January 08, 2012

Jonathan reads riot act to protesters

STATE OF EMERGENCY

Yobe, Borno, Plateau, Niger still tense

Cuts salaries of ministers, advisers by 25% Reduces foreign travels –PAGE 7

President’s speech empty –Labour

–PAGE 7

–PAGE 7

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.06, No. 1998

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

N200.00

JANUARY 8, 2012

FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

Labour set for total strike –PAGE 4

ACN govs call for restraint

Protesters demonstrating against the withdrawal of fuel subsidy during the week in Abuja Photo: ABAYOMI FAYOSE

Boko Haram kills 16 in Yola Gov Nyako imposes 24-hour curfew CAC Pastor, son among victims We’ll hold govs responsible, CAN vows Irate youths attack Police Commissioner

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NOTHER church service was brutally terminated in Yola, Adamawa State, on Friday night after suspected Boko Haram members marched into the Christ Apostolic Church, Jimeta, spraying worshippers with bullets.

At least 16 lay dead after the attack.Three persons were killed in a

Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation with agency reports

nearby salon also by suspected Boko Haram members while two were killed in Maiduguri.

It came just 24 hours after members of the sect killed eight and injured 19 in a simi-

lar fashion at the Deeper Life Bible Church in Gombe.

Victims of the Yola mayhem include the Pastor in charge of the church, simply called Moses, and his son.

The pastor's wife is battling for survival having been critically injured.

•Continued on Page 2

Presidency, PDP pressure Tambuwal to shelve session Rep backs FG –PAGE 6

BAYELSA

PDP loses bid to stop Sylva’s suit –PAGE 8

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NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Nyako offers N25million reward to unmask Mubi killers

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HERE is a N25million reward for information leading to unmasking the brains behind the spate of killings in Adamawa State.

The reward is courtesy of Governor Murtala Nyako .

At least 43 people have been killed in the state since Thursday.The latest victims,16 in all, were murdered on Friday night during a service at the Christ Apostolic Church,Yola,the state capital.

Twenty-two people described as mourners had been killed earlier in the day at Mubi in the state by gunmen while meeting at the residence of a man who had been shot dead on Thursday to plan for his burial.

Four other persons died in the Thursday attack on an hotel in the town.The Boko Haram sect claimed responsibility for the Mubi killings.

Governor Nyako ,in a state wide broadcast,called the killing of innocent people by Boko Haram as a declaration of war on good by evil.

He apologised to the government and people of Anambra State,where majority of victims of the Mubi massacre hailed from and promised to offset the cost of their burial hospital bill of the injured.

He begged non-indigenes not to leave the state saying adequate steps would be taken to protect life and property.

• Says killing of innocent people is war between good and evil From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

He said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I am addressing you on the unprecedented security situation in the state. It is only a year ago that the was state was being adjudged as the most peaceful and secured in the North-East political zone.

The state has enjoyed very cordial relationship among all persons residing in the state.

“Unfortunately, we are

presently witnessing a spate of wanton killing unheard of in the state. In the last four days in the state, the state has suddenly started experiencing the following disastrous acts.

“One, a robbery in a residential building in Mubi on Wednesday 4th January 2012 left an Igbo man and his son dead while the robbers went away with large sums of money.

“Two, about the same day, there was a robbery at

Mubi Cattle Market where many people were robbed.

“On the evening of 5th January 2012, three mentwo Igbo men and a Yoruba man- were shot dead at a beer parlour in Mubi.

“Fourth, on the morning of 6th January 2012, while a group was planning the burial of the two Igbo men killed, gunmen opened fire killing 11 people.

“Fifth, same day in the evening, an attack at the Apostolic Church Jimeta,

• Rescue and emergency squad of Civil Defence Corps during the demonstration and show of strength by the corps in Abuja on Friday.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYOSE

Boko Haram kills 16 in Yola •Continued from Page 1 More than 30 worshippers were injured with six in the emergency ward of the State's Specialist Hospital in Yola.

Some youths turned their anger on the Adamawa State Police Commissioner, Mr. Shinaba Adenrele and almost killed him.

He was however rushed to nearly hospital for treatment by policemen.

The State government has imposed a 24-hour dusk to dawn curfew on the state capital to enable it take stock of the situation and restore normalcy.

Angry youths protesting the killings, barricaded some streets in Yola.The protests were said to be spreading to Numan and Lamorde in the state.

It was gathered that nine members of Boko Haram stormed the CAC church on Church Road in Yola on three motor-cycles and opened fire on the worshippers.

They struck mid way into the service at about 7pm.

A source said: “They came while the service was in progress and shot at the worshippers beginning from the altar.

“They killed the Pastor,

his son and 14 others. More than 30 people were injured but six were critically wounded and they are being treated at the State Specialist Hospital in Yola.

“The corpses of those killed have also been deposited at the mortuary of the same hospital.

“The situation has become tensed in the state capital with angry youths mounting barricade leading to the Lutheran Christian Church along the same Church Road.

“We have just heard of riots breaking out in Numan and Lamorde over the dastardly killing of these 16 innocent people.

“The pastor, who was killed with his son, hailed from Numan. There are fears of reprisals in some parts of the state.”

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Kobis Ari, on Gotel Radio announced a 24-hour curfew.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Shinaba Adenrele, escaped being killed by angry youths when he visited the CAC church at about 10am yesterday.

The Police Commissioner, who spoke with The Nation on the phone after

First Aid treatment, said: “Well, I thank God for sparing my life. What happened was that 12 members of the CAC Church were killed by suspected gunmen on Friday night. Four of them were injured but they are responding to treatment at the State Specialist Hospital.

“Members of the church were about ending their service when these gunmen struck and killed these innocent people. But upon getting there and while I was addressing the crowd, one of the angry youths took a big stone and hit my chest leaving me sprawling. He attacked me despite the fact that I was in uniform.

“Even while being rushed to the hospital, I managed to prevail on my men not to open fire in order not to compound the security situation.

“I have recovered after treatment at the hospital.

The governor has imposed a 24-hour curfew because Christians said they are going to retaliate.

“The 24-hour curfew is subject to review by the governor depending on the security situation in the state.”

At a nearby beauty salon, at least three others were killed in a similar attack.

"Three gunmen with their faces covered with black cloth burst into my salon and started shooting at customers, chanting, 'God is great, God is great,'" said Stephen Tizhe, 35.

The violence comes ahead of a planned gubernatorial election later this month.

Also on Friday night, gunmen set two banks ablaze with petrol bombs in Potiskum, Yobe State, starting a gunfight with police that lasted three hours, the police commissioner Tanko Lawan said. At least two people were killed in the fight, he said.

Similarly, sect gunmen yesterday shot and killed two Christian students of the University of Maiduguri, the police commissioner Simeon Midenda said.

No arrests have been made in any of the attacks, authorities said.

In a statement Friday a Boko Haram spokesman using the nom de guerre Abul-Qaqa claimed responsibility for the attacks in Gombe and Mubi.

"We want to prove to the federal government of Nigeria that we can always change our tactics," the spokesman said.

Yola left 12 people dead.

“Fellow citizens, there are no reasons, let alone excuses, for these murders. For the cold blooded killing of these people and others now in hospital and clinics.

“The first set of those acts which were meted to persons of same ethnic and religious background, clearly meant to provoke us to consider the motive of the murders as ethnic or religious.

We are not accepting that.

“These are evil and criminal acts, clearly horrible, illmotivated and irreligious.

The perpetrators are merely hiding under the guise of religion and ethnicity to cause disaffection among the people of Adamawa State.

“Whoever conceived these did so with the aim of disturbing the peace we enjoy in the state with its attendant adverse effects on security, harmony and socio-economic progress of the state. We must face the evil persons behind them squarely. They will not be allowed to destroy our dream of a peaceful and prosperous Adamawa State.

“Let me at this juncture announce a N25m award to any individual or group who provides credible information that leads to the arrest of the perpetrators of these crimes.

“I appeal to all non-indigenes of Adamawa, especially our Igbo, Yoruba and corper brothers and sisters, not to contemplate leaving the state but go about their normal businesses.

“The security agencies have taken all necessary steps to protect lives and property of everybody in the state.

“Let me also appeal to all concern not to take the law into their hands here in the state or outside the state.

We are reaching out to our colleagues in other states to cooperate with us in soothing the obviously frayed nerves and angry relatives of

the deceased.

“I send to them, especially the relatives of the deceased, and the maimed, the Government and people of Anambra State our deepest condolences. We also extend such condolences to the relatives of the victims of other criminal acts.

“I hereby assure you that the Adamawa State Government will bear all the burial and medical expenses on behalf of the families of those involved.

Atiku condemns killings

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ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the latest round of ethnic and religious terrorist attacks in Jigawa, Gombe and in Mubi and Jimeta, Adamawa State, by yet to be identified gunmen.

Speaking to journalists last night on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,he said the killing of 30 innocent citizens by bandits was not only criminal and barbaric but also a dangerous threat to the unity of the country.

The former vice president said this spiral of violence, especially coming two weeks after the terrorist attack on Christian worshippers at the St. Theresa Catholic Church at Madalla on Christmas Day, is unacceptable because it was targeted at destroying Nigeria’s hard efforts to sustain unity in diversity.

According to Atiku, the attack on defenceless citizens anywhere carries the risk of polarizing the nation and weakening the efforts to take a united stand against terrorists and their evil agenda.

He called for increased vigilance by security agents, wondering how bandits could wipe out lives with impunity without detection or intervention by those trained to protect the citizens.

CAN to hold governors responsible for killings

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OLLOWING killings in some northern part of the country, the National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor has said that the Boko Haram is calling for another civil war with the killing of Christians.

He described the action as barbaric adding that governors in whose territories the killings were committed should be held responsible.

Speaking to newsmen after an emergency meeting in Abuja on the state of the nation, the CAN boss said “Reports received around the country has brought out the following observations. There have been continuous killing of

From: Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja Christians and southerners in Suleja and Madala both in Niger State, Damaturu in Yobe State, Yola, Adamawa State and continuous killing of Christians in Borno Sate.

“The pattern of these killings suggests to us a systematic ethnic and religious cleansing that we are reminded of the ccurrences of these killings of the genesis of the civil war that took place here in Nigeria. If we look back we would remember that this was how it began. Killing like this in different places and then urging southerners to leave the north and gradually it exploded and ended up becoming a civil war.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Column

Comrade and Contradictions

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OMRADE will not be with Comrades tomorrow morning. But he can be excused.

These are extremely interesting times in Nigeria. We live in an age of impossible contradictions. But it is impossible to live without contradictions. Contradictions define human existence and history. As a sage once noted, we may yet be grateful for contradictions.

Contradictions have a way of throwing up interesting and perplexing historical figures particularly in societies at the threshold of a major social and historical reconfiguration. Contradictions and complexities must abound in a society on the verge of a major collision of altars. But since they obey no one except their own internal logic, contradictions have a way of making a historic bonfire of ideological pretensions and vanities.

You cannot step into the same river twice and all that is solid melts into thin air.

In a famous comparison of the two Bonapartes, Karl Marx noted that it was not just the case that Luis Bonaparte was a gross caricature of his illustrious uncle, but that this was how the uncle himself would have appeared if he had shown up at that particular point in history. It is history that is playing a trick on humanity and not the Bonaparte clan.

In a brilliant gloss on this analysis, Terry Eagleton noted that it was not just that Luis was a regressive caricature of his famous uncle, Napoleon himself would have been a caricaturing regression of his former self if he had appeared on the historic stage at that point. The puppeteer himself is a historical puppet. There is time for everything and the falconer may yet become the falcon.

Of all the perplexing and intriguing figures thrown up by the punitive taxation which the central government of Nigeria has chosen to call withdrawal of oil subsidy, none is more perplexing, intriguing and more controversial than Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, the pintsized but feisty former labour titan now executive governor of Edo State. The question on everybody’s lip is this: Having made his name and reputation as a labour icon, will Oshiomhole end up being even more famous or infamous for state infamy?

By asking his former colleagues and teeming workers constituency to accept the punitive taxation pill is Oshiomhole aware that he is asking the Nigerian multitude to commit suicide on behalf of the state?

S

nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

• Oshiomhole

And this at the precise point when the selfsame Oshiomhole, were the circumstances to be different, ought to be delivering a powerful funeral oration at the graveside of a decadent and thoroughly discredited state?

To emphasize the grim urgency of the matter at hand, let us pose the question from another angle. Is Comrade Oshiomhole still a comrade? Is he still a ranking hierarch of the ACN party which has stoutly and militantly rejected the phantom subsidy? By flagrantly violating party dictates and principles and with his legendary breezy confidence, the Edo State governor has put his party in a weak moral and political position.

There is egg on everybody’s face.

It simply means that there is no qualitative difference among existing parties in Nigeria. They are not parties in the real sense of the word but contraptions for powerprofiteering. This is going to hurt and haunt for a long time. Indeed by allowing himself to be nominated to a clearly illegal parallel outfit for which there is no constitutional provision or sound legislative backing, Oshiomhole has democratically shot himself in the foot.

It is a case of compounding ideological infidelity with political illegality. For a former labour titan, the contradictions do not get more confounding. So much for the flabbyminded drooling about transformation and institution building. If thirteen years into civil rule, the country has to revert to the Abacha era PTF, then so much for democratic progress and civil rule.

Perhaps to pose the questions in this implacably adversarial manner is a tad unfair to Adams Oshiomhole. At this point in time, only the comrade knows what the comrade is thinking about.

Oshiomhole’s top-ranking colleagues in the hallowed sanctuaries of the ACN are quite sympathetic to his plight. The teeny-weeny labour generalissimo might be responding to infernal political pressures, they reason. Up for re-election in this dangerous year, Oshiomhole might have become a political trapeze artist to avoid being plucked down by the PDP power panjandrums.

It was such clever acrobatics that brought the diminutive grandmaster to power in the first instance and against all odds. Give it to Adams Oshiomhole. He is a brilliant strategist, a consummate power pragmatist and political conjuror who can procure something out of nothing. Intelligent rather than intellectual, quick on his feet, nimble of wit and formidable of will, the poker-faced master of the art of political warfare and attrition would romp home in victory at the end of his costly adventure.

It is the detractors who will have egg on their face. Did the labour impresario not romance with the PDP before bypassing his own natural party, the Labour Party, to settle for the ACN? Did he not famously finger even the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua as a secret patron and enabler of his ultimate victory? Have the heavens fallen?

It is obvious that for Adams Oshiomhole being in power is all

that matters no matter the provenance of power. It is only when you are in power that you can be of use or do any good for the fabled masses. As to the best platform of governance, let the fools contend.

Oshiomhole will rule. Doting admirers point at the dramatic transformation in the real life of the average Edo citizen since the advent of the labour wizard. It was the first time they are experiencing real governance in decades. As the Chinese quipped in their famous ideological cop-out, what does it matter the colour of a cat as long as it catches mice?

There is some rhythm to Oshiomhole’s political algorithm. It is pretty clear that in his own political career, Adams Aliu Oshiomhole is trying hard to avoid the Pa Michael Imoudu syndrome, the political affliction of his iconic kinsman and veteran labour deity.

What does ideological prudery and a lifetime at the barricades against injustice translate to without real power?.

The power mafia would simply laugh you to scorn as an effete and ineffectual nuisance. It was said of the revered Aminu Kano that had he been voted into power, the late Kano avatar of talakawa politics would have been found leading a demonstration before being reminded that he was actually in power. You can be sure that Oshiomhole would not be found carrying a placard against himself.

That is how to speak power to power.

So, tomorrow, the labour leaders are on their own. The khaki-attired comrade would be missing in action. He would probably be somewhere strategising about how to ease his former comrades in ideological calamity out of the streets, like the proverbial bull in a China shop, that is if the whole thing is not an elaborate farce in the first instance. Experience in Nigeria has shown that the hard aristocracy of labour, in the main, does not enjoy the hard labour of the aristocracy.

Contradictions abound and we may yet be grateful.

But sometimes a real life drama can assume a life of its own away from the stated and stage-managed script. This is when the puppeteer

Baba Lekki sings for Baba Kolade

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WUYEWUYE awuyewuye Awuyewuye aroye ote A o ni et’ulu oooo Ilu lani e tunse It was a tired and sadly demoralised Okon who returned from the market empty-handed as he tried to stock up for the impending national shut-down.

But everywhere he turned, prices had skyrocketed and he was turned away due to insufficient funds. At first, Okon fingered a Yoruba conspiracy to starve him and his boss to death. But as reality finally dawned on him, he knew that something far more sinister was going on.

“Mister man, no be we na market force” a foodstuff seller patiently tried to explain to a completely dumbfounded Okon.

“So wey dem Market Force make I break him stupid head?”,

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Okon exploded in rage.

“Alamodi ni brother” (He is a lunatic) a Yoruba lady fish seller noted with a giggle.

It was a disturbed and distraught Okon who went in search of Baba Lekki to intimate him of the ominous development. He had found the crazy one holed up at Idumota where he had gone to mobilise ruffians and riff-raff for the impending show down.

“Baba, kontri don kaput. Market force don take over market.

Him dey beat everybody Dem say na one big Ibo woman with obonge yansh,” Okon moaned as he collapsed beside the old man.

“Okon country never kaput.

Wait until Monday”, Baba Lekki snorted.

“Baba as dem bomb Scare be mala and dem market force na Ibo woman dem come bring one yeye

Yoruba old man to be Illegal subsidy. Na dem foolish Yoruba people go finish dem obodo. Na Yoruba dem dey use to carry dem shit” Okon bitterly lamented.

“Okon, Christopher Kolade no be Yorubaman. Na technocrat”, Baba observed.

“Tekino wetin? Baba which kind tribe be dat one?”

“Na dem tribe of people who no dey see, who no dey hear, who no dey feel and who no dey think. Dem boku for obodo,” Baba lekki sniggered.

“But why dem old baba dey gree make dem dey use am like dem toilet paper? Dem don use am for illegal subsidy before before?” Oko snarled.

“Which one?” Baba Lekki shot up in genuine surprise.

“Abi no be him dem use for Baba’s Library? Se dat one no

be illegal subsidy? Abi no be him dey dem Agidingbi ofatin place?

Baba don old baba don old agidi dey go in na dem wrapper dey comot” “Okon let me tell you something” Baba Lekki began with a truly sinister smile. “You know when Babaginda come put Tai Solarin for dem yeye bank, you know wetin Fela say?”

“Wetin dem Abami say?”

Okon demanded.

“Him say: Kai. Kai. Government na wicked people. Dem sabi say baba don old and him head no correct again. Dem come put am for one place where as him go dey sleep so tey dem mad boys go dey thief money yafunyafun.

So na the same with Christopher”. On that note, Baba Lekki dismissed Okon and began singing.

himself becomes a puppet.

Oshiomhole has been a lucky fellow. There are a few detractors who contend that even the epic labour confrontations were nothing but an elaborate game of bluff and counter-bluff with predetermined outcome and pre-assigned termination. That is neither here nor there.

In these things, it is public perception that matters and as far as that is concerned, the Edo State governor is a labour hero.

That Oshiomhole is now willing to risk that public perception and the enormous goodwill he has gathered over the years at the altar of higher statesmanship and murky realpolitik show that something fundamental is unfolding.

Oshiomhole’s power pragmatism and Machiavellian gaming speak to the structure of contradictions that drives contemporary politics in Nigeria and the impossibility of transiting from a populist platform to political ascendancy in an antidemocratic environment.

In any case, it is often advanced in classical socialism that trade union consciousness is at best a reformist consciousness which blunts genuine revolutionary will.

The cost of induction into the power sanctuary is prohibitive. The withdrawal of moral subsidy is alarming. It is Oshiomhole himself who has put things with fearful and poetic intuition. Don’t let this edifice crash, he cried out at the Town Hall meeting. Comrade, even when the status quo is based on inequity and injustice of staggering and idiotic proportions?

The stark failure of the old Nigerian left in practical politics in the last three decades and the ideological self-immolation of many of its former leading lights at the shrine of the politics of the belly is a grim reminder of the structure and ownership of power in contemporary Nigeria. The contradictions are such that when out of heroic desperation some members of the left attempt to directly appeal to the electorate, they are routinely ignored by the same masses they are trying to rescue. This was what broke Gani Fawehinmi’s great heart.

A person is often the product of the great contradictions of his age, and no man can just leap over those contradictions which master him even as he attempts to master them.

Oshiomhole is a sterling product of his society and there may be plenty to learn from this unfolding saga. For now, it is safe to assume that the plucky comrade will not be on the street tomorrow. The state house is now the street. The flannel suits the flaneur. Comrade, welcome from the barricades.

A perfect storm in Nigeria

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HEN industrial strife is factored into political, economic and religious unrest, it is a perfect storm. Tomorrow as the Nigerian ship of state enters uncharted territory, every freeborn citizen of this potentially great country must shudder at the logic of unintended consequences.

There is a time for slave-raiders and there is a time for slaves. Nigeria expects…….

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

News FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

Civil society groups demand removal of Industrial Court President, other judges • Warn Jonathan against dragging the judiciary into labour dispute • Back House of Representatives’ emergency session

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IVIL society groups yesterday warned President Goodluck Jonathan against dragging the judiciary into labour dispute with what it called “black market injunctions.”

They also demanded the dismissal of the President of the National Industrial Court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo and other judges who issued the injunction on Friday stopping the proposed strike action on Monday by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The groups, which made their position known in a statement in Abuja, said the administration of President Jonathan will be held responsible if the “black market injunction” changes the non-violent context of the present struggle.

The statement was signed by Festus Okoye (Human Rights Monitor); Y.Z Yau (CITAD); Anyakwee Nsirimov (Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law); Innocent Chukwuma (CLEEN Foundation); Funke Aluko (Centre for Genders Rights Protection); Emma Ezeazu (Alliance for Credible Elections); Saviour Akpan (Community Policing Partners); and Faruk Umar, Secretary, Transparency in Nigeria.

The statement said: “The Federal Government in an attempt to abort the general strike and mass

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

rallies planned by organised labour for Monday claimed it has obtained a “black market injunction” to restrain the labour movement from proceeding with the said strike and rallies.

“It is rather unfortunate that the Federal Government rather than heed to the popular wish of the Nigerian people is hell bent on subverting the challenge to its very unpopular decision.

“It is also unfortunate that a government that claims to be championing the rule of law and due process will use underhand tactics to obtain a black market injunction knowing full well that such an injunction and orders made therein are unenforceable and may lead to a street confrontation.”

The groups called on the “the National Assembly to reconvene and side with the Nigerian people in their hour of need. The National Assembly must speak clearly and pass resolutions demanding a return to the status quo. The National Assembly must isolate anti democratic forces who want to subvert Nigerian democracy in favour of quick cash and quick fixes.”

It also urged the NBA to champion the campaign for the removal of all the members of the National Industrial Court that granted the injunction.

• Bonfire lit by protesters

Labour, civil groups insist on strike

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ARRING any last minute pact between Labour and the Federal Government, the nationwide indefinite strike is to begin tomorrow.

The Labour and Civil Societies Coalition (LASCO) said at a briefing yesterday that the strike and protests will go on.

LASCO Secretary, Comrade Abiodun Aremu named the coordinating centres for the peaceful street protests to include NLC Lagos secretariat, Yaba, TUC Secretariat, Ikorodu Road, Textile Union House, Acme Road, and Agric Union House, Alaguntan, Iyana Ipaja.

Protesters will converge at NLC Secretariat at 8am and set out from there for the street rally. They will enter neighbourhoods to sensitize people.

Ahead of the protests, the body enjoins security agencies not to provoke protesters, as the protests are meant to be peaceful.

• ACN governors call for restraint

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

Aremu said “the declaration of the indefinite strike/mass action has become necessary in view of the current hike in the price of petroleum products, especially the pms from N65 to N141, which the Jonathan presidency has said ‘there is no going back’, and the Nigerian people are also insisting their will not to pay more than N65 for a litre of petrol must prevail.

“The position of the Labour and LASCO – the broad platform of NLC, TUC and JAF is unconditional reversal of the wicked hike in petrol price to the official price of N65 per litre as enjoyed by Nigerians throughout the country since June 24 2007, following the struggle of June 20 – 24” Meanwhile, Governors elected on the platform of

Coalition warns judiciary against subverting popular wish

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COALITION of eight civil society organisations drawn from across the country yesterday warned the judiciary not to allow itself to be used by the government to subvert the wishes of the Nigerian people in their struggle against unpopular government decision to remove subsidy on petrol.

The group expressed concern that the government secured what they called “black market injunction” from the National Industrial Court to stop the proposed industrial action and mass protest scheduled for Monday by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress.

In a statement in

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

Kaduna yesterday, the group asked the leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association to call for the immediate removal of the members of the National Industrial Court who granted the injunction stopping the proposed action.

The statement was signed by Festus Okoye (Human Rights Monitor), Y.Z Yau (CITAD), Anyakwee Nsirimovu (Institute of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law), Innocent Chukwuma (CLEEN Foundation), Funke Aluko (Centre for Genders Rights Protection), Emma Ezeazu (Alli-

ance for Credible Elections), Saviour Akpan (Community Policing Partners) and Faruk Umar (Secretary, Transparency in Nigeria).

The statement observed: “The Federal Government in an attempt to abort the general strike and mass rallies planned by organised labour for Monday claimed it has obtained a “black market injunction” to restrain the labour movement from proceeding with the said strike and rallies.

“It is rather unfortunate that the Federal Government rather than heed to the popular wish of the Nigerian people is hell bent on subverting the challenge

to its very unpopular decision.

“It is also unfortunate that a government that claims to be championing the rule of law and due process will use underhand tactics to obtain a black market injunction knowing full well that such an injunction and orders made therein are unenforceable and may lead to a street confrontation.”

The groups called on the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association to demand the immediate dismissal of all the members of the Court saying “They have abused their oath of office and their continued stay as judicial officers is injurious to the image of the judiciary.”

the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday met in Lagos over the recent removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.

The meeting resolved that “the responsibility for managing the nation’s petroleum resources is that of the Federal Government.”

And that the preoccupation of the party and its governors is the welfare of and security of the people.

According to them, “Our party has already expressed its reservation about the recent policy of the Federal Government regarding fuel subsidy, particularly its sudden implementation. We fully associate ourselves with the position of our party.”

The meeting which was

attended by four of the six CAN described the debate on fuel subsidy as “narrow” adding, “Subsidy is a financial and economic tool, not an end in itself. We are more concerned about the totality of the economy. For this reason, it is imperative to immediately implement the longstanding demand for fiscal federalism. The first step in this direction is the immediate review of the lopsided revenue allocation formula.”

The meeting was attended by Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN), Lagos, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, (Ekiti), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, (Osun) and Senator Ibikunle Amosun ,( Ogun). The Edo State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) were absent.

Why I did not go to Madalla on the day of bomb blast —Emir of Suleja

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HE Emir of Suleja, Mallam Awwal Ibrahim has given reasons why he did not visit St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madallah, the scene of the Christmas day bomb explosion where 42 people including the suicide bombers and three Policemen died.

In an exclusive interview with The Nation at the church premises, the royal father said security report and advice of the Suleja Local Government Chairman and his district delayed his visit to Madalla.

Mallam Ibrahim, the first executive governor of Niger state between 1979 and 1983, was queried by the state government on the 1st of January, a week after the blast for his failure to visit the church and sympathise with the families of the victims of the blast.

However, in his first public statement on the bomb blast, the Emir told our

Jide Orintunsin, Minna

correspondent: “What happened was a tragedy. With this happening in my domain, you know I must be deeply concerned. If on the day of the blast I was unable to come down here, it was simply because the security situation at that time did not warrant my coming over here.

“Thanks to the wise counsel of my Chairman and district heads, I would have driven here straight incognito to see whatever had happened here, because it is my nature to lead and go to wherever there is disaster. But as a leader, I have to listen to wise counsel.”

Apologising to the church through the Parish priest, the Reverend Father Isaac Achi during a visit ,the Emir said the delay in his coming was caused by circumstances beyond his control.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

News

5

FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

•Students protesting in Kano

•Protesters in Osun State

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HEAD of tomorrow’s nation-wide strike and protest over the removal of fuel subsidy, the Kogi State Police Command has said it will clampdown on protesterswho may attempt to destroy life and property.

The newly posted Commissioner Marvel Akpoyibo stated this at a media conference shortly after a security meeting with stake holders at the Government House, Lokoja.

The police boss who argued that the public order act does not warrant public disturbance, stressed that security should not be toyed with and urged the

We’ll clampdown on protesters, Kogi police vow • Strike is sure -NLC, TUC From Mohammed Bashir, Lokoja

people to be law abiding and report any suspicious movement to security agencies.

According him, the police will ensure free flow of traffic as the idea of blocking highways in the state will be curtailed.

“We are trying to be proactive so as to nip crime in the bud and we are determined to deal with trou-

Protest splits groups in Edo

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HERE is division among civil society coalition in Edo State over a protest march against fuel subsidy removal.

Civil society, organised labour and non-governmental organisations under the auspices of Coalition to Save Nigeria (CSN) had on Thursday occupied the King Square in Benin City over the removal of fuel subsidy.

The protest however took another dimension when placards bearing inscriptions such as ‘Oshiomhole must go’, ‘Our governor supported fuel subsidy removal’, ‘Oshiomhole is a betrayer,” were displayed during the protest.

It was learnt that the CSN leaders called off the protest when they discovered that it was about to be hijacked by some hoodlums suspected to have been hired to turn it into violence by setting up bon-fires and harassing motorists.

Also, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who joined in the protest left angrily and refused to take food prepared for them when leaders of the CSN informed them that they were taking

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

the protest to Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

The grouse of ASUU members was that they could take their protest letter directly to President Goodluck Jonathan instead of sending it through Oshiomhole.

Some members of CSN told The Nation that they discovered that instructions were being given from ‘above’ to some of their leaders on how the protest would proceed.

The members said the protest became political which suggested that their leaders had been allegedly bribed by both the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A member of the CSN and Executive Director of the African Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ), the Rev. David Ugolor said there was no crack.

Ugolor described it as a manifestation of different perspective and that they had a strategy but when they saw that it was getting out of hand, they decided to pull out.

ble makers as Public Order Act does not mean destruction of life and property. We advice the people not to take the law into their hands as no one would be allowed to do that. We would deal with

anyone who is out to foment trouble,” he said.

On the other hand, the Kogi State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),Trade Union Congress and civil society organizations have been mobilizing for the nationwide strike action.

At a meeting in Lokoja the NLC, affiliate unions, TUC and civil society groups agreed to shut down the state as from Monday to protest the fuel subsidy removal.

The state NLC chairman, Comrade James Odaudu in conjunction

with his Trade Union Congress counterpart told the representatives of the workers’ union and the civil organizations that they have resolved to embark upon the strike because of government’s refusal to rescind its decision on fuel subsidy .

SSS arrests merchant

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EN of the State Security Service (SSS) in Osun State, at the weekend arrested a building materials dealer, Mr. Waheed Akande, in Osogbo, in connection with the Friday anti-oil subsidy removal protest in the state.

Allegedly mistaking him for a human rights activist, Comrade Waheed Lawal, who is the Executive Secretary, Osun State Civil Societies Coalition of Against Corruption and Rights Violation (OSCARV), an organisation mobilizing a mass action against the deregula-

Soji Adeniyi, Osogbo

tion in the state, a source said the SSS officials unleashed terror on Akande, before he was whisked away from his shop at Railway Station, Osogbo.

Narrating his ordeal, Akande said: “One man who pretended to be a customer had earlier called me the phone on Thursday night, saying that he wanted to buy some materials. I told him that I could not open my shop at night.

He requested that I should come very early the following day and I told him that

I was traveling.

“The following morning, I received another call with the same number shortly after 6am. The man then told me he was on his way to my shop and I had to quickly rush over to meet him. On getting to the shop, the man called me again, asking if I had arrived at the shop and I told him I was around. He said he would meet me very shortly.”

He said when he met the supposed customer, he asked for his business card and on seeing that his name is Waheed Akande and not Waheed Lawal he

called his boss at the SSS. “Few minutes later at around 6:30am, another man came to my shop with a gun. He told me he was from SSS, but I could not read the ID card he showed me. He told me they wanted to see me at their office. The man came with three other men with a Peugeot 304 car, including the driver.

He said he was ordered not to shut his shop and his phone was seized, adding that at this point, “People around my shop asked why I was being arrested and I said I didn’t know anything.

Twenty-four hours to shutdown

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HE convivial atmosphere and celebration that was fouled in the afternoon of the New Year by the government of President Goodluck Jonathan has continued to hold the populace on the jugular. It has snuffed out the joy of seeing a new dawn for many, so much so that the traditional shout of “Happy New Year” has been replaced with the cynical “How are you coping without the subsidy?”

Since the government has vowed not to back down on its decision to raise the pump price of petrol from N65 to N138-N141, the labour unions and the civil society organisations have decided to give the government an ultimatum to reverse its decision or face a total shutdown of the country.

Now, 24 hours to Monday, January 9, neither the

NEWS REVIEW

A day to the nationwide strike ordered by the labour unions over the withdrawal of fuel subsidy, Olayinka Oyegbile, Deputy Editor, takes a look at the frenzied preparation by populace not to be caught pants down. government nor the labour unions have softened their grounds. The coalition of the civil society and the labour unions have both agreed to call the government bluff and call out all citizens to sit at home for what it has described as a “showdown” with government.

On its part, the government has sent out all its ministers and their aides to go round the country and drum up support for it. However, this has not in anyway

yielded any positive result.

The country has in the last one week being on a tenterhook. Many citizens have continued to besiege banks, markets and filling stations trying to stock up food, victuals and money in readiness for the “showdown”.

On Friday afternoon, the last working day of the week before the promised “shutdown” of the country, banking halls across the country were filled with customers and the ATM machines had

long queues of customers trying to collect money to stock up victuals at home. Dennis Okechukwu, a spare parts dealer at Ladipo Market, Mushin, who was at the Matori branch of a first generation bank told our reporter that he was at the bank to collect money and prepare for “the worst” He added, “The last time something like this happened the banks were shut and I had money but could not withdraw. So, this time around I had to come back fast from the East to my shop to prepare.”Okechukwu said that he was forced to pay thrice the transport fare to return to base (Lagos) because he wanted to be where his shop is before the strike begins.

•Continued on Page 65

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

News FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

Presidency, PDP pressure Tambuwal to shelve session

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HE Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal is under pressure to shelve today’s emergency session of the House.

Listed for discussion at the session are the removal of Fuel Subsidy by the Federal Government,the 2012 budget and declaration of Emergency Rule in 15 local government areas of the country.

The meeting is scheduled for 2pm.

The planned meeting has not gone down well with the Presidency and the leadership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which have been mounting relentless pressure on Hon.Tambuwal to drop the idea.

The Speaker and other principal officers have, however, rebuffed the pressure and intimidation from those in government and the ruling party.

It was also learnt that some forces have been trying to use the planned session to divide the House by inciting some PDP lawmakers to challenge Tambuwal’s decision to convene the session on a Sunday, when Christians go to church for worship.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the presidency and the PDP are jittery that the House may reject the removal of subsidy and pass a vote of no confidence on the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) did during last week.

They are also in fear of the consequences of the likely decision of the House which may further damage the reputation of government before Nigerians.

According to findings, the presidency and the PDP leadership have been sending emissaries to the Speaker in the last 48 hours to postpone the session.

It was gathered that the party and those in government do not want any arm of the National Assembly to resume as planned on January 9.

But the Speaker, who aborted his trip to the C o m m o n w e a l t h Parliamentary Association’s meeting in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, said the House could not be blind to emergency issues in the country.

Tambuwal also explained that the House must live up to its mandate as representatives of the people.

He also claimed that the decision to reconvene the House was a collective one by the principal officers of the Lower Chamber.

A reliable source quoted the Speaker as saying: “The sitting should hold, members should come and say their mind and let the House take a collective decision.

“We are not out to undermine the government at all.”

Some members of the House were also said to have drawn the attention of the Speaker and the principal officers of the House to the danger of protesters picketing

•Speaker, principal officers adamant on emergency session.

•Move to split the House along Muslim-Christian divide fails •Rep backs FG From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

the National Assembly should the lawmakers abdicate their responsibility.

Another top source said: “Despite Tambuwal’s explanation, the presidency and the PDP have been mounting pressure on him and other principal officers to shelve the session.

“Initially, they challenged the right of the House to sit on Sunday. They have however forgotten that the Speaker derived powers to summon the emergency session from Order 5, Rule 18 sub-section 2 of the House Standing Rules.

“The Speaker and his principal officers also met four times on the situation in the country before agreeing to the emergency session on Sunday.

“The only window left for the House is Sunday knowing full well that the Labour wants to picket the National Assembly.

“The House has however resolved to go ahead with the session.”

A principal officer of the House, who confirmed the pressure on the Speaker, said: “We have a responsibility to send a message to Nigerians that we are concerned about issues that they are raising.

“We are not revolting against Jonathan but only a foolish House of Representatives will sit down idly in the face of the fuel subsidy removal, increasing Boko Haram insurgency, Operation Occupy Nigeria protests and high-level of insecurity as we had Ebonyi State and Sapele in Delta State.

“The rule of the House is that the leaders of the parties must meet over issues and take a decision. We all met and felt it is better to act. The Presidency and the PDP are not even aware whether we are meeting to offer suggestions or not.”

The source quoted the

Deputy Minority Leader of the House as saying in one of their meetings that: “If Nigeria is drifting, can’t we make a sacrifice even for a day.”

But some forces loyal to the government on Saturday changed tactics by trying to stop the session with some inciting text messages to divide the House along religious lines.

One of the text messages reads: “The Speaker of the House of Representatives has scheduled sitting on Sunday.

This is an insult to Christianity and a continuation of Boko Haram war against nonMuslims.

“This should be condemned by all Godfearing Nigerians Please, broadcast to everyone.”

It was learnt that the same text message is being sent to all members of the House to undermine Tambuwal and prevent the House from forming a quorum to sit.

But another principal

officer added: “When you look at the House leadership, the Deputy Speaker, the Deputy Leader, the Deputy Minority Leader and Minority Leader are all Christians.

“It was a collective decision of all these principal officers because of the urgency the sitting requires for the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria “What the Speaker is saying is that if you look at the House, all activities are done in the interest of the nation and not any religion.

“In deference to Christian members of the House, the Speaker has fixed the session for 2pm on Sunday. So, why are they crying wolf when there is none.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “We have rebuffed all pressure, we are meeting on Sunday. No going back, let them come and lock us out if they like.”

The government has a supporter in Hon. Nadu Karibo on the removal of the subsidy.

Hon Karibo , speaking in an interview said the decision is in the overall interest of the

nation and Nigerians.

“It’s easy to focus on what we stand to gain because of the hardship that we may temporarily encounter. But I know that before any good comes from anything, we must labour for it. Bearing the impact of the removal on fuel may seem impossible, but with time, we will all thank the Federal Government for the ingenuity of taking this bold move,” he said.

“We keep complaining that many sectors of the economy have failed. What is happening to health care delivery?

What about education? Good road and social amenities are fast disappearing. I’m sure that by the time the money accrued from this latest exercise is being put into good use, all the letdowns we have witnessed in the country will become things of the past.

Luckily, credible Nigerians whom we can all trust have been appointed to manage the resources. Let’s give the Federal Government a chance to properly implement their plans and we shall all laugh at the end of the day.

“This is our own contribution to our generation.

I want to also add that if we revert to the old ways of doing things, we will continue to go down the hill. We don’t want a country that will eventually fail because we’re afraid to make the necessary change.”

Fawehinmi’s wife joins protest in Osun

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•Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, with the President, National Council for Women Society, Mrs. Nkechi Mba, at the Nigerian Women Town Hall Meeting on the removal of fuel subsidy in Abuja, yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

Jonathan calling for war, group warns

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HUMAN rights group, the Action Youth Movement [AYM] has accused the Federal Government of declaring a war on the citizenry with its decision to withdraw fuel subsidy.

In a statement by AYM President, Dada Eminence, he also blamed the masses for the present state of the country.

According to him, it was the masses that voted for Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] Presidential candidate in the last election, saying PDP would not change from its military style.

He warned President Goodluck Jonathan that his decision may call for

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

revolution in the country, saying the increase in fuel price is unbearable for the masses.

Also a civil rights activist, Titiloye Charles has advised the security agencies not to allow themselves to be used against the innocent citizens during the national strike and civil disobedience scheduled for tomorrow.

According to him, “we the civil society and human rights groups in the state shall fully participate in the mass action aimed at checkmating the arbitrary use of executive policy to punish Nigerians.

“President Jonathan cannot claim to love Nigeria more than all Nigerians. The spate of sporadic demonstrations across Nigeria has shown the unpopularity of his subsidy removal policy. Since we are practicing democracy, Mr. President must reverse himself or resign from office.”

Another rights activist Yemi Adetoyinbo faulted the action, describing it as a total economic hardship.

He said the Federal Government should have found ways of resuscitating refineries in the country rather than embarking on the removal of oil subsidy that could lead to criminal act and hardship.

LHAJA Ganiyat Fawehinmi, wife of the late renowned human rights crusader, Gani Fewehinmi, at the weekend joined human rights groups in Osogbo, Osun State capital to protest against oil subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

As early as 7.00 am, human rights groups, labour and student unions had converged at the Ayetoro junction to commence the protest.

Hundreds of residents of Osogbo joined the protesters as they marched through major streets of the town.

The protest march led by the Joint Action Front (JAF), Committee for Democracy and Rights of the People (CDRP), Osun State Coalition Against Rights Violation (OSCARV), Justice Now Foundation and Independent Masses Forum (IMF), disrupted vehicular and commercial

From Soji Adeniyi, Osogbo

activities for many hours.

At the popular Olaiya junction the leaders of the groups, Waheed Lawal, Amitolu Shittu, Abiodun Agboola, Wole Folaranmi and a host of others addressed the crowd and sensitised them about the negative implication of the action of the Federal Government on the oil subsidy removal.

Speaking with reporters after the protest, Alhaja Ganiyat Fawehinmi said Nigerians must resist the removal of subsidy at all costs.

She said: “I have come all the way from Lagos to solidarise with people of Osun State as they are protesting inhuman action of the Federal Government for removing oil subsidy. I appreciate people’s resistance of evil being done against them. So I urge the people not to relent until justice is done on this matter and the government rescinds its decision on oil subsidy removal.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

News

7

Jonathan reads riot act to protesters •Cuts salaries of ministers, advisers by 25% • Reduces foreign travels

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S part of last-minute moves to avert the planned nationwide industrial action, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday warned against any attempt to disburb the peace of the country. He also ordered a 25% reduction in the salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm.

He said: “I know that the removal of the petroleum subsidy imposes an initial burden on our people, especially the rising cost of transportation. Government will be vigilant and act decisively to curb the excesses of those that want to exploit the current situation for selfish gains. I plead for the understanding of all Nigerians. I appeal to our youth not to allow mischiefmakers to exploit present circumstances to mislead or incite them to disturb public peace.”

He directed that overseas travels by himself and other political office holders be similarly reduced to the barest minimum.

He said the size of delega-

FROM: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

tions on foreign trips would be reduced.

He unfolded plans to launch a robust mass-transit programme today in collaboration with the 36 states and the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.

But the President was adamant on the removal of subsidy and warned protesters against being used by mischief-makers.

Jonathan, in a national broadcast last night, also directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to cut their bloated overhead cost.

He said the deregulation of the downstream sector is not meant to inflict pains on Nigerians.

Although he was apologetic on the removal of fuel subsidy, he said the hardship being suffered by Nigerians will be temporary.

He said it is time for all Nigerians to make sacrifices and assured Nigerians that his administration will work to-

wards full domestic refining of petroleum products before the end of his tenure.

He said: “To save Nigeria, we must all be prepared to make sacrifices. On the part of Government, we are taking several measures aimed at cutting the size and cost of governance, including on-going and continuous effort to reduce the size of our recurrent expenditure and increase capital spending.

“In this regard, I have directed that overseas travels by all political office holders, including the President, should be reduced to the barest minimum. The size of delegations on foreign trips will also be drastically reduced; only trips that are absolutely necessary will be approved.

“For the year 2012, the basic salaries of all political office holders in the Executive arm of government will be reduced by 25%. Government is also currently reviewing the number of committees, commissions and parastatals with overlapping responsibilities.

The Report on this will be submitted shortly and the recommendations will be promptly

State of emergency: Yobe, Borno, Plateau, Niger still tense A

WEEK after Federal Government’s declaration of emergency rule in 15 local government areas in Borno,Yobe,Plateau and Niger States as part of the strategy to checkmate the Boko Haran sect, the security challenge posed by the sect in Yobe and Borno does not seem to be abating.

In the last five days there have more explosions and gun attacks in Maiduguri and Potiskum,two of the areas affected by the emergency rule .On Wednesday,for example,gunmen suspected to be members of the sect killed two members of a family in Dala Bulumkutu ward of Maiduguri.

Killed were 80 year old Usman Durkwa and his 40 year old son,Musa Durkwa.Then on Friday night,the sect attacked a police station and two banks in Potiskum.

The casualties in the two attacks are yet to be determined But no terror attacks have been reported in Niger and Plateau states since the emergency rule came into being,although residents have had to adjust to returning home early and avoiding going out at night.

Investigation revealed that members of the sect usually strike at night when it is dark.

Consequently, the streets are deserted once it is getting dark leaving only security

Joseph Abiodun,Maiduguri/ Jide Orintunsin,Minna/ Yusuf Aminu Idegu,Jos

patrol vehicles on the major roads However, Bama Bakin, a Nigerian border town with Cameroon and Chad and Gamboru Ngala, another border town with those countries have been closed, restricting the influx of people into Nigeria.

The emergency rule is biting residents of Suleja,Niger State,hard with Madalla practically turned into a ghost town.Many residents who fled in the aftermath of the Christmas day bombing are yet to return.

Especially so are occupants of the 40 or so buildings devastated by the bomb blast.

Business activities in the town,especially along the roads adjoining the church,have nose dived.Also hard hit are hotels in the community.It was gathered that they have been recording low sales lately.

The deployment of armed soldiers in the town is not helping the situation.Public gathering is not allowed while motorists are made to pass through many security checks.

Evangelist Nemeyeke Andy Ike, a resident of over two decades said: “ While the emergency rule has helped to provide some security and put all evil doers a bay, it has left untold hardship on the people.

“But things are yet to return to normal. Things are getting more expensive, as

people now go to either Suleja or Zuba to buy things, as most shops and traders are yet to return back to Madalla.”

Basil Okafor, a vulcanizer in front of the bombed St. Theresa, said the security situation has made life miserable for him. “When I could no longer bear seeing my family suffer, I had to brave it and come to work on Thursday. My case is worse because I operate directly opposite the church and the military presence here scares people away from my shop. “ Commercial drivers bring their tyres at night, but now the curfew imposed by the Soldiers is affecting me greatly.

But for the engine oil and other petty things that I sell here, it would have been practically difficult for me to make ends meet.”

The chairman of Suleja Local Government,Alhaji Adamu London said of the emergency rule: “The state of emergency is a welcome development. If this is what will bring peace to my community, my council, we all welcome and appreciate it and all necessary support will be given to the security agents deployed to Suleja.

Since the arrival of the military men we have been working together for the peace and stability of the area. Today (Friday) I met with three Generals from the Army headquarters and we are still meeting later in the day to strategize on how ensure an enduring peace and security in Madalla town and other areas

implemented. In the meantime, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must reduce their overhead expenses.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) reacted swiftly to the president’s speech and insisted on going ahead with the nationwide strike action tomorrow.

They accused President Jonathan of forfeiting the last opportunity to avert the strike by sticking to his position on removal of subsidy.

In a joint statement by the NLC Acting General

Secretary, Comrade Owei Lakemfa and the TUC Secretary–General, Comrade John Kolawole, the unions said the address was long in rhetoric and short on basic issues.

They insisted that “the will of the Nigerian people must prevail over that of any government in power.

The statement said: “The President should have reversed the price of PMS to N65 which would have automatically reduced rising tension in the country. The President also promised the completion of rail lines and infusion of buses in to the

transport system. It is like putting the cart before the horse; these measures should have been put in place before the astronomical increase in petrol price.

“The will of the Nigerian people must prevail over that of any government in power.

“The speech is undoubtedly due to the resistance of Nigerians to the unreasonable increase in PMS (petrol) prices and the planned national strikes scheduled to begin on Monday January 9, 2012. So the President having to address Nigerians is the first gain of the planned protests.”

•Protesters in Osun State at the weekend

in the council.”

Asked how the emergency rule has been affecting his constitutional responsibility as Council Chairman, he said: “it has not affected me in any way.

I still carry out my constitutional duties as the council chairman and my Councilors attend to their duties.”

The emergency however has led to restriction of movement. Curfew has been imposed on the area from 9 pm to 6 am.

Jos residents are not strange

to life under emergency rule having experienced it in 2004.

They are also used to seeing soldiers maintain peace in the city following the recurring clashes between muslims and christians over the last few years.

But, the senator representing Plateau South,Mr. Victor Lar has faulted the declaration of emergency rule in the 15 LGAs . He said :” While Mr President has the power under the 1999 constitution as amended to impose a state of emergency as

a pragmatic approach to solve the rising insecurity in some areas, the action should be approved by the National Assembly within 24 hours to have effect.

“It is now over 24 hours since the declaration and the National Assembly has not given its approval.This means the action of Mr. President has become a nullity.

