve this; pension fund administrators must play a larger role to do this. "They must participate actively in the formation of the capital market. They should buy mature bonds and tested companies. 20 per cent of all pension funds must be invested in equities." The President, CIS, Mr. Albert Okumagba, called on the federal government to promote the culture of savings in the country through appropriate incentives. He added, "Another approach to national savings is the review of the privatisation programme of the federal government and the divestment of its holdings in the privatised companies in order to mobilise funds and encourage the private sector operators to develop the economy while the government provides an enabling environment.”

By Oziegbe Okoeki HE recent reduction in the pump price of petrol, PMS from N97 to N87 by the Federal Government as a result of the fall in the price of crude oil in the international market has been described as the outcome of a government that is not responsive and lacks direction. Deputy Whip of the Lagos state House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Abiru stated this in an interview with our correspondent in his office at the Assembly complex, Ikeja, Lagos. Abiru said it is clear that the government did not do any proper analysis of the situation before coming up with a mere N10 reduction. "Any responsive and responsible government would have done a proper analysis of the situation before taking any step. "A simple analysis, for instance will show that the fuel sellers/ fuel importers constitute one percent of the population, the transport operators make three percent, passengers make ninetythree percent and private car owners constitute five percent. "With this analysis it is clear that the transport operators and the private car owners which constitute just eight percent of our population will benefit, the larger percent of 93 per cent which is the masses will not feel the impact," Abiru stressed. The lawmaker wondered what effect N10 reduction would have on the economy, goods and services, house rent, transportation etc. "The answer is no effect. Nigerians are not fools, when the price was increased two years ago this government promised Nigerians mass transit buses to justify the hike and assist the masses but reverse is the case," he said. He berated the Jonathan-led administration for waiting until the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) exposed the rip-off before taking the present half measures.

Online firm unveils brand ambassadors

NLINE retail shopping brand, PayPorte, is quickly proving itself to be a trendsetter in the e-commerce industry in Nigeria. The fast growing online shopping brand caters to young and aspiring, urban professionals to mature adults, making shopping easy for a cross section of demographics from the comfort of your home, car and mobile devices. For the first time since it berth in Nigeria, Payporte signed its first ever brand ambassadors; media personality & popular blogger, Toke Makinwa and Big Brother Africa season 9 housemate from Nigeria, Tayo Faniran. Speaking at the event, Managing Director, Payporte Global Systems Limited, Mr. Eyo Bassey, said "Payporte is very happy with its choice of ambassadors and very excited about this new journey. We are a fast growing online business with the young, urban professionals and mature adults as our target audience and our brand is strongly committed to delivering best services; we are very confident Toke and Tayo will do an exemplary job in not just retaining our brand values but in also promoting those values."

Microsoft launches internet user friendly phone

•From left: President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) Mr. Albert Okumagba, Chairman, Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria (AIHN) Mr. Victor Ogiemwonyi and Chairman, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) Mr. Emeka Madubuike at a one-day dialogue on the Capital Market and 2015 Budget in Lagos...recently

ICROSOFT Devices Group has introduced Nokia 215, its most affordable Internet-ready phone. The Nokia 215, according to a statement credited to the company is designed to connect and introduce first-time mobile phone buyers to the Internet and new digital experiences. Available in both Single SIM and Dual SIM models, the Nokia 215 will expand the reach of Microsoft services at more affordable prices. The Nokia 215 will allow more people access popular Web content and digital services as well as enable them do the following: Enjoy online experiences via Opera Mini browser, Bing search, MSN Weather, Twitter and Facebook; Stay in touch with friends and family using Facebook and Messenger with instant notifications; Connect in new ways with SLAM, which enables content to be shared between devices and callers making hands-free calls using Bluetooth 3.0 and Bluetooth audio support for headsets. The phone comes with fresh design, durable quality and outstanding battery life - all the features entry-level mobile phone owners desire.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

BUSINESS

Counting cost of 2015 elections N

IGERIA is in a dilemma of sort. This is the damning verdict of a cross-section of experts who have monitored events in the nation's socio-economic landscape in the last few weeks. The situation, many of these experts have argued, is made even worse by the fact that the country is in the process of a transition from one political dispensation to another, thus leaving the country in grave danger, in a manner of speaking. Crux of the matter The nation's current economic outlook leaves nothing to cheer about as prices of goods have continued to soar high just as inflation has further pushed up the cost of funds. While no new investments have come into the country, the few investors have had to move their funds out of the country as well. The Nation can authoritatively report that over N750 billion investors' fund have moved out of the country in the last few months as anxiety over the outcome of the February general elections get palpable. Besides, indications are rife that the naira, which hit N220 against the United States dollar on the streets of Lagos over the weekend, will further drop as politicians fall over themselves to seek more of the greenback to fund campaigns few weeks to the general elections. According to a reliable source, over 70 per cent of the total demand for the dollar at the Bureau De Change and the parallel markets is being fuelled by the politicians who are currently stepping up preparations for the February elections. "We cannot rule out the fact that politicians are fuelling the demand at the black market because most of them prefer to provide their gratification during this election period in dollars," said Adedamola Hassan, a public affairs commentator. However, for Mr. Femi Ademola, the Head, Investment and Research, BGL Plc, a research and investment advisory firm, whatever ills is plaguing the economy is still tied to the falling oil prices even as he notes that the CBN's inability to match the rising demand for the dollar with supply was traceable to the nation's dwindling forex revenue. He said a further devaluation of the naira after the elections might be inevitable unless the price of crude oil rises. Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Henry Boyo, an economist who should know better, further drives the message home with his argument that the authorities' lackadaisical attitude is to blame for the sorry state of the economy. It is anybody's guess why prices have crashed and foreign investors are literally voting with their feet, he said. Politics is at the centre of the crisis, he further argues. A stable currency exchange rate and stronger value for the naira, he said, is a tall order because the reason for the fall of the naira has not been tackled. "They only did a cosmetic treatment by saying they are moving the official rate nearer the black market rate. The mechanism that caused the decline of the naira will still shoot the naira to N250 and beyond. And it will still not stop there. As it is, politics still rules the economy and politicians chart the course of the economy. "We have a situation where the government is already projecting

As the frenzy for the February 2015 general election hits climax, the economy has been at the receiving end as politicians go on a spending spree, wheeling and dealing in dollars thus encouraging credit crunch, inflation, weakening the value of the naira, reducing foreign revenue, among others, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

•General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd)

•President Goodluck Jonathan

•Emefiele that it will borrow money and hope to pay N600billion as interest charges that is for doing nothing. That tells you the economy this year will be a total failure because industries cannot grow, they cannot access funds. But government can access funds at 15-16 per cent only to keep the money away from the system." Fallout Indications have emerged that a number of foreign banks have started suspending short and medium-term credit lines to their Nigerian counterparts as falling crude oil prices continue to fuel exchange rate volatility and uncertainties in the economy. This is coming just as several Nigerian lenders are said to be seeking extension on the settlement of their debt obligations to the foreign banks. Investment analysts who spoke with The Nation disclosed that overseas banks had been expressing deep concerns about the ability of Nigerian banks to continue to meet up with all their foreign currency denominated credit lines, especially maturing Letters of Credit, as the

external reserves continued to be depleted due to falling oil revenue. The situation has been further worsened by speculations over the possible devaluation of the naira after the February elections This, according to banking sources, has made some of the foreign banks to suspend credit lines to some Nigerian banks. It was further learnt that the Central Bank of Nigeria's regulations aimed at curbing speculative attack on the naira had led to some delays in accessing foreign currencies by the banks. This, and other related issues, have forced some of the banks to seek extension of their debt obligations, especially maturing LCs to foreign banks. Analysts, however, recalled that foreign banks had suspended credit lines to Nigerian banks during the global financial crisis of 2008 and 2009. They said the foreign banks were fond of doing so whenever they sensed that a crisis would come. Giving his own perspective, Mallam Shehu Mikhail, National

• Boyo Coordinator, Constance Shareholders of Nigeria, observed that most investors are treading with caution. "They are looking at what is going to happen before, during and after the election. I can confirm that close to N800 billion investor funds have been repatriated from the country in the last few months by foreign investors. They want to safeguard their interest." The development, he stressed, is not unexpected because many of the investors in the capital market are largely foreigners. Echoing similar sentiments, Mr. Tola Mobolurin, Chairman, NASD OTC Plc, while delivering a keynote address at a public function organised by the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers Institute of on 'The capital market and 2015 federal budget', in Lagos, lamented the continued dominance of the stock market by foreign portfolio investors, who flee from the market at the slightest rumour or uncertainty. The NASD chairman, who noted that foreign portfolio participation in the market had increased from 14.8 per cent in 2007 to 59 per cent as of

November 2014, said, "We must generate savings within the country to supplement the foreign investment. We cannot depend on foreign investment if we want to salvage this country. We need to expand local institutional investment capacity and to achieve this; pension fund administrators must play a larger role to do this. "They must participate actively in the formation of the capital market. They should buy mature bonds and tested companies. 20 per cent of all pension funds must be invested in equities." Mikhail however said it was heartening to note that all hope is not lost as local investors can come to the rescue. But, he, however, added a caveat: "It is my submission that the regulators should be able to design policies that would favour our local investors because this is our country, no matter what. "I'm very optimistic that things would be better this year despite all fears to the contrary. The prospect in the capital market is high. I believe the regulators would do ev-

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015 erything humanly possible to ensure that things work well." CBN's trump card Already, the CBN, in a bid to mitigate the pressure on the naira, last week stopped banks from selling dollars to the BDCs, while it increased its weekly dollar sale to each of the operators from $15,000 to $30,000. It also said dollar funds purchased at the interbank and official segments of forex market by the banks must be strictly used for funding Letters of Credit, Bills for Collection and invisible transactions; and stopped dollar sales to other approved buyers. Expectedly, the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had last Tuesday threatened to withdraw the foreign exchange dealing licences of banks that engaged in speculative demand for the dollar at the forex market. Emefiele, who spoke at an interactive session with the business community organised by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group in Lagos, said the speculative activities had led to artificial demand for the dollar and an unnecessary pressure on the naira. "We will not hesitate to suspend the dealing licences of banks speculating on the dollar. Companies caught involved in sharp practices under the guise of seeking dollars to import items into the country will lose their licences," he said. Emefiele, who described currency speculative activities as sharp practices, said the CBN would not shy away from dealing with the unpatriotic behaviour because they could make the nation to "plunder its external reserves and throw the country into crisis." According to him, frontloading demand for forex and other speculative activities have made the CBN to come up with certain measures aimed at stabilising the forex markets. He listed the measures to include the review of banks' foreign currency net open position, weekly forex sales to Bureau de Change operators, and increased scrutiny of items to be imported with the forex purchased from the banks. Emefiele, however, said the ultimate way to end speculative demand for the currency was for the country to start producing what it had been importing. As a result, he said the CBN planned to stop the sale of forex to importers of rice and other commodities in the future. The CBN governor said, "The more we import, the more we deplete our reserves. As times goes on, we will not allocate forex to companies importing rice. We import virtually everything into this country. We import toothpicks, toothpastes, petroleum products and all manner of things. Should we be importing everything?" He said the apex bank would meet legitimate demands for forex but would not be concerned about illegitimate demands. He also said the CBN would continue to monitor the market and provide forex liquidity as might be required. Emefiele added, "The demand pressure needs to stop. Let me tell you that people engaging in speculative activities will lose money. There is no need to import beyond your capacity. Do your business in an orderly manner. "The $34bn in the external reserves can support this economy. There is no need to panic or worry. The CBN has shown readiness to support the exchange rate." The governor gave an assurance that this year would be better because the CBN had plans to ensure that all macroeconomic indicators remained within target limits.

BUSINESS

Forum seeks diversification of economy

ORRIED over the parlous state of the nation's economy as a result of the plummeting oil prices at the global market, the Forum for Inclusive Nigerian Development (FIND) has stressed the need for a paradigm shift aimed at developing other streams of national income. The Forum made this resolution at the end of an interface and discussion session under the collaboration of Consensus Building Institute and New Nigeria Foundation. The Forum which had in attendance a diverse, influential set of Nigerian leaders with backgrounds in government and politics, business and economic development, community empowerment, academia, religion, culture, and media, suggested what it described as strategic action plans aimed at boosting the nation's economic fortunes. The overall goal of the Forum project is to promote effective and efficient use of Nigerian government oil and gas revenue for human development that benefits all of Nigeria's citizens. The Forum has had two meetings; in May and September, 2014. It would be recalled that Ford Foundation in 2013 awarded a grant to Consensus Building Institute and New Nigeria Foundation to assess the feasibility of establishing a multi-stakeholder Forum on Oil and Gas Revenue for Development in Nigeria (FOGARD). Prior to convening this first meeting of the Forum, NNF and CBI conducted a stakeholder assessment by interviewing over 120 influential Nigerian leaders in different sectors. The interview process contributed substantially to the definition of the

Forum's goals and strategy. At the end of its first meeting Forum members agreed that their goal should be to help the country's leaders and the broad public to break out of the current, unproductive debate on corruption in the oil sector. The Forum confirmed its call to action to build more inclusive prosperity for all Nigerians, by harnessing the country's abundant natural and human resources, design strategy for influencing the national discussion and debate in the upcoming elections by leveraging on its members who have connections to groups that can promote discussion of the issues of economic and revenue diversification. The Forum equally called on the government to create smart, evidence-based plans to support

economic diversification, just as it urged government at all levels to identify actions they can take to support sectors with high potential for growth, job creation and poverty reduction, among others. The group argued that government at all levels needs to attract private investment and apply management expertise to the provision of infrastructure, energy, and other public benefits. The Forum also tasked Nigerians to demand from all persons seeking elective office to marshal out plans to diversify Nigeria's economy, propose as sources of government revenue beyond oil and clearly define the roles of citizens in monitoring the implementation of such plans. FIND aims at developing a

â&#x20AC;˘From left: Former Minister for Health, Prof. Adenike Grange, Mohammed Alkasim, Staff of Chevron Nigeria Limited, Umaru Ribadu, former Vice Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Wale Omole and Media Consultant/Columnist, Tunde Fagbenle at the event

Firm rewards distributors with cars

OR Green World Natural Solutions International Limited, one of the leading natural health products companies in Nigeria, brand loyalty deserves to be rewarded at all times, hence the company presented brand new Hyundai Accent cars as incentives to their loyal distributors, penultimate Saturday, in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The event, which held at Lagbami Osekun Multipurpose Hall located within the premises of Ogbomoso South Local Government, Arowomole, had a large turnout of jubilant people including top leadership of the company His Royal Highness, Onile Ayo, Onimolete of Molete, Oba David Adewale, the awardees, among others. Mr. Budman Prasetyo, Training Manager, Green World African Region, in his presentation entitled: 'Green World: A Life Changing Opportunity' revealed that the company was founded by Prof. Mrs. Deming Li, who also doubles as the Chairman and President of Green World Group. The company, he said, was duly registered in Nigeria in 2009, adding that the company has more than 50 overseas branches and distributor teams totalling over 400,000 worldwide. He also appealed to the public to take healthcare with utmost seriousness, just as he stated that Green World had found solutions to myriads

HE Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Western Zone has elected its officers. At a ceremony to usher in the new executives of the body by the outgoing chairman, Mr. Olumide Ogunmade, while giving his valedictory speech, he thanked his colleagues for their cooperation during his tenure, urging them to close ranks to work for the progress of their members. Among the new officers include: the chairman Debo Ahmed, Vice

shared vision and strategy on ways to allocate oil and gas revenue more transparently, effectively and accountably to achieve development goals. Besides, it seeks to translate that vision and strategy into joint action to demonstrate better ways to allocate and invest revenue, at local, state and federal levels, using a variety of public-private partnerships and initiatives as well as engage a broad cross-section of Nigerians beyond those directly participating in the Forum in conversations about the Forum's vision, strategy and actions, so that public opinion and the climate for political leadership focuses increasingly on achieving development results with oil and gas revenue.

of health challenges that people should be wary of as these could lead to unhealthy lifestyle. Going down memory lane, Dr [Mrs.] Ngozi Francis, First Global Distributor of Green Worldwide, recalled her association with the company in the last six years. An elated Mrs. Francis said the

company places high premium on performance and rewards accordingly. The compny has distributed 1, 230 cars, 10 luxury jeeps and over 20 house fund awards to its committed distributors from 2009 till date, she stressed. The leading Green World distributor in Ogbomoso, Mr, Joseph

Opaleye, expressed delight at the occasion and predicted a more rewarding 2015 for Green World representatives in Ogbomoso. The car presentation, which was the highlight of the event, was carried out by His Royal Highness, Onile Ayo, Onimolete of Molete, Oba David Adewale and Dr [Mrs] Ngozi, while the 10 awardees went home with their awards.

