January 17, 2015

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THE NATION

NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

Cheering supporters at the campaign rally of the Lagos governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Apapa, Lagos... yesterday

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN (4 th right); his deputy, Hon. (Mrs) Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (3 rd right); National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2 nd right); APC governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (5th right); his running mate and Secretary to the State Government, Dr (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule (7th right); Lagos State Chairman, APC, Chief Henry Ajomale (right) and other party chieftains addressing supporters at the rally.

APC to President: visit Chibok, slaughtered students’ parents too T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has congratulated President Goodluck Jonathan for finally finding the courage to visit Maiduguri to pep up the gallant troops battling the Boko Haram insurgency.

But the party said the President has more trips to make to Chibok, Buni Yadi and Potiskum, among others.

In a statement issued in Makurdi on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said the President should follow up his visit to the epi-centre of the Boko Haram battle with visits to the parents of the 219 missing Chibok girls as well as the families of the boys who were killed at the Federal Government College in Buni Yadi, Yobe State, last year.

It said it is only by doing so that the President can begin to refute the published report that his visit to

Maiduguri on Thursday was politically motivated, aimed at laying the foundation for his impending electioneering campaign swing across the north, especially to Maiduguri on Jan. 21.

“We have always said the President and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces should never be afraid to visit anywhere in the country,” the statement said.

“We have always said the President should not just be the commander-in-chief but also the consoler-in-chief. We are glad that the President has finally agreed with us.

“But it is necessary to remind the President that he must not play politics with human lives, and that he must stop putting Jonathan first, Jonathan second and Jonathan third, at the expense of the nation.’’

The party said now that the

President has woken up from his slumber, he should also address the issue of the low morale of the troops and their lack of the necessary fighting equipment, if they are to effectively battle the terrorists who have killed and maimed thousands of innocent citizens.

“It is instructive that a few

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hours after President Jonathan visited Maiduguri, the global news channel, CNN, aired an interview with some Nigerian soldiers who complained of very low morale among the rank and file, lack of fighting equipment and very poor welfare.

“Another blamed the terrible situation being faced by

the troops on massive corruption.

“This does no credit to an administration that has allocated billions of naira to the defence and security sector; billions that apparently did not percolate to those at the front line of the battle.

“It calls to question the usage to which the government

has put the huge funds allocated to the sector, including the one-billion-dollar loan that was recently approved by the National Assembly,’’ it said.

APC called on the National Assembly to probe how the billions of naira that have been appropriated for defence and security have been spent.

...it’s morale booster to military, says PDP

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday described President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Borno State on Thursday as a morale booster to the military.

The party, in a statement on Friday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, added that the visit demonstrated the President’s commitment to the on-going war against

Gbade OGUNWALE, Abuja

terrorism in the country.

The statement also said the President’s assurances to the military on welfare and equipment would serve as catalyst to the overall determination to win the war against insurgency.

It described the warm reception accorded the President in Borno and the peace that pervaded the visit as

symbolic and clear indication of his acceptability by the people of the state.

“In visiting the internally displaced persons in their camp, the President has gone further to show his abiding affinity with the people and commitment to bring succour and hope to the downtrodden,” the statement further said.

Commending President Jonathan for ensuring pro-

fessionalism in the military, the PDP said the armed forces have been rebuilt, reequipped and being re-engineered to adequately confront the current terrorism challenges facing the country.

It called on Nigerians to continue to support the President, saying he remained focused in ensuring the unity and stability of the nation.

Chibok community angry over Jonathan's silence on missing girls

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POKESMAN of the Chibok Community Nationwide, Dr. Allen Mannaseh, has described as empty the promise made by President Goodluck Jonathan in April last year on the release of their abducted daughters in April 2014.

Duku JOEL, Maiduguiri Dr. Mannaseh also said the entire Chibok community was shocked over the silence of Mr. President on the true situation of the girls, describing the action as unfortunate.

Thursday’s surprise visit

was the first to be made by the President to Borno State since the Boko Haram sect abducted more than 277 school girls from Chibok town on April 14 last year.

The President had earlier visited the state in March 2013, where held a town hall meeting with members of

the Borno Elders Forum and other stakeholders on how to solve the Boko Haram insurgency only for the insurgency to escalate.

Speaking to reporters in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital yesterday, Dr. Mannaseh expressed doubt that the Federal Government

Mammoth crowds welcome Buhari in Kogi, Benue

A

Huge crowds of All Progressive Congress ( APC) supporters received the presidential candidate of the party, Gen. Muhammad Buhari, at different campaign rallies in Makurdi and Lokoja, the capital cities of Benue and Kogi states, yesterday.

In Makurdi, the presidential candidate was almost moved to tears by the huge show of solidarity from an excited crowd.

From the Makurdi Airport to IBB Square where the rally was held, youths, women, children and the aged lined up the streets to catch a glimpse of him.

It took almost 40 minutes for his convoy to wage through the sea of heads to address the supporters.

Addressing the rally, Gen. Buhari said he would encourage commercial agriculture which would in turn create employment as Benue

•Presidential candidate vows to revive Ajaokuta Uja EMMANUEL , Makurdi and James AZANIA, Lokoja is known as the food basket of the nation.

The former head of state, who described Benue State as the home of APC, urged the supporters to close ranks and send the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP) away from Government House Makurdi.

Senate Minority Leader, Dr. George Akume, described Gen. Buhari as a credible man who is committed to the welfare of Nigerians, saying the people of Benue would vote massively for APC. Akume said that APC would send PDP packing, urging the people not to lose hope but go all out and canvass for support ahead of next month’s election .

National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun, said see-

ing the crowd at the rally, change had come to Benue State and it was just a matter of time that PDP would become history.

The high point of the rally was the presentation of the party’s flag to the APC governorship candidate in the state, Chief Samuel Ortom.

Also addressing a huge crowd in Lokoja, the presidential candidate of APC said his administration would revive the ailing Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen the nation’s economy, if given the mandate.

He said if Ajaokuta SteelCompany is revived and made to function, it is capable of generating enough employment for the teeming youths and also generate revenue for the nation.

He said: “APC is the only party that can guarantee the security of the nation effectively. Youth employment and health would be our priorities.

“We will empower financial institutions to be able to give loans to individuals and organisations so as to be able to create employment.

“We will invest in education and security.”

Buhari urged the electorate to get their permanent voters’ cards and make sure that their votes count during the forthcoming election, “ecause we have no other country than Nigeria.”

He assured that if given the mandate he would change the nation’s economy for the better.

•Continued on Page 60

is doing anything to rescue the girls, stressing: “President Jonathan made empty promises to us. He did not even say a word about Chibok girls, our daughters.

It is unfortunate.

“We all understand the purpose of his visit to Maiduguri 277 days after our sisters were adopted. We have serious doubts if the federal government is doing anything to rescue those school girls,” he said He added: “As a Director of Information of the Chibok community nationwide, I am short of answers when people call to ask me why the president has kept mute about the Chibok girls on his visit to Maiduguri.

“We feel pained always because this is one of the ethnic nationalities that mobilised and voted for President Jonathan more than any other in the entire North East.

Why are we being treated like this?”

The Chibok spokesman said the President was only preparing the ground for his campaign rally in Maiduguri.

“If he had not visited Maiduguri yesterday ahead of the campaigns, what will he tell us when he finally visits Borno? The Baga issue deserves more than just condemnation.

“With the kind of attitude

towards peoples’ pains especially parents of the Chibok girls, how can we who supported, mobilised and voted for him start shouting in the ears of these parents to vote PDP? “We are saddened as parents of Chibok girls for more than 278 days ago, our daughters have been forcefully taken away from us. To me, I was disappointed by Mr President during his visit to Maiduguri yesterday to not even say a word to the parents of Chibokgirls or sympathies with them, It showed that Federal government has forgotten about those girls.

Unfortunately the girls have so far spent 278 days in the enemy’s camp,” he informed.

In his views, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno State Rev. Titus Pona said that the people of Borno State have run out of patience with unfulfilled promises. He called on the President to keep to his words of reclaiming the lost territories of the state to enable the displaced people return back to their ancestral homes.

He noted that the suffering of the people is increasing day by day if not the commitment of the Borno State Gov. Kashim Shettima who he described as a humane leader.

THE NATION

NEWS 3

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

Jonathan under attack over Maiduguri trip •It’s political -Ango Abdullahi A

barrage of criticisms from across the nation yesterday greeted Thursday’s visit by President Goodluck Jonathan to Maiduguri, Borno State, with many Nigerians dismissing the trip as belated and politically motivated.

The President had used the visit – his first to the state since March 2013 when he held a town hall meeting with Borno Elders on the insurgency in the state -to address the soldiers involved in fighting terror in the Boko Haram troubled state, and to comfort citizens displaced by the sect’s acts of terrorism.

The Secretary of Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Professor Ango Abdullahi. said the President’s visit was a politi-

Abdulgafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna; Adam SULEIMAN, Sokoto; Kolade ADEYEMI,Kano; Nwanosike ONU,Awka; Jide ORINTUNSIN,Minna and Adekunle JIMOH,Ilorin

cal move to get the votes of Borno people who were yet to be killed by Boko Haram.

Prof. Abdullahi wondered why it had become suddenly convenient for the President to visit the state 30 days to the presidential election after ignoring the same state in spite persistent terror attacks.

Abdullahi, a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria told The Nation on the phone that

the visit came too late.

His words: ”Mr. President knows quite well that thousands of people have lost their lives and property worth hundreds of millions of naira have been lost and thousands have been internally and externally displaced in their own country.

And it has taken Mr. President more than four years to go and see things for himself.

“Therefore, my interpretation of his going there is that he wants the remaining people of Borno State who are still alive to vote for him.

I think his visit is political and he thinks the Borno People and people of the North-East

are that stupid.

“Even by the account of the Deputy Governor who addressed the President’s visit at one of the IDP camps, President Jonathan heard himself that NEMA has done virtually nothing to alleviate the suffering of the internally displaced persons since the beginning of the crisis.