“I am in full support of the declaration of the state of emergency, but I will not support it when the wrong step is taken.”

Residents protest alleged police killing in Ibadan

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OME residents of Orita-Challenge area of Ibadan yesterday staged a protest against alleged killing of two people by policemen in the area.

It was learnt that a commercial motorcyclist carrying a woman crashed while trying to avoid policemen at a checkpoint.

The two were said to have died instantly thereby triggering a protest against the police.

The angry mob was eventually dispersed to prevent the burning of the

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan Orita-Challenge Divisional Police Station.

But the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr Femi Okanlawon, debunked the report. He explained that a middle-aged woman, identified as Rasheedat Alamu, was crushed to death by a trailer which had a brake failure.

According to him, the incident occurred around 8:45 am. He said that the trailer marked XG 297 BDJ was

coming from Challenge and facing Podo when its brake suddenly failed.

It eventually knocked down the commercial motorcycle conveying the deceased.

The driver of the trailer, identified as Aluko Ogunsijiremi, was said to have attempted to escape with the vehicle but was trailed by the police until he was arrested.

Okanlawon stated that both the driver and the trailer were in police custody to help investigation of the incident.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

News

8

Elechi wins election appeal From Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE Court of Appeal Tribunal sitting in Enugu yesterday upheld the election of Chief Martin Elechi of the Peoples Democratic Party as governor of Ebonyi State in the April 26, 2011 gubernatorial election.

It, however, nullified the elections of three PDP-elected members representing Ishienu North, Ohaukwu South and Ezza South Constituencies in the State House of Assembly and ordered fresh elections within 90 days.

Chairman of the tribunal, Justice Helen Ogunwumi, who delivered the lead judgment said the petitioner, Senator Julius Ali Ucha of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) could not prove beyond any reasonable doubt his allegation of non-compliance during the April 2011 Governorship election in the state.

Justice Ogunwumi therefore resolved four issues raised in the appeal in favour of Governor Elechi while the remaining two issues were resolved in favour of the appellant.

Ebonyi State Deputy Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, said the government was not afraid of the outcome because it was a mandate given to them by God and the people of Ebonyi State.

He said though the elections of three PDP members in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly were nullified by the court, they would abide by the judgment.

PDP loses bid to stop Sylva’s suit T

HE Court of Appeal in Abuja yesterday dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against a suit by Bayelsa State Governor, Timipre Silva.

The party is challenging the order of an Abuja Federal High Court which warned it against holding the November 19 Bayelsa governorship primary won by Henry Seriake Dickson.

The order followed a suit

by Sylva who is challenging his disqualification from the primary by the party.

From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

PDP had argued that the Federal High Court presided

by Justice Gabriel Kolawole lacked the jurisdiction to hear the suit.

In the judgment delivered yesterday, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, held that Sylva was right in approaching the Court to stop the PDP from conducting another primary for the purpose of selecting the party’s candidate for the next governorship election.

The Appellate Court held that the trial court had the jurisdiction to hear the suit.

However, Justice Bukachuwa held that Justice Kolawole overreached himself when after assuming jurisdiction went further to threaten PDP with sanctions should the party fail to appear before him to show why Sylva’s application to stop the primary should not be granted.

Her Lordship explained that Justice Kolawole’s pronouncements amounted to granting the reliefs in the

Rep makes case for community policing

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EMBER representing Ifako-Ijaiye Federal Constituency, Abayomi Ogunnusi, yesterday advocated community policing to fight insecurity in the nation.

Ogunnusi recalled a successful test run of the Community Police System in six states – Benue, Enugu, Jigawa, Kano, Ondo and Ogun – in 2004.

The scheme, he said, was supported by the Nigeria Safety and Security, Justice and Growth (SJG) programme funded by the United Kingdom (UK) Department for International Development (DFID).

He regretted that the initiative has not been institutionalised “to facilitate intelligence-led policing empowered by security structures that have geographic ownership and accountability.”

The House of Reps member had presented a motion for “ A bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to provide for the establishment of State Police and to ensure effective Community Policing in Nigeria and Matter connected thereto.”

The bill also seeks the establishment of a State Police Council that will be chaired by governors and include local councils chairmen, chairmen of the state police service commissions and state police commissioners as members.

The council will supervise state police service and advise governors on appointment of police commissioner as well as state police commission members, among others.

He canvassed “a devolving security and community safety powers across governance structures to establish federal and state levels of policing to guarantee effective implementation of community policing in the country.”

On the N922 billion earmarked for the security sector in the 2012 Budget by President Goodluck Jonathan, Ogunnusi argued that the appropriation should make provisions for the Community Police System.

This, he said, would boost job creation and raise security awareness among Nigerians.

Protesters strip PDP supporters naked From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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NTI-riot policemen yesterday averted bloodshed in Benin City when supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were attacked by fuel subsidy protesters.

The protest, which was initially peaceful, turned violent when some youths started forcing people to join.

Supporters of PDP who were going for the official declaration of Barrister Kenneth Imasuangbon ran into the protesters at the King Square and were attacked.

The protesters stripped the PDP supporters naked, tearing their red Tee-Shirts.

But spokesperson for the group, Comrade Osazee Edigie, said the protest was hijacked by hoodlums.

Have Your Say

What is your view on the argument of the Federal Government on the removal of fuel subsidy?

— Send SMS with full name and location before Wednesday to 08074473182 Responses to previous week’s question are on pages 52

•GOC 82 Division Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Sunday Idoko; Maj. Gen. Owonobi and Assistant Chief of Staff, Col. Adenekan, at a media parley in Enugu… last week.

PHOTO: OBI CLETUS

substantive suit at an interlocutory stage, a procedure she said was inimical to a fair determination of dispute.

Consequently, she ordered that the case be remitted to the High Court for a fresh trial by a new judge other than Justice Kolawole.

The court rejected PDP’s argument that the Electoral Act 2010 had robbed the high court of the jurisdiction to entertain the case.

It held that many of the reliefs sought by Sylva were against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and that the Commission being an agent of the Federal Government, the proper court to sue it (INEC) was the Federal High Court.

Justice Kolawole had warned the PDP against proceeding with the November 19 primary.

Justice Kolawole warned that he shall not hesitate to nullify any step taken by the PDP in defiance of his order once the defendants were served the order and the originating summons.

He gave the Defendants 72 hours to come and show why all the reliefs sought by Sylva shall not be granted and adjourned till November 22 for hearing.

The Defendants are the PDP, its acting National Chairman, Abubakar Kawu Baraje, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

LASU: Fashola approves extension of registration, instalmental payment

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has approved extension of the deadline for registration of fresh and returning students of Lagos State University (LASU) to Friday, January 13, 2012.

The students were also given the concession of paying their fees in two installments of 70 – 30 per cent.

The approval was sequel to a formal request made by the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor John Obafunwa,The VC had asked for an extension of the registration deadline previously fixed for Friday, December 29, 2011.

Obafunwa also requested approval for the payment of school fees by both fresh and returning students in two installments of two thirds before registration and one third not later than one month afterwards.

In his letter dated Thursday, January 5, 2012, the VC told Fashola that the extension of the registration deadline would correct the shortfall in the required number of students registered to date which is just 10,367 or 59 per cent of the 17,679 students expected to fulfill the registration requirement.

As at January 5, 9,217 or 70 per cent out of the 13,111 returning students have paid their school fees and completed their registration process.

Only 1,150 or 25 per cent of the 4,568 fresh students however registered for their various programmes.

This, according to

Obafunwa, was why the installments payment was necessary.

The VC also explained that allowing the students to pay the fees in two installments would also ensure a level of discipline by parents and students.

Fashola reiterated his administration’s commit-

ments to restore the standard of learning in the institution.

He urged staff and students to cooperate with government in making the institution a real citadel of knowledge through quality education, discipline and qualitative research work.

Why I dumped Ondo LP, by Boroffice

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HE Senator representing Ondo North District , Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, at the weekend said he dumped the ruling Labour Party(LP) for Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) because of various defects in the party.

He described Ondo LP as a child of circumstance specifically created for Dr Olusegun Mimiko to contest the April 2007 governorship election.

The Asiwaju of Akokoland said, “I think we know that LP was a child of circumstance and people have always said it was not actually a political party but a platform created out of necessity for Governor Mimiko to contest against the then governor, Dr. Olusegun Agagu.”It was an assemblage of different political shades.

You know, people

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

came from then AC; people came from AD; people came from Labour. It has not been very easy to synthesise these elements into a united party.

“So, it has been a very fragile political contraption and I am not surprised that with little pressure things are falling apart and the centre cannot hold,” he said.

The senator opined that the crisis in the party became obvious when its former State Chairman, Dr. Olaiya Oni, resigned and left for ACN. Oni, he added, was one of the people that attracted him to the party. However, Boroffice described his decision to decamp to the ACN as painful, saying he was left with no choice when the LP deviated.

According to him, “here was a party that had so very

bright prospect to turn things around for this state. This is a party that had massive support of the people of Ondo State at inception.

“This is a party that has so many resources at its disposal and, unfortunately, the dreams of our people are not achieved. It is painful that I had to take that decision.

“LP’s publicity Secretary, Barrister Femi Okunjemiruwa, condemned Boroffice’s defection as shocking.The Senator, he said, betrayed the ruling party and Governor Mimiko.

He added that Boroffice would continue to battle his conscience after riding on the back of LP to become a senator.He vowed that his defection would not reverse the fortunes of LP in the state.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

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O fewer than one thousand residents of Ogbodo village of Igbeagu community in Izzi local government area of Ebonyi state were at the weekend displaced by a group of enraged youths.

The youths, according to reports, destroyed property worth millions of naira and chased perceived opponents away over unresolved differences on the inauguration of a new village head.

It was gathered that villagers have been factionalised over the crisis.

The displaced villagers who were ardent supporters of the deposed

News

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Residents protest alleged police killing in Ibadan

Another communal crisis rocks Ebonyi S

•More than 1,000 displaced

By Ogbonnaya Obinna, Abakaliki

village Head, Chief Adum Edward, were attacked for not supporting the new village Head selected by a faction.

They are now seeking refuge in Ndubia, a nearby

village in the community.

Chairman of Izzi local government area, Mr Dustan Nwogbaga, who confirmed the incident, stated that more details will be made public as soon as the Governor is duly briefed

on the immediate and remote causes of the crisis.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi State Police Command, ASP John Eluu, stated that the police was doing everything possible to apprehend those behind the dastardly act.

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

OME residents of Orita-Challenge area of Ibadan reportedly staged a protest yesterday against alleged killing of two people by policemen in the area.

It was learnt that a commercial motorcyclist carrying a woman crashed while trying to avoid policemen at a checkpoint.

The two were said to have died instantly thereby triggering a protest against the policemen.

The angry mob was eventually dispersed to prevent the burning of the Orita-Challenge Divisional Police Station.

But the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Mr. Femi Okanlawon, denied the allegation.

He explained that one middle-aged woman, identified as Rasheedat Alamu, was crushed to death by a trailer whose brake failed at the time.

According to him, the incident occurred at Orita area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital around 8:45 am.

He said that the trailer marked XG 297 BDJ was coming from Challenge and facing Podo when its brake suddenly failed.

It eventually knocked down a commercial motorcycle conveying the deceased, he claimed.

The driver of the trailer, identified as Aluko Ogunsijiremi, was said to have attempted to escape with the vehicle but was trailed by the police until he was arrested.

Okanlawon stated that the driver and the trailer were in the police custody to aid investigation.

Winner of Ekiti rerun gets INEC’s certificate From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

T •L-R: Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe of Onitsha and former Senate President Ken Nnamani in Awka last week

Bayelsa 2012: CAP’s campaign takes Yenogoa by storm UPPORTERS of the S Change for Advocacy •Sylva’s supporters back candidate Party (CAP) took over Yenogoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, yesterday during a massive mobilisation of voters for the February governorship election.

The outing sent shivers down the spine of the ruling crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

By Isaac Ombe, Yenogoa

Aggrieved supporters of Governor Timipre Sylva openly threw their weight behind CAP’s candidate, Dr. Imoro Kubor and his running mate, Rev. Obegha Oworibo.

Many of them, it was gathered, consider the CAP as an alternative since the PDP refused to allow Sylva pursue his second term bid on its platform.

CAP’s National Secretary, Elder Mike and other party officials challenged

Aspirant promises 50,000 jobs in 100 days

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GOVERNORSHIP aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Barr.

Kenneth Imasuangbon, has promised to provide 50,000 jobs in 100 days if elected.

Imasuangbon said he is committed to tackling unemployment in the state.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

He spoke yesterday in Benin City when he formally announced his intention to contest the forthcoming governorship’s election in the state under the PDP. Imasuangbon also promised to give Edo residents tax holiday as well as reduce taxes payable in

Lagos Assembly tasks councils on revenue generation

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HAIRMAN, Public Account Committee (Local) of the Lagos State Assembly, Dayo Fafunmi, has implored the 57 councils in the state to be proactive in revenue generation.

He spoke at the year 2010 Auditors Report for Local Governmen yesterday. Fafunmi advised the councils to pay up unfinished loans and unremitted

By Oziegbe Okoeki

statutory monies to the Federal and state accounts.

He said, “There is need for all Local Government Councils (LGAs) and Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) to find out their strength especially those in the coastal areas and improve on it so as to boost their revenue drives”.

the state.

According to him, “if elected as Edo State governor in July 14 2012, I will restore security of lives and properties across the length and breadth of the state and create an enabling environment for the acquisition of necessary training and skills so that Edo youths can benefit from a 50,000 job package.’’

Other items he listed in his manifesto include provision of scholarships and bursaries for needy students.

He added that he will slash the fees payable in higher institutions in the state.

Appealing to PDP leaders to give him the party’s ticket, Imasuangbon promised to ensure promotion of civil servants and teachers.

He also pledged to reactivate moribund industries in the state.

Bayelsans to stop selling their votes at the rally.

The party’s scribe said, “Bayelsans are known for selling their votes. Stop selling your votes; it is a sin and you are selling the rights of your children.”

He described the party’s candidate as an experienced technocrat that can create jobs and tackle unemployment in the state.

Kubor said he was in the race to take Bayelsa to the next level.

According to him, “I am not here to criticise anyone.

We shall emerge the best administration. We are experienced people out of the civil service. We know budget procedure.”

Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) candidate, Barrister Kemela Okara also formally launched his campaign.

Okara was at his country home, Bomadi to receive the blessing of the traditional ruler of the community, Sir Barrister Timiebi Okara and head of his clan, HRH, Chief Otobo Tekere.

He said, “When voted into power, I will set up micro finance banks in all the local government headquarters in the state to further maintain the current amnesty programme.”

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday presented the Certificate of Return (C of R) to the winner of the Ekiti rerun election in Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 2 held on December 10, 2011, Hon. Ojo Oyetunde of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

The Appeal Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti nullified the election of Ojo on November 17 and ordered Rerun in the Constituency based on the petition of Mr. Peter Bamigbade that his name as a candidate of National Transformation Party (NTP) and logo of the party were excluded from the ballot papers for the election.

The State Resident electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Halilu Pai, said INEC had by presenting the certificate fulfilled an important responsibility as contained in the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.Pai said: “It is our duty to present this certificate that would qualify you as a member of House of Representatives.

But I want to say that you are no longer representing the ACN alone but the whole of your constituency”.

Ojo, who was accompanied by the State Chair of the ACN, High Chief Jide Awe, said his re-election was made easy by consistent interaction with his constituents. According to him, “I got my C of R the first time with the impression that in the next four years I would not have to go back to my constituency for the same need. But because I have remained with the people in my constituency, when it became compulsory for me to return in six months, I did not have a problem.’’He pledged to improve their lots with quality representation.

Man jailed for raping 10- year- old From Osagie Otabor, Benin

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TWENTY one year-old man, Femi Ali, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment for allegedly raping a 10 year-old girl.

Ali was sentenced by a Benin Magistrate Court after he was charged on a one count-charge and convicted of rape under Section 358 of the Criminal Code applicable to Edo State.

He was said to have committed the act while staying with his elder brother, a tenant of the victim’s father.

Five witnesses were called to testify against the accused person by Prosecutor Chuks Nnamdi but the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Counsel to the accused person, Mike Iyere pleaded for leniency, saying the accused was like a member of the girl’s family.

According to him, he has been very good to the family.

The presiding Magistrate, Mr. Fred Akhere, said that about 80 per cent of rape cases were committed by persons close to the victims’ family

10

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

News FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

Group faults labour’s proposed strike action Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

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socio-political group, Grassroots Initiative of Peace and Social Orientation, has faulted the Nigeria Labour Congress’ decision to embark on strike.

Executive Director of the group, Mr Akinaka Richard, told newsmen in Calabar, the Cross River State capital yesterday that such action would only have been necessary if the Federal Government failed to do what it promised to do with money saved from the removal of the subsidy.

According to him, “our leaders should also know that Nigerians are watching. If tomorrow, there is need for Nigerians to protest against the system, at that point Nigerians have the basis to protest against the system, because it is a collective sacrifice we have all started taking now. So if somebody is trying to undo me for sacrifice I have taken, I should have every basis and reason to respond to that, and that is the point I would want the labour to start their strike, not at this point of starting of the subsidy removal.”

Panic buying in Anambra •Vehicles desert Onitsha-Enugu Expressway

D

espite the injunction by the National Industrial Court (NIC) restraining Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on any industrial action following the removal of oil subsidy, various civil society groups are seriously mobilising in Anambra State.

This is coming as

Nwanosike Onu, Awka

residents have besieged filling stations in search of fuel to stock at home.

Some of the groups engaged in mobilizing include Environment Watch (EW), Consumer Forum, (CF) Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and Coalition of South East Youth for Good Governance.

Besides, the groups have warned transporters

and anybody who cares to listen to avoid vehicular movements from Enugu to Onitsha and Onitsha to Enugu within the period starting from Monday.

As a result, residents of Anambra State have started panic buying of fuel and foodstuff and major markets in the state are having human traffic jams.

Prices of food items have skyrocketed while those

who have vehicles have gone to the petrol stations to buy fuel.

Speaking with The Nation yesterday in Awka, chairman of CLO, Emeka Attah, said the group was holding a meeting in Owerri , Imo state to strategize on how to mobilize for Monday.

Also, the state chairman of EW, Osita Obi, said that they were no longer afraid of losing their lives in fighting for justice.

T

By Emmanuel Oladesu

H

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IGERIANS under the auspices of the Nigerian Democratic Liberty Forum (NDLF) are to hold a rally at the Nigeria House in New York, United States of America on Tuesday.

A statement by Bukola Oreofe, Executive Director, (NDLF), said it was in support of the “suffering masses of Nigeria over the government’s cruel increase in prices of petroleum products.”

It said the government action was “inhuman and sadistic”. The rally which is to hold at 12noon is to be addressed by Okey Ndibe, Laolu Akande, Sowore Omoyele, Adegboyega Dada, Bunmi Aborishade and Willie Nwiido among others.

Presbyterian Church kicks

Legislator calls for dialogue ouse of Representatives member Nadu Karibo (Ogbia Constituency) yesterday described the fuel subsidy removal as a “delicate issue”, urging the stakeholders to embrace dialogue and reconciliation.

He said the removal of the subsidy is for the benefit of all stakeholders in the long run, advising the cabal benefitting from the subsidy to desist from fueling crisis in the country.

The lawmaker said in a statement in Lagos that government must also convince Nigerians that the proceeds from the subsidy removal would be channeled towards national development. He said Nigerians who would bear the temporary pain of the measure need concrete assurance that government would be prudent.

Karibo stressed: “The vast majority of people fail to realise that there is a group of people benefitting directly from subsidy at their expense, leaving the rest bankrupt.

They are the worst hit because they live and survive on oil through the profits they make.

People are not directly concerned about fuel subsidy removal, but about whether the money accumulated from the removal would be put to good use.”

The legislator advised his colleagues to sensitise their constituents to what he described as the realities of the time, maintaining that Nigerians should be taken into confidence by government.

Nigerians in New York to hold rally

Photo Abayomi Fayese

•Protesters in Abuja at the weekend

ANPP describes action as fraudulent

K

ano State Chapter of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) has said that the sudden hike of fuel pump price by the Federal Government is nothing but a fraudulent act that is

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

capable of leading the country to disaster.

The party’s Secretary, Alhaji Rabiu Ahmed Bako told reporters yesterday in Kano that the government was insensitive to the calls

of the citizenry over its action.

He described the action by the Federal Government as callous and insensitive to the plight of Nigerians, who had already been impoverished.

According to him, Nigerians should have been adequately educated and enlightened before the withdrawal of fuel subsidy but the reverse was the case, which he said has triggered widespread protest.

Suspend removal of subsidy until…Okonkwo

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RESIDING Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, yesterday appealed to the federal government to suspend deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector to avert unimaginable violence across the nation.

Okonkwo told reporters that the planned nationwide industrial strike by organised labour to protest removal of fuel subsidy could be hijacked by hoodlums to plunge the nation into another round of endless blood-letting.

He warned that Nigeria cannot afford a mass protest with the level of insecurity across the nation.

The removal of subsidy on fuel, he argued, should be suspended until Nigerians fully understand the policy and buy into it.

According to him, ‘’Nigerians do not yet understand this policy at all

By Sunday Oguntola

and that is why they are resisting it. Government should suspend deregulation until Nigerians fully understand what it is in it for them. ‘’To allow labour shut

down the nation may be catastrophic because there are hoodlums waiting to capitalise on the protests to hurt Nigeria. ‘’I have witnessed a civil war before and I am afraid we are getting close again if

this planned strike action goes ahead on Monday’’.

Okonkwo said suspension of the policy will reduce tension and give government the opportunity to tackle the Boko Haram menace.

Igbo leaders back Jonathan

A

former President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr. Dozie Ikedife and other Igbo leaders yesterday drummed up support for President Goodluck Jonathan over the controversial removal of fuel subsidy.

Addressing journalists at Oba, Idemili South council area of Anambra State, Ikedife said the major problem was because the Federal Government failed to explain the action to the masses.

He maintained that despite the protests that had greeted the Federal Government’s action, proper

From Adimike George, Onitsha

efforts should have been made to address the devastating effects of the removal of subsidy from fuel.

“We are deprived of the information and that has made us lack comments as it regards the removal of fuel subsidy because most of the people in the country do not understand what removal of fuel subsidy means”.

According him, the country had come to the point of retrogression, adding that Nigeria had relied on smaller countries for refining of its petroleum products.

“What we are witnessing

A

in the country today was what we had witnessed in the past when the British would come and tell us how much they want to buy our crude oil and we will say okay. They will also tell us how much we should sell our cocoa and we will say okay and when they went back to Liverpool, they refined it into bournvita and other things and came back to tell us how much we must buy them, and we said ok.”

Also speaking, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka threw his weight behind the Federal Government, describing the action as victory against monopoly of fuel benefit by few individuals.

HE Prelate and Moderator of the General Assembly of The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Most Rev. Prof. Emele Mba Uka, has urged the federal government to revisit the removal of subsidy on fuel.

Uka told reporters that the policy should be suspended until Nigerians are fully educated on its benefits.

He argued that Nigeria will not need subsidy if the four refineries were working at optimal level.

The cleric urged President Goodluck Jonathan not to add more burdens to Nigerians.

According to him, ‘’As a servant leader, the President should be willing to make personal sacrifices for the people he leads. ‘’Please you must avoid being pushed out of office by a popular revolution, even as the former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo had advised.”

Forum urges NLC to dialogue with FG From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

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HE Nigerian forum of former Deputy Governors yesterday pleaded with the leadership of the labour unions to dialogue with Federal Government instead of threatening to go on strike over the removal of fuel subsidy.

Speaking with newsmen in Uyo, the Secretary-General of the forum, Chris Ekpenyong, reasoned that the removal of fuel subsidy by the federal government would serve the interest of the common man on the street in the long run.

He said, “We should stop our usual primordial way of argument which aims at supporting the quest for immediate comfort that will only place the country at a standstill and backward.”

COMMENT and ANALYSIS

11

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Festus Eriye efestus2003@yahoo.com 08052135878 (SMS only)

How many legions does Jonathan have?

A wise man does not fight on too many fronts

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VERYTHING about President Goodluck Jonathan suggests he is the sort who would rather avoid a scrap if he can help it. But in recent times he has been turning what was conventional wisdom about him on its head.

First, he picks on the governor of his home state, Bayelsa, Timipre Sylva and humiliates him in the contest for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial ticket. Still exultant over that onesided skirmish, he now fancies himself as invincible.

There is no other explanation for his decision to launch recklessly into two major fights at the same time. On one hand, he is battling to contain or crush the rampaging killers of Boko Haram, on another front he has decided to stomp where stronger characters had tip-toed and fled – by withdrawing stealthily the much-ballyhooed fuel subsidy.

Jonathan did not start the war with the terrorist Islamists. His big blunder, however, was choosing to bury his head in the sand, hoping that the Boko Haram nightmare would go away.

On a couple of occasions he has been quoted as saying the deadly sect would soon fade away. Unfortunately, a little child can afford the luxury of wishful thinking; such an indulgence is a costly thing when you are president of a fractious country like Nigeria.

Jonathan bought into the false analysis that tried to equate what the terrorists are doing in north-eastern Nigeria with what Niger-Delta militants did in the creeks. That was the reason he was on the verge on negotiating with and offering amnesty to the unapologetic murderers of innocents.

While he sat on his hands dithering, hundreds would be murdered for no other reason than Boko Haram had discovered our president was a soft touch.

For months many of us had been arguing that a state of emergency had been declared for lesser reasons than the kinds of atrocities being perpetrated in the north. The only reaction from Jonathan was a string of homilies about the indivisibility of the country.

When he eventually came round to declaring the emergency, what he delivered was, typically, a damp squid. It is not as if such a declaration is in itself a cure-all measure, but if you are going to move in that direction it is critical you do it the right way.

In the hall ways of Aso Rock placing 15 local government areas under emergency rule might have looked like a measured response; in real life it was just too little too late. You don’t crush a Frankenstein monster like Boko Haram at this late stage with a baton; you take a sledgehammer to it.

From Mubi to Yola to Potiskum, the terrorists are showing their disdain for Jonathan’s emergency by simply strolling to areas surrounding the aforementioned 15 LGAs and slaughtering scores of unarmed Christians.

Lekan Otufodunrin lotufodunrin@yahoo.com 08050498530 (SMS only)

If Monday comes

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•Jonathan

The declaration of a state of emergency is serious business. It is an announcement to all that extraordinary security measures are being put in place to secure public peace and safety. Such measures are usually rolled out in a synchronised move with the announcements made by the responsible political office holder. A mere announcement is not going to make bloodthirsty hounds hankering after martyrdom to flee into the desert.

By the time the president is on air, his tanks would have been rolling; the boots of his infantry men would be on the ground in the troubled regions. You impose emergency rule to prevail – not just to make a gesture. It is the same reasoning that drives the modern warfare principle of using “overwhelming force” against your enemies.

In much of the areas which supposedly have come under emergency there is very little on the ground to show that the circumstances have changed. If ordinary civilians can be so unimpressed by what the government has unfolded, it is no surprise that Boko Haram is downright contemptuous.

The greatest tragedy confronting Nigeria right now is not so much the mindless and primitive killings by this sect, it is the fact that Jonathan does not understand the country is so close to blowing up under his watch.

The president does not understand that there are too many variables that he does not control. It is clear to anyone with half a brain that those behind the recent killings are out to provoke a reaction from Christians. It is very difficult to predict what the breaking point would be if these unprovoked massacres are not stopped.

If Christians were to start reprisal killings no one would remember how the spiral started. All that would be fresh would be raw emotions of the moment on all sides. The thing to note is that sec-

“It is not enough to have facts and figures; it is not enough to make eloquent arguments about the dire consequences of not removing fuel subsidy, what is critical is that in the end that decision is a political one that has to be sold convincingly to the people, or rammed down their throat by coercion. “

tarian wars are often the most ferocious and difficult to contain. From Bosnia to Lebanon to Northern Ireland the horrors of such conflicts show that it is no route for a sane people to travel.

And yet, it could all be ignited any moment by an emotional reaction to these genocidal killings happening daily in the North-East. Although the actual causes of World War 1 were varied and complicated, the immediate trigger was the inexplicable action of one mad man, Bosnian revolutionary, Gavrilo Princip, who assassinated the Austrian archduke, Franz Ferdinand and his wife in June 1914.

What would the mad men in Boko Haram do next? What would be the reaction of the innocents on the receiving end?

No one can tell.

The sect’s manner of operations shows they understand the limitations of the Nigerian government. Much of the recent killings have taken place in remote outposts where security presence is thin on the ground. How many soldiers can secure the vast stretches of rural northern Nigeria against hit-and-run killers?

That is why I am bemused by the actions of President Jonathan in opening two fronts at the same time when he does not have the resources to prevail in either conflict. One of the two battles is enough to tear a country apart; taking on the two is like making oneself the agent for the fulfilment of the prophecy that Nigeria would be history before 2015.

It is not enough to have facts and figures; it is not enough to make eloquent arguments about the dire consequences of not removing fuel subsidy, what is critical is that in the end that decision is a political one that has to be sold convincingly to the people, or rammed down their throat by coercion.

To ram it down successfully you have to be prepared to deploy the tactics of a Pharaoh or a general – two figures whose ways and means Jonathan has disavowed. But as we have even seen with Hosni Mubarak of Egypt even a modernday Pharaoh is no match for a people who say “enough, no more!”

There is a time for everything; a time to remove fuel subsidy and a time to focus on fighting a cancerous organisation that even the President admits wants to kill Nigeria. If Jonathan does not face Boko Haram he would not need to worry about public response to his fuel subsidy withdrawal because there would be no nation to impose it on.

HEN I wondered last week if 2012 will be a happy new year in this column, I was not aware that the federal government was planning to ambush Nigerians with the implementation of the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy from January 1.

There was a basis to suspect that the new price regime may take off from January 1 since there was no provision for subsidy in this year’s budget but the Finance Minister and Coordinator of the Economic team Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala allayed the fears saying no final decision has been taken on the matter and that in fact, it may have to wait till April.

Alas, Nigerians who excitedly wished themselves happy New Year at 12 midnight on December 31, woke up on January 1 to find out that the new year was indeed going to be a tough one. Instead of paying N65 per litre for fuel, they now have to pay as much as N138 for a litre for stations willing to sell at the official rate.

Talk of a supposed happy New Year starting on a sad note for especially many of those who travelled to their hometowns and villages and did not budget for increase fares. As I write, I am told of people who are stranded where they travelled to for the holidays because they cannot afford the new transport fare due to the astronomical increment by transporters.

With the federal government not ready to revert back to the old pump price, the battle line is drawn with the Labour Unions, civil servants, professional bodies and other groups mobilizing for what has been tagged the mother of all protests. The country may be shut down from Monday until government yields as Nigerians have been urged to stockpile enough food to last them for the duration of the strike by the Labour leaders.

The spontaneous protests in parts of the country since last Monday are indicative of what to expect from tomorrow. To say Nigerians are angry about the government’s decision is to put it mildly.

Nigerians feel betrayed that their woes have been compounded by the federal government.

I really wish that the situation did not have to degenerate to this level. No one is sure how the battle between the people and the government can end. The Arab spring was triggered off by the frustration of a faceless young man who set himself ablaze in Tunisia. Those who are alive among the affected leaders must be regretting not abiding by the wish of the people.

While the government’s excuse for removal of the subsidy cannot be totally dismissed considering that the circumstance necessitating the government decision is a culmination of years of misrule by successive administrations, President Goodluck Jonathan and other political office holders have to show that they are ready to make more than the sacrifice they are demanding from the masses.

Nigerians have lost trust in governments at all levels which have failed to fulfill various promises in the past. This is why it is difficult for Nigerians to believe the promise that the gains from the removal will be reinvested in providing necessary infrastructure and improve on their standard of living.

Monday promises to be Nigeria’s date with destiny. I will be happy if the federal government averts the looming danger. If it doesn’t, I don’t want to imagine what the aftermath of the protest will be.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Two grim gifts on two remarkable days Ogochukwu Ikeje ohgeeoh@gmail.com 08084235961 (SMS only)

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LOOD stains were still visible on the scenes of Christmas Day bombings when President Goodluck Jonathan removed the oil subsidy on January 1.

Tears were still flowing across Madalla in Niger State, Jos in Plateau, Maiduguri in Borno and Damaturu in Yobe. Grief was fresh in families of those killed by Boko Haram bombs. The injured, those with bandaged heads, suspended limbs; the sedated on hospital beds, and their families were still nursing their pains. Those who fled from their violated neighbourhoods, like some residents of Madalla, were still sheltering under the roofs of relatives and friends in nearby towns and cities. Then, news of subsidy removal hit them.

If you were to put all the bombings across these four states together as one development, and the subsidy withdrawal as another, both would seen to be as tragic as they are remarkable. One took place on Christmas Day, reckoned to be the birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The other happened on January 1, remarkable in the lives of the living.

December 25 is renowned for heightened spirituality and accentuated festivities. For Christians, it usually begins with exchange of pleasantries and then a pilgrimage to the church, culminating in good-natured renditions of carols and prayer. Back home, the kitchen comes alive. Food is served generously, for fam-

Terrible that Christmas Day bombings were bloody; worse that subsidy was removed on New Year’s Day ily members and visiting relatives and friends. Christmas is characteristically a day of peace and love. People tend to let down their guard. In Nigeria’s days of innocence, it was a day of peace of love, for both the Christian and the Muslim.

In the 2011 edition, the Christian faithful in Madalla reached for their Sunday and Christmas best, dressed up and headed for church.

Coming out, some violent elements in our midst presented them with a grim gift.

In a carefully orchestrated plot, the bombers handed out pretty much the same gift to people in Jos and in the Northeastern reaches of the country.

Conservative government sources put the number of the Madalla blast victims at 96, the dead at 43. Those are grim statistics anywhere in the world. Some residents of Madalla have reportedly fled their community, part of which police are said to have cordoned off, and which a general air of insecurity still pervades. Some said

their buildings were damaged by the bomb.

In Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, some 90,000 residents are reported to have been displaced by the violence that has since seized their city.

Boko Haram has raised the country’s violence profile to a frightening point. The sect has grown in planning and execution. Its members have since graduated from harassing drinkers at Northeastern pubs or frightening policemen in their barracks. Last June they violently shook the police headquarters at Abuja. In August the United Nations office in the federal capital city was the next big target.

While all that was happening, majority of Nigerians expressed profound worries over their president’s approach in tackling the situation.

Many have said he has not handled it with appropriate firmness. Across the country, this feeling remains predominant.

On New Year’s Eve, the country was

“Holidaying Nigerians are selling their personal effects to return to their bases after the Yuletide. Some are still trapped. Ladies may have sold more than personal effects. It was a grim harvest on the Lord's birthday. It was a grim present on New Year's Day. But things are getting even grimmer. More churches are being bombed in the wake of threats that southerners should leave the North”

still grappling with the gloomy security situation, and the blasts of Madalla and other parts were still fresh when the price of petrol suddenly jumped from N65 a litre to as much as N140 and even N150 in some parts the following day. If the Christmas bombings were a terrorist’s gift to Christians, the new fuel price and its suffocating consequences were a bizarre New Year’s gift to longsuffering Nigerians.

Like Christmas, New Year’s Day means a lot to most people. On that day, there is even more joy and celebration.

Those who are alive are thankful to God for sparing their lives to see it. It is a privilege not everyone who started the previous year lived to enjoy.

As it turned out, this new year started on a strangulating note.

Nigerians crossed over to 2012 having to pay more than double what they paid the previous year in transport. As a result of the subsidy removal, everything has changed.

Cyber-café operators whose businesses run on fuel have jacked up their charges.

So have the hairstylists, the tomato sellers, onion dealers, butchers and meat merchants. All have adjusted their prices because their suppliers have also raised theirs.

Life has become much tougher for the Nigerian. Holidaying ones are selling their personal effects to return to their bases after the Yuletide. Some are still trapped. Ladies may have sold more than personal effects.

It was a grim harvest on the Lord’s birthday. It was a grim present on New Year’s Day. But things are getting even grimmer. More churches are being bombed in the wake of threats that southerners should leave the North. Grim season, this.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Comment & Analysis

13

Jonathan’s misbegotten committees Belgore and Kolade should reject the clearly anti-people assignments

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FTER pleasing itself by removing the much contentious fuel subsidy as an incredible New Year gift to Nigerians, the Goodluck Jonathan administration has set up two committees to address the issues thrown up by the insensitive action. One of the committees is the Committee for Talks with Labour headed by a former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alfa Belgore.

Other members are Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and Governor Sule Lamido of Jigawa State. The committee, which is expected to begin work immediately, also includes Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AllisonMadueke; Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu; Special Adviser to the President on InterParty Affairs, Senator Ben Obi and Mrs. Ngozi Olajemi.

The committee is to meet with organised labour and other stakeholders, with a view to resolving issues that may arise from the controversy.

The other committee is the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme Board, SREPB, which is to oversee and ensure the effective and timely implementation of projects to be funded with savings accruing to the Federal Government from the subsidy removal.

Its chairman is Dr Christopher Kolade, with Major-General Mamman Kontagora, rtd, as deputy chairman.

Other members of the SREPB include two representatives of the National Assembly, two representatives of organised labour, while the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Nigerian Women Groups, the Nigerian youth, and civil society organisations have one representative each. They also include the coordinating Minister of the Economy/Minister of Finance, the Minister of National Planning, the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Minister of State for Health, Special Adviser to the President on Technical Matters, and six other reputable individuals from the six geo-political zones in the country, out of which three will be women.

There is no point wasting time to elaborate on the committees’ assignments since both of them have one K-leg or the other. And this is without prejudice to whatever credibility the two gentlemen heading them might

N

IGERIANS totally distrust their political leaders and especially President Goodluck Jonathan and his horde of special aides.

As for me, anytime I hear a government official talk I just reach for my bag of salt. The issue with Nigerians is not entirely that they do not like to see subsidy go, judging by the supposedly Eldorado Nigeria is to become when the savings therein would be channelled into infrastructure; the issue is that Nigerians don’t trust the government to use the proceeds to better the lots of the poor and longsuffering people of Nigeria. The people have heard government talk about what it wanted to do and yet refused to do it.

When the government began pontificating about fuel subsidy, Nigerians remember that since Ibrahim Babangida’s administration, subsidy has been the culprit anytime the government needed to raise fuel price. So, if Babangida, Ernest Shonekan, Sani Abacha, Abubakar Abdulsalami, and Olusegun Obasanjo removed it, where is the subsidy that Jonathan has further removed?

What is the guarantee that in 2015, the incoming administration would not also say subsidy must be removed? Where are all the promised infrastructure from past subsidy removal?

Initially, government determined it would remove the

possess. We are aghast as to what the Belgore committee is to do when government has already done its worst, after failing to convince any critical stakeholder of the imperative of subsidy removal. In other words, setting up a committee to discuss the contentious issues with labour after the subsidy had been removed is medicine after death. So long for that.

Now to the Kolade committee, that is also completely misbegotten. There is nowhere in our constitution that provides for this kind of extra-judicial body to manage public funds. All monies collected on behalf of the country must go into the Federation Account and such must be appropriated by the National Assembly before the funds can be spent. We do not understand how about one-third of our budget for the current year (that the SREPB is expected to manage) would go into private hands that would then disburse same for whatever purpose. We believe that should any such need arise, there are adequate structures in the civil service to undertake such assignments. If the civil service has become completely dysfunctional that we cannot find credible men and women to undertake this type of assignment from within its rank, then we should scrap it. There is no point committing the bulk of what we should have spent on capital projects to maintain a civil service that cannot be trusted to carry out the kind of assignment for which the Jonathan administration has had to source for credible people outside.

Nothing we have said so far should be misconstrued to mean that we have shifted ground concerning our opposition to the so-called withdrawal of fuel subsidy on the Jonathan government’s template. What we are say-

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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ing, rather, is that should the government need credible people to undertake any assignment at all, it should be able to find same from within the civil service. And if it cannot, it symbolises a failure of government to deal decisively with corruption and people with crooked ways.

The Olusegun Obasanjo administration, if we must remind the president, scrapped the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) essentially because creations like it are unknown to our statute books. A Jonathan administration that promised to build our institutions should do better than that; it should strengthen the institutions rather than creating parallel ones that have no basis in law. Moreover, their creation is a waste of public funds.

We know that the government shopped for Belgore and Kolade because it believed they are credible Nigerians that the people would be ready to listen to. Belgore we may know; but with due respect, Dr Kolade, Nigerians have not forgotten, is co-chairman of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Foundation built with funds that the former president used his position to get while in office. All might have seemed quiet on this matter; but in times like these, such files are necessarily revisited.

We sympathise with the Jonathan government that has exhausted its trust accounts with Nigerians; unfortunately we cannot help it. Trust is not hereditary; it is earned. If the government has no trust or credibility to leverage on and therefore had to look for people with same at a critical moment like this to do its dirty job, the fault is not in Nigerians, it is in the government’s crooked ways. A government that went ahead to remove fuel subsidy on January 1 after at least two of its senior officials said if the subsidy must be removed at all, it would not be earlier than April, has already planted falsehood, it cannot reap something else. When in future that government says ‘good morning’, people will still have to remove their window blinds to confirm that it is not ‘good night’. It is immaterial if the cock has just crowed.

We plead with Justice Belgore and Dr Kolade to reject these assignments. The fact that they were appointed by government does not necessarily make theirs assignments that are in the national interest. If only half of the governments we have had in the country have had the nation at heart, we would not be where we are today.

Justice Belgore and Dr Kolade should decline the offers, lest they be seen to be aiding and abetting the government in this anti-people mission.

LETTERS

Fuel subsidy: It’s time for affirmative action subsidy, then it said it would be deregulation and that the market would control itself just like we witnessed in the telecommunications industry, now the line being used by government is trust. Finance Minister Okonjo Iweala and her Petroleum colleague Deziani Alison Madueke made passionate appeal in sonorous and humble voices that Nigerians should trust this government and give it a chance. Good point, but how can Nigerians trust this Jonathan government when the government preaches one thing and practices another? Why should we trust Jonathan when the budget for feeding himself and his friends is a whopping N1billion? How can we trust Jonathan that he will deliver when government refuses to cut spending, when Jonathan has numerous aides whose salaries and allowances are not known? How can we trust this government when Ministers live large?

How can we trust this government which has not demonstrated commitment to improve the lives of Nigerians?

How can we trust Jonathan-Sambo and their army of propagandists if he will wait for money from fuel sub-

sidy to build roads, bridges and create jobs, does he mean the capital budget for such projects with the respective ministries should then be used to organise parties and foreign trips for the ministers and their aides?

The issue with fuel subsidy if Jonathan will tell himself the truth and be sincere is simple but to confuse Nigerians he has turned it into rocket science.

One salient question that we are asking is why did he remove the subsidy at such a short notice? Since he came into office, Jonathan has never shown this much energy about any project that would improve the lives of Nigeri-

ans. Why is he not pursuing the electricity reform with the same vigour and vitality, with town hall meetings and Professor Barth Nnaji granting media interviews and the President doing crucial meetings with stakeholders, taking advice and enriching knowledge as he did with this fuel subsidy removal? Power is what affects every Nigerian for good.

Why are we still a nation in darkness and waiting to import electricity from Ghana?

It is interesting to note Jonathan said the pain from such removal will be temporary, what yardstick was used

to measure such pain and what provisions has he put in place to cushion the pain that he is so sure it will be short-lived?

Does Jonathan or any of his aides know what pain is after adequately taking care of themselves in the 2012 budget?

In the same budget unfortunately, they took away the joy of the common man, took away his hope, and yet told him the pain will be temporary.

The bottom-line as I see it is that the regular Joe has no one looking out for him. He has been hit with over a hundred percent increase in the price of fuel that has translated

to increase in transport fares, food items, cost of living while he remains in darkness and his salary remains the same.

The revolution will catch the elite unawares. Nigerians may be long suffering but when pushed to the wall they will fight. Jonathan came in with popular vote. Some of us campaigned for him selflessly. We fought his opponents to a standstill; we knocked on doors for him both night and day. We did not receive a thank you for our job but we were glad we did it. If Jonathan should go the way he seems determined to go then the same people will fight him. One thing you cannot repress is the human spirit. It will cry out for freedom, equality and justice.

By Seun Akioye, Ogba, Lagos.

PHCN stop this bias in Lokoja

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HE activities of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in Lokoja, Kogi State leave much to be desires as regards the way it rations power to consumers.

It is discriminatory and does not take into cognizance the needs of the people.

When the company informed its helpless consumers on the needs to bear with them as regard the rationing of

power, its appeal was taking with a pinch of salt, because of the way power situation in country has been source of concern to most due to the huge amount pumped into the power sector without any result.

The PHCN in Lokoja do favour some sections of the town to the detriment of others and this has resulted in tension amongst the youths in the

town, who sometimes threaten to take the law into their hands.

The affected areas are mostly places they called traditional areas which formed the old Lokoja town, they are sometime been giving light in the night only two times, while the whole weeks are giving to some sections of the town, this are considered to be government reservation areas; this is unacceptable.

We are appealing to the PHCN to show their human face by stopping this biased attitudes to ensure equity, justice and transparency in their dealing with their consumers. They should restore confidence of consumers in the distribution of light to all areas of the town in this New Year.

Bala Nayashi No 1 Yashi Area, Lokoja

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14

Ropo Sekoni ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

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HERE is no doubt that Boko Haram now has the reputation of being the greatest informal threat to Nigeria’s unity. The civil war was a formal threat. It was not individual Igbos or groups of them that declared war on the nation. It was the Nigerian military government in the Eastern Region that did that. In a way, the Biafran war was a government-to-government conflict. Individual Igbo men and women did not have any objection to the worldview of Nigerians in other parts of the country; they felt unsafe in Northern Nigeria and were called home to safe grounds.

Boko Haram fieldworkers and their behind-the-curtain godfathers belong to an informal, largely invisible group that has declared war on the institutions of the government of Nigeria and also on citizens. At the beginning, the Boko Haram’s war was against Muslims who were not considered by the group to be orthodox enough, those that were found in or near beer parlours.

Later, the war was taken to government institutions and international organizations, such as police headquarters or the United Nations office in Abuja. In its

Femi Orebe femi.orebe @thenationonlineng.net 08056504626 (sms only)

“I

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Comment & Analysis

N a manner totally lacking in honour and integrity that is expected of an elected government, the FG sprung a New Year’s day surprise on a nation already reeling under the brutal onslaught of Boko Haram and a worsening human development indices”.

–Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi, (Ekiti North Senatorial District.)

The above is one reason I have not stopped wondering what logic underpins the Jonathan government. Its actions are either one of flip-flopping, serially reversing itself, or taciturnity, as in implying that Boko Haram has a shelf life and acting before it invests hard-headed reasoning to the possible ramifications and the domino effect of decisions it has peremptorily taken.

But then, first things first. The Ekiti Panupo web portal to which I have many times referred in this column is an "Indigenous Think-Tank and Intellectual Round-Table whose primary objective is to advocate Selfless Governance in Ekiti State but, Ekiti being a significant part of the geographical entity called Nigeria; its members, most of them professionals of no mean repute, have had cause to interrogate, at great length, issues that are pan-Nigeria or even international in nature. One such issue is the conscience-less removal of the so-called oil subsidy on, of all days, 1 January, 2012. I have personally dubbed that as the day President Jonathan took majority of Nigerians, especially its poor, to the guillotine.

Boko Haram: the road not taken The road not taken so far is to recognize the imperative of apprehending the subtext of Boko Haram’s message present state, Boko Haramists direct their violence at Christians, and shoot their words of war or threats of elimination at Nigerians from the South that are resident in the North.

In its first and second stages, it was possible for pundits to theorise about the advantage and disadvantage of dialogue and discipline as options of response by the government to the threat to order, peace, life, and property at the hands of Boko Haram members. The dithering and temporizing that marked government’s response in the first four months of Boko Haram’s outing grew out of the uncertainty generated by the schools of dialogue and punishment. Most Northern leaders and institutions called for dialogue as preferred option, citing the Umaru Yar’Adua’s adoption of Amnesty for Niger Delta militants. Now that Boko Haram has issued a deadline for southerners to leave the North, the Federal Government as the only agency in control of security needs to move into full swing, if it is not to have a more serious national crisis on its hand.

No serious government should take a chance after the terrorist group had asked Southerners to vacate the North. As assuring as the condemnation of Boko Haram’s fatwa against Southerners may be and the assurance

given by the Sultan of Sokoto that there is no conflict between Muslims and Christians in the country is, no government should rest on its oars. Whether the Islamist sect chooses not to kill Southerners after the deadline or opts to strike after the deadline, which is only a few hours away from the time of the writing of this essay, the Federal Government needs to swing into action to prevent the terrorist group from breaking Nigeria into pieces.

This is the time to take the road not taken so far.

The road not taken so far is to recognize the imperative of apprehending the subtext of Boko Haram’s message. The surface text of the sect’s message is about the violence to government institutions and now to Christians.

The subtext is that the sect wants to engage the rest of the nation on how to re-organise or re-structure the multicultural and multireligious character of the nation.

It should not be too hard for federal and state governments and their advisers to come to terms with the subtext of Boko Haram’s messages. Members of the sect want to live in a region or a country (if they succeed through terrorism) that is organized and ruled on the basis of Sharia jurisprudence. In effect, the sect wants to change the nature of the Nigerian state. The core

Hausa-Fulani states had embarked on “sharianization” during the era of Obasanjo. Many of the states even established Hisbah police to enforce Sharia laws in the core Hausa-Fulani states.

