January 10, 2015 by The Nation

THE NATION

NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

•From right, Vice presidential candidate of APC, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and the Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, •A cross section of APC supporters during the Walk for Change exercise to mobilise support for the Buhari/Osinbajo during a Walk for Change exercise to mobilise support for the presidemcy in Akure, Ondo State... Yesterday. Buhari/Osinbajo presidemcy in Akure, Ondo State... yesterday.

APC condemns deadly attack on French magazine

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday condemned the terrorist attacks on the offices of a French Magazine in Paris that left 12 dead, saying terrorism anywhere is abhorrent and will not win. In a statement issued in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the senseless attack was a dagger driven into the heart of freedom of expression and press freedom, hence must be condemned by all who believe in these fundamental human rights. Any attack against these basic human rights,the APC insisted, is an attack on the society itself, thus underlining the seriousness of the deadly attack on the French magazine. ‘’Nothing in the world can justify the action of some deranged gunmen in engaging in cold-blooded murder of innocent people simply because of their beliefs and way of life. Those who carried out these killings are despicable and barbaric human beings.’’ The party commiserated with the French authorities and the entire French media for the indescribable tragedy that has hit them, while saying the authorities concerned must do everything within their powers to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice, to serve as a deterrent to others like them.

Insurgency: INEC meets with parties on IDPs, decentralises issuance of PVCs

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will next Tuesday meet with political parties to discuss the fate of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the forthcoming general election. The commission has also decided to decentralise the distribution of permanent voters’ cards to the ward level. Investigation revealed that the likely disenfranchisement of eligible voters among the IDPs informed the setting up of a committee to find a solution to the challenge. At the end of 2014, there were about 3.3 million IDPs in 24 states of the country. But the situation is more pronounced in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states which are under emergency rule as a result of Boko Haram insurgency. Findings revealed that the committee submitted its report to the INEC management on Thursday. A top source said: “The committee has recommended that it is possible for IDPs to vote with some modalities. The panel said the IDPs can either vote in camps or we may create special polling units for them. “These modalities will be shared on Tuesday with political parties. the people from the affected states and the civil society organisations, among others. “We are working within

Yusuf ALLI and Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja the law. We are trying to maximise the possibility of conducting the 2015 poll by trying to carry the IDPs along. “The commission believes that the IDPs should vote, and we will do everything possible to allow them to exercise their rights.” Responding to a question, the INEC National Commissioner said: “Though we are willing to allow IDPs to vote, it is left to the parties and the people of the affected areas to decide.

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja Mogherini said “the renewed attacks in North Eastern Nigeria are another expression of terrorism targeting innocent people. They have led to the destruction of at least 16 villages and reportedly killed hundreds of people, displacing thousands. “The Boko Haram insurgency was discussed at the

discovery that about 15.6 million PVCs were yet to be collected. A statement by the CPS to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu in Abuja last night said: “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the decentralisation of ongoing distribution of PVCs to ward levels in order to enhance access by persons who are yet to collect their cards. “Before now, the distribution was done at the local government offices of the commission since the end of distribution at the polling unit level. But distribution of the PVCs will henceforth

be at ward level nationwide. “The Commission, at its meeting on Thursday, January 8, 2015, resolved that the period for distribution of the cards should be extended. Registered voters who are yet to collect their cards can now do so from 8. 30 am to 5.30 pm daily. “The Secretary to the Commission, Mrs. Augusta C. Ogakwu, said Resident Electoral Commissioners have been mandated to set up effective monitoring strategies and ensure that the specified hours are strictly complied with by relevant INEC staff.”

Boko Haram: Niger will not help retake Baga

•Cameroon appeals for international military aid to fight sect

IGER Republic says it will not be involved in any attempt to retake Baga, Borno State from Boko Haram. BBC reported that bodies lay strewn on the streets of the town following an assault by the sect on Wednesday, with hundreds feared killed. The town is near the border with Chad and had housed a military base staffed partly by multinational forces. Soldiers from Niger had been there but were not present when it was attacked. The withdrawal of the

Boko Haram to dominate regional security meeting—EU

HE European Union has condemned the renewed terrorist attacks in North East Nigeria. The issue, according to EU High Representative and Vice President, Federica Mogherini, will dominate next regional security conference to be held in Niamey, Niger Republic on January 20. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday,

“The good thing is that many of these IDPs had registered as voters; they only need the right environment to exercise their civic duty. “We will abide by the popular decision of the people of the areas and the consensus of all political parties.” When contacted, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Idowu, said: “We are meeting with stakeholders next week to consider options on IDPs.” Meanwhile, INEC yesterday said it had decentralised the distribution of permanent voters’ cards following

recent EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue. It will also be addressed during the next regional Security Conference to be held in Niamey on 20 January. “The EU remains committed to providing a comprehensive range of political, development and humanitarian support to Nigeria and its people in tackling this threat and in ensuring the sound development of the country.

troops from Niger means Nigeria’s neighbour now has no forces directly involved in tackling Boko Haram. Chad has also withdrawn its forces. Nigerian officials said that almost all of Baga had been set on fire and militants had raided the surrounding area. “We have 50 soldiers there and decided to withdraw them after Boko Haram captured Malamfatori town in October and continued to operate in the area with impunity,” Niger Foreign Minister Mohamed Bazoum told the BBC Hausa service:. “As you know, Baga is under (the control of) Boko Haram terrorists and unless the town is recaptured from them, we will not send back our troops. “But we are still determined to work with our neighbours Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria to contain the situation - it is a problem for us all.” A separate French-led initiative called for all four West African countries to contribute 700 troops each to a multinational force against Boko Haram, but no country has implemented the plan.

Niger has blamed Nigeria, saying it has not kept to commitments regarding its own troop levels. Civilians who fled from Baga this week reported that they had been unable to bury the dead. Corpses littered the town’s streets, said Musa Alhaji Bukar, a senior government official in the area. Meanwhile, President Paul Biya of Cameroun yesterday launched an appeal for international military help to fight the Islamist sect. The appeal came after the sect leader Abubakar Shekau threatened in his latest video posted online to target Biya and intensify cross-border raids into the country from Nigeria. "A global threat calls for a global response. Such should be the response of the international community, including the African Union and our regional organizations," he said in a New Year speech on Thursday to diplomats at the presidential palace in Yaounde. Biya lamented that a regional military force against the Islamists had yet to be established. At least 15 people were

•President Paul Biya killed in an attack on a bus in north Cameroon on New Year's day. Biya did not comment on the Shekau video in his speech. He has already deployed more troops to Cameroun's Far North region with the soldiers killing hundreds of the terrorists. New laws aimed at stamping out the militants were also helping, Biya said. "Although weakened by the losses it has suffered, our foe nonetheless remains capable of bouncing back," he said. The German government donated 120 all-terrain vehicles to Cameroon's military in November.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

4 NEWS

HE Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has denied planning to assassinate President Goodluck Jonathan, accusing the President telling “bare-faced lie” against the group. It also described the President’s Thursday campaign speech in Lagos as the most outrageous and ridiculous by any President. Addressing a campaign rally in Lagos on Thursday, President Jonathan had said that he did not expect the group to support his candidacy because “some people procured MEND in 2010 to assassinate me,” adding that the group’s leader, Henry Okah, is in jail in South Africa. But MEND, in an online statement by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, yesterday insisted that its endorsement of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

Alleged assassination plot: MEND fires back at Jonathan, says President lied Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, for the February 14 election, had nothing to do with its leader, Henry Okah, who is serving a jail term in a South African prison. The group said it was unfortunate that President Jonathan would openly accuse Okah, an indigene of Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, the home town of a former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, of being paid to assassinate him. The militant group said: “Mr. President, MEND says

thank you for vindicating every word in our recent statement on the endorsement of General Muhammadu Buhari, and for also solidifying your status as a clueless, inept and barefaced liar. “MEND will like to state it clearly that our endorsement of the APC’s presidential candidate has absolutely nothing to do with Mr. Henry Okah. We challenge Mr. President to come out and reveal to the nation, the names of the ‘persons’ he claims paid Mr. Henry Okah to ‘assassinate’ him. “Goodluck Jonathan should also explain why these ‘persons,’ as he obvi-

ously knows who they are, were not arrested, tried and convicted. “Nigerians may recall that prior to the bomb blasts of October 1, 2010, MEND issued a warning of an impending attack on Eagles Square, Abuja, where we also advised the public to steer clear of any parked vehicles to avert any casualties. “These warnings were ignored by the Nigerian security agencies, hence the unfortunate and regrettable casualties. “If, as Goodluck Jonathan claimed, he was a target of an ‘assassination’ attempt, why did we issue a prior

warning? Where in this world would an assassin warn their target in advance of an attempt on their life? “This false allegation by Goodluck Jonathan further confirms our earlier assertion of how he takes Nigerians for stupid, as he seems to have forgotten how he openly came out to absolve MEND of any involvement in the attack. “Rather than address his administration’s failures, he (President Jonathan) chose to descend so low, by using a very cheap, bare-faced lie to get sympathy. Is this the kind of president the country wants to be stuck with for another four years of

misery?” MEND also stated that President Jonathan had finally resorted to cheap blackmail on the national dialogue report by urging Nigerians to vote for him as a condition for implementing the report in spite of all the billions of naira spent on the “jamboree”. It described the President’s position as a blatant insult. MEND admonished Nigerians to use the power of their votes in securing the great country back from the claws of President Jonathan’s corrupt and inept government and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Security scare as two strange uniformed men visit Mbaka’s residence

mild drama played out yesterday at the residence of the controversial Enugu-based Catholic priest, Rev. fr. Ejike Mbaka. Shortly before mid day, two men dressed in Nigerian Army uniform arrived the premises in a tricycle popularly known as Keke NAPEP. As soon as the tricycle stopped they jumped down in a commando fashion, headed straight towards the gate of the residence and demanded to see the priest. Approaching the gateman in an aggressive manner, they demaded to see the priest, saying that they needed his blessing and prayer. Asked by the gateman to expain their mission further, they said that a

Edozie UDEZE and Chris OJI, Enugu batch of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu had been sent on a mission to Sokoto. Afraid for their lives and safety, they said, they decided to seek God’s blessing through Fr. Mbaka. The gateman, who stood stupefied for a while, decided to act along. Moving a bit away from the gate, he beckoned on the two soldiers to follow him, saying in a very placating voice that Mbaka does not live there. At this, they made some signs to each other. After a few minutes of moving forth and back, they matched out of the premisis in a different direction looking back as they moved away. A closer look at one of the

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan (third right); flanked on his right by the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu (second left); his running mate for the 2015 Presidential election, Vice President Namadi Sambo (second left); Gov. Sullivan Chime of Enugu State (left) and the Enugu State PDP gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (second right) during the presidential and governorship campaign rallies of the PDP at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu…yesterday.

Buhari woos Ndigbo, unfolds agenda for S’East

HE presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next month’s election, Gen. Muhamadu Buhari, yesterday rolled out his plan for the Southeast if he emerges victorious. Top on the list are road construction, employment, regular power supply and fixing ecological problems. General Buhari visited Abia and Ebonyi states where he reeled out what he has in stock fot the zone. Addressing supporters at Etche Road Primary School play field in Aba, Abia State, the APC candidate said the Southeast would be accorded a prime of place in the provision of electricity as part of the strategy to boost its economy. Acknowledging the enterprise of the people of the zone, he pledged financial assistance for the Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (SME) to enable entrepreneurs grow their businesses and, by extension, the national economy. He also said that as a means of diversifying the economy, following the fall in oil price, he would give maximum support to the agric and mining sectors. He said: “The main concern of the APC is to make sure that there are no idle able-bodied persons roam-

Ogochukwu ANIOKE, Abakaliki and Sunny NWANKWO, Aba ing the streets and becoming touts. We want to encourage the financial institutions to empower the small scale industrialists by giving soft credits. “I assure you that in spite of the fall in the price of petroleum, the APC will look for and employ qualified, competent, patriotic Nigerians to manage our ministries so that competent and qualified Nigerians will get jobs and opportunity to perform.” Speaking at another rally in Abakaliki, capital of Ebonyi State, Gen. Buhari

promised to end the importation of rice and other food items into the country, if elected president. He called Ebonyi one of Nigeria’s food baskets ,and said: “If your farmers are properly empowered, we don’t need to import rice into the country again.” He added: “Everybody knows the ingenuity of the Igbo man. We will empower you to do more in this area by providing constant electricity to the zone and the entire country. We are going to make this country secure and, God willing, we are going to ensure that this is done. “Education will be given the biggest priority because

it is the biggest capital you can give to the individuals. When you educate them, they can take care of themselves appropriately” Former Governor of old Abia State, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, said the PDP has failed to keep to its election promises of creating jobs for the people and solving the electricity problems bedeviling the country. He promised that APC will fulfill promises that PDP has failed to do, including free education, payment of adequate wages to the people and welfare packages for the aged. He said: “APC is out to show that the problems confronting the country can be

solved. To provide security for the country in such a way that you can sleep with your two eyes closed.” National Chairman of APC, Dr Odigie Oyegun, described the reception by the people of the Southeast as wonderful. He urged the people of Ebonyi State to join the change train to transform the country. He said: “Buhari is one Nigerian that believes in the people of the South East and their ability to innovate, and he is going to give you all the necessary infrastructure to industrialise the zone and make the country one of the most industrialised nations in the world.”