“That report is a total shame on all of us and terrible shame on the President, for international community to hear that no assistance has been rendered to the IDPs. “So, the visit is purely political. He wants votes. He is not interested in the security of the people. Now that elec-

•From left: Deputy Ambassador-European Union to Nigeria, Mr Richard Young; Controller-General, Nigeria Prisons Service, Peter Ekpendu and Director, Behavioral Analysis and Strategic Communication, Office of the National Security Adviser, Dr Fatima Akilu, at a news conference on countering violent extremism in Abuja… yesterday.

Ambode: don't vote for ‘trial and error’ candidate L

AGOS State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, yesterday urged Lagosians to vote for continuity instead of voting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, who he described as a trial and error flag bearer.

The former AccountantGeneral and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, said that Lagos was not prepared for political experimentation in the postFashola period, advising voters to endorse the progressive bloc that has made the state proud in the last 16 years.

Also, Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said Lagosians will reject the PDP at the polls because it has nothing to offer the Centre of Excellence. He said, since President Jonathan has admitted that he has failed, he is unfit for a second term.

The governor also said that the state does not need an inexperienced administrator, saying that is dangerous.

He said an inexperienced opposition candidate would reverse the gains of the past

•Why Agbaje can’t rule Lagos –Fashola Emmanuel OLADESU and Musa ODOSHIMOKHE

16 years in the metropolis.

At a carnival-like rally in Apapa, the commercial hub and host to the largest seaport in the sub-region, Fashola and Ambode lamented the traffic gridlock, which is a recurrent decimal in the axis, assuring that the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will clear the mess if elected as the President in the general elections.

The APC campaign train rolled into Apapa around 8 am, with broom waving and jubilating party supporters drumming, singing and dancing.

On the stage was ace musician, Buga, who thrilled the crowd, and artists-Sunkanmi Omobolanle and Eniola Badmus, who enjoined the people to collect their voter’s cards from the electoral commission.

A huge number of party supporters came to the rally from Lagos Island and Main-

land, Ajeromi/Ifelodun, EtiOsa, Yaba, Ijora/Badia and Apapa/Iganmu councils.

The venue was electrified with the arrival of the senator from the Lagos Central, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, and her supporters around 12.30 pm. She was accompanied by former Commissioner Jide Sanwoolu, Alhaji Mutiu Are, former House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Toun Adediran and Mrs. Bolanle Akinyemi-Obe. There was also a wild jubilation when Ambode rode into the venue, accompanied by thousands of youths from across the 57 local councils.

Adorning a red customised shirt and a fez cap to match, the flag bearer climbed the stairs to the podium swiftly, drawing an applause for his zest, agility and vigour.

The Chairman of the party, who presided over the campaign, was assisted by Fashola in presenting party flags to Senator Tinubu; House of Representatives candidate for Apapa Constituency Hon. Ayodeji Joseph; House of Assembly

flag bearer for Apapa Constituency 1, Mrs. Mojisola Lawal, and her Constituency 11 counterpart, Hon. Muyiwa Jimoh.

In happy mood were party leaders, including Deputy Governor Joke OrelopeAdefulire; Secretary to the Government and Ambode’s running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule; Transport Commissioner Kayode Opeifa; former Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro; former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Demola Seriki; onetime Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr.Wale Edun; former Home Affairs and Culture Commissioner, Tunde Balogun; the Campaign Team Leader, Cardinal James Odunmbaku; Hakeem Sulaimon-Oris; APC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, and his deputy, Abiodun Salam.

Also at the event were Fashola’s wife, Abimbola; Ambode’s wife, Bola; APC Vice Chairman (Lagos Central), Hon. Fuad Oki; Pa •Continued on Page 4

tion is about three weeks away, he wants votes and I will be surprised if he doesn’t have zero per cent in Borno.”

A Sokoto-based businessman and front row elder, Alhaji Abdullahi Aminu Tafida, called the President’s visit illogical.

He said: ”If he did that visit for political reason, it is going to work against him, because to watch a problem for four years and after 22 months of serious Boko Haram challenges only to wait until Amnesty International showed real pictures of the atrocities in the region over the BBC in addition to pressure instigated by foreign press before taking step, is shocking.”

A two-term council chairman in Sokoto State, Alhaji Ibrahim Magaji Gusau, expressed disappointment that President Jonathan did not visit Chibok.

“I thought he would go to Chibok, Baga and other crisis areas to sympathise with victims of Boko Haram attacks.

“Look at France where only 12 were killed. The government promptly rose up to the challenge to liberate its people from terrorists. “ In fact, we do not have a leader. He has failed woefully. Jonathan has played into the hands of sycophants who do not care about the larger interests of Nigerians but personal gains.”

Comrade Jonathan Vatsa, the Niger State Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Party (APC), said the President’s visit to Maiduguri had political undertone and came too late.

He said: “A good leader would not have abandoned the parents of the Chibok girls. He ought to have gone to see the families of these girls.

“He claimed to be the father of the nation.What type of father would abandon his children for almost 300 days only to visit the area to go and canvass for votes?

“Our President is playing politics with Boko Haram. He is playing politics with the lives of people. Now that he

has gone, is he expecting the dead or the maimed to vote for him?”

Minna-based public affairs commentator, Mr. Francis Bello, said the president should have gone to Baga and not Maiduguri.

“Baga and not Maiduguri is the hotbed of terrorism. His visit to Maiduguri was a smokescreen. He went to campaign and not to boost the morale of the military,” Bello said, adding: “How can our President explain his prompt condolence to the French people over the killing of 11 of their compatriots by a terror gang when he has lost over 11,000 souls in his own country? His visit was belated and ill-timed.”

But Mr.Abdul Kusherigi saw it differently.

He said the President should be commended for going to boost the morale of soldiers fighting Boko Haram and to comfort the Internally Displaced persons (IDPs).

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State , Chief Dennis Ngene said the president would be disappointed if he expected any political mileage from the visit.

He said: “This is a man who has abandoned the kidnapped school children for nine months and barely one month to presidential election he found time to visit the state.

“His visit does not show any sign of seriousness and the visit is pure deceit.

“What our president has done shows desperation because of the forthcoming presidential election.

But, the Anambra state coordinator of Transform Nigeria Movement (TNM), Comrade Obi Ochije, said what is of paramount importance to Nigeria now is peace.

“I will not say it is political or not, but our major interest is the unity of the country and the president should make sure that peace reigns “Ochije said.

Second Republic member of the House of Representatives, Dr. Junaidu Muhammed, said the •Continued on Page 4

JP Morgan plans Nigeria's removal from key bond index Collins NWEZE

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P Morgan said yesterday it would assess Nigeria’s suitability to remain in a key emerging currency bond index because of a lack of liquidity in the country’s forex and bond markets.

The bank, which runs the most commonly used emerging debt indexes, said it had placed Nigeria on a negative index watch and would assess its place on the Government Bond Index (GBI-EM) over the next three to five months.

But Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele disputed the firm’s position that there is a lack of liquidity in the foreign exchange market and said the naira is correctly valued.

“There is no truth in the assertion by the index team that they do not see the liquidity. There’s no reason to begin to take a look at” the naira’s value after the central bank devalued the currency in November, he told Bloomberg.

Continuing, he said: “We are very surprised at this action by the JPMorgan index team,” Emefiele said. “We want to stay in the index and we’re doing everything to make sure we do.”

Removal from the index would force funds tracking it to sell Nigerian bonds from their portfolios, potentially resulting in significant capital outflows. This in turn would raise borrowing costs for the economy, although analysts said they did not expect JP Morgan to take such a step.

JP Morgan added Nigeria to the widely followed index in 2012, when liquidity was improving, making it only the second African country after South Africa to be included. It added Nigeria’s 2014, 2019, 2022 and 2024 bonds, which make

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THE NATION

NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

I won’t disappoint, Jonathan in Abia assures Ndigbo

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has promised the people of Abia State and the Ndigbo in general that his administration will provide them with the enabling environment for entrepreneurship to thrive if voted into power in the forthcoming election.

Speaking in Umuahia during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign rally, President Jonathan said he would give the people of the zone freedom to express themselves in the way they know best, which is business.

President Jonathan said that despite the challenges faced by Ndigbo, they have been able to overcome such and improve in their various businesses, stressing that such innovation has helped to improve the economic base of the country.

He said: “Though there are challenges Ndigbo have faced over time, despite such challenges they have done well. We will encourage them to move faster and do more. All we need are prayers from everybody to succeed for the interest of the country.”

The President noted that the country has been moving in the right direction, saying: “No government can give the people all they need,

Ugochukwu UGOJI-EKE, Umuahia but what my government can do is to give them the right direction to fast track the even development of the country.”

President Jonathan assured the youths of the country that if elected into office for a second term, his administration will focus its attention on empowering the youths in the country, stressing that he had already started doing that through YOU-WIN programe.

He said he had created over 1.2 million jobs recently for the youths through the YOUWIN programme for the youths and promised to create two million jobs annually when he returns to office in May this year.

The President assured the people of the state that his administration will not disappoint the people if given their votes and mandate, stressing that with the return of the railways in the transport system, the economy of the country will improve.

Earlier in his speech, the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji, told the presidential entourage that they had no need coming to the state.

“Abia State is a PDP state and with your wife having

her maternal roots here, Mr President, you are one of us, as everyone is a campaign manager for you.”

Orji said that the state and its people are ready to return the President to Aso Rock

Villa come February, “We did it before in 2011 general election when we gave you 100 per cent and we are going to do same again. This time around, no vote will be missing.”

He noted that the people of the state have been showing apathy in the collection of their Permanent Voters’ Cards [PVC].

“But Mr President, be-

cause of you, our people have increased their collection rate through our sensitization programme from 24% to 82%. So we are ready for the election.”

•From left: Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji; President Goodluck Jonathan; his wife, Patience and HRM Eze Eberechi Dike, Chairman, Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, at a presidential interaction with the traditional rulers at the Traditional Rulers Council Secretariat in Umuahia, Abia State yesterday.

Jonathan under attack over Maiduguri trip •Continued from Page 3 President’s visit to Maiduguri was not only belated but a total ruse.