It is conceivable that the Federal Government can muster enough force to defeat Boko Haram. But it is not likely that this will automatically kill the idea that drives the sect, particularly the sect’s obsession with Sharia law. Just as it is with all wars and conflicts, there is always room for talk to prevent major conflict or to end it. This is why treaties are signed after full-scale wars to usher in peace.

This is also why talks are held to pre-empt wars. We went to Aburi to work against having to go to war with Biafra, but the rest is history.

It is still not too late to call a conference of all stakeholders in the Nigeria project. It is reassuring that the Federal Government has emphasized the importance of unity in its rhetoric against Boko Haram. But the Federal Government does not need to be obsessed about national unity to the point of not seeing that Boko Haram is calling for a negotiation of the character of a united Nigeria. Boko Haramists are asking for a true situation of unity in diversity. It is not the unity part

of the country’s goal that is at stake; it is the diversity part of it that appears to be at issue.

The Federal Government needs to provide leadership for a national conference on how to keep the country united, not just on the dogma or mantra of unity and indivisibility of the nation that has been in circulation since military rule in the country. The Federal Government needs to know that the peoples of this country (including Boko Haramists) appear not to have anything against Nigeria remaining as one country. The concern of most citizens appears to be how to negotiate ways and means of making the country’s diversity create an additional battery for unifying the country.

The insistence on legalism as excuse of not having a constitutional conference has become obsolete in the light of Boko Haram’s increasing violence.

The legislature that claims that no other group should be allowed to talk about the 1999 Constitution appears to be more helpless than the executive on the issue of Boko Haram. If Boko Haram is not contained, it appears capable of running the legislature out of town. Nigeria needs a constitutional conference to negotiate the place of cultural diversity in its territorial unity.

Oil subsidy removal interrogated on Ekiti panupo web portal Synopsis of unattributed posts that have appeared on the site since the horror was visited on Nigerians What I have done in this article is a synopsis of unattributed posts that have appeared on the site since the horror was visited on Nigerians except, in the seminal contribution which is already on the Internet and the author already known. It is repeated here strictly because only a miniscule proportion of Nigerians has access to the web or has the electricity to power such facilities, where available. The discussions are, as to be expected, non-conclusive as there are arguments for and against but without a doubt, there is greater support for opposition to the withdrawal.

Writing under the title ‘Removal of Subsidy is good for Nigeria’, a former Customer Services Manager with a major oil company decided to concentrate on the advantages of the removal. According to him:‘There are three levels of high fraud that the removal of subsidy will tackle. The first is fraudulent payment on phony import of PMS. The product is fraudulently certified as imported into Nigeria but is actually diverted to other countries in West Africa. Meanwhile, the documentation is perfected by criminal elements in Customs, Directorate of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) and Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA). The second fraud is the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF). PPMC used to have depots across the country around which supply envelopes were created to ensure national coverage. Each supply envelope is divided into zones. Actual transportation cost was calibrated according to zones within each supply envelope. The objective here was to ensure that products sell at the same

price throughout each depot’s supply envelope regardless of the distance of consumption from supply.

There was also Bridging which is the system whereby products are moved by road across depots as may be permitted in what was meant to be exceptional cases such as when repair is being carried out on the pipeline or at a depot. Over time and driven by fraudulent intent, what was designed to augment became the routine practice. Products would be released from Atlas Cove in Lagos, ostensibly for bridging to say Kano or Sokoto, but will be sold at nearby stations while the documentation is “perfected” and bridging allowance is paid.

According to him, two advantages of removal will be the following: Nigeria will pay only for its actual consumption and both PEF and Bridging will have to go having become anachronistic in a free market environment. Additionally, more people can then invest in refineries which will be built, based on economic, rather than political reasons. Government must arrest and prosecute the fraudsters for anything reasonable to come out of the withdrawal.

Confirming the all-pervading fraud in the industry, another top oil chief weighed in as follows: ‘Those days, at the mere press of a few buttons in Port Harcourt the inland depots in Aba, Enugu, Markudi are filled up. Kaduna Refinery (itself linked by a crude pipeline from Escravos) pumped products to such northern depots as Gusau, Sokoto, Jos, and through the pumping station in Suleija to the depots in Bauchi, Gombe and Maiduguri... But that was bad news for the transport owners. First, they started colluding with depot

managers who would announce that their loading arms were defective; then they reached out to the Pumping Stations and later to the Refinery Managers (Technical and Commercial). Finally, they got all the big guns at Falomo (then HO of NNPC) into their pockets.

So, some weeks we would wake up and be told that though there was product in Atlas Cove, the pumping station in Mosimi had problems. We then had to send products across the supply envelopes to bridge the gap. That was the origin of Bridging. At the other end of the scale were disgruntled and dismissed NNPC officials who colluded with locals to vandalise the pipelines from PH & Warri to Gusau. At a time, IATA declared Nigeria Aviation fuel unsafe as ruptured lines linking Mosimi with the Joint Hydrant Depot in Murtala Mohammed Airport created a big pool of dual purpose kerosene in a swamp from where inhabitants of Mafoluku were drawing their kero free of charge’ He opines that the cartel will fight back ferociously adding that sadness and anger in Benin Republic, our neighbour, over the removal, is greater than here in Nigeria.

If the above views represent support, the opposing views have been withering.

President Jonathan’s total disregard for Nigerians, while protecting the cartel which congregates most of those who funded the ‘ shoeless’ campaign, has been brought into bold relief. Also posts have called for the total eradication of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund which guarantees equal price for Petrol whether you bought in

Port Harcourt or Damaturu, which is not the case with cows.

A post read: ‘Nigerians cannot fathom why a butcher's kids should be eating bones and those of a tailor wearing rags. GEJ ought to have been properly guided to put in place a phased programme of appropriate fuel pricing, premised on establishment of refineries in different parts of the country. Perhaps Mrs Alison-Madueke should take a trip to Venezuela to learn one or two things from the Latin American supremo’ Reeling out the consequences of this unkind withdrawal, another member wrote: ‘Transport fare from Enugu to Lagos by bus is now N17, 000, Ibadan to Lagos has just reached an all time high! Akute to Berger by bus was N100, now it is N300!

Okada ride from Akute to Berger is N500 based on the current pump price. Not even during fuel scarcities were they half as high’ Another contributor also wrote: I have permanently attributed our parlous situation to the fact of being a client state whose successive presidents are nothing but lackeys of both the World Bank and the IMF. Who could have forgotten, so soon, Mrs Largardes’ visit, a few weeks back, apparently to whip them into line. A president who venerates economic parasites as political sponsors can do nothing to help Nigeria’.

The jury is still out but Nigerians, under the lead of Labour and the Civil Society, must fight this battle to the end because, however well intended, the cartel, these friends of government, will sooner than later make a complete mess of the withdrawal and further compound our pains.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Tunji

Adegboyega tunjade@yahoo.co.uk 08054503906 (sms only)

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IKE a dog destined to get lost, and which would therefore not heed the hunter’s whistle, the distrusted Goodluck Jonathan administration has compounded its distrust by doing the unthinkable: it withdrew the socalled fuel subsidy even as it said it was still consulting with Nigerians on the understandably contentious matter. By going ahead to withdraw the subsidy on January 1, three months ahead of schedule, shows the government had met a brick wall with the critical segments of the society that it had tried to convince on the policy option. If it had been making appreciable progress, the government would have waited till the April date that the government’s coordinating minister for the economy/minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had given Nigerians as the take-off date of the scheme.

Now, after doing its worst, the government went ahead to pick people who should be at home playing with their grand-children, to come and manage its self-inflicted crisis.

It asked Justice Alfa Belgore, a former chief justice of Nigeria, to head the panel to meet with organised Labour and the civil society groups while Dr Christopher Kolade heads the Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme Board, SREPB that will oversee the reinvestment of whatever government is able to save from

Comment & Analysis

15

A president and the people Nigerians must resist the fuel price hike tagged ‘deregulation’ the subsidy withdrawal. Belgore is 75 years old while Kolade is 79. My plea to these gentlemen is that they should reject the appointments because they cannot say they are working for Nigerians or Nigeria by taking up such anti-people jobs. They can only be working for the government or themselves. And working for the government does not necessarily equate with working for the fatherland because if most of the other governments had worked for the fatherland, the fatherland would not be in this bad.shape.

Perhaps the most shocking of the people listed for the jobs is Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State; he is in the committee to talk with labour. Obviously, the government is banking on Oshiomhole’s closeness with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), being its former president. But it would be interesting to see how Oshiomhole would look his colleagues in the face (sorry, former colleagues, since he is now on the other side and has seen the light) when negotiations resume, that is if it ever did, considering that it would not be different from the dialogue of the deaf that the government had been doing before removing the so-called subsidy. But I can bet my life that

Oshiomhole would have dubbed as traitor any former NLC president who took on such an assignment for the government when he was fighting against fuel subsidy removal as president of the congress.

People who truly fought for democracy would never have behaved the way President Jonathan is doing. By being adamant on pursuing his agenda and that of the governors, many of who do not care about how the Federal Government gets money but wants the money at all cost, despite that only about eight or eight-and-a-half of them are spending wisely. Sure, when the chips are down, we will know where the ultimate power resides, whether with the president, the governors or with Nigerians.

The president’s obstinacy has only demonstrated that he is working for some other masters and not Nigerians. If he is working for Nigerians, he would not have shocked them with subsidy removal that they resoundingly rejected. If he had been unable to convince the important segments so far, what gives him the impression that he ever will?

I have said it before, if the president cannot make progress unless he removes subsidy, he knows the

However, since the government has demonstrated this bad faith, we owe it a responsibility to posterity to give it all it takes to make sure it does not get away with it; otherwise it would get away with anything in the future. This is impunity of the highest order. One bad faith can only beget another

honourable step to take. He cannot impose a policy of death on us, while some of his ministers keep deluding themselves that the government is popular and that the mass actions we are having all over the country are the handiwork of some misguided elements sponsored either by opposition parties or some disgruntled oil marketers.

That was what Saddam Hussein and Muammar Ghadaffi’s aidescum- sycophants used to send their masters into rat holes from where they were smoked out, leading eventually to their extermination. With sycophants like these, it would not be long for the president to join the delusion train by seeing himself in the light of some great or transformational leader.

The truth is that President Jonathan got his mandate on a platter of gold, hence his being so contemptuous of Nigerians. And, really, there is the tendency to fall into such temptation, particularly for someone who lacks depth; especially when such a person sees himself occupying the exalted chair that a great man like the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, among a few others fought tooth and nail to sit on but were denied by the same forces of retrogression that keep throwing forward for the coveted office some of the country’s ‘worst 11’ for their selfish interest.

Even our military dictators knew the limit on the so-called fuel subsidy. They knew that if they did otherwise, they would be gone; how much more a civilian leader. Should

there be any of our ministers who insists he or she cannot succeed unless subsidy is removed the way they have done, that person should be shown the door, before the government returns us to our pre-1999 situation.

This advice is imperative because what we have seen so far is only a tip of the iceberg; the real troubles will manifest in a matter of weeks when the people will check their pockets and discover that ‘money no dey’ (to quote that legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti). . But then, it was not their fault, it was the fault of the opposition parties that could not find credible people to contest the election with the president.

However, since the government has demonstrated this bad faith, we owe it a responsibility to posterity to give it all it takes to make sure it does not get away with it; otherwise it would get away with anything in the future. This is impunity of the highest order. One bad faith can only beget another. I agree with Labour that we are all dead if this price regime subsists. Those who are saying we should give Jonathan the benefit of the doubt have forgotten that we have heard that many times before. To worsen matters, the president did not leave any particularly outstanding achievements as governor of Bayelsa State and has not even shown any sign that he has clues to the country’s numerous problems since his meteoric promotions to his present position. To crown it all, he belongs to the PDP that has been misruling the country since 1999. So, what are we talking about?

Now, the Federal Government is throwing its own bombs too?

Postscript, Unlimited!

By

Oyinkan Medubi 08187172799 (SMS only) puchuckles7@gmail.com

I

DON’T know much about bombs other than the fact that they are round and attractive, fit nicely into one’s cupped hand and give off a nasty explosive sound when they go off. They also tend to leave an untidy mess of debris when they find their target objects. Even this little pack of information, however, fills an encyclopaedia compared to what some villagers living in war-dominated areas know about it. I have read reports of these country yokels in different parts of the world finding these things and thinking, ‘Oh, that’s a nice ball for Johe to play with.’ With that, they pass the objects on to their children to kick around and those ones also pass them to their friends, who also pass them on to … until the ‘boom’ goes off right in their faces. That is the explosive power of ignorance.

There have been many bombs going off in our country in different directions for a while now. If it’s not the Niger Delta, it’s the Boko Haram, and between the two of them, our lives are not worth our extinct kobo. However, when you find yourself doing the commiser-

ating, then you know you are not the victim; so you know you can breathe for a while more, hopefully even get to live your life out. Recently, however, the federal government threw its own bomb and no one is sure of being able to live out his/her entire life anymore because no one can breathe properly any more. We are all hyperventilating and shouting, ‘How on earth can you remove fuel subsidy when we make the blessed fuel?!’ That’s right, dear government, the people are angry, and rightly so. They know they are being punished for a crime they did not commit. Rather than solve the problems of dishonesty or corruption in the fuel importation scheme, the government prefers to take the easy way out and make the people pay.

Listen people, this country has faced many explosive dangers in its lifetime. It has reeled drunkenly from the incapacitating effects of colonialism to the decapitating armoury of a civil war. By some divinely ordered miracles, however, the country has managed to astound everyone by stubbornly surviving. What it may not survive though is its latest adversary, which is corruption. This reminds me of a story I read some time ago. I’ll just summarise it for you here.

A group of friends were rather fond of the bar and were wont to gather there in the evenings just to socialize and while the time away.

While in their cups, one day, it came into the fuddled brain of one of them that it was possible to drink and gain at the same time. All they had to do was take out insurance on an old leathery fellow who appeared to have been born with the

bar, reasoning that he would soon die of natural causes anyway. They all agreed to the scheme, took out the insurance and waited in vain for the man to die. After a month of waiting, they decided there probably would be no death without a little bit of assistance. This they procured in the form of a poison which they began to administer in small doses at first and, after repeated failures, in large doses. The man lived stubbornly on. Desperate now, the group was forced to follow him home one night and kill him physically. But it was all his fault, they claimed, the stupid old man forced them to commit murder. They were arraigned, tried and convicted. Corruption is the lethal blow Nigeria is repeatedly receiving in the head, and no one is being arraigned, tried or convicted.

What has been referred to in many quarters as ‘the Nigerian experiment’, where three major and an endless number of minor lingocultural groups are forced to cohere without any manual of instructions, is now reeling under this latest physical blow, corruption.

While everyone agrees that there is a great deal of it in the country, not everyone knows who exactly is corrupt. State governors who bilk their states of billions and stash them in foreign, unnumbered accounts do not quite think they are engaging in corruption but in ‘smart’ games. Public servants – from directors, special assistants, senior special assistants, senior, senior special assistants and even under-assistants to assembly members and above – who divert public contracts to themselves are not corrupt. Um hun. They are just ‘looking after themselves.’ Now, each of

these individuals has stockpiled enough ‘looking-after-himself’ stupendous wealth to fund an entire army. The Boko Haram is just an example. So, with so many bombs in so many hands, are you surprised that they are going off one after the other? I just hope we don’t wake up one day and begin to settle traffic altercations with bombs. ‘You hit my car?! Take that!’ Gboa!

Seriously, we have got to have the world’s funniest federal government. It shoots first and asks questions later. Its own way of detonating Niger Delta, Boko Haram and other adventurists’ bombs is to remove fuel subsidy. And it came as one mighty bomb, unexpectedly, while the nation was hurting from one other bomb. The problem is that after throwing its own bomb, it now began to look for palliative measures. I hear there are plans to ‘buy busses’ to help the masses. Interesting! So, it’s busses we need to fight the inflation that is sure to follow the price hike; it’s busses we need to tackle the doubling of the amount each vehicle owner will require to fill his petrol tank; it’s busses that will take away the anger the cassava farmer feels when he has to pay so much to transport his products around. I believe these people really think they are governing a country of idiots.

And then I hear that the government plans to distribute the earnings from the subsidy removal between the federal, state and local governments. Now, tell me, who is really fooling whom? Is it not this ‘distribution of sundry largess’ that caused the massive leakages in the fuel supply in the first place, such that someone would collect fuel from the Port Harcourt refinery, ship

it to Lagos, load it onto another ship and then convince himself (not us) that he imported it and claim the differential? Now, that is the kind of corruption that put so much money (and bombs) into private hands.

Worse, it is the same corruption that has dried off the government’s own resources such that I hear it is now broke. I hear all the country’s sundry foreign reserves have been shared out between God knows who. The other day, when rumours of the government’s evil intentions to hike fuel price first broke, I wrote here, off the cuff, that the government was just ‘…looking for extra cash again!’ Oh, how dreadfully wrong I was! How on earth could I not have known that the government has completely run out of cash?! So, it is not looking for some extra cash, it has none. Sometimes, it’s difficult to second guess these things. I mean how do you learn to pick the correct interpretation for a baby’s cry from ‘pick me up’ to ‘change my diapers’ to ‘what is making you so happy: that you have a baby?’ Anyway, here we are, with the fuel subsidy officially removed and all hell has broken loose.

The tragedy of today’s Nigeria is that its political class of 1999-date is steeped in corruption; indeed, they are one large swarm of ravenous locusts and termites. So rather than build the nation, they are excavating and depleting its resources for reasons best known to them and which history will judge. For now, everyone should just continue to take care as much as possible to deflect all flying bombs no matter where they are coming from. We must show we are not idiots by resisting this hike.

16

Essay

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

The constitution and state of emergency declarations

E

MERGENCY powers comprise two distinct powers, viz (i) power to declare a state of emergency; and (ii) power to make laws and to execute them with respect to matters within exclusive state competence in normal time, and to overstep, with some exceptions, the limitations on power arising from the constitutional guarantee of fundamental rights in chapter IV. Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, relied on by President Obasanjo for his action in Plateau State, grants only the first power, but not the second; it only empowers the President to declare a state of emergency in situations there specified. It is not intended for present purposes to go into the question whether or not the state of emergency in Plateau State was validly declared under section 305.

A state of emergency validly declared under section 305 does not by itself, bring into play the second power. It is a fundamental principle of the Rule of Law that executive acts must be authorised by law, at any rate, insofar as they affect the rights and interests of an individual, and that the Executive is not the one to confer the necessary legal authorisation on itself. The principle is well established by many authorities. As far back as 1921 in the celebrated case, Eshugbayi Eleko v.

Government of Nigeria, the Privy Council applied it to invalidate the deportation of the then Oba of Lagos by the colonial Governor of Nigeria without authorisation by law, which as the sole legislature for the country at the time, he could have conferred on himself by simply issuing an Ordinance, but which he failed to do, relying instead on what he called his inherent authority as the Executive. In a judgement that has become a great constitutional landmark, the Privy Council, speaking through Lord Atkin, said that the Executive “can only act in pursuance of the powers given to him by law.”

The section in the 1960 and 1963 Constitutions (section 65 and 70 respectively) authorising the declaration of a state of emergency also empowered Parliament to make “laws for Nigeria or any part thereof with respect to matters not included in the Legislative Lists as may appear to Parliament to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of maintaining or securing peace, order and good government during any period of emergency” (section 65(1) 1960; section 60(1) 1963; emphasis supplied.)

Pursuant to the power conferred by this provision, Parliament enacted the Emergency Powers Act 1961 authorising the Governor General-in-Council to make “such regulations as appear to him to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of maintaining or securing peace, order and good government in Nigeria, or any part thereof during any period of emergency.” Altogether 12 regulations were made by the Governor General-in-Council under the Act. Of these the most far-reaching was the Emergency Powers (General) Regulations, 1962, which empowered the Prime Minister to appoint an Administrator for Western Nigeria (the emergency area.) The Administrator was authorised by the Regulations to administer the government of the Region, with power to legislate by means of orders for the peace, order and good government of the Region,

•Nwabueze

and with full executive powers. He then suspended the Regional Governor, Premier, Ministers, and House of Assembly.

The Emergency Powers Act 1961 and the Emergency Powers (General) Regulations 1962 clearly went beyond what was contemplated by the enabling provision in Section 65(1) of the 1960 Constitution; they were a perversion of power, but they at least provided some measure of legal authorisation and basis for the appointment of the Administrator by the Prime Minister, and the suspension of the Regional Governor, Premier, Ministers and House of Assembly by the Administrator. The Act and the Regulations made under it lapsed by effluxion of time under Section 65(2) of the 1960 Constitution (section 70(2), 1963) that “any provision of law enacted in pursuance of this section shall have effect only during a period of emergency,” so that they are not in force today as existing laws under Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution.

They are not therefore reproduced in the laws of Nigeria 1990. Even supposing them to be existing law, they will be inconsistent with Section 11(4) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution, quoted below.

‘‘A state of emergency validly declared under section 305 does not by itself, bring into play the second power. It is a fundamental principle of the Rule of Law that executive acts must be authorised by law’’

With the experience of the perversions of 1962 in mind, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (reproducing Section 265, 1979 Constitution) gives the Federal Government no emergency powers, legislative or executive, exercisable during a state of emergency declared under its provisions. It (i.e. Section 305) omits completely the power in Section 65(1) of the 1960 and Section 70(1) of the 1963 Constitution. The only provisions relevant upon the points are those in Section 11(3), (4) and (5) of the 1999 Constitution (same section number in the 1979 Constitution) which, again significantly, make no reference at all to an emergency declared in terms of section 305 (section 265, 1979 Constitution).

These provisions need to be reproduced in their precise wording in order to underline their underlying aim of avoiding the evil of perversion made possible by the 1960 and 1963 Constitution. Section 11: (3) During any period when the Federation is at war, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of the Federation or any part thereof with respect to matters not included in the Exclusive Legislative List as may appear to it to be necessary or expedient for the defence of the Federation” “(4) At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that state, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that state with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions, and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State.

Provided that nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from office.” “(5) For the purposes of subsection (4) of this section, a House of Assembly shall not be deemed to be unable to perform its functions so long as the House of Assembly can hold a meeting and transact business.” (emphasis supplied) The severest of the restrictions on the powers of the Federal Government under these provisions is that where a situation of an abnormal extraordinary nature is confined to the territory of one State and does not extend beyond its boundaries, then, even although a state of emergency has been declared in the state in terms of section 305, the National Assembly is not to assume power to make laws on matters within exclusive state competence unless the State House of Assembly is “unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that state” (section 11(4) - i.e. the situation prevailing in the state independently of, not one brought about by, a declaration of an emergency. Further, “a House of Assembly shall not be deemed to be unable to perform its function so long as the House of Assembly can hold a meeting and transact business” (section 11(5). Again, what is envisaged is inability to perform its functions arising from the situation prevailing in the State independently of, but not one brought about by, a declaration of an emergency.

Finally, the removal of a State Governor from office by reason solely of an emergency situation prevailing in the State, whether or not an emergency is formally declared under section 305, is completely and unequivocally precluded by the proviso in section 11(4), which declares that “nothing in this section shall be construed as conferring on the National Assembly power to remove the Governor or the Deputy Governor of the State from office.” The Governor remains in office during such period with his executive powers undiminished, since by section 11(4) any “laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State.” He is the rightful authority to execute such laws by virtue of the provision in section 5(2) that the executive powers vested in him shall extend to “the execution and maintenance of the Constitution (and) all laws made by the House of Assembly.” And if the National Assembly cannot, in the exercise of its power to make law under section 11(4), remove a State Governor, it cannot by law authorise the President to do so. The President has no inherent power to remove or suspend a Governor, anyway.

It follows that a State Governor elected into office under the 1999 Constitution cannot be removed from office by reason solely of an emergency validly declared under section 305 of that Constitution; in order words, there is nothing in the provisions of the 1999 Constitution relating to an emergency that can cause or be used to make a state Governor to “cease to hold office” within the meaning of section 180 of that Constitution.

All the military governments that have ruled Nigeria observed the Rule of Law at least to the extent of enacting laws (Decrees or Edicts) as a basis for their executive actions, especially executive actions affecting the rights or interests of individuals. There was seldom, if ever, an executive action of the military government not backed by law, a Decree or Edict, made normally prospectively, but sometimes retrospectively.

The suspension of the elected Governor and House of Assembly of Plateau State and their replacement by an Administrator by the democratic government of President Obasanjo without authorisation by law must rank as perhaps the greatest tragedy to befall the Rule of Law in Nigeria.‘ Nwabueze, a professor of constitutional law and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), wrote this piece in May 2004.

POLITICS THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

•Jega •Nyako

PREVIEW 2012

•Sylva

Year of political landmines The battles started in 2011. They continue this year. What are the factors, who are the combatants and what are the issues that will determine who win the contests in Edo, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Ondo, Sokoto and Cross River States. Group Political Editor, Bolade Omonijo, presents the under currents and the game plans AST year was seen as the year of the Nigerian elections. The world focused on the general elections slated for April, believing that anything could happen. The ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), looked forward to repeating the magic of 2007 that saw it in total control of all the tiers and branches of government in the country. But, the opposition was hopeful that the wind of change that had blown through the judiciary across the country would continue. After the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state legislative elections, we now know where how the political parties stand.

That was 2011. Now, the year after general elections is usually quiet, with the elected doing all they could either to satisfy the electorate or simply recoup their “investments”. But, 2012 is peculiar. It is also an election year. In six states, governorship elections will be held. The year opens with the Adamawa poll on January 14, Bayelsa follows on February 11, Sokoto on March 10, Cross River April 14 and Edo July 14.

The sixth, Ondo, is yet to have a date. The tenure of Governor Olusegun Mimiko statutorily expires on February 24, 2013. But, going by the provisions of the Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) preferred mode of operation, the election would most likely be held in the last quarter of this year. The Elec-

L

toral Act prescribes that elections be held between 150 days and 30 days to the expiration of the tenure of the incumbent.

Initially, the amended Act had limited INEC to between 150 and 120 days, with the explanation that the days would ensure that only those who had been cleared by the judiciary assume office. The extension to 30 days only came following the inability of the commission to conduct voter registration in good time to meet the timeline.

While the tenure of the Kogi governor is scheduled to expire on April 14, the governorship poll was held on December 3 last year. In Adamawa, the tenure of Governor Murtala Nyako expires on April 30, but the election comes up on January 14. Contest to pick the replacement for Governor Timipre Sylva of Bayelsa whose time runs out on May 27 comes up on February 11. Governor Aliyu Wamakko has his date with history on March 10 while his tenancy at the Sokoto Government House expires May 28. Governor Liyel Imoke will face the electorate on April 14, while his current tenure will be over August 27. Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s second term bid will receive consideration by the voters on July 14, while the tenure will expire on November 12. For most of the states, the elections will be held about four months before the incumbent’s term runs out.

•Continued on Page 19

•Oshiomhole

•Mimiko

17

18

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Politics

BOKO HARAM

Pushing Nigeria to the brink •Ringim •Goodluck

As the terrorist group, Boko Haram expands its scope of operation, threatening to rupture the frangile nation state, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, reports that it is fast becoming a pressure group

W

EDNESDAY, January 4, 2011 was a day of naked fear for Nigerians. Most hit were relations of southerners still residing in the northern part of the country.

It was the last day of Boko Haram’s three-day deadline to southerners and Christians in the north to relocate or face some bitter consequences.

So, from dawn till dusk, fear of impending explosions, blood and death dominated the consciousness of average citizens across the country.

Of course, since Nigerians received the shocking news of the deadline on Sunday, January 1, 2012, and immediately before the expiration of the deadline that Wednesday morning, most government officials and security chieftains, in a bid to avert a panicky situation, repeatedly reassured citizens that Boko Haram terrorists would not carry out their threats.

The Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, for example, described the warning as an empty threat and advised Nigerians to feel free to live in any part of the country of their choice. “Nigeria is one united and indivisible entity, where citizens are at liberty to reside where they desire and practise whatever faith,” he said in a statement.

Coming after President Goodluck Jonathan had declared a state of emergency on some states of the north, as a way of resolving the Boko Haram attacks, some Nigerians had relaxed a little but majority of the citizens, who have noted the increasing capacity of the terrorist group over the years and the seeming helplessness of the government, remained apprehensive.

Will the terrorists strike again?

When they do, will they isolate southerners and Christians for slaughter? Where will they detonate the next bombs?

It was indeed a day of high wired tension; a day of fear of what would become of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Then, before the end of that day of fear, reports came that the deadly group had indeed struck again.

Bomb blasts had rocked Maiduguri and Damaturu cities in the northeastern part of the country and as would be expected, Boko Haram claimed responsibility.

Abul Qaqa, who reportedly identified himself as a spokesman for the group, said Boko Haram was behind the bomb attacks.

“We are responsible for the bomb blasts in Damaturu a n d Maiduguri t h i s evening,” he said in a phone call that day to AFP, adding, “This is a response to the expiration of the ultimatum we gave to southerners to leave.”

Reports said one of the bombs in Maiduguri “destroyed a house

near a customs barracks,” while “the Damaturu blast occurred at an open-air pub.”

Also that day, according to a report quoting a hospital source, “two civilians were shot dead on the outskirts of Damaturu,” in a separate attack which was also believed to have been carried out

by Boko Haram terrorists.

A l though the blasts and assaults of that day were not

•Yusuf

as devastating as previous attacks from the group, Dr. Israel Udo, a private security consultant in Lagos, told The Nation that they served as “concrete signals that Boko Haram may not have been caged by either the recently announced State of Emergency or the repeated reassurances of government security operatives.”

It would be recalled that the same Sunday the news of the state of emergency on some four northern states of Borno, Niger, Yobe and Plateau were made known, Boko Haram spokesman warned that in the wake of Jonathan’s emergency rule, the group would confront soldiers and Christians who did not heed their warning to leave.

Those attacks on Wednesday were in fulfillment of those promises.

Taking cognizance of the noted resolve ofthe terrorists,

•Konduga

most Nigerians applauded the president’s decision to fight back.

This was because while Boko Haram has been blamed for increasing attacks, including the August suicide bombing of UN headquarters in Abuja, which left about 25 people dead, none of their actions had truly threatened the peace and survival of Nigeria as a nation as the Christmas killings. When he visited St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, scene of the Christmas day bombing, Mr. President wept openly. He could hardly contain his emotions at the sight of wailing relatives of the dead.

Explaining the danger posed by the attack, Udoh said, “In the past, Muslims were also victims of Boko Haram attacks, so the danger of a religious war had been rather remote. But on the Christmas day, Boko Haram terrorists changed tactics in what appeared to be a deliberate move to change focus and expand the scope of their struggle. By targeting churches they terrorists anticipated possible retaliation from Christians. This would be extremely unfortunate.”

Udo however blamed previous and current governments for trifling with the group and thereby waiting until it is almost too late.

“Government shouldn’t have waited until now before clamping down on the criminals,” he said.

Other critical observers and common Nigerians, who are also not impressed by the strategies so far employed by the federal and state governments to tackle Boko Haram, said the actions of the group at the expiration of the deadline was another proof that except definitive measure is immediately taken to effectively stop the terrorist group, it could try to carry out its present threats in a ploy to assume a new status as a major socio-political voice that would ultimately determine the state of Nigeria in the near future.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Politics

19

Religion extremists or political militants?

B

•Ndume

•Shettima

UT if the actual workings of the group had remained somehow controversial since the death of Yusuf in the hands of the police, one thing is certain, the group has evolved over the years; from a simple religious extremist sect to a well connected militant group and is today projecting itself as an established undercover organisation, set to play visible roles in determining the fate of Nigerian socio-political status in the near future.

At every stage of the evolution, the style of operation had changed dramatically. First was display of intense hatred for western education, then anger against the elite.

Later, after Yusuf’s death, Police became special target.

Then they attacked government institutions. Today, the scope has been expanded to Churches and geo-political divisions. Unfortunately, in each stage the major weapon remains terror and destruction on innocent lives.

President Jonathan summed it up so aptly when he said in Madalla, at the site of the Christmas bombings, that: “Boko Haram started as a harmless group in Borno State. At a time they were used by politicians to fester their political interests, now they have grown cancerous and Nigeria, being the body, they want to kill the body. Nobody will allow it. We will crush them.”

The point, which Mr. President admitted in his speech that day, is that because of the negative use politicians had made of these once harmless religious fanatics, their group has become a political cancer that Nigeria can no longer afford to ignore.

This is what the Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, has always acknowledged since he emerged the governor of the state. It would be recalled that his first position as governor-elect was to suggest amnesty for the militants.

Though many criticised him then for that offer, the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) governor has continued to argue that most of

Early days of the Frankenstein monster

W

HEN Nigerians first became aware of Boko Haram, a militant Islamic group founded by Mohammed Yusuf in 2002, it was simply considered an extremist religious sect, seeking strict implementation of Sharia. But then, the implications of the interpretation of the Hausa name; Boko Haram, which means, “Western education is sin,” was not lost on anyone.

By the time it was directly implicated in the 2009 bloody sectarian violence and was soon declared responsible for more than 450

killings, it became obvious that a major problem had set into Nigeria’s socio-political life.

Later the group owned up to bombings that have not only embarrassed the country but have claimed many lives.

It was then that it dawned on the country and the international community that Boko Haram is indeed a terrorist group, which has been allowed to be established underground before the government could wake up to the challenge. Although little findings have been made concerning the command structure of

the group after the killing of its founding leader, Yusuf, it has been claimed that the group has since been divided into some factions, with some of the factions having links with terror groups outside Nigeria. Indeed, the links had been traced to Somalia, North Africa and beyond.

Flash points • Borno State •Bauchi State •Yobe State •Adamawa State • Suleja, Niger State

the Boko Haram’s deadly activities were politically motivated.

Most Nigerians, especially security operatives who doubted his claims could not help but consider his theory after the confessions of Ali Konduga, the man who described himself as the hitherto illusive Boko Haram spokesman. Konduga, who had been jailed for three years after pleading guilty to terrorism, had alleged that some leaders of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had used members of Boko Haram to intimidate members of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal that handled the last governorship election in Borno State. According to him, the aim was to unseat Shettima.

Till date, that confession probably remained the major breakthrough so far recorded in Nigeria’s efforts geared towards revealing the source of funding of Boko Haram ajqs.exe`olitical connections. It was the confession that led to arrest of sitting Senator Ali Ndume, a strong ally of former Governor Modu Sheriff, who was also fingered by Konduga.

He alleged that the Distinguished Senator was relating with the terrorist group. Ndume is still on bail.

Another claim made by Konduga, which further confirmed that the group is not only getting enmeshed in core politics, but has also been carrying out dirty political jobs of late, was his allegation that the group sent threats to former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Sanusi Daggash, a former Minister of Works.

He claimed that Senator Ndume not only gave them telephone numbers of top politicians and leaders but also scripted some of the threat messages.

The three-day ultimatum

S

O, when, late last year, Boko Haram gave Christians and southerners in the northern part of Nigeria three days to leave that region, it dawned on all that the terror group is out to further expand its scope.

This time, it seems poised to ensure its impact is felt beyond the north, using the same tool of terror.

How far this ambitious desire will go and the overall implication on Nigerian polity remains to be seen.

Already, most of the affected zones, ethnic nationalities, religious groups and social organisjqs.exe`re reacting and watching closely.

They are calling on government and northern leaders to act decisively before Boko Haram further militarise the already volatile political landscape.

Some violent incidents involving Boko Haram Date

Incident

17 June, 2011

Boko Haram claimed responsibility for a bombing attack on the police force headquarters in Abuja, which occurred the previous day. Officials believe that the attack was the first suicide bombing in Nigeria’s history and that it was targeted at the Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim.

7 September, 2010 Boko Haram freed over 700 inmates from a prison in Bauchi State December, 2010

Boko Haram was blamed for a market bombing, following which 92 of its members were arrested by the police.

26 June, 2011

28 January, 2011

The Borno state candidate of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP) for the April 2011 gubernatorial elections, Mr. Modu Fannami Gubio, was assassinated, along with his brother, four police officers and a 12-year old boy. Boko Haram was blamed for these killings.

The sect carried out a bombing attack on a beer garden in Maiduguri, according to officials and witnesses. Militants on motorcycles threw explosives into the drinking spot, killing about 25 people.

27 June, 2011

Another bombing in Maiduguri was attributed to the group. At least two girls died and three customs officials were reportedly injured.

03 July, 2011

A bombing in a beer garden in Maiduguri was attributed to the group.

It resulted in the death of at least twenty people.

10 July, 2011

A bombing at the All Christian Fellowship Church in Suleja, Niger State.

11 July, 2011

The University of Maiduguri closed down its campus temporarily, citing security concerns.

8 February, 2011

Boko Haram was offered conditions for peace. The group demanded that the Borno State Governor then, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff Ali, must step down from office with immediate effect. They also insisted that members must be allowed to reclaim their mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State. On 9th May 2011 Boko Haram rejected an offer for amnesty made by the governor-elect of Borno state, Kashim Shettima.

29 March, 2011

The police “thwartsed a plot to bomb an [ANPP] election rally” in Maiduguri, Borno State. The threat was blamed on Boko Haram.

12 August, 2011

1 April, 2011

On the day before the original date of Nigeria’s legislative elections, suspected Boko Haram members attacked a police station in Bauchi.

Muslim Cleric, Liman Bana, was shot dead. Boko Haram was blamed for the attack

26 August, 2011

9 April, 2011

A polling center in Maiduguri was destroyed. Some reports blamed Boko Haram for the attack.

The UN headquarters in Abuja was blown up by a suicide car bomber, leaving at least 21 dead and dozens more injured. A Boko Haram spokesman later claimed responsibility.

15 April, 2011

The Maiduguri office of the Independent National Electoral Commission was bombed, and several people were shot in a separate incident on the same day. Authorities blamed Boko Haram for these.

16 October, 2011

Police suspected that it was members of Boko Haram that shot and killed politician Modu Bintube outside his home in Maiduguri.

22 October, 2011

Spokesman Abu Qaqa indicated that the militant group had killed Alhaji Zakariya Isa, a Nigerian Television Authority, journalist, claiming that he was a government informant.

20 April, 2011

Boko Haram killed a Muslim cleric and ambushed several police officers in Maiduguri.

22 April, 2011

Boko Haram freed 14 prisoners during a jailbreak in Yola, Adamawa State.

5 November, 2011 A series of seemingly coordinated attacks in Borno and Yobe states, primarily around Damaturu, leaving at least 67 people dead, a new police headquarters in ruins, and government offices burned.

29 May, 2011

Boko Haram was blamed for bombings in some parts of the north that left 15 dead.

25 December, 2011 Boko Haram claimed responsibility for bomb attacks on some churches across Nigeria.

Source: The Net

20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Politics

•Continued from Page 17 The INEC timetable Besides the election dates fixed, the commission has released a detailed timetable for the year’s polls.

The last days allowed for withdrawal and replacement of candidates are: Adamawa (December 6); Bayelsa (January 3), Sokoto (January 31), Cross River (February 28) and Edo (June 5). Nomination forms are due as follows Bayelsa January 10; Sokoto February 27; Cross River March 6; Edo June 12.

Can INEC deliver free, credible polls?

When Attahiru Jega, a Professor of Political Science and activist, was appointed head of the allimportant electoral umpire last June, expectations were high that he would change the perception that Nigerians are unable to organise polls that would stand up to the best anywhere in the world. His reputation preceded him to the office mainly for the courage he displayed when he led the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to confront the Babangida regime in the nineties.

His personal credibility came into the equation. At the end of the polls, many local and international observers, as well as critical stakeholders, scored the commission above average. Apparently in response to the transparency introduced to the process, litigations on the elections have gone down.

However, there are still grey areas. In some communities, there have been contentions that elections were not held, but results declared. Some returning officers were said to have colluded with partisan interests in organizing favourable results. In Anambra, Benue, Delta and Imo States, in particular, there have been charges that the commission’s staff performed below par. The petitions are before the tribunals.

As professor Jega admitted at recent lectures, there are corrections to be made in the system before the next set of elections. The opportunity to demonstrate absolute good faith comes with this year’s six governorship polls. In the general elections, logistics was still a nightmare. Transportation of materials almost marred the entire exercise, especially on the first day, as the commission appeared grossly unprepared. But, after the April 2 false start, INEC was quick to recover and an appreciative country applauded.

Another area where the commission’s arrangement fell short of expectation was the requirement that would-be voters came to the polling units early for accreditation but had to return to the unit before 12 noon for voting. That was to cause confusion in many parts of the country as polling officials interpreted the rules variously. The commission is expected to come up with new guidelines, it is expected that the rules will benefit from retreats held after the elections.

Elections are not just about the electoral commissions. The INEC naturally has to interface with security agencies both in terms of securing formations and offices, and assisting with movements of sensitive electoral materials. This has always been a sore point. The security officers are believed to aid the ruling party in rigging the polls. How does INEC hope to get

•Wamakko

•Imoke

Parties in fierce battles to control six states around this? Professor Jega had held meetings with the Inspector General of Police, but this has not excited confidence in the electorate.

Money remains central to playing the game of politics. Those who have in abundance are usually the incumbents who have unhindered access to the treasury and spend as if it was getting out of fashion.

Years of disappointment and grinding poverty have reduced majority of the people to paupers who would gladly trade their votes to bidders. This has almost become the political culture of the people and one of the factors inhibiting democracy from taking root.

One of the innovations introduced was use of youth corps members as polling clerks and presiding officers. In previous elections, teachers and civil servants from the localities were engaged to conduct the polls. It has always been alleged that, as paid employees of the state governments, public servants were used to manipulate results in favour of the ruling parties.

All eyes are on Jega and his electoral commissioners in the states.

First, would he be changing the electoral commissioners who conducted last April’s polls? What about the electoral officers in the local government areas? Would the commission continue with the use of seasoned academics as returning officers? These are the posers.

Battle ground, aerial bombardments Is the coast clear for the elections now? The five governors whose election dates have been set

by INEC had their tenures “extended” by virtue of court decisions are now waiting on the Supreme

“Money remains central to playing the game of politics. Those who have in abundance are usually the incumbents who have unhindered access to the treasury and spend as if it was getting out of fashion.”

Court to decide if they ought to have vacated their seats last May or could continue to run the calendar released by INEC. When the case came up in November, the apex court invited Chief Richard Akinjide, Professor Itse Sagay and dr. Kanyinsola Ajayi, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria, to address it on points of law, aside the written addresses filed by the respondents and defendants. Judgment has been reserved sine die.

Sagay and Ajayi contended that the two courts below were wrong in holding that the tenures should be counted from the point that the governors took the second oaths of office. However, Akinjide agreed with the Federal High Court and the Appeal Court that the first oath had become meaningless since the elections were invalidated, fresh elections held and the governors’ administrations inaugurated again.

It is not clear yet what to expect of the Adamawa poll that is due next week. Is the Supreme Court aware of the pending poll?

Will it take that into consideration in adjudicating the matter? Already, the Kogi poll has been conducted and the governor-elect is awaiting inauguration in March.

What would happen if the Supreme Court rules that the election ought to have been conducted in April?

Would the December poll still be valid, especially in view of the contention of Alhaji Isah Echocho who had been elected candidate of the PDP in January that he ought to have been fielded as the authentic candidate?

The ACN candidate also changed as Prince Abubakar Audu was not even a member of the party in January. What happens to the petitions in court? In Bayelsa, Governor Sylva is still in court contending that the mandate handed him by the PDP in January subsists. Meanwhile, the party excluded him from the contest and endorsed the candidacy of Hon. Seriake Dickson for the February poll. More court processes could be expected from the states Elections are always fought

like battles. Nothing has changed or is likely to change in the coming election in any of the states. First, all the governors are back in the race as, constitutionally, they are entitled to fresh terms. In Adamawa, Baba Maimangoro, Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako is the incumbent. He was first elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2007. But, following the contention that Ibrahim Bapetel of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) was wrongly excluded from the election, a rerun was held 1n 2008. Nyako, despite all odds, won.

That was at a time that he had such strongmen like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Senator Jonathan Zwingina arrayed against him.

Abubakar was a chieftain and 2007 presidential candidate of the ACN, and Zwingina who had earlier crossed over to Labour Party backed Bapetel of ACN in that rerun. The Acting Governor James Barka who occupied the office by virtue of his position as Speaker of the House of Assembly was hostile to the ambition of Nyako did nothing to aid the ruling party. It is to the credit of Nyako who had been displaced for about three months that he still emerged the governor.

He appears to be on a firmer ground now, at least within his party. What he has going against his is the contention that he has not done enough to justify a return.

The candidates of the ACN, Marcus Gundir, and the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Buba Marwa have been mounted ferocious campaigns. They are both charismatic leaders.

A recent attempt by the two candidates to forge a common front failed as the invitation extended by Marwa to Gundir was spurned.

Gundir felt insulted by Marwa’s invitation to run as a junior partner on a joint ticket. In the April election, ACN polled 506, 000 votes to CPC’s 298, 000. Gundir’s party won two House of Representatives seats to CPC’s one. It also won four House of Assembly seats to CPC’s one. In the Northern sena-

torial district where both Marwa and Boni Haruna, the ACN senatorial candidate hail, CAN out performed Marwa’s party. But the former lagos military administrator believes that he stands a better chance of winning the election based on his name recognition and other factors. Both he and his party’s presidential candidate in the last election said as much.

The situation in Edo is different. The ruling party is the ACN with Governor Adams Oshiomhole as the party’s candidate. Oshiomhole is charismatic and is believed to have performed far better than any of the previous governors in the Fourth Republic.

He is a household name in the state and the support for him among the people transcends party boundaries.

However, the challenge from the PDP that has the likes of Chief Tony Anenih and Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia as chieftains and prime movers cannot be dismissed.

Apart from the incumbency factor and Brand Oshiomhole, the PDP House is not in order. Leading aspirants are Professor Oserheimen Osunbor and a former member of the House of Assembly, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyikemwen. Also in the race are Kenneth Imasuagbon who was one of the first to declare his aspiration and General Charles Airhiavbere (retd). It is unlikely that the party puts its house in order early enough to displace Oshiomhole.

It is believed that the battle shall be fought mainly in Edo South, that is the Benin senatorial zone that is the most populous.

The battle for Bayelsa has been on for months now. It is believed that President Goodluck Jonathan who is from the state is behind the move to deny Governor Timipre Sylva the ticket. The President’s anointed candidate, Dickson, succeeded at the November primary the validity of which Sylva is still contesting in court.

It is essentially Sylva versus Jonathan. It is unlikely that the PDP reverses its decision, in which case Sylva is left with the choice of backing another candidate on another party’s platform.

On the other hand, if the court decides that the January ticket subsists, the PDP has a choice between pushing the Sylva candidacy or reenacting the drama in Imo in 2007 when the party mobilized against its own candidate, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume.

Another state where the contest will be hot is Ondo where Governor Mimiko is the only Labour Party governor. He is surrounded as an island by an ocean of ACN. He is now being challenged by the PDP and ACN. All the ACN governors are expected to converge on Ondo State in an attempt to unseat the governor. It is contended that the LP won the 2007 election with the active support of all the progressives who jointly decided to confront the then ruling PDP government of Governor Olusegun Agagu.

It will be a close race. The parties in contention include ACN, PDP and LP. Can a lone ranger Mimiko survive? He is expected to swim in a shark infested water, does he stand a chance. The battle has been joined.

Cross River and Sokoto appear safe for the ruling party, the PDP. Governors Liyel Imoke and Wamakko are set for a repeat of the 2007 and 2007 contests. The April elections confirmed the superiority of their party in the two states.

For the politicians, the struggle continues. For INEC, it is time to show that it can raise its game, while, for the people, it is time to demonstrate that the voters are now more matured.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Senator Gbenga Kaka, a former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, is the Senator represe nting Ogun-East Senatorial District at the senate. In this interview with Tosin Adesile, he speaks on the state of nation. Excerpts

W

HAT contributions are you planning to make in the senate?

We have short term plan, medium term plan and long term plan.

If you are talking in respect of planning, that is part of aspiration.

I plan that come 2015, we should be able to reduce drastically the unemployment situation in the country and provide necessary institution and capacity that is required for our un-employed youths to get engaged.

In so doing, we’ll be talking about the issue of electricity. Whatever we can contribute to ensure that adequate provision is made for the generation and distribution in most effective ways that can serve the impetus for improved productivity and provide necessary multiplied effect within the environment.

These depend on the available space for our operation. Also, talking of agriculture, we all know we have vast expanse of land; we have lot of job to do here. Once there is adequate financial backing and good orientation of our youths, they’ll be encouraged to go back to the farm, get engaged in faming activities and reduce unemployment to a level.

Beyond that, there is the issue of infrastructure. If our railway is working well and our road is motorable, there will be less pressure on the economy and it will surely move forward.

All these are things we all must look into.

How will your constituency benefit largely from your senatorial functions in specific terms?

Specifically, there is going to be a scholarship and award at the secondary school level. Apart from that, the farmers are going to be assisted in terms of provision of necessary materials needed for farming.

We have it in mind to provide seedling for farmers to make their effort worthwhile. A s much as possible, I’m trying to organise them into a co-operative society whereby, at the onset of the planting season, we’ll provide necessary linkage to have easy access to the required seeds and seedling and necessary agro-chemical and we’ll work to also get the rural areas opened up by linking up with the local, state and federal governments.