â&#x20AC;˘From left: Dr. (Mrs. Ngozi Francis congratulating Mrs. Dorcas Opaleye, one of the award recipients

IPMAN elects officials By Taiwo Abiodun Chairman, Kunle Bamgboye, Secretary, Mark Alaba Obu, Pastor Sanya Aluko, Treasurer while Toye Oluyinka as Financial Secretary. Others include: Dapo Coker as Auditor and Fadumiye Oladele elected as the PRO. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, as the Assistant Secretary, Alhaja Afolashade Oladosu,

Organising Secretary and Babatunde Ogundeyin as the Chief Whip. In his acceptance speech, the new chairman, Ahmed praised the electoral officers for their transparency, promising not to betray the trust reposed on him by members. "The crisis in the organisation will be settled, and as for the price of the

petroleum crashing every day we want to make sure our members don't feel the pain." Ahmed added that the reduction in the price will not affect the fuel supply neither will it lead to hoarding of the premium motor spirit, he said: "We have started selling at the normal price." Alhaji Danladi Pasali, the National Secretary of IPMAN praised the outcome of the election and said they all followed the due process.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

BUSINESS

R Adedeji Ajadi, can be easily described as a man who has literally gone through the mill. A thoroughbred professional, Ajadi’s journey into the world of financial services began over two decades ago. “I have been around,” he says with a sense of modesty. Ajadi holds Bachelor's degrees in Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology from Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe (1991) and in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University, United Kingdom. He also obtained a Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan (1998). He is an Associate member of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers. He is also the first Nigerian Certified International Investment Analyst (CIIA Diploma holder). "I started my career in consulting. I was involved in professional accountancy training first between 1994-1997 preparing people for ICAN exams, among others. I also worked with Excel Professional Centre in Ibadan before I moved on to an audit firm, Anenih Dairo and Co, also in Ibadan from 1998-1999." Determined to build his skills set in his chosen field, from 1999-2005, he moved into the banking sub-sector, where he put in over seven years. His over 23 years post-graduate experience cuts across banking, management and finance consulting, accounting and auditing. He garnered extensive domestic banking operations experience while with Chartered Bank Plc between 1999 and 2005. He pioneered the operations of Ile-Ife branch of the bank in 2003 and ultimately led the branch to win the award of best performing branch in 2004. From 2005 to 2006, he held the position of Head of Research and Training at B. Adedipe Associates Limited, a Finance and Management Consultancy firm. He was a key member of consulting teams that handled a number of training, business strategy and recruitment projects for top Nigerian financial institutions including Central Bank of Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Union Bank of Nigeria Plc, Associated Discount House, NPF Community Bank, First City Monument Bank Plc, Chartered Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and Wema Bank Plc. For over 18 years, Ajadi has been actively involved in training professional students of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS). He regularly facilitates training courses in Finance, Accounting, Securities and Investment. Expectedly, as someone who has spent most of his productive years in the financial service sector, Ajadi easily beats his chest that here is a sector that holds a lot of promises for the economy. "My background in the banking and financial sector has placed me in good stead, I must say." According to him, the finance sector is a major driver of the real sector, he says, adding: "Whether banking or capital market, these are the major sources of funding for the real sector." Little wonder, he says, "If anything untoward happens in the sector, the ripple effect on the economy is usually massive. In the short and long term, the financial sector is very key. Once something goes wrong, all hell is let loose." On what it takes to achieve success as a professional, training is of necessity, he admits as a matter of fact. "To succeed in the financial service sector, you need requisite training. In Nigeria today, the CIS certification is the benchmark of the capital market. Above

'We’re performance driven’ Mr. Adedeji David Ajadi was appointed Registrar/ Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, the umbrella body for training and certification of professionals operating in the nation's capital market, effective 13th of March, 2014. Prior to his appointment, he was Acting Registrar/CEO between 1st of March, 2013 and 12th of March 2014, and Assistant Director, Education and Training between May 2010 and February 2013. In this interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, he shares his experience on managing men and material resources

•Ajadi

all, to succeed in the sector, you must have interest and passion." The CIS occupies a strategic platform within the structure of the Nigeria capital market with the pre-occupation of training and certification of stockbrokers, he emphasised. According to him, membership of the Institute is widely spread, cutting across a wide spectrum of the economy including: stockbroking firms, issuing houses, pension fund management institutions, banking, finance houses and insurance companies, among others. Speaking on the benefits of CIS membership, he said members are entitled to the following benefits: diverse employment opportunities in various sectors of the economy globally; flexibility of examination in terms of when to write it and number of courses; opportunity for foreign professional certification in invest-

ment advisory services; lucrative and rewarding career; prestigious profession and self- employment with minimum capital among others. The CIS boss explained that the Institute's functions include conducting stockbroking professional examinations, regulating the practice and conduct of stockbroking by regulating its members, organising seminars, workshops and symposia for members to keep them abreast of new developments in the market, as well as maintaining professional standard and discipline for the members. Thankfully, Ajadi says in order to encourage a great many youths desirous of building a career in the stock market, the Institute in 2012, introduced the new qualification of registration, which is the CIS Professional Diploma in Securities and Investment. He noted that the professional diploma

in securities is open to those with Ordinary Level Certificates, CIS approved diplomas, university degree and Higher National Diploma holders without strong background in numerate subjects and other CIS qualifications. “It is for young people who don’t have the opportunity of running a degree programme. We look for young people, who are vibrant, with O level, five credits including English and Mathematics. There are two stages in the exams. “It is all geared towards building a large pool of young Nigerians, to support the federal government strategy of financial inclusion. And I can tell you it’s been very encouraging. In the last two years, we have got good response. So, I believe we are on the right cause. Currently, we take the exams every other month now just to be able to encourage them.” While ventilating his views on how one can build a successful career and rise to the pinnacle of his profession, especially in the finance service sector, Ajadi said, "It is a function of your drive and performance. You have to be able to demonstrate the capacity to deliver on assignments." Speaking further, he said: "To enjoy rapid growth and promotion, you must show the needed determination to succeed. Your focus must be on performance. You really cannot enjoy the same progression. It differs from individuals to individuals. For some people, they can rise on the job within a few years. But I can tell you most CEOs today must have put in between 15-20 years." The measure of a successful leader, according to Ajadi, is the ability to impact positively on his team; hence, he sets stores by living the ideals of exemplary leadership at all times. Talking of his management style, he said, he tries to lead by example. "We place a lot of premium on our human resources. We try as much as possible to encourage our staff." Expatiating, he said: "I have a system that is accommodating. I believe the way you treat your people is the same way they would treat their customers. So to excel as an organisation and deliver on service, you must be conscious of the way you relate with your staff lest they can carryover any bad experience to the customers as well." "It is my bit to manage human and material resources. The Governing Council of the CIS set the strategic direction, which we implement to the letter." Like every organisation, Ajadi says the CIS sets store on performance. "Again, in every organisation there are performance indices to determine who is doing what. We do staff appraisal from time to time. We're a performance-driven organisation and we reward our staff based on their performance." Pressed further, he said: "Normally, if you can't fit into the organisation after all the necessary incentives have been given you may just find your way out, just as it is done elsewhere." Asked to recall his most difficult decision as CEO, he was noncommittal. "I can't really place my hand on it. Of course, as a manager, you cannot shy away from taking decisions however tough it seems." On what legacy he hopes to bequeath to the CIS, Ajadi waxed philosophical. "What I would want to be remembered for is someone who came here and did his level best, added my own value. I want the CIS to grow bigger and stronger. It is not about me. I want to be able to contribute my own quota to the system because presidents or CEOs would come and go but the Institute will remain, hence, we cannot afford to treat our jobs with levity while we have the opportunity to ensure change for the better in our own modest way."

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

ISTORY was made last Wednesday as the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC], Dr. Paul Orhii was presented with the ISO/IEC 17025:2005U accreditation certificate of the Central Drug Control Laboratory [CDCL] Yaba, thus making the laboratory the first government medicine laboratory to attain international standards. Orhii was also awarded the United States Pharmacopeial [USP] leadership award by the USP in collaboration with the United States Agency International Development [USAID] for his commitment towards driving the accreditation programme of NAFDAC laboratories. As a drug quality control laboratory, CDCL is responsible for testing all medicinal products submitted for regulatory actions and investigation. The attainment of this coveted ISO/IEC 17025:2005 certificate, analysts believe the incidence of fake and substandard drugs will be greatly reduced as the laboratory now has all it takes to test both locally manufactured and imported pharmaceutical products. CDCL handles between 7,000 to 8,300 samples in a year, which is about 70% of total medicines that the Agency analyses. “As you are aware, the issue of fake, counterfeit, spurious and substandard medicines has been a great challenge to the pharmaceutical industry and the general populace as millions of naira and thousands of lives are lost because of this scourge.” An elated Orhii strongly believes: "The ISO accreditation has added another strong tool that will help in making accurate and reliable pronouncements on medicines within the country." Presenting the award to the NAFDAC boss at the event which held at Protea Hotel Ikeja, Dr. Patrick Lukulay, Vice President, Global Health Impact Programs USP said it was in recognition of his relentless efforts, needed leadership which led to bringing Nigerian laboratories to international standards. Commending the DG, he noted that ISO accreditation is internationally recognised as a reliable indicator of technical competence and operation of a laboratory quality management system. The Vice President of Global Health Impact Programs USP said it was a great achievement for Nigeria adding that "less than 10% of laboratories in the whole of Africa have reached international standards." "The accreditation will strengthen consumers confidence that results from the laboratory will be credible, defendable and can withstand international scrutiny," he noted. Lauding Nigerian pharmacists, he

How NAFDAC Central Drug Control lab will impact consumers

•From left: Kelly Willis, Senior Vice President Global Public Health, Michael Haevey USAID Mission Director Nigeria, Dr. Paul Orhil, Director General (NAFDAC), Patrick Lukulay, Vice President Global Health Impact Programs (UPS) and Stella Denloye, Director Laboratory Service (NAFDAC).

said they have demonstrated they can make quality products which is equal to the ones outside the country adding that "a secure supply chain in Nigeria means a secure supply chain in the whole of Africa. Speaking at the event, the USAID Mission Director in Nigeria, Michael Haevey said that the accreditation of the Yaba Lab was a critical milestone in re-establishing Nigerian leadership in the production of quality drugs in Africa. While commending all the staff who worked towards the success of the accreditation, he said "the processes and the conditions was a long, strenuous and intensive one but with the positive outcome, it means that more life saving medications of world standard can now be produced in Nigeria". Expatiating, Kelly Willis, senior Vice President Global Public Health USP noted that "ISO cannot be bought and not a rubber stamp. It took us a lot of work and energy to grant them the marks for the accreditation." Going down memory lane, Orhii re-

called that the pursuit of the accreditation started in June 2013 with the assessment of the laboratory by the USP under a programme called promoting the quality of medicines[PQM] sponsored by the USAID. "This continued with strengthening the laboratory capacity through continuous training, equipment donation, provision of technical and material support, equipment calibration as well as support for participation in proficiency testing which finally resulted in the accreditation after the assessment of the laboratory last month by the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board [ACLASS],”explained the DG. Pressed further, he said the test scope under this accreditation is inclusive of high pressure liquid chromatography[HPLC], spectrophotometry, dissolution, uniformity of dosage units, Karl Fisher[water content determination], loss on drying[LOD] and pH testing of pharmaceutical/ nutraceutical products. "It gives the assurance that test results

will be obtained using properly validated and calibrated systems by staff with the right expertise which will confer confidence in customers on the reliability of analytical services provided by CDCL," said the DG. The medicine market, he stressed, will be better controlled and regulated while the accreditation will also build the confidence of the pharmaceutical inspection cooperation scheme [PICS] in NAFDAC as a regulatory partner. He also noted that the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry, development partners and other stakeholders will now have the assurance that the Agency is competent to test both locally manufactured and imported pharmaceutical products. The CDCL is one of the seven laboratories in the laboratory services directorate of NAFDAC. Since inception, NAFDAC has been battling counterfeiters. More than N20 billion worth of drugs and other substandard regulated products have been destroyed by NAFDAC since 2009.

Consumer choice: Why LG Oled TV is the next big thing

VERY year, TV makers seek to delight consumers by unveiling unique and audacious products. Gargantuan screens generally get the most attention. But there are also some surprising innovations in TV designs. A TV that is pushing the boundaries of technology today is the organic light emitting diode (OLED) TV. Leading electronics manufacturers are developing as well introducing their OLED TVs, one of such companies is LG Electronics with its OLED TV which comes in both curved and flat designs. LG has championed the technology since inception and today remains its key strategic advocate by being the only manufacturer to support its application across large-size TV display screens as well as other smaller screen uses. With LG being the only company to effectively offer consumers the full gamut

of choice across all forms of large-screen TV technology - that includes LCD(LED backlight), OLED, 4K Ultra HD, curved, and most recently 4K OLED, consumers have come to expect leading edge offerings from the brand. "We are fully committed to bringing next generation technologies to the Nigerian market," said Mr. Steve Ryu, General Manager, Home Entertainment Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations. "The next-generation display technology and the advanced ultra-thin depth of 4.3mm comes with a unique curved design which represents a new era in home entertainment. It must be seen to be believed." OLED displays offer several advantages over LCDs: they are in theory essentially cheaper to make because they require fewer manufacturing processes,

thereby reducing costs; they offer brighter, more colour-intensive pictures; immersive viewing experience, superior picture quality and they are flexible, and can even be transparent. With the current level of investment set to increase significantly, the consumer electronics industry is developing an alternative display technology to LCDs that not only has the potential to improve the manufacturers' profit margins, but also promises to radically change the way consumers use TVs in the home - by offering (potentially) paper-thin, flexible TVs that can be pulled down from the ceiling or even whole-wall TVs that would be integral to the fabric of the home. Only OLEDs currently offer this potential, and although there are still many hurdles to overcome, the investment in the technology for this next generation of TV has already begun.

•LG Oled TV

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

'How SMEs can overcome funding challenges' A

LTHOUGH small and medium scale enterprises face a lot of funding issues but these are surmountable with strategic planning by the entrepreneurs, experts have said. Speaking at 5th annual Young Entrepreneurs Network held in Lagos recently, a cross-section of experts advised entrepreneurs on steps they need to take to overcome funding challenges facing their businesses. According to these experts, business owners need to keep proper records of their transactions and operations, as such records would be required to support their loan applications whenever it becomes inevitable. Speaking at the forum, Head, Women Banking Unit, Access Bank, Ms. Titilola Familoni, said that lenders approved loans based on statistics or information available to them. This, she said, was in line with the requirements of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Familoni further advised the entrepreneurs to put in place the right structure in businesses, as proper accounting shows seriousness on the part of the business owner. She said banks asked for collateral for loans because it was a requirement of the CBN. "Entrepreneurs need to get their records right as such would help them in accessing funding from banks. When the records are right, no bank can say no to a loan request," she said.

Stories by Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

She also emphasised the need for entrepreneurs to invest in staff training. This, she observed, would help prepare employees for challenges they may face in the business. "You do not need to reinvent the wheel. See what other entrepreneurs have done and learn from that. Such experience will help speed up your growth and development," she noted. The statement further quoted Familoni as explaining that entrepreneurs did not need to be in hurry to grow their businesses without doing proper homework. She said, "Entrepreneurs need to know how banks think. Banks do not like funding a customer's risk. A bank will ensure that it is protected from whatever risk that lending to a customer carries. Equity is important in business. A customer desirous of a loan needs to have

a savings culture." She added, "Entrepreneurs need to prepare themselves before approaching a bank for a loan. Preparation makes the borrower to approach the bank from superiority point of view and he will get the loan." The banker, however, said Access Bank was already exploring ways to assist entrepreneurs to realise their goals. This, she said, was being done through identifying and solving of challenges that affect their businesses. She, however, reiterated the need for SMEs to structure their businesses properly, saying such would make funding attractive to banks. "We have discovered that many SMEs have no business plans and are owned by one person who does all the work and usually has no business plan; this has to stop if they want a bank to take them seriously, especially when it comes to giving out loans," she explained.

Familoni gave the assurance that the bank would ensure proper training on basic cash flow forecasting and analysis skills for customers in order to overcome the challenges that come with faulty reports. "Most times, people think that banks can just jump in and finance a business. But our approach is different. We need to first know and understand what the customer is doing before giving out loans. Remember that the money belong to the depositors and has to be protected," she said. The founder, HealthPlus Limited, Mrs. Bukky George, was also quoted as saying that entrepreneurs also had to ensure that their products contribute to common good and also build a brand that lasts. According to her, entrepreneurs also need to prepare their successor to ensure they have the right workers that can handle sensitive roles within the company.

Expert tasks startups on financial integrity

INANCIAL integrity is of utmost necessity as far as business sustainability is concerned, experts have said. The Director of Lagos Business School/First Bank Sustainability Center, Dr. Chris Ogbechie, made this call at the SME Workshop for women owners of SMEs in Nigeria staged at the First Bank Sustainability Centre, Lagos Business School,

Lekki Lagos. Ogbechie, who stated that First Bank sponsored the workshop to promote empowerment, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion amongst women, described business integrity as a process that every SME owner should pass to guarantee growth and sustainability in businesses. He maintained that sustainability is a business

approach that creates longterm shareholders' value by embracing opportunities and managing risks derived from economic, environmental and social development. The Director decried the situation where SME's businesses die with their founders, adding that there was the need for SMEs to grow beyond first and second generation of founders.