He said: “The visit shows clearly that he (President Jonathan) has nothing but contempt for the people of the North-East and, indeed, each and every Northerner. It is clear that he has been informed about the situation in the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, and he has done nothing about it.

“I sincerely believe that if not for the elections which he is desperate to win by hook or crook, he wouldn’t have visited the North-East for the entire period of his presidency. So, I am persuaded that

the people are not stupid— they know what it is all about, and they will reply him come 14th February when the elections are due.

“They will tell him what they think about him and what they think about his games and they will, by the grace of God, help to defeat him massively so that this presidency and this political party which he leads will be thrown into the dustbin of history forever.

“Nigerians are smart enough to know who is for them and who is against them; and they also respect performance. If you perform, they respect you, if you don’t perform, they simply ignore

you and when the time comes, they vote you out— that is the essence of democracy and I don’t believe Goodluck will be an exception.

“President Jonathan’s visit to Borno is irrelevant. It is immaterial because if you have ignored people for five years and now you are remembering they exist because you want their votes and you think 24 hours visit is enough to deliver their votes to you, I think it shows that you are also utterly contemptuous of the people who you visited.

Elder statesman, Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, however differed.

He said the visit was a big challenge to the opposition “who had been pressurising him to visit the area.”

Yakasai added: “It is now left for them (opposition) to also visit the area. He is the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a lot of state engagements, therefore, he is the one to see how to arrange his schedules to enable him know where and when to visit.

“You cannot say that President Jonathan’s visit to Borno at this time is belated, because as the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces and President of Nigeria, he can choose to visit any place at any time because all time is

right. So, he decides by himself when it is convenient for him to visit anywhere.

“As such, he has broken the jinx and it is now left for his critics to follow his footsteps.“ Secretary of the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in Kwara State in the Second Republic, Chief Olatunji Arosanyin said the Maiduguri visit was long overdue.

“When I heard the President Goodluck Jonathan visited Maiduguri, Borno State capital yesterday (Thursday), the first thing that came to my mind was that the President went there because of politics, but if it is not because of that

it is a bold decision,” he said.

“Though, the president could have done it before. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed forces, he should have visited the place more than five times, because we hear how United States President Barack Obama pays impromptu visits to Afghanistan to address American troops.

“The visit though too little, too late is okay, perhaps it will boost the morale of the security personnel in the area.

“If it will make them happier and make them to be committed to fight the Boko Haram sect, then it is good.

But if it is for politics that cannot earn him more vote than what he could have got.”

Why Agbaje can’t rule Lagos –Fashola •Continued from Page 3 Murphy Adetoro; Hon. Denge Anifowose; Hon. Olawumi Edet; Hon. Paul Kalejaye; Hon. Ademorin Kuye; Mr. Abdullahi Enilolobo; Mrs. Bolaji Dada and Alhaji Lawal Akapo, who rendered the opening prayer.

Thanking the supporters for their commitment and resilience, Ambode assured that their efforts would not be in vain. The flag bearer promised to implement his manifestoes faithfully, if elected as the governor.

Ambode said: “We are together in this for the prosperity of Lagos. All you have listed for me to do for you, I will do for you.

“I have visited you before the primaries. You gave me support. You listed your demands. All of them will be met when we are voted in.

“We are tired of the traffic gridlock on Apapa/Oshodi Expressway. We will want to address it. The only way to

address it is to vote for Buhari on February 14.

“On February 28, you should vote for APC in Lagos for continuity.

“In almost 16 years, we have had steady growth and development in Lagos, which the APC is noted for.

We will not vote for somebody without experience and trial and error.

“President Jonathan said that he has failed. That is why he should not be re-elected.

What we need in Lagos is continuity. We will build on the achievements of Governor Babatunde Fashola. We will complete all projects.”

Waving the broom at the excited crowd, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who thanked the people for voting for her in 2011, enjoined them to renew her mandate for greater work.

She said: “T thank the people of Apapa for voting for me in 2011. I have been working for you. I will continue to work for you. If you

vote for me. it means more work.”

Fashola, who frowned at the promise to cancel the Lekki toll gate by the PDP flag bearer, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, said the statement underscored his lack of experience.

He stressed: “The PDP candidate is confirming his lack of experience. He was quoted as saying that if Jonathan does not win, Southsouth will leave Nigeria. Those who aspire to leadership don’t make that type of divisive statement.

“The reason Lagos is safe is that we have lived in peaceful co-existence and harmony. Everybody, North, South and West, Lagos is home.

“Ambode will not make that kind of divisive statement. He is speaking to his own experience. I have told you, don’t experiment with Lagos. We need those who can build cohesion, not those who promote division.

•Ambode “Yesterday, I heard that he will cancel the Lekki Toll Gate. Yet, they say they want to create jobs. Investors are withdrawing close to one trillion naira; N793 billion from our economy because of insecurity. Yet, the PDP candidate said he wanted to cancel direct fund contract into Nigeria. Will that bring jobs or take away jobs?

“When somebody is cancelling contract, is he promoting prosperity or pro-

moting poverty? That is why they are Poverty Development Party.”

The governor complained about the traffic snarl in Apapa, which the Federal Government has failed to address in almost 16 years.

He promised that the APC government at the centre would resolve the problem by decentralising fuel distribution.

Fashola said: “I am happy to be here today. We opened the campaign at Ikeja. We are continuing today at Apapa. I told you that only a youth can be governor of Lagos. Ambode is a youth.

He is my brother.

“They say the President is a youth. But, the President has come to Lagos to tell us that he has failed. That is one.

Second, security is the most pressing challenge today.

He is the President, but some parts of the country have been seized from him.

“Who can handle the security matter better between

Dr. Jonathan and Buhari? It is Buhari. There is corruption.

“Who is corrupt? Have you had any corruption allegation against Buhari before?

You know who is corrupt.

“Four years ago, I promised to construct roads here.

How is Eurodrum Road now? It has been tarred.

Warehouse Road, Calcutta Crescent Road, Mosalasi, Sanri-Iganmu, Itapeju Road have been tarred. We fulfilled our promises.

“Jonathan came here four years ago. He said he would do the road to the Murtala Muhammed Road. He didn’t do it. He said he would provide electricity and that you would not need generator again. But where is electricity now?

“Now, work is still going on in Marine Road, Bombay Crescent, Ibikunle Akintoye Street. The ones we can complete, we will complete. The ones we cannot complete, Ambode will finish them.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY JANUARY 17, 2015

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HE House of Representa tives may not consider the 2015 budget for the Nigeria Police Force unless the withdrawn police details of Speaker Aminu Tambuwal are restored.

But the police force was yet to restore the Speaker’s police security as at press time.

It was learnt that Tambuwal uses ad hoc security arrangement, including the sergeant-at-arms from the National Assembly and members of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

About N312.7billion was voted for formations and commands in the 2015 Appropriation Bill.

Investigation by our correspondent, however, revealed that most members of the House were annoyed that in spite of the new rapprochement between the Executive and the National Assembly on 2015 budget, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Suleiman

News 5

Reps: we ‘ll not consider police budget until Tambuwal’s security aides are restored Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation Abba, has refused to recognize Tambuwal as Speaker.

It was gathered that before the House adjourned sitting on Wednesday, many members made representation to the House leadership not to consider police budget until the Speaker’s police aides are restored.

They said the IGP ought to have waited for the decision of the court on Tambuwal’s defection before taking such a stand.

They queried the rationale behind the withdrawal of the police aides since the All Progressives Congress (APC) now controls the majority in the House.

The members also detested a situation whereby the Speaker will be driving himself without any form of protection.

A principal officer of the House said: “We have told our leaders that we will adopt a tit-for-tat approach. As long as the police details of the Speaker are not restored, we will also not treat their budget.

“This is not the first time we are doing this. When we had a face-off with the former Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on accountability, we decided to withhold the commission’s budget “We have bent backwards to mend fences with the Executive in the interest of the nation’s development, but the IGP is adamant on his nonrecognition of the Speaker.

Why will the President be doing one thing and his officers turning the other way?”

Another source said: “Section 80 of the 1999 Constitu-

tion gives us the power to appropriate, but in passing the 2015 Appropriation Act, we can put a clause to stop the police from accessing its funds.

“We will not tolerate impunity in whatever form because we are in a democratic era.”

A source in the Office of the Speaker said: “Well, it is true that the police aides, including escorts, have not returned back.

“The Speaker is still relying on ad hoc security arrangement from the sergeant-atarms and NSCDC personnel.

Now that he is on his campaign tour in Sokoto, he is protected by Governor Aliyu Wammakko’s security. You can see the risk he is being exposed to.”

When contacted, the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Emmanuel Ojukwu, said: “I will find out the status of the Speaker’s police aides from the DIG Operations, and I will get back to you.”

His response was unavailable as at the time of filing this report.

The IGP, through the Force spokesman, on October 30, 2014 said: “In view of the recent defection by the Rt. Honourable Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, from the PDP to the APC, and having regard to the clear provision of Section 68(1) (g) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, the Nigeria Police Force has redeployed its personnel attached to his office.”

Buhari as fit as a fiddle — APC

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HE APC Presidential Campaign Organisation has asked Nigerians to ignore the “utterly silly and reckless statement” credited to the over-exuberant Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, to the effect that General Muhammadu Buhari does not enjoy good health.

In a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, the organisation dismissed as “unsolicited, reckless and silly” the allegation that former President Obasanjo was planning an imposition of General Buhari on Nigeria as he allegedly did the late President Yar’Adua while ignoring their health conditions.

“GMB is as fit as a fiddle,” said Garba Shehu, the spokesman of the organisation.

“He has no known ailment

and is in excellent condition to pilot the affairs of the country.”

The statement added that Buhari is “almost a health freak,” who exercises regularly and undergoes medical examinations at regular intervals.

“On each occasion, the outcomes of those medicals have been favourable. The recent medicals he did gave him a clean bill of health,” Garba said.

Garba joked that “GMB is not given to curses otherwise he would have done as the late President Nnamdi Azikiwe did when a similar mischief played out over his health. Zik swore that whoever did this to him would expire before him, and they all did.”