Jonathan campaigns in Enugu, faults Nigerians’ perception of corruption

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed frustration at the way the generality of Nigerians perceive corruption. He could not understand why anyone seen to be living well is dubbed corrupt. “If you have a good house, you are declared corrupt; if you buy a good car, you are declared corrupt. That is the

Chris OJI, Enugu definition of corruption in Nigeria today,” he said in Enugu on day two of his nationwide campaign for reelection. Lashing out at the opposition in Enugu as he did at the flagging off of his campaign in Lagos on Thursday, President Jonathan accused the All Progressives Con-

gress (APC) of ‘over flogging’ the issue of corruption in the country with a view to ‘deceiving’ Nigerians. He said: “They over-flog corruption because they think it is the only way to misinform the youths into believing that they are saints who have solution to the problem. “When they sing the song of corruption, the young

people will ignorantly follow it. “They want me to fight corruption by arresting their perceived political enemies and send them to jail. “They want this administration to play to the gallery in order to satisfy their vendetta. You cannot just arrest people and send them to jail without evidence for trial.” •Continued on Page 8

Confederacy ‘ll solve Nigeria’s problems, says Agbakoba Kunle AKINRINADE

ORMER President of Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Dr.Olisa Agbakoba, yesterday explained that the adoption of confederalism is the only solution to the challenges confronting peace and stability in Nigeria. Speaking during a press conference held in his Lagos office, Agbakoba observed that the current campaigns by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have failed to address the real issues facing the nation. He said: “Nigeria is a nation with diverse ethnic groups. A national order is urgently needed to manage our diversity. “It is my view that Nigeria can only resolve the existing conflagration of diversity if we ask and seek answers to •Continued on Page 8

THE NATION, SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 2015

News 5

Seven kids reunite with parents lost in Nigerian Islamic uprising

EVEN children have been reunited with parents lost in the chaos of attacks in Boko Haram’s insurgency, but hundreds more remain alone, officials said of youngsters who have no idea if their families are alive or dead. "There is this fear that some of those unaccompanied children might have lost their parents during the insurgents' attacks on their villages," said Sa'ad Bello, the coordinator of five refugee camps hosting scores of lonely children in Yola, capital of Adamawa State. He was optimistic that more reunions will come as residents return to towns the military has retaken from extremists in recent weeks. "There will be more reunions when normalcy fully returns," he told The Associated Press. More than 10,000 people have been killed in the past year and more than 1 million people are displaced within Nigeria on

account of the 5-year insurgency, according to the Washington-based Council for Foreign Relations. Hundreds of thousands of others have sought refuge across borders. Executive secretary Haruna Hamman Furo of the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency said some children may have lost parents among thousands who fled into neighboring Cameroon, and officials are encouraging them to return home. Bello said they have been able to reunite only seven children, working with the International Committee of the Red Cross, but 138 remain alone. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Thursday urged Boko Haram's leaders "to end the destruction of so many lives and communities" and to immediately and unconditionally release hundreds of kidnapped schoolgirls and boys.

Boko Haram to dominate regional security meeting —EU

HE European Union has condemned the renewed terrorist attack in North Eastern Nigeria. The issue, according to EU High Representative and Vice President Federica Mogherini will dominate next regional Security Conference to be held in Niamey on January 20. In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, Mogherini said: "The renewed attacks in North Eastern Nigeria are another expression of terrorism targeting innocent people. They have led to the destruction of at least 16 villages and report-

edly killed hundreds of people, displacing thousands. "The Boko Haram insurgency was discussed at the recent EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue. It will also be addressed during the next regional Security Conference to be held in Niamey on 20 January. "The EU remains committed to providing a comprehensive range of political, development and humanitarian support to Nigeria and its people in tackling this threat and in ensuring the sound development of the country.”

Group mobilises for election monitoring

HE Police Assistance Com mittee (PAC) has resolved to be on ground nationwide to assist the Police and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through secret monitoring of the election processes during the February general elections. The PAC said it had mandated all its executive members across the states to embark on serious mobilization of their members for proper enlightenment programme on how they would carry out monitoring exercise and devise ways of passing out secret information that can prevent manipulation of the elections by unscrupulous elements who might want to cause chaos or perpetrate rigging during the elections, while also urging all tradesmen/artisans and PAC members to obtain their permanent voter

cards which can enable them vote for candidates of their choice during the elections. In a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja and jointly signed by its Director-General Dr. Martins Oni, and National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kadri Shina, the PAC called on the INEC, the Police and other security agencies working on the elections to work closely with their members in ensuring that necessary information is made available to them which could assist in preventing, rigging, violence and thuggery during the elections, adding that the implication of not having a peaceful elections would be too grave for the country, as the entire world is watching and expectant that we must get it right this time around.

Don’t sell your votes, doctors tell youths

s the 2015 general election approaches ,medical doctors at Ajegunle, Lagos State have cautioned youths against selling their votes to politicians who have nothing to offer them in terms of development. The doctors gave the warning during an awareness campaign on diabetes. Dr Sanni Olaniyi, one of the doctors’ spokesmen, said youths should vote for candidates who could solve the problems confronting the

Rukayat JIMOH nation. He said: “If the head is bad, the rest of the body cannot function. Do not mortgage your votes. If they give you money, collect it, but do the right thing by voting for the persons you are convinced can deliver and take us out of our present problems. Also speaking, Dr Adebiyi Ebimisan of Tolu Medical Hospital urged youths to shun violence during elections.

From left: Hon Muniru Akeem; Publisher, Ovation Magazine Chief Dele Momoh; All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode; Mr Seun Shoyinka and Pastor Dotun Ojelabi during the 2015 General Poll Beyond the Rhetoric of Credible Election by January 9 Collective in Lagos. Photo: Biodun ADEYEWA

Police tear-gas APC supporters at Akure ‘Walk for Change’ rally •Osinbajo, Aregbesola: voting for T Jonathan will completely ruin economy HE police in Akure, Ondo State capital, yesterday disrupted a peaceful rally organised by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to welcome the party’s vice-presidential candidate, Pastor Yemi Osibanjo. Not a few party members who thronged the campaign office of General Muhammadu Buhari at Leo Junction along Oyemekun Road in Akure were tear-gassed. The rally, tagged ‘Work for Change’, was organised by an APC chieftain, Hon Boloa Ilori, and witnessed by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State. A cheerful crowd of APC supporters and members of the Hausa community had assembled at the venue of the rally as early as 7. a.m to welcome Prof Osinbajo when men of the Ondo State Police Command stormed the venue and released tear gas to disperse the crowd. Journalists who were on ground to cover the rally were not spared by the police. The Nation gathered that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Isaac Eke, had warned the APC members to confine their rally to the premises of the campaign office. The APC members were said to have insisted on carrying out their rally by walking round the town, arguing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had lifted ban on campaign rallies Speaking with reporters, the Chairman of Ondo APC, Isaac Kekemeke, said the incident was an unfolding drama be-

Damisi OJO and Leke AKEREDOLU, Akure cause he had been in constant touch with the state Commissioner of Police on the need to allow the party to hold the rally. He said: “I have been discussing with the Commissioner of Police constantly. I still spoke with him a few minutes ago and we are still talking. He told me that he had been directed from Abuja not to allow the rally to hold because our campaign would disturb the peace of the state. “Our party members have conducted themselves peacefully with members of the public and we are only waiting for our visitors, Osibanjo, Aregbesola and others to start the programme before we were tear-gassed. “I have urged my members not to attack the police; we are going to hold the rally. If the police attack you, don’t attack them, if they tear-gas you, use water to clean your face”. Gov. Aregbesola, who later arrived with Osinbajo and Iyaloja of Osun State, Alhaja Akindemade, warned Nigerians against casting their votes for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, noting that giving Jonathan a second chance will completely ruin Nigerian

economy. Aregbesola lamented the continuous stealing of 400,000 crude oil barrels per day since July 2013. He explained that the stolen crude oil worth $40million at a time when oil was being sold at $150 per crude oil. According to him: “We should vote for development and kick out corruption, poverty and unemployment, by voting Buhari in. If a government could allow about 400, 000 crude oil to be missing per day, we should know we are in for serious trouble. “Since July 2013, every day, we have been losing 400,000 crude oil barrels to oil theft. Do you know the worth of such, if the crude oil is being sold at the rate of $150 per barrel? That is $40million per day that we are losing to oil thieves and if you look at this for a year, that is over $14billion. Should we allow this kind of government to continue to rule over us? “We must vote them out. I am urging people who have not collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to go back to their various local government areas, INEC offices and get their PVCs. They still have the chance to get the cards till January 31, this month”. The APC vice-presidential candidate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, assured members of the public

that the party would adopt the school feeding policy of Osun State government for every public school across the country, if voted for. He said no child in the primary school level across the country would come to school with empty stomach again. Business activities in the state were paralysed as APC supporters and residents trooped out to receive Osinbajo and Aregbesola. Party members and supporters, including members of the Asiwaju Grassroots Foundation (AGF) led by its coordinator Ayodele Wisdom, Hausa Community, Okada riders, market women later participated in the rally, walking from Leo Junction to the Alagbaka area of Akure. The convener of the rally, Hon Ilori, said the ‘Walk for Change’ was informed by the need for people to actively participate in the process to ensure meaningful change in the country. He lamented that people have always talked about election in the four corners of their house without coming out to participate in the system. At the event were Senator Ajayi Boroffice, Ifedayo Abegunde, Osun State Speaker, Najeem Salam, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, Tunji Abayomi and Prince Solagbade Amodeni, among others.

Feb poll: Jonathan’s performance won’t take him far, says president’s kinsman Yusuf

public relations expert, Dr Fassy Yusuf, has as cribed the challenges confronting the country currently to what he called "leadership paralysis". He said: “Our nation's leaders only have power, but lack the capacity to put it to noble use. “When the leaders ought to be seen sorting out the socio economic and security problems, threatening to bring the country to its knee, they are rather concerned with perpetuation of power, massaging of egos and amassing wealth."

Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta The former Commissioner for Information in Ogun State and Baagbimo of Ijebuland, who spoke with The Nation in his Ijebu- Ode residence during the week,expressed dissatisfaction with President Goodluck Jonathan's performance in the last 43 months, saying it was more of propaganda that would lead him to no destination. The communication and management consultant, whose mother hails from the

Niger Delta, said “what the country requires now is a leader who could rekindle hope, rejig and rejuvenate the economy." Yusuf said:"My mother is from the Niger Delta, but I'm not satisfied with Presdident Jonathan's performance. It is more of propaganda and is below average. Things are happening under his nose and he seemed not know anything. As a lecturer, communicator and lawyer, I will score him low. "A leader does not have to be a PhD holder or a professor before sorting a country's chal-

lenges. We need a leader that could rekindle hope; our economy needs to be rejigged and rejuvenated. Look at corruption, it is now cancerous, and if we are not careful, it will consume us." According to him, countries like Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, Indonesia and Zimbabwe which were at par with Nigeria four or five decades ago, have all taken giant strides ahead the country because of their respective leaders have demonstrated quality leadership that brought about transformstion and growth.

6 News

HE governorship candi date of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, and the Rivers Commissioner of Police, Dan Bature, have disagreed on Tuesday's shooting in the Niger Delta state of the supporters of the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari. Peterside, a member of the House of Representatives, representing the Andoni-Opobo/ Nkoro constituency of Rivers State, yesterday in Port Harcourt, insisted that the APC members were shot by masked thugs who were working for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), without any provocation. Bature, who spoke through the Rivers Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Muhammad Kidaya Ahmad, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), claimed that the attackers were armed robbers. The Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, had earlier stated that while Buhari's supporters were moving from Asari-Toru (Kalabari) and Khana (Ogoni) local government areas of Rivers State to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Sports Complex, Igwuruta, near the Port Harcourt International Airport in the early hours of Tuesday for the inauguration of the presidential campaign, they were ambushed and shot at. Peterside, while also speaking, condemned the unwarranted and simultaneous attacks on the members of the APC at three different locations: Elele; between Kpoki and Kira in Ogoniland, as well as between Emohua and Sa-Ama-Abalama axis, all of Rivers state, with seven persons injured and some of them still unconscious. They are being treated at the Kesley Harrison Hospital, Emenike Street, Mile One, Dibou, Port Harcourt. Bature said: "On January 6 at about 1240 hours, information by a Good Samaritan was received that on the same date, at 0500 hours, between Yeghe (in Gokana LGA of Rivers State) and Sakpenwa in Tai LGA, some unidentified armed men, suspected to be armed robbers, attacked innocent commuters. "Police patrol vehicles raced to the scene, where they cleared the roadblock, combed the forest around the scene, where the armed robbers suspected to have fled to and maintained pres-

Eid-El-Maulud

Peterside: APC supporters were shot by masked thugs, not robbers Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt

ence. "Information received later indicated that a commuter bus was attacked at the scene where some victims sustained varying degrees of injuries. The victims were traced to a hospital, where they are responding to treatment. "The case is under investigation, while aggressive manhunt of the fleeing armed robbers is ongoing. The command further reiterates its determination to providing adequate security to all, as demonstrated by the effective crowd and traffic control within and around the venue of the launch of the presidential campaign of the APC, which ended without any adverse incident." Peterside, while also speaking yesterday in Port Harcourt,

•Governorship candidate says Rivers CP’s robbery through the Director of Comclaim is hasty, unprofessional munications of his Greater Together Campaign Organisation, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who is also Rivers Commissioner for Information and Communications, declared that the Rivers Police Commissioner lied in his armed robbery claim. Rivers APC's governorship candidate said: "It (Bature's armed robbery claim) is nothing than a hasty and unprofessional job done by a security agency associated with partisanship and allegiance to the PDP. "We are shocked at the speed with which the police in Rivers

State concluded their so-called investigations, which to us would be record-breaking, considering their appalling records in investigation. "It is reprehensible for the police to link what were deliberate, orchestrated and well-coordinated attacks carried out at three different locations in different local government areas simultaneously to armed robbery. "The police should train their men in investigations and their public relations officers in the act of delivery. If at no other time, the police in Rivers and their spokesman got it wrong this

time. The armed attacks were deliberate, orchestrated and well-coordinated against APC members in Asari Toru and Khana councils. "We are shocked that the police in Rivers State, in a glaring, partisan manner would misinform and mislead Rivers people who know the truth and the reason behind the armed attacks against APC members. We are bothered that the police in Rivers, which ought to be apolitical and non-partisan, have again shown where their loyalty lies. That is bad enough,

much as it is condemnable." Peterside also stated that he stood by his earlier position that the gunmen, who attacked the innocent APC supporters, who were on their way to exercise their freedom of association, were working for APC's opponents in the February general elections and not armed robbers. The Rivers APC's governorship candidate urged the police in the state not to further ridicule their already battered image by turning the second spokesman for the PDP.