Winners cartxxxx away prizes in Mr. Chef promo

R. Chef, one of Nigeria's leading food seasoning brands, heightened the fun of the festive season in the Northern Zone of Nigeria recently as it presented prizes to winners in the ancient city of Kano in the ongoing nationwide Mr. Chef Awuff Now, Now bumper customer-reward promotion. Alhaji Saleh Abdullahi topped the list of winners when he received his gift of a ticket to Dubai. Other winners of high value gifts in the bumper reward programme include Karima Ishmaeel, Isa Rabiu, Saidat Abubakar and Muhammed Gafar, each of whom won a generator. Abdullahi Adamu and Garba Musa won mini refrigerators whilst Saminu Saminu Ya'u Yankaba won a big fridge and Abdullahi Salihu Usman, an LED TV. Three other winners also emerged in Minna, North Central Zone and Aba, Eastern Zone and Benin, Eastern Zone where Messrs Abubakar Muhammed won a big fridge; Shiloh, a 1.2KVA generator and Ngozi Nwaneri, a mini fridge respectively. Managing Director of Bayswater Industries Ltd, Mr Piyush Nair, who presented the prizes to winners at the Kano Main Market said that Mr. Chef Awuf Now, Now promo was launched to sustain the brand's excellent relationship with its loyal customers not just by offering them quality products but by giving them instant rewards for their unwavering patronage. "Awuff Now, Now is a reward promo to celebrate the fruitful relationship between Mr. Chef and our teeming customers all over Nigeria in a manner that makes everyone a winner," Mr. Nair said. He said that the promo is open to all customers who purchase Mr. Chef beef and chicken-flavour seasoning cubes and that every carton of Mr. Chef's beef or chicken seasoning contains a free pack of 100 cubes in addition to instant gifts that include Biros, Exercise Books, Cutlery Sets, Trays, Face caps, Towels, Aprons, T-Shirts, Radios and Mobile Phones. "Although you get an instant free gift with every purchase you make, the high value gifts, some of which we have just presented in Kano, are won by scratching the cards in the cartons; what you scratch is what you instantly win at Mr. Chef's redemption centres," Nair noted. The high value gifts include Kia Rio cars, trips to Dubai, generators, LED TVs, and refrigerators, which are contained in Scratch Cards in the cartons. "If our customers buy 'Now Now,' it is only right for them to win 'Big Big'; without raffle draws and certainly, No Go Come," he said, stressing, "Awuff, Now, Now' makes everyone an instant winner." He enjoined customers to spice up their cooking experience during the yuletide by continuing to make Mr. Chef their chicken or beef seasoning cube of choice, saying: "Mr. Chef is an indispensable kitchen companion that gives value for money through a combination of quality, quantity and pricing that make our customer to wear smiles on their faces as a result of being very well served by Mr. Chef."

Jumia signs hire purchase agreement with FirstBank

â&#x20AC;˘ From left: Managing Director, Bayswater Industries Ltd, Mr. Piyush Nair, prize winner, Abdullahi Salihu Usman and Operations Manager, Sambajo Enterprises, Alhaji Shirajo Sambajo, at the presentation of prizes to Northern Zone winners in the ongoing Mr. Chef Awuff Now, consumer promotions in Kanoâ&#x20AC;Śrecently

UMIA Nigeria in partnership with First Bank of Plc has designed a very convenient way for shoppers to get a good bargain with the new FirstBank Naira Credit Card which enables customers to simply buy their products of choice and pay later in installments. Customers need not go through the hassle of visiting the banking hall for a FirstBank Naira Card. Applying directly on the Jumia website while they place their order does the trick. Once the order is placed, the Naira Credit Card is processed and the customers' order confirmed within 72 hours. Shoppers can now enjoy longer payments lead times gaining up to 45 interest-free days with delivery between10-12 days. FirstBank's partnership with Jumia Nigeria is in consonance with the Bank's culture to put customers first and support leading business innovations which would provide convenience for the customer. According to Head, E-Business, FirstBank, Mr. Chuma Ezirim: "At FirstBank, we are positioned to create value for our customers through strategic and innovative partnerships. This unique partnership with Jumia Nigeria will take customer experience to another level like we have never seen before in e-commerce. Apart from having a wide assortment of products and excellent services available to customers, the FirstBank Naira Credit Card also empowers them to purchase the items conveniently."

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

POLITICS EXTRA 65

Lagos Metroline: Setting the record straight S

I N C E G e n e r a l Muhammadu Buhari forayed into politics in 2003, one issue that has become a recurring decimal during electioneering campaigns and practically has refused to go away was the alleged “cancellation” of the Lagos State rail mass transit project (the metro-line project) by the military regime he headed in 1984/85. Over the last one month, with the onset of another electoral cycle, the news media and political actors opposed to his aspiration have resurrected the issue once the General emerged as the flag bearer of All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest the 2015 election. The story line has also remained the same. It is alleged that Gen. Buhari singlehanded caused the project to be cancelled despite its developmental potential and that the action was motivated by his political and ethnic bias against a section of the country, in this case the South-West geopolitical zone. It is also argued that by shelving the project, Gen. Buhari had contributed towards compounding the hardships presently faced by Lagos residents arising from persistent and chaotic city-wide traffic situation, which the metro-line was intended to resolve. No less a personality than a serving Minister of the Jonathan government and a daughter of Chief Richard Akinjide, a key player during the Shagari regime, had clutched to the hyperbole that Gen. Buhari should be held responsible for the challenging traffic situation being faced by residents of Lagos. U n d e r n o r m a l c i r c u mstances, one could have excused these assertions as products of soap box politicking or mere muckraking and allowed politicians to get away with it. But there was more to the stoppage of the Lagos metro-line than the simplistic analyses we have been fed with so far. A review of the political and economic forces at play at the time Gen. Buhari came to office would enable us to put the issues in a proper context. First, let us briefly look at the background to the project. The project was conceived by Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the Action Governor of Lagos State (1979-1983). The objective was to ameliorate the traffic congestion in Lagos city and provide cheaper alternative to urban transportation that would benefit the ordinary people. This was in line with the welfarist ideology of his party, the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), under the leadership of the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, which also had free education, free health care and full employment, as its cardinal programmes. The cost of the project was to be within the region of N700 million, while the financing was through a commercial loan from a consortium of private firms

•Buhari

•Jakande

raised the issue of N70 million metro-line project fund. But the CBN governor said the fund canand contractors. The Lagos State not be released at once. He asked was to put down 10% of the me to withdraw as many times costs, as mobilization for the con- as possible citing the reasons of tractors. Incidentally, the dura- bad economy and increasing tion of contract execution was fuel crisis at the period." What could be deduced from put at two years which also was expected to match with the loan Alhaji Jakande's account is straight forward: by the time the repayment. Instructively, before the pro- Buhari regime came on board in ject could take off, there was a lin- 1983/84, the Lagos metro-line gering issue related to issuance project was effectively saboof guarantee by the Federal Gov- taged by the Shagari governernment. Recall that it has been a ment, first by withholding guarstanding practice in Nigeria's antees and secondly by delaying debt management policy that the release of the funds required external borrowings of the State to mobilize contractors. The Buhari regime met a chaGovernments must be guaranteed by the Federal Govern- otic economic situation and a ment. Moreover, during this monumental/unmanageable period, the Federal Government debt crisis. Worst, between 1980 managed the entire debt for the whole country, including debt repayment through the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN). What could be As narrated by Alhaji deduced from Jakande, the main actor in the whole saga, it was not only that Alhaji Jakande's the guarantee was not forthcoming but that even the initial N70 account is straight million required to mobilize contractors was effectively denied forward: by the time by the CBN. the Buhari regime According to Alhaji Jakande: came on board in "I was told President Shagari was angry because I did not con1983/84, the Lagos gratulate him after his controversial election [in 1983] and metro-line project because I won election on the was effectively platform of an opposition party [UPN]. I later approached him sabotaged by the and explained the problem facShagari ing execution of the project and that CBN refused N70 million government, first by reserved for its take-off. "President Shagari said it withholding was because there was fuel criguarantees and sis. He said the CBN governor would visit him that evening secondly by and that he would get back to me after talking to him on the delaying the release metro-line project fund. I of the funds quickly replied that I would wait for him since I considered him required to mobilize paramount to undo the knots on contractors. the release of the fund." "The CBN governor finally arrived, and President Shagari By Yakubu Aliyu

and 1982, oil export receipts declined by about 50%, from US$24.9 billion to US$11.9 billion. In response, the Shagari government embarked on massive external borrowings from the international capital market (ICM). These borrowings were typically short and, therefore, highly problematic for longterm, infrastructure project. As a consequence, Nigeria's debt sharply rose from $11.99 billion in 1982 to $17.57 billion in 1983, according to the World Bank. Federal and State governments were groaning under heavy debt burden. They could not pay workers salaries, in many cases for up to 12 months. Essential commodities were scarce, as importers could no longer import because of loss of confidence in Nigeria's Letter of Credit (LOCs) by foreign suppliers. The international financial community had demanded repayments of debt as a condition for any constructive engagement on broader economic policies that would give the country some breather. We must not forget that during this period London InterBank Offered Rate (LIBOR) which is the benchmark interest rate for commercial loans had begun to rise from as low as 3%4% in the early 1980s to about 8% in 1985 and peaking at 13% by 1989. The cumulative impact of these developments in global interest rates was to raise the amount of the debt without any correspondent transfer of real assets. Furthermore, the shortened loan maturities and reduced grace periods of these loans led to a bunching up of debt service payments, as interest rates began to rise. This partly also explained why successive governments could not proceed with the metro-line project under the prevailing financing arrangements and costs of funds, because not only was it too expensive for the government to continue to shoulder, the debt burden was

becoming unsustainable. This implies that any addition to the debt of such nature would be doubly injurious to the economy, particularly as oil prices continued to plummet. With the benefit of hindsight, it could be said that the rising repayment costs was partly responsible for the failure of several projects financed with similar loans, and worst the ballooning of Nigeria's debts without a corresponding welfare value. A study conducted in 1996 showed the following with respect to those loans taken in the 1980s. (a) about 65% of the projects, accounting for about 76% of the funds loaned to the various governments (states and federal) had failed totally; (b) only 1 out of 63 projects, accounting for 2% of the total loan value, had repaid its original investment and was still functioning effectively; (c) a quarter of the projects were reasonably functional, although they continued to face operational problems relating to the lack of working capital, foreign spare parts, and competition from cheap imports; (d) six projects, ranging in value from $6 million to $70 million appeared to be fraudulent; and (e) three of these projects only existed on paper while two others had little or no sign to indicate that any value was delivered at all. (See Iweala, N. O, Soludo, C. C. and Muhtar, M. The Debt Trap in Nigeria: Towards a Sustainable Debt Strategy, Africa World Press, 2002). From the foregoing, it could be deduced that the Lagos metro-line project might have suffered the same fate because the economic realities could not have supported it continuation given the prevailing economic realities and onerous contract terms. It is evident from the foregoing that General Buhari acted responsibly in respect of stopping all loan contracts that were haphazardly entered into, and focusing on debt repayments to regain the confidence of the international community. As a consequence, the Lagos metroline project was caught in the cross fire of political intolerance exhibited by the Shagari NPN government against an opposition party ran Lagos State on the one hand, and the economic emergency and crisis management which the Buhari regime had to contend with, on the other hand . It would amount to economic recklessness on the part of the Federal Government to give Federal Government guarantees to such a loan contracts, even under current conditions where the economic situation is relatively favourable. In the midst of economic and financial chaos, it was sound economics to put a stop to that project, so as not to imperil the future of Lagos State and the wider economy that was struggling to get out of debt peonage. •Aliyu wrote from BeninCity

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

NEWS REVIEW

•Boroffice

•Orji

Who controls the 9th senate? •Contd. from page 12

popular female candidate, Nnennaya N. LancasterOkoro, a lawyer, for the zone, UPP is also very hopeful, given that it's National Leader and presidential candidate, Chief Chekwas Okorie, is from the zone. UPP's candidate is Robert s M. Onuoha. Verdict: While PDP may win in two of the three zones, Abia North is too close to call. ANAMBRA In Anambra State, the ruling party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is determined to win the National Assembly elections. But the contest will be very fierce considering the calibre of opposition and its candidates. In Anambra North for example, where APGA is fielding Chukwudubem Anthony Obaze, the party will face, amongst others, APC's Hon. Ralph U. Okereke and PDP's John Okechukwu Emeka, who got listed in INEC's records through a court order. Although PDP is traditionally strong in this zone, in-fighting within the party may affect its performance negatively. In Anambra South, where former National Communications Commission (NCC) boss, Ernest Chukwuka Ndukwe, would be flying APGA flag, PDP candidate, Chris Uba, also got his enlistment through a court order, a reality that confirms the state of the party in the state. For APC's Ethel Obiakor, a female candidate whose popularity is growing by the day in the zone, observers expect her and her party to take maximum advantage of the crisis in PDP. In Anambra Central, where the former governor of the state and the incumbent senator, Dr. Chris Ngige, is flying APC flag, APGA's National Chairman, Sir Victor Umeh and Senator Annie Okonkwo, who also became PDP candidate through a court order, are the major opponents. Notwithstanding Umeh and Okonkwo's stature as politicians, investigation shows that Ngige will win this zone convincingly. Verdict: APC will win Anambra Central. APGA may have an edge in the South but the North will be a battle ground. EBONYI In Ebonyi State, PDP is fielding former governor of the state, Dr Sam Egwu for Ebonyi North senatorial zone, a former state chairman of the party, Chief Obinna Ogba, for Ebonyi Central and the incumbent Senator Sunny Ogbuoji for Ebonyi South. This team notwithstanding, the Ebonyi State senatorial election promises to be intriguing. This is because the opposition political parties in the state, especially the newly strengthened Labour Party (LP), APC and APGA are formidable in the state and set to dethrone PDP which is still struggling to shake off the negative impact of the disagreements trailing the last primaries. In the North, where 60 year-old Egwu would be contesting on the platform of PDP, LP is presenting Ali Peter Oge, 52, while APC's candidate is 47 year old Pius Nwamini Ekuma, a lawyer, who is enjoying enormous support of the youths in the area. For the Central, where Ogba will contest on the ticket of PDP, LP will present Prince Elechi Nnannia Elechi. APGA has as its candidate, Prof. Bernard Ifeanyi Odoh while Anyigor Vincent Nwanchor is the APC candidate. For the South, the frontline candidates are Okereke Darlinton Onuabuchi for LP, John Arinze Egwu for APC and Sunday Ogbuoji Oji for PDP.

Although Ebonyi used to be a PDP stronghold, observers say it will be difficult to give the state to the ruling party again, following its internal disagreements, which have placed Labour Party and APC in positions of strength in the state. Verdict: Ebonyi has become a political battle ground. Any of the leading parties, PDP, LP, APC or APGA can pick any of the seats ENUGU In Enugu State, the ruling PDP will field •Ngige Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu for Enugu West Senatorial District; Senator Gilbert Nnaji, the incumbent who fought for the seat with Mrs. Ifeoma Nwobodo, the former Chief of Staff to Governor Sullivan Chime, for Enugu East and Chuka Utazi, a lawyer, for Enugu North. Our investigation shows, however, that the contest will be close because of the passion of the opponents to dislodge PDP, which has been ruling the state since 1999. Among the opponents that may cause upset in the senatorial contests are the former governor of the state, Dr Chimaroke Nnamani, who is the candidate of PDC for Enugu East and Gen. J.O.J. Okoloagu, the APC candidate for Enugu North. Verdict: PDP appears set to win Enugu East and West. In the East, where Chimaroke's influence will come to play, incumbent Senator Nnaji may get a slim victory but in Enugu North, APC is set to win. IMO Imo State is one of the South East states whose senatorial election in February will likely be a straight forward contest. Being an APC state under the leadership of Governor Rochas Okorocha, it is expected that the party will record landslide victory in the elections. However, the strength of PDP and APGA in the state cannot be denied. To that extent, the contests will be engaging. However, majority of the candidates are relatively new faces as most of the top politicians in the state are either not contesting or are interested only in the governorship. This suggests that political parties' acceptance and other extraneous factors would be the major determinants of the results. Perhaps, the hottest zone may be Imo West, where APC's Sen. Osita Bonaventure Izunaso would battle it with APGA's Ezeani Nnamdi Thankgod and PDP's Sen. Uzodinma Goodhope Odidika. In Imo North, the frontline candidates include APC's Benjamin C. Uwajumogu, APGA's Clement Ikechukwu Owunna and PDP's Achonu Athanasius Nneji. In Imo East, APC's Uchechukwu Onyeagocha, APGA's Nneji Paschal Chizoba and PDP's Hon. Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu are considered the leading candidates. Verdict: APC to win two of the seats while the contest in Imo West is too close to call. CROSS RIVER Except for miracles, the PDP may retain all the senatorial seats in Cross River if there is no protest votes in Cross River Central District where the Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba was denied a return ticket. Also, the PDP is now more united and entrenched in South-South politics. Initially, Governor Liyel Imoke was shaken by pre-primaries politics which pitched him against the Senate Leader, Victor NdomaEgba(SAN) but he quickly pulled the strings in the presidency and PDP to take charge. If exGovernor Donald Duke had joined the opposition APC as anticipated and if one of the aggrieved