‘We ‘ll restore our social values’

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OVERNORSHIP can didate of the Kowa Party in Lagos State, Oloye Victor Adeniji has said that the goal of his party is to evolve a social movement process that will bring about fundamental change to improve the life of Lagosians.

Speaking at a forum in Lagos on Thursday, tagged: “2015 Gubernatorial Debate” organized by the Diocese of Lagos (Church of Nigeria) Anglican Communion in conjunction with the Diocese of Badagry and Lagos Mainland for gubernatorial candidates of all political parties in Lagos State, Oloye Adeniji said his party would restore our social values and ethics and return our society back to the core family life that would make people to accord respect to whom it is due.

The candidate said his party would provide a service-oriented leadership that will fast track socio-economic development of Lagos State through social welfare programmes that will give all good things of life to Lagosians.

The candidate stated that the mission of the Kowa Party was to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor and ensure the emergence of a formidable middle class in Lagos State, with a view to ensuring proper articulated human capital development through improvement of the working conditions of schools

at all levels with special attention to teachers’ training and welfare.

According to Oloye Adeniji, focusing on proper training of teachers would inspire them to students development to the optimum from nursery to tertiary level.

On the provision of affordable housing, he said the party will on getting to power, embark on massive housing development programme by liberalizing procedure of land acquisition and by encouraging land owners to go into massive housing development through a tripartite arrangement, involving land owners, local councils and the developers which could eventually lead to affordable houses to the masses.

He explained that another major area the party would bring about fundamental change to the state is through social infrastructural development whereby metro line and light rail transportation system will be introduced to ease transportation.

He added that on getting into office, the party will decentralize business locations and markets all over the state by encouraging community development associations (CDA’s) and the local council to run joint ventures that will allow location of markets within their localities, thereby bringing business locations closer to the people.

•From left: APC House of Representatives candidate for the Apapa Constituency 1, Mr Ayodeji Joseph; Lagos Central senatorial candidate, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Lagos State House of Assembly candidate for the Apapa Constituency 1, Mojisola Lawal and candidate for the Apapa Constituency 2, Olumuyiwa Jimoh, at the APC campaign rally at Apapa in Lagos...yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

INEC to bar soldiers from polling units •Only unarmed policemen to be allowed •Electoral body meets parties’ stakeholders Tuesday on voting by IDPs

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HERE will be no official role for uniformed sol diers at polling stations across the land when next month's elections get underway,according to indications from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) .

Only unarmed policemen will be allowed at the 120,000 polling units created for the elections,Saturday Nation gathered yesterday.

The commission is also said to have factored into its preparations possible run-off polls even as it is scheduled to meet with political parties, civil society organizations and representatives of the people of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe in the North-East on Tuesday on the modalities for voting by one million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The exclusion of soldiers from electoral duties,sources said yesterday,is to create an enabling environment for voting.

The decision was taken at strategic meetings between INEC and security agencies on how to make the elections free

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation and fair .

Sources said that having tested the use of unarmed policemen in Ekiti and Osun states, INEC is confident that the 68.8million voters registered for the elections will be adequately protected.

"We have had a standard measure which we adopted in Ekiti and Osun states. We want to use unarmed policemen in all the polling units," one source said.

"There will be mobile police units, who will be on standby to curtail any violence or disruption of the voting and counting processes.

"Soldiers will just be restricted to entry and exit points in major towns and cities. They will have nothing to do with the conduct of the elections.

"You will recall that Nigerians, especially women, had made representation to Justice Muhammadu Uwais Electoral Reform Committee for armed policemen and soldiers during elections but we have decided

to adopt international best practices.

"The signing of the peace pact by major parties on Wednesday has boosted our confidence that we may have a hitch-free poll."

The source said INEC and security agencies have a standing committee which has been meeting on security logistics for the election.

Contacted yesterday, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC chairman, Mr. Kayode Robert Idowu, said: "We are working round the clock with security agencies to ensure free and fair polls. I cannot give you further details."

Investigation confirmed last night that INEC has factored likely run-off in presidential and governorship elections into its preparation for the polls.

According to the 1999 Constitution, a candidate shall be deemed elected as President or a governor having scored the highest number of votes cast and he or she has not less than one-quarter of the votes cast at the election in each of at least two thirds of all the states and

FCT or local governments in a state.

The INEC source said: "We have made provision for either presidential or governorship poll run-off. We cannot be caught off-guard."

Meanwhile, INEC management will meet with political parties, civil society organizations and representatives of communities displaced in the North-East and other parts of the country on how to conduct election for about one million Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

The House of Representatives had approved voting for IDPs in February.

A second source said: "INEC has designed modalities for voting by the IDPs, we are going to table these before stakeholders on Tuesday.

"We want to get their input too. Once everyone is involved, the modalities will be strictly adhered to.

"And if we need to amen our Electoral Act, we will inform the National Assembly because no one had envisaged the challenge of IDPs."

6 News

Eid-El-Maulud

Continued from Page 1 Democratic Party (PDP), told Igbo leaders from Lagos and Ogun states who visited him at his private residence in Abeokuta that though he does not belong to the same party as Amosun, he can not deny that the governor’s performance in the last four years has been sterling.

The Igbo delegation led Chief Austine Nkeze was in Obasanjo's home to seek his direction on the elections.

Obasanjo told them and other non - indigenes in the state to return Amosun to office so that his infrastructural and the urban renewal projects could be sustained.

"In 2011, we were not together. We were together before and I did campaign against him. See what he has been able to do in the last three and a half years in the state. I cannot sacrifice performance for party.

"I never dreamt of having a bridge on a dry land in Ogun State in my life time. Yes, we have Ogun River, where there is a bridge. Go to Ijebu, Sagamu, Otta, what am I seeing, bridges, not even one, two, three.

"So, my people, I am not talking about other elections. I have come to tell you that in order to appreciate what this personality has been able to do in the last three and half years, let us give him our votes.

“What happened in 2011 is politics, and we can all see the difference between politics and personality," Obasanjo said.

The ex - President, who was conferred with the title, Enyii Nndigbo, which literary means friend of the Igbo in the state, said that if Nigerians want quality governance, they must vote the right people into office and also shun acts that

THE NATION, SATURDAY JANUARY 17, 2015

Obasanjo endorses Amosun •Ex-President to Nigerians: vote for performance, not party Ernest NWOKOLO, Abeokuta could engender violence during the elections.

He said: "If we say we want good governance, it is something that we are going to use to get that good governance, and that is our votes.

"Therefore, I beg you to go and get your PVCs (permanent voter cards). It is your passport to good governance.

If you cannot vote, you cannot get good governance, you cannot have a say in government. My own is in my wallet, and it is only if you want to steal my money that you can get to see my PVC. "I cannot understand why we must engage in violence.

Don't let anybody lure you or use you for electoral violence.

Elections should be free, fair and transparent. If you don't win, take it in good stride, believing that next time you will win."

It is the latest in Obasanjo’s broadsides at his party,the PDP. Two weeks ago,he told the presidential candidate of the National Conscience Party, Dr. Martins Onovo, who visited him in Abeokuta that party affiliation is secondary to his commitment to Nigeria’s development.

“My first pre-occupation is what is best for Nigeria. Nigeria first, party second and any other thing, third. I can sacrifice anything in the inter-

est of Nigeria and I can sacrifice my own life for Nigeria,” he said on that occassion.

“I can’t sacrifice my life for any party’s interest, but I’ll sacrifice my life in the interest of Nigeria.

“Let me make my own position clear, I am a card-carrying member of the PDP because that is the party on which platform I became the President of this country.

“If what you’re trying to do is in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians accept and vote for you, who am I not to accept you as President of Nigeria. I will. But in this your campaign, try to inform, woo and convince the electorate, but whatever may be the outcome of the election after you

have done all that, once the election is free and fair and undisturbed, uninterrupted, then you have to accept the verdict of the people.”

And only last Monday, Obasanjo who has been locked in a running battle with the PDP presidential candidate in next month’s election, President Goodluck Jonathan, declared that it is too late for him (Obasanjo) to support the president.

He told Jonathan during a peace meeting in Abeokuta that Jonathan had exhausted his goodwill with him.

The former president has been a virulent critic of the Jonathan administration, which he accused of embracing corruption and wrecking

...sack him from PDP — Clark

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OLITICAL godfather ,Chief Edwin Clark, said yesterday that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) should expel former President Olusegun Obasanjo from its ranks forthwith.

The Ijaw leader is displeased with the former president for supporting the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate in next month’s election, General Muhammadu Buhari, against PDP’s President Goodluck Jonathan.

Receiving representatives of several PDP campaign groups at his Abuja residence, Chief Clark called Obasanjo’s recent actions and statements as anti-party activities, deserving

Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja of summary expulsion.

He said that President Jonathan has no business wooing Obasanjo to back his reelection bid more so after the former president had declared his preference for Buhari by defending him over the N25billion alleged to have been unaccounted for at the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) during his (Buhari’s) tenure.

Clark said: "Obasanjo is defending him because he wants the APC to win. How much corruption have you found in Jonathan that you are calling

him corrupt?

"What is wrong with the PDP? That man (Obasanjo) should not be allowed to be in the party. You beg him all the time. He has made up his mind.

He gathered the APC women to abuse President Jonathan, "If a man you dissolved his committee (PTF) could not account for N25billion and you are now saying that man is not corrupt, then Buhari and Obasanjo are the same. They are in a marriage of convenience just to remove Jonathan.

"Obasanjo doesn't know what the definition of corruption is. There is big trouble in this country when corrupt people call others corrupt."

The South South leader also expressed concern on the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for next month’s election, saying that he has no confidence in the electoral body. He alleged that the chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, was biased against the return of President Jonathan to office.

"I have lost confidence in the INEC. How can a university professor be so biased and does not want Jonathan to come back? It is so disgraceful that he has allowed ethnicity and religion to take control of him,"

Clark said.

He also accused the INEC boss of juggling voters’ population and attempting to create 30,000 polling units as part of his scheme to ensure President Jonathan is not re-elected.

Besides, he expressed doubt over the workability of the nonviolence accord signed by Buhari and Jonathan ahead of the presidential election.