Boko Haram: No ‘arms deal embargo’ on Nigeria, says US

ONTRARY to the news making the rounds that United States (US) refused to sell arms to Nigeria, US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle Friday, said such imposition does not exist. Entwistle, however, admitted that the military training was stopped because of a strain in the training-agreement. While not denying or giving reason for US refusal to sell aircraft to Nigeria, the ambassador asserted that there was never any arms deal embargo on Nigeria, stressing that the relationship between both countries was still cordial. Reports in some quarters had blamed the US for Nigeria's cash for arms deal scandal in South Africa. It was noted that Nigeria took the South Africa option when US refused to sell arms to the country to prosecute its war with the terrorist group Boko Haram. The disagreement, it was also learnt was responsible for the termination of a training programme for Nigeria's battalion. Amb. Entwistle, in a television interview monitored in Abuja, denied the said arms embargo describing the claims as 'nonsense'. According to him: "The idea

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja that there is arms embargo and that the US has cut Nigeria off is nonsense. "No country is doing more to support Nigeria in its fight against terror right now. We can't talk about the details in public, but I can assure you that we are with you every step of the way. "We have a number of discussions right now for various pieces of equipment in the air, on the ground and army personnel carriers. We share information everyday with your army that they can use operationally. "The notion that we have cut you off is nonsense. "When we transfer or consider transferring arms to any country, by US law, there is a process that we have to go through. We consider whether this makes sense for the country and other human rights considerations. Sometimes the answer is no much more often the answer is yes. "You were right about the Cobra Helicopter when the answer after careful deliberation was no. "We have a number of other things in the pipeline. So that

French police kill gunmen in twin attacks, free 16 hostages ITH explosions and gunfire, French secu rity forces yesterday ended a three-day terror rampage around Paris, killing the two al-Qaida-linked brothers who staged a murderous rampage at a satirical newspaper, and an associate who seized a kosher supermarket to try to help them escape. It was the worst terror spree France has seen in decades. At least, seven people were killed yesterday — the three terrorists and at least four hostages — two days after 12 people were massacred in the newspaper attack. Sixteen hostages were freed yesterday , one from the printing plant and 15 from the grocery store. The fate of a fourth suspect — the wife of the supermarket attacker — remained unclear, and Paris shut down a famed Jewish neighbourhood amid fears that a wider terror cell might launch further attacks. France's interior minister

THE NATION, SATURDAY JANUARY 10, 2015

warned his shaken nation to remain "extremely vigilant." The four attackers had ties to each other and to terrorism that reached back years and extended from Paris to alQaida in Yemen. They epitomized Western authorities' greatest fear: Islamic radicals who trained abroad and came home to stage attacks. Said and Cherif Kouachi, the brothers who attacked newspaper Charlie Hebdo on Wednesday, came out with their guns blazing Friday evening after an all-day hostage siege at a printing plant northeast of Paris, a French police official said. They were killed and their hostage was freed, authorities said. An accomplice, Amedi Coulibaly, took at least five hostages yesterday afternoon at a kosher grocery in Paris — then died in a nearly simultaneous raid there, said Gael Fabiano of the UNSA police union. Several people were rescued from the

Porte de Vincennes grocery store. Police said at least four hostages there were killed. France has been on high alert since the massacre Wednesday in Paris at the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo that left 12 people dead. Behind that attack were Cherif Kouachi, 32, and his 34-year-old brother Said. The next day, a gunman shot a policewoman to death in a gunfight just south of Paris. Police later identified the gunman as Coulibaly, who had been a co-suspect with Cherif Kouachi in a court case involving terrorism that never made it to trial. The Kouachi brothers led police on a chase around northeast France, robbing a gas station Thursday and stealing a car Friday morning before seizing hostages at a printing plant in Dammartin-en-Goele, a small industrial town near Charles de Gaulle airport.

water under the bridge is focused on the present and the future and the cooperation is excellent." On the termination of military training, the Ambassador said: "We have good relations with the Air Force, Navy and Army at the working level. We are in touch everyday working together. "Late last year, I told President Jonathan that the US wants Nigeria to win the war on terror and we stand ready to help in any appropriate way. "We have already started training, at the request of Nigerian government, to train one of its battalions up to a world-class standard. We brought in the

best military trainers in the world. But the agreement with the government was that we will provide the trainers in order to do this properly. The Nigerian Army will provide the equipment needed to do this training. It is a partnership. We are doing this together. It is not something we are doing for you. "Training started, but sadly it got to a point that we had to stop because the equipment was not available. "And after several weeks of waiting, we could not keep the trainers here and the Nigerian government decided to end the training.

"I say this with great regret, it was a great opportunity to train a world-class battalion, but unfortunately it stopped at the request of your government. But his doesn't have to derail our cooperation. Whatever reasons were for that, we continue to move forward. As I have said, could we do training again in the future, sure everything is possible. "But we have to talk about the details very carefully from the beginning because we do not want to experience this again. "I don't think the US and Nigeria are experience strain relations. I think we are in good shape," he stressed.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

EMBERS of the Ekiti State House of Assembly from both sides of the divide on Friday traded words following the allegation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers that their All Progressives Congress (APC) counterparts were plotting to hold a late night sitting. The leader of the sevenmember PDP faction, Dele Olugbemi alleged that the Speaker, Adewale Omirin, led other 11 APC lawmakers to force themselves into the hallowed chambers late Thursday night to hold a sitting to destabilize the state. But the APC lawmakers described the allegation as “wicked, untrue and baseless” saying they had resolved not to be part of any illegality as they are determined to use the rule of law to fight their battle. They insisted that they were nowhere near the Assembly complex at 11.30 pm on Thurs-

Ekiti PDP, APC lawmakers trade accusations over alleged plan to hold ‘late night sitting’

Odunayo OGUNMOLA, a sitting when they had the won’t perpetrate illegality beopportunity of holding a sit- cause we are law abiding citiAdo-Ekiti day night as claimed by their PDP counterparts saying: “it is only the minority legislators that are infected with the virus of illegalities”. Olugbemi alleged that the planned forcible entry was aimed at ‘stealing’ the mace, the House’s symbol of authority to confer legitimacy on the alleged proposed sitting. The leader of the PDP faction described the alleged attempt of the APC lawmakers as an “ignominious act that should be condemned by all stakeholders in the state”. Olugbemi said he could not understand why the APC members allegedly chose 11.30 pm on Thursday to plan

ting in day time. He claimed that the alleged plot to sit compelled him to order a security beef-up at the Assembly complex which continued for greater part of Friday. But the Majority Leader of the Assembly, Churchill Adedipe, accused Olugbemi of crying wolf while there was none saying the allegation exists in the imagination of the PDP faction in the House. Adedipe who described the allegation as another mischief from the PDP camp said the APC members had no reason to plan such act when they had already taken their case to the court of law. He said:“Nobody went there among our members. We

zens. We won’t enter the place by force. We are honorable men and would not act like evil men. “What would we be doing in the place at night? We would ride on the back of law to get back to that Assembly,” he said. Omirin in his reaction said the PDP members were only generating rumour to whip up public sympathy and emotion. Reacting through his Media Adviser, Wole Olujobi, Omirin said: “Nobody was there yesterday (Thursday). It is just a strategy to get security agencies attention.” Speaking on why there was heavy presence of armed policemen for greater part of Friday, police spokesperson Victor Babayemi disclosed they were

mobilized to the Assembly premises “on routine duty and not for any emergency”. Babayemi said, “The policemen were there on routine duty. We have a Police outpost close to the Assembly, which is in charge of policing

the area. They were there to carry out their normal duty not because of any emergency. “We have no business about how the lawmakers conduct their business as long as there is no breakdown of law and order.”

INEC release names of Ondo PDP’s candidates

HE Ondo State government announced yesterday that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has published names of the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party for the national and state assembly electiions. Speaking in Akure, the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Kayode Akinmade gave the names of the senatorial candidates of the party published by the electoral body as Pastor Yele Omogunwa, (Ondo South), Senator Ayo Akinyelure,(Ondo Central), and Senator Bode Olajumoke(Ondo North). For the House of Representatives, he mentioned Michael Adenigba Akerele as candidate for Akoko North east and North west. Hon. Debo Ologunagba is the candidaten for Akoko South East and South West; Alhaja Munirat Tinubu, (Owo-Ose constituency);Dare Aliu,( Akure North/South), Comrade Joseph Akinlaja,( Ondo east and west), Mr Victor Akinjo,( Ese Odo/ Ilaje), Dele Oshakuade,( Idanre/Ifedore), Hon. Mayo Akinfolarin,( Odigbo/Ile Oluji) and Omogbehin Adeniyi Michael, representing Okitipupa/Irele among others.

APC chieftain Adebiyi goes home Musa ODOSHIMOKHE

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (second left) flanked by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Ismail Olalekan Alli (left); Alhaji Tajudeen Akanbi (second right) and Engr. Fatai Olapade at the Jumat Service at Tabliq Centre, Dada Village in Iddo Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

Amosun begins re-election campaign in Remo North, pledges even development

OVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State on Friday stormed Remo North Local Government Area to flag - off his re election campaigns for the forthcoming gubernatorial election, assuring the people of even distribution of wealth and capital projects in the state. Amosun said the best of what he would offer the state, is yet to come, adding that the

Ernest NWOKOLO, Abeokuta

development projects to be executed if re-elected would engender the urbanisation of rural areas across the state. The governor who made this known at Ode-Remo in Remo North Local Government, said a lot attention would still be placed on building of more roads even though some people failed to see it as priority.

Amosun said: “Though people say we give too much priority to road construction and infrastructure, yet a lot still needs to be done, especially in our rural areas. “On my way here, I saw some of our roads that are in poor conditions, though you are aware of what we are doing across the state and in your neighbourhoods. “ A lot still needs to be done to ensure the rural dwellers

enjoy the dividends of democracy,” he added.” According to him, his administration would not shy away from its responsibility of providing basic social amenities and develop the rural communities that would ensure better life for the rural populace. “ We would continue to build schools, healthcare centres and construct roads until our people have felt the wind of change blowing across the state,” he said.

Call for postponement of elections reckless, says Adeleke

HE first civilian governor of Osun State, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, has described postponement of the February presidential elections proposed by the General Overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly, Pastor Tunde Bakare, as reck-

less. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Olumide Ajayi, Adeleke enjoined Nigerians to prepare themselves for a fair, free and credible elections. Adeleke, who is the Asiwaju of Edeland, noted that “every rea-

sonable Nigerian will distance himself from the call by the likes of Pastor Bakare, that the 2015 general election should be postponed and a transition government put in place.” According to him, Nigerians should rather strive to deepen

democracy and ensure its stability. He urged the electorate to discountenance “unpatriotic calls from apostles of doom, who see nothing good in making democracy work in Nigeria because of their own selfish interest.”

UN appoints Nigerian General head of Liberia mission

NITED Nation SecretaryGeneral, Ban Ki-moon, yesterday named Major General Salihu Uba of the Nigerian Army, as the Force Commander, UN Mission in Liberia, UNMIL. UN Spokesman, Stephane DuJarric, said in a statement in New York that Major General Uba would succeed Major General Leonard Ngondi of Kenya, who would complete his tour of duty on February 25. Before his appointment, Uba served as the Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army and the

Commandant of the Nigerian Army Peacekeeping Centre from 2013 to 2014. He also served as Sector Commander with the UN Mission in Liberia, UNMIL, from 2010 to

2012 and Company Commander with UN Protection Force, UNPROFOR, from 1992 to 1993. Uba has Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, Business Administration and Peace and Conflict

from University of Ibadan, Imo State University, and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) respectively. He is married and has three children.

Nigeria ‘ll not disintegrate— Archbishop Ademowo

HE Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most RevdDr. E.A. Ademowo, has said that contrary to the negative predictions and speculations of some people, Nigeria will not disintegrate after all. He said Ni-

geria is a big family of families bound by natural love, and has over time overcome tribal manipulations. According to a statement signed on behalf of Ademowo by Archdeacon of Kirikiri , Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion),Venerable Levi Opara, he observed that in

every family in Nigeria there is a strong trans-tribal tie either by marriage, business or association, he therefore admonished politicians to eschew inciting statements and consider the fate of the lessprivileged who will definitely suffer the consequences of their utterances.