governorship aspirants of the party, Jeddy Agba had defected to the Labour Party, it would be a different tune in the state. The candidates for the race in the North District are Okwor Eneji Mathias(ID), Kanjal Anothony Awam Akorhim(APC), Ochim Julius Okpotu(LP) and Dr. Rose Oko (PDP). The Cross River South has the following candidates, Maria Ukpanyang(APC), Ephraim Alphonsus Okon(ID), Sen. Bassey Etuk(LP) and Gershom Bassey(PDP. For the Central District, the candidates are Ikpi Elizabeth(ID), Navy Capt. Charles Ogida(APC), Dr. Sandy Ojang Onor(LP) and Hon. John Owan Onoh. Verdict: PDP clean sweep DELTA Though there are 34 candidates gunning for the three seats in Delta State, it might be an easy game for the ruling PDP which had successfully explored consensus to reduce tension in its fold. Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan said he sacrificed his Delta South Senatorial ambition to avert another crisis in Warri. The same spirit played out in Delta North and Delta Central. What he hid from the public was how the presidency in concert with Chief Edwin Clark plotted to put an end to Ibori Political Dynasty in the state. There can, however, be upset from the Urhobo if they do not want to join the PDP fray. Also, the APC candidate, Halims Agoda is old enough in National Assembly politics to outplay PDP. The candidates for Delta South are James Manager(PDP). Zibimah Editor(APA), Pius Emiko(APC), Onozimare Elo(CPP), Peter Obanka(ID). Mabel Obazie(Kowa), Oniyetsoritse Willie(LP) Onomake Rita(MPPP), Williamson Onoweya(NCP) and Odiedi Akpoghene(SDP). For Delta North, the candidates are Victor Ochie Onyekachi(Accord) Igumbor Melodia(ACD), Okoji Adie(ADC), Felicia Ifejika(APA), Njideaka Okwudili(APC), Onochie Ucheamaka(ID), Mordi Justina(Kowa), Nwadiani Ikechukwu(LP) , Agba Andrew(MPPP), Peter Nwaboshi(PDP), Emmanuel Idama(SDP), Offor Amaka(UPP). The central candidates are Atata Odibo(ACD), Alfred Joseph(ACPN), Augustine Onori(APA), John Halims Agoda(APC), Maureen Wagbatsoma(ID), Ezebuike Juliet Nwanne(Kowa), Ovie A. OmoAgege(Kowa), Betty Orugbu(MPPP), Isokoheyakenama Albert Djotu(NCP), Okpako Mudiaga Kingsley(PPN), Alfred Joseph(PDC), Ighoyota Amori(PDP) and Majemite Ben. I. (SDP). Verdict: Clear win for PDP in Delta South, but the picture is hazy elsewhere. BAYELSA Bayelsa can be taken for granted as PDP enclave. The battle front however is Bayelsa East where ex-Governor Timpreye Sylva (APC) takes on entertainment guru Ben Murray-Bruce, who is inexperienced in politics. Going by the alleged realignment of forces between Sylva and First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan to spite Governor Henry Seriake-Dickson, the former governor may win the seat at the first ballot. The third candidate in the district is Jackson Opinion(LP). In Bayelsa Central, Sen. Emmanuel Paulker, a confidant of President Goodluck Jonathan, will contest for the ticket with Aganab Preye Steven(APC) and Bodiseowei T. Adon. The candidates for Bayelsa West are Eddie Mietunde Smith Julius(APC), Epamowei Kakanda(LP), Hon. Ogola Foster(PDP) and Patience Peretu (PPA).

Verdict: Two to one in favour of PDP. AKWA IBOM Despite his pretence that all is well and promise of 100 per cent of the votes of Akwa Ibomites to PDP, Governor Godswill Akpabio knows that the opposition is stronger against him than the case in 2011. If he nurses any fear, it is about how to win the Akwa Ibom North West District Senatorial ticket on February 14. Going by performance, he can afford to sleep on election day without blinking an eye. But there are other ethnic and political challenges which his uncommon treasury cannot address in the district. He has a strange dictum to underscore the war chest at his disposal. He was once quoted as saying: "What money cannot do, more money will do it." Akpabio can daze his opponents with financial muscles. So, election in Akwa Ibom may be a "cash and carry" palaver. His rivals are Akaninyene Udoara(Accord), Inibehe Okori(APC), Maj-Gen. Godwin George Umo(PDM). The candidates for Akwa Ibom South are Chief Nelson Effiong(PDP), Uya Edet Okon(Accord), Hon. Bassey O. Etienam (APC) and Moukwe Celestine Chukwunweike(CPP). Those contesting Akwa Ibom North East seat are Hon. Emmanuel Bassey Obot(APC), Ubong John Edet(Accord), Anyawu Ann Oloma(NCP) and Bassey Albert Akpan(PDP). Verdict: It may be 3-0 or 2-1 in favour of PDP. RIVERS Going by the huge crowd at APC rally in Rivers State on Saturday(the third in the series), it is obvious that both the PDP and APC have a date with history as from February 14. In Rivers South East, the contest is between veteran gamesmaster, Sen. Magnus Ngei Abe (APC) and Olaka Johnson Nwogu of the PDP. Others are Kingsley Okechukwu(LP), Comrade Okey Ude(NNPP), and Brown Elfreder(UDP). Abe should win comfortably. In Rivers West, the candidates are Rt. Hon Otelemaba Amachree(APC), Arch-Bishop Boma Samson(LP), Florence Amadi(NNPP), Osinachukwu Ideozu(PDP), Daisi BobManuel(PPA) and Lawson Philip(SDP). In the East, returnee George Thompson Sekibo is expected to test his political might Andrew Uchendu(APC), Ellarine Emenike(ID), Chizi Atata(LP), and Macleod O. Amamina. Verdict: A 2-1 victory for APC. EDO The Comrade Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole has refused to be intimidated by the braggadocio of the PDP. He is really at home with the masses in the state. The Senatorial race in the state will certainly be a close one but the APC may win either 2-1 or 3-0. The candidates in Edo Central are Garuba Mamudu Yahaya(AD), Francis Inegbeniki(APC), Omon-Irabor Casely(CPP), Idemudia Agbonay(LP), Clifford Ordia(PDP) and Idumonza Isifahomhen(SDP). In Edo North, the contestants are Garuba Ibrahim(AD), Francis Alimikhena(APC), Kesley Mustapha Abeeb Mohammed(LP), Paschal Ugbome(PDP) and Abubakar Momoh(SDP). As for Edo South, revered and eloquent member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Samson Osagie(APC) will tackle Pharmacist Mathew Urhoghide(PDP, Irughe Romanus Iyabosa(SDP), Johnson Idahor(LP) and Thomson Ogbeide(AD). Verdict: A 2-1 victory in favour of APC.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1 , 2015

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

INTERVIEW

HE kind of gospel music you sang is different from what we have now. What do you think is the problem? The main problem is that the artistes now are plagued with the perils of the end time. If one is not careful, it is easy to derail from the faith because it will come gradually. Most of them do not give their time to study the bible. When I was the president of the gospel musicians in Nigeria, I always told them you cannot sing the whole bible without studying the bible, no matter how gifted you are. For instance, my song, Bami wo ni awoye was inspired by the story of Eli whose children became children of Belial. We need to pray for our children. When you study the bible you get a lot of inspirations but if you don't, there is the possibility of doing it your way. Gospel beats, rhythm, tempo should also be conducive to contrition. There are beats dished out in some of these songs which immediately you listen to it transport your mind to the dancing steps you see on TV. People dance Makossa, Fuji, right in the church. That is not okay. We are preaching that the secular world should come to Christ but now there is no difference between the two. That is the reason we have different types of gospel musicians. I was in the choir for years but I was not

'How I made accordion popular' Reverend Sola Rotimi and the Triple S Ministries is popular with his hit songs Father bless my home, Bami wo ni awoye and others. The gospel singer, who has relocated to the United States of America (USA), speaks with Adetutu Audu on his music and evangelism ministry. born again. However, one day I listened to a message from one of our district superintendents who said Jesus said it is not everybody that calls Lord, Lord that will go to heaven. Whosoever that is born again will go to heaven. So I made up my mind; God, if truly you save people, save my life. You became popular with accordion. What inspired this? Our choir master left to further his education and we had an accordion in our church. So there was no one to play. Since I became bornagain, the pastor took interest in me and encouraged me. Initially, I was shy and could not play and sing with it simultaneously. One night, I prayed and said I wanted to be a big evangelist like the late Apostle Babalola who incidentally was from my home town. He answered my prayers by the third day. I was able to change tunes of hymns and most of my lyrics I got from the bible. I started going round the major cities to play the accordion. I was working at the paper mill then. I would leave home as early as 5am and evangelise through singing. By the time I got to the of-

â&#x20AC;˘Rotimi

fice, they would be talking about the angel who came around singing. My love for evangelism became so intense that I was always either on casual leave or annual leave. The day my secret was opened was when

a train that usually came to Jebba broke down. The Holy Spirit told me to minister in the train. I later met people who invited me to minister in their churches. People came from far and near to listen and, alas, people rec-

ognised me. Holy Spirit taught me all I know, I never went to any music school. However, in 1976, when my boss in the office could not stomach this kind of truancy again, I had to resign to become a full-time gospel evangelist. I am a solo performer. When I started this in Jebba, I was one-in-town. It was funny to some people to see me play and sing at the same time. It made me peculiar. I tell stories with my songs. I do preach also but these days, people tend to like choruses and some beats alongside it. I have now resolved to have a group that sings with me. I have tremendous joy when I see people who play the accordion, a musical instrument I made popular in Nigeria. When I started, I was about the only person playing it. Do you still play it? I play it almost every day. In the US, they fell in love with my accordion because it is only the Spanish, Italians and the Germans who play it. They are only familiar with violin in the U.S. In the plane, they usually force me to play and I see it as an opportunity to minister. Till date, I have used more than 10.

People have argued that secular music is more rewarding than gospel. Why did you stick to gospel? After I resigned from the paper mill, at a point when I was playing the accordion, I abandoned it that it was not financially rewarding. I went to learn printing after five years with the hope of graduating and establishing it big time. I was sitting with my colleagues when a man accosted me in their midst that God said I had abandoned the work he gave me. I ran after the man, but I could not see him again. But as I was reading the bible, I came across the story of the parable of the talent so I asked God to forgive me. Also, the testimonies of people after they discovered I was the 'angel' that had been singing. I met someone who introduced me to the person who recorded my first LP. What are you working on currently? Right now, we are putting all works on compact disc and DVDs. We already have about 23. Among which is Father bless my home because this generation is familiar with it. And another old song for the old generation, they would be released this year.

NEWS

OTAILATU Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide (MCCSW) has a new Baba Aladura. He is His Eminence Elder (Dr) Israel Akinadewo. He succeeds the founder of the church, Saint Baba Aladura Dr Isaiah Akinadewo, who passed on to glory last December. Akinadewo was enthroned as the new head of the church last Sunday in Lekki, Lagos. He paid glowing tributes to the memory of the departed founder who he described as a "perfect example of selflessness and godliness." The new head recalled how his father planned his funeral service and even dug his own grave before passage to glory. He said: "He chose the songs he wanted. He even

Motailatu gets new Baba Aladura

Church holds revival

HE annual 30-day fasting and prayer summit of Foursquare Gospel Church Orile Iganmu (I) Lagos will end with a seven-day interdenomination revival with the theme wake up into hon-

By Sunday Oguntola picked the preacher for his funeral service and dug his own grave. He was such a meticulous, detailed person who left nothing to chances." Akinadewo extolled the virtues of the deceased founder, saying he bequeathed a legacy of faithfulness to God and service to humanity. According to him: "He left a standing instruction that we must have a new Aladura as soon as he was gone. I gave him N50, 000 few weeks before he died but he kept the money in the room and said we must not spend more than that for his funeral." Rather than waste resources on societal funeral

our.

The Senior Pastor of the church,'Femi Akinwande, in a statement, explained that the revival starts on January 24 by

service, Akinadewo explained that his father instructed instead that a foundation should be opened in his honour for the formal training of ministers in Aladura churches and empowerment of the less privileged. The deceased, he said, instructed that those who wanted to donate for a lavish funeral in his honour should direct such investments to the foundation. Akinadewo assured that the foundation, which took off with his enthronement, will cater for the less privilege and fund the education of ministers in the Aladura movement. Ministering at the occasion, the General Evangelist of the church, His Eminence

6pm daily. The revivalist is Pastor Zaccheus Adebo Balogun of Omuo Ekiti Assembly of Foursquare Gospel Church.

Elder (Prof.) Joseph Otubu, said the Aladura movement has a rich heritage that the current generation must appreciate.

Tracing the historical evolution of some of the church's doctrines, Otubu said they were founded on biblical percepts, lamenting

that many of them have been abused by successive ministers. He called for reformation in the Aladura movement, saying churches under the umbrella must innovate to keep abreast of modern trends and developments.

â&#x20AC;˘ L-R: Bishop of Christ the Light Church, Dr. Gabriel Faleye; General Overseer, Good News Miracle Bible Church, Bishop George Amu; Lagos Chairman(OAIC) Dr. David Onanuga; the new, Baba Aladura of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim worldwide, Elder Isreal Akinadewo ( Omo Eri) and Lagos State Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apostle Alexander Bamgbola (inset) General Evangelist, Prof. Joseph Otubu, during the enthronement of Akinadewo in Lekki, Lagos... last Sunday PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL.

WORSHIP

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

NEWS

COLUMN

Polls will make Nigeria stronger, says Meduoye

EGARDLESS of the tension and permutations to the contrary, Nigeria will not disintegrate on the account of the forthcoming general elections. The general overseer of Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Felix Meduoye, gave the assurance during a parley with reporters ahead of the 60th anniversary of the church in Lagos. He said: "We have a firm belief that God's hand is involved in the affairs of this nation. We make bold to say that contrary to every prediction of doom, Nigeria will come out stronger and better in the years ahead. "Our confidence comes

Stories by Sunday Oguntola

from the fact that our God answers prayers and we have prayed as a nation for the peace of this nation." Meduoye allayed fears of disintegration, saying the nation will rather wax stronger after the polls. He challenged Nigerians to participate in the process by obtaining their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and electing only candidates with credible pedigrees. While promising that the church will pray for peaceful polls and sensitise Nigerians on their civil rights and obligations, Meduoye said: "The unity of Nigeria is not negotiable and we counsel all political parties to run their campaigns based on the value they intend to add

to the lives of the people." He expressed delight over the rapid expansion of the church in the last 60 years, saying it the "Foursquare's flag is in the 36 states of the federation while we have also extended the gospel to neigbouring countries." Meduoye also said the church has planted parishes in the United States of America from where the gospel was bought to the country in 1955 by Rev & Mrs. Harold Curtis. He said over 3,200 parishes of the church exist in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria while several outreaches have ongoing to impact lives and empower people.

Elshaddai Church lifts widows

O fewer than 100 widows smiled home last Christmas with a bag of rice and vegetable oil during a empowerment summit by Elshaddai Covenant Ministries in New Oko Oba, Lagos. The summit was part of initiatives by the church to alleviate the hardship facing many of the widows. The General Overseer of the Church, Dr James Iruobe, encouarged the widows not to give up hope. God, he stated, was interested in helping them

navigate through the path of life of greatness. According to him: "Don't give up on hope; don't give up on life. There is so much God has in store for you. "Your life can shine again and radiate the glory of God because it is not over for you. Life still has so much to offer you now and always." He enjoined the widows to give their all to God, assuring that their lives would never remain the same again. Iruobe said the church decided to empower the widows during the commemoration of the birth of Jesus to underscore the love of God for

them. "God loves you. He wants you to believe in Him. He means well. That is why He sent Jesus. If you embrace Jesus, I assure that life will take the best turn for you," he stressed. When he requested for widows willing to accept Jesus, many hands went up. Iruobe later led ministers of the church to minister healing and deliverance to the widows. He vowed that the church will stand by them through several other interventions that will unfold with them.

• Iruobe (centre), his wife, Temitope with some of the beneficiaries

Divine blessing celebrates at five

EADERS and members of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church (Ayo Ni O), Chapel of Divine Blessing Alagbado, Lagos rolled out the drums for a week recently to celebrate its 5th anniversary. The week-long activities commenced with awareness rally from the church premises to Ahmadiyya Bus Stop along Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway. Welcoming the congregation to Chemstar Paints Industry Limited Headquarter at Fine coat Bus Stop, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, the Chairman/ Executive Director, Special Apostle Emmanuel Awode, thanked God for His mercy on the church. He lauded the members for their steadfast and

unwary attitude towards the development of the church in the face of numerous challenges. Ministering at the Super Shiloh service/seminar on "Indiscipline in Churches, Special Apostle Pastor O. Sule, Chairman of Faith-In-Christ District, urged Christians to dedicate themselves to the service of God. He bemoaned the level of indiscipline in churches, saying Christians should see the church as the house of the Lord where they should worship the God in totality, without turning it to a place of gossip or backbiting and other uncomplimentary behaviour. Speaking at Ijamido Motherless Home in Ota, Ogun State, where the church donated food items, beverages and toiletries, the chairman of the anniversary committee,

Special Apostle E. Oladeinde, said the visit was to heed the injunction of God to give to the needy. The grand finale witnessed the launch of a N500million fund for the church's cathedral under the chairmanship of Chief Babatunde Orija The guest preacher, Pastor Gideon Oyedepo, urged Christians to look unto God as the Jesus Christ is the answer and solution to every problem. While urging Christians to have faith in God, the cleric said without faith it would be difficult to get anything from God. He congratulated the leaders and members of the church on the anniversary, attributing the rate of growth of the church within five years to the grace of God.