Clark, who said the accord meant nothing to him,said he would however be glad if it could engender the necessary peace before, during and after the elections.

He noted that the accord was not necessary, blaming its existence on what he said was the desperation of some people who he said believed that power belongs to them.

On Buhari’s promise to stop the Boko Haram insurgency if he wins, Clark said: "If Buhari comes and it (insurgency) stops, it is because they control it. They listen to him. They started it. They know how Boko Haram started. It is easier for them to stop it.

"But Jonathan is working on it. He has toured the area, but they have read meaning to it.

They are saying it is too late.

Nigeria belongs to all of us and together we can salvage it."

the anti-insurgency battle.

Jonathan replied, slamming some “elder statesmen who talk like motor park touts”. He, however, did not mention Obasanjo.

Non-violence accord US applauds Jonathan, Buhari

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HE U.S. Embassy in Nige ria has applauded Presi dent Jonathan and General Buhari for their signing of a non-violence pledge, the “Abuja Accord,” by which they have publicly committed to refraining from advocating, fomenting, or condoning electoral violence.

All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and President Goodluck Jonathan Wednesday signed a non-violence accord ahead of the February 14 presidential election.

“We encourage all candidates and political leaders across Nigeria to make similar pledges.

“We remain committed to working with Nigeria to strengthen its democratic institutions in the years to come. As part of that effort, we continue to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in its crucial task of achieving transparent, credible, inclusive and non-violent elections in February.”

B/Haram: Chadian soldiers for Cameroon

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OZENS of Chadian tanks headed out of the capital, N’Djamena, last night towards Cameroon to help fight Boko Haram insurgents.

The convoy seen by an AFP journalist roared out of the city after Chad's parliament voted to send armed forces to Cameroon and Nigeria to fight against the Islamists.

Cameroon's President Paul Biya had announced Thursday that Chad President Idriss Deby had decided to send "a substantial contingent" of troops to help Cameroonian armed forces who have faced repeated attacks from Boko Haram.

West African military force to fight Boko Haram coming W

EST African leaders are considering creating a military force to fight the terror sect, Boko Haram, President John Mahama of Ghana said yesterday.

The issue is expected to feature prominently at a regional summit in Niamey,Niger Republic on Wednesday.

“Nigeria is taking military action and Cameroon is fighting Boko Haram, but I think we are increasingly getting to the point where probably a regional or a multinational force is coming into consideration,” Mahama, who currently chairs the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), told reporters.

“It is what we want to discuss at the AU because, if that must happen, there must be a mandate to allow such a force to operate,” he said.

ECOWAS will seek the support of the AU for its plans, said Mahama.

The Ghanaian President spoke as France said it must help countries fighting terror, and 24 hours after the U.S. Secretary of

State John Kerry said he and British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond discussed a special initiative to deal with Boko Haram, but he did not elaborate.

French President Francois Hollande said his country must give more help to countries fighting terror.

Hollande took aim at Boko Haram, who he said were carrying out “crimes of humanity” in Nigeria.

“France must give more help to countries fighting this scourge,” he told Paris-based ambassadors from around the world.

“It’s not just women being kidnapped. That’s already atrocious enough. It’s children being massacred. It’s villages, whole towns being razed,” he said, in reference to recent Boko Haram attacks.

He urged the international community to offer a “firm” and “collective” response in the wake of last week’s attacks in

Paris that claimed 17 lives.

He said: “Our response has to be firm in the face of terrorism. It can only be collective.

“We are waging a war against it (terrorism), but not a war against a religion but a war against hate,” he said.

“The attacks in Paris are an insult to Islam,” stressed the president, reiterating that “Muslims are the main victims of terrorism.”

“The most lasting response is firm and unified action for peace and international security. Because unresolved conflicts are sources of inspiration for terrorists and areas of chaos are their training ground,” he told diplomats.

And speaking in Sofia, Bulgaria on Thursday, Kerry said Boko Haram is “without question one of the most evil and threatening terrorist entities on the planet,” and that the killing in Northeastern Nigeria is a “crime against humanity” and must be addressed.

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

7 COMMENTARY

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At home in Nigeria the authorities are more concerned with conducting a free and fair election rather than putting an end to the killing of Nigerians in the North East by using the armed forces to chase Boko Haram away into the night from which it emerged bloodily in our midst some time ago

Clash of values, elections and security HEN it was first used by Samuel P Huntington, the term ‘Clash of Civilisation‘ was played down as alarmist by a nervous global international and intellectual audience. Nowadays however, after the recent Charlie Hebdo Magazine massacre in Paris, France and the subsequent printing of millions of the cover copies of the magazine depicting the picture of Prophet Mohammed, a taboo in Islam, I doubt if anyone can boldly call Huntington’s description an exaggerated alarm any longer. In addition in Nigeria where Boko Haram is slaughtering human beings in their thousands while a general election is slated for next month and the sect has just killed thousands in Baga and threatened to kill the Emir of Kano, there is no denying that that there is a also clash within Islam on the practice of the religion which Boko Haram claims to be fighting for and defending to the horror of peaceful Muslims all over the world.

No where is the clash of civilisation and the attendant befuddlement and dilemma with regard to religion better illustrated than in Senegal where the President joined the Freedom March in Paris with other world leaders but banned copies of the magazine from being sold in Senegal after the Solidarity Freedom March in Paris. Some newspapers in Kenya and S Africa have had to apologise to their Muslim readers after outrage by Muslims in such nations after the publication of the Charlie Hebdo cover there.

Surely the covers are a time bomb in any language or community where Muslims live and congregate and you can imagine the mood in the entire Middle East especially in the hotbeds of Islamic radicalism and militancy like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq; even theocratic Iran of the Ayatollahs - and of course the base of Boko Haram, Nigeria. Really I doubt if any Nigerian newspaper would publish the Charlie Hebdo post Paris Massacre cover and I would lend my support to that decision for the simple reason that we must show respect for the values and beliefs of those with whom we share society and environment. Freedom has never been absolutely free and there is a saying that your freedom ends where my

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nose begins. That is what the decision to print the covers has ignored and it is one that France and Europe would pay a steep and costly price for in terms of security and social cohesion and stability now and in the immediate future. For now I keep my fingers crossed on the consequences of the cover publication for Europe and the world as I try to examine the reason for a decision that is no less than a slap in the face for another religion by those who have long abandoned their own faith which they have replaced with freedom of speech at a gargantuan cost.

Before the Charlie Hebdo Paris Massacre there were demonstrations in Germany especially in Dresden by a group called Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of Europe with the acronym - PEGIDA -.

Prominent Germans like former Chancellor Helmut Schmidt and Chancellor Angela Merkel rightly denounced the group as extremists and victims of xenophobia with hatred in their hearts. It was no surprise that Angela Merkel was one of the first to arrive for the Paris March because after France which has the largest Muslim population in Europe [5m], Germany is next with 4m, while Britain is next with 3m. But then the Muslims did not just show up in these European nations, they are products or bye product of European colonialism which built the wealth and economies of these European nations with the exception of Germany where the Turks have always provided cheap labor to oil the robust German economy which is the most buoyant in Europe. In most European nations especially France the immigrant Muslim communities have always suffered from violence, discrimination and unemployment. Now with the publication of the Charlie Hebdo cover magazine you can add religious provocation to their woes. This certainly cannot be fair in an environment where some extremists and immigrant haters are advocating increase in recruitment discrimination to save jobs for indigenes and are advocating a limit of social welfare and benefits for such indigenes only while leaving out immigrants. Certainly such measures cannot promote social and environmental trust needed for social stability and cohesion now or in the future. For now it is certain that European parties that hate immigrants will win more elections in France especially and in Europe generally. Le Pen’ daughter is growing in stature in France and some

‘

have predicted she would win France’s presidential election in 2017. But the fact and the truth is that while the French Muslims live in ridicule of their religion and fear of discrimination, they cannot fully pull their weight as part of Franc’s overall social capital because they cannot fully trust the system. How they react to their plight will determine the future of France because as an African proverb goes – No one puts fire on a thatched roof and goes to sleep. Of course the wily French have their own version Eternal Vigilance is the price of liberty. Certainly the French have set for themselves a very long and arduous vigil on this Charlie Hebdo affair and I do not envy them at all.

At home in Nigeria the authorities are more concerned with conducting a free and fair election rather than putting an end to the killing of Nigerians in the North East by using the armed forces to chase Boko Haram away into the night from which it emerged bloodily in our midst some time ago. The two presidential candidates have signed a truce that there will be no post election violence so that the elections must just hold as scheduled. Even the budget for the year has been post poned to after the elections by a National Assembly whose members are more preoccupied with elections than appropriations. At last the President has visited the North East capital of Borno State, Maiduguri 267 days after the over 200 Boko Haram girls were abducted and have not been found to date.

The elections going on as scheduled, the loss of the Chibok girls, and the unabated blood letting of innocent Nigerians by Boko Haram show that our respect for human life and dignity as a nation is shallow and inhuman. Undoubtedly the rest of the world must be wondering how we can as a nation be so thick skinned on the loss of so many lives in such a short time while the quest for power goes on at all costs and in spite of the attendant insecurity of life and property in a section of the nation with a large percentage of our population. Anyway every cloud has a silver lining and in spite of our misfortunes and lack of regard for human life we have an election to look forward to and the hope that those who have led us to our sorry Pass of Thermoplae will not come again, come February 14 2015. That is the only wish that is comforting nowadays and one prays and hopes it materialises. Again, Amen.

8

Missing link in the Abuja Accord Saturday Flakes

HE convergence of world leaders on Abuja on Wednesday to broker an accord between the candidates and chairmen of the 14 political parties that will participate in the presidential election scheduled for February 14 was no doubt a historic moment. Particularly remarkable was the warm embrace between the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan, and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari. It was a clear case of leadership by example which many believe would rub off positively on the followers of the two main gladiators in the presidential race, But the move brokered by the likes of former Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, and former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, among other world leaders, would amount to scorching the snake and not killing it. Why? The leaders of some critical agencies who should have been involved in the accord-signing ceremony were left out. A violence-free election is predicated on an exercise that is not only free and fair, but also seen to be free and fair. And there is no way this can be achieved without the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and the security agencies, particularly the police and the Directorate of State Service (DSS), acquitting themselves as fair umpires.