HE Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fasola, rights activists and members of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) led by Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu paid tribute to the late Rev. Adetunji Adebiyi who was laid to rest yesterday. Fashola who was represented by the Lagos State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Otunba Dele Ajomale said Adebiyi was a man with uncommon record of service who gave his best to ensure the country return to democracy. He said Adebiyi spent his life struggling for the betterment of the ordinary man both on the political plane and in the spiritual realm. Ajomale said: “We were in South Africa one day, every morning he would disappear, so I asked him one day why do you always disappear every morning, he told me he was trying to get admission for one of his students. He was a man who was committed to the betterment of the people even if it was affecting him. “I thank God for his life which he lived in a fulfilled way. The government will not abandon him, the government has promised to award scholarship to his children who are presently undergoing training at higher institutions. Also speaking NADECO chieftain Kanu said the late Adebiyi’s role during the struggle for democracy cannot be quantified, noting that he was the bridge between members of NADECO who went underground and the public. He said the late NADECO chief was never found wanting, stressing that it was with the same gut he preached at the pulpit. “Tunji was such an upright man who dedicated his time and life to make this country great. He refused to be intimidated or cowed.” Similarly Convener Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER) Ayo Opadokun said: “He get committed to service than to personal gains. When I was in hiding, it was him who knew where I was.”

New council chief promises infrastructural development

HE newly appointed Executive Secretary of Agbado/ Oke-Odo Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, Hon David Famuyiwa has promised to promote infrastructure and community development initiatives that would uplift the lives of residents. At the swearing in of the members of the transition committee of the council area on Tuesday, Famuyiwa asked for the cooperation of all stakeholders and residents of Agbado/Oke-Odo LCDA for efficient delivery of services. “On behalf of my committee, members and leaders of our great party, I want to express my gratitude for the warm reception accorded us by our colleagues in the civil service led by the Council Manager, Mrs Mayowa Ikuforiji, who has held forte since the tenure of the last administration expired. “The rehabilitation of two critical link roads; Ajakaiye and Idowu Adeniji streets carried out under the watch of Mrs Ikuforiji is a testimony of the council’s capacity to deliver services when properly mobilized. In her remarks, Mrs Ikuforiji said: “I thank God that with the limited resources at our disposal, we have been able to make impact on the lives of the residents.I want to assure the new leadership of this council area that we shall work together as a team in order to achieve success.”

Police warn vehicle owners

HE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of abandoned vehicles parked at Man Centre Police Division, Ikeja and Makinde Division, Oshodi, Lagos, to remove them or lose them to a public auction after 14 days. The abandoned vehicles include Mazda car (reg no: GF 872 LSR); Volkswagen Golf car (reg no: LND 789 BD) and Honda CRV Sports Utility Vehicle (reg no: HY 853 EKY)

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

Innocent DURU

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Publications on Ukpabi Asika in the offing

My brother was assassinated, sibling of slain Ondo A doctor, Oguntuase, insists A ‘ S the family and sympathisers of the late paediatrician, Dr. David Oguntuase, are anxiously awaiting the report of the postmortem conducted by pathologists the last may not have been heard about the death of the former Acting Medical Director and Head of Paediatrics Unit of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owo. The late medical doctor died in an inferno that consumed his private clinic at Oke-Ibukun Area of Akure, the Ondo State capital on December 25, last year. Sources said samples of the remains of the late medical doctor have already been sent to the United States for further investigation. However, his elder brother, Otunba Ben Oguntuase,an engineer, insisted that the death of his 54-year-old sibling was through what he called well- planned assasination. The senior Oguntuase told The Nation that the body of the deceased was cut into pieces before fire was set on the building that burnt him beyond recognition. He said: “Adetayo was number three to me in birth; he would have clocked 54 years on January 16, 2015. His death is a personal feeling of huge loss to me. I am overwhelmed by the bestiality of the extreme cruel act, which is beyond human comprehension. "From our findings and analysis of various photographs, some hired assasins were involved. He was shot in the chest. The killers struggled with him, laid him face down using butchers’ knives to cut several parts of his

•Late Dr. Oguntuase

Damisi OJO, Akure

From our findings and analysis of various photographs, some hired assasins were involved. He was shot in the chest. The killers struggled with him, laid him face down using butchers’ knives to cut several parts of his body. They cut one foot on the left; they severed one of his hands a little above the elbows and cut it in order not to have any opportunity of survival

‘

body. They cut one foot on the left; they severed one of his hands a little above the elbows and cut it in order not to have any opportunity of survival.” Oguntuase said the burglary proof to the late doctor’s office was forcefully removed and after cutting him into pieces, he alleged that the suspected killers sprinkled petroleum on his body and the whole building before they escaped by jumping into the neighbours's house and escaped. His words: "My brother was killed via a planned assasination and this is against the claim of electric surge. In the first place, we learnt from neigbours that there was no electricity in the area in the past seven days; also the generator for the clinic was intact when we got there, no sign of any spark. "Our observation was that the deceased was about going home when the killers came; they locked the doors inside so that nobody could come for rescue mission.” Asked if the family suspected anybody of complicity in the incident, the 64-year-engineer said he is aware that the family was having a running battle with a colleague over an issue. The bereaved engineer said his late younger brother was an intelligent officer who had a stint with the Nigerian Navy (NN) and left in 2009 as Naval Commander. He decried the claim that the medical doctor died as a result of electric surge. Oguntuase, who said he had travelled widely, described the statement as strange and very funny. He, however, commended members of the Nigeria Medical. Association (NMA) for their support, particularly on their resolve to ensure the quick conduct of autopsy on late Oguntuase, after which they would release the body for burial. The late Dr. Oguntuase’s elder brother urged the police to quickly conclude its investigation on the matter. The Police spokesman in the state, Wole Ogodo, said investigation was progressing on the incident.

•Portion where his body was discovered

big multimedia project featuring a website, two book launches, a documentary and an exhibition highlighting the life and times and activities in and out of office of Ajie Dr Ukpabi Asika, Administrator of former East Central State, is to be unveiled soon. Asika served from 28 October 1967 – July 1975 having been appointed by General Yakubu Gowon to replace Col Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu w ho was governor of Eastern Region. According to Obodoechina Asika, son of the erudite scholar who was the only civilian among the soldiers in the realms of Nigeria leadership during and immediately after the Nigeria Civil War, “the multimedia project is one of the biggest projects on any known Nigerian leader and has been crafted over the past three years to throw light on the man and his life and his views about Nigeria. It consists of a website, a full archive of documents, letters, important policy information and private communications”. Asika added:”The website contains a documentary; an insight into the man and his life while there are over 60 interviews with friends, family members and principal actors from all sides of his life and work. Also expected are the book launches; Ukpabi Asika in his own words, a compendium of his words, speeches, letters, policies and other important works. The project also features an exhibition comprising over 30, 000 images, documents, artifacts, antiquities and memorabilia collected during his eight years of exemplary reign over the place that now has five states namely; Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi. Speaking further, Asika while thanking those who have already given their time for the success of the project, said the family and friends hope to take this multi-media project conceptualised, funded and driven by the family without external support on an international road show with the support of those who knew and loved Dr Ukpabi Asika.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

The hospitality industry has suffered in recent times as a result of poor infrastructure, rising energy and overhead cost. While hotels in the country with global affiliations have the financial muscle to weather the storm, it is not the same for indigenously owned ones. In this interview with ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI, the President of White House Hotels, Mr. Austin Eruoto, whose hotel recently marked 10 years of operation, shared his views on why Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospitality industry is still on its knees, unlike what obtains in Ghana and Benin Republic. Excerpts:

â&#x20AC;˘Eruoto

How power problem hospitality industry Why are you into the hospitality business? N why I am into hospitality business it is because it is the business I enjoy doing. It affords you the opportunity to meet people every day; essentially influential people. How will you rate the Nigerian hospitality industry, especially from the point of view of an indigenous entrepreneur who has been in the business in the last one decade? Nigeria is a big market and so many brands, mainly international ones, are coming into the country. These brands have realised that and they make a lot of money in Nigeria because of our population, our oil industry, and we have a lot of other mineral resources that encourage investment. Many investors in the

world are realising that Nigeria is a place to be, despite our security challenges. There are so many hotels coming up in almost all the key cities in the country. And when you look at the American economy, they are not doing well, and the European economy is at a standstill. Nigeria has become a beautiful bride of the world economy; there are a lot of opportunities, which do not exist in America and Europe. Nigeria is the place to be now. Everybody is coming to Nigeria in spite of all the negative publicity we get. For instance, Nigeria is the only place in the world where you can make 100 per cent or more on your investment. But the locals do not realise this. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t appreciate what we have. The whole world is coming here. If our government changes its attitude, you will see Nigeria at the forefront. When we started on Toyin Street 10 years ago, you could count the number of hotels here, even though many could only pass as guest houses. Today, we have some international brands on this street. At Ikeja GRA along Joel Ogunnaike, there were only four hotels when we started, but today we have about 14 on that stretch alone. There are four hotels under construction. What are the operational challenges facing this industry? The immediate problem we have in our sector is that of power, because it is messing up the entire economy. We run on generator 24 hours because there is no way a visitor will come to your hotel and you tell him there is no power supply. In my hotel, we have three power generating sets to power this place; we cannot rely on only one. In an ideal situation, generator is supposed to be a back-up but in our case the public power is now the back-up. The cost of fuelling and maintaining generators is very high. That fund could be used for something else if there was regular public power supply. Sometimes, there will be scarcity of fuel and also the quality of fuel we get most times is questionable because most of it is adulterated and once you put that in your engine, it damages the engine. So, we have lots of obstacles, starting from power and we also have the problem of multiple taxation. This is another major challenge the hospitality industry in this country is confronted with. We thank God because 10 years is not a joke to stay in business in a country as tough as Nigeria and where the government is not ready to support businesses. Why is the Return on Investment (RoI) high in Nigeria? Our laws are weak on foreigners. Our financial policy is faulty, foreign investors pull funds from abroad and invests seamlessly where local investors find it difficult. In Nigeria, a bank prefers to grant foreign investors facilities despite the fact that they do not need to borrow, but locals sweat to get one quarter of what is given to foreigners. These are the possible reasons that return on investment (RoI) in Nigeria is very high compared to other markets. There are a lot of opportunities here. What would you say are the reasons for the low standard in the local hospitality industry? Several factors contribute to the low standard of the hospitality business. Though there is a huge improvement

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

If I tell you how much we spend on diesel, you will be surprised. A country doesn’t develop faster with generator power. The money used for diesel is supposed to be used for training and other things that will improve standard. We are using the money to buy diesel and generator. A generator is supposed to be a backup but public power is a backup here. Imagine not having power supply for one week and nobody is doing anything about it.

is messing up –White House Hotels President Austin Eruoto

compared to what happened in the 90s. But basically, government policy has impacted negatively on everything we do. For instance, the interest rate banks charge us is suffocating; it is as high as between 25 per cent and 30 per cent. How are you going to pay back, let alone make profit to stay in business? Power supply is a big issue in Nigeria. For instance, Ghana and Benin Republic have constant public power supply and can’t afford to compromise on standard because they don’t have any reason to do so. If I tell you how much we spend on diesel, you will be surprised. A country doesn’t develop faster with generator power. The money used for diesel is supposed to be used for training and other things that will improve standard. We are using the money to buy diesel and generator. A generator is supposed to be a backup but public power is a backup here. Imagine not having power supply for one week and nobody is doing anything about it. Other African countries have the facilities on the ground and their population is not as big as ours. Look at this business for example; if I am in an organised economy, •Eruoto we would have been all over Nigeria by now. The banks will support me. Other African countries are more orCan you tell me any hotel in Nigeria that ganised than us. has more than 200 rooms? You can count But hotels are everywhere, where do they them on the fingers in one hand, even in get funding? Lagos. Can Nigeria host the Olympics From the private investors, we have a lot Games today? Certainly no, it is not possible of foreign brands coming to Nigeria. They because we don’t have enough standard have now realised that Nigeria is a goldhotel accommodation. If we are to host the mine. When you look at the average rate of Olympics today and two million people hotel accommodation in Nigeria compared come to Lagos, how are you going to accomto Europe, Nigeria is very high. Nigerian homodate them? Anybody can claim a five-star tels are very expensive because we don’t hotel but I know the industry is still far behave infrastructure. Some of these foreign hind five-star standard. brands that come here are very low brands Recently, the country experienced the in their countries but when they get to NigeEbola Virus Disease (EVD). How did this ria, they become very high brands. For inaffect hotel patronage in particular, and the stance, they charge between $30 and $40 per hospitality industry in general? room in Europe but charge between N29,000 Thank God we managed it well. The occuand N30,000 in Nigeria. So, all of them want pancy rate fell because people in the oil into come here. What they make here, they can dustry went back, everybody was scared. never make in their countries. What they The Lagos State government rose to the chalmake in 10 years over there is what they lenge and other states followed. Those who make in one year in Nigeria. were supposed to come in could not. But Is there any five-star hotel in Nigeria, by thank God for the way Ebola was managed. all standards?