Living Faith By Dr. David Oyedepo

Understanding The Master Key To A World Of Exploits!

ET us recognize that theWord of God is the master key to a world of exploits, but spiritual understanding is what empowers the Word to deliver. The Word delivers only to the measure of our understanding of it. It is understanding that converts the Word to light. Exploit, on the other hand, connotes unusual accomplishments, generational impact and outstanding feats. It is breaking new grounds, scaling new heights, setting the pace and blazing the trail. You have no capacity to understand the Word of God, except you are saved.The only way to walk in liberty is to walk in the light of the Word. Every time light goes out, darkness takes over. Your freedom is not guaranteed except you have access to light and you are walking in that light. The light of God's Word does not only enlighten you, it lightens you(John 1: 1, 4, 9). Most people are saved, but still experience torments because they lack understanding of their authority in the Word(Hosea 4:6).The devil is not that powerful; we are just victims of our ignorance. It is our 'lightlessness' that gives him power. When you are lighted, you are free and in charge. It is the light of God's Word that empowers you for liberty and exploits. We discover from scriptures that men of in-

sight were men of exploits. Insight here represents the light of God's Word and when you are a carrier, it shows in the following ways: •It distinguishes you (Isaiah 60:1-3). •It empowers you for a flight (Isaiah 60:8). Think of Job, he said: As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle (Job 29:4). By insight, he became the greatest of all men in the East. It is very important to know that insight is your greatest need. Proverbs 4:7 says: Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. What does Understanding Do to Us? •It Stirs Automatic Faith: When you arrive at a point of understanding, your faith comes alive supernaturally (Matthew 11:29). Every time revelation dawns, faith rises, because you can't see a thing and doubt it. •It also Boosts your Confidence (Daniel 11:32): You can dare anything when you have insight. You require confidence to command great results. Pathways to Revelation/Understanding •Be born again and filled with the Holy Ghost (John 3:3). •Crave for light in the areas of concern in your life (Isaiah 55:1). •Engage the ministry of the Holy Spirit in your search(1 Corinthians 2:10).

How to Engage Spiritual Understanding for Exploits •Make a project of any goal that needs a change. •Embark on a desperate search. •Give yourself wholly to your findings: Whatever you find as the way out, give yourself wholly to it. No one changes position without revelation. As you engage heartily in the search for understanding of the Word, I see you gaining access into the deep things of God that guarantee your dramatic change of levels.Stop struggling with life; go for light! Friend, engaging spiritual understanding for exploits is the heritage of those saved. You get saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. You can be saved right now as you say this prayer: "Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. Cleanse me with Your precious blood. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!" I will continue this teaching next week. Every exploit in life is a product of knowledge. For further reading, please get my books - The Force Of Freedom, Walking In Dominion and Born To Win. I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. We have four services on Sundays, holding at 6:00 a.m., 7:50 a.m., 9:40 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. respectively. I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; or call 7747546-8; or E-mail: feedback@lfcww.org

Atilade cautions politicians against inciting statements

HE South West Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Magnus Atilade, has appealed to politicians to be civil, respectful and considerate as they go about their electioneering campaigns. He spoke at the CAN and faith- based organisations' meeting with one of the governorship candidates in Lagos recently. Over 24 faith-based organisations, including the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), College of Bishops, Coalition of

By Adeola Ogunlade

Churches in Nigeria (CCN), Patriotic Christian Leader Forum and Christian Welfare Initiatives (CWI), among others, participated in the meeting. Atilade hinged the success of the forthcoming elections on the willingness of politicians to remain civil and avoid statements capable of setting the nation on fire. He pointed out that Nigerians are tired of empty promises from politicians but governance with human face and profound strategies to

create employment, security and stable power supply. According to him: "Nobody gets to any position of authority except ordained by God and under no circumstances should any politicians cause civil unrest with their uncivil utterances. "Politicians should not destroy the posters of their opponents or speak ill of anyone to get undue popularity. Campaigns should be based on issues and not on personalities and focus should be on their own programmes."

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

NEWS

Attacks on Buhari wicked, disparaging, says Ideh

CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and political leader of Itsekiri nation in Delta State, Dr. Alex Ideh, has described the attacks on the party’s presidential flag bearer, General Mohammadu Buhari by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its supporters as wicked, misleading and disparaging. Ideh, who was the Secretary

to the APC Convention Committee that produced Buhari as presidential candidate, said in a statement yesterday that such “misguided information” might mislead younger generation of voters. He tasked the PDP and its followers to regard the Abuja Peace Accord by “refraining from such callous and disparaging verbal attacks.” He said: “We must get the facts straight and not fall for the

cheap tricks of a PDP government which is now squaring up with a barren record of non-performance and an impending humiliation at the polls has chosen to muddy the waters. “Buhari’s reputation is assured and no amount of bad mouthing can distract Nigerians from acknowledging the wicked failures of President Jonathan administration. Nigerians cannot wait to see it voted out.”

Igwe praises Obiano

HE traditional ruler of Enugwu Ukwu in Anambra State, Igwe Ralph Obumneme Ekpeh, Eze Enugwu Ukwu Na Igwe Umunri, has praised Governor Willie Obiano for tackling security issues in as well as

restoration of road safety. He spoke at the fourth Igu Aro festival. He specifically thanked the Igwe for the upgrading of Enugwu Ukwu hospital to Specialist Hospital. Calling on the governor to address grievances of the

community, he challenged him to avoid showing dislike for his people like the former Governor Peter Obi’s administration did. A famous philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, donated N50million to the community towards its developmental projects.

From left: Prof. Adebayo Williams, Member, Editorial Board, The Nation, Femi Macaulay, son of the late Madam Eleanor Bodunrin Macaulay and Chairman, Editorial Board, Sam Omatseye, during the funeral service of the Madam Eleanor Bodunrin Macaulay at First Baptist Church in Lagos at the weekend. PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

‘My controversial meeting with the president’

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH W 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

'Flag bearer'? Wrong!

“N

IGERIA's most authoritative

newspaper in (on) politics and business" "Satellite enabled (Satellite-enabled) wireless GPS tracker debuts (sic)" "History was made in Abia State recently, (otiose comma) as a youth emerged the United Democratic Party's governorship flag bearer (standard bearer) in its just concluded (justconcluded) primaries ahead of the February general election (elections)." 2015 in focus: this is just the first paragraph of a twocolumn story! The next two goofs are from a full-page congratulatory advertorial signed by Alhaji Sahabi Isah Gada, MFR, mni, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Sokoto State: "Sokoto State Government: A well deserved (well-deserved) honour" "This award is a testament of (to) your good deeds and sterling quality as a leader in the nation (nation's) politics." "Your Excellency, this award has again unveils (unveiled) your handiwork…." "Our supports and prayers shall encompass (really?) you, not only in time like this (at a time like this)…." (Full-page advertorial signed by Alhaji Isah Bajini Galadanci, Hon. Commissioner, Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning, Sokoto State) 'Support' is uncountable. The PUNCH of December 29 circulated a few blunders: "It was gathered that after he did not pick (take) his calls…." "Another police source…told our correspondent that he saw him few (a few) days to his death and he was looking healthy." Looks can be deceptive and looking good outwardly does not necessarily connote sound health. "The National Pension Commission is set to prosecute 101 companies for failing to remit the deductions of their workers (workers') pension contributions to…." "Thanking our esteemed clients for more feathers to (in) our cap" (Full-page advertorial by Halogen Security Limited) T H I S D A Y PERSPECTIVE of

December 22 takes over with two flaws: "Candidates have emerged under (on) the platform of the PDP to fly the party's flag in the main election." "Reason for this is due to the undisputed fact that…." A rewrite: Reason for this is the undisputed fact that…. 'Reason' and 'due to' cannot cofunction! "Moreso (More so), your great business innovative ideas and Solutions (unnecessary capitalization) has (have) singled you out among your equals." "PDP Presidential Campaign Team makes a stop over (stopover) in Owerri…Imo State tommorrow (sic)…." (Fullpage advertorial signed by the Directorate of Media and Publicity, Presidential Campaign Organisation) "…if the right calibre of running mates were (was) chosen from the very beginning (sic)." "We at Bolton White Hotels and Apartments celebrates (sic) and rejoices (sic)….We are proud of you & your contribution (contributions?) to the growth and development of the Nigerians (sic) economy. Keep (Keep up) the good work." "The award is a testament of (to) your commitment to excellent service delivery in the hospitality industry." (Full-page congratulatory advertorial by Greenlife Pharmaceuticals Limited) Have you noticed that most advertorials contain blunders? The next set of gaffes by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State as published in THE GUARDIAN of January 4, 2015, is testamentary to this allusion: "…is not a novice in politics as he has experience (experiences) spanning over 20 years and he knows what the law says about payment of taxes." "As a good citizen of this country (a comma) he has (had) never at any point in his career engaged in tax evasion as his detractors are suggesting." "…the prophets of doom want the world to believe that Dr. Ikpeazu's tenure i ASEPA was dogged in (by) controversy." "While in ASEPA, Dr. Ikpeazu, a thorough bred (thoroughbred) scientist…." "We have emphasized that and want to repeat it over and over again that…." This is a verbal

overkill, an asunder: delete 'again' "We have explicit confidence in the credibility and quality of Dr. Ikpeazu as our flag bearer (standard bearer)…." "Dr. Ikpeazu is already enjoying wide (a wide) acceptance among the Abia electorate." "…his impeccable character endeared him to the party (party's) stakeholders who saw him as a good product that would be acceptable to majority (a majority) of of (sic) Abians." Finally from the ludicrous PDP advertorial: "The young man is exuding with energy and enthusiasm to take…." Yank off 'with'. "Court remands Lamido's son in prison" The court can either 'remand in custody' (which means to send someone to prison until trial) or 'remand on bail' (which implies allowing a suspect to go free until the trial after leaving a sum of money with the court). Thanks to A. S. Hornby for this insight. FEEDBACK PLEASE note that we have these egregious errors in our newspapers and magazines because most of our journalists do not have good grounding in the grammaticality of the English language. Besides, we do not have reading journalists-journalists who read on a daily basis. So, you surrender! The rule of the thumb is, do not mix your drink. If you start with British English continue to the end. And if you begin with American English continue to the end. Happily, there are usages that are acceptable on both sides of the Atlantic. (BAYO OGUNTUNASE, 08056180046) EBERE, if you think your column is not making any impact, ask the Independent National Electoral Commission, our colleagues and friends of the media about "voter card" now adopted by several local media and available online. For the doubting Thomas, "voter card" is simply the Voter Identity (ID) Card. (US and India) It is similar to the "User Card". Both ID cards contain your own nontransferable personal details or information. (SUNNY AGBONTAEN, BENIN, 08056162531) FROM THE COLUMNIST: Thanks Sunny.

HEN the invitation to meet President Goodluck Jonathan came to me through some of my friends who are his special aides, I hesitated. I was stunned; and that prompted a soliloquized exclamation, "Why me?" I know that I have been very critical of his government but that was last year. My first piece this year was on Jimi Agbaje. Could it be that Jonathan was trying to intervene on Agbaje's behalf or was the invitation about himself or what. Questions. Questions. Questions. By the way, Jimi Agbaje is PDP's gubernatorial candidate in Lagos State and according to a credible source, he is Jonathan's darling. The President, I learnt later, loves Agbaje because he was told by those who brought Agbaje to him that he (Agbaje) lost the 2007 elections to Babatunde Fashola because he lacked the resources to fight Bola Tinubu. The President, my source informed me, told Jimi Agbaje that if he crossed over to PDP, he would see "real federal money" that would make Tinubu's wealth look like "change" (insignificant). Back to the invitation. In this instance, I did not know what to make of this shocking invitation. Was the President actually aware of this meeting? But considering how close these aides were to him, I concluded that he must be aware. Having resolved the riddle of the invitation and convinced that it was for real, I decided to call some of my close friends to discuss the issue with them. Though, I had made up my mind to go for the appointment, I only wanted my friends to know of my movement in case they offered me tea at the meeting. Remember Moshood Kahimawo Abiola and the last tea. From the pool of friends that I have, I opted for strategic selection, that is, I decided to inform only those with cognate relevance to and experience in what could happen to me. The first and natural person to call was Kunle Ajibade. He was my room mate during our undergraduate and postgraduate days (years) in Ife (Great Ife). However, I did not call him because of room-mate affiliation. I called him because he had been "jailed for life" before by the one and only Sani Abacha. So, in case I found myself dining with prisoners instead of the President, he can offer some advice on solitary forbearance and longsuffering. Next on my list was Kemi Rotimi, a specialsit on Police history and a very close friend of many Inspectors - General of Police, retired and tired. I will need his contacts in case I ended up meeting with the Police instead of meeting with the President. The third person I called was Tayo Adesina, a professor of history. I must carry him along so that no aspect of my historical meeting with the President must be omitted from the books of History. How many people, especially critics of a government, have the privilege of being invited to meet the President of their country. No matter what people think of Goodluck Jonathan, it was still a great honour for me to have a private meting with him. Those who chronicle events for posterity should not be excluded from

• Jonathan By Dapo Thomas the process of history. Therefore, Tayo was of strategic value to this unfolding drama of history. The last person of course was Segun Ayobolu my regular accomplice in seminal baraza. His job was to mobilize the media community and the public for a "Bring Back Dapo" campaign in case my meeting with the President was a Kidnap plot by agents of government and my friends in the Presidency. On the day of the appointment, my friends who arranged the meeting called to remind me of the appointment. In the course of the telephone conversation, I was told that the dress code was at my discretion. The venue of the meeting was never made known to me. I was only told that it would be in Lagos not Abuja. My wife wanted me to go in native and I agreed with her. It was an opportunity for me to wear one of the many agbadas that I rarely wear. At about 8p.m., a call came through from one of those who arranged the meeting that the vehicle that would convey me to the venue was on its way with an armed police orderly. Immediately I heard that, I changed my mind on the dress to wear. I opted for casuals instead of the native earlier chosen - jean, shirt and sneakers - just in case there was need to do some jogging for life from the venue to any of the NADECO routes in Idi-Iroko. Which sensible individual will do a run for his life in flowing gowns? Enough on my premeeting rituals and preambles. I found myself at the venue. It was a nice duplex that was elegantly furnished. Few security guys were outside the building but they were not heavily armed. Inside the living room, there were two of them in suit. It was the orderly that came with me in the car that ushered me in. He left me in the room with the two security guys. I was frisked but my phones were not taken from me. While I was about to sit on the sofa, one of my phones rang. The call was from one of those who arranged the meeting. He called to inform me that the President would soon be with me. In less than five minutes, the President came in with his two aides who arranged the meeting. The President signaled to the two

security guys to exit the room leaving just four of us-The President, myself and his two aides, my own friends. After the normal introductory rituals, the President told me the reason(s) for the special invitation. By the way, I later learnt that the venue of the meeting was one of the President's hide-outs in Lagos. It is strictly for very personal engagements and activities. According to the President, he would like me to tell him the truth about the situations 'outside' and what his chances were in the February 14 election. He also wanted to know what the people are saying about him and his style of governance. I looked at my two friends one after the other to be sure that the President meant what he was saying. As if one of them read my mind, he told me to "fell free" to tell the President the truth but I was stunned when he moved near me to whisper some words into my right ear: "Dapo, please show some respect in your submission and don't be rude". Respectfully, I stood up to address the President but he politely asked me to sit. I must confess that it took some time before I could decide on what methodology to adopt. I was not even sure if what I needed was methodical approach or the courage to say what I wanted to say bluntly. "Mr. President Sir", I stammered, "it is very hot outside. I am not talking about the atmosphere. Your government is very unpopular and the hunger for "change" is like a revolution against your government. People outside there are tired of your government. Some of them cannot even wait for February 14 to vote you out. The other time, you were glorifying your administration for raising the ante on participatory democracy. You were of the view that it was your government that sensitized the people on the need to participate in the electoral process hence their clamour for Permanent Voter Card (PVC). At this time, I looked towards my right to see if any of my two friends would code a message of caution to me through body language. Surprisingly, the President was calm. Despite the fact that the room was well lit, I could not read the expression on the President's face • Continued on Page 73

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1 , 2015

WORLD NEWS

123 Boko Haram terrorists killed in Cameroon

Nigerian refugees pose headache for Chad authorities

HOUSANDS of Nigerian civilians who fled the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast have become a headache for Chadian authorities after seeking safety on a multitude of scattered islands in Lake Chad. "We waded through the water for several days and suffered so much," recalled former taxi driver Adamou Bouba, who snatched up his toddlers, aged two and three, when Boko Haram fighters raided his village, Kiguili, and killed his wife. After the deadly raid six months ago, Bouba, his children and their companions trekked north in fear of the jihadists to the dusty, windswept Lake Chad basin in Borno State close to western Chad. Here, after miles of negotiating the waterways, they settled on Chad's Ngouboua peninsula, a strip of dry land three hours from the nearest town by a bad road. "There were 77 of us, but several people died on the way," he said. Thousands of people steered clear of the road and took to the water any way they could in search of safety. The luckier ones managed to grab places on overloaded canoes, but their only option was to reach the arid islands in Chadian territory, a few kilometres across the lake. Bouba said that "we took five days to get here" without food and with no drinking water. When his family made dry land, Chadian soldiers "came to meet us". The waters extend into Cameroon and Niger in this remote frontier territory, but the lake has shrunk drastically since the 1960s, because of factors including overuse of resources and drought induced by global warming.