Unfortunately, the actions and utterances of members of the Nigeria Police Force and the DSS are far from projecting them as neutral agencies of government. Nigerians are living witnesses to the witch-hunting of opposition parties by the DSS, particularly the APC, whose office it recently invaded in Lagos over alleged plans by the party to produce its own version of permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) and hack into the INEC’s data system. But after the agency’s purported analysis of its findings, it has changed its allegations against the APC to registering under-age Nigerians and uniformed men as members.

Through her actions and utterances, the spokesperson of DSS, Maryln Ogar, has left no one in doubt about the service’s sympathy for the ruling party. She has only stopped short of mounting the rostrum to campaign for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan while her men hunt down APC members.

The police too have not fared better as three recent examples would show. During the inaugural cam-

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

COMMENTARY

With

Vincent Akanmode vincentakanmode@yahoo.com SMS only: 08034426263 paign rally of Gen. Buhari in Port Harcourt on January 6, some armed youths believed to be working for the PDP opened fire on two buses, conveying supporters of the APC from Asari-Toru and Khana local government areas to the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium venue of the event. One person was reported dead while no fewer than seven others were seriously injured in the incident.

Without any diligent investigation, the police issued a statement, describing the incident as a robbery attack.

Alarmed by the hasty manner the police jumped to the conclusion, Ms. Ibim Semenitari, the Director of Communications of the campaign organisation of the Rivers State governorship candidate of the APC, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, said: “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”. No suspect has been arrested.

On January 11, some hoodlums also believed to be sympathetic to the PDP bombed the APC office in Abam-Ama, Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State simultaneously as four APC members were attacked with machetes by persons believed to be political thugs in Rumueme, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state without arrests being made in both cases. But less than 24 hours after some PDP buses were burnt by some persons believed to be sympathetic to the APC in Plateau State, the police immediately announced the arrest of 13 suspects!

The foregoing, coupled with the condemnable role the force played in the recent governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, has thrown it up as a veritable threat to a free and fair election upon which peace will be predicated before, during and after the elections.

It was, therefore, a major oversight on the part of the conveners of the Abuja Accord that the agencies whose actions or inactions could make or mar the elections were not carried along. I expected that the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of DSS, the Chairman of the INEC and the Chief Justice of Nigeria would be co-opted into the accord-signing exercise because of the critical roles they have to play in the elections.

I also expect the INEC and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to make the most of the picture of Jonathan and Buhari’s warm embrace which graced the cover of most national newspapers on Thursday. By making posters or billboards of it and placing same at strategic locations around the country, they will be telling their followers that the two gladiators are not enemies after all. This, I believe, will go a long way in changing the mindset of voters who might see the presidential election as a do-or-die affair.

Nigerians are right on corruption, Mr President grew up learning from my parents and teachers that stealing has no degrees. In other words, a man who steals N100 is guilty of theft as much as another who steals a million naira. My father, a teacher and school administrator before he became a traditional ruler, would even add that you become a thief the moment you contemplate stealing. Repeatedly, he told us that stealing and covetousness are siblings and their mother is greed. I have lived within the bounds of my father's stipulation for more than four decades, contenting myself only with things I can acquire legitimately and studiously avoiding greed. Mercifully, I never had the misfortune of coming under the influence of anyone with a contrary view of theft.

My soul has, therefore, been sorely troubled since President Goodluck Jonathan launched a campaign that seems to eulogise stealing and lionize theft which, to him, must not be rated as evil as corruption and consequently not punishable. “Over 70 per cent of what is called corruption, even by the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and other anti-corruption agencies, is not corruption, but common stealing,” the President said on national television on May 5 last year. He has since followed that up by declaring that Nigerians have a flawed perception of cor-

I

ruption because they often equate financial breakthrough with it.

At a recent political rally in Enugu, the President, who is known to have defended some members of his cabinet accused of corrupt practices, reportedly criticized the military administration led by Gen Muhammadu Buhari between 1983 and 1985 for sending a former governor of Anambra State, Chief Jim Nwobodo, to jail just because the latter stole a sum that could not even buy a new car.

The President thus unwittingly provoked a debate as to which is more edifying between theft and corruption. A dictionary defines corruption as impairment of integrity, virtue or moral principle. Its synonyms include debauchery, debasement and decadence. It defines stealing or theft, on the other hand, as the act of taking or carrying away (something) without right or permission. Its synonyms are robbery, larceny and rip-off. Under the ICPC Act 2000, theft or embezzlement of public funds is included among corrupt acts. What then is the point being made by the President? That he would rather accommodate a thief than tolerate a corrupt individual? It may interest him to know that whereas bribery was the pivot on which corruption rotated, its new garb is theft or what the President calls common stealing.

Muhammad Ali: Down, but not out ATE last year, the world’s best known sportsman and mostrecoganised face, Muhammad Ali, was hospitalized. The whole world held its breath praying to God to spare the life of the greatest boxer that has ever lived.

Our prayers were answered a fortnight ago when Ali was released from a United States of America, his home country, hospital after a urinary infection had been treated by doctors. Today, Saturday, 17th January, 2015, the fastest most quick-witted, most handsome and first three – time world heavyweight boxing champion, Ali, is 73 years old. May Allah (SWT) spare his remarkable life for more years. Amen.

Ali, was a phenomenon in the ring. There has been no athlete/sportsman or woman who held the whole world in awe since he quit boxing in 1982. His story in and outside the ring is that of faith, courage, skill, determination and creativity conquering poverty, bigotry, fear and oppression.

I am a long-standing fan of Ali, from the time he burst on the world’s consciousness in 1964. You remember his unbelievable defeat of Sonny Liston against all odds, to become the youngest world heavyweight boxing champion at 22 years. That yet – to – be – equalled feat of Ali made good his boasts of “I am the Greatest. I will defeat the ugly bear (Liston)”.

When another star, this time in music and on our soil, Ebenezer Fabiyi Obey alias “Chief Commander”, clocked 60 years on 3rd April, 2002, I wrote a diamond jubilee birthday tribute in honour of Ali and Obey, titled “Obey the Ali in you”, which was published in some national dailies (For ease of reference, The Comet on Sunday newspaper issue of 21st April, 2002). The stories of thee two icons, Ali in boxing, Obey in music, are similar and exemplary. To mark Ali’s 73rd birthday today, I recall my 2002 tribute (below) to him.

“The fulcrum of this piece is an exhortation to the individual to obey his or her inner voice urging the body to actualize those noble dreams that will add value to life, as exemplified by two of the world’s great stars, Muhammad Ali, the boxing legend and the former “Chief Commander” of juju (miliki) music, now turned evangelist, Dr. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi. These two talented persons, aside from divine grace, actualized their dreams through the mastery of their different arts, hardwork, self-confidence, creativity plus the breakthrough given by their different motivators – a police officer/boxing coach for Ali, and a recording company chief executive for Obey.

“Ali clocked 60 last January, while Obey coincidentally attained the same age on the 3rd of this month (April 2002). Their age is a period in life when any good dream ought to have been realized, or be within easy grasp in a Godly, orderly and progressive setting. Satisfied that they have made good marks in their different professional callings, Ali and Evangelist (Dr) ObeyFabiyi have retired and today are fishers of men for God. Salvation of mankind and the kingdom hereafter are now the main pre-occupation of both men as Ali is an Islamic minister while Dr. Obey-Fabiyi heads an evangelical ministry. I am, however, weaving this piece round the lives of the two in their hey days in the ring and on stage.

“As I said earlier and going by its title, this piece is to fire the zeal of future stars out there who, presently are unknown and helpless like Ali and Obey once were before providence smiled on them, leading both men to their destined ports of fame and

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• Muhammad Ali Oloye ‘Lekan ALABI fortune.

“First, Muhammad Ali. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay on January 17, 1942 in Loiusville, Kentucky, United States of America, the world’s best recognized face was steered to his destiny by a theft incident. One day in 1954, aged 12, he had been riding around on his new bike bought for him by his father as a Christmas present. Also riding around with the young Cassius, on his own bike, was Johnny Willis, his closest friend. A heavy rain terminated the two young boys fun on their bikes, and in want of something else to do, Cassius and his friend headed for an auditorium where the annual bazaar, the “Louisville Home Show”, for African- Americans in business was being held. They were attracted particularly to the show because the poster read that free popcorn and hot dogs would be served.

“By the time the two young friends thought they had their fill and wanted to go home, Cassius’ bicycle had been stolen! In their search for the bike, someone told the boys to go downstairs to the gym in the auditorium, where a policeman, Mr. Joe Elsby Martin, was training some boxers. They followed the advice. In the gym, Cassius was told by the policeman/trainer to lodge a formal complaint which he (Mr. Martin) wrote down. The future world heavyweight boxing champion boasted that he would “whup” the person who stole his bicycle even “if the guy is an adult”.

The 12 – year old (Cassius) confidence made Mr. Martin to ask if he was a boxer or learning the art. But Cassius replied in the negative repeating his earlier boast to “whup” (beat) the thief. And according to Ali in his autobiography, “The Greatest,” as he was about to go, Mr. Martin tapped him on the shoulder and gave him an application form in case he was interested in joining the gym where they boxed every night, Mondays to Fridays.

“The sight, sounds and smell of the boxing gym excited the

young Cassius so much that he started to dream. Hear him. “I can see myself telling my next door neighbor, ‘I am getting ready to fight for the heavyweight title of the world, and coming back the next night to say, ‘I am now the heavyweight champion of the world!” It did come to pass. One thing did not just lead to another, determination, rigorous training, strategic planning and faith in God culminated into turning a young, poor boy to the man who would break all known records in boxing, if not sports history. Ali brought science, beauty, money and a yet – to – be – equalled dignity to the game of brain, blood and brutality called boxing. Sad to see what’s happening to the game now.