SMEs Business plan – Part one Introduction usiness plan is a pre-requisite for every entrepreneur that wants to succeed in business. It has been said that when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Business plan is translating your idea into a workable document. It is an important roadmap on your journey to success in business. The whole essence of business plan is to force you to think and prepare for every aspect of the

business. It is a very strategic document that gives an organized structure to your business ideas. It is a document that should also be guided jealously. Why is Business Plan Important? It helps you as an entrepreneur to keep focus on your business objectives. It is a document that outlines the prospects and potentials in your business

Even Nigerians in their homes didn’t come out until Nigeria was declared Ebola free. The hotels are booming again. But I am sure that hotels would have lost so much in monetary terms running into billions of naira, because most people who came to Nigeria to work, especially in the oil industry, quickly ran back. Thank God for someone like Dr Stella Adedevoh who sacrificed herself for others to live. These are the kinds of people to be honoured. How do you cater for your guests, especially when it comes to menu? It depends on who is coming in. Some foreigners want to try our food. I have white people who drink pepper soup. But when you are operating hospitality business, you provide for everybody, not just your country food. You have to be international. That is what tourism is all about. When you travel abroad you will see Nigerian restaurants where they sell Nigerian food. I have many Indian and Chinese customers; I have to get their food. If I don’t, they will go to another place. Don’t forget there is competition in this business. You have to go to the market to get customers. One good thing about Nigeria is that when you have a good product you must sell. Good products will enable you to survive competition. While other hospitability markets thrive on franchising, Nigerian operators rely on entrepreneurial ownership. Do we have enough hotels in the country to host the world? To be very frank with you, we don’t have enough hotels in Nigeria. I don’t think we have a five-star hotel in Nigeria. For instance if Nigeria should host the World Cup today, I don’t think we will be able to host it because we haven’t got enough accommodation for people that will be coming in. Secondly, for those franchises that are coming in, I think they are just creating employment for their own countries instead of our own people because I don’t see any way they are better than our own hotels. The government needs to look into this to encourage more local hotels because we are even doing better and it is good we create a better environment for our own people first and as they say charity begins at home. Most of our services are personalised because we know what our people want. Even if you bring an expatriate, he can only sit in the office and collect money, the Nigerian will do the greater part of the job because the environment here is different from what is obtainable in the UK or South Africa. Again, foreign hotel brands are beginning to show interest in Nigeria, hence several entrants like Protea, Intercontinental and so on. Why do you think Nigerians go for foreign hotel brands? Most people don’t want to start their own business from the scratch. They don’t want to go through too much risk. Those people who are investing in the hospitality business might not really be into the game, they believe if they build the brand, they will be able to recover their investment more quickly but at the same time it is good to build a brand. I don’t believe in imitating a foreign brand, I believe in building a local brand and taking it international. Once you give quality service, people will accept your products and services and you become your own brand. Most people just want to bring a brand name and make their money more quickly but it doesn’t work like that. I believe in building the Nigerian brand. Hotel business is one of the most challenging in the world. Beyond those challenges you earlier started, one of the most difficult areas is management of quality in multiple outlets and this is counting against the local brands. How do you ensure uniformity of service in your outlets? Most of it has to do with training. We do multiple training for our members of staff. Sometimes we shift people from Toyin Street,

to GRA Ikeja, and vice versa. We have some standards we set for ourselves and we cannot come below our standards. We indulge in frequent trainings of our members of staff and with it we maintain the same standards in all our outlets. We have also been able to put quality control in place. Service is our unique selling proposition. Whatever you take here, when you go to Toyin or any of our branches, in the nearest future, the quality will be the same. So we place a lot of premium on our quality and staff training. And also because we are trying to develop a culture, if you are in Toyin, GRA or up-north, the service will strictly be the same. Hospitality business thrives well when you inculcate habit of training your staff without fear of losing them to competition. We are not afraid to train and retrain. In White House Hotel, training comes first before any other thing. We also observe that several hotels are being set up in Ikeja GRA. Who are the target market? In Ikeja GRA, we have a lot of oil and gas expatriates. GRA is upscale, so we do a lot of direct marketing with oil companies especially. Therefore, most of our customers are not mostly entertainment personalities but corporate clients. We drive niche market in hospitality unlike our competitors. Again, I think hotel business is driven by niche marketing but here in Nigeria, a brand of hotel wants to mean everything for everybody, that is why the country is unable to produce a single Five-Star hotel. What has been the most challenging period in the course of building this White House brand? HEN we started, we were mostly doing entertainment and night club. We were mostly dealing with the youths; then and you know the major problem associated with the youths; they are always broke. They come to us for album lunch and sometimes after dancing in the club at night, they come to you in the morning to ask for transport fare. We started like a joke because we gave a lot to the youth. Today in Lagos, I can say most of these popular artistes passed through White House. D’Banj, for example, did his first album lunch in the White House Hotel and when I see him today, I am happy. We also had the challenge of running cost. In starting a new business, there are ups and downs. When we started, the cost of putting on the generating set and running it all night was a problem. How do you cope with the problem of security? Security in Nigeria is a very big challenge but we thank God that Lagos is more secured now than other parts of Nigeria. This is because we have a lot of awareness and the dense population. How profitable has it been for you so far? Hospitality is challenging but I will say it’s good, only if you do it right because you have to put at least 50 per cent of what you earn back into the business. If you don’t put it back, you are in trouble. A lot of hotels are springing up. You’ve highlighted some of the challenges of the business. Have you been able to channel your grievances through the industry association to government to address these issues? We haven’t been able to do that because when you look at Lagos State, we pay bills to the Federal Government and we pay another five per cent Consumption Tax to the Lagos State government. The association took Lagos State to court on this matter and it won the case but I can tell you that we are still paying that five percent till today. Why are your members still paying abrogated tax? Lagos State said it had appealed the judgement and we don’t know how long it will take for that appeal to be determined.

n Tomi Omoguwa n

It help you attract third party investors and outside finance for your business It is also a management tool because it serves as a guide on how to manage the company for growth. It also helps to anticipate and plan for change(s) in your business. It helps to give you direction in executing and carryout you business. It also helps you to sell your

business idea to potential supporters and financiers especially, friends and family members. It also makes the staff and management to commit to the goals and targets set. Who Needs A Business Plan? The entrepreneur The banks Partners Family and friends Venture capitalist/ Angel investors

Business helpers e.g your consultants, Lawyers, Accountants etc. Management team. When to Write a Business Plan Start – up businesses Expanding to a new market Developing new product Re – alignment of business operation When the old business plan is out of date Existing business without business plan

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

INDUSTRY MINISTER

People struggling to collect their PVCs

We’renotgivenPVCsat OkiOlodoWard5inIbadan

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

Gbenga ADERANTI

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NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

RE-EKITI in Irepodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State was agog during the funeral of High Chief Johnson Ojo Anisulowo, father of a former board member of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mr Ayo Anisulowo. The deceased was the paternal uncle of Chairman, Ayo Fayose Transition Committee, Chief Dipo Anisulowo. High Chief Anisulowo died on September 18, last year. He was 117. Until his death, Pa Anisulowo, the Odofin of Are-Ekiti, was the second in command to the traditional ruler of Are-Ekiti, Oba Boluwade Adebiyi, the Alare of Are-Ekiti. Funeral activities began on December 11 when the remains of Pa Anisulowo were taken from Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital mortuary to his residence. The remains were received by his family and the chiefs of Are-Ekiti. On Friday December 12, some of the Chiefs came to perform their last respect before he was taken to St Andrew Anglican church AreEkiti in a silver colour coffin. During the church service, the presiding priest, Ven Oke Olanrewaju, described late Anisulowo as a man with deep love for his children and the people. According to Ven Olanrewaju, Pa Anisulowo showered love and kindness on his children and the people. “I have heard about his generosity and philanthropy long before I got here. This is a challenge to others to also show love to their children and people so that such good things would be said about them when they are gone,”the cleric said. One of the deceased’s sons, Toyin Anisulowo, a correspondent with the Hallmark newspapers, described his father as a disciplinarian. “Baba,” he said, “was a good farmer and cocoa merchant. He was hardworking, outstanding and courageous among his peers.” After the church service, the pall bearers took Pa Anisulowo’s remains for interment at his residence. Guests were later entertained at the reception. The deceased was one of the founders of the Ireso Group Dancers. He used to dress like a

The funeral of High Chief Johnson Ojo Anisulowo, father of former board member of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mr Ayo Anisulowo, has been held in Are-Ekiti in Ekiti State.

Farewell to ‘a disciplinarian’ •From left: Mrs Beatrice Bolaji; Oba Oguntuase; Kayode Anisulowo and Toyin Anisulowo

cow boy during his middle age. Whenever he was going out, he would put on knickers, a shirt and a face cap. He was widely travelled. Widely believed to be the oldest man in Ekiti at 117, the late Pa Anisulowo was born into the family of High Chief Ogunla Anisulowo, the ‘Salaja’ of Are -Ekiti and Princess Falele Ogauna Anisulowo. He lost his mother at an early age and was nurtured by his eldest sister, the late Mrs Oluwatoyin Elegbeleye, mother of Prof Femi Elegbeleye, also of blessed memory. He was the only son of his mother and was as such, given special care by his father to the extent that the deceased was not allowed to have formal education. He was later taken to

Ado-Ekiti by his senior brother, Chief Julius Adefunmilayo Anisulowo popularly known as ‘‘Anisulowo Hotel’’ to live with him. He started his career by engaging in buying and selling clothing and textile materials. He thereafter got married to his first wife, Mrs Felicia Asinmowu Anisulowo (Nee Seriki) when he was in Ado-Ekiti; he came back to Are-Ekiti where he started engaging in farming and selling farm produce. He married a second wife, Mrs Eunice Adebimpe Anisulowo (Nee Olaofe) and later married Caroline Folake Anisulowo (Nee Olorunfemi). When he was 110 old years, he usually attended the old age ceremony at St. Andrew’s

Anglican Church. He is survived by three wives, siblings, 15 children and many grand children. Dignitaries at the occasion were Chief of Staff to Ekiti State governor, Dr. Aderemi Anisulowo; Olori Funke Omtoyinbo; Prof Femi Elegbeleye; Prof Femi Olaofe; Chief Dipo Anisulowo; Prophet Sam Olu-Alo; Chief Mrs Dupe Orubuloye; Hon Foluso Adesokan; Chief Ropo Adesanya; Care taker, Ekiti East Local Government, Hon Toye Oke; Olori Bosede Adebiyi; Mr Wande Adebiyi; Ekiti State Chairman Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Commrade Laolu Omosilade; and members of the Ekiti State Correspondents’ chapel.

MAULID NABBIYY ORGANISED BY MUSLIM COMMUNITY OF LAGOS STATE AT TAFAWA BALEWA SQUARE, LAGOS

•From left: Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Dr. Abdullahi Awelenje; Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf; Bashorun Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy and Prof Tajudeen Gbadamosi

SWEARING-IN

•From right: Former Lagos Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Alhaja Wonu Folami; wife of the late Justice Muri Okunola, Alhaja Ramdat Fehintola Okunola and Alhaja Muinat Osin

SWEARING-IN •Newly Executive Secretary of Igando/ Ikotun Local Council Development Area, Wale Azeez, speaking during swearing-in members of the Advisory Board. With him are Onigando of Igando, Oba Lasisi Gbadamosi; Onikotun of Ikotun, Oba Afeez Asiwaju (right) and immediate past council chairman Morenike Adeshina Williams.

•The executive secretary, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Hon. Dawood Adeola Olajobi declaring the newly sworn in appointees as members of the transitional committee.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

•The late Adedibu

AMolete ded i b u ’ s ‘palace’ lies

fallow ...six years after •Widow, aides, neighbours relive times with ‘strong man’ of Ibadan politics IME was 11 am. The Molete, Ibadan home of the late selfstyled Alaafin Molete (the overlord of Molete), Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, was a ghost community. The only sign of life inside the expansive ‘palace’ was the presence of the five security men and drivers. With the general elections barely few weeks away, you need no soothsayer to tell you that the story of the home of the inventor of amala and gbegiri politics has completely changed.

n Tayo JOHNSON, Ibadan n In times past, a time like this would see Adedibu’s house and indeed the enire Molete neighbourhood, a beehive of activities, as politicians seeking his endorsement would throng his house armed with truck-load of goodies, which Adedibu would have in turn ensured is shared among his large followers.

Continued on page 41

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

Widow, aides, neighbours relive times with ‘strong man’ of Ibadan politics

•The visitors room

•Mrs Adedibu

Continued from page 40 When The Nation visited the late politician's abode during the week, the fortress was a shadow of itself – near-desolate, quiet and fast past its old glory. The compound comprises five buildings and halls. One of the halls housed portraits of great politicians like Alhaji Adegoke Adelabu, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Adisa Akinloye, among others. Adedibu's grave stood opposite the main building, the top floor, from which he dished out orders in his lifetime. The expansive estate is now being occupied by his widow, Bose, and other family members, all without the large crowds that thronged the compound during Adedibu's era.

•Olopoenia

Back in the day, the story of his home was that of a Mecca, where more than 1000 adherents, especially the poor and unemployed, touts and political thugs were fed every day of the year. However, the death of Ibadan politics’ ‘strongman’ on the 11th of June, 2008, may have forever changed the face of politics in the capital city of the old Western State.. While many political analysts may be quick to say that Adedibu's days were dominated by unorthodox political strategies, but his firm grip on his followers who had consistently delivered victories to his anointed candidates cannot be questioned. This much was on display in the face-off between the ‘godfather’ and his former political son, former governor of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja, in the disputed sharing for-

•Oloko

mula of the state security vote. While the ‘godfather’ believed he deserved a good percentage of the vote, the governor then refused to play ball. But the governor lost out in the battle, losing his seat in a controversial impeachment. The Alaafin Molete was not just a dominant figure in Oyo State’s political landscape, he also distinguished himself as a grassroots mobiliser who understood the importance of a grassroot followership. Interestingly, while the Garrison Commander of Ibadan politics was better known for his politics, it has been revealed that he was also a very religious person. He was said to have single-handedly built 15 mosques within the Ibadan metropolis, including the one inside his Molete mansion.