This will enhance easy access to their farms and the produce also can be evacuated as and when due or necessary.

Then on top of it all, through the instrumentality of legislation, I am sponsoring a bill that will make each local government to have an agro processing zone that will be jointly funded by the private sector, government at all the three tiers, so that value will be added to those produce.

What is your view on removal of fuel subsidy?

I am still yet to be convinced

Politics

21

Poor Nigerians forced to subsidise government inefficiency - Kaka that we have any subsidy left to be removed. For us to establish that we have subsidy left and the quantum of subsidy left, we first of all must put the condition precedents in and the condition precedent is that one, the refineries must be working.

Secondly, we must stop importing refined product from abroad so to eliminate the cost of transporting crude to abroad and refined product back home with all the attached insurance and handling charges. Then, we can now establish what it costs us to produce a litre of petrol. By so doing, we can now say, we still have subsidy left.

For now, my belief and conviction is that it is the poor masses that are being made to subsidise the inefficiency of the government.

There is also the ineffectiveness of our system, whereby we devote billions to turn around maintenance, only for them to develop wings and nothing done. All these, in a situation whereby the refineries are operating below 25 percent capacity installed.

So, all these are inefficiencies that made importation of refined product inevitable.

You cannot ask the people to come and pay for the inefficiency of government. It is the government that is supposed to subsidise the disadvantaged people, not the other way round.

Top of it all, a calculation was done that 240 billion is meant for this year’s subsidy and at the end of the day; about 1.5 trillion is being expended, what happened to the difference. It has been established that we have corruption within the system. So, for us to say there is fuel subsidy and we want to remove fuel subsidy, those who

are responsible for the stealing of that money meant for fuel subsidy must be disciplined. This will serve as deterrent.

Those sacred cows must be unveiled and must be disciplined publicly to serve as deterrent to others. By so doing, people’s confidence in the government would be restored.

It won’t cost us more than two years to put a refinery into place.

We had Obasanjo’s two eight-year terms; we had one term of Yar’Adua/Goodluck Jonathan and another one now, making 13 years. They kept talking about the obsolete refinery that we had that can never be propped up to go back to 50% capacity production and they think that one will be enough for us. So, we are not tackling the cause, it is the symptoms that we are tackling and when we talk of promises, we have had promises before.

About Six times, Obasanjo removed subsidy and they are still saying subsidy is yet to end. So, we should stop deceiving Nigerians and do what is right.

Book Haram claimed responsibility of the Christmas day bombing and has promised more bombings. What is your view about the faceless group and how can its activities be put to a stop?

I want to make this clear that innocent people are not the cause

of their grievances. So, they need to get themselves re-oriented.

Secondly, Boko Haram is not a religious issue; it is a sociopolitical and socio-economic issue.

If the people are well employed, poverty will be reduced and there will be no idle hand to use as the devils workmanship. So, the sponsors of the so -called Book Haram will have no one ready to use for their nefarious activities. So, what that one is saying to the government is that rather than devoting large amount of money to security, they should use it to generate employment.

The security agent has proved to us that they are not living up to expectation. We only hope that there is no orchestration within the system in order to continue to get more money into security votes.

So, before we turn our nation into a police state, it is better to attack the root cause which is poverty.

Then in addressing the root cause, perhaps, those who are asking for money in respect of security should first ask the security apparatus what they have been able to do with money allocated the previous year.

How can you access the performance of ACN governors?

I give kudos to the leadership of ACN. But, for them, situation

“About Six times, Obasanjo removed subsidy and they are still saying subsidy is yet to end. So, we should stop deceiving Nigerians and do what is right.”

would have been the same like what is happening in other states of the federation.

They came at the right time and rescued the South-West from the rot we have been witnessing. So far so good, across and beyond Nigeria, people acknowledge that Babatunde Fashola is performing.

It has also been acknowledged that Osun is on the right path, from a nation of civil service, the state has not only developed industrially; it even has savings for the rainy day.

Ekiti is not lagging behind and Edo is also doing a great job and now in Oyo and Ogun, a solid foundation is being laid for future prospects.

So, we know that we are still far away from the legacy laid down

by Chief Obafemi Awolowo but so far so good. What we are hoping is that come next eljqs.exe`the performance of the ACN governors will be enough for other zones to embrace the party across the country.

So that we can put final fullstop to the menace caused by PDP as they have shown us that they are totally and thoroughly incompetent to rule this nation and that is why insecurity and hunger is everywhere.

Looking at all the challenges facing Nigeria as a country, what do you foresee in this New Year?

We are already in 2012. What is happening is that we have to remain hopeful that things will get better but when you have unrepentant nation looters, it will require more than prayer to rescue the nation from their blotches.

That is why our motto should remain work and pray but more work than Prayer is required.

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COVER THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

Fuel subsidy: Unanswered questions Since New Year day when the Federal Government’s decision to withdraw fuel subsidy was announced, there has been more confusion than light over the controversial action. Sam Egburonu Associate Editor, takes a look at the issues at stake

B

ARRING any last minute changes, the organised labour, civil society groups, students and millions of other agitated Nigerians will, by tomorrow morning, begin a nationwide protest against the recent removal of fuel subsidy.

President Goodluck Jonathan had offered the country what his critics described as a controversial New Year gift when, in his January 1, 2012 speech, he announced a total removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise known as petrol.

The immediate direct consequence of that action was that petrol, whose regulated price was N65 per litre last year, became N141 per litre; an increment of over 100 per cent.

As would be expected, the sudden change attracted immediate violent reactions as protests broke out in different parts of the country soon after Jonathan finished his New Year’s speech.

Since then, the outrage has not subsided.

Nigerians are on the war path, calling for immediate reversal of the policy.

Organised labour and social activists groups had perfected plans to lead the rest of enraged citizens to shut major streets across the country in a deliberate attempt to cripple all socio-economic activities in Nigeria and therefore force the government to revert to the former policy.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had formally advised citizens to stock food in their homes in preparation for a long, definitive strike.

A statement entitled “Enforce N65 per litre price,” signed by Owei Lakemfa and John Kolawole, the Secretaries-General of NLC and TUC respectively, the apex labour groups “This New Year ‘gift’ by the Presidency is callous, insensitive and is intended to cause anarchy in the country.”

The unions resolved to lead Nigerians to protest the increment.

Government, on its part, has made desperate attempts to persuade Nigerians that deregulation was the only realistic route the country must take in the interest of her long term economic survival.

Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, briefing State House Correspondents after an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on the matter last Wednesday, said the government, aware of the short term pains, took the action because there was no alternative to fuel subsidy removal.

According to him, failing to take this action today would amount to postponement of the evil day.

“Previous governments have postponed

deregulation. The intended benefits did not come through because for as long as government continues to monopolise the sector, no private sector will come in and invest in it,” he posited.

Urging Nigerians to bear the pains, the government spokesman pleaded that “in no time, the prices will come down, unlike in the past where marketers used to hoard fuel because government was subsidising. That will no longer be the case.”

The Jonathan-led government had also announced some palliatives to help cushion the harsh effects on common Nigerians who are already confronted with immediate increment of almost all products and services in the country, without additional income.

Such palliatives included promise for provision of 1600 mass transit buses, promise to pay salaries by January 20, directive that states should get their allocations by January 15, promise to review rail transportation option, an order that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) must fill up existing vacancies immediately and a promise to pay local contractors.

The Nation’s checks however show that most Nigerians are not impressed by these offers and are instead insisting on reversal of the policy, maintaining that with good and purposeful governance, Nigeria can afford to develop the oil sector while retaining former price of PMS. So, as the face-off between enraged Nigerians and the federal government over this contentious issue deepens this week, even as the proposed nationwide strike commences tomorrow, many nagging questions remain unanswered.

First, the contention over the necessity of fuel subsidy removal in Nigeria remains largely unresolved.

Is there no alternative to fuel subsidy removal?

Over the years, several governments, starting from military administrations, had tried to implement this policy without success as most Nigerians have continued to resist it.

While trying to implement the policy, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his June 2000 speech, defined deregulation thus: “Deregulation means that government will stop interfering in the oil industry. Marketers will be free to import and sell at prices that are no longer determined by the NNPC. One direct consequence is that prices of fuel will vary from fuel station to fuel station… With deregulation, adjustment of prices will not always be upwards, prices may fall from

•Protesters rallying against the withdrawal of fuel subsidy

•Madueke time to time.”

This definition and outlined benefits had continued to serve as the anchor of government’s perspective on this matter.

Regretting high cost of fuel subsidy, recently put at N1.3 trillion annually, government representatives had blamed the fuel crisis in Nigeria on “unpatriotic activities of producers and distributors of

•Oniwon fuel, alleging that they were responsible for hoarding, smuggling and damaging of refineries.”

Government therefore argued that only deregulation would result to correct pricing of petroleum products and make hoarding and smuggling of the products economically unattractive.

Cover

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

23

FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

J

A bloated Presidency and wilting populace

ANUARY 1st is usually time for cel- ebration mood by the outfight removal of ebrations worldwide. But for many Ni- fuel ‘subsidy’ without any formal notice. gerians, this year’s was not. President The removal has raised the price of premium Goodluck Jonathan decided to sour the cel-

Joe Agbro Jr. writes on the phenomenon of rich leaders and pauperised citizens motor spirit (PMS) from N65 to between N138 and N145. With over a 100% increase in price, many Nigerians are seeing this move as insensitive, callous, and also not encompassing.

On one part, government, especially the presidency has preached that Nigerians need to ‘tighten their belt’, another way of telling them to brace up for stringent economic times. But, in this year’s budget, while the federal government has gone ahead to remove provision for fuel subsidy in the budget, plunging the nation into consequent economic hardship, government has been less harsh on itself.

And while Jonathan appropriated N9b to security, obviously in the aftermath of the Boko Haram insurgency, it seemed he was two-mouthed when he stated that: “In our continuing effort to improve on our human development index, we are conscious of the need to avoid the trap of focusing on economic growth as an end in itself, but rather, a means to improved human development through ensuring better health care, education, and wealth creation.”

The 2011 budget had devoted N7, 248, 537, 091 to education. Though, it increased its allocation this year to N11, 764, 187, 275, this figure is still far from the United Nations recommendation. In the healthcare sector, one of the goodies the State House would enjoy will be the use of a N1.3bn clinic which it plans to build. It is however ironic that the total allocation to the Federal

•Oniwon It is in view of this that government, in 2002, gave licences to 18 private firms to build refineries.

Unfortunately, about 10 years after that move, no private refinery has started operation in the country. This, according to reports, is mainly because would-be participants had maintained that they cannot recoup their investment for as long

as the price of their products is regulated by the government. “It does not make economic sense to force a producer or marketer of any product to sell below cost price,” a stakeholder in the industry said, arguing that “Nigeria and Nigerians have only been deceiving themselves since economics is not based on sentiments but reality.”

Not bought by these hard core economic arguments, common Nigerians have continued to see implementation of this policy as wickedness and the height of betrayal of the people.

The argument for the people’s position has always been that an oil producing country like Nigeria should ensure that citizens buy petroleum products at the cheapest possible price.

Citing other oil producing countries as an example, Nigerians said N65 per litre is high enough price for PMS. Regretting that total removal of fuel subsidy implies that citizens would begin to bear the full cost of fuel, they wondered if government wants to deny its obligations on the citizens.

They therefore blamed fuel crisis in Nigeria on inefficiencies and mismanagement on the part of governments and the respective agencies.

For example, Campaign for Democracy (CD), in a statement, signed by its President, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, asked, “Which responsible government in the world would preside over the sixth largest producer of crude oil in the world and would depend on imported refined fuel at a price it cannot control its domestic consumption just as it cannot determine the price of its crude?”

Accusing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank of armtwisting Nigerian governments to tow the

route of deregulation for their selfish interests, aggrieved Nigerians, led by the organised labour, contended that there are alternatives to removal of fuel subsidy.

Such alternatives, which would lead to avoidance of withdrawal of fuel price hike, include repairing of existing refineries and looking for more innovative and practical means of making supply and distribution more humane and effective.

Is Jonathan’s action legal?

There has also been heated debate over the legality of the action. While some argued that the president has the right to withdraw fuel subsidy, others like Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Bamidele Atere, think otherwise. Atere had been quoted as saying the sudden removal of fuel subsidy by Mr. President was illegal since an existing and yet to be repealed Price Control Act, clearly lists petroleum products as one of the those products, which must be regulated by the government. According to him, “For purporting to deregulate the downstream sector of the oil industry, the government is violating the rule of law which it claims to respect.”

This argument, according to Mr. Fred Udoma, a political analyst in Lagos, is further strengthened by the allegation of lawmakers that the Presidency did not get their nod before announcing the removal of fuel subsidy.

Did the Executive take unilateral decision?

With the battle line between the government and the people finally drawn, there are inside reports that government is actually divided over the decision to remove fuel subsidy at this time.

Sources said some members of the executive were opposed to the idea until the last minute. “It almost came to a point where hands had to be raised for Mr. President to count,” a source said.

But if the disagreement within the Executive remains a closely guarded secret, it has been made public that the Legislature did not fully agree on the matter before it was finally announced by President Jonathan.

A statement from the Senate, signed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman, Senate Committee on Information, Media and Public Affairs, said: “The Senate heard of the commencement of full deregulation of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry by the express and immediate removal of

•Jonathan Ministry of Health for the remaining one hundred and sixty million Nigerians unfortunate not to live at State House is N282.77 billion!

And while the other Nigerians have to •Continued on Page 65 subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by PPPRA. “The Senate is yet to take a final decision on the issue.”

The response of the House of Representatives was the same. A statement by the Deputy Chairman of House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Victor Ogene, said the house deliberations on the matter would begin when it resumes on January 10, 2012. Part of the statement reads: “The House of Representatives notes the decision of the Executive regarding the total removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and subsequent reaction of a cross section of Nigerians… It is worth repeating here that the House of Representatives have not taken any definite decision on the subsidy matter before it proceeded on Christmas and New Year break on December 20, 2011.”

Investment of N1.3 trillion subsidy funds annually While informed Nigerians agree that by saving the huge sums of money allegedly used as fuel subsidy, which has been put at about N1.3 trillion per year, government will have more resources that could be deployed in providing needed infrastructure; there is general concern that corruption would ultimately render such ideal impracticable.

Questions being asked here include the capacity of this government to honesty invest this huge resource in areas of need; ability of the government to monitor it and assurances that it would not fritter into private pockets.

Can Nigerians sustain the strike?

While enthusiasm of average Nigerians to embark on the proposed fuel subsidy strike is self evident today, there is however, fear that commoners may lack the staying power. Mr. Udoma, taking into cognisance past experiences, told The Nation that this reasoning must have informed the Presidency’s decision to announce the policy at the beginning of the year, after many Nigerians have expended heavily during the festive periods. “Their calculation must be that at this time, Nigerians won’t hold on for long. If that is the case, they would be disappointed.

What should interest all of us instead, is the fact that President Jonathan lacks what it takes to resist backing out from this unpopular route. The people, I think, will ultimately win this battle,” he said.

It remains to be seen, just how right he is in his analysis of the situation.

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Cover FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

Will private refineries step in?

With recent decision by the federal government to withdraw the remaining ‘subsidy’ on petrol, Sunday Oguntola, asks if operators of private refineries who have been licensed would now be ready to rise to the occasion

T

HE prospects appeared strong as late as June 2002. Eighteen private firms obtained licences from the federal government to own refineries. With their participation, expectations were high that local productions will increase. When local demands are met, prices will go down.

Nigeria can then export refined petroleum with greater earnings. But almost a decade later, none of them has commenced operations. The major reason, they said, is the regulation of prices of petroleum products.

With the deregulation of the sector on January 1, 2012 and effective withdrawal of fuel subsidy, experts said operators of private refineries can now step in. Eight of the original 18 had their licences renewed late last year. The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) issued two categories of licences.

There was Approval to Construct (ATC) and Licence to Establish (LTE).

Those who obtained renewed licences are Amakpe International Refinery Incorporated, with plant site located in Eket, Akwa Ibom State; Resource Petroleum & Petrochemicals International Incorporated, located in Ibeno, Akwa Ibom State; Sapele Petroleum Limited, in Okpe-Sobo, Sapele, Delta State; Amexum Corporation, Ikang, Cross River State; and Antonio Oil, in Iwopin, Ogun State.

Others are Gasoline Associates International Limited refinery, located in Ipokia, Ogun State; Niger Delta Petroleum

Resources, Ogibelle, Rivers State and Ologbo Refinery Company Nigeria Limited, in Ologbo, Edo State. The eight refineries have a combined refining capacity of 452,000 barrels per day (bpd).

Attractive sector Chief Executive Officer of Niger Delta Exploration and Production Plc, Dr. ‘Layi Adetona, said, “Now, with the deregulation of the market, it suddenly became attractive that it is not just having capacity to produce what we can consume, but a little bit more. ‘’The plant that we have happens to satisfy that technical specification. So, we have not just achieved self-dependence. We also have excess capacity to commercialise the additional output that we have’’.

A major stakeholder in one of the eight private refineries said the deregulation of the downstream sector is what they have been waiting for to step in. ‘’I can confirm we are good to go now. It means one can recoup investment quicker and make profits while meeting people’s needs,’’ he informed. ‘’With the removal of subsidy, we can now provide the muchneeded additional back-ups for local production,’’ he added.

But there are still hurdles for these operators to scale.

One is the safety of private refineries and investments. This is why the operators have insisted on a portion of shares reserved for the host communities. The argument is that when locals are involved as investors, they won’t think of

•Refinery

vandalising the refineries as militants successfully did during the restiveness in the Niger Delta.

Funding remains a big reason why the operators have not commenced operations too.

Government backed out of an arrangement to own 15% of

their equities, thereby acting as a guarantee for foreign investors. Such policy somersault remains a big worry for operators.

A player in the industry said government must enact stable policies and create enabling environment for them to really operate well. There is also the uncertainty of availability of

crude oil at reasonable prices.

The question is: will these refineries take off on time? Will they increase local production and reduce prices of petroleum prices? Or will they become another cartel that will hold Nigerians to ransom?

The next few months will answer these posers.

A tale of two subsidies

U

NLIKE Nigeria, where crude oil was discovered in commercial quantity over five decades ago, Ghana, only few years ago joined the league of oil-producing nations.

But the irony, however, is that this natural endowment has been a source of acrimony in Nigeria, what some analysts have come to identify as a “resource curse” in the most populous black nation across the globe.

Lamentably, due to the parlous state of the petroleum industry, fueled in part by the decrepit infrastructure as well as restiveness in the Niger Delta, which has seen some of the oil majors leaving the region in droves, the prospect of new investors coming into the sector has become eroded.

Of course, Nigeria’s lost has been Ghana’s gain. From available information, the U.S and other developed countries in South East Asia have been falling over themselves to have a slice of Ghana’s crude oil reserves since it was discovered under the administration of former President John Kuffour few years back.

Perhaps, understanding the immense potential of its oil reserves, Ghana has continued to err on the side of caution ever

since, if only to ensure that the country or its citizens never fall on evil days by taking strident measures to rein in any immediate or perceived challenge that could be inimical to the growth and development of its petroleum resources.

One of such measures to protect its interest came to the fore when the Ghanaian government in the twilight of 2011, precisely on December 29th, announced the removal of fuel subsidies. The government cited two key factors, namely: increase in international crude oil prices and the depreciation of the Ghanaian currency – the cedi.

Justifying the need for the removal, Ghana’s Head of National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Alex Mould said in a statement that the cumulative effect of the rise in crude oil prices last year and the about 5.7 per cent depreciation of the cedi meant a 25 per cent increase in cedi terms in the cost of procuring crude oil and petroleum products since January.

Mould had further explained that Ghana had spent about 450 million cedis ($276 million) on fuel subsidies in 2011, a

Unlike in Ghana, where the removal of oil subsidy has been received with indifference by her citizens, the action by the Federal Government is threatening to overheat the polity, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

•Atta Mills development, he noted was weighing heavily on the country’s finances.

To address this downward spiral, Mould specifically said the prices of petrol and diesel

•Jonathan will go up by 15% each at GHp175.48 per litre and GHp 177.09 per litre respectively while Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) will go up by 30% at GHp 136.19 per kilo.

Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Kwabena Duffour also gave what appeared to be government’s imprimatur of support to the exercise, saying that the removal of subsidies would have a positive impact on the country’s economy in the short to medium and long term.

Duffour said: “Subsidising fuel is not sustainable. It is the right thing to do so we can sustain our fiscal consolidation.”

It was however learnt that Ghana, like other West African countries including, Nigeria, Guinea, Cameroon, Chad, among others, may have come under subtle pressures to remove the fuel subsidies by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

However, while the Ghanaian government appeared to have won the hearts of its citizens with the plausible arguments it offered, at least judging by the calm that •Continued on Page 25

Cover

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

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FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

Oil subsidy and challenge of good governance T

HE new year day, January 1, 2012, happened on Nigerians across the nation, transmitting currents of mixed feelings –the elation of being alive to witness the new year and the shocking announcement of the removal of the so-called oil subsidy by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA. The present brouhaha and distress being witnessed across the nation have again raised the question of the quality of governance and related issues in Nigeria.

The belief that corruption is the bane of Nigeria’s march towards development had gone viral long before now. Nigerians at home and abroad and our foreign friends believe strongly, from our historical and political experience, that unless corruption in both public and corporate governance is effectively reined in, the country will only continue to gyrate in a macabre dance of death.

For most Nigerians and other interested observers, what is most shocking is that the more popular civilian democratic dispensation which they looked up to as the saving grace is proving unremittingly to be the very antithesis of their expectations. So much so that as democracy steadily fails in Nigeria, the people are hard pressed not to see the more familiar and enduring military dictatorship as a viable alternative—a scary and desperate proposition for a people long traumatized by the misrule of successive democratic governments in Nigeria since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1999.

Nigerian politicians across the parties have no one else but themselves to blame if these currents of cynicism persist and the military stages a successful return to power. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, nothing in the lives of the Nigerian people seems to have improved. In fact, the quality of life of Nigerians has been declining depressingly with successive civilian administrations, and the world is gradually giving up on the capacity of the Nigerian state to take care of its citizens.

The talk everywhere is that Nigeria is a great but failed prospect. And this has nothing to do with our proverbial resourcefulness but a lot to do with the level of corruption and leakages in the system across the three tiers of the Nigerian federation, and, of course our tame response to these. The scenario bespeaks a society being run by a set of mostly self-serving •Continued from Page 24

attended the announcement in that country, the same cannot be said of Nigeria, where the Federal Government, had on January 1, 2012, officially removed fuel subsidy as announced by the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

Expectedly, the removal of subsidy which has been a hotly debated issue across the country has naturally pitched the Federal Government with other segments of the society, with the labour unions leading the vanguard of protesters, many of who have threatened “Operation total paralysis”.

Some analysts have argued that the public outcry over the removal of oil subsidy in

ness to reduce the cost of governance can only be the needed impetus she requires to drive his much touted transformation agenda.

One the second score of our two-pronged proposition, we believe there can be no better place to begin than to focus on supporting and strengthening the anticorruption agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, saddled with the onerous and historic burden of excising the malignant tumor of corruption from our national life. Under Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the ebullient ex-police officer who served as first Chairman of the Commssion., Nigerians witnessed a revitalized world of anti-corruption battle which, to some reasonable extent , helped launder our unwholesome national image in the eyes of the global community. It also helped to reduce the risk factor of doing business in Nigeria for the prospective foreign investor. Even within, the fear of the EFCC went beyond imagination.

Though Ribadu has since left the Commission, Ibrahim Lamorde, an Assistant Commissioner of police who functioned as Director of Operations and Ribadu’s deputy. By sheer providence and the records of his past performance, Lamorde who once acted as Chairman when Ribadu left, is today Acting Chairman again with the exit of Ribadu’s successor, Mrs. Farida Waziri, late last year. Lamorde’s biggest asset remain his professional savvy and patriotism.

The genial but tough cop truly has his work cut out for him. On his shoulders and that of his officers within the sturdy walls of the Commission lay the huge task of arresting the mismanagement and embezzlement of public funds, as well as financial crimes in the private sector. His performance or non-performance will definitely reflect on the success or failure of the incumbent federal government.

If Nigeria must stem the wastages that have continued to dog the country’s national decline and permanent state of underdevelopment, then the President must set the tone in words and deeds, publicly declaring his assets and also ensuring that members of his cabinet do the same.

By Chiedu Ezeanah and Godwin Onyeacholem

political actors at all levels. At the heart of it, painfully, is the complete loss of an abiding sense of right and wrong, crime and punishment,official responsibility and accountability.

No doubt, corruption is a fact of life in every country but the way each country deals with it makes the difference. It can be argued that in countries where the incidence of corruption have been promptly and severely penalized rather than condoned or sometimes applauded, the standard of living appreciates considerably and evidence of good governance is prevalent.

Nothing stops Nigeria from equally toeing this noble path if a new resolve is summoned to shed the unenviable profile of an ugly past, as we subscribe to the famous couplet by the Neo-Classical English poet, Alexander Pope which goes thus: “For forms of government let fools contend/what is best administered is best.” To achieve this, we propose a two-pronged assault on the Nigerian governance challenge. First, upgrade the management of the nation’s material and human resources by reducing the cost of governance to the barest minimum so that social welfare/ infrastructural services can reach the greatest number of citizens.

Second, enforce a regime of accountability and transparency by among other things, promptly investigating, prosecuting and severely punishing non-compliance with the financial management rules in our laws. Our twopronged idea is neither novel nor is it the only possible approach.

We put forward these ideas in the context of contributing to the national conversation on the present virtual meltdown in the polity.

On the first score, we think President Goodluck Jonathan has in Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala a competent and accomplished technocrat, as head of the nation’s economic management team. We also recognize that she gets her policy briefing from the elected political head of government. The challenge here is – is the President himself willing to allow the team to do the very needful to effect those measures to correct the distortions and plug the leakages in the system without undue political pressures?

The current debate on the removal of the so-called oil subsidy is a pertinent case in point. With a

•Lamorde

resounding unanimity, Nigerians have said no to this policy for very good reasons. They have posed the questions: “What have you done with the huge revenues you received in the past ten years? Why not repair the refineries first before taking this avoidable step that can only worsen the economic conditions of the people with the resultant hyper-inflation?” These questions are germane and they need to be addressed quickly before the current state of affairs degenerate into total anomie. Our concern here includes these and more.

The eminent Nigerian columnist, Sonala Olumese, once revealed in one of his recent pieces that the government itself did an inventory of over a thousand abandoned projects all over the country for which huge sums of scarce financial resources have been expended. What about starting from there Mr. President, by directing Dr. Okonjo-Iweala to get these projects completed, as soon as possible to provide jobs for people? What about making the contractors who are not ready to complete the projects refund the

monies paid or face the music?

What about Mr. President setting the tone for the nation’s economic and political emergency by reducing by at least one third his overbloated Federal cabinet and bureaucracy? What about emulating the recent measures by the government of Singapore which reduced the cost of governance by cutting the remunerations of every public office holder by 51% across all arms of government?

Similar far-reaching measures are being introduced in Italy and Greece, and in most of the other European Union countries that are also passing through related economic difficulties. Then, what about having another stringent look at the 2012 budget that is heavily skewed in favor of recurrent expenditure? We believe once there’s a political will to effect these measures, Dr. OkonjoIweala’s job would be to implement them, to quickly restore the serious trust-deficit in the polity at all levels. She has the antecedents of being an overachieving •Chiedu Ezeanah and Goddy and patriotic public official, and Onyeacholem are Abuja based to our mind the President’s readi- journalists.

A tale of two subsidies Nigeria is as a result of lack of sincerity of purpose on the part of government.

Compared to Ghana which operates an open and transparent society, the government has not been able to build public confidence among the populace.

Lending credence to this view, Comrade Ayodele Akele, a human rights activist, who took part in the agitation against subsidy removal in Lagos recently lamented what he described as the “insensitivity of government, in the way and manner it ambushed the rest of us by the removal of fuel subsidy. The action shows this government is anti-people and

not true to its conscience.”

Unlike Nigeria, where there are widespread allegations that the massive N1.3 trillion subsidy regime is so riddled with corruption, Ghana doesn’t have the same issue.

As Ajakaiye Thomas, a public affairs analyst observed, “The business of fuel importation in Nigeria is a business which profit is guaranteed. It is incongruent when compared to other normal business, since it encourages a lot of fraud, adding that it is one of the biggest means of political patronage.”

“Algeria, Libya and other countries subsidises petroleum products but they are not

confronted with such problems that Nigeria faces. For instance, “they are not battling with corruption, poor infrastructure, leakages across the border due to neighbouring countries that feed fat on them and cause the subsidy to be enjoyed by a few.”

At least 25 per cent of petrol we import to Nigeria is not used in Nigeria but in other West African countries.

In fairness to government, it has since set machinery in motion to put in place some palliatives, ostensibly to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on the masses.

For starters, the Federal Government is to take delivery of a fleet of 1,600 mass transit

busses on Monday, for onward distribution to states across the federation to ameliorate the excruciating effects on the commuting public among several measures still in the pipeline.

Also, the Federal Government has since set up a committee of eminent Nigerians to manage the proceeds of the oil subsidy, with Dr. Christopher Kolade, Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as chairman.

But all these seem not to have assuaged Nigerians, who are ruing the day they voted for the President Goodluck Jonathanled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Cover FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS

F

OR members of the National Assembly the situation is akin to being caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. As elected representatives of the people, they are under no illusion that the removal of fuel subsidy on January 1 is not a popular policy. Many Nigerians have kicked against it. They have been vociferous in their opposition to the policy, which they argued will worsen economic woes in the country.

Major cities have been rocked by sustained protests. To favour deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry is to stand against the wishes of the people.

Investigations revealed that many lawmakers are not willing to be caught in this divide. Many of them are desperate not to be seen to be insensitive to the feelings of Nigerians.

On the other hand, many of them have nothing against the policy. Many senators and a few Reps have openly endorsed the policy. The leadership of the Senate and House of Representatives has also been under intense pressure from the Presidency to endorse the policy. This endorsement, presidential sources believe, will avoid a possible clash with lawmakers. So, while the masses are expecting them to kick against the policy, the Presidency is actually lobbying them to endorse it.

This is why both chambers have tactically refrained from holding a

T

HESE are certainly not the best of times for the management of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), a quasigovernmental parastatal under the Presidency. The agency recently came under flaks for the temerity with which it announced the formal removal of the fuel subsidy on a most unlikely day, January 1st, when many Nigerians were still relishing the festive celebration.

In what came across as a fait accompli of sorts, the Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Reginald Stanley, in a statement on behalf of the agency declared that the petroleum subsidy has been removed.

In the statement which reads in part, the PPPRA scribe said: “Following extensive consultation with stakeholders across the nation, the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) wishes to inform all stakeholders of the commencement of formal removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), in accordance with the powers conferred on the agency by the law establishing it, in compliance with Section 7 of PPPRA Act, 2004.

“By this announcement, the downstream sub-sector of the petroleum industry is hereby deregulated for PMS. Service providers in the sector are now to procure products and sell same in accordance with the indicative benchmark price to be published fortnightly and posted on the PPPRA website.

“Petroleum products marketers are to note that no one will be paid subsidy on PMS discharges after 1st January 2012.”

In the statement the agency assured consumers of the availability of the commodity and warned against hoarding and panic buying.

Expectedly, many Nigerians have raised their voices above the din, on why the agency should seize to exist, and the plank of their argument is on the fact that the agency does not have constitutional backing; hence, its actions are illegal under the law.

Among those leading the onslaught against PPPRA’s action is the coalition of labour unions, such

What role for National Assembly?

Sunday Oguntola considers what role the National Assembly can play in resolving the fuel subsidy crisis

•David Mark clear position on the issue. When the issue came up for debate in the Senate, members were sharply divided. Many opposition members said it will compound the economic challenges of Nigerians. But a few Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members said it was a step in the

•Tambuwal right direction.

The Senate Minority Whip, Ganiyu Solomon, faulted the decision. He expressed shock that government went ahead to remove subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in disregard of the masses’ opinion. Spokesperson of House, Mr. Zakari Mohammed, said the

Is PPPRA still relevant?

Following the announcement of the new price regime for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), last week, there are strident calls for the scrapping of the agency, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

•Ahmadu Ali: PPPRA chairman as the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, PENGASSAN, NUPENG, the opposition political parties, etc.

For instance, the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties {CNPP} has condemned the agency, saying the statement by the PPPRA to the effect that they had removed the fuel subsidy did not follow the due process, the rule of law, the CNPP insisted “Is unfortunately contrary to the PPPRA Act and therefore illegal null, void and of no effect.“ It added: “the Board of the PPPRA has not met and any decision of such magnitude taking without the Board is illegal, ultra vires and meant only to satisfy President Goodluck Jonathan and his Food is Ready cohorts.

“To the best of our knowledge the PPPRA Act has not been amended by the NASS and consequently we reaffirm our 7-Point-Charter.“ Like the CNPP, there are also indications that the House of Representatives may have set machinery in motion aimed at proscribing the PPPRA. Deputy Minority Leader, Suleiman Kawu Sumaila gave this hint on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, over 200 members of the lower chamber have signed up on the bill already.

While addressing journalists, Kawu said: “The Act establishing PPPRA was a making of the National Assembly and we have decided to repeal the Act so that we save Nigerians from the agonies forced on them by this monster agency. I am sponsoring a bill which will seek to repeal the PPPRA establishment Act or in the alternative amend the section which gives it the unilateral powers to increase prices of petroleum products. “ We have obtained the consent of over 200 members of the House who have endorsed the move and we are also talking to the Senate so as to give it a concurrence as soon as we pass it because we will give the bill an accelerated passage.“ It is however instructive to note that this is not the first time, the agency will come under attack by the public, with calls for its proscription.

An aide to the former Executive Secretary of the agency, who pleaded not be named, said, the PPPRA is already used to such calls, and has since developed a thick skin towards same.

Waxing philosophical, he said: “Nigerians must accept that there is no gain without pain. Majority of the countries are enjoying the dividends of petroleum resources today because they made the needed sacrifices where necessary.’’

As to whether the agency may have taken Nigerians for a ride by unilaterally increasing the pump price of petroleum, the source observed: “The PPPRA Governing Board comprises 26 members representing various interests such as government, petroleum marketer groups, organised private sector, labour, transporters, and employers, so how can anyone say the agency took a unilateral decision?’’

House had not changed its opposition to the removal of subsidy.

According to him, “On this issue, we are on the same page with Nigerians. Nigerians say that they dot want fuel subsidy to be removed.

As their representatives, we will do what they say; we do not support the removal of subsidy”.

Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, Samson Osagie, assured that the House will stand with Nigerian people to stop what he called ‘executive madness’.

He said, ‘’The announcement of a new regime for the downstream sector of the petroleum industry leading to the sudden hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N65 to N141 on a New Year day represents the height of insensitivity on the part of government.’’

Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Mr. Suleiman Abdurahman-Kawu, described it as “another form of terrorism against Nigerians.”

He said, “We will use the law to stop this inhuman act. It is another form of terrorism against Nigerians, who are already impoverished.

“We will not fail to salvage them

from this bondage and enslavement.

This is another form of terrorism against the Nigerian people which we as their true representatives will not allow.”

But analysts are saying this opposition cannot stop the policy.

Lawmakers, they said, do not have much role to play in the deregulation battle. The decision, they pointed out, is strictly executive.

Presidential source said the decision of the National Assembly on the withdrawal of subsidy is advisory.

They point to Section 16(2) of the Constitution, saying it backs the executive withdrawal of subsidy because it is purely an economic matter.

The section reads in part: ‘The state shall direct its policy towards ensuring (a) the promotion of a planned and balanced economic development; (b) that the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.

‘That the economic system is not operated in such a manner as to permit the concentration of wealth or the means of production and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of a group….’

So, can the lawmakers step in to save Nigerians? They can meditate on this matter? Will their intervention reduce the price of fuel? Or is their opposition only on papers?

When they resume in the next few days, all these questions may be answered.

Can Christopher Kolade’s board make a difference?

The creation of a Subsidy Reinvestment Board by President Goodluck Jonathan, reminiscent of the Petroleum Trust Fund created by the late General Sani Abacha, has been met with sturdy disapproval, reports Ademola Adesola

N

OT a few Nigerians had a sense of de javu when President Goodluck Jonathan last Monday announced the establishment of a Subsidy Reinvestment Board which is to ensure effective and timely implementation of projects to be funded with the savings accruing to the Federal Government from subsidy removal.

When the late maximum ruler, General Sani Abacha unexpectedly increased the per liter prices of petroleum, kerosene and diesel in October 1994, Nigerians across the federation strongly deplored and stoutly rejected the new prices.

Specifically, the price of petrol was hiked from N3.25k to N11.00k.

However, in order to allay the fears of Nigerians and convince them of the sincerity of his government Abacha

by Decree 25 of 1994 established the Petroleum Trust Fund, which was saddled with the responsibility of using the money generated from the increase to address some important concerns in the major sectors of the economy in a way that it would impact Nigerians at whatever level of the social ladder. Headed by General Muhammadu Buhari who was reputed and respected for his no-nonesense posturing, the PTF was expected to focus on developmental projects around the country.

Before the PTF was scrapped by former President Olusegun Obasanjo after assuming office in 1999, the body executed some road projects and assisted some federal universities through the provision of buses and building of lecture theatres. The body was also smeared with many allegations of corruption and controversies revolving around selective execution of projects, which some claimed were in favour of the

•Christopher Kolade

North where Buhari hailed from.

Though in 1998 a report by New African lauded the PTF under Buhari for its transparency, saying it was a rare “success story”, the same report also noted that critics had questioned the PTF’s allocation of 20% of its resources to the military.

Though the new Subsidy Reinvestment Board headed by Dr Christopher Kolade reminds Nigerians of the PTF under Buhari, what is not in doubt is that President Jonathan’s creation is heavily affronted by credibility problem. Many Nigerians think there is no basis comparing the PTF with the subsidy Board.

Deceptive creation Former member of the Federal House of Representatives, Dr Wale Okediran, said the Board was put in place in order to deepen the deceptive antics of the government. “I don’t think there is a

•Continued on Page 65

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

RONKE ADEMILUYI

I dumped law for fashion –Page 42

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Glamour

•Fold over clutch and bag

Kehinde Falode Tel: 08023689894 (sms)

E-mail: kehinde.falode@thenationonlineng.net •Printed bag-These types of bags work great on the young fashionitas•Printed bagThese types of bags work great on the young fashionitas

•Small shoulder bag

•Bisi Adedun

Bagging it in 2012

•Yvonne Pepper-Okwesa

•Nkiru Achukwu

•Yinka Ademuyiwa

•Kemi Adetigba

•Printed wristlet bag

•Weekend bag

•Guess Totes bags

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Glamour

31

•Purplish eye shadow idea

•Knitted bags

•Magege Love

•Onohi Odunsi

Cute eye

shadow ideas

•Waist bag

•Checkout Chief Nike Akande tiny bag

•Dark green eye shadow is a winner when it comes to harmattan makeup

•Big clutch bags

•Carlyle Satchel bag

•Bobbi Brown eye shadow and eyeliner blush

•For something fun and flirty, try Blue eye shadow

•Make-up eye shadow idea in yellow and green

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Glamour

Jewelry trends for 2012

•Akanite Uche

•Chika Okeke

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Glamour

33

2011 has come and gone but the year witnessed high fashion parties.

Some committed fashion crime while a few got it right. In this report Olusegun Rapheal gives his verdict

•What a lovely gown and a smile to complement it Kudos to Grace Osime

•A beautiful gown with accessories but but not enough material to cover the upper side Oops to Bola Awosika •A lovely floral gown.

Wando Asam got it right Kudos!

•It's a good thing to know what goes well with one’s stature and physic. Ifeoma’s gown is in line with her height Kudos!

•Kudos to Mrs Kazeem she looks elegant in this skirt and blouse with the accessories •The mono strip gown harmonized her beauty and her choice of bracelet Kudos to Omowunmi Adefila

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Glamour

One of the best NollyWood's actresses, Imo State-born Steph Nora Okere, also a director, producer and singer reveals her top ten things to Kehinde Falode

Favourite wrist watches Gucci and Cartier

Favourite colour Blue

Favourite bags & shoes designer

Favourite perfume Givenchy

Prada and Miss Selfridge

Favourite food Vegetable

Favourite drink Water

Favourite Holidayspot Quiet Beach

Favourite Hairdo Curly human hair (Brazilian) that is not too long or short

Favourite sunglasses I am wearing Prada now but I love Gucci

Okere’s

top

0 1

Favourite car All the X-class series (salon cars)

THEATRE

With VICTOR AKANDE

t

BIGSCREEN

Tel: 08077408676

SOUND TRACK

plus

performances of the night. Bharbar came after her with a comic rendition of Michael Jackson bestseller 'Billie Jean'. The judges were not very impressed with his dancing skills but Jeffrey Daniel commended him for his effort.

Next came Beulah Faraday who sang her version of the Chaka Khan hit 'Aint Nobody'. While her performance was rated okay, Yinka Davies believed she could have done better. Israel, for his part, brought back memories of the 90's with his version of Bryan Adams 'Back at one' The performances came to a spectacular end with final performer, Najite David who brought the house down in an amazing fashion with her commanding delivery of the Dream Girls musical classic 'And I'm telling You'.

The Idol franchise is the world's biggest and most popular platform for the discovery of popular stars like Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Adam Lambert, Timi Dakolo and Nigeria's own Yeka Onka. The show went on air on December 4 and runs through the new year until April 1st when a new Idol is announced.

O

•Nikky

F

•Announces Coca-Cola as second time series sponsor again, get set for drama, action and entertainment with twists and turns galore.

With more details of the new season to be revealed shortly, Alabi says that at the end of 91 days, while many housemates will walk away with fame and the experience of a lifetime, there will be only one winner.

“We are announcing the new season very early so that people who are interested in participating can start thinking about whether they want to take this incredible journey. That decision is the first step on a road that may well lead right to the Big Brother House,” the M-Net boss said.

In the words of format owner and producer, Endemol South Africa's MD, Sivan Pillay: “We look forward to surprising and entertaining Africa's viewers with more twists and turns that have seen this compelling format continue to succeed on the continent as it has around the world.”

35

Omotola’s surprise When the diva was introduced to the crowd in the auditorium, she was received with a thunderous applause.

In the movie, she played the role of a sick pregnant woman who discovers she has a chronic disease under the most tragic of circumstances. The role is said to have won her Best Actress in an African collaboration at the Ghana Movie Awards.

•Omotola

Curtain draws on Osita Iheme's quiz competition

M-NET gears up for BBA 7 OR the management of MNet, there is no better way to kick off the year 2012 than with the announcement that the seventh season of the continent's attention-grabbing Big Brother Africa series will be hitting DStv screens in May and Coca-Cola is returning as series sponsor.

M-Net Africa Managing Director, Biola Alabi says the show is definitely a high demand property that draws and holds the audience spell bound. “And while the basics are the same, every season is different from the last. Re-invention is crucial so I am very pleased to confirm that this year we're doing something that has never been done before in the history of Big Brother Africa,” she adds.

Big Brother Africa, in the words of the MD, remains relevant because it constantly surprises audiences with everything from two houses, more housemates, unexpected guests and new participating countries to unveiling two winners, an All Star reunion, super star performers and the list goes on.

According to the series' executives, viewers can, once

PAGE

e-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

MOTOLA JoladeEkeinde comes across as a star actress with style and protocol. Omosexy, as she is fondly called, pulled a fast one on her director at the premiere of the award-winning movie, Ties that Bind recently.

Reports say that the actress who had told the director of the movie, Leila Djansi, that she wouldn't be able to make the premiere in Accra, due to an engagement in Nigeria, eventually showed up. She was dressed in a dark-brown gown adorned with a ruby laced neckline.

Omosexy did not just make a surprise showing, she was said to have made her presence in grand style by drawing the attention of the press to herself, walking through one interview to the next and posing for one photographer after the other.

Its eviction time for Nigeria Idol H AVING combed the country in search of 30 bright stars, the battle for er of the ultimate prize of winn the a car, $100,000, a year recording cum management contract was formally launched on Friday, December 30, 2011 before a live television audience.

As explained by voice coach, Kehinde Da Costa Lawrence, all top 30 contestants are amazingly gifted musicians. “The quality of music and the professional performance they bring to the table is quite remarkable. The audience will have a hard time selecting their top 10 from these talents,” he said.

Kicking off with a subtle rendition of the Beyonce's hit 'If I were a Boy', Timi Myles set the tempo for the remaining part of the competition. She was followed by the petite Joy who performed Justin Bieber's 'Baby' to the admiration of the audience.

Chinedu came after Joy to give a Bob Marley hit a tasteful R&B twist.

The sultry Nikky followed with a jazzy rendition of the classic 'Killing Me Softly' which Charly Boy rated as one of the best

GISTS

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HE second annual quiz competition floated by celebrated actor, Osita Iheme at Elix Hotels, Owerri on December 19, 2011 has come and gone with various cash prizes, educational materials and laptops becoming the lots of deserving students and schools.

Known as Osita Iheme Quiz Competition for Secondary Schools, the last edition ran under the theme: Read and Lead; Readers Are Leaders.

The actor said the competition was informed by the prevalent declining reading culture among secondary school students and the erroneous belief that youngsters must take part in one reality show or talent hunt that emphasises their beauty and physical attributes to win prizes.

•Karen

•Osita Iheme handshaking the best student

10 schools from Mbaitoli LGA participated in the quiz competition. At the end of the two hour grueling but exciting contest, Basic Comprehensive Secondary School, Mbieri, Imo State, carried the day while Girls Secondary School, Ubomiri that came last in the maiden edition made a very strong showing by taking the second position.

Also, Chioma Nweke, emerged the best overall student with 39 points for answering more questions than any other participant. For her effort, she won a Zinox Whiz Kid laptop with cash prize attached to it. The second best student also got a Whiz Kid laptop while consolation prizes went to different students and schools.

“I am very happy with the standard of the questions and the competitive spirit exhibited by the students. It shows that a little effort by all stakeholders will rejuvenate our reading culture,” says Osita who further revealed that he was moved to institute the competition last year when he realised that the average youth was paying less attention to reading.

36

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Broadcaster extraordinaire and presenter of popular rested TV show ‘New Dawn’, Funmi Iyanda was among the Nigerian celebrities, Organized Labour and other well-meaning Nigerians who on Tuesday, January 3, staged a peaceful protest in Lagos against the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government on New Year day. In a chat with MERCY MICHAEL, Funmi bares her mind on the issue, her hopes for the Nigerian youth, life at 40, her only child, and TV show among other things.

P

RESENTLY what is happening to your TV show-Talk with Funmi?

will overtake us one day. But I'm more hopeful than worried.

As you said, your career can be utilized It's not sustainable. I had already covered anywhere in the world. Some other people would have probably gone abroad to make about six states. I wanted to go round the the best out of their career; why not you? country. I love this country, and for me, I Because I am Nigerian. I will never be wanted to fuse entertainment, information American. I will never be any other thing and education. I wanted us to understand but Nigerian. Also, I have a child. Maybe ourselves better. In any form of culture, when you go into somebody's home, it's like I'm idealistic but I feel that Nigeria can get getting into their lives. That way, you begin there. Read the history of all the countries that we admire today, and you would to understand them better and that's how discover there were generations that Nigeria is. I found in all the places that I went that many ethnic groups exist, up until sacrificed for their today. Running away is never an option. Yes, I could go away and now, happily. We couldn't sustain the sit down somewhere nice and be drinking programme because the media industry in Pina Colada by the beach but life will be Nigeria is not working as it should. It is based on patronage like everything else. It is worthless and meaningless. Life is about your struggles, fulfilment, and aspiration. I not based on merit.

What were some of those challenges you want to be able to tell Nigeria's story faced? beautifully. If there isn't an avenue to do it, To start with, all the airtime is sold-out, it becomes problematic. Besides we live in a and as such it doesn't matter how good or world that is very connected. It is a global poor what you're doing is. As I said, the village. I do my work anywhere in the media industry is not sacrosanct; exactly world but my desire is to live in Nigeria and what is going on in the police is what is to work in Nigeria.

Does your daughter school in Nigeria? going on in the media and banking Yes, she schools in Nigeria industries. Every industry is the same and it We know you can afford to train her goes back to the underlining issue that the abroad and give her the best education… polity is designed in a way to be corrupt. I Well, she's Nigerian. I would like her to at cannot continue to do it on my breath least imbibe the Nigerian culture because especially since I do have talent, I do have there is such a thing as cultural confidence ability, and I do have knowledge. My skills and it comes from just interacting with your are utilizable anywhere in the world, particularly as I don't want to be a thief or a own people. That way, when you then travel to other people's country, it is easier prostitute. I have to make a living from my talent, my skill and ability. One of the things to deal with. If you look at the Asian tigers that really bother me is seeing all the young and the emerging Asian market they are very strong culturally. If you see the third people in my industry I could mentor, I generation Indians; they're able to speak could give job opportunities and training and being unable to do such. It's not just me. their language. If you see a third generation Japanese, they're able to speak their All the entrepreneurs at my level suffer or language and to understand their culture. go through the same thing and it's in every I would like her to be able to experience industry.