•Three Chad soldiers also die in fight

•Funerals taking place for those killed in the Sinai attacks in Egypt yesterday

Italy gets new President

TALIAN lawmakers elected Sergio Mattarella, a constitutional court judge and seasoned politician, as the country's president, giving a big political boost to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi who nominated him. Mr. Mattarella, 73, a longtime politician coming from the once-dominant and now defunct Christian Democratic Party, was chosen by nearly two-thirds of the over 1,000 lawmakers and regional representatives in the fourth round of voting, after three inconclusive votes in the past two days. Lawmakers bursted into a long applause when it became clear that Mr. Mattarella, who had won the unanimous backing of Mr. Renzi's center-left Democratic Party, had amply surpassed the simple

•Mattarella majority needed to became the new head of state. He received 665 votes to become the country's 12th president since World War II. The victory brought a swift end to a process that in the past often proved to be long and tricky and that was seen as a key test for Mr.

Renzi's leadership. Mr. Mattarella's election comes at a crucial moment for Mr. Renzi's one-year-old government, which is trying to push forward an ambitious agenda of economic and institutional reforms aimed at pulling Italy out of a triple-dip recession, amid early signs of a timid recovery. The Italian premier had put forward Mr. Mattarella as his party's only nomination, saying he had the right standing to ensure the institutional stability needed at a key moment for Italy. And after the vote he tweeted: "Keep up the good work, President Mattarella. Long live Italy!," Mr. Mattarella said just a few words in his first public speech after being proclaimed president, confirming his reputation of being a timid,

but firm politician. "My thoughts go first of all to the difficulties and hopes of our fellow citizens," he said. "This is sufficient." He will be sworn in as president on Tuesday and address parliament. Mr. Mattarella succeeds Giorgio Napolitano, the former president who had changed a largely ceremonial post into a real power broker role, leading Italy through one of its stormiest political moments. Mr. Mattarella, known for being the architect of one of Italy's electoral laws in the 1990s, has already served as deputy premier, education and defense minister. He is described by political observers and fellow politicians as a mild person, able, however, to be inflexible in defending his political ideas.

NE hundred and twenty-three Boko Haram militants were killed when the terror sect group attacked a Chadian army contingent in Fotokol,northern Cameroon, the Chadian military said. Three soldiers died and 12 other were wounded in the attacks staged by the insurgents on Thursday and Friday near the border town of Fotokol, according to a military statement read out on national television. Chad sent a convoy of troops and military vehicles into neighbouring Cameroon on January 17 to deal with the growing threat Boko Haram poses in the region. "The enemy was repelled by our defensive forces," the general staff's statement said, adding that the troops had "routed" the Islamists in the second attack. The soldiers were killed by improvised explosive devices, the statement said. A senior Cameroonian security source said the Chadian troops were deployed to the town, which sits opposite a Nigerian town under Boko Haram control and is also close to the border with Chad, on Wednesday. Boko Haram frequently stages attacks on Fotokol from their base in Gamboru,Nigeria which is just 500 metres away. Chad has called on countries in the region to form a broad coalition in the fight against the sect. The country has already deployed its army along its borders as well as sending the additional contingent to Cameroon.

‘My controversial meeting with the president’ • Continued from Page 72 accurately. Well, I took it to mean that the three of them were enjoying my submission despite its unpatrionising delivery. I continued: "Sir, if you must know, I thought you were right when you were making that statement on the network news. It was not until I went to collect my PVC that I knew how wrong you were. Most of those who came to collect their PVCs at my own centre were saying it openly that their desperation was provoked by the inaction and cluelessness of your government. That with their PVCs, your government is a 'goner' notionally from February 14 and actually on May 29". The President's disbelief was theoretically paraphrased in his short interjection: "My friend are you sure?" His question energized further acerbic comments from me: "Yes Sir. I am very sure because I heard them and I saw them. They want you out sharp, sharp". This time, one of my friends was walking towards me, possibly to caution me, but the President halted his angry strides towards me. With this Presidential gesture, I concluded rightly or wrongly that the President was enjoying my candid presentation. So, I

fired on: "Sir, I advise that you tell your men to stop their abusive campaign against Buhari especially the campaign about his having only WASC and "soldier" certificates. It is not working. People are not interested in what degree Buhari possesses. What they are saying out there is that what progress has the nation made since independence when we been ruled by "Bachelors' (B.A./ B.Sc holders) and "Doctors" (Ph.D holder(s))? The President interrupted me: "But if they are saying my men are being sentimental, are the people not being sentimental themselves by overlooking the low educational background of a man that wants to rule a very big and complex nation like Nigeria? Why are they angry with my government on the basis of sentiments? Is it not because they cannot take me up on issues? "Mr. President", I took over the discussion, "there are plenty issues people out there have against your government. They question your competence to manage the economy. You have been accused of "complex dependency" on World Bank and IMF rogue economists whose economic policies and ideas are incongruous with domestic realities. These people are conservative theorists who

theorise on economic issues forgetting that there should be an alignment between the practicality of their policies and their theoretical variants. Their failure to contextualize their economic ideas within their domestic locale is the major reason the economy has sunk into atrophy". "Sir", I said, "I will also like you to know that the issue of corruption is also dominant in public discourse. People believe that your administration is guilty of egregious public larceny and prebendal accumulation of public resources. They say that the management of our oil and oil proceeds is lousy, loose, parochial, and culturally primitive ignoring contemporary accounting procedures and violating all known norms of transparency and accountability. This explains why billions and trillions of dollars and naira keep missing from the nation's treasury. The Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) has not helped in consolidating our sovereignty rather it has been the formal instrument of providing legitimacy for citizens' suffering. Sir, all those who stole in your administration have been eased out of your government with cultural fanfare and flighty celebration. Those who are supposed to be

languishing in jail for corruption are being celebrated with cultural carnivals and being treated with nauseating heroism. The dirty ones in government are being robbed in the cassock of Saints while the rest of us outside government who are the victims of their massive looting are dressed in the garment of Lucifer". At this stage, the President had started fidgeting on his seat. But I offered no apologies because he told me to tell him the truth no matter how bitter it was. Still, there was no attempt to stop me. None of my friends was ready to do or say anything since the President stopped them earlier from coming near me. "Mr. President", I ignored the mood in the room and continued with my "truthful submission" "why was it difficult for you to protect your citizens from the irresponsible killings and kidnapping going on in some parts of the North by the Boko Haram? I must be very frank with you Sir that your handling of the insurgency has been very poor and lakaidaistical. People feel you lack the political will and the professional understanding to confront the insurgents and bring an end to the siege they have laid on the people of the North.

The most painful aspect of this is your failure to rescue the Chibok girls and visit the people of Chibok to let them know that their children have not been forgotten or abandoned by the government. They wonder how you can sleep soundly, campaign vigorously, smile excitedly, organize wedding ceremony for your own daughter when more than 200 innocent girls are trapped in the dungeons of the insurgents". As if the issue of the Chibok girls, was a no-go-area, the President stood up dramatically and reluctantly excused himself without disclosing where he was going. I was not sure if that was a signal that the meeting had come to an abrupt end. My two friends went out with him. Nobody told me anything nor did anybody come in to tell me what was happening. Anyway, I was gathering my thoughts on what I would say on the following issues should the President come back to the living room: electricity, unemployment, poverty, education, health, Patience's impatience with the governors of Rivers and Bayelsa, the President's visit to Maiduguri, Ayo Fayose's advert on Buhari's possible death in office, the collapsing of industries, Abba Sulaiman's excesses and so on and so forth.

Unexpectedly, a security chap came into the room to inform me that the President had to attend to other important matters and would not be returning for the meeting. He said he would lead me to my car. I consoled myself that it had been a very rewarding night. But it could have been more rewarding if the drama that happened at the last minute had not occurred. The guy who was leading me to the car was carrying a bag, possibly containing some undisclosed "presidential hospitality" contents and was about giving it to me as a gift when somebody ran after him and whispered something into his ears (I don't know why they are always whispering). Suddenly, the guy with the bag made a u-turn and took the bag back to the house. The "whispering" guy whispered some words into the driver's ear and before I could say "what about the bag", the driver took off. The setting of the meeting and the "returned bag" were all products of engineered fantasy. The blame for this should go to the terrestrial agents who presented human images in celestial apparitions to an innocent personage in the comfort of his slumbering territory.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015

WORLD NEWS

N January 21, President Obama delivered his annual State of the Union Address. It would be his sixth and the penultimate exertion prior to the 2016 presidential election. The address was also his first major speech since the political drubbing his Democratic party suffered in last year’s Congressional elections when Republicans strengthened their majority in the House while taking majority control of the Senate. On the positive side, the speech was eloquent, inspiring in part; in terms of the sheer substance of the ideas broached, it was modestly progressive. Yet, all of this is for naught. At bottom, the speech was a lie, the discharge of an elaborate commode as performed by a master plumber. There has always been something curious about Obama’s addresses. For all of his oratorical ability, he has not given a speech the public will long remember. In all that he has said, there is not even a phrase that will be grafted onto history as capturing a grand idea or swinging the tide of politics in a fundamental way. I discount the two most popular phrases associated with him. “Yes we can” is more advertisement or chant than oratory or precise idea. The other is the line in the speech that catapulted him into nation prominence: “There are no Red (Republican) states or Blue (Democratic) states. There are only the United States.” That this phrase launched him reveals much about the sad state of American political thought. The statement carries no depth. It is a cheerful inanity in much the same way as a pop song. Just like a pop song, the phrase has a catch to it that sticks in your head. However, it does not change anyone’s perspective or command strong respect. It was a cute thing cleverly stated. However, it moved nothing because it was a lie at the moment of its very telling. The truth is that there are red and blue states. Obama’s own successful electioneering strategy showed this. He spent his energy building his base in the blue states, basically leaving the red states to the wolves, seeing them as a political wilderness unto him. Had he uttered the phrase as an exhortation instead of as a truism, he would have been more accurate. This distinction has a practical effect beyond mere semantics. By more aptly stating the challenge or diagnosing the problem, one is more able to approach a resolution than the person who states there is no problem. He tried to rekindle the vanished magic in the State of the Union when he described America as a tightly-knit family. Sounds good but everyone who heard it knew it for what it was. A lie. If a family, America is a dysfunctional one. There is not much familiar in the fact that police officers kill record numbers of Black men in circumstances that don’t warrant lethal force. The warm and cozy, nation-as-our-livingroom sentiment evaporates quickly as income inequality grows because the most affluent one percent gobbles up over 90 percent of post-recession GDP growth and an expanding percentage of Americans live in or proximate to poverty due to joblessness or stagnant wages. If this is a family, it is a strange one where a few enjoy the big house while the larger numbers are crowded into the servant’s shanty and the outhouse. The address functioned at three levels. As entertainment, it exceeded its billing. The speech was well-worded and artfully delivered. It amounted to a persuasive dupe for the gullible. As a political vehicle, it provided enough false grist for the Republicans to slam him as a “dangerous radical.” This will enable those who chose to believe in the myth of the man and not in the pedestrian reality of his deeds to continue worshipping their revered figurine. In substance, the speech was a battery of tricks, an attempt to construct an enduring monument from a magician’s bag of disappearing bricks and mortar. In whole the speech offered some modestly progressive proposals ranging from tax reform to a national infrastructural plan that would create thousands of decentpaying jobs superior to the low-wage new jobs the economy now mostly produces. The trouble with the proposals is that they have little chance of passage. When fellow Democrats controlled both Congressional houses, Obama did a far greater imitation of a conservative Republican president than he now does of a liberal Democratic one. At that time, he could have passed almost

State of the Union: A statement of fantasy No lie is more subtle than the truth untold.

•Obama

anything he wanted in cooperation with Congressional Democrats. Instead, he spent his time dallying with Republicans attempting to construct a conservative Grand Bargain that would have placed major social programs on the chopping block as well as on the harsh road to privatisation. This would have buoyed the financial sector and Money Power. It would have been a disaster to the middle class Obama now champions. The only thing that saved him from this gross mistake was irrational Republican hatred of him because of his pigmentation. He gave them what they wanted but they rebuffed him because his Black skin made them see only red. The man was saved from self-destruction by their animus. Upon such a flimsy reed, no sound political legacy can be based. He seeks to reshape himself as a liberal progressive. Some of the proposals he offered would have been apt as late as two years ago. The proposals are too much too late. There is no mortal or heavenly reason that he tarried until his position relative to Congressional Republicans changed from one of strength to one of weakness. There is nothing new today concerning the state of the economy that was not known yesterday or four years ago. The man has asked us to go fishing with him only after the lake has gone dry. He knows they have no chance of passage after the Republican victory in the Congressional elections. Now that he is a lame duck president, he has been liberated in his mind. He can be less cautious and more adventurous in his statements because his statements hold less power in and of themselves. He can afford to seem more liberal because this new slant has no practical consequence. Republican Congressional opposition will prevent these proposals from seeing the light of day. He willfully has authored stillborn initiatives. In this manner, he can rouse the naïve segments of the Democratic base by claiming to have wanted to establish a liberal agenda yet being rebuffed by conservative Republicans. Behind closed doors, he can wink at and assure Money Power that all is well. His belated populist tune is but another version of how a masterful pied piper can led the electorate in circles that they assume is progress. When the music stops, he is still the majordomo of Wall Street and what it represents. The speech was basically divided into two

movements. One was domestic policy. The other was foreign policy. Regarding domestic policy, the best part of the speech was his support for nondiscriminatory equal pay for equal work on behalf of women. He has been consistently supporting this cause. It is truly the right thing to do. However, he eradicates much of the good he attempts on the domestic side in one fell swoop. He asks Congress to grant him fast track authority to conclude two major international trade agreements. He proclaims this is needed so that he can protect the American worker. Either he does not know the provisions of the treaty or his capacity for the Big Lie has matured to epic dimensions. The treaties contain clauses that would produce the largest transfer to the corporate sector of a government’s sovereign right to regulate business for the welfare of the people. The trade pacts contemplate a supranational tribunal comprised of representatives of the business community that will sit in judgment of government regulations aggrieved businesses think hurt their bottom line. In effect, the private sector will be empowered to penalise governments for establishing rules and regulations concerning environmental protection, worker safety and rights, etc. imagine a situation where a tribunal of private corporate interests is empowered to decide between the propriety of government regulatory action and the desire of another corporate concern to operate unfettered by such regulation. The outcome of this self-interested arrangement is foretold. Instead of helping workers, Obama’s wish to execute these deals will deepen the woes and lessen the wages and legal protection of workers at home and abroad. Again, he shows himself to be a Republican in Democratic clothing. Progressive Democrats vigorously oppose these pacts. To realise his desire, he must rely on the Republican’s support. Sadly, he might get it this time. Regarding foreign policy, the best part of his speech was his appeal to Congress not to impose further sanctions against Iran at this moment during the negotiations on that nation’s nuclear program. Although he remains part of the foreign policy mainstream that seeks to cement American global hegemony, his inherent fear of failure makes him more cautious than the rest. He does not relish major war and confrontation as much as hawkish Republicans and Democrats.

Instead of leaping into confrontation, his preference is to waltz toward it. In the end, he gets to the same place. It just takes him more time. The most egregious part of the foreign policy segment was his overused accusation of Russian aggression in Ukraine, stating that America stands for the “principle that bigger nations can’t bully the small.” A more objective reading of Ukraine is that America and the West precipitated the crisis when they encouraged and financed the 2013-14 unrest and coup in order to pull that strategicallyplaced nation into NATO’s orbit. That this would be viewed as a threat to Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine and to the traditionally defensive geo-political doctrine of the government in Moscow seemed not to dissuade the West from this arrogant path. Whatever is taking place in Ukraine is due more to the West’s adventurism than of Putin’s. Worse, Obama’s foreign policy moralising was terribly hypocritical. Obama does not have to travel to Eastern Europe to see a larger nation bullying a smaller. He can remain in Washington for that. In 2009, Obama endorsed the appointment of former President Clinton as UN special envoy in Haiti. Since then, Clinton and the business interests he represents have set down on that tiny, hapless Black nation like vultures. Seeking to turn a large section of the northern part of Haiti into a private paradise in the mode of pre-Castro Cuba, these moneyed interests have begun to displace people from their homes in order to create vast resorts and industrial parks. At these industrial parks, Haitians are certainly to be employed. While some employment is better than none, this variety will not be close to fair. When Haitians clamored for a rise in the minimum wage years ago, the American State Department under Secretary Clinton pressured the Haitian government from enacting the progressive move. While Clinton paraded herself as a progressive wanting higher wages in America, she fought against them but a stone’s toss away for American shores. Meanwhile, her spouse has turned his role as Special Envoy into that of ProConsul. Nothing of consequence happens in Haiti without his input. He gets what he wants and nothing he opposes will occur. The lackey Haitian president defers to him as in the early days of 20th century when American troops held the island nation, American bankers controlled its treasury and there were places where the Americans did not allow the Haitian president of the day to go inside his own country. Today’s discrimination is not as obvious but is just as real. President Martelly dare not think of an independent course. He fears he will be forcibly escorted from the nation by American soldiers like President Aristide was in 2004. The strings attached to him drip with sugar and American favor, thus Martelly will continue to dance as Clinton’s puppet while bruising and clipping the aspirations of his own people for democratic good governance. There were numerous other aspects to the State of the Union Address. However, the other portions are much the same as what has been treated in this piece. After six years, President Obama continues to be a talented but misguided figure. He works faithfully for the deep pockets while only pretending to be the ally of those of meager circumstance. That which he said in his address is rapidly being forgotten because it has little cohesion to truth. I fear he will return to his trademark of talking leftwing but acting to the right. In prior years, Republican hatred saved him from his worst designs. This time, Republicans have rekindled talk of the reactionary Great Bargain they rebuffed in 2011. If Obama is true to form and snaps at their bait, he will assure his legacy. It will be one of a man who took the modest victory accident and benign fortune had given him and exchanged them for a colossal setback of his own manufacture. 08060340825 (sms only)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1 , 2015

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE CHANGE OF OF NAME NAME

CHIME

JOHNSON

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Chime Nancy Ezinne, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojugbeli Nancy Ezinne.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

UKWADIACHI

I,formerly known and addressed as UKWADIACHI OKEM HENRY, now wish to be known and addressed as MUKUZI OKEM HENRY.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ODO

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Ugwuta Godwin Odo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Ugwuta Godwin Chosen. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Gboko and general Public Should please take note.