Continued on page 42

Although the family is still very kind to the needy and we are doing our best to carry on with my husband's legacy, but I know we cannot be like him. I am still an active member of PDP but I am not thinking of going into any elective position, but very soon one of his sons will go into politics actively again

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

•The main building of late Adedibu

Widow, aides, neighbours relive times with ‘strong man’ of Ibadan politics In a chat with The Nation, one of his close aides and a chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Alh Adebisi Olopoenia, described the late politician as a philanthropist who accommodated a lot of people. According to him, while alive, anyone who entered Adedibu’s compound with tears came out with joy and laughter. "Since Baba Adedibu's demise, politics in Oyo State and South West has not been the same because most of his followers have deviated from his political style. And that is why our party lost in elections. We don't normally visit his home again because there is no one like him in his family again. What is happening now in our party would have been prevented and all of us that benefitted from his school of thought would have stood united under one umbrella," Olopoenia said. Similarly, another ‘godson’, Alhaji Abass Oloko, said Adedibu's shoes are simply too big for anyone to step into, adding that he was a God-sent angel to the downtrodden in the society. Speaking with a tinge of sadness in his voice, Oloko said the late politician will be remembered for his grassroots politics, which, he said, endeared him to the downtrodden in Oyo State. He described Adedibu as a loyal party man whose style of politics earned him many

Some neighbours told The Nation that while Adedibu was a blessing to the poor people, some of the hangers-on he used to feed seized the opportunity to harass and rob them

friends and foes. "How I wish our Baba Adedibu was still around for more years to offer the needed counsel to political office holders in the state," he said. In an interview, Adedibu's widow, Bose, said since her husband's demise, some of the beneficiaries of his kind gesture had disappeared, while some who are still grateful still come to check on the family. "We are all human beings and that is the nature of human beings because when your benefactor is no more, you may desert his family. Although people like Sen. Teslim Folarin, Alhaji Gbolarunmi, Ambassador Arapaja still check on us sometimes," she said The widow said her husband's lifetime was dedicated to the service of humanity, robbing him of the time for other business activities. "Baba does not have so many property after his demise because he was someone that did't believe in stockpiling belongings. Instead, he gave them out to those he felt needed them the most.” While confessing that there may be some controversies surrounding his property, she said: “There are issues on the small property he left behind, but the family is managing it and there is no widespread rancour. The other land he bought and paid an intention fee on has been retrieved by the state government.” It was also revealed that apart from his Molete residence, which parades five buildings, the late Adedibu also owned about 23 buildings within the Molete axis of Ibadan. Although Bose was not ready to disclose the current manager of the landed property, sources disclosed that the late renowned philanthropist and businessman, the Aare Musulumi, Alh Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao, who was also an Adedibu’s benefactor, was in charge of the estate before his death last year. She further stated that the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state would have been averted if her husband was still alive. Bose said: "What is happening in the PDP in this state now is to show the vacuum created by Adedibu's demise, because he would have called all the aggrieved party chieftains to order because they all grew up from his political empire. “One of the things I learnt from my husband is that if you love your party, you will not decamp to another party. You will stay there and fight for your right. Those who have defected to other parties from the PDP are only self-centred and it's not good for our democracy.”

Bose also disclosed that the family has continued with the legacy of the late politician, adding that one of the sons would be entering the murky waters of politics soon. “Although the family is still very kind to the needy and we are doing our best to carry on with my husband's legacy, but I know we cannot be like him. I am still an active member of PDP but I am not thinking of going into any elective position, but very soon one of his sons will go into politics actively again.” Unfortunately, Adedibu's political dynasty is now in shambles. Some of the students of his school like former Governor of the state, Otunba, Adebayo AlaoAkala, former deputy governor, Alhaji Gbolarumi Hazeem, his counterpart, Alh. Taofeek Arapaja, Alhaji Abass Oloko and Mr Gbenga Adewusi aka (Arole) among others are all currently in separate camps. His dynasty's collapse became evident after his son, Sen. Kamorudeen Adedibu, lost his second term bid as Senator in the 2011 election. No one currently wields the kind of command Adedibu had in Oyo State politics. Investigations also revealed that while many of Adedibu’s followers continue to mourn his death, a few have expressed mixed feelings about his passing. On this, some of his neighbours and traders around the Molete area, said they have never had it so good. Some neighbours told The Nation that while Adedibu was a blessing to the poor people, some of the hangers-on he used to feed seized the opportunity to harass and rob them. For a neighbour, who pleaded anonymity, "Thuggery, armed robbery and hooliganism have ceased in this area since baba died. When he was alive nobody dared come out after 7pm in this area because you were likely be robbed. It even got to a point I was thinking of selling my house. “But, it became worse in 2008 after Adedibu's death, some of the hangerson, having no one to feed them again, started robbing the residents from Molete to Oke-Bola, but it latter subsided in 2011 when the new administration took over power. Now, we enjoy a new fresh air and relive." But for another resident, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, Baba Adedibu will forever be missed by all and sundry. He lamented that Molete which used to be a 'Mecca' when he was alive has become as quiet as a cemetery. "When Baba was alive, most times I didn't even bother to cook because I knew my meal was certain. Amala with

Continued from page 40

When Baba was alive, most times I didn't even bother to cook because I knew my meal was certain. Amala with big meat would be served in the afternoon and sometimes, one might be lucky to get up to N1,000 a day from politicians seeking his favour. No one can replace him because he was a philanthropist and a kind-hearted person

big meat would be served in the afternoon and sometimes, one might be lucky to get up to N1,000 a day from politicians seeking his favour. No one can replace him because he was a philanthropist and a kind-hearted person." he said Madam Arike, a shop owner close to Adedibu's house, has consistently lamented the death of strong politician. According to her, "I sell sachet water and soft drinks; when Baba was alive, I made between N20,000 and N30,000 daily, depending on the weather. I am a widow and it's what I realised from this sales that I used in training two of my children in the university. The reverse is the case since five years ago; sales have dropped and I hardly make N5,000 in a day. How I wish Baba can come back to life again." Another trader, who pleaded anonymity, spoke rhetorically when asked about her sales and the impact of Adedibu's death. She said:" Can anyone replace Baba in my life? Does any of those greedy politicians care like he did? Why did Allah take him so early for me to suffer? Nothing to sell or eat again. Now, I eat from hand to mouth since we were chased from the under bridge. I always pray to God to give us a man like him again. When he was alive, I was a champion with the rapid sales of my food items. But now I have low sales."

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

with

Escapades of fun-loving city ladies Co-ordinated by Patience Saduwa 08023201831 (sms only) psaduwa@yahoo.com

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with Mercy Michael 0703472211 mercymike58@gmail.com

To be continued next week

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E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com TEL:08116759807

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Edo secures N5.7bn World Bank facility to fight erosion n Osemwengie BEN OGBEMUDIA n OVERNOR Adams knows next to nothing and Oshiomhole of Edo he brought a tractor which State has disclosed he himself could not reclaim that the state government from the valleys of the erohas secured a N5.7 billion fa- sion cility from the World Bank “I am happy to announce to tackle the erosion problem to your Royal Highness that at Auchi, Etsako West Local we have redesigned and carGovernment Area of the ried out a thorough study of State. the Auchi erosion challenge. The governor said the faWe got internationally-reccility was secured by the ognized consultants to carry government after the state out the study and they have was abandoned to its fate by come up with a design the Federal Government, which will provide a lasting which he alleged refused to solution to the problem of release funds to the state flooding in Auchi and on the from the Ecological Fund to basis of this study, we have address erosion problems in forwarded it to Washington many parts of the state. for them to look at it and to Speaking at the commisconfirm if the design is apsioning of the Auchi-Jattupropriate.” Afashio-Ikabigbo-Ojio road Speaking further, Oshiomon Thursday, Oshiomhole hole said, “We have done said, “Erosion has been a our estimate and carried out problem that has been a bill of engineering measthreatening the existence of urement. We advertised the Auchi as a community. Not project on the basis of those only has erosion destroyed designs, contractors have the farmlands, erosion has bided, and rather than givalso destroyed a number of ing this thing to Adams roads and even killed a Nigeria Limited as some number of our people. other people would have “A series of petitions have done, we have awarded the been written to the Federal contract to a competent comGovernment for intervenpany, Setraco Nigeria Limtion. I know on an occasion, ited. the Royal Highness, the “We have forwarded the Otaru of Auchi, decided to results of these reports to lead the Auchi community Washington. You may ask on a protest march and he why Washington? It is bedemonstrated around this cause we didn’t have any area, hoping that somebody federal help from the ecologwould listen. ical funds. But we are deter“There was an attempt to mined that the poverty of address the erosion problem, our pockets can be overbut whereas the people of come with the resourcefulAuchi wanted a solution, ness of our brains. We have somebody wanted to monesecured facilities of N5.7 biltize the problem. They gave lion to address the problem the job to a contractor who of Auchi erosion.

•Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun (3rd left), handing over the party's flag to Nyerere Chinenye Ayim, gubernatorial candidate of the party in Abia State...yesterday

Group canvases peaceful elections n Uyoatta ESHIET, Uyo n S Nigerians prepare for the next month’s general elections, an umbrella body of political groups under the aegis Conference of Political Group Leaders (CPGL) has called for peaceful elections in Akwa Ibom State and the country in general. The group, which met yesterday at their Secretariat in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, said the call became necessary because of the general elections in the country. The group's president, Ambassador Ukai Udeme Emmanuel, who is also the state coordinator of peace advocacy group, said the coming together of the leaders of the different political groups, especially at this time, is to ensure that the state and nation record peaceful elections next month. "Political contest of any kind should not be a do or die affair. Conflicts that lead to destruction because of election should be discouraged by every responsible person," he added. According to him, the CPGL wants to create platform to sensitize leaders who will in turn sensitize their people about the need for peaceful elections. "If we contribute to a peaceful co- existence in our country, we would have been able to advance a peaceful nation," he said.

Delta youths laud MD of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria HE Niger Delta Youth Caucus, (NDYC) has lauded the Managing Director of Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Mr. Gimba Ya’u Kumo for his purposeful leadership as MD of the bank. According to a statement signed by the group’s president, Comrade Splendour Agbonkpolor, Mr. Gimba Ya’u Kumo has performed impressively since he took over in 2010, especially in the area of housing scheme. “Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, which before was in a serious mess prior the assumption of office of Mr. Gimba Ya’u Kumo and

today the story of housing scheme in Nigeria has improved positively”. Agbonkpolor added that the success achieved so far by FMBN wouldn’t have been possible without Ya’u Kumo who was able to turn it around, even when it was at the brink of collapse. He also commended Ya’u Kumo on the the recent completed 342 housing unit, Elims Estate in Enugu, which is designed to meet the needs of both middle and low-income earners, with repayment rate of six percent per annum on the balance for extended period of 30 years, subject to the applicants age.

Feb poll: More trouble for Wike ...As Rivers PDP aspiring lawmakers reject his candidacy •Kalabari/Ijaw endorse Peterside group, the Coalition of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants for the Rivers State House of Assembly and the Federal House of Representatives has rejected Barr. Nyesom Wike as the party’s governorship candidate for next month’s election. This was contained in a statement made available today and signed by four members of the coalition, including Mr. Eyaalada Akari, Mr Nature Kieghe, Engr. Francis Ibarakunye, and Mr Iheanyichukwu Paul. The statement noted that the coalition does not recognize any gubernatorial candidate in the state due to flaws in the primary elections. “Several members of the coalition received invitations via SMS to a meeting scheduled for 11 am on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, with an aspirant purporting to be the ‘governorship candidate’ of the Party and the state chairman of the PDP. “In the SMS, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Wike is paraded as the gubernatorial

candidate of the PDP in Rivers State. “Having met at emergency session, we wish to reiterate the fact that to the best of our knowledge, the PDP in Rivers State does not yet have a gubernatorial candidate or any candidate for any other elective offices, except the presidency, following gross fundamental flaws with all other primaries,” the statement said. The coalition dissociated itself from the said meeting, and urged the national leadership of the party to resolve complaints regarding the PDP primaries in the state, adding that failure to do so would have grave consequences at the polls, as the state would be ignorantly handed to the APC. "The truth is that a Wike candidacy poses the greatest risk to PDP. It will tear the party apart with the real possibility of losing a majority of the elections in the state." In a related development, the Kalabari/Ijaw ethnic nationality in Rivers State said they have rejected Barr. Nyesom WIke and have instead en-

dorsed Dr Dakuku Peterside, of the All Progressive Congress (APC) as their gubernatorial candidate. Their position was contained in communiqué read by Chief Broadfield Micheal Jack to journalists Kalabari chiefs, and elders in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday. It said that the decision to support Mr Peterside was to protest the ‘political hegemony of the Ikwerre’. “It is sad that the First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, an acclaimed Rivers daughter, who should share and protect the innermost sensibilities of Rivers people, is at the forefront of institutionalising a political hegemony by openly endorsing a governorship candidate from Ikwerre. “Mr President, as an Ijaw, should have taken timely decision to protect the legitimate political rights of RiversIjaw. But the president chose to act in the same manner as he did concerning the Kalabari oil fields. "If this anomaly remains uncorrected, the candidacy of Dr Dakuku Peterside, who is from Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Area may inspire hope in all other ethnic nationalities in Rivers," the communiqué stated.

Uduaghan wins Silverbird Man of The Year award OVERNOR of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, has been named as the Silverbird Man of the Year 2014. He emerged winner of the prestigious award in a very tight contest among six nominees. According to the organisers, Governor Uduaghan won the award for restoring peace and security to Delta State, provision of free medical care for children and the elderly, massive infrastructural development, and his acclaimed micro credit scheme. The 10th anniversary of the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards will also feature special awards to some prominent individuals and groups, including Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman, Innoson Motors, who won the Silverbird Extra-ordinary Achievement Award for establishing the first indigenous vehicle manufacturing plant in

n Segun AJIBOYE n Nigeria, Dr. Akinwumi Adeshina, for his positive efforts in boosting local food production and drastically reducing the importation of foodstuff. However, a post-humous award will each be bestowed on foremost human rights activist and social crusader, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, famed apostle of politics without bitterness, Alhaji Ibrahim Waziri, and former governor of old Imo State, Chief Sam Mbakwe. A Silverbird Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to acclaimed orator and former Nigerian Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Alhaji Maitama Sule, former Permanent Secretary, Dr. Philip Asiodu and technocrat, administrator and businessman, Dr. Gamaliel Onosode. For its effort in containing the Ebola

Virus Disease in Nigeria, the Silverbird Group has deemed it fit to give special recognition award to the medical team of First Consultant Hospital, led by the Chief Medical Director, Dr. Ifeanyi Ohiaeri, and also to the Lagos State Government, Rivers State Government and Federal Ministry of Health. Past winners of the Silverbird Man of the Year Award include the late Prof. Dora Akunyili, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Dr. Mike Adenuga and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Others are Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Governors Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi and former CBN governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who is now the Emir of Kano. A date for the award ceremony will be announced later.