If someone like you with supposedly all and understand what it means to be a black the 'connections' could be so affected, what person of Nigerian origin. To that extent she schools in Nigeria. I would not lie to you then is the hope for the budding talent? and say that in the future, I may not decide The Nigerian youth will determine his or her future and they will learn the lessons of that she won't school abroad because it's not just about quality of education. She is a the people before them. It is unfortunate female person. I don't like the way women that some people think that history will are raised here. I don't like the way women change just for them. Other people have done things like this in the past and it didn't are positioned. I would like to raise a girl come to good. So for the Nigerian youth, I'm who understands that she is as important as the next person in building a society and hoping that they would understand that to building our country. To that extent if I'm build the kind of nation that they aspire for able to expose her to different cultures to be is their generational responsibility. I have able to achieve that, I will do it. It is not just that hope. My worry is that our differences about sending her to school or to live

I thought that those young people who died should not have died in vain because they gave us, to a large extent, free and fair elections.

Mr. President was happily elected by the majority of Nigerians

I can’t imagine having a child at this age; e; I can’t be changing nappies at 40 —Funmi Iyanda abroad but to expose her to different cultures, which is why even now I try to take her around, not just outside of Nigeria but also within the country so that she interacts with people.

How were you able to become the woman you are today?

That is part of what I'm talking about. I always use all these terms. My staff and all the young women who know me laugh because they were all things I heard from my mother. My mother would say to me toba do ju e, waa lota aso ni gbagi (serious matter requires drastic measure). I was also a voracious reader; I followed people like Margret Thatcher when I was young, not in terms of her policies because I didn't understand them then, but it was just fascinating to see a woman standing there, and leading a nation. I think that helped me.

I've always been connected to people and to my environment. And Nigeria, in the 70's when I was growing up was a lot more civil, a lot more kind place than it is now.

Tell us, what book you're reading at the moment?

I'm reading two books at the same time.

I'm reading Jude the Dibia's Blackbird as well as Teju Cole's Open City. Sometimes, I read three or four books at the same time. I surround myself with books. When I travel, I buy two things mostly: books and food.

Every other thing is secondary.

How do you unwind?

I read, I dance and I hang-out with my friends.

What is your favourite fashion accessory?

I don't wear makeup unless when I'm working, but I like lipsticks. I always carry a lipstick because it brightens up the face. When you put on nice lipstick and you smile from the soul, everything else is fine.

Do you sometimes have your low moments and what do you do?

I call my friends and I cry. Yes, that's one of the things; women should be there for other women. I'm fortunate to have a support group of women friends. I have friends who are men but you know women are better than men at that kind of thing. Men just never completely understand. So, I have my friends, I would call them, I would cry and we'll eat some sweet things and we'll keep on keeping on.

Aren't you thinking of making another baby after the one you had a long time now?

I have 98 children on scholarship. I have all these other people that I mentor. I have done my bit for the earth. I have one biological daughter that God has blessed me

with, aseju ni Olorun o fe; that means you shouldn't push your luck. For me, I feel fulfilled with one child.

Completely fulfilled?

Yes, completely fulfilled.

When I had her, I knew she was the only one I was going to have.

I felt so much love for her and only her. I could not imagine another one.

Did you set out to have only one child?

Well, I got the one child and that's fine. As I said, I wanted to affect society. I'm a very busy person. I have so many things to do. You have to be there for your child. I knew that if I had too many, I won't be able to give as much attention as I would want to so the one child was just fine.

If they had been twins, it would have been great because it would be good for her to have someone else but your story is your story; you adapt to your reality. She has friends.

I've never wanted and I can't imagine having a child at this age. Can you imagine at 40 changing nappies, and looking for nursery schools? I need to move to the next level of my life. I need to move to what they call work to build society. It is different strokes for different people, everybody to their own. For me, I look forward to grandchildren already at this stage. In no time, she will be old enough. She will be off

I don't like the way women are raised here. I don't like the way women are positioned. I would like to raise a girl who understands that she is as important as the next person in building a society and building our country

Entertainment kind to me and I always seek to do more, to be more.

You've often been compared to Oprah Winfery; what do you say about that?

People always need a yardstick and I don't mind whatever yardstick people choose. It's good to be compared with someone like that. It's not good to be compared with Hitler or something like that (laughs). If I were to compare myself with someone, the person who I would like to be is Steve Jobs really, not because of his money or anything but just that innovation and the drive. And the relentless work ethics because I'm that sort of person.

What informed the decision to take to the streets in protest of the recent fuel price hike?

I thought it was callous to have done it on the first day of the year. The opinion we all had, I mean it was implicit, is the fact that it wasn't in the budget. To the best of my knowledge, the budget itself does not get into implementation until April. So everybody wasn't expecting it to happen.

All over the world, what nations do, what governments do is that on the first day of the year, they try and give hope to their people; you don't slap them in the face. So it was very callous the way it was done. It just showed a complete insensitivity to the hardship the people are going through. At the end of the day it is not just about deregulation.

On the long run, deregulation, if certain things are put in place, will probably be good for Nigeria. But everywhere else in the world, it is a sustained long term plan that includes several steps including infrastructural development, policies that expand the polity and business environment, that would stimulate the economy, perhaps some sort of buffer for education and so on and so forth. We don't have power. We don't have the policies. We don't have the capacity to distribute or even manufacture. The year 2011 had been difficult for most businesses and then you slammed this on the people on the first day of the year. It was callous. It was insensitive and I felt personally that enough was enough.

Talking about businesses folding up in 2011, personally as an entrepreneur how were you affected?

I know for sure that lots of companies in my own industry downsized. Even for me, in 2009 for example, I had a production that had about 30 to 50 people working with me.

We downsized to about 10 people and the to school. She will have her own life and then I can be there for her and I can do other rest of the people we only call when we have projects. I know what this means to the things with my life. people who normally would have depended You are 40 now; do you have this fear of on us for jobs. And we did smoothly aging? because the environment is just not I'm forty ooo; very, very forty. I feel forty even. There are days I really feel forty, there conducive for business. My are other days I don't feel so much forty but industry in particular is poorly regulated. The policies are I love being older. I've never understood it. draconian and everybody is This fear of aging is a western thing. I love affected by things like old people. I desire to be old, wise and power and fulfilled. So I don't fear aging. I don't want to be 20. Why would I want to be 20? All the infrastructure. We can't move anything. From struggles of my 20's I have left behind. I don't want to be 30. Okay, maybe when I'm the farmer in the market to the person getting to 50. My friends who are 50 now tell me that when things start to fall down, I making film, you can't distribute what will start to fear aging. But that's also the part of the process of life. I love being wiser. you have produced.

So many things I love being quite sure of whom I am and where I want to go. I love discovering where needed to change in the first life is going. I learn from my lessons and I instance. keep going. I think that life is a gift and to A lot of people spend it wastefully is an insult to the were hopeful creator.

At 40, do you feel fulfilled? when Goodluck I don't have that capacity. I think that became maybe even when they are putting me in president. the box, I will still be saying ha, there is People had no something I want to do. I do feel fulfilled animosity from moment to moment because anything I towards him try to do, I apply myself rigorously to it and so I think that then I tell myself next, next. I'm learning this move is how to fill in the moment and enjoy the very illprocess for everything so I feel a sense of advised for contentment. I'm happy with the person me and my that I am. I'm happy with where I am now. I business is trust that the universe would always be not

37

sacrosanct. Exactly what we are going through in the entertainment and media industry is what all other industries are going through. I have friends who have startup in the health sector, fashion, entertainment and movies, farmers; everybody is going through the same thing.

We must remember that since 2009, I have been travelling around Nigeria filming and I have seen firsthand, close-up, suffering of the people. For each story I do, I can trace the tragedy of the people's life to very, very, poor, ill-thought government policies and we had hopes that this was going to be reversed. So, to do this did not make sense.

When you say that the people should get ready for hardship, the government has to be seen to lead the way. Everything that preceded this was setup to infuriate people.

From the mega salaries and allowances to the rather wasteful and bloated cabinet and houses. It doesn't make sense in any way.

Really, the argument is not so much about deregulation, it is about who should bear the burden of deregulation. They have been saying over and over again that this is about stopping a cabal. How do you stop the cabal by passing the cost to the people?

You said when Goodluck became president, a lot of people were hopeful; people had no animosity towards him.

That seems to be the reverse, people's hope seem to be dashed. What is your thought about this?

I was particularly affected by the sacrifice of corps members and I thought that those young people who died should not have died in vain because they gave us, to a large extent, free and fair elections. Mr. President was happily elected by the majority of Nigerians. From all the records, he was seen by Nigerians as personable. They did not have a problem with Mr. President so I think that he should ease the frustration for people because they did see him as a person who shared their pain.

There is the famous statement about not having shoes and so many Nigerians interpreted that this is a person who will feel where we're coming from. Perhaps, Mr. Presi dent has those intentions.

However, the action of the government is not showing that. I think that we are playing with fire.

This is a wonderful country. It's a potentially great country. It's so important that Nigeria survives.

Nigeria is the biggest gathering of black people in the world.

Nigerians are confident, hardworkin g and resilient.

They are beautiful to photograph.

You know I go round the country filming. I see and so, for me, it is heartbreakin g to see us go through this but maybe this is what we need for all of us to rethink and reevaluate what we are doing. I am hoping that the government will rethink and reevaluate its position.

38

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Controversy trails Ghana Movie Awards

Pink Pearl Foundation, Oaken Events in ‘December Giveaway’

W •Olu Jacobs •Kimberly

D

ECEMBER 25, 2011 witnessed the second edition of the prestigious Ghana Movie Awards, which took place at the main hall of the Accra International Centre, but is obviously inconclusive as an aspect of the awards is yet to be determined.

Reports say that in the course of the ceremony, all winners were announced except the two categories that promised two KIA Rio cars.

It would be recalled that during the maiden edition in 2010, the two SUV cars, each won by actor Agya Koo and four actresses (Jackie, Roselyn, Yvonne and Juliet) respectively, were the high lights of the ceremony.

But unlike the previous edition when organizers readily announced the winners, they have remained silent over this category, even though the two cars were openly displayed during the awards. The action became questionable, especially since prior to last year's event, organizers announced that the new sponsor of the two cars was Rana Motors, which donated two Kia Rio cars.

With 2012 already, stakeholders in the movie industry, the media, and supposed recipients are still wondering who will win the coveted “Founders' Merit Award”, and why it is taking the organizers so long to name the two winners.

Fred Nuamah, Founder of Ghana Movie Awards who is also the sole decider of who wins the Founders' Merit Awards, category tries to proffer answers. “I will announce it very soon so people should be patient,” he said.

When he was pressed to be more specific about when exactly, Fred said he would announce the two winners in two weeks, at a press

•Yvonne

•Maame

conference at the Golden Tulip Hotel where the cars would be officially presented, adding that the date for the press conference would be announced later.

Fred said, as a Founder and Executive Producer of Ghana Movie Awards, the winners would be selected based on his own discretion because he created this particular category to reward hard working actors and actresses.

He said the Founders' Merit Award is non-competitive but based purely on winners’ contribution to the movie scene and their general behavior within the year. He added, however, that the two winners (one male and one female) would be chosen from actors and actresses who won awards on the night.

The two Kia Rio cars up for grabs are on display at the Accra International Conference Center.

Meanwhile, investigations have

ITH sharing ascribed to the yuletide season, Pink Pearl Foundation, in partnership with Oaken Events recently gave out items to 300 children from different orphanages around Lagos. Tagged 'December Giveaway', the event took place at the Kings College Annex, Victoria Island, Lagos, on December 31, 2011, featuring kids from different motherless babies homes and centres such as Special Correctional Centre for Boys, Oregun; Children Centre, Idi Araba; Girls Centre, Idi Araba; and Girls Remand Home, Idi Araba.

“We planned this event to reach out to young ones who are too often forgotten this season”, said Ayiri Oladunmoye, CEO of Oaken Events who noted that most people connect and share love with their family and friends but do not remember to spread the love to people who may not enjoy these

privileges.

Seun Ayodele, one of the children said during the visit: “I am very happy about today. We had enough to eat, we danced and enjoyed ourselves. We even got a lot of gifts. I am very grateful to the organisers and hope more people will help us and other children like us”.

According to the Patron of the Pink Pearl Foundation, Orode Jade Okpu, “some kids came with no shoes and left with new pairs. We should be grateful for what we have, because the things we take for granted are dreams for some others.”

The event which was supported and attended by the First Ladies of Delta State, Roli Uduaghan and Lagos State, Abimbola Fashola, was also cosponsored by Crystal Party Solutions. Other attendees included OC Ukeje and Ajegunle Ghetto Soldier, Daddy Showkey.

•Jackie Appiah

revealed that Fred is finding it very difficult to announce the winners because all the actors and actresses who won awards on the night are his friends, and most of them are already lobbying for the cars. A similar controversy arose during the maiden edition, when four actresses: Jackie Appiah, Juliet Ibrahim, Roselyn Nggiza and Yvonne Okoro won the shared award for “Best Actress in A Lead Role (English)” for their role in “4Play” as four friends. They were unable to come to a compromise as to how to share the car.

Another looming controversy after the awards is how Hollywood actress, Kimberly Elise defeated Ghanaian actresses; Jackie Appiah, Yvonne Nelson, Lydia Forson, Joselyn Dumas and Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, to clinch the “Best Actress in Leading Role” (English) award.

•Culled from: www.ghanaweb.com

Eniola Badmus, Uche Jombo, others as Iroko TV ambassadors

I

ROKO TV is an online website devoted to the Nigerian movie industry, showcasing quality Nollywood videos.

The website recently unveiled some Nollywood actors as its brand ambassadors.

This initiative, we gathered, is aimed at building its brand. It was

also gathered that a total of 11 actors have been selected and they include Mercy Johnson, Tonto Dikeh, Patience Ozokwor, Mr Ibu, Uche Ogbodo, Uche Jombo, Eniola Badmus, John Dumelo, and Mary Remmy as brand ambassadors.

Nick Cannon suffers kidney failure

M

•Nick Cannon

ARIAH Carey's husband Nick Cannon suffered a mild kidney failure during a family vacation in Aspen, th Colorado, on January 5 , 2012 and had to be rushed to the hospital.

The actress, writing on her twitter page with a picture of her and Nick in the hospital said: “This is us in the hospital - role reversal; Last year it was me attached to the machines (after having their babies) and Nick was there with me through it, and now here we are. We're trying to be as festive as possible under the

circumstances but please keep Nick in your thoughts because this is very painful.

They tried to kick me out of the hospital but here I am on de bed with Mr. C. “We're doing OK but we're "straaaaaanded in Aspen". (I know, we could be in a lot worse places) but the truth is as long as we're together, we're OK. I'm not trying to make light out of the situation because it's a serious moment that's very tough on all of us so please keep us and our family in your prayers.”

•Eniola Badmus us with Uche Jombo

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

T

HE never ending surge of endearing talents, coupled with innovative music video releases every now and then, has inevitably placed worldwide spotlight on the Nigerian music scene.

On the strength of this growth, Sam was asked how strategic the TRACE TV family views the Nigerian music scene from the point of view of the hip hop culture in Anglophone Africa.

“At TRACE TV we don't only see the Nigerian market as strategic; it is the compass by which the African music scene is evolving. Nigeria, specifically, is an emerging pillar of global entertainment scene. Our artistes are rubbing shoulders with the best in the world.

We've seen collaborations by Don Jazzy, D'Banj and Snoop Dogg; they also have close contacts with Kanye West and Jay Z. There have been rumours about Faze and Akon; there have also been collaborations between Wyclef Jean, 2face, Faze and Sound Sultan in the past. There are a lot of international artistes that have realized the potentials of African music.

“TRACE is a company based in France but the company was founded by a Togolese who also has French-Caribbean roots.

TRACE decided to setup base in Africa because it is the roots for us and Nigeria is the nerve.”

But there are other countries like Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and South Africa. Why did TRACE TV not setup base in any of the aforementioned countries?

“Nigeria is the giant of music and other things you can think of in Africa. One of the CEO's of a record label said to me some days ago that Nigeria is the America of Africa; so everyone in Africa is doing what Nigeria is doing. We could have set up base in The Gambia or Ghana and still be coming here every now and then. We set up base here because Nigeria has a large market, there is more money here and there are also more quality artistes too. We just have to be a part of the growth here.

TRACE is a company based in France but the company was founded by a Togolese who also has FrenchCaribbean roots.

TRACE decided to setup base in Africa because it is the roots for us and Nigeria is the nerve

A chance meeting with the MD of TRACE TV, Nigeria, Sam Onyemelukwe at Brown's Café in Ikeja proved interesting and even more revealing as the happy-golucky young executive bared his mind on a range of issues in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

39

I used to sell candies when I was in primary school —Sam Onyemelukwe, MD TRACE, Nigeria

That was why we decided to set up base in Nigeria when we decided to come to Anglophone Africa. The music videos are better and the girls are finer (general laughter),” he averred.

So how can budding and already established artistes take advantage of the opportunity being offered by TRACE TV? Sam replied that TRACE TV is here to be part of the Nigerian music scene.

“TRACE is not here to highlight the Nigerian industry; TRACE is here to become part of the Nigerian music industry.

Young, up and coming artistes who are recording and are trying to make a video should also take time out to understand the business of making music.

For established stars like 2face, D'Banj and Kanye West music is purely business. That's why it is called music business; that's where we make our living.

Music is not all about a guy jumping up and down the stage when he feels like; it is about being dynamic and creative with your act because music is art. An artiste should be able to hone is skills and also set up a business structure. It is when all of that is in the right perspective coupled with a good video that we come in. We will give you the best if you are good. I wouldn't say that we made Flavor or J Martins; it is the artistes that make themselves.

We just help them get bigger.”

He also spoke on the yard stick that would qualify or disqualify a video from being aired on the platform: “Only good music videos qualify to be aired on TRACE TV; videos with good sound quality, good visual quality and we also encourage people to be creative

too. I also tell young artistes not to copy from other established acts; they need to be original with their concepts. Some of the best videos are the simple ones where you don't have any girls exposing their bodies or flashy cars. Whatever video that is aired on TRACE must have passed the quality test before they go on air.

“Videos that have strong violence and drug content will not be aired. Nudity is something that we do not condone too because sometimes you have really young people watching TRACE TV. Sometimes we cannot play all the videos we have because there are so many of them. We play close to 60 to 70 videos on TRACE and we get over a hundred videos from Nigeria alone in a week, we also get videos from America, France, UK, South Africa, Ghana and the rest,” he added.

Most multinational companies in Nigeria seem to pay lip service to their Corporate Social Responsibilities and Sam was asked to enumerate TRACE TV's long term plans and initiatives that would positively contribute to the success of youths in Nigeria.

His response: “We have serious long term plans for the Nigerian industry. Talking about CSR we want to help the industry expand and for it to reach the global levels that we hope for it to reach. We also have plans for the industry to be more professional and we will soon come up with an initiative very soon that would help artistes and the industry improve in general.

“They should expect the campaign by TRACE on how to

be educated as artistes and also integrate some CSR to it. Not everybody can pay N 3000 to go watch a show; so we want to motivate our youths to do CSR themselves. We are planning a big concert next year that will shake Lagos and what we asking youths who do not really have that much to make to a show is for them to commit themselves to community service and they will get a free ticket.

“We give youths the chance to dream. It may sound funny to say that but the fact is most young artistes especially in third world countries and across the world find it very hard to perfect their acts because they need to feed and take care of other pressing issues. It's a tough life and we give youths especially those who have the talent for music the opportunity to dream and possibly achieve their dreams in the long run.”

Sam also talked about how TRACE TV intends to key into sports especially as the pay-tv station has a channel dedicated to sports. “TRACE Sports is going to be an exciting channel for sports fans; it hasn't yet launched in Africa but it will be launched soon. There is already a spot on the show for African footballers in the Premiership.

We intend to have an all encompassing sporting channel when it goes on air. We will also have a section for sporting news where news about African sportsmen and women will be broadcast to the world on TRACE.” On the lighter side, Sam talked about his family and it would surprise you to know that the well traveled father of two kids once sold candies

I used to sell candy when I was in primary school to my friends. If you were in my class then and you needed some candy fix you could count on me because I always had the stock. That was how I developed my passion for business while in elementary school. He said that selling candies helped him to develop his passion for business which has, on the long run landed him the plum job of the MD of TRACE TV, Nigeria.

“I am married with two kids that I love dearly. I have been in the advertising, entertainment, TV and media business for over 20 years. I started at Walt Disney Productions; I later veered into music and then fashion, to advertising and now I am back into television. I have a master's degree in Information Systems and an MBA. My first certificate was in painting. I am creative; I love music and I turned my creativity into business.

I used to sell candies when I was in primary school to my friends. If you were in my class then and you needed some candies you could count on me because I always had the stock.

That was how I developed my passion for business.”

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Entertainment

The New Year on Dstv AFRICA MAGIC (DStv Channel 114) Kingdom Against Kingdom Part 1&2: Ukadike is a leader who rules with an iron fist and enslaves his people. Not even Aku, with all his will and physical power could stop him. DStv audiences can tune into Africa Magic on Thursday 5 January at 7:00 pm to find out whether Ukadike can be stopped or is he out of control? Cast: Pete Edochie, Amechi Monago and Francis Duru.

AFRICA MAGIC HAUSA (Dstv Channel 117) Fatima Da Siyama: Siyama returns home after schooling in the United Kingdom to a marriage she doesn't want and her father has arranged.

She reneges on the arrangement and proffers him her childhood friend. A few months later she begins to feel jealous of the new couple and suddenly wants her would-be husband back.

DStv audiences can tune into Africa Magic Hausa on Wednesday 4 January at 8:53 pm to watch what happens after the battle lines are drawn. Cast: Ubale Ibrahim, Maryam Booth and Zainab Adam.

AFRICA MAGIC PLUS (DStv Channel 115) Princess Tyra (Part 1, 2 & 3): Princess Tyra is a classic tale about the abuse of power. The proud and arrogant Princess Tyra, who is betrothed to the Prince Kay, finds herself competing for the love and affection of the Prince with her own house help, Mefie. The discovery of Meffie's pregnancy triggers a chain reaction from the Princess's mother, which results in a series of untold consequences for Kay, Mefie and Ashley, the unexpected twin sister of Mefie. Starring Jackie Apphiah, Kofi Adjorlolo and Van Vicker.

King is Mine (Part 1 & 2): This movie tells the story of a young King who desperately desires an heir to his throne. He inherited a wife from his late brother and predecessor but after several attempts, she fails to bear him a male child. Now the king seeks a new mistress. The cast includes Nadia Buari, Jackie Appiah and John Dumelo.

Catch it on DStv on Monday 9 January at 7:00pm.

Zan Boko: Is an emotional story of a village family swept up in the current tide of urbanisation. In doing so, Zan Boko expertly reveals the transformation of an agrarian, subsistence society into an industrialised commodity. This docudrama which is directed by Gaston Kaboré and stars Colette Kabore and Joseph Nikiema will air on DStv on Thursday 12 January at 7:55 pm.

Totor aka The Turtle: It is about Mèntse, an orphan boy who meets his alcoholic father several times without ever speaking to him, and who is finally taken in by pygmies. In the pygmy village he makes friends with Ngâ'nsi, a young orphan like him who has extraordinary divining powers.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

BIG

CINEMA GUIDE

PICTURE Supported by: SILVERBIRD CINEMAS

Suing the Devil: Taking the spiritual battle to the courtroom

F

ROM medieval times to modern day, the reality or not of the existence of the devil has always been in contention. Religious dissentions have led to nations going to war with one another but with the flick, Suing the Devil, a new approach is presented.

In the movie, “Luke O'Brien (Bart Bronson), a salesman turned night law student, decides to sue Satan for $8 trillion dollars. On the last day before Luke files a default judgment, Satan appears to defend himself. On Satan's legal team are 10 of the country's best lawyers. The entire world watches on Legal TV to see who will win the Trial of the Century. Probably, O'Brien's plan to expose Satan is in keeping with the Bible which urges believers to be aware of the subtle deceptions of the enemy.

That sets the chain of proceedings which culminates in an eerie-tensed movie that begins from the first scene and crescendos to the final confrontation between Luke and the devil. As portrayed in the flick, Satan still can't stand to have the scripture quoted at him.

He states in the movie that the Bible is fiction but he sure squirms when it is used against him. He makes comments like "Evil is good' but O'Brien, despite Satan's accusations, holds his own against

him when he relies on the scripture, a lesson to all believers.

With Tim Chey as Director of the flick, Suing the Devil does not appear to portray the devil as a horrible being, but rather takes the approach that the devil is the same being that tricked Eve thousands of years earlier. The film is based on the scripture and many verses are quoted and the special effects are nicely handled as they reveal that Satan is a being from below.

Malcolm McDowell, as the devil, packs a powerful, mesmerizing, punching performance to the very end. Bart Bronson also does a commendable job as Luke O'Brien, the salesman who is a lawyer by night and who files a default judgment against Satan as he is tired of his scheming ways and the pain he has inflicted on people over the centuries. The ending brings a new, unpredictable and great twist to the story.

The supporting cast is pretty strong, especially Corbin Bernsen (“L.A. Law” TV series), who plays a wickedly funny legal commentator, along with Tom Sizemore (“Saving Private Ryan” “The Genius Club”) and Rebecca St. James. Suing the Devil, is a high-concept, faith-based legal thriller that whips up the imaginative abilities of its viewers.

Friends of Benefits packs an erotic punch

I

N the age of social networking, issues like romance have taken a new dimension. Seen from that light, Friend's with Benefits portrays a different notion of one of the most engaging social issues of all times. With an adequately matched Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis comes a comedy flick that is about love and sex, gets some of its juice and tang partly by trash-talking its own genre.

Jamie (Mila Kunis) meets Dylan (Justin Timberlake), a Web site art director when she lures him to New York go on interview in a men's magazine. They meet when she's scrambling atop an airport baggage carousel and they soon get talking. She needs him to take the job to earn her bonus and so sweetens the deal by showing him around what she calls the real New York.

Despite an attraction to each other, both realize they are everything they have both been running from in a relationship and decide to become friends...with benefits. It is the perfect arrangement until both parties realize there is no such thing as 'no strings attached'.

Having both been dumped in their past relationships, they decide that an occasional quickie with a friend is a perfect postromance deal. Friends with Benefits uses sex and bared skin to get at

questions about the possibility of romantic love between true male and female equals.

Directed by Will Gluck, the flick highlights an obvious chemistry, both emotional and sexual, between Kunis and Timberlake. The film gets away from the maddening plot of the background and focuses exclusively on both acts.

Their clumsy first encounter is the perfect blend of playful and awkward, and when the bedroom romps of the early part of the film later evolve into more complicated emotions, Kunis and Timberlake handle the transition with a real tenderness rarely seen in romantic comedies.

At a point, the movie's largely structural conflicts fade away in favor of the more interesting character clashes that finally arise between Jamie and Dylan.

Watching these two actors move from being sweetly flirtatious to doing real emotional battle may not entirely compensate for the movie's other failings, but it goes a long way toward making amends.

The movie Friends with Benefit is built on the premise that its characters, and probably the viewers, are sick of the romantic comedy clichés that they may secretly adore.

PORT HARCOURT Mausam Genre: Drama Gossip Nation Genre: Drama In-time Genre: Science Fiction Johnny English Reborn Genre: Action/Adventure What's Your Number Genre: Action/Adventure The Change Up Genre: Comedy Dolphin Tale Genre: Drama Suing The Devil Genre: Comedy ABUJA Gossip Nation Genre Drama Sinking Sand Genre Drama What's Your Number Genre Action/Adventure Contagion Genre Action/Adventure Unwanted Guest (Nollywood) Genre Drama Friends with Benefits Genre Comedy Conan the Barbarian Genre Action/Adventure The Smurfs Genre Science Fiction

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Glamour

T

HE Fresh Prince may soon be less a princess. As black Hollywood continues to sort out the salacious details of the divorce proceedings between Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, and more recently football legend Deion Sanders and his wife, Pilar, fans are now bracing for the possible demise of one of the most celebrated African-American marriages Tinseltown has seen in years.

For months, rumors have swirled around the fate of superstar Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith's 13-year union.

Tabloids and blogs have pointed to everything from Pinkett Smith's alleged romantic fling with J. Lo's ex, Marc •Will and Jada with their Anthony, to supposed fights between children, Willow, Jaden Will and Jada over the acting and musical and Trey, right careers of their two children, Jaden and Willow, as being the root of the couple's problems.

Adding fuel to the fire are this week's reports that Pinkett Smith recently made a visit to the office of well-known divorce lawyer, Laura Wasser.

Wasser is known for representing the likes of Maria Shriver, Angelina Jolie, Britney Spears, and Kim Kardashian at the end of their marriages. Though the Smiths released a joint press release last August stating that their relationship was intact, rumors persist that they now live separately and are selling off their joint property.

“Though it's not clear what exactly is happeningit is clear that something is going on,'' says Judy Smith, a crisis-management consultant based in Washington, D.C., whose company has handled several high-profile celebrity divorces. “When stories like this continue to surface and won't go away something is usually behind them.''

Neither Smith The powerful showbiz couple has denied could be reach for comment. Sources persistent rumors of a divorce, but alleged close to the power friction over how their child-star kids are couple say both being raised could lead to a split, and Will and his actress wife have strong Jada reportedly has consulted a personalities that divorce lawyer. Allison Samuels, have clashed one senior writer at Newsweek, reports. too many times of late.

“They just kept offspring generated spirited the celebrity scene. butting debate early last year, when Smith's eldest son, Trey heads over bestselling writer Terry (from his first marriage), also •Willow, Will the kids and McMillan suggested the has had limited exposure to the Smith's daughter other personal S m i t h s w e r e b e i n g media, though that may issues within “pimped” by their c h a n g e w i t h h i s the marriage,'' parents. At the height of graduation from high said a former Willow Smith's hit single, school last year. long-time “Whip My Hair,'' sharp contrast, employee of McMillan took to her J aIn den at age 7 the Smiths. personal Twitter account appeared with his “ J a d a ' s and let her opinions of child father in the 2006 independent stardom be known. film, The Pursuit of and focused, and “The Smith children already Happyness. He Will likes to be in act like child stars. There's even won the control. Someone has to arrogance in their demeanor and 2007 breakout agree to give in and that behavior. It feels like the Smith p e r f o r m a n c e wasn't happening anymore children are being pimped and award at the with them.'' exploited. They are already hungry M T V M o v i e The source said that for fame, what about the 4th Awards. compromise used to be more grade?”

“That was commonplace in the Smith After huge Twitter backlash from Trey's mother's household before children fans, McMillan apologized for her decision to keep him Willow, 10, and Jaden, 13, comments. away from early became celebrities in their own Still, comparisons often c e l e b r i t y a n d right. are made with other black cameras. She didn't Both children have enjoyed celebrities who share the kind of want that for her success of sorts in major fame Will Smith hasand have son and Will movies and music. Jaden had children who are raised in or r e s p e c t e d h e r a huge box-office hit with The around show business. Stars decision,'' says Karate Kid in 2010, while such as Denzel Washington t h e f o r m e r Willow recorded a few and Samuel L. Jackson appear employee. “But Will and radio hits and continues to to have gone to great Jada didn't see a problem grace fashion blogs with her lengths to keep their with letting their kids do offbeat, funky, and oddly children out of the glare what they wanted to do at mature style. o f t h e H o l l y w o o d firstwhich was to do what The high visibility of the Smith spotlight and away from their parents did.''

Will Smith's marriage heading

for the rocks

41

Tensions reportedly surfaced between the two stars as the level of attention and pressure grew on the children to perform and succeed. Willow regularly appears on blogs sporting shaven hairstyles and ultrahip clothes that few 10-year-old girls could rock. Jaden often hangs out with his friend, Justin Bieber, at Los Angeles Lakers games.

Though reports suggest Jada felt her daughter was growing up too fast and wanted to put the brakes on her career, others say it was the reverse, with Will wanting the children to focus more on school. Both children are home-schooled on the couple's spacious estate outside Los Angeles.

No matter the cause of the Smiths' possible split, many believe that if the couple actually do file divorce papers, the loss of one of the country's few African-American power couples would surely be felt across the industry.

“They truly played the game of Hollywood and played it well,'' said one notable Hollywood executive. “They hung with Tom Cruise, the Beckhams, and all the big-time stars. Denzel wasn't doing that and won't be doing it, and neither will Samuel L. or Laurence Fishburne. Jada and Will enjoyed the Hollywood game and were able to get some unique projects done as a result.''

Over the 13 years of their marriage, the two produced creatively diverse projects such as TNT's Hawthorne series, The Secret Life of Bees movie, and the Broadway show, Fela.

But beyond the business savvy and smarts of the couple's marriage, the Smith family as a unit provided another invaluable service for many in the African-American community.

“I hate to think of them breaking up because they always seemed like a strong, loving and committed couple,'' said 32-year-old Los Angeles native Lacey Jones, a fan of Smith's since the actor's Fresh Prince of Bel Air days.

“They gave me inspiration as a black couple making it work. You just don't see that a lot, and it gave me hope that marriages can happen and can last in our community.''

The couple regularly touted their love for each other and the time spent in the bedroom, during their many magazine and television interviews. Smith even admitted he didn't want to endure the pain of another divorce. Overcoming those lingering images and statements will be a challenge for both stars if they decide to go their separate ways.

“People understand t h a t relationships end and t h i n g s happen,'' said Judy Smith, the crisis expert. “But t h e y •Jaden Smith defined themselve s so much as a family and as a couple that it may take some time to r e d e f i n e themselves in their careers.'’

Source: The Daily Beast

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Glamour

Director of African Fashion Week and CEO of Rukkies, Ronke Ademiluyi, a lawyer-turned businesswoman is a quiet and unassuming young woman who takes delight in supporting organisers of fashion shows by supplying outfits for models during shows. Last year she got the franchise to host Africa Fashion Week in London. In this interview with KEHINDE FALODE, she talked about how the Africa Fashion Week London (AFWL) came to be.

s i n o i h s a ’ ‘F n o i s s a p y m

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Glamour

43

Social KAYODE ALFRED

Takee Ibori back on social radar

T

HE news was thick in the air a few months ago that Takee, eldest daughter of James Ibori, former governor of Delta State would be getting married to Abisoye Suenu, proprietor of Slicks Restaurant and Night Club in Victoria Garden City, Lagos. But insiders informed Society Circuit that James Ibori reportedly prevailed on his daughter to stop her plans to marry Abisoye because the prospective groom is happily married to Kuburat Adetutu, his wife of 22 years. Things were no doubt going well in the world of Takee and Bisoye before this, so much, so that they were always caught in public displays of affection without any care in the world. They were the envy of their friends at the embryonic stage of their romance.

Though they had been cagey about their relationship when they first met some years back Takee has guarded her emotions since her painful break-up with her former boyfriend. For several months, she withdrew into her cocoon. Penultimate weekend, however, she returned to the social radar after months of hiatus. She was sighted at the opening of Rita Idehen's hair studio on the island. Takee was the cynosure of all eyes at the event, as she dressed to the nines.

(E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com, Tel: 08035733605, 08099400057)

Abel Ebifemowei’s loud silence

I

T is generally believed that a leopard cannot change its spots. No matter what the situation is, some things cannot change. It however seems that the world of Chief Abel Ebifemowei is extremely susceptible to change.

It would be remembered that the cousin to former Governor Alamiesiegha travelled the length and breadth of Bayelsa, his home state, telling all who would listen that he was perfectly positioned and qualified to take the mantle and become next governor of the state. Self-assured and confident, he shunned the power of incumbency and promised to take over from Governor Timpreye Sylva. While the state's gubernatorial elections did not take place during the general elections in April due to an Appeal Court judgment, he continued with his vociferous campaign.

Following the emergence of Seriake Dickson as PDP gubernatorial candidate, Ebifemovei’s barking did not produce the desired effect. Right now, he has grown silent, and nothing more has been heard of him.

Former MGBN, Chinenye Ochuba turns new mother

T

HE addition of a new life into any family is a source of joy.

And when such baby comes at an auspicious time, then the new family is overjoyed. This is the situation presently in the home of former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) Chinenye OchubaAkinlade.

As the world celebrated the coming of the New Year, Chinenye Ochuba-Akinlade had even more to celebrate as she was delivered of a bouncing baby boy on the special day. The towering beauty who is the female in a set of twins, won the 2002 edition of the MBGN as a teenager. She enlisted in the beauty pageant whilst awaiting university admission. She represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe and Miss World pageants. She won the global beauties 'Face of the Universe' at the Miss Universe contest which took place in Puerto Rico. She was also one of the top ten finalists at the Miss World contest and won the 'African Queen of Beauty' award at the same pageant.

Many remember Chinenye for having a scandal-free reign among a long list of beauty queens in Nigeria. She put to bed at about 4.15 pm Nigerian time on New Year's Day in London. Her second child, the little tot comes after her two year old daughter. One person who is over the moon about the new arrival is the man who was by her side all through, her husband, Adekunle Akinlade, Senior Special Assistant on Taxation and Revenue to Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State). According to family sources, both mother and child are doing great.

For those who wonder what the ex-beauty queen has been up to since she got wedded after handing over the crown, Chinenye resumed at the University of Lagos where she was studying Computer Science before relocating to the United Kingdom to pursue a degree in Accounting and Finance.In 2008, she graduated with a Second Class upper class Honors degree from the University of Greenwich, London. Chinenye is presently running Aivy Edge Limited, her hotel accessory supplies company. She is co-founder of Purple Heart Grace Initiative a nongovernmental organization interested in orphans welfare, mentoring of teenagers and women empowerment.

Uju Murphy relocates

E

VERY one eventually moves on in life and it seems one of the flower girls of high society has moved on.

While in her prime, she rolled with high fliers and top socialites. She was a statement maker, and her name graced the list of every happening event in society. All courted her attention, and for those who were lucky to fall under the appearance of her smile, it was an experience they highly cherished.

Right now, the CEO of Lazer Graphix Limited, Lekki, Lagos, seems to have relocated since nothing has been heard of her in recent times.

For many who know her well, they would believe that she is not one to go off the grid or out of circulation without cause.

A while back, the news in town was that her marriage to Japanbased Murphy Uzohue crashed, but she was unavailable to confirm or debunk the rumour.

44

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Glamour

Skymit Boss, Tayo Ayeni, Celebrates th

49 Birthday Skymit boss, Tayo Ayeni last Wednesday, December th, 28 2011 celebrated his 49th birthday with a party at his Ikeja GRA home in Lagos. The event attracted the cream of society including the Chairman Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Zenon Oil boss Femi Otedola, MD, Papermate, Bayo Abdul, Chairman Globe Motors, Chief Willy Anumudu and his wife Nkiru, Oye Odukale, Lanre Ogunlesi and his brother Fola Ogunlesi. Others are former Defence Minister Demola Seriki and his wife Wosilat, Alaba Shonibare, PR guru, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi and Kola Abiola. Lagos society ladies were not left out, including Biola Okoya, Lola Adefusika, Bola Awosika, among others. The side attraction of the night was the fireworks display which lit up the whole area.

•Ayeni and family cutting the birthday cake

& •Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola

OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL (08033572821) raphseg2003@yahoo.com

•Former Minister of Defence, Demola Seriki and wife Wosilat

•Mr and Mrs Adelaja

•Dr Soleye

•Bola Awosika

•L-R Chief Willy Anumudu and Mr Bayo Abdul

•Nkiru Anumudu

•Joke Sogunro-Umeh

•Biola Okoya

•Maureen Onigbanjo

•Eno Olafisoye

FROM THE CAMPUS PAGE 46

With Prof. Emmanuel Ojeme

THE NATION SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Exploring the hope of sports for humanity (1)

More memories of 2011 (Part 2)

T

HERE is every reason to worry about our world, so troubled by multiple crises. There is the fear of terrorism, ethnic distrust, religious crises and political turbulence all around the world. The foregoing mailaise or challenges are clearly manifest in our dear country, Nigeria, in recent times. Suddenly, Boko Haram has made itself a number one enemy of the state, threatening to dismember our God given nation. In the midst of all of these challenges, many therapies are required, including prayers for divine intervention, Government appropriate actions to enforce law and order to preserve the unity and integrity of our nation and social reengineering. Sports is a vital tool of social reengineering and the thesis of this paper is that a proper harnessing of the potentials of sports in this direction holds a lot of hope or promise for stabilizing a society that is threatened by multivariate sociocultural differences.

The power of sports in creating social cohesion, in strengthening society and building bridges across sociocultural boundaries can be seen in terms of its typical intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics that include.

A

LL the talk this week has been centered on the removal of oil subsidy. As painful as it has been for Nigerians, most people have taken the raging controversy to a different level. I have read the funniest jokes and seen the funniest pictures, thanks to Blackberry. One thing I have concluded is that we have a lot of creative minds here in Nigeria if only we can put them to work for our own good; be more positive with our ingenuity.

Ok so the removal was effected on the 1st of January right? On the same day through to the 4th there were English Premier League matches and in the midst of all the chaos in the land, most of us still put aside pain, fear, worry, anxiety and watched football in another man’s land while ours was burning. Trust me there were very interesting matches and even more •Usain Bolt interesting and shocking results but I will ask the same question I have been asking for God-knows-howlong…. When will we set our “house” in order seeing that football is a good way of distracting us from the issues around us? This is just sharing my thoughts.

They various players looked at soccer history.

Back to my memories of different options, taking definitely captured the eyes 2011 which will not be deals overseas or going on of the world that day and put complete if I don’t talk about tours and playing exhibition women’s soccer back on the the greatest man to have games. But it just wasn't the map. ever played tennis. Roger same, nothing like the Usain Bolt in the last Federer had a very bad year National Basketball couple of years has been on by his own very high association. a different level. He has standards. He started his Thankfully, a deal was gained an air of invincibility competitive season of the finally passed, and the that has made him seem year by winning his 67th lockout ended and on the unbeatable in a 100 or 200 career title in Doha; 25th of December, Christmas meter sprint. thereafter he didn’t win any Day, basketball fans got to And in the 100 meter other title until October smile again. final at the IAAF World when he lifted the Paris Women’s World Cup, Championships, he was masters for the first time. He down 2-1 against Brazil disqualified and therefore had some remarkable with only two minutes lost his crown as the 100 results in between though, remaining, everyone thought meters World Champion. As like destroying Novak that the game was as good any sports fan knows, Djokovic's run of victories to as over. Everyone that is, nothing can be taken for surge into the French Open except for the US women's granted in the world of final. team. Wambach after sports, even if you are His brilliance felt all the receiving a pass from talking about an athlete as more exhilarating because of Rapinoe shot past a crazily good as Bolt. Yohan all the suggestions (due of Brazilian defender and their Blake would go on to claim his defeats to players who keeper; she headed it into the his first World normally would not be fit to net. The Americans would Championship. tie his shoelaces last season) then go on to win 5-3 in Bolt would go on to win that he was on the decline. penalty kicks to cap one of the 200 meters and the Yet beating a man who the greatest comebacks in 4x100 meters relay, breaking proved invincible all year long has given a lie to all that, though the same Novak inflicted what Federer has termed his most painful loss 3 months after.

He saved 2 match points against the Swiss maestro en route his first US Open title.

Roger ended up the year winning a record 6th WTF title in London offering conclusive evidence that reports of his demise have been somewhat exaggerated.

The NBA lockout was painfully memorable. I know fans also had the NFL lockout to deal with but for football fans, no games were •Ferguson cancelled unlike basketball.

The uncertainties and rumours didn’t help as

(1)Competitiveness (2)Adherence to rules of engagement (3)Indifference to divisive tendencies of ethnic and religious differences (4)Voluntary cooperation with constituted authority.

(5)Recreational and occupational outlets (6)Creation of social heroes and heroines etc. the world record in the relay. But it will be the 100 meters that will forever linger in the minds of the millions of fans watching, as the one time the man with a god-like status in sports finally cracked under pressure.

I go back to Manchester United for my last two memories of 2011. The UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona. The Red Devils had been in three of the last four finals losing to Barcelona in two of those.

The English champions were made to look very ordinary against a superb Barca side. They just couldn’t get the ball off their Spanish opponents.

Barcelona had 12 shots on target compared to United’s 1(sums up the story of that night). Lionel Messi and his team mates went on to win that match 3-1 at Wembley.

Sad day for England and Manchester United fans.

United started off the season blazing after strengthening the squad, even beating Arsenal 8-2 showing some Barca-like traits….It seemed like the season to finally go toe-totoe with the mighty boys from Spain. Guess what?

United was dumped right out of the champions league in the group stage and for the first time Sir Alex Ferguson and his boys find themselves competing in the lowly rated Europa league competition. So much for “we are ready for Barcelona”.

This sums up my sporting moments of 2011.

Feel free to share yours as we “OCCUPY NIGERIA”.

For sure, there are many more values of sports that make it a big social institution with enormous powers for social reengineering and indeed a peace builder. In brief, we can provide an overview of the foregoing outlines.

(1)Competitiveness.

Sports teaches competitiveness as an instrument of individual and group success. The critical success factors in social competitions in sports have been laid bare in its body of knowledge. If anyone wishes to succeed in it, the prerequisite is the acquisition of its supportive or enabling performance factors. Those who have succeeded in sports as well as sports epistemologists can tell you their story of how it works. In the modern world, crisis is traceable to lack of ability of groups or sections of society to compete effectively. But Sports shows that without the ability to compete, success in life may become a huge challenge. So, in every nation or society, the onus is on people to engage in healthy competition to eke out a place of reasonable success or respectability. The most competitive nations are also the leaders of the world.

(2)Adherence to Rules of Engagement.

Sports is a rule-governed social experience. All participants know this fact. Successful participation in its activity requires strict adherence to its rules and regulation. In this wise therefore, sports is a classic social institution that moderates human behaviour by enforcing its rules and application of sanctions when violated. In football, for example, goals scored from offside positions are cancelled. No player can use his hand to put the ball inside the net or pull down a player in the 18 – yard area to create a free passage to the net. Also, a violent dispossession of an opponent of the ball is sanctioned with either yellow or red card. All of these rules create an even and disciplined environment for the game. Why can society not endavour to obey the rules of social coexistence as they operate in sports. Any society that does not adhere to rules and regulations breeds chaos, disorder and retarded progress. Nigeria for example, cannot afford this scenario and hope to move forward as a nation. Violators of laid down rules and regulations must be appropriately punished without discrimination, as deterrent, reformation of character and enhancement of discipline in society.

Sports teaches us that as a nation, ethnic and religious groups, we must be prepared for the ruled – governed competition that life brings. Our job is to find out and assimilate the variables of healthy competition in life as means of reaching our goals, legitimately. This would create the peace that society requires to move forward.

(To be continued next week)

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

47

VOL 1 NO. 037

S

Brands Beware 2012

OME times it gets somewhat difficult to put pieces requiring of detailed technical mentions together on this page for fear of losing our non-professional friends. The challenge has been toning down on technicalities sometimes, and this is one of those times. We are also mindful that it is dangerous to under estimate the average Nigerian in matters of broad field knowledge, so we shall assume some liberty on that note.

In over 22years in the practice of brands management, surely some learning has come to stay as way-oflife for me. Part of these have even assumed the status of facts, though I still remain open to learning even on those things I should have learnt, so many years back.

For instance, I have learnt that the stage of Research and Development (R&D) is the basic pre-start-point for any new brand. It is so crucial that it does not permit for a second take. Every successful brand is a product of successful handling at this stage. One other thing I have learnt is that no brand succeeds except it is market-focused and customer-centric, mostly if it exists in a market outside monopoly. Yes! These are some common truths.

Ironically, these same basics remain the threshold for so many failed attempts at introducing new brands.

When such failures are registered in developed markets, the culprits are very easily identified as 'human error'. But when such happen in developing or underdeveloped markets it requires engaging a different expertise of peculiar nature to locate the cause. In most cases the verdict rests on UNRELIABLE DATA! Truth be said, I am yet to see a research report based on safe error margin in this market. In my years of practice so far, I have come to know that most operative research input for purposes of strategic planning are based on actual researches conducted based, in part, on guts feeling. Our research companies are doing the utmost in their practice, but the constraints are there.

However, rather than see this as a weakness, practitioners in this market should live with this truth as market peculiarity full of pluses. That research companies can even function in a market such as ours goes a long way to score them high on intelligence quotient because by reason of their high level of intelligence, they make up for the lack of scientific infrastructure.

The ability of practitioners in this market to function in the face of scientific inadequacies is a plus.

Unfortunately some brands (especially those multinational brands franchised in this market) play the superiority card. They would rather that a research outfit outside this market conducts researches for them on this market. It all comes across as a joke. I really can not imagine the rationale behind recruiting some people who do not have a first-hand experience of this market over those that live and practice here, for reasons of market research on same market. I enjoyed a similar session with a staff of one of such brands with international presence, flashing the fact that his principals do not have faith in our local practitioners in the handling

servations in particular markets in subsequent series. Today, we shall peep into the fast food market. Working from the premise of the inexact nature of our market data, we appreciate the growth in this market over the last decade 2000-2010/ 2015. Within same period the market grew in value terms well over $400million, with about 14 leadplayers (top end). This projection is predicated upon persistent growth in gross domestic earning due to rise in petroleum revenue, the middle class and disposable income, cosmopolitan or urban lifestyle.

We do not know how much the prevalent forecast has affected players in this market, but two things are clear: there are more new entrants and increases in branch network among existing players. Top of mind, these should be indications of strategic moves based on research findings (if I am not wrong).