“The generations who watched Ali “float like a butterfly and sting like a bee” in the ’60s and ’70s would not dismiss his claim of being the greatest boxer that has ever lived. What about his beautiful poems and wisecracks which led to a professorship offer by a British University, and the uncanny predictions of the round his many opponents would fall. As a good sportsman and world champion, Ali, never in his career, hit his opponents below the belt or after the bell had gone. He was a decent boxer.

“I have watched all his recorded fights – thanks partly to the late Segun Oyedele of the NTA, Ibadan. Ali won the first richest prize in sports. He was the first and only boxer in history to have won the world heavyweight title thrice. Ali did not stop at boxing, he became a champion of human rights. His refusal, based on religious/personal beliefs, to be conscripted into the US Army to fight in VietNam in 1967 with the now famous quip, “I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong” endeared him to millions all over the USA and the world. I was a signatory to the worldwide call to the US-based World Boxing Authority which stripped Ali of his title from 1967-70 to rescind its decision. His draft refusal and the eventual victory at the USA Supreme Court which ordered the restoration of his title and the release of his boxing licence, to some extent, pricked the conscience of the USA and her eventual withdrawal from the VietNam war.

“Today, Ali is an international peace ambassador, an icon for the ‘can do’ attitude in addition to being a philanthropist and symbol of pride for millions of oppressed people of the world.

“There has never been anyone else in any other sport remotely near him”, wrote British television interviewer, Michael Parkinson. Today, ironically, a disease described as the Parkinson Syndrome, has slowed down Ali in speech and movement, but not his spirit of adding value to life.”

“In Ali’s former camp, posterity will record in gold names, such as Mr. Martin, the policeman/trainer, Angelo Dundee, Ali’s coach, Drew ‘Bundini’ Brown, the cornerman with the ready yells of “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”, Mr. Elijah Muhammad, Ali’s spiritual mentor and Herbert Muhammad, the photographer who managed Ali’s purse”.

Yes, indeed Parkinson Syndrome and other old age ailments might have slowed Ali down, but he is not out. If I may play on a pun, by saying that Ali was one boxer who never, not even once, failed to come out of his corner to answer the bell calling for the start of a boxing round. The whole world loves Ali and we pray for his well-being. Muhammad Ali, down but not out.

Happy birthday, Champ.

•Oloye ’Lekan Alabi, D. Litt (h.c), Aare Alaasa Olubadan of Ibadanland

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2014

COMMENTARY

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Debut of time, the year is new; I pray that Nigeria will pull through HE New Year has come with its all of its tidings, When friends and family are relationship binding. Resolutions will be made for positive guiding; For goodness-abiding and charity-providing. But weeks into New Year the devotion will be sliding, Then begins the deriding, colliding and chiding. We want to loose weight, we want to pray more, We want to stop smoking and all we abhor. We vow to our family to increase our rapport, To adore each other like never before. It all seems so rosy at the celebration galore, Until the reality dawns of our world full of war. All the gore that we witness is pretty hardcore, It has tore many nations, now we cannot ignore. Every time news comes, someone has died. Especially in poor nations, where death-tolls are wide. We must stop our divide and constant collide. Leaders must decide to join a peace and unity side. In two thousand fourteen, disease implied, despite our pride, it can destroy us worldwide. Humans should understand our fate is all tied; Being, ‘Our Brothers Keeper’ should be our main guide. Last year was a rough ride; half the world cried. As we enter a new era, hope we put strife aside.

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************************* It’s the debut of time when the year is new. When it’s cue for the crew to bid history adieu. The mysteries of the future nobody knew.

Go through twenty fifteen with wisdom accrue. We should allow life to go down a treat, Retreat from all cheat, defeat the deceit, So as to greet virtue and meet a righteous feat. Only one life for living; it can’t be repeat! ************************* Twenty fifteen marks Nigeria’s very own bustle, In the form of elections and polling hustle. I fear for this nation from February to May, Because politicians are poised for the ultimate betray. I’ve no doubt in my mind on Election Day; We will witness the mightiest contest display. In-fact, when one asks in a general survey, There is angst of a fallout which could lead us astray. Neither party is ready to give power away, Not now or tomorrow or any other day. The set-up is one of havoc and vast disarray; Nigerian elections will not be a much fun soiree. There is talk that there maybe a shadow government, If it appears that there’s rigging to some extent. But who is to say, who can make that assessment, since there’s likely to be a definite wide-malcontent? One can’t say for 100 but at least 80%; There will be some skirmish if there is discontent. Politicians play with fire, they are baiting torment; They are inviting violence as a way to vent. We must all keep in mind that our ultimate intent, Is to stand by Nigeria in any nasty event. Give us free and fair elections so those who we present, Are the choices of the people who

It’s the debut of time when the year is new. When it’s cue for the crew to bid history adieu. The mysteries of the future nobody knew. Go through twenty fifteen with wisdom accrue. We should allow life to go down a treat, Retreat from all cheat, defeat the deceit, So as to greet virtue and meet a righteous feat. Only one life for living; it can’t be repeat! *************************

they represent. ************************* It’s the debut of time when the year is new. When it’s cue for the crew to bid history adieu. The mysteries of the future nobody knew. Go through twenty fifteen with wisdom accrue. We should allow life to go down a treat, Retreat from all cheat, defeat the deceit, So as to greet virtue and meet a righteous feat. Only one life for living; it can’t be repeat! ************************* So what’s there to look forward to at present, As we live our lives in lament and torment? As aspirants try to reach using rhetoric speech, They must refrain from words which continue to leech.

Muslim-Ulama and Christian-Clergy I do beseech, to refrain from politics whenever they preach. These elections should be argued straight on the facts; No need to use, bellow-the-belt tacts. No more negativity that is likely to feed, Our combustible oven of citizens greatly in need. Manifestos should speak of shelter, it should be about food; What we need are aspirants who will try and include: Hospital, medicine and hope well renewed, Education for our children, with no ethnic feud. Nigerians are clever, we are very alert; We’re the greatest black nation, therefore must reassert. This dirt being thrown in the campaigns will invert and subvert; The core of Nigeria and leave it more hurt. But as one we must stand and must know not to take, This quake that is brewing, “…please, for Heavens sake!” Anyone who partakes in a national mistake; History will record as fake and does, honour-forsake. Now’s it’s our chance to awake and our future retake, No doubt it’s a crucial time, one of “make or brake”.

For eleven years, I’ve written my column, I stand by my views and opinions solemn! Sometimes they are harsh, sometimes they are nice, But each time I try for, downright and precise. I’ve written of villains and heroes alike, I’ve poured out my heart on my likes and dislike. Our government’s misdeeds, I speak of a lot. Poor women and children I never forgot. The topic that’s always deep in my mind, Is how women and children are confined and maligned. When kids are abused, wives beaten by men, I pray for Almighty to save them; ‘Amen.’ I’ve written of disease, HIV and sport. I try to write stories, touch on rules of court. I write to assure the deprived and the poor. I hope that my message and views will endure. I’m told that many don’t like to see, Any critique about them and their bourgeoisie. People I meet say, “Hanney don’t you worry?” “Wallahi I don’t and I’m not even sorry!” Fun, fiction and fact I define to combine, So my columns can have a design that is mine. All those I offend, I hope understand, My intentions are pure; not ridicule-planned. One-day things will change and the poor will have power; ‘That’s the prayer, Dear God, of Hanney Musawa!’ I hope that my writing sometimes touch a nerve; It’s one of the ways I feel I can serve. My contribution to Nigeria is a New-Year Resolution; Where I will dig deep in self-revolution. I’ll not judge in totality, people’s mentality; When they act in a way I consider an abnormality. I’ll extend congeniality to those showing me brutality, By keeping in mind, ‘perception is reality.’ I’ll search for the key to boost my esprit; And free more self development so I can, #BeABetterMe If we each strive to be, ‘the change we want to see,’ We can pull up this nation from that bended knee. I will sign out this piece, but before I do cease, I wish all Nigerians, God’s guidance and peace. It’s the debut of time when the year is new; I pray ‘beloved Nigeria’ will eventually pull through. “…I am so, so proud to be a Nigerian, I identify with every variety that is representative of Nigeria, I am grateful to my motherland, I love this country with all my heart and will give anything to see my beloved Nigeria rise as one…”

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Hollow words on a broken canvas ut for the seriousness he attaches to his speech, Niger State Governor, Dr.AliyuBabangida, would have easily passed for a jester or a stand-up comedian whose words must be taken for what they are---jokes. And so when this shadowy character, who wields executive powers in a state that has a rare privilege of producing two living former military heads of state, Generals Ibrahim BadamosiBabangida and AbdulsalamiAbubakar, takes himself far too seriously to fall into that category. The self-styled Chief Servant to the people of his state recently threw an insight into the weird world of politicking that should be of interest all students of Political Science and the ever-gullible Nigerians who believe every politician’s words and promises must be some sort of bond or social contract. Well, for those who insist on leaders walking their talk, they may need to pick some nuggets on leadership buffoonery from the Chief Servant’s repertoire. His verdict? There is no place for morality in politics and anyone seeking nothing but the truth in the murky waters of politics must be living in a fool’s paradise!

If in doubt, then listen to the piece of advice he graciously offered during the inauguration of the Peoples Democratic Party gubernatorial campaign committee in Minna recently: “If you cannot lie, get out of politics. Anything you are involved in has its own rule. You are in politics to win, win first and let other things follow. Don’t be the one crying louder; lest you will be the one ‎they will take to court.

If you are talking of honesty or morals, go and become an Imam or Pastor. Politics cannot be the way it used to be. The challenges are more now. The variables have changed. The issues that we are going to face in 2015 are different from the ones we faced in 1999 and we must bear this in mind. Our society is not as grateful as it used to be, the values and morals have gone down. If you want to win, use the modern morality.”