INEC will no longer be tool in politicians’ hands- Edo REC DO State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Mike Igini, has described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a national institution committed to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, adding that the commission will no longer be a tool in the hands of corrupt politicians. Speaking at the commissioning of the INEC Conference Hall in Calabar, Cross River State, Igini decried the

n Nicholas KALU, Calabar n lack of internal democracy in political parties in the country. "This year's election will be a watershed, a paradigm shift that would bring about the hope of integrity and reliability unequalled in our electoral history. At all times, we strive to do what is right. "Our commitment to do the right thing was initially misunderstood, es-

pecially our emphasis on internal party democracy which is still a problem today, where parties do not even have a minimum requirement of credible register of delegates before conducting elections. "It is inconsiderable that INEC would conduct elections that would be acceptable by the Nigerian people without having a register of voters published. It is the foundation of any good elections,” he said.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

COMMENTARY

Tambuwal: The eagle clocks 49 S one political circle goes for another, elected office holders are traversing the length and breadth of the country giving account of their stewardship in the last four years and seeking a fresh mandate from the people. Many will face their constituents not knowing the sort of reaction they will get. For the fortunate ones, they will be received with open arms, given warm embrace and a new mandate. For the not so lucky, they will be turned back, and will be told to come back in four years, perhaps then, the people’s anger against them would have subsided. In the ancient city of Sokoto tomorrow, Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, will come before the people of his state to present his score card and ask for a new mandate, this time, a mandate to be the Governor of Sokoto State for the next four years under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC). That new mandate will be a new beginning for both Sokoto and Tambuwal. This is because, today, Saturday, January 10, Tambuwal added a new year to his life. He clocked 49. Much has been written about the life and politics of Tambuwal. In summary though, his courage, integrity, generosity and all-embracing character have stood high above everything else. Tambuwal has proven to be a dependable ally, one who can be trusted to be there for the people at all times. His leadership of the House of Representatives has ushered in a period of tranquility not seen in the Green Chamber since the return of democracy in Nigeria in 1999. His performance as Speaker has set the bar in governance. His intrepidity in the face of tough challenges has inspired his colleagues and emboldened them to go about their duties without fear, or favour. For Tambuwal, seeing Nigeria rise to greatness is something akin to obsession. He has, at every available opportunity, reminded Nigerians of the need to promote democracy and respect human rights of all. These ideas stem from his belief that strong democracies are more likely to secure peace, deter aggression, expand markets, promote development, combat terrorism and crime, uphold rights of workers, avoid humanitarian crises, protect and improve the global environment, and protect human health. The Speaker's widely circulated opinions and discourses on good governance, public service, constitutional reform, youth and women empowerment and national development cannot be lost to genuine lovers of our country. He had on many occasions demonstrated his love for country above personal interest and taught others to do the same. In the period since Tambuwal came to national consciousness, he has not lost touch with his base. Importantly, he has maintained what the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Okunade Sijuade, described as “the proper upbringing” the Speaker passed through from his formative years. Perhaps, taking a cue from

Imam IMAMA

• Hon. Tambuwal

past leaders with inestimable value to their communities, Tambuwal has maintained a simple lifestyle dedicated to the service of the less privileged. From the likes Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill, Malcolm X, Aminu Kano and Nelson Mandela, there can be as many ways to lead people as there are leaders. Of particular reference here is Malam Aminu Kano. Before he died over three decades ago, he preached and championed the cause of social justice, environmental harmony and spiritual purification. He upheld the universal principles of truth, honesty, sincerity and keeping to time. Today, these are virtues commonly attributed to Tambuwal. Tambuwal remains the quintessential politician who has defied the notion that politicians, especially of the Nigerian variety, cannot say the truth to the powers that be while still in power. By now, Nigerians have come to identify their Number Four citizen as a fearless man whose words and deeds are not at variance with the hopes and aspirations of the men and women of his beloved country. In a clime polluted by years of sheer indiscipline and unfulfilled promises, the optimism, and testimonies openly exhibited by those who followed his leadership style in Abuja will no doubt gladden the hearts of the people of Sokoto who are now set to have him as their Leader in the coming years. Not since independence have we seen a politician promote an ideology as fervently as the Speaker does. Tambuwal has promoted the concept of a strong dichotomy between politics and governance. To him, there is a marked difference between a candidate in

electoral contest on the platform of a political party and an elected official who has assumed a non-partisan responsibility and taken oath to protect and preserve the constitution, to serve the people and the nation. While the former is not merely at liberty but under a duty to be partisan, the latter must conduct himself in a manner worthy of the call to non-partisanship in governance. And whenever partisan interests conflict with national interest it is partisan interests that must be sacrificed in the preservation of the national interest. Tambuwal's candor, nationalistic outlook, ability to make fair and inclusive decisions, maturity and his desire to interact freely and affectionately with all Nigerians has today earned him the confidence of his colleagues and all Nigerians alike. His strong stance on discipline, accountability, and truth, and his penchant desire to do things differently, has set him aside and made him an example for elected office holders in the federation. At 49, Tambuwal’s life is bedecked with the stellar. As Sam Omotseye once noted, Tambuwal’s quiet but visionary hand has held the often tempestuous House of Representatives on an even keel. This is the same House of riot and broken chairs in the past. He has never attracted scandal to himself. He is equable in temper and felicitous in language. He has secured the House and it does not play slave to the executive, and he has defended his legislative turf. He does not play the games of tribal and religious fidelity in the way that injures the commonwealth of citizens. He does not carry an air of the superior personage. That explains why all the rumoured plots of presidential-inspired impeachment did not fly. He knows how to hold his own without vanity or flamboyance. He is humble without servility, effective without showiness, brilliant without bullying. As he celebrates his birthday today, it is not just the intriguing narrative of how he was elected Speaker of the House, or how he defied countless machinations of the powers that be, that should resonate with political scientists. That experience should also serve as a reminder of the many profound achievements we could record if we rise above the inhibiting considerations of tribe, region and religion. Tambuwal has, like US President Barack Obama said of the great Nelson Mandela, showed us the power of action; of taking risks on behalf of our ideals. In the arc of his life, we see a man who earned his place in history through struggle and shrewdness; persistence and faith. He tells us what’s possible not just in the pages of dusty history books, but in our own lives as well. To this man of courage, I say a happy birthday. •Imam is the Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs to Speaker Tambuwal

Wielding the stick • Continued from Back Page defaulters. We must stop playing politics with key aspects of the game, if we must attain the heights where Nigeria would be default winners of big soccer tournaments like our age-grade teams. Amaju has vowed to investigate, blacklist and prosecute erring referees who bring the game into disrepute. The best security in any game is the presence of unbiased referees who are ready to interpret the laws of the game to the best of their knowledge. But Amaju must ensure that the referees get the right environment to handle the game properly. Match venues must be adequately secured with security operatives whose loyalty mustn’t be to any of the participating teams. Hoodlums caught disturbing public peace at match venues should be arrested, charged to court and punished for their unsportsmanlike conducts. Such punitive measures help in convincing soccer-loving Nigerians to leave their homes to watch the domestic league games the way the throng viewing centres for European matches shown on big screen television sets. The influx of fans into the stadia brings increased revenue for the clubs to settle their players and officials’ bills. No player or official can give his best during matches on empty stomachs. And when the matches are exciting, with winners emerging from their performance on the pitch and not on pre-determined acts from the referees, the corporate firms and wealthy individual would want to identify their goods and services with the clubs of their choice. Of significant importance is the recent trip of some coaches to England for refresher courses, which I know would improve the quality of matches in the local league. There is the need to challenge the NFF and indeed the League Management Committee (LMC) to ensure that games are shown live to Nigerians in as many television stations willing to pay the requisite cash for such coverage. Such games should be shown repeatedly, as it is done in Europe. Erring referees would even be ashamed of

themselves when their relations and friends call them over their shoddy handling of matches. My worry here is what we will do with the new discoveries when we get things right. I must state here that most European clubs thrive on cash earned from inter and intra club transfers. I shudder each time I hear Nigerian teams cry over inadequate funding. Yet there is a yearly mass movement of players among clubs here and in Europe. The NFF must insist on due process in the transfer of our players. This way, they would be able to keep tabs on our best. Our players must be encouraged to join teams outside Nigeria not on bent knees like most of these shylock agents and scouts present them but on the basis of their outstanding performances in our national teams. Interestingly, FIFA has outlawed third party ownership of players. This gives the NFF, for instance, the power to only issue International Transfer Certificates (ITC) to our players after scrutinising the documents that they have signed. Part of the problems of our players is their limited education. There is also the urge for fast cash, having been playing the game at the local scene either on empty stomachs or delayed salaries. Last week, I wrote about the shenanigans in the transfer process here. Thankfully, the Emen Eduok case will help the NFF discover some of the loopholes that greedy agents and scouts exploit to enslave our players in obscure leagues in Europe and the Diaspora. I’m glad that the NFF president expelled Eduok from the Eagles camp. Being in camp is the peg that most unscrupulous agents and scouts use in luring gullible players out of the country. The next step is to find out who took him to those places. Eduok is also culpable for failing to inform the new club that he had signed a deal already. The NFF and the LMC need to educate the domestic league players on the need to read documents presented to them before appending their signatures. Both must start this campaign by insisting on seeing what each player has signed with all the 20 Globacom Premier League teams.

Every club must have a legal department that would make it impossible for any irritant player to sneak out of the country to fall into the kind of trap Uduok may have found himself. Perhaps, if the Nigerian club had a concrete contract with Eduok, it could nullify what the greedy agent lured him into because it can be tendered in court. Youth clubs and their managers should be told that their players don’t attract transfer fees. Youth academies are only entitled to developmental fees for discovering such talents, with the acceptable figures stipulated by FIFA. Thumbs down for Amokachi Psychology is one of the greatest tools of warfare to motivate people to give their best. Leaders urge their followers not to be scared of the opposition but to follow their strategies. So, when the leader starts to instill fear in the led and surrenders even before the first salvo is fired, such a leader ought to be sacked. Daniel Amokachi has failed the first test of coaching the Super Eagles by raising the alarm over players he wants to use to prosecute two friendly games against Cote D’Ivoire and Sudan. Amokachi has been all over the media complaining about the boys’ fitness and telling anyone who cares to listen that the team is Stephen Keshi’s not his. If Amokachi isn’t sure of his players, he should just opt out of the two matches. Amokachi must be told that Nigerians are not fools. They know that friendly games are meant to expose new players even though it is also appropriate that a team wins matches. Nigerians know that home-based Eagles can beat the Ivorians, if the coaches tell them what to do. If they don’t, soccer fans would be interested in watching out for the new stars. They also would love to see how the coaches have been able to integrate the age-grade players into the senior team. Soccer fans are not enthusiastic about the outcome of the two friendlies meant to rebuild the Eagles. Many are still ruing Nigeria’s exit from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

NEWS 61

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

Ndigbo play politics of short sightedness, says Ngige ENATOR Chris Ngige, representing Anambra Central zone in the National Assembly, has blamed the problem of the Igbo people on the short sightedness of its politicians. Ngige made the remark yesterday while attending the presidential rally of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abia and Ebonyi States. Speaking with The Nation, Ngige said that he had earlier warned Ndigbo not to put their eggs in one basket, adding that he was ignored.

•Buhari storms Anambra today n Nwanosike ONU, Awka n He was reacting to a question on the failure of Igbo indigene to get either a presidential or vice presidential slot of the APC. He said: “How can you say you want the president or vice president slot when our people already accused APC of being a Boko-Haram party?

“”Ndigbo are not playing good politics. They have decided to push themselves out of political equation. “We are suffering from political shortsightedness. I warned earlier that our people should not put their eggs in one basket, but they did not listen. “Our people are busy talking about which one is Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba party. But I commend the respected Igbo sons

and daughters who embraced the APC without looking back.” Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the APC, General Mohammadu Buhari and his campaign train will storm Anambra State today in continuation of the South East presidential rally of the party. The APC rally would hold at the Emmaus House field in Awka. The team will pay a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Awka kingdom, Eze-Uzu Gibson Nwosu and some Catholic and Anglican clerics.