So, here we go: welcome KENTUCKY FRIED

of research, strategic planning and generation of creative materials, at my face. Well, he owns the brand and is at liberty to choose who to work with, but I had the last laugh; at the end of the day, the campaign materials generated from the much-touted perfect system came out terribly way out of the peculiarities of impact in this market. It was very easy to see that the use of English language, models, props and ambience were not Nigerian.

Suffice that those seeming short-comings are Nigerian. Those scientific or technical short-comings are what define us as a people. I can assure all such expatriates that all such deficiency has been made up for in our intellectual abilities and hard work. Is not ridiculous that some group of persons in London will develop a research document to guide a carbonated drink in Nigerian market (indicating buying pattern, consumer traits and habits, consumer expectation and usage pattern)? I think such is a tactical mistake.

But that has been the story with most brands in our local market. The reason such mistakes go unpunished is same reason such perpetrators give for not patronizing our local experts: market peculiarity.

Nigerian market has been known to violate set norms.

I once met a big retailer of telephone hand-sets in Dubai who advised me to go back to Computer Village in Lagos, Nigeria if I really needed to buy a topend phone at a more affordable rate! I was stunned.

But her response was simply that it is inexplicably so, she can only advise (me). Our local market defiles all time-tested principles. That is why it is still safer to depend on local marketing practitioners to drive for market success here.

Be all of the above, as they may be, it is the decision of the Client that matters on way forward on issues as mentioned above. It is a free market here. However, we at MC&A DIGEST are skeptical of some developments noticed in some segments of our local market.

As comments, we shall be registering some of our ob-

CHICKEN! But we know a few market fall-outs that could be verified, such as the followings: 1. Disruption in global oil market is likely to negatively alter earning projection for nations like Nigeria who are heavily dependent on it 70 - 80%, considering the scenarios with Libya and Iran.

2. The recent withdrawal of petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government will aggressively cut down the population of recently re-invented middle class 3. Same reason will go for a drastic reduction in the disposable income of the average Nigerian in the cosmopolitan markets 4. Unemployment is most likely to increase as a result of the withdrawal of petroleum subsidy.

Fast food market is cosmopolitan, therefore most likely to be defined by such locations. Secondly, outof-home meals are only expression of lifestyle, so the value-essence for such offers are not core on the basic needs category ( we want to think that is likely an area misleading the business planners for such brands) the average Nigerian appreciates the cost efficiency of cooking and eating at home versus eating out of home.

So want to ask if business managers for fast food brands considered the following basic considerations in their forecast and projections Brand Development Index (BDI), Category Development Index (CDI). This question could help some of us within this market, against mistaken market projections. Determining the break-even-point for the individual businesses is something individualistic, but market-wide considerations such as the BDI and CDI could call for marketwide co-operation, to avoid global failure.

Once again, we appreciate the fact that little is attributed to local inputs mostly in the area of research, but it may just help to listen to the locals because they are more likely to think up winning ways for brands operating here, than those foreign experts. We must all work together to avert the consequence of over ambition.

48

With Patience Saduwa

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

I

F constant stress has you feeling disillusioned, helpless, and completely worn out, you may be suffering from burnout. When you're burned out, problems seem insurmountable, everything looks bleak, and it's difficult to muster up the energy to care -let alone do something about your situation.

The unhappiness and detachment burnout causes can threaten your job, your relationships, and your health. But burnout can be healed. If you recognize the signs and symptoms of burnout in its early stages, simple stress management strategies may be enough to solve the problem. In the later stages of burnout, recovery may take more time and effort, but you can still regain your balance by reassessing your priorities, making time for yourself, and seeking support.

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.

Burnout reduces your productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful.

Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give.

Most of us have days when we feel bored, overloaded, or unappreciated; when the dozen balls we keep in the air aren't noticed, let alone rewarded; when dragging ourselves out of bed requires the determination of Hercules. If you feel like this most of the time, however, you may be flirting with burnout.

You may be on the road to burnout if: Every day is a bad day, caring about your work or home life seems like a total waste of energy, you're exhausted all the time, the majority of your day is spent on tasks you find either mindnumbingly dull or overwhelming, you feel like nothing you do makes a difference or is appreciated.

Treating burnout Schedule regular social activities: Remember when you used to spend time with people you were neither working with nor dating? You watched movies, ate meals, played games, and went on trips. You were active and you had fun!

You can regain some of that emotional fulfillment by contacting some of your old pals and scheduling regular activities.

It doesn't need to be anything crazy. The point of this exercise is to expand your social horizon and crush the feeling that you're stuck doing the same thing every day.

Follow a fitness plan Why we give up exercise in order to sit in a chair and work for an extra hour at a lower level of intensity is beyond me. I used to do it myself. I dealt with stress by eating and worked instead of working out. The result? Not only did I burn out but I got really chubby, too!

If you want to avoid burnout, resurrect that New Year's Resolution and figure out what it takes to get you exercising on a regular basis. Apart from all the physical benefits of exercise, you'll enjoy the mental satisfaction of knowing that

•Sad state: Burnout reduces your productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless and hopeless

and write a manifesto, a declaration of purpose, for yourself.

The process will give you focus as you put your intentions into writing. You'll also discover that stepping back and looking at your life as a whole has a way of putting the stresses of the moment into perspective.

Ask for help: This is a tough one, especially if you're a resourceful I'll-doit-on-my-own type of person like me. But it's worth the time it takes to ask for help making sense of something that's been dragging you down. It's worth the embarrassment of admitting that you can't do something on your own to really get help.

Whether your struggle is with a particular part of a project or with something general, like time management, asking for help will get you to a solution faster than you could ever hope to alone. If you want to avoid burnout, you'll need to swallow your pride on occasion and reach out for help.

Make others laugh: Humor keeps us sane even through the most stressful of circumstances. Laughter is fun and a great way to reduce stress. Even better, finding ways to make others laugh doesn't just reduce stress for all involved. It allows you to begin viewing yourself as a source of fun and laughter in your social or work group.

You'll find it hard to be glum and entertain unhappy thoughts when the people around you are excited and happy to be near you. There's no need to be a genius comedian. Start out by learning a few good jokes and add as you go!

Embrace a morning ritual Are you starting your day on the wrong foot by waking up late, rushing about, and skipping out the door at the last minute? Try slowing down your morning instead. Set your alarm a few minutes earlier than usual and spend the “extra” time sitting in a sunny spot in your living room with a cup of coffee and a good book.

As you slowly add more to your morning, you'll develop a fierce attachment to “your” time. Why? Because you've chosen to start your day with a focus on taking care of yourself instead of busting out of bed like a bomb squad.

Stop making excuses: Is everything that's dragging you down right now because of something your boss, partner, friend, or client did? Getting caught up in how much everybody else is screwing up will put you on the fast track to gray hair and a stupendous burnout.

The fix? Accept responsibility for your part of the problems that plague you.

Then start digging your way out. Once you've given up on blaming others you'll start seeing more of the good in your life and the sordid claws of desperate solitary thought will no longer draw you down.

Preventing burnout Working life

you're taking good care of yourself again.

Pursue a hobby: Pick a hobby that has little or nothing to do with what you spend most of your week doing and pursue it with passion! A hobby that uses an entirely different skill set can provide your heart and mind with a satisfying break from the weekly grind and set you on a good path for increased productivity.

You probably won't even need to worry about picking a new hobby out. The one you abandoned when you sold your soul to the work week is waiting for you to return. Shine up those golf clubs, get out the fishing gear, or buy a new pair of boxing gloves and get moving!

Volunteer: Nothing brightens the soul or warms the senses like giving to another for no reason other than to give. If you're feeling run down by life, I implore you to seek out somebody less fortunate than

yourself and work to help them.

Reach out to your local soup kitchen or professional organization and ask for referrals to local places that need your help. They'll be glad to get you started and you'll soon forget about how badly you thought you had it!

Write a manifesto: Have you forgotten what you want out of life? It's easy to lose track of time and even easier to forget about what makes us glad to be alive. What can you do to bring back that focus? Take a day or perhaps an e n t i r e weekend

“The only thing that separates successful people from the ones who aren't is the willingness to work very, very hard.”

-Helen Gurley Brown (American Editor and Writer)

Source: www.helpguide.org

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

New WOMAN Real life love stories

She stole d n a t r a e h y m money (2)

•Tough life: Life abroad was not as rosy as I expected and to survive, I had to do so many jobs and work so hard...

B

ETTY and I discussed the matter and we decided that I will have to go abroad, make some money and then send for her and we could then settle down together over there.

Having taken the decision, we began preparations in earnest. The major obstacle was money. Even with our combined savings, we could barely raise half of the amount I needed to process my travel documents, ticket and other stuff required for the trip. I had to sell the few properties I had. With that, the money was still not enough so we had to resort to borrowing. Betty took a loan from a relative of hers and we were able to make up the balance.

As I jetted out of the country, what weighed heavily on my mind was not the new life I was about to start abroad. It was the thought of leaving my beloved Betty behind. What was going to happen to our relationship with such a wide distance between us, I kept thinking. I decided that I was going to do all in my power to ensure she joined me as soon as possible once I had settled down.

If only I had known.

Settling down was easier

said than done. After my visa expired, my friend, who was my host tried to help me regularise my papers. It wasn't easy. To make things worse, I arrived at a time when there was a lot of noise in the media about the large number of immigrants coming into the UK especially from Eastern Europe and the need for the government to curb immigration.

In the meantime, I had to survive. I did all kinds of jobs-security, stacking shelves in a supermarket, gardening, working in old people's home and others.

Without regular papers, these menial jobs were the only ones I could get. I did anything that would bring in money as long as it didn't involve crime. With time, I found out about easier ways of making money in the country such as drugs, credit card fraud and human trafficking.

But each time I thought of joining the racket so I could make quick money as some of the Naija guys I knew were doing, I remembered the words my father told me before I left Nigeria.

5 Resolutions to Bring Back the Bliss to Your Marriage Continued from last week

Adventure into bliss with your partner Step out of your comfort zone with your partner and experience life as a grand adventure. Just about any situation can be potentially fun and maybe even positively thrilling...if you are open to it.

We're talking about time in and out of the bedroom, by the way.

Cultivate an attitude of appreciation, an expectation that you will have fun and be excited by everyday life with your mate and a focus on thoroughly enjoying the bliss you have (or are on your way to having) in your marriage.

“My son, we might not be rich. But at least, I have my good name. Don't do anything that will tarnish the family name. Remember that as you go to this strange land of the oyibos and stay out of trouble.”

Long way from home I missed Betty terribly. We stayed in touch through phone calls and e-mails but it wasn't enough. They

49

couldn't take the place of her physical presence. With time, it became obvious that it was going to take longer for Betty to join me. Without regularising my stay, I couldn't invite her over.

Initially she showed understanding about my situation. But as the years went by, her tune changed.

“But how long will I continue to wait?” she

complained during one of our chats on the phone. By then, I had spent four years and my papers were not ready. I told her to be patient, that soon, things would be ok.

“I've been hearing that for years now and I'm getting sick of it,” she grumbled, hanging up on me. I focused on work and making money.

I had two jobs at a time- a

morning job and a night one.

It was tough combining the two but I had no choice. I had bills to pay. I also had to remit some money home to Betty and my parents and siblings who looked up to me. Besides, I sent items such as computers, household appliances, clothes and other stuff to Betty to sell and save the money for us. My plan was to buy a plot of land in Lagos and build a house that we would rent out. I scrimped, saved and denied myself a lot of things just so I could continue to send money home to Betty.

Then, finally after seven years, I got my papers. I called Betty to tell her the good news. I also started making plans to travel home so we could get married and travel back together to the UK. Continued next week

Raising Successful Teens (1)

T

HE teen years pose some of the most difficult challenges for families. Teenagers, dealing with hormone changes and an evercomplex world, may feel that no one can understand their feelings, especially parents.

As a result, the teen may feel angry, alone and confused while facing complicated issues about identity, peers, sexual behavior, drinking and drugs.

Parents may be frustrated and angry that the teen seems to no longer respond to parental authority.

Methods of discipline that worked well in earlier years may no longer have an effect.

And, parents may feel frightened and helpless about the choices their teen is making.

As a result, the teen years are ripe for producing conflict in the family. Typical areas of parent-teen conflict may include: disputes over the teen's curfew; the teen's choice of friends; spending time with the family versus with peers; school and work performance; cars and driving privileges; dating and sexuality; clothing, hair styles and makeup; self destructive behaviors such as smoking, drinking and using drugs. Dealing with

Parenting the issues of adolescence can be trying for all concerned. But families are generally successful at helping their children accomplish the developmental goals of the teen years reducing dependence on parents, while becoming increasingly responsible and independent.

However, there are a number of warning signs that things are not going

teen is a closed book, with a padlock, and poison spikes, and maybe a big dog in front of it. At times it seems impossible to get them to open up and talk about their lives. But talking to your teen and knowing about their lives is one of the best ways to protect them from danger. Spying and snooping around isn't the best way to get that information either, it will only upset matters if your Tips for Getting Your teen finds out.

Teen to Open up To many parents, their Continued next week well and that the family may want to seek outside help. These include aggressive behavior or violence by the teen, drug or alcohol abuse, promiscuity, school truancy, brushes with the law or runaway behavior.

Likewise, if a parent is resorting to hitting or other violent behavior in an attempt to maintain discipline, this is a strong danger sign.

•Tough times: The adolescent years can be a difficult period for both parents and teenagers

50

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Arts & Life

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

Papa’s verdict

By Robert Egbe

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

Guest writer OLD Papa’s most powerful ploy, if you could call it that, was his ability to, with just a single lift of his brows or an almost imperceptible tilt of his head, sow a tiny but potent seed in you: doubt.

Old Papa was the wrinkle-faced, grey-haired cobbler that ran a business down my street. I didn’t know his real name, but there was an old, partlyfaded inscription on the signboard above his one-room business premises that had missing letters in its two words. The longer I stared at it on most days, the more it seemed like the gap-toothed grin of a nonagenarian. I remember that my father once said the sign originally read ‘Solid Shoes,’ but in the mischievous imagination of my 10 year-old mind I coined a simile by connecting Old Papa’s wizened appearance and his trade for a rather fitting appellation: ‘Old Papa Shoes’.

I laugh now in recollection of a remarkable experience one Christmas at Papa’s. Even now, the lessons of that hazy, wind-spent, Yuletide morning are not lost on me. In defiance of the Harmattan, I sneaked out of the house to show off my Xmas finery – matching black jeans jacket and trousers, and brown moccasins.

Skipping and hopping on account of a full belly and an inclination to induce envy more than anything else, I joined an enthusiastic group of two boys and a girl calling out Happy Christmases at bemused adults who either replied in kind or placed a few nairas in our willing hands.

Encouraged by the response, we took our cash accumulation scheme to Old Papa.

Old Papa Shoes had two big wooden doors and a huge metal grill that unlocked outwards. They were always open and as we ambled nearer on this day, I saw him sitting on a wicker chair in the corner. He stared at me, tool-clad hands working deftly at a piece of leather.

“Papa!” we yelled as we barged in. “Papa, Happy Christmas!”

Old Papa looked up with a smile. “Merry Christmas,” he replied cheerfully. And then he looked down at our feet one after the other, paying compliment after compliment. I waited in anticipation as my shoes came under the know-it-all scrutiny of his time-improved gaze. That was when he did what I least expected. He frowned.

“My new shoes,” I declared defiantly. He glanced at them again; the puckered brow now more intense. I was confused. And then a bright idea flashed before me. I raised a foot to him. “Moccasins,” said I. He looked at my feet again and his penetrating stare lingered.

“They’re nice,” he concurred, “although I prefer leather shoes.”

That hurt. “They are leather,” I blurted.

His forehead creased and his head shook slowly: “Imitation leather.”

Beside me, the other children sniggered. I was upset. Imitation? What did that mean?

Old papa sensed my discomfort. “Your shoe is made of a kind of material that’s like leather but is really not,” he explained. “It’s actually a kind of synthetic or plastic material, if you like.”

“You mean it’s fake?” one of the other boys teased.

“Yes, it’s a kind of fake leather,” Old Papa said. “It can be quite good too, but it’s not real leather.”

Imitation leather! Fake leather! My heart skipped. Hot tears stung my eyes. I fled the shop, with the sound of laughter in maddening pursuit. At home, nothing anyone said consoled me. All that mattered was that my father bought me fake leather shoes. My Christmas was ruined – unless I could do something about it.

Sufficiently rested from my exertions much later, I hoped to find the bright side of the whole episode, if there was any. I succeeded. Papa knew the genuine article, for one, and I could just fancy myself his student in my spare time. First, though, I had to find me leather shoes that were nonimitation, and Papa’s was the destination.

Egbe is with The Nation

QUOTE Christmas is a time when kids tell Santa what they want and adults pay for it. Deficits are when adults tell the government what they want and their kids pay for it.

—Richard Lamm

Jokes Hubby’s Test A CRAFTY soldier stationed overseas wrote to his wife in the United States to please send him a harmonica to occupy his free time and keep his mind off the local women. The wife complied and sent the best one she could find, along with several dozen lessons and music books.

Upon his return from abroad, he rushed to their home and through the front door.

“Oh darling,” he said, “Come here, let me look at you. Let me hold you! Let’s have a fine dinner out, and make love all night. I’ve missed your loving so much!”

The wife, keeping her distance, said, “All in good time, lover. First, let’s hear you play that harmonica.”

Keen Serpent HAVING arrived at the edge of the river, the fisherman soon realised he had forgotten to bring any bait. Just then he happened to see a little snake passing by that had caught a worm. The fisherman snatched up the snake and robbed him of his worm.

Feeling sorry for the little snake with no lunch, he snatched him up again and poured

a little beer down his throat and went about his fishing.

An hour or so later the fisherman felt a tug at his pant leg. Looking down, he saw the same snake with three more worms in his mouth.

Dim View THE modest man is in the hospital for a series of test. One of the last test has left his system upset.

Upon making several false alarms to the bathroom he decided the latest was another.

He completely filled his bed up with human waste and was embarrased beyond anything he could possibly face. Losing his presence of mind, he jumped up, gathered up the bed sheets, and threw them out the hospital window.

A drunk was walking by the hospital when the sheets landed on him. He started yelling, cussing and swinging his arms which drew the attention of the security guard.

The security guard asks: “What’s going on?”

The drunk replied: “I just beat the heck out of a ghost!”

•Culled from the Internet

SUDOKU 1ST STEP IN SOLVING PUZZLE: (367) Look at the 3 middle horizontal (GHI) 3x3 boxes. The missing numbers in the left box are 1,4 and 8. To determine where 4 will be in the box Row D cannot accommodate another 4 because there is a 4 already in cell Dg. Row E

PUZZLE 367

A 5 2 B 6 2 8 C 4 1 3 D 4 5 9 3 E 7 5 F 2 9 1 6 G 8 9 4 H 9 1 2 I 7 4 a

b

c

d

e

f

g

h

i

08/01/2012

cannot contain another 4, because thereis a 4 already in cell Eb. Therefore, the only space available to accommodate 4 in the left box is cell Fa. Reasoning along these lines, try and fill in all the other vacant cells.

Solution on Saturday. Happy Puzzling!

SOLUTION TO PUZZLE 366

7 8 6 3 5 1 4 2 9

1 9 4 8 7 2 3 5 6

5 2 3 4 9 6 7 1 8

2 4 9 5 1 8 6 7 3

6 5 1 9 3 7 8 4 2

3 7 8 6 2 4 5 9 1

4 3 7 2 8 9 1 6 5

8 6 2 1 4 5 9 3 7

9 1 5 7 6 3 2 8 4

THE ARTS

51

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

• Udeh

I

I was obvious from the responses of artistes that the year 2011 was a fairly good one for industry practitioners.

Exhilarated by the many successful projects some of them executed and the amount of money made in the out gone year, they are optimistic that this year will offer better opportunities for them and the society. However, those in the book industry feel a bit frightened that since the present harsh economic situation took its toll on their products last year, this year 2012 appears gloomier.

“Over 90 percent of books last year were self-published,” was the response of Dagga Tola, the Chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Lagos State chapter. “That meant that authors had to squeeze blood out of stone to see the printers. But again, we hope that this year will be better even in the face of harsh economic situation.” Generally, more authors emerged last year to show the world that even in the throes of socio-political and economic quagmire, writers cannot be discouraged.

Biodun Abe, the immediate past President of National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) described 2011 as a glorious one for artistes. “You see, it annoys me when people say that live theatre is dying. No, it is not true. Throughout last year, the sector was agog, full of life and activities that most theatre lovers, in spite of the grave security problems in the country found time to attend theatres with their families and loved ones,” he said confidently.

He expressed the opinion that the sector was able to offer job opportunities to more Nigerians. “Now, even people who did not train as theatre artistes are finding succour in theatre for a living. Most of the producers we had in the last one year did not study theatre and they were quite good on the job. Even from the states, theatrical performances boomed last year. Some South-West governors equally realized the importance of theater and therefore invested in it.”

Stage production Abe recalled how the governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Feyemi mustered artistes together to produce and staged

• Abe

• Babawale

Making it big in 2012 Edozie Udeze looks at the art sector and the dreams of its members for the New Year Ogun Kiriji in Ado Ekiti. Ogun Kiriji reinvented the 19 th century Yoruba wars where many warlords of Ekiti, Ijesha and Ibadan origin amassed military powers to destabilize one another. “The play was able to reconcile the families of the main players in the episode,” Abe said reflectively. “At that time on stage, the play ceased to be a mere entertainment, but an important instrument of peace and progress for the people and for the nation,” he averred.

From the states also came various theatrical activities that kept the sector vibrant. For instance Bikiya Graham-Douglas who is not a trained artiste successfully packaged and produced more than four plays. As the year was about to wind up, she diverted attention to Port Harcourt, Rivers State where she staged a play. This was in conjunction with the state government. And so, for many people theatre filled the gap, where and when people needed to find an avenue for relaxation and recreation.

Last year too, the Rivers State government hosted its annual literary festival that attracted authors from all over the world. In Lagos State, Terra Kulture was

busy all year round hosting and staging plays for all classes of people. “These were quality plays written by some of Nigeria’s formost playwrights. I don’t think there was any weekend, a play did not take place at Terra Kulture,” was how Binta Oboli, a resident of Amuwo-Odofin, described it.

The likes of Wole Oguntokun, a trained lawyer who prefers to practice theatre were in the forefront to ensure the progress of the sector.

Apart from the numerous plays he wrote, he was assigned to produce the only play from West Africa for the Olympics. “This year, I hope he will surpass that,” Abe decided.

Again Professor Femi Osofisan kept producing more books and plays that were constantly staged in Nigeria and elsewhere. This was even as the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC) maintained its lead as the most vibrant parastatal in the culture sector. With a couple of lectures and international conferences and seminars on African cultural renaissance, the centre proved that it was capable of holding the fort for the African people.

In the reckoning of Professor Tunde Babawale of CBAAC the centre has raised the status of African cultural awareness.

Auction sales The visual art sector was not left out in the 2011 boom. “Obviously we had a very good year in 2011 in visual art. In spite of economic crunch, we were able to make more sales and for the first time in the history of visual art work, a work sold for N28 million in an auction. That for us was a big boom,” was the explanation of Francis Uduh a fine artist and a muralist. In addition, new art collectors emerged while more openings were achieved to encourage artists do more with the belief that their efforts would not be in vain.

“What we witnessed last year shows that if you are committed to your work, by being more serious, one day you will reap the benefits,” Uduh added, smiling.

Prospects for 2012 Even as the year is just starting, Uduh believes it has already started showing signs of positive things for artistes. “First, we have to expect the best both for ourselves and for others. We hope to plan for more auction sales and to apply more new ideas, new techniques, new art works and new prices. We hope also to have new masters emerging from among the younger generation of artists.”

Abe described the year thus: “It is time for us to put everything in place to ensure a better year. We have already nursed the idea of bringing back the artistes cooperative to have synergy of ideas. This will include artistes from all facets of the sector so that we will keep the culture sector ever active.”

“I wonder if we can make it big in the book sector given the new oil price hike.”

Tola said, with deep rooted fear and apprehension. “But let’s see how it goes.”

Tying the future of the book industry entirely on the state of the economy, he said: “I see less and less number of books going to printers. Things are bad enough as we now face the stark reality of the heavy toll of the growing movement to reverse petroleum price to N65. I see the book industry suffering more this year.”

But then it is left for the artistes themselves to make the best out of the situation so as to keep the society moving.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Arts/Reviews

Literary star search opens A valley too steep B A NEW, innovative literary competition, Literary Star Search, has opened for Nigerian writers in the short story category. The star prize is N1m. The second and third placed writers win N300,000 & N200,000 respectively. The first 25 best stories will be published in a collection to be called Stories Nigeriana.

Also, as part of promoting and rewarding the talent of Nigerian writers, suitable stories from the collection will be entered into such famous international competitions as the Caine and Commonwealth literary prizes at the expense of organisers, Creative Alliance.Moreso,

a nationwide reading tour will be packaged to promote writers in the collection, with a view to assisting to publish works they already have.

Organised by Creative Alliance, Literary Star Search is looking for the best short story writers with a view to nurturing, promoting and rewarding them handsomely in an explosive night of literary feast. The competition is also aimed at making real stars out of Nigerian writers that have long remained in the shadows of other stars in other less ennobling areas of the arts in spite of writers’ huge contributions to the nation and world culture.

To apply, writers are to submit a short story on any subject of their choice not more than 3,500 words, with entry fee of N3,000.

They are to enclose a N3,000-worth of bank draft obtainable from any branch of Zenith International Bank Plc nationwide with their entry, and addressed to Creative Alliance. Entries are to be submitted either by hand to 1 Oladosu Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos or mail (not e-mail) through courier service or any NIPOST office across the nation to c/o PO Box 2442 Ikeja, Lagos.

Deadline is March, 2012. Project is powered by Vonds Verticals and Housing Circuit.

National Theatre remakes hall

ETWEEN a Valley and a Plain relates the life of Chibia whose life is bedeviled with tragedies, an orphan who has to suffer abject poverty and untold difficulties. His pains, grief, losses notwithstanding, he makes the best result which puts not only himself but his school, teachers and town in the limelight. It is the story of a journey from deprivation, hollowness and nothingness to that of a strong promise of plenty, meaning and conquest. It is indeed supposed to be a journey from a valley to a plain.

Chibia maybe poor, without help from anyone other than his Grandma, but he has a resolute spirit which tenaciously holds on to his dreams. His determination and industry is legendry, his humility and intelligence stand him out. Yet he is not a man without flaws. In fact, he has so many like every normal human person. He suffers humiliation in the hands of people he works with, especially Pa Christopher, the egoistic capitalist, even by village standard.

The beauty of this grip-

By Elizabeth Onyedinma

ping novel does not only lie in the expression of affection of the finest kind between the protagonist Chibia and his Grandma.

These two people whose love runs deep. The author deftly expresses profound individualism in both characters, in their friendship irrespective of their age difference. In their fears and hurt when they had no money to pay Chibia’s school fees and Grandma had to sell off her precious clothing, in Grandma’s worries over matters bothering on integrity and dignity as she hates to default in her payment to Mr. Akamu, the easy sacrifice they both make for each other as Chibia empties his safe to come to Grandma’s rescue.

Still, what define the book is not only the many flashbacks, the uniqueness and the conscious choice and creative usage of Queens English, deftly used with grace and style.

The tale of the Monyean dynasty, Monye the Great Lion, his ancient wisdom, craftiness, love and lust for women amidst his power

and prowess. And the foolishness of the Great Lion’s arrogance and sophistry, all of which brought out his humanity.

What makes the book an enjoyable read, an informative work, a brilliant creative piece and a grand success is the fact that the author handles two powerful emotions of man with uncommon dexterity, using such vivid imagery as mating dogs and fighting fowls. The former speaking eloquently of love beginning and the latter of war that should never have been fought. The juxtaposition of both intense emotions forms a paradox in the mind of the reader who is constantly challenged to consume and be drawn in by the wit and charm the novel is suffused with.

Quite ironically, the only thing left to be desired in this novel is the fact that it ended too soon. Did the war consume Chibia’s finest dreams and all he labored for? Does war destroy aspirations, beautiful relationships, respect for the sanctity of life?

Between a Valley and a Plain holds the answers to these questions.

A book for posterity I

•Main exhibition hall undergoing renovation (Inset: Yusuf).

T

HE on-going renovation of all the halls at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, is to ensure that the National Theatre still maintains its leading role as the centre for theatrical performances and other social shows in Nigeria. This declaration was made last week by the general manager of the National Theatre, Mallam Kabir Yusuf.

He said pointedly that the main exhibition hall which is the primary concern of the management at the moment is purposely marked out for renovation to encourage more people to patronise the theatre and make use of the halls.

This, he said will yield more revenue for the theatre and for the government.

The 2000 capacity hall started receiving attention since November last year and it is believed that by the end of this month the work may have been completed. Part of the reason for the renovation is to resuscitate the equipment which includes both the public address systems

By Edozie Udeze

and stage-lights . “New equipment has been provided to avoid people coming to book the hall with their own public address system,” so said Yusuf in an interview.

Apart from the new floor tiles which have been laid already, a new stage for theatrical performances is underway. “The aesthetic nature of what we are doing in the hall will certainly encourage more people to come around to use the hall.

This is way we want to make the environment not only more modern but exquisite, comfortable, and conducive. By the time we finish, Nigerians and mostly theatre lovers would always be eager and willing to come here to patronise the theatre as the best venue for their programmes.

Asked how much has been earmarked for the renovation of the exhibition hall, Yusuf said, “it is N75 million. The place needed total overhauling

PHOTO: EDOZIE UDEZE

due to many years of inaction and neglect. The tiles as you can see are up to modern standard and the lights are bright enough to illuminate the hall no matter the number of people inside it.”

With new stage designs and beautification going on presently, one may therefore be tempted to take a stroll to the theatre to see things for himself.

But then, it is hoped that these renovation exercises will remain effective and long-lasting.

Although at FESTAC ‘77, the hall was named the main exhibition hall, it now serves dual purposes.

It can be used not only for theatre programmes, but for art exhibitions, dances and other social shows.

“The renovations are total,” Yusuf said. “For intance the main banquet hall has already been renovated. Today all the equipment and the floors have already been given facelift.

These are still part of our efforts to make this place a proper multipurpose event venue,” he said.

N The book The Town Called Ndikelionwu (a brief history) Professor Chukwuemeka Ike, eminent scholar, author and the traditional ruler of Ndike gives a brief history of his town, how they settled down where they are now.

Ndikelionwu is a small settlement of villages located in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State.

The people are migrant Aros who moved from place to place and finally settled down in their present abode where they have constituted themselves into a strong town. Although up till today the actual date in which Ndikelionwu was established is not known but a document found at Enugu archives in 1929 stated that the date of re-settlement may have been in 1828.

The author referred to another name which gives Ikelionwu Ufere as the

By Edozie Udeze

same Ndikelionwu who came from Ibom Arochukwu (Abia State).

The man Ufere was an itinerary slave trader whose primary motive was to es-

tablish a base for his trade. That done, he began to express himself and extended his power of influence.

Ike indeed traced his ancestry to that generation and what later led to the modern day Ndikelionwu. The intention is for the author to show his lineage and why his throne in incontrovertible.

Today the town has become an important town with plenty elites who make the difference in Orumba North local government area of Anambra State. This is largely so because the people placed high premium on education over the years. Therefore the town has produced men and women of high caliber in sciences, arts, and various other professions.

Essays of the moment

F

ROM his treks in the wake of Walter Raleigh, Christopher Marlowe and Arthur Rimbaud to his recent forays into the hidden lives of Leonardo and Shakespeare, Charles Nicholl has rightly won a reputation as a peerless historical sleuth. At once a biographer, an explorer and investigator, he captures the past and its people in lightning-flashes of illumination.

Via startling snapshots and vivid discoveries, Nicholl seeks – as the pref-

By Boyd Tonkin

aces to this collection of 25 essays put it – “the sudden presence, the glimpse behind the curtain, the episode measured in minutes and preserved across the centuries.” In his piece on John Aubrey, the supreme 17 th -century gossip, he quotes Aubrey’s view of the biographer as a “conjuror” who “makes them walk and appear that have lain in their graves many hundreds of years.”

Nicholl can perform just such sorcery.

Traces Remain contains

a few makeweights: routine travel articles or book reviews that don’t quite earn their place. But at least a dozen longer excursion add up to a banquet of classic Nicholl quests. In London, he adds a sparkling coda to his terrific Shakespeare book, The Lodger, by hunting down via court records the sideline in the sex trade pursued by Will’s Huguenot landlord, Christopher Mountjoy. In Bohemia, he uncovers the sad fate of legendary alchemist Edward Kelley, the infamous sidekick of magical magus John Dee.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

53

Road to Epe: A tribute to S.L.Edu —PAGE 55

Whatever happened to Harper’s gold?

What actually happened to the jewellery a customer allegedly kept in a bank? Taiwo Abiodun writes on the claims and counter claims

G

OLD is at the heart of the matter between Madam Enitan Olayinka Harper and WEMA Bank.

According to Harper, 69, she has been banking with WEMA Bank for years which made her to deposit her gold allegedly valued then at N3million in their custody at their Egbeda Branch office in Lagos. The items were said to have been collected with the inventory taken. A copy of the application letter itemising the jewellery and signed by the branch secretary was also made available to The Nation. The transaction took place in 2004. She told our correspondent that she has been paying N3,000 as interest every month.

Along the line, she obtained a loan of N150,000 from the Bank in 2005; the agreement was to pay within one year , that is 2006. She had paid N50,000 from the said loan. When she requested for her gold she was told that it had been transferred to the head office.

The story later changed when on December 6, 2010 Madam Harper arrived from London and met the Bank’s management at Egbeda Branch and demanded for her gold to sell in order to take care of her daughter who was hospitalised in the United Kingdom, Her words, “my late daughter was suffering from cancer and was hospitalised in the United Kingdom, I was with her for sometime in the hospital, when I discovered that I needed money to assist her I came back home to Nigeria. I went to the Bank to demand for my gold in order to sell it and go back to London to assist my ailing daughter financially and also pay up the balance of

the money I borrowed from the Bank. On my arrival at the Bank the then Manager Wasiu Adeniyi asked me to go and bring the buyer .I said it was not possible for he needed not to know the buyer. Again I demanded for only one item in order to sell and offset the N100, 000 and later I would collect my gold to sell and go to London to take care of my daughter who was being given pints of blood of about 2,500pounds weekly yet the man refused but would ask me to come back every day for one week. .Later the manager said I should give them a week and that the man who knew how to open the • Harper vault where the gold was kept had left the Bank. Later the Manager said the gold had been sent to the Head Office.”

However, since the woman was still owing the Bank, she told the Manager that she would not pay the balance unless the Bank produced her jewellery. She said, “I was surprised when the Manager later told me that in the year 2010 armed robbers invaded the office and carted away my jewellery and N25million from the strong room.’’ The woman insisted as she did earlier in 2006 that the box of her jewellery must be produced before she could pay the amount she borrowed from the Bank. She refused to pay the balance of the N100.000

since they failed to release the gold in their custody. She contacted her lawyer who wrote to the Management of WEMA Bank .

The lawyer was invited for settlement but nothing came out it. While the Bank is accusing the woman of failure to pay up the balance of the loan which had gone up to N500,000, the woman is also asking them to stop adding interest to the money unless they produce her gold.

A letter was first sent to the WEMA office

dated May 25th 2011 while another was written again on June 21st June , 2011 by Ogunsanya Chambers and sent to The Legal Adviser of WEMA Bank, saying, “ we found it difficult to accept the robbery incident because our client requested for her safe custody items in 2006 and the Branch claimed robbery attack on 6 th day of December, 2010.Over five and half years of debt accumulation through interest Continued on page 54

54

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

Life

‘Every Nigerian should have affordable healthcare’ Bimbo Banjoko, Managing Director, Expatcare, a Lagos-based health H management organisation (HMO), is propelled by the vision that OW does your firm feel about this partnership with UK firm, Duet?

In simple terms, elated. Elated in the sense that for anybody who wants to invest money, what you look at is returns on investment. If not for passion, it would be difficult to ask somebody who is an investor in the conventional insurance industry to invest in an HMO. If you are lucky to make profit, the best profit you can make in the HMO industry is 25%.So the HMO business, in terms of returns on investment, is not a lucrative one, if you want quick money. In healthcare delivery, if you make 40% profit in conventional health insurance, you are not being fair to the industry. The essence and main reason why health insurance was required for Nigeria was the need for a coordinated process of ensuring that anybody who wants to receive healthcare should pay as little as possible. So significantly the money should go through healthcare delivery to health providers.

We have been looking for partners carefully since 2007, not just for the funds because if you are honest and transparent, you won’t lure people into investment by giving them false financial projections.

So that is why I said that I’m elated because the partners are not interested in taking over the running of the company. In fact, I insisted that they put down the chief financial officer so that I don’t bother myself with finances

comprehensive and affordable healthcare is imperative and feasible for every Nigerian. In this interview with Ogochukwu Ikeje, the experienced insurance technocrat speaks, among other things, on the facility of a critical partnership with a United Kingdom-based firm, and how it will boost health in Nigeria. Excerpts:

to a great extent. I’m a technocrat in insurance, vast in every aspect of it. I’m a marketer by nature.

This experience I have transferred to health insurance.

So for finance, I need partnership but not just for the money but what happens to the money and what happens to our financial processes, controls, compliance, etc.

The partners are bringing in that technicality.

I’m also elated because the partnership s h o w s confidence for Nigeria.

At an era where people have the

impression that Nigerians are fraudulent, you need to be on the seat to ensure that your money is not diverted. So it great joy for me to have people who after going through m y

processes and with due diligence, say ‘No, we are not going to sit here; we are just going to give you the money. Let your vision run wild for the betterment of Nigerians.’

That is cause for elation. This shows that we have hope, that some people still believe that not all Nigerians are fraudulent.

What is the financial value of this partnership?

It is a process, and the initial cash process is $2m, which would expand to as much as $20m if we want. But I’m not quick to

jump at money. I don’t take money for its sake. I don’t invest in stocks and don’t do any business outside my core profession which is insurance, and now health insurance. But we have greater visions of other things to come. So we should take up the investment to $20m.

How will this facility help you deliver better healthcare to the people?

When you say deliver healthcare, my way of answering would be to borrow the thinking of Prof Ogundeji who said that health insurance is preventive health. It doesn’t make sense, does it?

There is no health delivery without funding. Even if you are going to put herbs together, you will have to buy the herbs. How will you do that without money? But healthcare is not exactly synonymous with high cost.

Any health insurance that is of high cost is a rip-off, and not actually health insurance. Insurance is supposed to be your ability to pay a fraction of your exposure; a fraction of the probability of the exposure of a larger number of people in Nigeria. For doing that, we get funds.

We don’t treat but how do we deliver care? By paying for the care.

We need to be able to put in place all the machinery, all we want the funds for, adequate information technology (for if you don’t have a good IT base, a good software, the business will crash because the business of health insurance is that of large units). Several people are receiving care everyday.

Continued on page 56

• Banjoko

Whatever happened to Harper’s gold?

•Continued from page 53

applications .You will agree with me that there was no correlation at all…..”

However the head office at Marina responded to the letter on the 17th of June 2011 and invited their client and the lawyer for a meeting, saying, Your letter dated May 25, 2011 in respect to the above subject refers .Further to our efforts towards addressing the grievances of your client vis a vis the release of safe custody items allegedly lodged with the Egbeda Branch, we hereby invite you for a meeting geared towards achieving this end.’’ The letter was signed by one Valentine and Kunuji and Johnson Lebile from Legal Services Department.

According to the lawyer Kehinde Agboola, the lawyers from the Bank started singing different tunes. “There is something hidden from the woman and I believe if the Management from the top stepped in she would have justice. How can a client keep her valuables with you and paying three thousand monthly you cannot provide them for her and you are accruing interest over the money she owed you. It is unfair,” he stated However, when The Nation visited Wema Bank head office at 54 Marina Lagos, the Public Relations Officer, Mr.Femi Adeniran said the bank acknowledged the receipt of

application letter for the safe keeping of the jewellery from the woman as the standard practice but there was no contract binding the two parties. He added that the purported valuables had to be valued and properly insured with the actual time limit the items were to be kept within the bank custody before the bank can be said to be liable. “By the time you do all these things, you know of course there was a contract”. He admitted to have called for a meeting which the client’s lawyer attended but could not resolve the issue. He explained further that jewellery and other valuables are usually kept in the head office and couldn’t have been kept in the Branch claimed to have been robbed .He added that the woman ought to have enough evidence by showing receipts of the transactions as hand written paper she presented with the stamp of WEMA Bank and signature evidencing the acceptance of the goods is not enough evidence to show.

The woman said she used to deposit dollars, and pounds sterling with the Bank when she was still doing business in Dubai.

She vowed to take the Bank to court for unnecessarily increasing her interest on the remaining N100, 000 she was yet to balance.

“I am heading to court, they must produce my jewellery .They must also stop the interest accrued on the money I borrowed , let them produce my jewellery and I will

pay their balance.’’ She added’’ I cannot be cheated like that , I have my name to protect, my husband was a Permanent Secretary during the Gowon regime. I cannot be hoodwinked. Let them give me my gold.’’

Barrister Chito Ezeani described the action of WEMA Bank as unfair, his words: “Jewellery are like probate and other valuables in Bank for safe keep on condition that the person has to pay an agreed interest on it.

On demand, the Bank is to release the deposited valuables – in so far as the depositor had met all the repositions as regards to its agreed interest on it.”

He continued, “If the valuables are not deposited as a collateral the bank is expected to release the valuables on demand by the depositor.”

However, Ezeani said the issue if taking a loan is a different thing entirely but it is not proper or lawful for the bank to now refuse to release the deposited valuables because they are not used as collateral. If of course, they were used as collateral it is understandable, if not it is not justified.

The Barrister blamed the bank on the safety of the valuables.

“Negligence of the bank in safe keeping of her (Harper) valuables cannot be foisted on the woman and the woman has a legal right to claim for her deposited valuables or got to court to claim for its value.”

• Harper

On the valuables’ security Ezeani said it is no longer the business of the depositor but it is the bank manager at Egbeda that should have taken them to their head office for safety.

“In so far since the bank did not deny that they collected the valuables they should give her

valuables. The bank is liable either to produce the valuables or pay her the money value.

If she requested for her valuables in order to offset her debt from the same bank and the bank refused the bank cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time.”

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

55

Road to Epe: A tribute to S.L.Edu E

XACTLY 10 years ago, death, the greatest leveller of human beings, stole into the home of the patriarch of the highly revered Edu dynasty and one of the few surviving titans of Nigeria’s preindependence generation nationalists and statesmen, Chief Shafi Lawal Edu. He was born in Epe, Lagos State, on 7th January 1911. His family and friends celebrated his 90th Birthday with pomp and grandeur in January 2001. In 2002 he turned 91 and bade the world farewell twenty four hours after. In line with his wish, S. L Edu’s remains were lowered to the mother earth of his homeland Epe on Monday 9th January 2002. The journey of life which started in Epe in 1911 had been usefully and productively spent in the service of his people, Nigeria and the global community. His life was a life of service, a life well spent in the service of humanity.

My first contact with Chief S. L Edu was in 1993, when Prof. A.O.K Noah and I went to his Ikoyi residence to seek his fatherly intervention in the LASU crisis during Sir Micheal Otedola’s tenure as the Governor of Lagos State and Visitor to Lagos State University. He immediately rose to the occasion and the LASU crisis was justly and fairly resolved.

In the course of my association with him, I was privileged to be the author of Journey from Epe: Biography of Chief S.L Edu, (Lagos, West African Book Publishers, 1996).

From his humble journey beginning from the Arcadian milieu of Epe, he went on his odyssey in life, making significant and ground breaking forays into the domain of business, commerce, politics, environment, philanthropy, religion and education.

In the process, he indelibly etched his name on the canvass in all these spheres as a man who personified success and achievement. The essence of the life of Chief S. L. Edu is that of an altruistic philanthropist, an astute business mogul of international repute, a great family man, a benevolent educationist, a world renowned conservationist, a selfeffacing politician, a patriot and a strong pillar of the Muslim community in Nigeria.

Chief S. L. Edu belonged to a royal ancestry with a rich historical heritage. He was the scion of a highly respected and devoted Muslim family that drew sustenance from the tenets of the Holy Quran and the Hadith of Holy Prophet Mohammed. His grandfather was Buraimoh Edu, a distinguished and seasoned Muslim Mogaji who later became the Baale of Epe. Buraimoh Edu reigned between 1903 and 1917 and is generally regarded as the last paramount ruler of Epe. Buraimoh Edu was one of the most martial and adventurous young men who accompanied Oba Kosoko of Lagos into exile in Epe in the wake of British military infiltration and occupation of Lagos in 1851. During this cataclysmic movement, Buraimoh Edu was said to be in his early twenties. His decision to migrate with Kosoko was contingent on the fact that he was also a Lagos Prince from the Onilegbale segment of the Akarigbere (White Cap Chiefs) and an ardent adherent of the Oba Kosoko’s cause.

S.L Edu was a man of modest education but he did not perceive his modest educational background as an obstruction to upward mobility in society but rather as a challenge that must be transcended. In fact, as a template for his self-effort and doggedness, Chief S. L. Edu appreciably improved on his formal education. He nursed a passion for education but while his contemporaries were either busy acquiring degrees or getting enmeshed in the web of national

By Siyan Oyeweso politics, he gravitated towards the art of buying and selling, and acclimatizing himself with Nigeria’s investment climate.

It is apt to note that the year 1945 was particularly significant in the life of S. L. Edu in having an encounter with this destiny. It was this year that he resigned from Holland West African Line to feather his own nest as an independent business man. At this time, he derived great inspirations from and found remarkable models in such business icons as Oga Josiah Henryson Doherty, the “Prince Merchant of Alakoro Fame”, W. A. Dawodu of Olowogbowo, Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola, Alhaji Sule Oyeshola Gbadamosi, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony and Alhaji Issa Williams, among others.

S. L. Edu’s voyage on the high seas of entrepreneurship started as a ship chandelier, food contractor and timber trader. He successfully and creditably paddled his way through the storms to the safe shores of a fulfilling business life. His spectacular sense of insightfulness and penetrating vision in business enabled him to expand his business interest in the early 1950s to include such areas as transport which he named Slee Transport Limited. This company majored in oil haulage and transportation of petroleum products.

From the 1950s to the end of the First Republic, Slee Transport Limited was a major haulage contractor for the British Petroleum. The Time of Friday, September 17 1965 describes him thus” Chief Shafi Lawal Edu, 54, who is president of Lagos Chamber of Commerce, has built a fleet of eight oil tankers. He owns a silver-blue Rolls-Royce, but usually a drive around in a Mercedes- thinks it is less ostentatious.”

His participation in the oil industry, however, extended beyond mere oil haulage and marketing of petroleum products. He established a firm foothold in oil exploration with the establishment of the Niger Petroleum Company which later had working relationship with Diminex.

The quintessential Edu was also director of several companies including Nigeria Oil Refinery Company, Palm Lines, Niger Petroleum Company, Alumaco (Nigeria) Limited and Blackwood Hodge Limited, among others. With this personal devotion and attention to his business ventures and an unparallel self–disciplined life, S. L. Edu, in fact, offered an alternative definition of an enterprising spirit which has counterpoised the outlook of other successful businessmen whose business creed is governed by life of self–aggrandizement, mindless opulence and ostentation.

S. L. Edu also extended the tentacles of his business to the insurance sector in 1959. He was lucky to have forged business links with efficient and reliable professionals like T. A. Braithwaite with whom he co-founded the African Alliance, the first indigenous life insurance outfit in Nigeria. Indeed, the African Alliance was anchored on the professional dexterity of Mr. T. A. Braithwaite. Though he retired from active business life in 1981 at the age of 70, S. L. Edu’s sense of business was very active till death in January 2002.

He was, in the twilight of his years, still engaged in buying and selling of shares and had substantial shares in such public companies like African Petroleum (AP) Afprint, Bata Shoe Company, Lever Brothers, Wiggins Teape Nigeria Plc., Nigeria Breweries Plc, among numerous others.

During his sojourn on earth, S. L. Edu graduated “from Cowries to Naira” and in fact, spent over half-a-

• S.L.Edu

century erecting a formidable business empire which created employment, provided succour and means of livelihood to several thousands of Nigerians. He was indeed a scintillating star in the galaxy of Nigerian businessmen and entrepreneurs which included Alhaji Sanusi Dantata, Alhaji S. O. Gbadamosi, S. Ade Tuyo of De Facto Works Limited, Sir Louis Philip Odumegwu Ojukwu, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony, Emmanuel Akwiwu, Bayo Braithwaite and the legendary Chief Timothy Adeola Odutola.

These men did not allow the tempestuous waves of politics to torpedo the ship of their business concerns. In fact, S. L. Edu attributed his resounding success in the world of business to two major factors; the providential grace of Allah and a deep sense of industry and hard work.