ITODO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Ebi-Ojo Itodo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Ebi-Ojo Ameh. All former documents remain valid. General Public Should please take note. OMOTOLA I,formerly known and addressed as Omotola, Bosede Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Omotowa Bosede Oluwatosin.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME I,Seibokuro Endurance Epoweidei, Seibokuro Endurance and Endurance S. Epoweidei refers to one and same person. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should take note.

OGUNWO

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogun, Titilayo Oluyinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akingbade, Titilayo Oluyinka.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OLASOJI I,formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyinka Sherifat Olasoji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyinka Sherifat Olawunmi.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKPA I,formerly known and addressed as Charity Otaru Akpa, now wish to be known and addressed as Charity Otaru Onogwu.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ITIOLU

I,formerly known and addressed as Itiolu Olusegun Olumoroti Michael, now wish to be known and addressed as Michael Olusegun Micheal.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NGWU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ngwu, Perpetua Ukamaka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwuemeka, Perpetua Ukamaka.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. IKUELOGBON I,formerly known and addressed as Miss IKUELOGBON OLUBUNMI MARY, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. GBOLOGE OLUBUNMI MARY. All former documents remain valid. Ondo state hospital management board, nursing and midwifery council of Nigeria, National open university of Nigeria (Ondo state chapter) and the general public should take note.

OLAIYA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaiya Tinuola Olajumoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogundipe, Tinuola Olajumoke. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Civil Service Commission and general public should take note.

ADEBIYI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebiyi, Iyabosade Fadekemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. OlumideOjo, Iyabosade Fadekemi. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Civil Service Commission and general public should take note.

ADESIYAN

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS ADESIYAN, Olubunmi Adebayo, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADENIRAN Olubunmi Adebayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE I Mr Ikade Joseph Ekene of block 10 flat 3 MKO Abiodun Gardens, Ikeja Lagos, hereby that, I am the lawful owner of block 10, Flat 3, MKO Abiola Gardens, Ikeja. That the letter of allocation was dully issued to me by LSDPC but this got lost on transit. All effort aimed to get it proved abortive. LSDPC ,the general public please take note

CHANGE OF NAME

ADENIYI

TAIWO

KADIRI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Johnson, Mosunmola Victoria, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Johnson, Mosunmola Victoria. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeniyi, Iyabode Ronke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ohonusi, Iyabode Ronke Abeni.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Taiwo, Florence Abiodun T., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Issa, Abiodun Tawakat T. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Kadiri Medinat Abisola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olusoga Medinat Abisola. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

UMOTONG

I,formerly known and addressed as Aderonke Adedola Togun, now wish to be known and addressed as Feyisola Oluwafemi Togun.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Alabi, Ganiyu Olalekan, now wish to be known and addressed as AlabiOjolowo, Abdulghaniyy Olalekan. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Akinkuolie Akinloluwami Rapheal , now wish to be known and addressed as Olusoga Akinola Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ofonime Edet Umotong, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ofonime John Okon.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AMORANBINI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amoranbini, Rashidat Aderonke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adegoke, Rashidat Aderonke.All former documents remain valid. NSITF and general public should take note.

AGBETUYI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agbetuyi, Abiola Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oyeyinka, Abiola Olayinka.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ODEDINA I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odedina, Adeyinka Adetutu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aboderin, Adeyinka Adetutu.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKPOM

I, formerly known and addressed as Akpom Rose Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Icheke Rose Ijeoma.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AUSTENWOOD I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Namcy Niabari Austenwood, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nancy Naibari Lekan-Taiwo.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

LAWAL

I, formerly known and addressed as Lawal, Olabisi Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olabisi Oluwakemi Dosunmi.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADEJARE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss ADEJARE NAFISAT JUMOKE JUMOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. DAUD NAFISAT JUMOKE.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

ORAFU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Orafu, Salome Ebelechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojibe, Salome Ebelechukwu.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Nnatu Nonso Nino is the same person as Nnatu Nino Joseph.All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should take note.

ADENIYI

SHOWEMIMO

I,formerly known and addressed as Showemimo, Muideen Adeoye, now wish to be known and addressed as Akinrinlola Showemimo Muideen Adeoye.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AYANSINA

TOGUN

IDOWU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Margaret Modupe Idowu, now wish to be known and addressed as Marcus, Margaret Modupe.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Bolaji, Abimbola Temitope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olowofela, Abimbola Temitope. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Awa Monday Kalu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ema Veronica Oji. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss ANNE EYO EZEBALIKE, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. ANNE IBIWARI PEPPLE. All former documents remained valid. The general public should please take note.

OGUNBUNMI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeline Banyi Agan, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeline Obong. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

BOLAJI

I,formerly known and addressed as Ogunbunmi, Akinloye , now wish to be known and addressed as Isaac Akinloye. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OKOROAFOR I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoroafor, Maryjane Ifunanya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Adighije, Maryjane Ifunanya. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and general public should take note.

OGBOYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogboye, Medina Omobolanle, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Medina Omobolanle Puddicombe. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

YARO

I,formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Zainab Nihinlola Yaro, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Dorcas Nihinlola Yaro. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKINYODE I,formerly known and addressed as Akinyode, AdetolaniOlolade, now wish to be known and addressed as Adenuga, Adetolani Ololade. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME Micheal Wasiu is the same person as Adeniyi Olamilekan. Am fromIkirunLocal govt not Ejigbo Local govt. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Funsho, Ibilola Mujidat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Fagbola, Ibilola Mujidat.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

IFEZUE

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS VIVIAN CHIAMAKA IFEZUE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS.VIVIAN CHIAMAKA DALLAH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AGAN

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Tamuno-Okeipirim Joshua Asime and Owen Junior Harry refers to the same person. now wish to be known and addressed as Tamuno-Okeipirim Joshua Asime. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

QUADRI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Quadri, Falilat Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tadese, Falilat Abosede.All former documents remain valid. NSCDC and general public should take note.

GANIYU I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ganiyu Muslimat Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Badeji Muslimat Olayinka.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OLOJEDE

I,formerly known and addressed as MISS OLOJEDE, ELIZABETH ABOSEDE henceforth wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OKE, ELIZABETH ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DAVIES

ODEMUYIWA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Odemuyiwa Oluwaseun Adebola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olatunji Oluwaseun Adebola, all former documents remain valid general public take note.

OGUNTOYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oguntoye, Olushola Oluwatobi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Williams, Olushola Oluwatobi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AINA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss AINA OLUBUNMI TOLULOPE, now wish to be known as Mrs. AKINSOLA OLUBUNMI TOLULOPE. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

OFOMA

ADENIGBO

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADENIGBO IBUKUN,now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKANDE - FEMI IBUKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IKWUJIOZOR

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IKWUJIOZOR VICTORY CHIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. UZOCHUKWU VICTORY CHIKA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME Siyanbola Muideen is the same person as Siyanbola Muideen Adebayo henceforth I want to be known and addressed as Siyanbola Muideen Adebayo all former documents remain valid general public take note.

OKORO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss CHINASA FRANCISCA OKORO, now wish to be known as Mrs. CHINASA FRANCISCA FABIAN OKEKE. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

KEGBE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Kegbe Kesiena Faith, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Udi. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Abia State, Seadrill Mobile Unit and the general public should please take note.

NDIDI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyenma Blessing Ndidi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyenma M. Blessing . All former documents remain valid. Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike and the general public should please take note.

OKORIE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okorie Josephine Chizoba, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Josephine Chizoba Uche Azoke . all former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

FABIANA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss EZIKE UGOCHI FABIANA now wish to be known as Mrs. IKE UGOCHI FABIANA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKEOMA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss MFON UTUK NKANGA now wish to be known as Mrs. MFON SYLVIA CYRIL. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

OKWARA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss NWAKANMA CHIHURUMNANYA NAOMI, now wish to be known as Mrs. ONWUKA CHIHURUMNANYA NAOMI. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okeoma Chioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maduagwu Chioma Blessing. All former documents remain valid. S.E.M.B . Abia State and the general public should please take note. I formerly known and addressed as Miss Okwara Ogori Emmaculate, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emmaculate Godspower Azoke. All former documents remain valid,the general public should please take note.

OGBONNAYA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbonnaya Constance Chinasa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mgbeke Constance Chinasa . All former documents remain valid, Local government Service Commission and the general public should please take note.

OBINECHE

NVENE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS NVENE NNEKA GLORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. NDUKWE NNEKA GLORIA. All former documents remain valid. National Assembly Abuja and general public please take note.

IHEMENANDU

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ihemenandu Patience Nkechinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Favour - Nwaburuoke Patience Nkechinyere. All former documents remain valid, ASUBEB, LGEA, Isuikwuato and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ofoma Chioma Augusta now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Udoekezie Chioma Augusta . All former documents remain valid. BSU, PG School NAU Awka, FMC Umuahia and the general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS IBE ELIZABETH CHIGAEMEZU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IKE ELIZABETH CHIGAEMEZU. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyeri Funmilayo Esther now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Arowomole Funmilayo Aishat all former documents remain valid general public take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Omole Deborah Bosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Temidayo Deborah Bosede. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EZEBALIKE

ADEYERI

NELSON I formerly known and addressed as Miss Nelson Victor Olasunkanmi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ilesanmi Victor Olasunkanmi, all former documents remain valid general public take note.

OMOLE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Vivian Uche, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chioma Vivian Ihezie. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKINRINDE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss BLESSING CHIOMA OBINECHE, now wish to be known as Mrs. BLESSING CHIOMA NWANKWO. All former documents remain valid general public please take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME Mr. FABIAN .C. OGUGUO, Mr. AMANDI FABIAN OKEKE, Mr. AMANDI OKEKE, and Mr. CHUKWUDUBEM OKEKE. Refers to one and the same person now wish to be known as Mr. AMANDI FABIAN OKEKE. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS YONNEM NDUDI OZ, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS . YONNEM NDUDI UDUEZUE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. MARGARET O.DAVIES, now wish to be known and addressed as MS.MARGARET O.OTITE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FUNSHO

KALU

UCHE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igwemba, Bridget Chika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Atuanya Bridget Chika.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OGUNSEYE

USEN

ABUGAN

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abugan Grace Oluwafisayomi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amuwa Grace Oluwafisayomi. All former documents remain valid general public take note. I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinrinde Oyeyemi Olubunmi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Orebe, Oyeyemi Olubunmi. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Sunday Abiodun, Christopher Dare Abiodun is the same person as Dare Abiodun. All documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunseye, Ajibola Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunsanmi Ajibola Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OGUNYEMI I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunyemi, Ajoke Alice, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwatimilehin, Ajoke Alice. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AKINKUOLIE

I,formerly known and addressed as Mfreke Ubong Usen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Mfreke Esu Esu. All former documents remain valid. University of Birmingham, United Kingdom, University of Calabar, Nigerian Immigration Service Commission and general public should take note.

OLUBITAN I,formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Olubitan Abimbola Oyindasola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anthony Durojaiye Abimbola Oyindasola. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Ayansina Olalekan, now wish to be known and addressed as Ayansina Olalekan Afeez.All former documents remain valid. WAEC, NECO, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should take note.

IGWEMBA

ALABI

CHANGE OF NAME

IBE

ELEWA I formerly known and addressed as Miss STELLA OLUNNE ELEWA now wish to be known as Mrs. STELLA OLUNNE PROSPER ISRAEL. All former documents remain valid Rivers State Polytechnic Bori. And the general public please take note.

NKANGA

NWAKANMA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I AKINTOPE OLUWAPAMILERINAYO SAMUEL,that i sat for WAEC 2013 with examination num. 4280704134 and my name was mistakenly registered as AKINTOPE SAMUEL TUNDE,and my rightful name is AKINTOPE OLUWAPAMILERINAYO SAMUEL .All the documents bearing the two names is thesame person and still remain valid. Osun state polytechnic,iree and general public should please take note.

AKABUSI I formerly known and addressed as MISS AMAKA AKABUSI. Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AMAKA HARRISON-AJA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

FAHEEDAT

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Faheedat Al-Ameen, now wish to be known as Mrs Faheedat Al-Ameen-Lawal. All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

ESTHER

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinyemi Oluwaseun Esther, now wish to be known as Miss Andrew Mabel Itohan. All former documents remain valid general public please take note. AKINPELUMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinpelumi Bukola now wish to be known as Mrs JohnAtayero Bukola Rhoda, All former documents remain valid general public please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE ABOABA-SURU RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, OGBA, LAGOS This is to notify the general public that the above mentioned Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, CAP 59 Laws, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Elder Alfred Oladokun Popoola. 2. Alhaji Tajudeen Alabi 3. Alhaji Tayo Adeitan 4. Elder Johnson Odedele 5. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Somolu

6. Dr. Kunle Sodeke 7. Primate Pius Ade. Adekanle 8. Elder Peter Pedro 9. Mrs. Oluremi Owodeyi

AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. To protect and improve the welfare of the residents 2. To promote peace and Unity among the residents 3. To Promote the development of the residential areas. Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication. SIGNED: S. A. ADEPITAN ESQ.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2015

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1 , 2015

HE political history of Nigeria is definitely incomplete without the recognition of the role that the old Western Region in Nigeria played in its total socio-political formation. More often than not, historians will remember the infamous ‘wild wild West’ and the ‘wetie’ political violence that contributed to the scuttling of the Nigeria’s first republic. There would also be a grudging, if acknowledged, recognition of the outstanding role played by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Many contrary historical interpreters would even doubt that Awolowo is a saint of Nigerian history. If history is the action or inaction of world historic figures, then these interpreters would contend that Awolowo was directly complicit in the series of stormy events that led to the official beginning of the Nigerian Civil War and most of the horrific incidences that attended it. More objective interpreters of history will be willing to factor in the singular transformation of the Western Region under the masterly political genius of Chief Awolowo. The infrastructural development of the southwest under his political watch was a testimonial to his capacity to see politics as a tool for bettering the lives of the people of the western region. The AG’s party slogan then was ‘life more abundant’, and by the time the western region would be winding down, the people of this region would be more willing to believe the epithet ascribed to Awolowo as ‘the best president Nigeria never had,’ than the rest of Nigeria. What I want to do in this contribution is to lay the foundation for a proper historical appreciation of the administrative synergy that went into the highly celebrated southwest success story under Awolowo’s watch as Premier. My specific intention is to outline the critical best practices which could facilitate a proper reform trajectory for the Nigerian civil service if taken serious and implemented with dogged determination. The glory of the old Western region and its civil service, quite surprising, had something to do with the some false starts of the federal civil service, especially after the implementation of the Nigerianisation Policy that ensured that colonial administrative expatriates were replaced so rapidly with indigenous administrators. Two serious issues made this indigenisation policy counterproductive to its original intent. The first is that given the effect of the amalgamation policy of Lord Lugard, one of the immediate effects of the policy was the tension it initiated between merit and representativeness. In other words, when the Policy’s implementation entered parliamentary debate, it became an issue between those willing to thread the path of merit in recruiting administrators, and those urging the respect for diversity through representativeness. In the final analysis, the need for representativeness or quota won out, and the civil service’s seed of bloated-ness got sown so early beyond effectiveness and efficiency. The second issue that undermine the federal civil service is a corollary of the first, and more cogent to the success of the old western region. Given the chaotic ambience of the federal civil service caused by representativeness, most of the top echelon of officials that were trained by the British opted to return to the regions as their first

Old Western Regional Civil Service as best practice for nationwide reform ( I )