Okowa urges support for Delta economy

Holy Trinity Grammar School old students holds New Year party tomorrow OLY Trinity Grammar School Sabongidda Ora Old School Students Association, Lagos branch will hold its New Year party on Sunday 11 January 2015. The event, which is scheduled to take place at Sportshaq and Suites,No 2, Adamu Orisa, off Gbajumo Crescent, off Adeniran Ogunsanya Surulere-Lagos, will commence by 2pm. According to a communiqué by the association, members are expected to come with their spouses to the party, which it says will offer them the opportunity to offer gratitude to God for the outgone year and awaken optimism to face the New Year. According to Engr. Ugba Eboreime, Chairman of the Association, a lot has been lined up to ensure that members derive maximum pleasure, fun and relaxation at the event, adding that the party will avail the members the opportunity to align with family and friends and connect with other members. “Those who have not been regular at meetings can warm up to the association and re-establish a lasting rapport with others. Members are expected to invite other old students that are not aware of the regular monthly meetings.” Engr. Eboreime called on younger alumni to participate in the meetings, saying they can bring lots of energy and vibrancy to the gathering. “The monthly meeting is a forum to support new alumni and a platform for new friendships and business relationships. Moreover, we strive to ensure that the high standards of the school are maintained to meet current challenges and skills required in today’s world. The Lagos branch of the Association has been involved in fund raising activities to support various infrastructural projects in the school such as rehabilitation of laboratories, sports facilities, borehole and power generating plant among others. Founded in February 1948, Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongidda Ora is one of the leading secondary schools in Edo State.

n Okungbowa AIWERIE, n Asaba HE governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Senator Arthur Okowa, has assured the people of the state that he will partner with the private sector to consolidate on the investment gains of Governor Uduaghan. Okowa spoke at an interactive session with indigenes of the state resident in Lagos According to him, if elected, his administration will address youth unemployment in the state by emphasising skills acquisition. He called on entrepreneurs of the state's origin to buy into the Delta beyond Oil initiative, promising that his administration will continue with the Warri Industrial Park, as well as develop agricultural business parks to exploit the state's vast agricultural potentials. Okowa promised to advance health care through a comprehensive health insurance package for the state, stressing that the problem of youth unemployment will be addressed through skill training, while also ensuring urban renewal. Also speaking, Governor Uduaghan urged the business class to invest in every aspect of the state's economy, which he said was expanding rapidly, but needed the support of entrepreneurs of the state's origin resident in Lagos.

•From left: Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Employment, Mrs Iragunima Comfort; Solicitor-General/Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Fufus Godwins; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Free Medical Services, Dr Nnesochi Offor and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of health, Dr Somieari Isaac-Harry, at the 2015 New Year prayer/dedication service by Rivers civil servants in Port Harcourt on Thursday

Protesters accuse PDP of electoral fraud fresh wave of anti-People’s Democratic Party (PDP) protest swept through Patani, the headquarters of Patani Local Government Area of Delta State, as aggrieved members of the party took to the streets to express dissatisfaction with the party. They condemned the party's hierarchy in Abuja for allegedly subverting the will of the people by imposing an unpopular candidate in the area on the people. The protesters, who claimed that the Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Basil Ganagana, won the last primary election of the party with 31 votes, said

n Shola O'NEIL, Port Harcourt n the leadership of the party substituted their candidate’s name with that of the man who lost the election. Marching through major roads in Patani , they demanded the immediate restoration of their candidate mandate as reflected in the election won by the lawmaker. Addressing newsmen during the protest, the PDP Chieftain, Mr. Harrison Biu, Rev. Isreal Unutame and Special Assistant to the Dep. Speaker on Media and Research, Mr. Patrick Edema expressed lack of confidence in the national executive of the PDP for subverting the will of the people.

"How can a candidate who scored 31 votes be substituted with another who scored 18 votes? This is a travesty of justice and a rape on democracy. We are persuaded that the national chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu'Azu and his deputy, Uche Secondus and others contrived to inflict this democratic fraud on our people. We will resist it until justice is done," they declared It would be recalled that this is the second non-violent protest in the area by PDP faithful within two weeks to demand the restoration of the name of Hon. Ganagana who represents the Patani constituency in the state assembly.

I killed my lover under the influence of alcohol –Killer of Austria-based Nigerian woman 41-year old man, Festus Aimufua, who was arrested for allegedly killing his Nigerian-born Austrian-based lover, Rose Aifuwa, over alleged unpaid debt, has said he mistakenly committed the act under the influence of alcohol. Aimufua, who was among 81 paraded yesterday by the Edo State Police Command, reportedly killed his lover on Christmas Eve and dumped her body along the road. He told reporters that he killed the woman by accident under the influence of alcohol. He said: "As I was about leaving, she stood in front

n Osagie OTABOR, Benin n of my vehicle, but two other boys were trying to drag her away from the vehicle. So, I was looking for a way to move, and I thought I found a way. That was how I zoomed off. "How could I have killed this woman? I love her. People have been trying all possible means to make me not to be going out with her; I still go there. How could I? I have never killed before�. I did not know that she died," he said. The police also paraded a 90-year-old man, Osunde Andrew, for defiling an 11year-old girl at 2nd Esat

Circular road, Benin City. Other suspects were arrested for murder, cultism and cult related killings during the festive period. Items recovered from the suspects include 19 vehicles, one AK 47 rifle, 15 locally made pistol and seven live ammunition.� Others are 38 live cartridges, one toy pistol and other exhibits. Police Commissioner, Foluso Adebanjo, said Aimufua admitted knocking down his girlfriend, with his Honda Accord car with registration number UG 230 AAA and would be charged to court as soon as investigation was concluded.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015

TOMORROWPUNCHLINE IN THE NATION

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.9, NO. 3062

The coalition of big political forces of the "core" North and the Southwest that is the dominant formation within the APC presents an even more complex factor in any preliminary projections into the political order of a post-PDP Nigeria Biodun Jeyifo

S it not the height of inconsistency for this column to vigorously articulate the case for change at the centre in the February 14 presidential election but argue for continuity in Lagos in the governorship election two weeks later? After all, just as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been in power continuously at the centre since 1999, the same political tendency now encapsulated in the emergent All Progressives Congress (APC), has been piloting the affairs of Lagos State since the commencement of this political dispensation. Should sauce for the goose not also be sauce for the gander in objective political commentary? These are indeed valid, even if hardly logical questions. The case for continuity or change cannot be made in a vacuum. Neither must change nor continuity be sought simply for its own case. The argument for either must be anchored on appropriate contextual and empirical realities. The case for change from one political party to another becomes unassailable when the continued tenancy of the incumbent party has, by its appalling performance, become a road block to the continued peace, progress and prosperity of society. In the same way, to effect change from a demonstrably performing party to one without a superior track record or agenda simply for the sake of change will most likely have serious negative implications for the developmental trajectory of the affected society. We have, in this space, consistently made the case for the imperative of change at the centre at the February 14 presidential polls. If Nigeria continues on its present course, she is headed for utter disaster if not irreversible ruination. From all developmental indices, Nigerians are worse off today than they were at the beginning of this dispensation in 1999. And this is despite the humongous amounts of revenues the country reaped from oil in the last 15 years before the onset of the current economic recession attendant on the steep fall in international crude oil prices. Yes, the performance of the Obasanjo administration between 1999 and 2007 was largely mediocre and uninspiring. Yet, the administration recorded modest achievements, which have been completely eroded, first by the physical incapacitation which hobbled Obasanjo's immediate successor, President Umaru YarA'dua and the industrial scale mediocrity, venality and incompetence of the incumbent Goodluck Jonathan presidency that is rapidly unravelling before our very eyes. So bad have things become that even the wily Ota farmer is now one of the most vehement voices insisting on the urgent need for change at the centre in next month's polls to save Nigeria. Agreed, Obasanjo has his own ulterior and selfish motives for his scathing public excoriation of the Jonathan administration. But his allegations against a man he raised, controversially, from the relative po-

‘ •Ambode

•Agbaje litical obscurity of Bayelsa State as governor, to the acme of presidential authority in Abuja cannot be dismissed as lacking in credibility. True, Lagos is part of Nigeria and residents of the megacity are not immune from the socioeconomic consequences of the PDP's misrule at the centre since 1999. But the Lagos of today is not the veritable jungle and fiscally bankrupt entity she was in 1999. Back then, mountains of refuse formed repellent skyscrapers on major highways across the state. Public primary and secondary schools were in a state of utter dilapidation. A common sight in Lagos then was that of school children laboriously carrying desks and

Taking all the variables into consideration, the only rational option is for change at the centre and continuity in Lagos

’

chairs to and from school daily. Classroom walls routinely collapsed wounding and killing innocent children. Men, women and children could be seen in 1999 carrying all sizes of buckets and basins in search of potable water throughout Lagos State. Metropolitan and rural roads across the state were crater and pot-hole ridden. Ah! Human memory can be so short. Today, Lagos is a different story. In a decade and a half she has taken remarkable strides towards becoming a model global megacity. Under the Tinubu and Fashola administrations between 1999 and now, Lagos has become a bastion of fiscal solvency, a laboratory of creative innovations that add value to governance and a model of radical transformation of infrastructure across diverse sectors. No, don't get me wrong. Lagos has not yet reached the Promised Land. She is still very much a work in progress. But it is indisputable that the state has left Egypt and crossed the Red Sea. To lead Lagos to the next level, the APC has elected as its flag bearer from a pool of no less astute and distinguished aspirants a man, whose life and career have been closely intertwined with the destiny of Lagos. He has been a key brain behind the cutting edge financial innovations that have made the on-going transformation of Lagos possible.

An alumnus of some of the best academic institutions in Nigeria and abroad, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode is a chartered accountant, a financial expert, proficient public sector administrator and now a successful operator in the private sector. Being a key player in both the Tinubu and Fashola administrations, there can hardly be anyone better placed to build on current successes, remedy identified weaknesses and elevate the quality of governance in Lagos State. Yet, the PDP has responded brilliantly to the emergence of Ambode as APC candidate. Eager to actualise its ambition of wresting power from the progressives in Lagos State, the PDP has elected as its governorship flag bearer, Mr Jimi Agbaje, a pharmacist, successful entrepreneur and activist politician. Agbaje contested unsuccessfully for the governorship of Lagos State in 2007 on the platform of the defunct Democratic Parties Alliance (DPA) even though he made a good impression on the public. He has a charming personality, a winsome smile and a huge dose of credibility. Ambode is amply endowed with those qualities too. But he has something more. A record of 27 years of public service in Lagos State rising from the lowest rungs of the local government service to the apex of the service as Permanent Secretary and Accountant General of Lagos State. He can hit the ground running. Agbaje has little or no public sector experience. He would require a considerable period of learning and experimentation in office - a hardly affordable luxury. That could make a crucial difference in the election. Beyond this, Agbaje will have to convince Lagosians on why they should vote for a party, the PDP that has performed so catastrophically at the centre bringing the country to the very edge of the precipice. The sheer impunity, wastefulness and recklessness in the management of the Federation Account under the Jonathan presidency has negatively affected the states including Lagos, which now receive depleted statutory allocations monthly. Despite the huge revenues that continue to accrue to the nation's treasury from the Tin Can Island and Apapa ports in Lagos, the PDP's promise to rehabilitate the ApapaOshodi federal expressway remains a pipe dream. Agbaje's advocacy for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term may erode badly from his hard earned political capital. It would mean his endorsement of Dr Jonathan's glaring mediocrity and make him vulnerable to insinuations that he may not aim himself for a higher standard of performance if elected Lagos State governor. Yet, the good pharmacist's dilemma is understandable. He cannot run on the platform of the PDP and not campaign for his party's presidential candidate. Taking all the variables into consideration, the only rational option is for change at the centre and continuity in Lagos.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Wielding the stick

IGERIAN football needs a breath of fresh air. We need proactive approaches to resolve the problems. We need to apply scientific methods to formulate a new roadmap for the game and its actors. Except we take drastic measures against fraudsters who have brought the game to disrepute, novel changes meant to give it the desired fillip will melt away like ice-cream under the scorching sun. Football is big business in countries which understand its dynamics as the largest vehicle for employment. No aspect of football is wasted - from players who graduate to coaches and others in other facets of the industry. Imagine the volume of artisans who make the stadium a beauty to behold and those who manage the players - as physicians, doctors, dieticians and physiotherapists; bus drivers, gatemen et al. How about the mammoth

crowd that watch games? How about those who bet in the pools, casinos, lottery, etc? We should not lose sight of the insurers, those who exploit the various marketing windows in the game to make the billions that attract the stars, who lure the fans to match venues. How about those who rely on the incomes made by players, coaches and officials for their upkeep, not forgetting the domestic staff of these people? The chain is endless, depending on how profitable it is to the practitioners. Football is a huge money spinner- if effectively utilised. So, why is the game trouble in Nigeria? We have made it a platform for settling political jobbers who would do anything to remain relevant, even if it means destroying the game to stop others from exposing their inadequacies. Our football is run without a discerning template, largely because sports ministers and commissioners ensure that only their lackeys get into key positions at the

national and state levels. These lickspittles around ministers, commissioners and high ranking officials in government cause all the confusion that attracts FIFA’s interventions, especially after every World Cup. We spend quality time trying to resolve the mess such that we enter a new term always rebuilding our teams. Gains acquired from previous expeditions are lost on the altar of change even where the previous order had tremendous achievements. Officials see the football federations as an avenue to siphoning government cash since accounts are never rendered. Whenever a team wins a trophy, it is assumed that money was well spent. And so, these officials ensure that quantum cash is splashed on the game but they don’t create structures that can make the game run seamlessly without government funding in the long term. With ill-equipped men running the game, nothing works because they are thinking of

when the next tranch of government cash will come. As the different tiers of government, officials are willing to splash the cash to serve as a distraction from the ills of the society. Of course, when Nigeria is doing well in football, everything is taken for granted. It is the opium of the people. We are feeling the pain now because our jaded style cannot outfox other countries that have applied science in trying to rejuvenate their game. And the biggest calamity before us is the absence of the Super Eagles at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations slated to hold in Equatorial Guinea from January 17. We must move. And it starts with changing the way we do things here. Thank goodness NFF President Melvin Amaju Pinnick has set the ball rolling, sending referees and other key managers of the game on a refresher course in England. They are back and singing new tunes. It means that they learnt some lessons, but can they implement the ideas acquired in England. They can if the supervisory body (NFF) has the guts to take drastic decisions against

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