To sufficiently gauge the thermometer of success and worth of S. L. Edu’s life, it is imperative to navigate the broad spectrum of his stations in life which spanned the vast gamut of human existence, registering an impressive litany of “firsts”. He was the first Nigerian President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, a co-founder of the West African Chamber of Commerce, the President, Association of Commerce Industry and Mines of Nigeria, the first Nigerian to establish a life assurance firm in 1960 – the African Alliance; the first president of Rotary Club of Lagos; the founder and life president of Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the first Nigerian to pioneer trade relationship with the Netherlands, and to be conferred with the Order of Orange Nassau and the first Lagosian and Nigerian to build a state-of-the-art Lecture Theatre for the Lagos State University, Ojo. One other legacy of Chief S.L

Edu was his promotion and advancement of Islam. He was the 6th president of the Anwar-ul-Islam Movement in Nigeria, a tenure which spanned the period between 1973 and 1987. Prior to his election as president, he had served the movement as chairman of the Headquarters Building Committee and it was through his generous support that the Headquarters Central Mosque was completed in 1980. His first major achievement as president was the change of name from Ahmadiyyah Movement in Nigeria to Anwar-ul Islam Movement of Nigeria. This was effected through a resolution; dated 12th May 1974 with resounding majority.

With this revolution, members who had hitherto been barred from performing holy pilgrimage to Mecca could now do so. It is also during his tenure that Anwar- Islam Men’s League was established.

The innovation here lies in the fact that the Men’s League comprises of the founding fathers of the movement as well as others who joined the movement on their own application.

Similarly his tenure also witnessed the establishment of Anwar Islam Women’s League. The league comprises of wives of Anwar-ul-Islam Men’s League and other distinguished ladies within the movement. One other measure of S.L Edu was that he continued to support the movement financially, long after the expiration of his tenure. However, his success story is also partly attributed to the committeemen of his indefatigable Vice-President, Alhaji Hassan Adisa Babatunde Fasinro.

Chief S.L Edu was also distinguished Nigerian politician and a statesman. His stint in politics dated to December 1951 when he was elected as a member of the Western Region House of Assembly representing Epe

Division, initially as an independent candidate and later as an Action Group member. In 1954, he was elected as a member of the Federal House of Representatives. A member of the generation of Sir Ahmadu Bello, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, S. L. Edu was one of the precursors of Nigerian independence as he was an active, vociferous voice in the nationalist ferment that was a harbinger of independence.

With the creation of Lagos State in May 1967, S. L Edu was appointed the first Health Commissioner by Brig-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson. As commissioner, he did not earn a penny rather he donated all accruements to public health institutions in Lagos and Epe. Before the end of 1968, he resigned from government to concentrate fully on his business ventures and philanthropy.

Ever his own man, not afraid to be a pioneer, he introduced into Nigeria a reasonable level of consciousness about the environment and an organization to conserve Nigeria’s ecology was formed at his instance. He was an outspoken critic of whoever threatens Nigeria’s environment and had called on all Nigerians to be environment friendly and to follow the path and pattern of leaders in advanced world by active philanthropy and commitment to worthy causes. He, indeed, merits the title of “Godfather of Conservation” bestowed on him by The Guardian on Sunday in January 1996.

At his 90th birthday anniversary in January 2001, S.L Edu told his audience that he was not happy that government had not done enough to preserve the natural environment “because our lives and survival depend on it”. He appealed to private investors to help in fighting environmental degradation and thereby help in the preservation of the ecological and natural systems. As we mark the 10th year remembrance of Chief S.L Edu, it is noteworthy that his memory is being perpetuated by his family, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Chevron and other organizations that are interested in the advancement of Nigeria.

Till death, he remained relevant and significant but he grieved that he had to witness the contemporary deterioration in the state of Nigeria’s economy, governance and international relations. Nigeria’s suspension from the Commonwealth during the General Sani Abacha tenure as military Head of State was particularly bitter to him as he was actively involved in the Commonwealth Chambers of Commerce in his capacity as the Chairman of the Nigerian Chapter of the Royal Commonwealth Society for decades. One notable contribution of Chief S.L Edu to the stability of Nigeria in the twilight of his years on earth was his active involvement in the committee of concerned citizens to douse the tension associated with the introduction of Sharia Legal System in some parts of the country.

He lived an accomplished, celebrated, contented and fulfilled life as a philanthropist, astral business icon, seasoned politician, benevolent educationist, foremost conservationist and environmentalist, devout Muslim and patriotic citizen whose prodigious accomplishments will continue to endure for generations to come. He was certainly a giant among giants in business and cornerstone builder in modern entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

Prof. Oyeweso is at the Osun State University, Osogbo. He is also Chief S. L Edu’s biographer,

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Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

•Fireworks lit up the night

•Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola at the event

A night like no other in Osun L

AST Christmas eve, on a small scale, the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, lit up the sky with fireworks in some towns within the state to create fun and to relieve people of tension associated with celebrating special days. Unfortunately, many residents mistook the booming and deafening sounds of the fireworks for armed robbery attacks. So, before the eve of the new year, the governor had ensured that information went round the state through the local radio and television stattions to prepare them for the fun.

No wonder a student of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Miss Esther Akinsipe, said she could not wait to be part of the fun immediately she was informed of the fireworks to come in at least nine major towns of the state.

She said: “I love colourful events.

Since the announcement that there would be fireworks in some parts of the state, I have been dreaming of that day.

Aregbesola is a colorful governor. He is creative and innovative. No past governor had ever done this before in this state.”

Before the commencement of the fireworks led by the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Oja-Oba in Osogbo, the state capital city, one of the nine centres for the fireworks had been jam packed by fun seeking residents, particularly the youths. On arrival at the Osogbo venue around 15 minutes to the 12 midnight, the governor was welcome by the crowd •Continued from page 54

What’s your core business, and how long have you been doing it?

Expatcare is about health insurance.

We solicit for the patronage of people to buy health insurance schemes to have their health insurance taken care of at hospitals that we have signed to our panel of providers, a network of hospitals across the country. All people need to do is to buy a scheme and you have access to the level of healthcare delivery that you have purchased. Now if there some medical conditions that you cannot treat within your panel, it is my responsibility to seek out where that specialist is anywhere in Nigeria and get him to come to the patient

Soji Adeniyi, Osogbo

singing his praises. No doubt, the governor’s presence electrified the atmosphere and the singers and drummers threw the people into joyous mood. A corps member, Dare Adeyemi’s comment typified the feeling of an average participant at the programme when he said “this is a night unlike any I have yet experienced in my entire life.”

The programme bought people of diverse social classes, age political and religious affliations together. They all sang, danced and became happy together as one people as they launched the fireworks with shades into the firmament.

One noticeable thing in Osogbo, the state capital is the decoration of major public places and utilities like round about, the road dividers and public buildings. The Christmas trees and lights adorn all these places and to many residents it was very unsual. The government also went as far as using small and medium generators to power these decorations in case the eletricity supply was cut off by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

According to the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, it was not the first time the Aregbesola administration was coming up with the novel idea of decorating the state for religious celebrations.

“This was the situation during the last Ramadan period. Shortly before the com-

mencement of the 30 day fasting period for Muslims, people also noticed that inspiring messages were boldly displayed on many billboards across the state as a way of reminding the Muslims of the beauty of their religion and the admonitions of Allah,” Okanlawon said.

Saying that the Yuletide decorations was part of the strategies for changing the face of the state, Okanlawon added, “those decorations have substantially geared our people up to remember the need to keep their environment clean. Of course, our OCLEAN initiative has changed the orientation of the people as far as their relationship with their environment is concerned.”

Commending Governor Aregbesola for the programme, the Caretaker Chairman, Irewole Local Government Council of Osun State, Prince Soji Ajayi, said the fireworks programme is unprecedented.

Ajayi said that the governor has demonstrated his love and humility for the people of the state by coming out personally to join the people in jubilation and celebration of the new year.

He said: “The reaction and responses of the people were very overwhelming. The anticipation for the commencement of the fireworks was dull, despite the fact that we sensitized people to come out and hired bands set and Fuji musicians. But the moment the commencement was near, at 11:30 pm, people started trooping out en mass.

“At the commencement of the firework at exactly 12:00am, the whole venue of the

Nigerians should have affordable healthcare’ or get the patient to go to him.

Well-being is also a core value. A lot of people would say they have not been to any hospital in the last 10 years, and that they don’t need health insurance. What I tell them is that they are candidates of sudden death because the absence of ill-health does not mean that you are in a state of wellbeing.

So the schemes we offer also afford you

the opportunity to have an annual medical examination to be double sure that you are in a healthy state. So, that is what we do in simple terms.

And for how long?

Expatcare took off in 2004 when I wanted to actualise my vision of ensuring that every Nigerian has access to healthcare delivery at affordable cost irrespective of status. And to achieve that, you need to

programme, held at the Akire’s Palace stood still.

All the roads that lead to the palace were filled up with human beings. The event was witneseds by all and sundry.

The people were filled with excitement, happiness and joy, saying that such thing has never happened in the history of the state.

“It was a grand success and people were generally happy and they look forward for better fireworks in 2012. They thank the Governor for the innovation and creativity.”

Also his counterpart at Ayedire Local Government, Mr. Gbenga Ogunkanmi said: “With the programme, Aregbesola has demonstrated that the is no religious discrimination in the state. He has showed that he is humble being a governor is not a barrier to relating and mixing with common people.”

The chairman described the fireworks as “laudable style of celebrating the New Year. It was a good innovation that made the New Year historical and memorable.

The governor has proved to the world that you don’t have to be in Paris or London to experience the global celebration of the New Year.

“No government has ever thought of this, it was a new brilliant innovation and you can see that our people were so happy.

“Those who came from far away have something in their memory and our young generation who watch such programme on TV have good story to tell on the new year celebration galore.” come up with mass products, not just corporate companies that have retainerships. You also need to go the uninsured. Who are they? They are significantly in the non-organised private sector. The fact that your employer says in your employment letter that you are entitled to free medicals does not mean that he has transferred it to a third party, like the HMOs. He has to transfer it to a larger pool of insurers.

The partnership with Duet will help us to get to the uninsured better.

It will allow us to expand our marketing networks, partner with banks for online payments. It will also help us to do mass education, which means you need to invest in advertising and other educative processes.

BUSINESS THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

57

‘Why health insurance scheme can’t cover every Nigerian’

-- Page 59

Will Nigerians patronise Jonathan’s cassava bread?

E

AGER to promote self-sufficiency as well as curb the chronic dependence on foreign foods the Federal Government has begun to take strong measures aimed at clamping down on the importation of rice and wheat while promoting the use of local cassava as a main source of flour.

This is coming on the heels of the gesture made by President Goodluck Jonathan last month at the Federal Executive Council meeting where he ate from a loaf of bread made of 40 percent cassava and 60 percent wheat contents. It was baked by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan.

Offering a slice of the bread to the Vice President, the president said: “When the Agriculture Minister brought some samples to me about a week ago, that is the only bread I have been eating. I think it is proper for us in Council to formally present this bread to Nigerians. I have been eating this bread for the past one week and I will continue to eat only this bread until I leave State House. We must encourage what we have. Other countries that became great did not wake up one day and become great. For us to move forward, we must also tame our exotic taste. Some of the things we bring from outside are not as good as what we have within our country.”

In spite of the President’s verbal commitment to this homegrown staple, the acceptability of the bread, when it is made available on the shelves by Nigerians, would depend on a lot of factors including quality and affordability.

This is reflected in the response given by Mrs. Mercy Obikanyi, a trader and mother of five, when asked if she would willingly swap her white bread for that of the cassava breed: “The kind of bread I regularly buy is the normal sliced one we have around. I have not tasted the cassava bread before but if they are really going to ban the importation of flour then they should just make the cassava option they are giving us to be palatable either by putting some form of sweetner inside or refining the cassava very well so that that fu-fu taste will not be there. If they can do this, I believe it will be very edible.”

Known for its high carbohydrate content, cassava is invariably one of the highest consumed staple in the developing countries, with over 200 million people in sub-Saharan Africa relying on the crop for over half of their daily food energy.

This macro-dependency rate

President Goodluck Jonathan in a public gesture tasted some samples of cassava bread at the Federal Executive Council meeting recently, indicating that the government was in support of this innovation. However, given Nigerians penchant for foreign goods, will they patronise cassava made bread? Asks Rita Ohai

• Jonathan at the Federal Executive Council meeting promoting cassava bread

spurred the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike to develop three new varieties of vitamin A cassava that could improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Africa and help put an end to malnutrition due to vitamin A deficiency.

Besides, IITA and NRCRI, the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), has also been involved in the processing of cassava bread.

The agencies which made samples of cassava bread have been organising sample-tasting workshops, as part of efforts to sensitise Nigerians on the propriety of eating cassava made bread.

In Nigeria where the average consumption of cassava is 600 grams per capita per day, the consumption of bio-fortified cassava bread with pro-vitamin A provides a cost-effective way of combating vitamin A deficiency in the region where millions are malnourished and about 20% of pregnant

women and about 30% of children under five suffer from vitamin A deficiency. The resultant health implications of this deficiency include low immunity and impaired vision, which often lead to blindness and even death.

Although Nigeria was renowned as a net food exporter, poor infrastructure, lack of finance and misguided policies have led to the decline in agricultural activities. This downward spiral on the productivity level of an agricultural region once seen as the foodbasket of the continent appears to have taken its toll on the small and medium scale farmers.

Julius Etete, a farmer who deals in cash-crop posits, “In this country, it’s very difficult to survive on farming alone because the environment just makes things very difficult for us. In other places, they always have the support of their government but here, you will provide your own generator because there is no proper power supply which you need to pump water or power your machines. We do not have

good roads to help us transport our goods to town and the banks continue to refuse to give us loans to support our business even though they claim to be micro-finance banks.

There is a fuel shortage. There is fertilizer shortage. There is land shortage and so on. The problems are endless and that is why you find most farmers selling their lands and running away to chase white collar jobs.”

In a recent meeting with representatives of bread producers, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Developm e n t , Dr.AkinwunmiAdesina, declared that “producers of quality cassava bread will from this year enjoy a 12 per cent tax rebate and be given 18 months with effect from March 31, 2012, to move to the 40 per cent substitution of wheat flour with high quality cassava flour.”

Continuing he said, “From the 2012 fiscal year, the Federal Government would raise tariff on imported wheat and all equipment and machinery for processing high quality cassava flour as well as composite flours would attract zero taxes.’’

The minister further noted that the move was aimed at encouraging the consumption of cassava bread by Nigerians and the substitution of wheat flour with high quality cassava flour for bread production.

In a bid to reduce the skyrocketing poverty rate caused by the importation of wheat and provide small-scale farmers with the technology to efficiently produce this food staple , Adesina stated:”We will save Nigeria N250 billion used for wheat imports, currently going to farmers of other countries, while putting this money into the hands of Nigerian farmers, which is why we are already working with the private sector to establish 12 high quality cassava processing plants with an installed capacity of 240 tonnes per day, which will allow us fully meet the needed supply of the flour.’’

Briefs NLNG boss retires January 31st

N

IGERIAN Liquified Natural Gas Limited is set to host a grand event to mark the retirement of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr China Ibeneche. The renowned administrator, technocrat and scholar will hand over the reins of leadership to Mr. Bans Omotowa on the 31st of January, 2012.

A four-stop gathering has been planned to afford workers, colleagues, friends and stakeholders in different business sectors a chance to celebrate Ibeneche’s accomplishments as a respected and courageous statesman who kept Nigeria’s leading multinational profitable during a debilitating global recession whilst developing the domestic liquefied petroleum gas market.

The high-profile celebration will kick-off at 6pm on the 16th of January, 2012 at the Buka Patio of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja. Guests based in Lagos and Port Harcourt will be feted at the Grand Ball Room of Eko Hotel and Presidential Hotel on the 20th and 28th of January respectively.

The event which will be attended strictly by invitation will be capped with an elaborate ceremony at the R.A. Banquet Hall in Bonny, Rivers State on the 31st of the same month.

Omotowa was until his new appointment the Vice President, Health, Safety, Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics, NLNG.

STOCK MARKET REVIEW

L

AST week ended on a relatively flat note, with the NSE All-Share Index closing at 20,725.30.

The banking sector was skewed to the sell side, with three companies, Diamond Bank, First Bank and Skye Bank, recording cumulative gains while the sustained demand for GTBank at N14.20 prevented a slide.

Selling pressure however shaved off 9.3% from UBA, 4.1% from Fidelity Bank and 4.0% from Sterling Bank and Access Bank continued to head southward with a 4.6% decline.

NB found support at the N94.00 level, inching up with a cumulative 1.0% gain. On the flip side, Guinness shed 5.0% cumulatively.

Healthy demand for Lafarge Wapco, DangoteCement and CCNN led to gains of 0.9%, 2.0% and 11.0% respectively. Ashaka Cement was however flat, with volatility leading to a marginal drop in its share price.

In the food and beverages sector, last minute trades firmed up the price of Dangote Sugar with a 4.9% gain.

This rally might however be shortlived as closing demand was at the lower end of the market. Also on the up-tick were Dangote Flour, Honeywell Flour and Nascon, with respective gains of 4.3%, 1.6% and 0.2%.

Though the conglomerates sector was quiet, bullish sentiments on Transcorp led to a 3.4% appreciation, while UACN lost 1.0%

58

T

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

Business Intelligence

HE government’s determination to wrench the companies from the hands of government is becoming evident as the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is still insisting on concluding the privatization process this year.

In its bid to conclude the privatization this year, BPE has implemented the 2010 Power Road Map of the current administration painstakingly.

According to the schedule, the deadline for submission of technical and financial bids for the generation companies is January 16, 2012 whereas the deadline for the submission of technical and financial bids for distribution companies is January 30, 2012. The bid evaluation process for the distribution firms will be completed on February 14, 2012 while that for the distribution companies is February 28, 2012.

Potential bidders for the distribution companies are expected to be existing power distribution companies or core investor groups with power distribution companies as long-term technical partners. Successful bidders will be responsible for operating the distribution companies,

BPE’s road map to unbundling PHCN Can the Federal Government be courageous to privatize the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) successor companies this year in accordance with its power road map? Asks John Ofikhenua making the necessary investments to improve the distribution network and customer service in line with the objectives of the Federal Government of Nigeria set out in the National Electric Power Policy (NEPP.) In preparation to kickstart the privatization process, in August 2010, President Jonathan launched the new roadmap which is a comprehensive plan aimed at restructuring the power sector and achieve stable electricity in the country.

In furtherance of the implementation of the Road Map document, the Bureau published adverts, between December 13 and 20, 2010, in both local and international media inviting prospective investors to express interest in the privatisation of the eleven distri-

bution companies unbundled from PHCN. Therefore, it also invited prospective core investors to express interest in the four thermal power stations and as concessionaires for the two hydro power stations. The initial deadline for receipt of Expressions of Interest (EOIs) was Friday, February 18, 2011.

In the case of the generating companies, potential bidders/concessionaires, who should be existing local and/or international power generators or investors with power generators as long-term technical partners, will be responsible for operating the stations, improving the generation capacity and making the necessary investments in line with the objectives of the Federal Government of Nigeria set out in the NEPP.

PHOTO SHOP

•A PHCN facility

Between January 18 and February 12, 2011, the BPE went on a charm offensive to lure world-class investors to participate in the privatisation of the successor companies. The Nigerian Electric Power Investors’ Forum held in Lagos, Dubai, London, New York and Johannesburg.

All the stakeholders in the divestiture of government equity in the electricity utility were on board to reassure investors of Federal Government’s commitment to the power sector reforms and the willingness of the government to provide investment incentives to bidders. They include NERC, the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP),

the Ministry of Power, the World Bank, and the Gas Aggregation Company Nigeria Limited.

But following representations by prospective investors who attended the fivecountry Electric Power Investors’ Fora which was to court world class investors to participate in the privatization of the successor companies, the Federal Government approved the extension of the deadline for the submission of EOIs to Friday, March 4, 2011.

At the deadline of March 4, 2011 for the submission of bids by prospective investors, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) received 331 envelopes of Expressions of Interest (EOIs.) This was bro-

ken into 174 for generating companies and 157 for distributing companies.

However, the total number of individual bids for the successor companies increased to 929 when the 331 EOIs envelopes were opened and individual bids sorted out. The breakdown of the individual bids showed that 529 bids were submitted for distribution companies and 400 bids for generating firms.

In other words, the BPE, which is the secretariat of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), harvested 929 bids for individual successor companies from 331 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) received from prospective investors.

BUSINESS WEEK

Sanusi drums support for subsidy removal, says hardship expected •L-R: Mr Sudarshan Katsuri, Finance Director, Unilever Nig Plc; Mr. Ete Pinnick, Supply Chain Director; Mrs. Ifeoma Nwabachili, Registrar, Wave Crest College; Mrs Zania Silva, Senior Lecturer and Mrs Ogo Ezendo, Bursar, during the presentation of N500,000 cheque and a laptop by Unilever Nig. Plc to the college in Lagos recently

•L-R: Mrs. Bola Tom-Jones, Finance Manager MNET/ SuperSport presenting an Ice watch to Master Olaoluwa Oladotun, winner of the text and win promo for the recently concluded talent show, MNET Glo Naija Sings Season 3 and Mrs. Colette Osibo, Marketing Executive, MNET Africa

C

BN governor Lamido Sanusi, has drummed up support for the subsidy removal, saying that the increase in the cost of living was expected.

Sanusi who spoke on Wednesday in an interview with BBC Africa, was reported to have said that: ‘’We are in a world where there are serious concerns about sovereign debt. We are in a world where there are concerns about the Euro Zone and what that might do to commodity prices. The fiscal position of the government has to be such that the government can cope with any shocks to the system and the only way to do that is to cut down unnecessary expenditure.”

“We are spending over N 1 trillion in 2011, $ 8 billion at November 20113 .

Responding to the question, “how is it a good thing for Nigerians for the subsidies to end?”, Sanusi said: “subsidies should be

Rita Ohai with Agency Report

subsidies for production and not for consumption, subsidies should be paid from savings and not from borrowings and subsidies should not degenerate into an avenue for rent seeking.’’

The CBN governor stated that Nigeria was in fact subsidizing the entire western African region due to unscrupulous marketers taking advantage of the higher pricing regime in other countries in the region. Many analysts have attributed this to governments lack of policing the downstream sector adequately and the Nigerian citizens do not believe they should be made to suffer due to governments shortcomings.

Responding to comments from journalist and Nigerians on the hyper inflation and increase in prices of food, transportation, rent, and the higher cost of living.

Sanusi further said that

•Sanusi

the effects on prices were automatic but that the pains experienced were supposed to be short term and pale in comparison to the longer term benefits.

He did however side with Nigerian people when he shedded light on his reservations on governments ability to deliver on the long term benefits.

59

Business

Dr Mohammed Dogo, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), in this interview with Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha presents a scorecard of the organisation’s activities in the past 12 months vis-àvis challenges and prospects for the New Year.

OME enrolees are alleging that their premium does not cover certain diseases, especially terminal ones, why is this?

Whenever you develop a social health insurance, it does not cover everything. Social health insurance looks at the burden of diseases in a society or country and tries to capture 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the disease burden. That is the case. So by the time you try to think cancer, it means all is susceptible to getting cancer. The basis is that if Nigerians want to get cover for everything, they should be ready to pay more. The scheme is contributory. It is not free. As of today, no employee of the Federal Government has started contributing six years after the scheme took off, yet they want increase in the benefit package. Better soup, na money kill am. If you want everything, more money has to be paid.

The Federal Government is standing as cover for its employees and is paying 10 per cent on behalf of its employees and that is the agreement. Labour on behalf of employees say too many deductions were being carried out in their earnings, so labour in the light of the need to expand benefit to cover more services and diseases, said we should carry them along to see where more resources can be mobilised. Let me add that the scheme takes care of preliminary of diseases. If for instance, a lady notices a lump in her breast, she will have biopsy and if it is not advanced, she will have radical mastectomy. It depends on the level of cancer we are talking of here. If it is confirmed as malignant cancer, she cannot get chemotherapy or certain treatment, which is exclusive. If somebody has prostate and cancer is detected, radical mastectomy would be given, early cancer can be covered under the scheme, but late cancer, where a person requires real treatment, at the moment, the scheme cannot bear the cost. It is not about what we want, but about what can be given to Nigerians in lieu of the available resources.

The theme of the gathering in Kano was ‘All stakeholders’ summit for the amendment of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). But only members of the House Committee on Health were prominent, why?

That was supposed to be a re-treat with the Senate Committee on Health. And this aspect is just to know and gather what the people have got to say about the Act. This Act has got a lot of grounds since 2005. It has enjoyed the presence and input of all the stakeholders, but this is the last lap and we’ve gotten the bye-election of the legislators’ now we want to do something with it and use this opportunity to call and bring it back to public domain so that there could be new things.

From the contributions, I have not seen anything new. According to the scores by people, essentially all those we’ve been scoring remain germane and that actually are the areas we want to pump up. And because life is dynamic, you cannot say life is static, you will reach a certain stage and say you can have done with it.

I know this Act went to Ministry of Health and Ministry of Justice. It came back. It was to go to Federal Executive Council (FEC), but there was a new National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Board which called it back saying they want to see it. And that is why it took this long. Am glad that with what they seen and the lecture from the legal luminarywhereby he really dissected and exposed those areas that are controversial, that input

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2011

‘Why health insurance scheme can’t cover every Nigerian’

S

•Dogo

INTERVIEW is more than enough for a new input by any other body.

Are other stakeholders really carried along, because one thing is to send a Bill to National Assembly, it is another to package it by carrying all other stakeholders along?

That is it! In the last six years, we would have had so many summits and fora and we’ve always carried them along, so as far as am concerned, bringing it to this level is not the end of it because once they take it, they are going to debate it and bring it to public hearing again; so there will be more and more opportunities. But we must give them something on where to start. We do expect there will be some input that will affect what we have now, either a deletion or addition.

We know National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a process, and it is not possible in a country like Nigeria to get everybody at the same time because people have their own trades, you can only invite somebody but you cannot force him to come.

You can take a horse to the river, but you cannot force it to drink. So really, that is the situation at the moment with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). What we are interested in is for this Act to cover every Nigerian as much as possible and recognise the Nigerian that cannot contribute and for the government to take responsibility. If we can get that, then the covering is going to be wider.

As you journey towards this Act, what is happening in National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in terms of programmes?

National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) started with only one programmethat is the formal sector programme which is to cover the workers in government and organised private sector. In that light, knowing that not all Nigerians are employed, we’ve developed so many programmes over the years, such as Community Health Insurance which was flagged off by the President in December, together with voluntary contributors. That addresses individual that is self employed and interested and that will be contribute. That is also part of community insurance. We’ve developed that programme and tested it and it is working. Now, we are going to cite some sites- about 50 up and down the country.

Before we agreed on the number 50, we did an initial inventory-Micro Finance groups

in Nigeria; Corporate Societies; all artisans etc. We had close to 70 consultants and they went into nooks and crannies of Nigeria and that is as a result of our activities based on that, we developed some parameters to select those that are likely to quality, because they must score according to our rated parameters which is 70 per cent and above. We’ve selected 50 per geo-political zones and now we are going on verification, to interact through advocacy, identify for instance- do they have a hospital they can access, because you cannot have a community where they cannot access care. This is work in progress.

Before the launch, we were engaging different communities for the community health insurance. We’ve developed a programme for students in tertiary institutionsUniversities, Polytechnics and monotechnics, etc.

The Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) are already piloting that now and we will launch that early this year. You know, some of our students who are above 18 years and are not gainfully employed are covered. Likewise, retires, the PENCOM Act did not accommodate health component.

When people retired, they get older and get some diseases like diabetes, more hypertension and other diseases that naturally come with advancement in age.

There is now a retiree programme which we’ve been working on in the last two years.

In the last four years, we have had national summits, now we are on zonal summits to get final input from all the groupshow to finance it, what benefit package they are supposed to enjoy and what diseases are to be covered. Because they must get some subsidies, where would the resources come from?! That is another one. The Armed Forces are under 100 per cent cover throughout life, even if they are retired, they will continue to get cover. The Ministry of Defence have written and about to get the approval of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), they got that from our input we have another programme

which we would like to be recognised in this Act, that is, the vulnerable. It is for Nigerians who are physically challenged like prison inmates, indigents and orphans who cannot afford care. The programme is tagged ‘Safety Net’. There must be a pool of fund called ‘Safety Net’ that can give them cover 100 per cent. There are many areas from which you can mobilise these resources. Already, we’ve thought of National Health Bill which impacts some amount of money that can be used. That is innovative. In addition, in the operations of NHIS, it is not all a bed of roses.

Can you expatiate on these?

We’ve reviewed the blue-print of all packages; we are awaiting the final report and asking the government to take a look and approve it. We’ve all the benefit packages from primary, secondary and tertiary levels of care. About 38 specialists were selected and they sat for two weeks.

They were trying to do the job. We extended for six weeks and we’ve about three benefits packages all comprehensive. Nigerians have been complaining that there are no provisions for cancer, renal failure transplant among others. Now there is everything there.

There are now two forms-optimal and basic.

We have given those to relevant bodies to complete and see how much it will cost and how much people or beneficiaries can afford.

It is giving much people options of choice.

And we will make them to know what each package entails. In the Kano workshop, somebody said, what was NHIS doing about drugs lists. All these are being reviewed. In state hospitals, before it was 15 days cumulating, but now 21 days. When people speak like this, we know they don’t know, it is just an argument.

Concerning Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) right now, some are delisting individual enrolees, asking them to either withdraw voluntarily or they get delisted because they intend to take on corporate clients. As a regulator, is this permitted?

As regulator, we must first find answers to some questions. Are the enrolees in organised private sectors or federal enrolees?

We need to get the facts of what is happening with the HMOs with their private companies being de-loaded from HNIS. Sometimes back, providers were saying some HMOs are owing them over one billion naira, and expected NIS to get them their money. I enquired why the HMO were owing so much when we paying them upfront. They told me these were private business. And I told them that when they were recruiting and signing papers, NHIS did not know, and now that it is sour, you want us as regulator to come in.

The same applies to what you have just hinted. We have a way people complain to us- an online service that is 24/7; website and people do write us as well. So am not aware of this brief by you. But if the provider is guilty of such, we need to get a formal complaint from the affected enrolees so we can go after that development as a regulator.

No one goes after somebody without an official complaint. A candid example is of three months ago, when a provider complained that so, so, so is happening. I encouraged such to formalise it, but said he was just giving me information. I insisted he should write, but he declined and I told him I am not his houseboy he can order about without evidence. So that is an example of market talk, it holds no water. People should take responsibility to device genuine information, not using us as regulator to witch hunt. If I have evidence, I will call the provider and find out the details and know what to do as a regulator.

“...if Nigerians want to get cover for everything, they should be ready to pay more. The scheme is contributory.

It is not free. As of today, no employee of the Federal Government has started contributing six years after the scheme took off, yet they want increase in the benefit package. Better soup, na money kill am”

60

Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2011

Company News

Beyond Talent

Nigerian interbank rate falls as liquidity level rises

N

I G E R I A ’ S interbank lending rates took a plunge to an average of 13.50 percent from 14.08 percent as liquidity supported transactions, despite the central bank embarking on an aggressive mop-up.

Dealers said the market opened trading with a cash balance of about 290.64 billion naira ($1.82 billion), compared with a balance of about 168.58 billion naira last Friday.

“Rates were pretty low because of prevalent liquidity in the system and in spite of two sessions of open market operations which soaked some cash from the system,” one dealer said.

The secured open buy back (OBB) rate eased to 13 percent from 13.75 percent two weeks ago, 100 basis points above the central bank’s 12 percent benchmark rate and 3.00 percentage points above the standing deposit facility rate.

Overnight placement dropped to 13.50 percent, from 14 percent, while

Stories by Rita Ohai

call money dropped to 14 percent, against 14.50 percent.

Traders revealed the central bank sold about

81 billion naira in treasury bills last week, but its effect was minimal on the cost of borrowing among banks.

“The central bank seems to be aggressive in its efforts to tighten liquidity in the sys-

tem, so we see rates trending higher next week as liquidity recedes due to treasury bills issuance, foreign exchange purchases and other transactions,” another dealer said.

T

I • L-R: Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and CBN Governor, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, at the town hall meeting to debate fuel subsidy removal in Lagos recently

customers to disregard requests by individuals seeking the identification of ATM PINs, saying such requests did not emanate from the bank.

According to the statement, which reads in part, the bank emphasised that “Our attention has been drawn to mails

been sent out by fraudsters requesting for such sensitive information as Internet banking accounts and ATM cards details.

“Some of these mails also request that customers update their account records by clicking on links to fake internet banking website.”

The bank advised customers to shun such requests even as it cautioned that internet banking accounts, ATM details and PIN are confidential, hence must not be disclosed to anyone, insisting that the bank would never make such demands of its customers.

Business Insight

Promising outlook for non-oil exports in 2012

I

N retrospect, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council is upbeat that the non-oil exports in the outgoing year reached US$3.0bn when compared with its figure of US$2.3bn for the previous year.

Other sources show US$2.7bilion (Central Bank of Nigeria) and US$10.6billion (National Bureau of Statistics) converted from its naira figure for exports other than nonmineral products) for 2010. The council’s expectation would appear therefore to be reasonable.

The breakdown of the NBS figure in our chart shows that the three leading non-oil exports were agricultural and agro-industrial.

The CBN’s (far lower) figure is not broken down in its entirety. However, it does provide a list of the 100 leading non-oil exporting companies in 2010, of which the first three traded cotton lint, cocoa beans, and hides and skins.

There are, of course, methodological differences which help to explain the divergences be-

Email: adetayookusanya@hotmail.com

An adventure called 2012

Firstbank alerts on ATM scammers HE First Bank of Nigeria Plc has raised the alert on the activities of unscrupulous individuals who have made attempts to scam unsuspecting members of the public using its Automated Teller Machines.

In a statement issued by the bank, it warned

By Adetayo Okusanya

• Sources: National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf with agency report

tween the NBS series drawn from the customs data and the CBN’s balance-of-payments treatment.

Non-oil export values

by section 2010 (% shares) Nigeria’s transformation back to a diversified export base is long overdue. The mono-product economy creates macroeconomic uncertainties with the exchange rate, the fiscal stance and inflation One change in the right

direction will be the likely start of sizeable cement exports in 2013. In our view, the macro uncertainties will be eased more rapidly by import substitution (in rice and sugar, for example) than by export diversification.

T is the start of a brand new year and you are still here. You have survived a global economic recession, financial crisis, stock market meltdown, lay-offs and acts of terror perpetrated by bandits, kidnappers and extremist groups; and you are still standing. The year 2011 did not bring with it the hockey stick upside you hoped for, and now you are faced with a potential increase in your cost of living as a result of a recent government policy. If you are anything like me, then you must feel as weary and worn out as a traveler from a distant land; thirty five going on sixty. You probably wish you had a crystal ball to tell you what else awaits you in 2012.

Before you read any further, close your eyes and take three deep breathes. One… Two… Three... In you lies the capacity and choice to turn the lemons life throws your way into lemonade. You just have to look for the opportunities that are embedded in the challenges you face. Life is a marathon, not a sprint. You cannot afford to run out of steam half way through the race or quit. Put the past behind you and face the future that is ahead. No one drives a car successfully be staring into the rearview mirror all the time. Consider this the beginning of the rest of your life. You have a choice to make. You can choose to have the outcomes of your life be solely determined by forces outside of your control or you can decide to be the lead author in the chapters of your life to be written in 2012.

Your present is built on the foundation of choices you made in the past, whether wise or unwise, and the runway for your desired future will be paved by the choices you make henceforth.

If your life was a car with a GPS system, what destination would you program for 31st December 2012? What would success look like for you? I am not simply talking about making New Year resolutions. I am asking you to have a compelling vision for your life. A desired outcome connected to your sense of purpose and values, which will consistently inform the choices that you make throughout 2012. Have a vision to move to the next level. Go beyond talent, have great talent. Do not just survive 2012. Find ways to thrive in it. Resist the urge to be complacent or mediocre. Thomas Merton framed it well when he said “We must make the choices that enable us to fulfill the deepest capacities of our real selves”.

When you make the right choices in life, the world will be your oyster. You determine how far you go and you alone set limits on what you can achieve in life. Don’t let circumstances or people dictate what you can or cannot accomplish. Mahatma Gandhi said “A man is but a product of his thoughts.

What he thinks, he becomes.” The real battle ground for success in 2012 is in your head. When you have confidence, courage and self -belief, you can influence the outcome of your life.

YES YOU CAN. Be bullish about your capacity to succeed. If you don’t believe in your success, no one else will.

I dare you to dream big in 2012. Uncover those dreams and ambitions that you have kept hidden away in the dark recesses of your mind and dust the cobwebs off those old plans. It is said that if you aim for the sun and fall short, at least you may find yourself in the company of stars. No risk, no reward. Nothing ventured, certainly nothing will be gained. Write down your bold vision for 2012 and put it up in places where you will see it every day. Speak about it to everyone you come across. Let your vision come alive in you and the universe will conspire to help you succeed. My personal vision for 2012 is to be a successful budding entrepreneur and author. What is yours?

A ski instructor once said something I thought was remarkable. As I struggled to ski down a beginners slope in a straight line and found myself veering off to the right, he told me that my body would always move in the direction that I was facing.

Therefore, if I wanted to ski straight, I had to keep my gaze looking straight ahead. The same can be said for our vision.

When we keep our goals and dreams in front of us and our gaze squarely focused on them, our lives will gravitate in the direction of fulfilling those goals. Join me in this adventure called 2012.

It is a journey towards self-actualization. Your life is history in the making. Define today, what your tomorrow will be. Start your year focused on a clear vision, powered by a healthy dose of self-belief • Okusanya is CEO of ReadinessEdge

61

WORLD NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

T

HOUSANDS of regime backers massed at a mosque in the Syrian capital yesterday for funeral prayers for policemen killed in a Damascus bombing, as the government vowed to respond with an “iron fist” to security threats.

Coffins bearing 11 policemen, covered with Syrian flags, were brought into the Al-Hassan mosque for the prayers, a day after the explosion ripped through a Damascus intersection, killing 26 people and wounding 63.

Officials said the attack was a suicide bombing, the second in two weeks to hit the normally quiet Syrian capital.

The regime of President Bashar Assad has touted the attacks as proof that it is being targeted by “terrorists.”

But the country’s opposition demanded an independent investigation, accusing forces loyal to the Syrian regime of being behind the bombing to tarnish a 10month-old uprising against Assad. The bombings have coincided with a mission by Arab League observers investigating Syria’s crackdown on the protest.

In the hours after the bombing, Syrian troops opened fire on demonstrators holding anti-Assad sit-ins in two parts of the country, killing one and wounding at least 20, activists said.

Friday’s blast took place in Damascus’ Midan neighborhood, one of the few parts of the heavily controlled capital that have seen protests against the regime. The Al-Hassan mosque, where Saturday’s prayers took place, has been a launching point for

11 die in New Zealand hot air balloon flames

A

hot air balloon carrying 11 people turned into a horrifying tower of “sheer flame” yesterday after hitting power lines near a rural New Zealand town, police and witnesses said.

All aboard were killed in the deadliest air crash in New Zealand in nearly 50 years.

Two of those killed jumped out of the basket in desperation before the fiery balloon plummeted to farmland with a loud bang as it hit the ground. The balloon crashed near the township of Carterton, in a region well known for its hot air ballooning, in clear, bright early morning conditions with minimal wind.

The pilot and five couples from the Wellington area, about 95 miles (150 kilometers) south of the crash site, were killed.

Some of the bodies were badly burned, said Superintendent Mike Rusbatch, a police district commander in Wellington, the capital.

“It’s a tragedy as bad as tragedies get,” local police commander Brent Register said.

Thousands hold prayers for Syria bomb victims protests to start their marches following weekly prayers.

But yesterday, it was swamped by Assad supporters.

Thousands of mourners outside the mosque chanted, “Freedom became terrorism. We are not scared of America, the mother of terrorism.” Others chanted, “the people want state of emergency,” referring to the decades-old emergency laws that Assad lifted in April as part of reforms he promised.

A group of women wore black shirts emblazoned with Assad’s picture, labeled “the Shield of Syria.”

Information Minister Adnan Mahmoud told reporters outside the mosque that explosion “is part of the scheme based on terrorism and killing that has been targeting Syria since nine months.”

Dahida Abdul-Rahman, 50-year-old housewife at the prayers, said the Arab observers should be thrown out of the country. “Since they came, terrorist attacks

started,” she said.

Two weeks ago, twin suicide bombings hit two intelligence agencies in the capital, killing 44 people.

Friday’s blast hit a police bus and damaged a nearby police station, though it was impossible to determine what the exact target was.

Afterward, the Interior Ministry, which is in charge of police and security forces, vowed to use an “iron fist” against threats.

The violence marks a dramatic escalation of bloodshed in Syria as Arab

League observers tour the country to investigate Assad’s bloody crackdown on dissent. The monitoring mission will issue its first findings today at a meeting in Cairo and its chief Lt. Gen. Mohamed Ahmed Mustafa al-Dabi is scheduled to leave Syria yesterday on his way to Egypt to give his report.

The Local Coordination Committees group said the troops fired late Friday upon scores of protesters who have been camped out in the central square of the northern town of Saraqeb for eight

• People praying in a mosque in Damascus yesterday over the flag-draped caskets of some of the 26 people killed in a suicide bomb attack on Friday.

AFP PHOTO/SANA

Jamaica to become a republic—prime minister

F

ifty years after independence Jamaica is set to loosen its colonial ties with Britain by dumping the Queen and becoming a republic, its new prime

minister has indicated.

Portia Simpson Miller, a charismatic populist who returned to power after a landslide election victory last week, said Jamaica would

Egypt Islamists claim 62% in latest voting

E

GYPT’S two main Islamist parties claimed yesterday to have together taken 62.2 percent of the vote in the final stage of a general election, maintaining their lead in the overall contest.

The Freedom and Justice Party of the powerful Muslim Brotherhood said on its website that it had garnered 35.2 percent of the party list vote in the polling in the final nine governorates on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The Al-Nur party of the even more conservative Salafists, said it received 27 percent.

The two parties chalked up 65 percent in the first two phases of Egypt’s first general election since the February ouster of president Hosni Mubarak.

The elections for the

lower house of parliament have divided up the country geographically.

The last stage included the unstable Sinai region, which lies along the border with Israel and the Gaza Strip and includes the country’s popular Red Sea tourist resorts.

Under the complex electoral system adopted after Mubarak’s ouster, second-round run-offs still have to be held later this month where necessary for the one third of seats that are decided in first-pastthe-post constituencies.

From January 29, twostage elections will then be held for the upper house.

Once the new parliament has been sworn in, a commmission will be appointed to draft a new constitution before presidential elections are held by the end of June.

initiate moves to cut links with the British monarchy. A Jamaican president would replace the Queen as head of state, she said.

“I love the Queen. She’s a beautiful lady,” Simpson Miller said on Thursday, speaking before 10,000 guests at the residence of Jamaica’s governor-general, the Queen’s official representative on the island. Switching to patois, she added: “But I think time come.”

The debate over constitutional ties with Britain has gone on within Commonwealth Caribbean countries since independence. Guyana and

Trinidad and Tobago have both dropped the Queen as head of state, while opting to remain inside the Commonwealth. The drift towards republicanism now appears to be sharpening.

Another regional discussion has concerned the use or non-use of the death penalty. Jamaica has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with violent crime a daily occurrence. But the British judicial committee of the privy council (JCPC) has repeatedly blocked attempts to enforce the death penalty, a move understandably perceived as colonial-style foreign meddling.

•Miller, is greeted by supporters at her constituency office in Kingston.

Photograph: Hans Deryk/Reuters

days. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported at least 20 were wounded.

Both groups also reported attacks by troops on Saturday on another sitin in the restive central city of Homs, during which at least one person was killed.

A Homs-based activist said troops attacked the protesters in a public garden killing at least one. He added that army defectors fought back and pushed troops away.

“We live in a state of fear and our extreme fear comes from snipers,” said Majd Amer who lives near where the sit-in is held. He said thousands of people have been participating in the sitin since Thursday.

While many of the antigovernment protests sweeping the country remain peaceful, the uprising as a whole has become more violent in recent months as frustrated demonstrators take up arms to protect themselves from the steady military assault.

An increasing number of army defectors also have launched attacks, killing soldiers and security forces.

The unrest has posed the most serious challenge to the Assad family’s 40-year dynasty. The regime’s crackdown has led to broad worldwide condemnation and sanctions, eviscerated the economy and left Assad an international pariah just as he was trying to open up his country and modernize the economy.

The government has long contended that the turmoil in Syria is not an uprising but the work of terrorists and foreign-backed armed gangs.

Iran flex military might near Afghan border

I

RAN launched a military maneuver near its border with Afghanistan yesterday, the semi-official Fars news agency reported, days after naval exercises in the Gulf increased tensions with the West and pushed up oil prices.

Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Revolutionary Guards’ ground forces, said the “Martyrs of Unity” exercises near Khvat, 60 km (40 miles) from Afghanistan, were “aimed at boosting security along the Iranian borders,” Fars reported.

The Revolutionary Guards’ naval forces’ 10-day exercise in the Gulf that ended last Monday worsened relations with Washington days after U.S. President Barack Obama approved sanctions that aim to stop countries buying Iranian oil.

Threats that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz, which leads out of the Gulf and provides the outlet for most oil from the Middle East, pushed up oil prices and Iran warned Washington not to send an aircraft carrier back into the Gulf.

Forces with the USS John C. Stennis aircraft carrier strike group, the target of Tehran’s threat, rescued 13 Iranian fishermen from Somali pirates days after passing through the Strait.

62

World News

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

US election

The musician seeking to be Senegal’s president

Republicans to pick candidate A A

FTER about a year of campaign, the US Republican Party in its spurious bid to take over the White House got into the ballot at the primaries last Tuesday. It was left to the small state of Iowa to jumpstart the race.

After a voting influenced by big campaign spending, largely on TV Ads, Mitt Romney won by eight votes over former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum. Ron Paul came third followed by Newt Gingrich, while Rick Perry came in fifth and Michele Bachmann came last. By the next morning, Bachmann bowed out of the race, succumbing to the pressure of the Republican presidential nomination.

Santorum was the surprise at Iowa losing, trailing Romney by eight votes. Two weeks ago he was polling at four percent in Iowa yet he finished with 25 percent.

As the race heads to New Hampshire on Tuesday, the remaining actors are still in for a stiff time.

As it presently, the ‘golden boy’ President Barack Obama still has to worry about is Romney.

With a weakening economy, the next president Americans would vote for would have to grapple with stiff competition from China, lend support to business, and be able to be liberal in terms of issues like immigration, gay marriage, and gun control. Also, the eventual president would have to understand foreign policy and inspire not only US citizens but also relate with other countries.

Super PACs and the advent of big money In most democracies, money matters in election campaigns and the race for Republican ticket is no different. An analysis carried out as the final votes were counted on Tuesday night found that while Santorum had spent the equivalent of $1.65per vote, Mr Romney’s figure was $113.07.

This throws a new dimension to the game – money. As the race heads to New Hampshire, many of the Republican candidates would have to start bolstering their finances to tackle particularly TV adverts.

Among the Republican candidates, none of the others can muster Romney’s financial muscle, thanks to the advents of Super PACs which have allowed candidates to benefit from funds raised by third parties.

However after the Iowa caucus, Santorum, can now expect more funding from conservative Republicans – especially those who had backed rivals like Michele Bachmann and Rick Perry. In New Hampshire, the former Pennsylvania senator was able to raise $1m in a day (his biggest ever). However, that amount remains peanuts to Romney’s $32.6 million and Ron Paul, the libertarian Texas congressman’s

•Santorum addressing supporters in New Hampshire on Friday

By Joe Agbro Jr. with agency reports

$12.8m collected as at October.

Nevertheless, they still has to contend with Obama’s Super PAC which hopes to raise over $100m.

Having wooed Iowa’s social conservatives with his zero-tolerance stances on abortion rights and gay marriage, Mr Santorum is now emphasising his fiscal conservatism to voters across a state whose motto is “live free or die”.

A national poll of likely Republican primary voters

by Rasmussen put Mr Santorum in second place with 21 per cent of support, behind Romney on 29 per cent.

While Romney is emerging as the Republican hopeful to beat, posturing from the Obama camp is that it is rather too early to focus much attention on him. With Santorum, Paul, Gingrich, Perry, and Jon Huntsman still at each other, the Obama camp is prepared to take a swipe at all for now while Romney wards off his opponents.

The upstart - Santorum A new Super PAC was formed to back Santorum and launch attack advertising against Romney. With Santorum on his coat-tails, the Romney campaign, apart from using advertising is also playing the ‘pull him down’ card via 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain’s attack on Santorum’s record in Washington.

McCain had said: “Senator Santorum supported it and engaged in it as much as he possibly could,” referring to ‘pork barrel spending’

through which congressmen secure funds for their constituencies.

Some analysts view Santorum’s staunch postures (pro-life, anti-abortion, and gay matters) as also his Achilles heel. In the more liberal states, such position may not be as favourable to him though.

Also, a 2002 burst regarding gay unions drew what Santorum recently calls his “Google problem.”

Two websites; santorum.com and spreadingsantorum. com spring up at a search for his name on google. The content, for prude first time visitors may cast a dampener on the presidential aspiration of the 53-year-old father of seven children.