•Awolowo By Tunji Olaopa choice station. They got their wish when Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Ahmadu Bello all returned to their regions and decided to take their ‘First Eleven’ administrative officers with them. Thus, Adebo went to the west, Udoji went to the east and Akilu to the north. The reason Chief Simeon Adebo gave for his decision to return was, given the choice available to him, brilliant: In the Western Region, he would be having the privilege of dealing with a government that was not divided along tribal or ideological line. When he finally got to the west, he was not disappointed. He summed up the totality of his administrative years in his exciting memoir appropriately titled Our Unforgettable Years (1983). The summation of those years of toiling side by side with a political leadership who understood the yearnings of the people is what is today regarded in Nigeria’s administrative literature as the Awolowo-Adebo model—a solid testament to what a sound political-administrative leadership collaboration can do for the reform strength and governance capability of the civil service anywhere in the world. When the British consolidated its civil service, especially through the Northcote-Trevelyan Report and the Macaulay-led Committee on the Indian Civil Service Report, both of 1854, it had one singular objective: to create a critical mass of civil service officials who will be well trained in character and learning as to provide a top flight support for executive policymakers. The bureaucracy, both in theory and practice, is founded on its need to serve as the organisational structure for delivering the policy of government. That is why the ‘politics-administration’ dichotomy constitutes one of the founding binaries of public administration. This dichotomy implies that in order for administration to fulfil its original objective, it must ensure that it always remains a step removed from politics. Max Weber renders it in the form of anonymity, neutrality and impartiality of the civil servant. With this underlying institutional framework, the British civil service created a cadre system

that entrenched a generalist class as the top administrative echelon of the civil service system. This was the general framework and philosophy of the system that colonialism would transport across the Atlantic to the third world countries. That was the system that had been considered as one of the greatest legacies that the British gave Nigeria. The cadre system was introduced to the Nigerian civil service in 1946 through the Harragin reform, which established the two-service structure: ‘senior service’ and ‘junior service’. Given its reliance on the secretariat system of authority, the system functions through reliance on the maintenance of rigid distinctions between line and staff functions and, implicitly, on filling policymaking posts with generalist administrators. Subsequent to ‘encadrement’ of an officer after entry, based on the result of a competitive examination conducted by the Civil Service Commission, a newly recruited officer undergoes specified intensive training for a period. He then enters an apprenticeship period called ‘probation’ as condition precedent to confirmation of appointment. After confirmation an officer acquires the status of a career officer, with all the entitlements, including pension rights. This is the administrative baseline that produced the pioneers of the Nigerian civil service and made them into trustworthy and dedicated public servants who imbibed the three basic characteristics of leadership, professionalism and publicspiritedness underlying the British administrative system. And they deployed the three into a rigorous reproduction of what they learnt from the British into the governance task of the newly independent Nigeria at their various regional civil services. By the time Simeon Adebo was singing his swan song as an administrative officer, he knew that he had fulfilled his ‘ministry.’ When Simeon Adebo is referred to today as the ‘father of the Nigerian civil service,’ that honour did not come lightly. It is one that is bought with professional toil, spiritual uprightness and administrative character. He was

professional enough to know that the essence of his calling was to serve the government to the best of his ability. He also recognised that, as the head of the civil service of the Western region, professionalism would amount to nothing if the civil service system is not allowed to continually reform its operational dynamics as the engine room of government business. Louis Pasteur, the French scientist, once remarked that ‘chance favours only the prepared mind.’ Simeon Adebo was prepared. And he met in Chief Awolowo a political strategist who had immense governance use for the administrative competences Adebo had learnt. The rest, as they say, is history! In the next part, we will examine the strict content of the Awolowo-Adebo administrative model and the reform consequences it produced in the civil service of the old western region. Adebo: The Unforgettable Years There are two reasons why the old Western region has become a serious administrative reference for us in this series. The first is that it serves as a broad historical reminder of the role of administration in the realisation of the sparkling infrastructural achievements of Awolowo and the AG in the West. The second reason is that, within a specific bureaucratic context, it constitutes a simple but remarkable reform reference for any civil service that wants to become a world class institution for implementing government policies and delivering quality, efficient and effective services to the people. In the last part, we outlined the political and administrative dynamics that led to the good fortunes of the civil service of the western region, but unfortunately led to the urgent need to continually seek the reform of the federal civil service. By some kind of bittersweet paradox, the administrative good fortune of the old western region has now become a reference point by which the future of the Nigerian civil service can be calibrated into a world class public service institution to serve the entire nation. When Simeon Adebo got to the western region, he met in place, already formulated, a policy blueprint that covered almost all areas of infrastructural requirement—education, transport, healthcare, sport, communication, etc. And as we earlier noted, Adebo himself was not a fumbling civil servant who had no idea of service. He had been well nurtured in the British administrative tradition in the art of administrative competence and cooperation. Awolowo had already raised the consciousness of the people on the slogan of ‘life more abundant.’ When Adebo arrived, he was read the riot act about what is needed to bring that slogan alive. As if Adebo had not known that fact already, he was told by Awolowo to leave the political complexity of policy formulation to him. All he required is that every policy initiative must always be accompanied by a detailed analysis of possible implications from every possible angle when finally implemented. Adebo translated this administrative mission into his own slogan: ‘Work more abundant.’ And as the head of service, he had to find the administrative means by which

‘work more abundant’ would yield ‘life more abundant’ without killing the workforce in the process or undermining the operational dynamics of the civil service. His administrative genius translated into eight straight best practices which, I can confidently wager, ought to serve as the stepping stone for any civil service that wishes to become world class. First, there is the understanding of civil service as a service, a spiritual calling. This is all the more profound because Adebo himself had no special original calling into administration; he studied English! Yet, he came to a deep understanding of his vocation as more than just an employment. Adebo would definitely understand Abraham Maslow’s contention that ‘Duty cannot be contrasted with pleasure, nor work with play when duty is pleasure, when work is play, and the person doing his duty and being virtuous is simultaneously seeking his pleasure and being happy.’ This conception of service as a spiritual endeavour therefore permeated the entire workforce, top-down. It was definitely an appropriate starting point for development performance. The second best practice was the initiative on personnel management, and especially the solid rapport with the public service commission. It was only natural that someone who considered his vocation as a spiritual calling would seek constantly to ensure that only the best personnel would become civil servants. The gate was therefore adequately kept to make sure the good values of service, dedication, commitment, delayed gratification, accountability, transparency, good character and so on remained sacrosanct in the heat of service. The critical reference point was the focus on manpower development as a fulcrum for raising a critical mass of professionals trained in the art of managing the public services. The founding of an Establishment and Control branch in 1956 ensured a steady supply of capacitated public officials who can ensure a rising performance profile of the civil service in the business of governance. The fourth reform innovation concerned the establishment of a seamless towngown rapport. The Western Region civil service facilitated the strengthening of its economic analysis capacity through a unique collaboration that brought together civil servants and academics in a town-gown relationship that infused civil service administration with debated and brainstormed ideas and innovation to function at optimal performance. The initial AClub, which later transformed into a Regional Economic Planning Advisory Committee, took advantage of the proximity of the University of Ibadan and its brilliant scholars—for instance, Profs. Ojetunji Aboyade, Sam Aluko (from Ife) and a host of others— were the fountain source of intellectual insights for administrative progress. (Being excerpt of lecture delivered as Guest Speaker at the 7 th Summit of the Heads of Service in the South-West Geopolitical Zone hosted by the Lagos State Government at Alausa, Ikeja on Wednesday, 28 th of January, 2015.)

•TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY

THE NATION ON SUNDAY FEBRUARY 1 , 2015

QUOTABLE “Terrorism, in particular the brutality of Boko Haram against our people, is a threat to our collective safety, security and development. This has now spread to the region beyond Nigeria and requires a collective, effective and decisive response.”

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 9, NO. 3113

—AU Commission chair, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, on AU’s planned on slaught against Boko Haram.

FENIFERE, inappropriately described as the pan-Yoruba sociocultural organisation, has reportedly endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for a second term. Whether the organisation’s leaders like to admit it or not, the implication is that it is now official that Afenifere has endorsed the PDP, for Dr Jonathan cannot be divorced from the PDP anymore than the PDP can be extricated from Buruji Kashamu. They are all intertwined, soul and body, follies and foibles, and in manners and egregiousness. It is unlikely that Afenifere entertains any illusion about the full ramification of its endorsement, or that all along it has been a political and ambitious organisation. It gave the endorsement boldly and proudly, indifferent to whether it was wise or foolish. Last week in Akure, after a meeting at the residence of the organisation’s leader, Reuben Fasoranti, Afenifere offered its soul to Dr Jonathan in the presumptuous conviction that of the two main contestants to the Nigerian presidency, Dr Jonathan better approximates the Yoruba yearning and worldview. There is nothing in their statements and actions to indicate that Afenifere still represents all Yoruba people. Indeed, over time, its moral force has weakened considerably, its political sagacity and logic waned, its judgement dulled, and its compass so twisted it is a wonder its leaders can still find their way home after every endorsement they give out to undeserving politicians. But they hold on to past glories, just as they won’t let go of past prejudices and bigotries. Notwithstanding the formation of the more ideological and principled Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), the rump Afenifere still believes it is the main deal among the Yoruba, that it can crack the whip and the gelding would respond, that the little rudder it imagines itself to be literally and figuratively can still imaginatively steer so large a ship and so complex and intransigent a people as the Yoruba. The endorsement comes barely three weeks to the general elections, and was hatched in Akure under the tempestuous and conspiratorial noses of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, Chief Fasoranti and Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State, among others. Dr Mimiko was once hailed as the rallying point for Yoruba renaissance by the same Afenifere enigmas who a little while back were famished for a hero, anyone, any type. Dr Mimiko wins elections, but he possesses little else by way of sagacity, spunk and character. He is the archetypal Machiavelian who thinks nothing of giving his word with quiet dignity, but desperately disavowing it at the first hint of a challenge or difficulty, and with all the contrived ruefulness his melancholic spirit will allow. Today, the Afenifere enigmas have moderated their expectations. Chief Fasoranti may have inherited the stool dignified by the late Adekunle Ajasin and the late Abraham Adesanya, but there is little else to indicate that the contemplative quietude and regal aloofness with which the founding leaders presided over the Yoruba group are inherent in the current leader. In particular, Pa Adesanya not only exhibited an expansive view of history and culture , and was deep, reserved and magisterial, his judgement was also incomparably and intuitively sound, his style avuncular, and his view of leadership noble, rich, kaleidoscopic, selfless, metaphysical, almost infallible. Under Chief Fasoranti, Afenifere’s endorsement of Dr Jonathan illustrates the wide gulf between inheriting a throne in its physical ordinariness and inheriting a throne in all its dignity, nobility, and intangible etherealness. What Afenifere’s soul looked like under Pa Ajasin and Pa Adesanya was indisputably robust and magnetic; now who can tell what it looks like and what strange and indecipherable

Afenifere crosses the endorsement Rubicon

•Adesanya

signals it emits? Otunba Daniel was also reported to be present at the meeting where Afenifere’s endorsement was peddled for a trifle. Like Dr Mimiko, Chief Fasoranti and a few others, Otunba Daniel pretends to be imbued with the attribute of a Yoruba leader. But when he governed Ogun State, his mind wandered promiscuously between the esoteric mysticism of his past, complete with a fondness for cultural miniatures and gargoyles, not to say the dark arts of native alchemy, and the more open and conventional orthodoxy of his Christian upbringing. He perhaps excuses this fondness for the dark arts, this strange besottedness, on cultural grounds, but no one is fooled. It is not for nothing that the mind of this self-appointed Yoruba leader is seething with reactionary politics and discordant dialectics, as evidenced by his eight years in office. All three, together with their personal and dedicated clearing house and cultural and political Ouija board, Yinka Odumakin, have engineered Afenifere’s questionable and reprehensible endorsement of Dr Jonathan and the PDP. Finally, after many years of rigmarole and epic struggle with their identity and conscience, Afenifere has now become a subset and subject of the PDP in a galling and anticlimactic way. It has shut its eyes to all the weaknesses, not to say the crass conservatism, of the ruling party. It convinces itself that neither the PDP nor the APC is progressive, and that if it comes to bureaucratic and leadership shenanigans, there is apparently no settling the precedence between the two leading parties. More, it believes without substantiation that the deceptive affability of Dr Jonathan, as it sees him, is preferable to the mercurial and brutally competitive nature of one or two APC leaders. The Afenifere position on the presidential election is anchored on two leprous legs, both of which attempt to justify the endorsement. Hear the group: ‘’As far as Afenifere is concerned, the presidential election is to decide between two options, freedom or slavery. We have elected to choose freedom, freedom from bondage, internal enslavement and internal colonialism that hold most Nigerians down under the bastion of domination and we are convinced that the 2014 national conference report has laid the basis for the proper restructuring of the

•Fasoranti

country...We want to warn the people of Yorubaland to be careful of those who promise change and do not believe in the restructuring of Nigeria and those who boycotted national conference and described it as diversion.’’ While it is clear the reasons Afenifere endorsed Dr Jonathan, it is not quite clear why and how they became heedlessly trapped in the ethnic divisions and prejudices of the past. Using hysterical language, the Yoruba group talks sweepingly and anachronistically of the choices they claim are before the country: of freedom and of slavery . It is hard to explain why they are stuck with this nonsense. The revelation of the 2011 elections is that no one, no region, no ethnic group can singlehandedly win a presidential election, let alone dominate and enslave others. More profoundly, it is also crystal clear that the North has to work with the South to win, and the South must ally with the North to sweep the polls. East-West alliance never worked, and never will. Northeast-Northwest alliance is even more preposterous. It is dead on arrival. The 2011 elections put paid to the military aberration that distorted and undermined the polity for decades. Whether we like it or not, for peace and stability to reign, cooperation between North and South is unavoidable, and is in fact the crying need of the moment. Instigating ethnic loathing, such as Afenifere is doing, and fanning sectarian distrust, such as Dr Jonathan is himself doing, should be viewed warily and denounced. It is likely Afenifere spoke of slavery in respect of the quest by the North, in this instance, through Muhammadu Buhari, to win the presidency. In the Second Republic, the ordinary southwesterner was harried by the ghost of northern hordes swooping on the South and forcefully Islamising them. Many southerners outgrew this childish apparition and have yielded themselves to the prospects and possibilities of interand intra-regional relationships. But not the regular Rip Van Winkles of the Afenifere who canonise this outdated and indefensible argument with the quizzical zealotry of kid soldiers introduced to killing for the first time. And ex-

cept Afenifere leaders who self-righteously reduce the presidential poll to a choice between one thing or the other, every other person, including foreigners and an assortment of half-wits, knows the issues that are uppermost in the minds of Nigerians. Foisting a discredited and silly agendum on Nigerians is unworkable. Second, and more revealingly, the Yoruba group went beyond endorsing Dr Jonathan to warning the Yoruba to avoid the All Progressives Congress (APC) whose mantra is change. Since a few leaders of the opposition party advocated a boycott of the national conference, it was enough for Afenifere to appoint themselves as leaders and prefects of the Yoruba and issue what amounts to a political fatwa on the APC. Given how they worded their warning, and the effrontery with which they issued it, it is abundantly clear that the leadership of the group is consumed by malice, bitterness and unadulterated hatred for one or two of the APC national leadership. It is such personal grievances and petty animosities that Afenifere has shockingly elevated into group and regional policies. In previous statements, leaders of Afenifere even insinuated that the APC was polliticising the Chibok abductions, without explaining how, and had sold the Southwest to the Hausa-Fulani, without suggesting how anyone can win the election by alienating a whole region. Without doubt, the presidential poll is all about the economic downturn, with unemployment rate close to a quarter of the workforce; insecurity in large swathes of the country, a fact dangerously underestimated and misread by the Jonathan government; cancerous corruption; the ninemonth-old abduction of 219 Chibok schoolgirls that has outraged the whole world; the personal ineptitude of Dr Jonathan; his obtruding wife; the president’s well-known ethnic prejudice and provincialism evident in his indulgent handling of the provocations of Ijaw militants;, and his obvious demonstration of inability to comprehend the demands of his office. The poll is certainly not about Afenifere’s so-called choice between freedom and slavery, two gaseous and malignant words signifying nothing. The world is appalled by events in Nigeria; the African continent is ashamed of Dr Jonathan and bewildered by our connivance; Nigeria no longer commands respect of any sort in Africa; and Nigerians themselves are so dismayed and frustrated that they are lost for words to describe the sorry pass to which their country has tragically come. It is a shame that the Yoruba, famed for their education, political activism and progressivism, can host a socio-cultural organisation that blindly ignores the reality of the moment, embraces a chimera, and instigates ethnic and in some ways sectarian hatred with violent words. Rather than have Nigeria face two choices, it is Afenifere itself that is staring down the barrel of two disconcerting choices. By endorsing Dr Jonathan and throwing in their lot with the PDP, thereby abjuring their apolitical nature, they have indicated their preparedness to swim or sink with their new masters. If inconceivably he wins, Dr Jonathan can still not rise above his modest talents to offer Nigeria quality and inspiring leadership, and may in fact come to grief sooner rather than later. Afenifere will thus be exposed for backing the wrong horse. But if he loses, as he seems fated to do, Afenifere will lose everything dramatically. What were they promised for them to make this mad and desperate gambit? In short, Afenifere is damned whether Dr Jonathan wins or loses. For a Yoruba organisation that galloped resplendently into the people’s view and consciousness on a revolutionising and liberating ideology, they have found themselves in a peculiar and uncomfortable position indeed. It is sad that barely three leaders since the Sani Abacha years, the Afenifere knights errant are impaled on their own swords in one massive, tectonic unravelling.

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