Obama versus the Republicans Also, though, the Republican Party seems unified on issues, at least by its two leadings candidates, cracks are still to be expected from the Democrats. The recess appointment of Richard Cordray on Wednesday as director of the consumer bureau by President Obama was one joker that irked Republican senators who were against such move. With that, the Obama administration is likely to have drawn daggers with the Republican senators. Senate opponents want the director replaced with a five-member board similar to those of other regulatory agencies and had refused to consider voting on any nominee until the structure is changed.

In a style showing of the coming confrontations, Obama had said, “I am not going to stand by while a minority in the Senate puts

party ideology ahead of the people we were elected to serve.”

Spelling out the Republican opposition, Obama said : “The only reason Republicans in the Senate have blocked Richard is because they don’t agree with the law that set up a consumer watchdog in the first place.”

Expectedly, Republicans have reacted.

“This is an extraordinary and entirely unprecedented power grab by President Obama that defies centuries of practice and the legal advice of his own Justice Department,” the House speaker, John A. Boehner, said in a prepared statement.

Romney described the president’s action as “Chicago-style politics at its worst.”

No doubt, the Obama campaign saw and expected the vituperations.

Also, after opting out of the race due to her poor outing, Bachmann’s prattle over President Obama has not faltered. On wednesday at the West Des Moines news conference announcing her withdrawal from the race, she said; “I will continue to fight to defeat the president’s agenda of socialism,” referring to the Obama’s health care program and the DoddFrank bill that provided more oversight of the financial industry.

But, by announcing the creation of 200,000 new jobs last month on Friday, the US is witnessing economic recovery, a plus for the Obama campaign as it seeks towards re-electing President Obama in November.

T 85 years old, many of his countrymen and woman feel he ought not to be in governance.

But President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal thinks differently. He is standing for a controversial third term as president in Senegal come February 26.

Already, many candidates have declared running against the aged president but this position might just weaken the opposition, paving way for the octogenarian to regain power. Bruno d’Emeville, Amsatou Sow Sidibé, musician Youssou N’Dour and former foreign minister Ibrahim Fall have announced they will run in the election.

Initially elected in 2000 for a seven year term, in 2007, Wade was re-elected for five years when a constitutional reform shortened presidential terms. Bringing to the fore his maniacal tendency, he raised the sevenyear term tenure again.

But belittling his opposition on Thursday on a France 24 television and radio France joint interview, he said, “I am heading into a battle without any rivals...

The most likely outcome is that I will win.”

Election controversy Last June, Wade tried to change the constitution but this move sparked protests.

He had sought to reduce the proportion of votes needed to win a presidential election. He had also wanted to create a post of vice-president, which many suspected was meant for his son Karim. Senegal’s 2001 Constitution limits a President to two terms, and Wade argues that his 2000 election to his first seven year term falls under the previous constitution, which did not provide for term limits.

Speaking over the telephone on the posturing of the Senegalese president, Agbo Areo, an Ibadan, Oyobased book publisher said; “The whole idea of the African king is still with them. believe once in power like the royalty they should forever be in power until they die. They have become kings, they live in palaces and they have hangerson surrounding them and they can only maintain all this by holding on to power. They just have to hold on to power to protect their loot. I know that this man has tried to annul the constitution and

•Youssou-N’Dour

By Joe Agbro Jr. with agency reports

the people said no.”

Can fans turn voters?

N’Dour, 52, ironically was very close to President Wade until 2005 and even used to sing for him but has said that his candidacy, “is a supreme patriotic duty.”

Many Senegalese are not surprised he threw his hat into the presidency. Last year, N’Dour joined opposition protests for President Wade’s third term bid.

Some critics have criticised N’Dour for lack of formal education. Reacting, N’Dour said, “It’s true, I haven’t pursued higher education, but the presidency is a function and not a job.

“I have proved my competence, commitment, rigour and efficiency time and time again. I have studied at the school of the world. Travel teaches as much as books,” he added.

N’Dour’s 1994 duet with Neneh Cherry, ‘Seven Seconds’ was a worldwide hit and won a Grammy nomination. He has acted as a UN goodwill ambassador and has used his music to address social issues. And despite international fame and fortune, he has also invested his country where he has radio and TV stations.

But by veering into politics, N’Dour who is very popular in Senegal and worldwide for his music is entering a different terrain.

Would his fans see presidential material enough to vote for him? Would his radio and TV stations be able bolster the needed numbers for electoral relevance?

Some critics have also said N Dour only stopped backing Wade when he no longer needed support for his businesses anymore.

In 2007, speaking to The Guardian UK, N Dour had said “I don’t want to b a politician,” saying he believes that politics and art are incompatible.

But, by November last year, he cancelled all future concerts to focus on the election. According to his spokesman, N Dour’s campaign platform hopes to provide “food for all”, improved infrastructure and decreased youth unemployment.

Senegal suffers from scarce formal employment and average income per head of $3 a day.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

63

JANUARY 8, 2012

64

With Joe Agbro Jr. 08056745268

Hello children, It’s the 8th day of 2012, and it is still that season of the year people make resolutions of things they want to either start or stop doing, a time for fresh beginnings and a stop to old ways. As children too, you should try to position yourself to make the best of this year.

Hence, you must make resolutions to achieve it. Is there a new thing you wanted to learn before? You could start doing it now. Or is there an habit that keeps you from being productive? This is a right time to put a stop to it.

WORD SEARCH

WORD WHEEL This is an open ended puzzle.

How many words of three or more letters, each including the letter at centre of the wheel, can you make from this diagram? We’ve found 62, including one nine-letter word. Can you do better?

Riddles with Bisoye Ajayi

There are over 2100 and by some counts over 3000 languages spoken natively in Africa. The high linguistic diversity of many African countries has made language policy a vital issue in the post-colonial era. In recent years, African countries have become increasingly aware of the value of their linguistic inheritance. Language policies being developed nowadays are mostly aimed at multilingualism.

In addition, Africa has a wide variety of sign languages, many of which are language isolates. Several African languages are whistled or drummed to communicate over long distances.

For example, all African languages are considered official languages of the African Union (AU). And 2006 was declared by the African Union as the "Year of African Languages".However, although many mid-sized languages are used on the radio, in newspapers, and in primary-school education, and some of the larger ones are considered national languages, only a few are official at the national level.

AFRIKAANS

AMHARIC ARABIC BAMBARA BERBER CHICHEWA GIKUYU HAUSA IGBO JULA LINGALA LUO MALAGASY MALINKE OROMO SANGO SHONA SOMALI SWAHILI TWI WOLOF XHOSA YORUBA ZULU

1. I am an object in black colour. When you’re using me, I become red. After using me, I become grey. What am I? 2. I am something I have a lot of handkerchiefs if one falls down I can never pick it but I still have more, what am I? Miss Ajayi is a JSS 1 student of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos.

PUZZLE

A

T the recent inter-departmental jam making contest, four lucky candidates took part to make the juiciest strawberry jam. The ages of the contestants were 14, 17, 20 and 22. As it happens the person who came last was the oldest, whereas Stuart was three years older than the person who came second. James was neither the oldest nor the youngest and Kev finished ahead of the 17

year old, but didn’t win. John was also unlucky this time and didn’t win either. Can you determine who finished where and how old they are?

Puzzle # Name Age 1 James 20 2 Kev 14 3 Stuart 17 4 John 22

African Languages

Word wheel NINE LETTER WORDS: Inflicted Cite, cited, client, deficit, dice, die, diet, din, dine, dint, edict, edit, elfin, elicit, feint, fetid, field, fiend, file, filed, fin, find, fine, fined, finite, fit, flint, flit, ice, iced, idle, incite, incited, indict, infect, infidel, inflect, inflict, inlet, lice, lid, lie, lied, lien, life, lift, lifted, line, lined, lint, lit, nice, nil, nit, tic, tide, tie, tied, tide, tile, tiled, tinin, uric

Send in your stories, poems, articles, games, puzzles, riddles and jokes to sundaynation@yahoo.com

Answer to Riddles:

1. Charcoals

2. leaves

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

65

Can Christopher Kolade’s board make a difference?

•Continued from Page 26 point of comparison between the two because the PTF under Buhari was established to take care of accumulated petroleum fund, which received the blessing of majority of Nigerians.

Whereas in this case, we are talking of a situation where people see the Board as one established to manage what government extorts from them, for the removal of the oil subsidy is extortion. So, one can say that this new creation

by President Jonathan is something that does not have the blessing of majority of Nigerians. One cannot say that it is at the same level with Buhari’s PTF. I don’t see the Board performing because it is just a contrived body meant

to deceive Nigerians,” he said.

In his own view, Mr. Odia Ofeimun, a poet and writer argued that the subsidy Board was a complete distraction that should not be entertained.

Embittered by the development, the social critic reasoned that rather than establishing an extragovernmental body, government should get serious with the job of repairing existing refineries and building new ones that would meet the local demand optimally. His words: “The Kolade Board is a distraction from the real argument. This thing is not even about the price of fuel. It is about refineries. It is possible for Nigeria to have built refineries since we have started this

debate. It is possible between now and that April that the President talked about to have repaired enough of the refineries or built enough to make the argument completely unnecessary. Nigeria is refusing to behave like a serious country. Suppose we were at war and a foreign country locked off all our refineries, won’t we build one with immediate effect? The question of what Kolade is going to do is a big distraction because that is not how to manage a country. A country is managed according to proper budgeting principles.

If you are collecting taxes, the way to spend taxes is well laid down in the budgets of most governments in the world.

You don’t need any special

extra-governmental system such as the Kolade or the Buhari one. Only unserious governments do it”.

Similarly, a university lecturer, Dr Chijioke Uwasomba, maintained that the Board would be another avenue to fritter away public money. According to him, “the PTF headed by Buhari was created by the government then because it said it wanted to keep the money realised from the withdrawal of subsidy with the body. The body was given some specific functions.

But as you know, at a point the body was said to be by another government and so the Obasanjo government did away with it. The thing is that the ruling class is playing games with the lives of

Nigerians because the issue is not about setting up another body called Subsidy Reinvestment Board. You will also realise that the hike in the pump price of petroleum product will affect all aspects of our lives. I don’t think that both the removal of subsidy and the Board established to manage the fund will work.

Nigerians will not accept this Board. There is nothing reasonable, there is nothing patriotic, and there is nothing useful that will come from this Board. As I said, every government in power in Nigeria is playing games with the lives and security of the Nigerian people. So, nothing good will come out of it because this is just an opportunity to give money to ‘the boys’.

Government has already said it would bring in 1,600 buses and all that. Who are the people that will buy these buses?

Where are they going to buy amount reduced to N18, these buses from? I don’t think 344, 524, 169 in the 2012 that the critical sector of the budget, this translates to a Nigerian society will accept negligible difference in what Jonathan’s presidency is what many Nigerians feel doing. So, I see a long battle is already a bloated alloca- with this government”. tion.

Mr. Olabode Ajayi, As a result of this hike an Ibadan-based lawyer, in fuel price, surging costs noted that comparing the PTF of transportation, goods with the subsidy Board was a and all other services tak- needless exercise, more so that ing upon from marginal to it was an action taken by a large increases in price, the government that is earlier increment of mini- “insensitively indifferent to the mum wage which was dangerously pulsating pulse only enjoyed by govern- of the Nigerian people”. He ment workers cannot meet observed “it is highly up with the living condi- irresponsible of anybody to do tions the withdrawal of the same thing in the same way fuel subsidy has brought and expect different outcome. about.

Unfortunately, that is what our The Presidency is ask- government has elected to do ing Nigerians to shed without sparing some minutes weight while it continues to re-examine the decisions it to swell in the midriff. Is has taken. Although the PTF this fair? which Buhari provided

A bloated Presidency and wilting populace •Continued from Page 23 worry and pay for private electricity supply via the use of generators, the occupants of Aso-Rock would have Nigerians pay for maintenance of plants/ generators running to the tune of N15, 215, 500. Also, despite the hullabaloo with which Nigerians are shouting over removal of fuel subsidy, those at State House need not worry.

There is an allocation of N168, 722, 871 to take care of fuel and lubricants.

In order to perpetuate its agenda on removing the widely protested subsidy removal, the government had gone to town, spending millions of naira to advertise in various newspapers and host so called “town hall meetings and consultations”. For in-

stance, in reaction to criticisms of the withdrawal of subsidy, it had taken pages of colour advertisement in various newspapers to advocate its position. A page advert in many newspapers cost about N500, 000. Also, the government had printed materials that were inserted in national newspapers where it laid out reasons for the subsidy removal. Also, leaflets from the ministry of petroleum resources, national orientation agency, and other m a s q u e r a d i n g organisations were expensively produced to push the agenda. The electronic media were not left out, many jingles and promos were aired on radio and television stations all running into millions of naira.

•Continued from Page 5 Another customer in another bank said he had to endure the long queue to make sure he collects the little to the fact that he was not savings he has so as not to be ready to suffer any loss as he caught unawares. When told did some years back. that the government has According to Isa, during assured that the strike would the last nationwide strike not paralyse anything, he under the Obasanjo looked at the reporter and government, he lost scorned, “When last has the thousands if not millions of government ever said naira because his numerous anything truthful in this baskets of tomato got rotten in country? Is it the same the process. By the time the government that told us market was opened he and consultation was still other pepper sellers had lost ongoing on fuel subsidy and harems of bags of tomatoes, decided to ambush the pepper, onions and other populace by sneaking in the perishable victuals. increase? Believe them at your This time around he said own peril. I’ll rather believe they were not leaving the labour unions”, he said anything to chances, they and walked off in annoyance. have told their suppliers up On Saturday, about 48 north not to send anything hours to the commencement thing until after the strike. And of the nationwide strike, most with these prospects, there are markets across Lagos were fears that food and victuals are filled with customers who going to be scarce and were busy buying and expensive in the weeks stocking up food materials in ahead. readiness for Monday.

Mrs. Bolude Akintunde, Mallam Isa, who sells tomato also said she would rather and pepper at the popular have excess food and victuals Mile 2 Market, told our at home than be caught off reporter that the last guard. She dismissed consignment of the government’s assurance and commodity he is expecting asked rhetorically, “When lat from the north would arrive did any government here tell yesterday (Saturday) us anything truthful?” morning with the calculation Late into Saturday night that by noon on today motorists were sighted at (Sunday), all would have filling stations across the been sold. This he attributed country buying fuel into their

Spending billions to save millions?

The various town hall meetings held were done in expensive venues, eating choice food, and quaffing good drinks to propose and influence a few on an issue which affected most Nigerians.

In 2011, budget for foodstuff/catering materials/refreshment and meals, was N886, 474, 750. Though, it reduced this figure to N769 661 842, but when, compared to the recent proclamations that millions of other Nigerians live on less than two dollars a day, the situation becomes distressing.

Also, in the 2011 budget, the total amount allocated to the State House was a whooping N21, 159, 867, 112, though this

leadership for tried only in a little way, the fact that we are still neck-deep in the rivers of backwardness in the area of development in the critical areas of our economy is enough to convince anyone that the establishment of committees or boards to manage government’s incompetence is outright unnecessary.”

He is of the view that the Christopher Kolade-led Board will only scratch the surface and fizzle out without affecting Nigerians positively.

If the presidency finds it difficult to manfully address the asphyxiating corruption in the oil industry, how can the Board it set up be above board?

However, a highly placed officer in one of the Local Government Areas of Borno State, who would not want his name in print, said he was confident that the subsidy Board would deliver. He based his conviction on what he described as the impeccable track record of Kolade, who he said he had known for many years. “I have not taken time to go through the profiles of other members of the Subsidy Reinvestment Board, but what I know is that Dr Christopher Kolade is a very good industrialist. He is a transparent man. Times are changing. During the time of Muhammadu Buhari the rate of problems was not as it is now. The Abacha period had all kinds of problems. But I know that the Chairman of this subsidy Board will perform.”

Whichever way it goes, the Board is kicking off its duty amid widespread pessimism and doubt. Will they be able to acquit themselves and make Nigerians change their minds?

We wait to see.

Twenty-four hours to shutdown cars and into jerry cans. When approached, a motorist who was asked the wisdom of buying at such a high price when there is perhaps a possibility of price reduction after the strike said it was better to have something sufficient than wait in vain.

“Since the government seems to be digging deeper into its argument and stance on the commodity and the unions too are maintaining their stance, I think the best thing to do is to play safe.

Buying some fuel in my car and for my generator in case the strike prolongs is my own way of playing safe,” he concluded.

However, late on Friday the National Industrial Court (NIC) restrained the labour unions from embarking on the planned strike on Monday.

The unions had been sued by the Minister of justice and attorney General, Mr. Mohammed Adoke.

The three member panel of

Justices lead by the President of the court, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, granted the exparte application filed by the minister. But the unions swiftly described the decision of the court as a “black market injunction.” Also a lawyer who preferred to remain anonymous dismissed the ruling as “laughable” “Why do our governments always go this way? You remember the Obasanjo administration did the same thing? They always

want to use some amenable judges to ambush labour: it usually fails and they’ll come back to the negotiating table again. Let’s see who the majority of Nigerians would side with on Monday and the weeks ahead,” he concluded.

And now, as the nation waits with bated breath 24 hours to the commencement of the strike, the question on everyone’s lips is: who will blink first,: government or labour?

We shall see!

PUBLIC NOTICE JUBILATION WIDOWS AND ORPHANAGE FOUNDATION

PUBLIC NOTICE THE BELOVED GLOBAL OUTREACH MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

The general public is hereby notified that the above Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under Part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration under Part C of the Companies And Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Evangelist Hillary Nkem Esikalam 2. Evangelist Richard Eze 3. Lloyd Ezechukwu Nwankwo 4. Mrs. Pepertua Esikalam AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:i. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all people within our reach through one or all of the following:- The Radio or Television.

Crusades/Summits and Conferences, Printing/Distribution of Scriptural tracks; ii. To build and strengthen believers in the faith; iii. To encourage individual and group involvement through Evangelistic activities and outreaches; iv. To encourage responsible Church participation.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Evangelist Hillary Nkem Esikalam 2. Evangelist Richard Eze 3. Lloyd Ezechukwu Nwankwo 4. Mrs. Pepertua Esikalam AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:i. To provide a home for widows and or orphaned children; ii. To provide education and training for such widows and orphaned children; iii. To raise the national consciousness in respect of widows and the orphaned children; iv. To engage in charitable works both locally and internationally.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 402, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: PIUS A. OGENE Esq. PIUS A. OGENE AND ASSOCIATES No. 3b, Ayo Jagun Street, Off Omission Hotel, Lekki Phase l, Lekki, Lagos.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 402, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: PIUS A. OGENE Esq. PIUS A. OGENE AND ASSOCIATES No. 3b, Ayo Jagun Street, Off Omission Hotel, Lekki Phase 1, Lekki, Lagos.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 8, 2012

66 CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

EKANEM I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ekanem Keturah Nma, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Alade Keturah Nma. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ASANIYI I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Asaniyi Elizabeth Funmilayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ogundele Elizabeth Funmilayo.

All former documents remains valid. Arinola Clinic and Maternity Home and general public should take note.

EZEAGWU

ABASS

ADINDU

OKUNOLA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adindu Doris Afonne Nnenna, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Nwogu Doris Afonne Nnenna. All former documents remains valid. Federal College of Agriculture Isiagu, Ebonyi State and general public should take note.

OLUJAYOGBE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olujayogbe Abosede Olayemi, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Badejo Abosede Olayemi. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

EROMOSELE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Eromosele, Ayomide Abiola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ilori, Ayomide Abiola. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

AKORAH

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Akorah Ujunwa Linda, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Onyejekwe Ujunwa Linda. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

AKINSEYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinseye Adefoluke Folayemi, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ademosu Adefoluke Folayemi.

All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

BELLO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Bello, Maryam Adesola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Shotonade, Maryam Adesola. All former documents remains valid. Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and general public should take note.

IGE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ige, Mobolaji Comfort, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Irinoye, Mobolaji Comfort. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

RAHEEF

I,formerly known and addressed as Raheef Fasilat Awuke, now wish to be known and be addressed as Olaniyi Fasilat Kofoworola.

All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OMOTOSO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Omotoso, Funke, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ajimola, Funke Deborah. All former documents remains valid. Ekiti State Ministry of Education, Ado-Ekiti and general public should take note.

ADEDOYIN

I,formerly known and addressed as Adedoyin Mojirade Olunike, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Olosunde Mojirade Olunike. All former documents remains valid. Osun State Local govt. Service Commission and general public should take note.

OLAGUNJU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olagunju, Bukola Mercy, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Mayegun, Bukola Mercy. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ADEGOKE

I,formerly known and addressed as Mr. Adegoke, Taiwo Adeleye, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mr. Osasona, Taiwo Adeleye. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ADEDEJI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adedeji, Foluso Cecilia, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Oloniluyi Foluso Cecilia. All former documents remains valid. Ekiti State government and general public should take note.

BAMISILE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Bamisile, Adesola Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Rotimi, Adesola Oluwatoyin. All former documents remains valid.

Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and general public should take note.

AKINOLA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinola, Olanike Rebecca, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Osuntokun, Olanike Rebecca. All former documents remains valid.

NYSC and general public should take note.

AWOSEYILA

I,formerly known and addressed as Master Awoseyila, Ojo Peter, now wish to be known and be addressed as Olajide, Oyeyemi Peter. All former documents remains valid. West Africa Examination Council and general public should take note.

KUSIMO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Kusimo Oluwakemi Titilayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ayodele Oluwakemi Titilayo. All former documents remains valid. Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta and general public should take note.

BABALOLA

I,formerly known and addressed as Babalola Adesola Peace, now wish to be known and be addressed as Akinbohun Adesola Peace. All former documents remains valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public should take note.

ZAYOL I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Jane Nguavese Zayol, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Jane Nguavese Anande. All former documents remains valid. Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and general public should take note.

ONYEKE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Rita Agbo Onyeke, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Nwaogwugwu Rita Onyeke. All former documents remains valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

KABUK I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Dorathy Kabuk, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Dorathy Apochi. All former documents remains valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

BALOGUN I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeola Mujidat Balogun, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Adeola Balogun-Shogunle. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

AKPOIGHELE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Efemena Ogbe Akpoighele, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Efemena Onome Oherein. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

SOFELA

I,formerly known and addressed as Sofela Samuel Oluwaseun, now wish to be known and be addressed as Sofela Ayodeji Oluwaseun.

All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OLOWOMEYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olowomeye, Oluwabukola Ayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Gentry Oluwabukola Ayo. All former documents remains valid. School of Nursing, Ado-Ekiti General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Kanee Baridakara Confidence and Vincent Baridakara Confidence are one and same person. Now wish to be known and addressed as Kanee Baridakara Confidence. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SAIKI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Saiki Stella Ozioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Adebayo Stella Ozioma Igbekele.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ORUWORI-MARTINS

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Alice Ebimoboere OruworiMartins, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Alice Ebimoboere George. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OWAN

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Otabi Vee Owan, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Otabi Foster Tarfa. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

IRIVBOJE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Modupe Efeilomo Irivboje, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Modupe Efeilomo Onwuegbuna. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note

GBUUGA I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Maureen Ifengem Gbuuga, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Maureen Iengemdoo Ochagla. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

OMOTADE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Anu Titilope Omotade, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Anu Titilope Afe. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

AKINSOLA I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinsola Kafayat Tomiisiin, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Bello Kafayat Tomisin. All former documents remains valid. Ogun TESCOM and general public should take note.

ALIMI I,formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Alimi Felicia Oluwatobi, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Leo Felicia Oluwatobi. All former documents remains valid.

Ogun TESCOM, WAEC, NCE and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeoma Chiwendu Ezeagwu, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ifeoma Chiwendu Olayemi. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OLADELE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Aminat Oladele, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Hassan Aminat. All former documents remains valid. Olorunda Local government and general public should take note.

AINA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Aina Olajumoke Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Opaleye Olajumoke Oluwakemi.

All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OLAYEMI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olayemi Esther Adabanke, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Lanrewaju Esther Adebanke. All former documents remains valid. Obafemi Awolowo University and general public should take note.

ODEMUYIWA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Odemuyiwa Folake Tope, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Oroniyi Folake Tope. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OYEBISI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyebisi Latifat Joke, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Adekunle Latifat Joke. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ONWUEMEODO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezinne Chidinma Onwuemeodo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ezinne Chidinma Oguledo. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

OLOWURO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olowuro Folukemi Mary, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Adeniyi Folukemi Mary. All former documents remains valid. Ekiti State Teaching Service Commission and general public should take note.

ATANLOGUN

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Atanlogun Opeyemi Abosede, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Osho Opeyemi Abosede. All former documents remains valid.

Ado-Ekiti Government, Ekiti State and general public should take note.

OSHATOBA I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oshatoba Oluwabunmi Christianah, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Owoeye Oluwabunmi Christianah. All former documents remains valid.

Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State and general public should take note.

JAMES

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss James Oluwatosin Adedayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Oyewole Oluwatosin Adedayo. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ADEWOLE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adewole Fadeke Adeayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Adeniyi Fadeke Adeayo. All former documents remains valid. Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Abass Iyabo Abibat, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Oyelowo Iyabo Abibat. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Okunola Sadiat Adeola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Badmus Sadiat Adeola. All former documents remains valid.

Osun State Post Primary Teaching Service Commission, Osogbo and general public should take note.

ABASS

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Abass Satarat Busola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Tijani Satarat Busola. All former documents remains valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

KAREEM I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Morilat Morenike Kareem, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Morilat Morenike Aderinto. All former documents remains valid. Ejigbo Local Govt., Local govt. Service Commission, Association of Community Health Practitioner of Nig. and general public should take note.

ABASS

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Abass Satarat Busola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Tijani Satarat Busola. All former documents remains valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

ADEOYE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeoye Yetunde Omolayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Sangotoyinbo Yetunde Omolayo.

All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, hereby confirm that I, Lorretta Chizomam Korie and Favour Chizomam Ntoimo is one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as Lorretta Favour Chizoman Etokudo Ntoimo. All documents bearing the above names remains valid. University of Ibadan and general public should take note.

ADEPOJU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adepoju Confort Arike, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ogunmola Comfort Arike. All former documents remains valid. Ekiti State Judiciary and general public should take note.

AJOFOYINBO

AJIBOYE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajiboye Comfort Ponmile, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeleke Comfort Ponmile. All former documents remain valid. Ifedayo Local govt., Oke-Ila Orangun, Osun State and general public take note.

UDEALOR

I formerly known and addressed as Udealor Regina, now wish to be known and addressed as Kwazu Regina Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EBHOMIELEN

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebhomielen Anyenosen, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Uzana Anyenosen. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyeti Morenike Temitope, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Alakaye Morenike Temitope. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

KUKOYI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Kukoyi Taiwo Joy, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Emmanuel Joy Taiwo Opeoluwapo. All former documents remains valid. IjebuOde Local govt., Ogun State and general public should take note.

ADENIGBA

BALOGUN

AJETUNMOBI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajetunmobi Abeke Olutoyin, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Asaolu Oluwabanwo Oluwatoyin. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

YAKUBU

I formerly known and addressed as Yakubu Muniru Gbenga, now wish to be known and addressed as Adesope Israel Gbenga. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADEBOMI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebomi Elizabeth Kehinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adenle Elizabeth Kehinde. All former documents remain valid. Ifedayo Local govt., Osun State and general public take note.

ISMAILA I formerly known and addressed as Ismaila Dauda, now wish to be known and addressed as David Ismaila Tukura. All former documents remain valid. Local Education Authority, Abaji Area Council and general public take note.

MUJIDAT I formerly known and addressed as Miss Mujidat Olapade Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajilogba Mujidat Abosede. All former documents remain valid. Osun State government and general public take note.

OSENI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oseni Mutiat Aderemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kazumu Mutiat Aderemi. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

ONYEAGBA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyeagba Oluchi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esonwune Oluchi. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EGBUGHA

OMO-OGUN

I formerly known and addressed as Egbugha Ikechukwu Godslove, now wish to be known and addressed as Chukwu Godslove Ikechukwu. All former documents remain valid. Remaben Scientific Services Ltd. and general public take note.

ONYEGBUNWA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaoye Abimbola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adejumo Abimbola Pricillia. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Omo-Ogun Seyinat Kemisola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Kemisola Seyinat Ekeh. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Helen Nwakaegbo Onyegbunwa, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Morufat Romoke Bello. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

OSHUNGBOYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oshungboye Taiwo Titilayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Salu Taiwo Titilayo. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OMOGUN

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ivie Loveth Omogun, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ivie Loveth Obadan. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

AWE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Tolulope Deborah Awe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tolulope Deborah Shobukola. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BAMIGBADE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Kemi Kehinde Adenaike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kemi Kehinde Komolafe. All former documents remain valid. Mind Builders School, Omole/CBD, Ikeja and general public take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Balogun Bosede Basirat, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Ogundipe Bosede Basirat. All former documents remains valid.

TESCOM, WAEC, NECO, NECO, NABTEB and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Agun Victoria Bukola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Abiola Victoria Bukola. All former documents remains valid. Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo, NYSC and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Aziba Blessing, now wish to be known and be addressed as Belinda Oyakhilome. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OYETI

AHMED

AGUN

AZIBA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Bamigbade Kafayat Abiola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogundimu Kafayat Abiola. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adenigba Janet Kehinde, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Bamigboye Adepeju Janet Kehinde. All former documents remains valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, Abeokuta and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ahmed Ajarat Omolola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Adebunmi Ajarat Omolola.

All former documents remains valid.

Federal Polytechnic, Ede, NYSC and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Onuegbu Ihuoma Gift, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Orji Chijioke Onuoha Gift. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajofoyinbo Yemisi Abosede, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Imonide Yemisi Abosede. All former documents remains valid. Nigeria Police Force, Nig. Police Service Commission and general public should take note.

OHIORENOYA

I,formerly known and addressed as Susanna Ohighe Ohiorenoya, now wish to be known and be addressed as Susanna Ohighe Aikhuemero.

All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ONUEGBU

CHANGE OF NAME

ADENAIKE

ONWUKAILE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Onwukaile Ogochukwu Stella, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okoronkwo Ogochukwu Stella. All former documents remain valid. Nnamdi Azikwe University, NYSC, FRCN, Zenith Bank, Ecobank, Intercontinental Bank and general public take note.

TIJANI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Tijani Kuburat Olajumoke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Ayoku Khadijat Olajumoke.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MOHAMMED I formerly known and addressed as Miss Hauwa Kulu Mohammed, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hauwa Mohammed Halidu. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

EKEH

I formerly known and addressed as Ekeh Sopuru, now wish to be known and addressed as Ekeh Sopuru Kelvin Christian. All former documents remain valid.

FUTO, WAEC, GTbank Plc. and general public take note.

AKINDELE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akindele Basirat Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeoti Basirat Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State TESCOM and general public take note.

OLANIYI I formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaniyi Abimbola Bukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Orelaja Abimbola Bukola. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Nursery and Primary School and general public take note.

OLAOYE

OLADEPO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladepo Oyeronke Christiana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Abel Oyeronke Christiana Omenedo. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

ANEKE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Aneke Ifeoma Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ani Ifeoma Esther. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EZEH

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ezeh Christiana Obianuju, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwobodo Christiana Obianuju. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AMAZUE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Agatha Chinecherem Amazue, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agatha Chinecherem Okeke. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

AKINYEMI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinyemi Taiwo Basirat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunyomi Taiwo Basirat. All former documents remain valid.

Ogun State SUBEB and general public take note.

OGIDI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogidi Margaret Abimbola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunyinka Margaret Abimbola.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MOSES

I formerly known and addressed as Moses Ebipadou Siloko, now wish to be known and addressed as Ebipadou Siloko Siasia. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OGUNDEJI

I formerly known and addressed as Mr. Ogundeji Emmanuel Oluwole, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Emmanuel Oluwole Ogundeji. All former documents remain valid. Ipokia Local govt. and Primary School and general public take note.

OLADEYI

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oladeyi Folasade Kehinde, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shotayo Folasade. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State SUBEB and general public take note.

NZEMEKE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Hilda Awele Nzemeke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hilda Joshua Ideluokpea. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

HARUNA I,formerly known and addressed as Haruna Akanbi Oludare, now wish to be known and be addressed as Akanbi Oludare Haruna. All former documents remains valid. LIRS and general public should take note.

OSHO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Osho Arinola Esther, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Akanbi Arinola Esther. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, Emailgbengaodejide @yahoo.com or our offices nationwide.

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WORSHIP

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012

INTERVIEW

Living ‘Being a working priest is helpful’ Faith Rev. Asoliye Douglas-West who works in the oil H and gas sector is the Parish Priest of St. Peter’s AnBy David Oyedepo

The power of imagination (2)

D

EAR Reader, what thoughts or forms of imagination do you have for your business, career and endeavours for the year 2012? Your answer to this question goes a long way in determining what you will experience in your affairs throughout this new year.

Thoughts have a great deal to do with the destiny of any man. What you think of your business situation is what will ultimately become manifest (Proverbs 23:7). If you don’t think business breakthrough, you will never have it. If you don’t think about a tension-free home, you won’t experience it. Every negative thought you allow to have a grip on you, blocks you from enjoying God’s best for you which should be a heaven-on-earth-like experience.

Unfortunately, due to the many negative things they have heard, witnessed, observed or even personally experienced of business and family life, many have no foundation for forming any good imagination about business or raising a family. That is why, today, I will be teaching you how to renew your mind.

If you are to experience success in your business and joy, peace, and love in your home this year, it would be necessary to deprogramme your mind from all negative orientations and perspectives. You must appreciate the fact it is God’s desire that you work and do your business.

Ecclesiastes 3:10 says: ...If any would not work, neither should he eat. Also, marriage was “manufactured” by God. It is not a product of African or western culture and tradition. No matter what you have seen in the society, God did not establish your business or home as a necessary evil, but a glorious and honourable thing. Therefore, for your thoughts and imaginations to be in line with divine will, there must first be a “casting down” of all mind debris, cultural orientations, traditions, idiosyncrasies, etc. that hamper your perception of God’s plans and purposes for your business and home.

Take a look at this admonition to the Corinthian church: Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled (2 Corinthians 10:5-6). What that means is that your mind must be in line with God’s before you can revenge all disobedience. All happenings that are contrary to God’s plan for your business, career, endeavours or family life are in the list of the disobedient. God’s will is that you enjoy business breakthrough and marital peace.

The authentic instrument for renewing the mind to that of Christ is the Word of God. Will power, psychology, strength of character etc, will not do it. Only God’s Word is capable of renewing the mind of anybody from the negative patterns of this world. Apostle Paul reaffirms it in these words: ...Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).

God’s Word is your only guarantee for freedom from every form of mental imprisonment. When it permeates your mind, it brings about a transformation which leads to a translation in every realm of life including business, career or marriage. God’s Word is the builder and lifter of persons. It can lift you to greater heights that would turn away every business tension into a miracle in your home.

That is why revelation is very important for you because it backs your imagination, and helps you renew your mind. Your imagination and dream of getting to the top may never be fully realised, if all you are doing is merely wishing, without getting your mind renewed by the Word of God! There is no cheap way to the top. But if you follow the scriptural provisions forgetting to the top, nothing can stop your success.

What revelation does is to help you locate instructions from Scriptures that will enhance the realisation of your imagination or dream. As you renew your mind with the revelations from Scriptures, they form the supernatural reinforcement for your dreams.

When you adhere strictly to them, you are set for outstanding success, all through this year.

I will continue this teaching next week. Endeavour to do exploits this year!

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners. Our midweek services hold on Wednesdays between 6 and 8 p.m. We have four services on Sundays. The first one holds between 6.30 and 8.15 a.m., the second between 8.25 a.m. and 10.10 a.m., the third between 10.20 a.m. and 12.05 p.m. and the fourth between 12.15 and 2.00 p.m.

Every exploit in life is a product fo knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Making Maximum Impact, Towards Mental Exploits and Success In Marriage.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO, Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Or call 7747546-8; Or E-mail: bishop@davidoyedepoministries.org

OW did you find yourself in the ministry?

Sometimes, some people said they were called but I believe that every creature of God should be a servant of God. So, finding myself in the ministry is a further expression of that fact. You don’t really need to wait for God to call you.

You serve Him as long as you know you are His creature. I simply made myself available. I never needed to wait to be called; the inspiration was already there.

Would it be right to say you called yourself?

It won’t be totally out of place. But it is not as if I called myself, it is just an expression of my eagerness to serve God. I am here to serve God and humanity.

Did your background help in any way?

Sure. One’s background creates a relationship with God. I came from a family where you are introduced to God at a very young age. I was engaged in church activities from infancy, so as an adult doing these things is like going back to my roots. When I was in the university, we started a campus fellowship to insulate ourselves from secular life. As a professional, I realised that without God you can’t do anything. That became very obvious at the turn of the century. All of these influenced me to enroll in an Anglican Bible College for one year in 2000. Towards the end of the course, I became more enthralled with the Bible and its realities.

So I felt it was better to go on. I then enrolled in the ministry and reveled in the opportunity to serve God and improve lives around me.

So, you went to the seminary?

Yes I did. It was so captivating that I did not feel the extra pressure of combining it with working.

So, you became a

glican Church, Lekki Lagos. He spoke with Sunday Oguntola on striking a balance between priesthood and secular work as well as other issues

•Douglas-West

priest?

Yes, that was in 2010. I was ordained a deacon in 2009 and given a parish to run. That was like an internship for one year. If you are found worthy, then you are placed in charge of a parish.

How has it been combining ministry with professional work?

I tell you it’s been challenging because these are two contrasting yet complimentary worlds. You need the benefits of the secular world to boost the works of God. You need finances to run a church or ministry. Being engaged in the priesthood and professional work is tasking.

Both require time and

maximum concentration.

Being a professional on pulpit, people expect you to bring your contacts and experiences in the secular world to impact on their economic disadvantages. It is difficult to serve God with an empty stomach. So, you have to find a balance. I find it interesting because without challenges life will be very mundane. These issues have challenged me to bring the best out of me in serving God and humanity.

But some Christians say it is better for a priest to be full-time to avoid distractions and be able to depend on God for sustenance?

Yes, you depend on God but that does not insulate

you from the harshness of economic realities. We all go to the same markets. Some of us have had some exposure that it will be out of place for you to expect me to send my kids to some back-quarter schools or go beggarly before my congregation. I should be able to stand on my own. Being a priest does not exclude you from taking care of your family. If I am on full time, I will be underutilising my potentials and experiences. I have been able to establish a capacity to combine both without compromising either.

How are you coping in an orthodox setting?

For me, you can find God anywhere. I am very at home with how things are done in the so-called orthodox churches. My aspirations are being fulfilled and so, I don’t have any reason to look elsewhere. We have values hard to find anywhere else. The institution has servants/stewards and not owners/inheritors.

That is what my philosophy of the Orthodox Church represents.

Owner-occupier syndrome which is equated with founder-leader monarchy has no place in our setting. Saints Paul and Peter among other early church progenitors did not lay claim to the ownership of any church. The identity of a church should not be wrapped around the personality or self-glorying profile of an individual who often times is the self-styled founderleader.

NEWS

Church plans free medical outreach

G

LORY Christian Ministries, Lagos has concluded arrangements for a special medical outreach on January 19-20.

The outreach in conjunction with Medcrest Healthness and Artemis Health Institute India as well as the West African Theological Seminary

By Sunday Oguntola

(WATS), is to celebrate the 20 th anniversary of the church.

General Overseer of the church, Pastor Iruofagha James, told reporters last week that medical experts in cardiology, neurology, cancer treatment, liver treatment, artificial

limbs, heart and cardiac surgery, dental treatment and others from India will be available for the exercise.

James said the church has been sustained by the grace of God in the last 20 years, adding ‘’we look forward to more years of exploits and fruitful harvesting

in the father’s vineyard’’.

The celebration will also coincide with the dedication of Gloryland Dome, the church’s cathedral and the annual Glory Summit.

Speakers expected include Pastor Tunde Bakare and Bishop Mike Okonkwo.

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QUOTABLE "The NLC informs Nigerians that on this issue of strikes and protests, only statements or messages from the Labour Movement should be taken as authentic.

“We reiterate that the right of Nigerians to peaceful assembly and protest is a fundamental one which no government can abridge.”

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO. 1998

— Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Owei Lakemfa, rebutting the claim of a text message in circulation that labour has shelved the plans for the strike starting tomorrow.

I

DO not know how long the unaccustomed unity President Goodluck Jonathan inadvertently foisted on Nigerians would last, but while that unity endures, we should enjoy it and imagine what a happy place Nigeria would be if we could always unite over the right issues. By peremptorily removing what he claimed was the remaining subsidy on fuel on January 1, at a most inauspicious time, Jonathan has united both his friends and enemies against his presidency. On January 3, the first business day of the year, the country angrily, impatiently and unanimously erupted in protests against the policy which they believed would raise general prices and transport fares by an unacceptable margin. Still, the government and its agents say there is no other way of tackling the economic crisis the country is facing. In fact, it is said that the government knew, but has refused to say it, that the country was broke, and that it needed desperate measures to prevent a meltdown. That desperate measure manifested on January 1.

In the face of efforts by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to mobilise a willing country to defy the subsidy measure from January 9, the government has engaged in a flurry of disjointed actions to demobilise Labour and paralyse the protests. First, it secured an inappropriate injunction from the National Industrial Court (NIC) against the Monday strike action as if Labour had declared an industrial dispute instead of exercising a constitutional right which no court has the right to abridge. The injunction will, naturally, be disrespected. Second, the government has embraced tactics familiar with sinking dictatorships in which pro-government crowds are sponsored to break the ranks of anti-government protesters. But even this has failed to work as the hired louts who were paid miserly sums to invade the NLC secretariat in Abuja have since recanted.

Third, as if it really mattered, the president has once again summoned governors to firm up their common front against the coming protests. The governors in attendance have given their word of honour, as the Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi, said.

But that word will mean nothing when the governors face on Monday the vehemence and bitterness of protesters deeply wounded by the January 1 measure. And if the protests turn nasty, going by the antecedents of Nigerian security agents, that word will in fact count against all the governors who support the president. Fourth, the federal government has also quite amateurishly begun rallying impractical measures to, as it hopes, cushion the effects of the fuel price hike. How those measures, like the supply of 1,600 buses to the 36 states, will ameliorate high transport fares and tame escalating food prices is a feat awaiting the magical touch of the president’s economic team.

By removing fuel subsidy and daring the public to protest, Jonathan has united all his

Jonathan underestimates the people’s resolve

•Jonathan

•Okonjo-Iweala

enemies against his government, alienated most of his friends, and greatly undermined the peace and stability of the country. There have been more than enough arguments concerning the appropriateness of the subsidy removal measure. It is enough to reiterate here that the government’s economists, particularly seeing that they are of the Western orthodox cum IMF persuasion, are not infallible. There are many other economists and former top civil servants and cabinet members who have advised that we look at alternatives before we recklessly commit ourselves to the measure Jonathan has embraced.

They have been ignored and scorned. I myself hold the view that the government has done little to convince us that there was subsidy, or that it existed in the magnitude they claimed.

Notwithstanding the reservations by the majority, Jonathan has stuck to a policy he himself only half understands, and which he is now staking his presidency on. Worse, he has abused the budget process by extending the lifespan of the 2011 budget without extending the first quarter allocation of 2011 to the first quarter allocation of 2012, which should have seen him preserve subsidy until the National Assembly finishes with the budget. More crucially, rather than answer the question of how subsidy payments grew so astronomically to the unwieldy level we

saw last year, and in which a bazaar was declared by more than 100 rapacious companies instead of the barely two dozen before oil importation went haywire, the president apparently felt uncomfortable with what a forensic probe would unearth, and he simply cut to the chase by removing subsidy altogether.

As this column and many others have suggested, the president seems to be desensitised to the dangers he faces and to which he has now exposed the entire democratic experiment of the Fourth Republic. Forgetting he is an elected president, he has enacted a questionable economic measure that is both deeply unpopular and, by every sensible legislative yardstick, unlawful. The National Assembly has sadly not quite risen up to the challenge of understanding its responsibilities and guarding those functions conscientiously; nor does it even seem to appreciate that it is the people’s parliament in which chamber every constituency in the land is represented. So far, when it is not ambivalent towards the subsidy measure and towards the president, it is ambivalent over its functions.

The president gave the indication late last year that he could take the support of the lawmakers for granted. The lawmakers have proved the president right by sustaining their ambivalence towards the subsidy issue, as if

Fuel subsidy crisis makes single term inappropriate

G

IVEN the obduracy of the Jonathan government on many public policy issues, particularly the fuel subsidy removal crisis that has set the people against the government, it has become much clearer that one of the key reasons for proposing single term for the presidency is for the government to have the latitude to embark on reckless anti-people programmes. It will be recalled that last year Jonathan proposed the amendment of the constitution to provide for a single term for the executive branch in place of the current two terms contained in the 1999 constitution. He argued that it would eliminate the costly, disruptive and distractive re-electioneering campaigns that undermine the system and threaten national stability.

He did not forcefully and directly make the argument that single term would enable a president to be bold and assertive instead of being held captive by his desire to win a second term. But the correlation between sin-

gle term and presidential assertiveness was never far from the surface of Jonathan’s secret and impenetrable philosophy of government. What he didn’t have the courage to say, however, was that he actually thought that single term would allow a president so cocksure of his ideas and policies to ignore the wishes of the electorate and ram unpopular ideas down the throats of the people. That is precisely what Jonathan is trying to do with the removal of fuel subsidy if we let him.

At bottom, no elected Nigerian president has ever been a true democrat; not in the First, Second, Third or Fourth Republics; not one.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, for instance, wanted third term partly because he felt two terms did not give him enough room to cavort the way a monarch should, for he was essentially a monarch. He and his aides actually believed that he was inconvenienced by the checks and balances provided in the constitution, and also incredulously thought he did better in his first tour as military head

of state. Jonathan has been much bolder, if equally irreverent, in linking mediocre performance to the demands of re-election politics.

Now that it is clear what sort of temperaments our leaders have, and the sombre fact that none of them cares a hoot about democracy – which they think is ugly and limiting – we must never ever contemplate with them the introduction of single term into the constitution. As it is, we have enough trouble restraining them from overshooting their powers and acting giddily and foolishly with the measured powers already deposited in their trembling hands.

Once it became clear they would not be incommoded by re-election, they would demand our lives, our families, and if they are libidinously inspired, even our wives, in addition to the hefty taxes we pay, the votes we give them willingly though sometimes ignorantly, and the votes they sometimes take by force.

it is only the presidency that will be endangered if things go burst. If the lawmakers are persuaded that contrary to their ad hoc committee probes there was subsidy and it was right to remove it, they should have the boldness to say so.

What is beginning to emerge is that it is not only the presidency that is feckless and the federal cabinet of poor standard, even the National Assembly is without any mettle, courage or substance. This appalling combination puts the country at a considerable risk. If a president is intelligent and bold, he may cover up for a spineless cabinet of mediocrities. If both president and cabinet are ineffectual in all ramifications but the legislature is filled with bright minds and thinkers, their weaknesses may be assuaged by the lawmakers. But when virtually all the organs of government, sadly up to the judiciary, are corrupted by overwhelming lack of brilliance, common sense, fortitude and patriotism, then the country is in more danger than it cares to admit.

The weakness of the Jonathan cabinet is illustrated by its leprous approach to the Boko Haram menace, the belated and still inchoate state of emergency in a few states, the frenzied reform measures that have put the financial sector in constant turmoil, the shabby and poorly timed fuel subsidy removal measure, the scandalous lack of sensible and adequate response to the threats the country faces from sectarian, ethnic and security fronts, and the almost totally uninspiring approach to governance. In two recent instances, the president had scrambled to denounce those who criticised him as weak and slow. He said that to be a strong leader he didn’t need to be a dictator like the pharaohs of Egypt and Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (as if the mores and norms of those eras are coterminous with the present), and that his slowness was a deliberate act of introspection and quiet and determined reflection. It is one of the distressing ironies of governance in Africa, and in Nigeria in particular, that when a president determines to be strong, he invariable becomes an unthinking dictator; when he quickens his pace, he hastens into infantile error; and when he gives the impression of presidential lucubration, it is in fact a disguise for paralysing indecision.

If Jonathan sees the unusual coming together of all Nigerians against his policy of fuel subsidy as a sign of his coming of age as a strong president, we must be appalled by his judgement and sense of proportion. In spite of Boko Haram, the country has risen as one man to condemn the removal of fuel subsidy. No profession, and virtually no state, is left out. This is probably the first time in Nigerian history in which there would be almost complete and spontaneous revolt against a government policy. It should tell him something. More, it should warn him, the few colluding governors pandering to his ego, and the seemingly conniving National Assembly, that an ominous future awaits his presidency and democracy.

I suspect that Jonathan, his cocksure cabinet and faltering security chiefs would attempt to ride out the protests scheduled to begin on Monday. They will rely on the nature of Nigerians who mostly operate in the informal sector, and whose livelihoods depend on daily earnings and little or no savings. They will expect that if they are able to withstand the protests for the first few days, the movement would lose steam and possibly collapse. But that was what the Kremlin thought when Gorbachev faced Boris Yeltsin’s rebellion that began in 1987; that was what Zine Abidine Ben Ali of Tunisia thought when protests began in North Africa in December 2010 etc. Indeed, that is always what dictators think of subjects who have got used to enduring punishment for decades without stirring. If I were Jonathan, I would not be seduced by that lying spirit. I would instead remember why I was elected, and I would ask for one or two Made Simple books on Social Contract in case Rousseau proved too inaccessible.

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