Words.Heavy words.Disturbing words.Scary words. These have become a critical part of our politics as Nigeria embarks on yet another transition in democratic governance. Whatever it is, we can only ignore Babangida’s statement at our own peril. After all, hardly can anyone vouch for the so-called pastors and imams these days. Many of them would feign religious piety and, with relish, sacrifice the Lord on the altar of mercantilism. How many of them would put morality first ahead of personal interest when discussing issues of national interest? Be that as it may, what should rev up our anger buttonsreally is the rate at which the smartest liars get the tickets to manage our collective fortunes. In these days when most of the country leaders, both past and present, speak from both sides of the mouth, it becomes difficult to sniff the truth from the heaps of lies they spin every day. The tragedy is that some despicable persons, whose sole vocation is to stall our advancement as a nation, expect us to make informed decisions on which of the ‘lesser evils’ we should cast our vote for in an electioneering year.

The sad reality of Nigeria’s wobbling and endless trajectory towards greatness is that its story is being etched on a broken canvas---a collage of ignoble lies. It is, to say the least, sickening that each time its modern-day statesmen attempt to tell their stories, they are haunted not just by their messy past but also by the uninspiring legacy they bequeathed.

B

Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913 By now, it should be clear to every discerning mind that, in spite of all the sloganeering,Nigeria is yet to have its own Mahatma Ghandi, Lee Kuan Yew or Martin Luther King. Not one of those pretending to ape these highly respected figures qualify to clean their shoes---not even President Goodluck Jonathan despite his shoeless past! The difference is that while the LeeKuan Yews, Ghandis and Luther Kings of this world had a clear vision of what they wanted out of the struggle to emancipate humanity and change their story, their Nigerian ‘version’ is a band of confused, selfish and clueless clique of bounty hunters who lack the capacity to own up to their misconduct. While others turn their dreams into reality by holding to that which is fair, just and equitable, ours slaughter the dream at its infancy!

At this point, it is instructive to understand what BabangidaAliyu calls the ‘modern morality’ in political roguery. It is that kind of morality that elevates pure lie into an art. That is why the old wily fox in Ota Farms, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, penneda questionable ‘selfie’ of his stewardship in government. It is the brand of morality that propelled former military President Ibrahim BadamosiBabangida, the evil genius on Minna Hilltop, to lay claim to ‘sainthood’ should anyone dare to compile the list of those who stole the country blind. By the way, that would be an interesting collection. This modern morality also roars out loudly in President Goodluck Jonathan’s outburst against “motor park touts” who make provocative statements against his bumbling governance style. It is the morality that sees the logs on other people’s eyes while conveniently blurring out the huge specks in one’s eyes. It is nothing but a logical illogic!

Someone says these are empty words dropping off the lips of the pot, the kettle and the frying pan. All the same, it speaks volumes about our leadership recruitment process if all our past and leaders do is vomit nonsense whenever they intervene in national discourse. However, we should be thankful to IBB that he did not deny that his administration was corrupt or even institutionalised it as an official policy. The only insult he would not stomach is the one that says he ran the most corrupt government in Nigeria. In a recent interview, the master dribbler made every effort to give a lie to that impression. His words: “Maybe I have to accept that (institutionalisation of corruption). But anybody with a sense of fairness has no option but to call us saints. I don’t have the facts but if what I’m reading in the papers is currently what is happening, then I

think we were angels.” Even among thieves, there is something called honour!

Unfortunately, IBB’s troubling analysis of corrosive corruption in high places came on a day OBJ fired another shot at GEJ, accusing him of superintending over a regime that has wasted $55bn crude oil savings in less than four years. He said: “I have no grudges against Jonathan and I think Jonathan equally has no grudges against me. When we left in 2007, the reserve was said to have been raised to $35bn. I heard that the reserve increased to $67bn before the end of that year. But our reserve now, I learnt, is left with only $30bn.”

And what exactly was GEJ’s response? First, he threatened to expose how some of his predecessors squandered billions of dollars that would have taken Nigeria out of the doldrums or, at least, set it on the path of growth. Second, he pulled off the gloves and fired straight from the hips. I must confess that, this time, no one can accuse Jonathan of incapable of giving us a quotable quote. Hear him: “Some people call themselves statesmen, but they are not statesmen, they are just ordinary politicians. Are you building this country? Or are you a part of the people who tell lies to destroy this country? Are you planning to set the country ablaze because you did not get that particular thing you want? You are not a senior citizen, you can never be. You are an ordinary motor park tout. If you are a senior citizen, you will act like one!”

Words! Yet, these folks say they bear no grudges against one another? We sure expect more of the ‘friendly bombings’ as the election draws near. The more we get this first hand insight into how different administrations have ingloriously mismanaged the Nigerian economy, the more enlightened we become in making our choices. Now that Papa has stopped deceiving his Pikin as the best option for the job and the pikin has equally engraved the logo of a motor park tout on his former Papa, while publicly proclaiming a paternal relationship with an evil genius that ‘stole less’ whilst in power, we can only wait with bated breath for the interesting series in this unfolding drama.

Meanwhile, can they, for once, stop blabbing and learn some hard truth as espoused by Lee Kuan Yew who said: “I'm no longer in active politics, it's irrelevant to me what young Singaporeans think of me. What they think of me after I'm dead and gone in one generation will be determined by researchers who do PhDs on me.I did what I thought was right, given the circumstances, given my knowledge at the time, given the pressures on me at the time. That's finished, done. I move forward. You keep on harking back, it's just wasting time.I have no regrets. I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There's nothing more that I need‎ to do.

At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore.

What have I given up? My life!

How many of the clowns in our political space can lay claim to these truly inspiring words by a man who guarded his country to the zenith of development, a man whose story is being told across the globe? How many of us left us with a better Nigeria? How many of them sacrificed a jot of their blood to lead this country out of this road to perdition? Where is that successful Nigeria that they make a song and dance of in their flowery speeches?

So much for the shameless proponents of modern morality and its acolytes!

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

buffet

Oyegbami Mrs Akinyemi

SEGUN AJIBOYE, Assistant Editor and Rukayat JIMOH

Mrs Esiekwualele

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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’ Mr Kareem

Mrs Izeze

Mr Ese

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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Oboh Catherine

Taiwo Akinyemi

Adesuwa Ise

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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GOVERNOR AMOSUN

Save us from Ijoko-Ota hoodlums

I

AM directing this message to Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State. And I want him to take an urgent action on it in the interest of our state.

There are hoodlums in all parts of Ijoko- Ota. They openly smoke hemp and molest innocent people, going about their lawful businesses.

From reliable information at my disposal, these hoodlums were chased out of Lagos State by the police and other law-enforcement agents.

They are giving our state a bad name, and to put a stop to their nefarious activities, they should be flushed out of our peaceful state.

This is a job for our great governor, and I believe he will carry it out perfectly.

Akinrotimi, Ntabo, Ijoko-Ota, Ogun State.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN

Provide functional transformers

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OST communities complaining about the lack of electric power supply have problem in common.

The problem is the lack of functional transformers.

Transformer is an important device in the provision of electric power supply, and this fact is known to all our policymakers.

Considering the importance of this device, I am appealing to President Goodluck Jonathan to supply functional transformers to all communities in need of them.

Taking this action will improve the supply of electricity nationwide and problems confronting our people in this sector will come to an end.

Suleiman Akintola,

Igbajo, Osun State.

WAEC REGISTRAR

SENATOR GEMADE

My name was misspelt

I need a scholarship

I

N the West African Senior School Cerificate Examinations (WASSCE) I did in 2011, my name was written as Abdulrahman Isah, while I am Abdulrahman Aisha.

It is my belief that this will deny me the use of my certificate because of suspicion it will attract.

In the light of this, I am calling on the Registrar of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Dr. Iyi Uwadiae, to correct this mistake.

My Centre Number is 4271205 and my Examination Number is 4271205038.

I am expecting to hear from the WAEC soon.

Abdulrahman Aisha, Danban, Niger State.

I

AM pursuing a professional course in Health Safety and Environment. I started the course at the Chartered Institute of Shipping.

Port Harcourt while working as a Safety Supervisor at

Wonderland Park in Abuja.

I do not have financial strength to continue the course because I lost my job when the park was closed on the grounds of insecurity.

What I want now is a scholarship from my senator, Chief B.A.I Gemade, or Hon. Iorwase Hembe, a member of the House of Representatives.

These two men are from my area in Benue State. I am from Mbagusa/Mbatser Ward in the Konshisha Local Government Area.

I can be contacted on 08126422889.

Stephen Kwaglihe, Abuja.

Gbenga ADERANTI, Segun AJIBOYE (Assistant Editors) and Damisi OJO, Akure

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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Oteh: Storm in a tea cup The formal handover ceremony this week for the retired Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, marks the end of an eventful five-year tenure laced with intrigues but also some compelling achievements.

TAOFIK SALAKO profiles the tenure of the erstwhile DG. HE last days of her tenure unearthed the hues and cries that had all along coloured her tenure. Former Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Ms Arunma Oteh, came into the apex capital market regulator at a trying period for the market; in January 2010, the immediate period after the grueling recession of 2008 and 2009. As she bowed out last Monday, the market appeared to heave a sigh of relief.

With the appointment of erstwhile Executive Commissioner, Operations, SEC, Mr. Mounir Gwarzo, as the acting Director General, the market paused momentarily and recorded its first gain of the year. The All Share Index (ASI), Nigeria’s country index and a valuebased market-wide index that tracks prices of all quoted equities, recorded modest gain of 0.30 per cent while aggregate market value of all quoted companies also rose by N30 billion.

Prior to the formal handover, the market had sustained a free fall that saw investors losing about N1.6 trillion in the first seven days of the year.

Nigerian stock market recorded the worst performance among the world’s stock markets in 2014. With a full-year return of -16.14 per cent, investors lost some N1.75 trillion in 2014. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities closed 2014 at N13.226 trillion as against its opening value of N11.477 trillion for the year. It was not a fitting parting gift for Oteh whose tenure had also seen the market recording impressive performance in the previous years.

From a market capitalisation of N4.99 trillion in January 2010, the market had peaked at over N14 trillion in 2014.

Nigerian equities had set a new high in 2013 with a capital gain of more than N4.25 trillion and average full-year return of 47.19 per cent, its best performance since 2007.

Aggregate market capitalisation of all quoted equities on the NSE closed 2013 at N13.226 trillion as against its opening value of N8.974 trillion for the year. In 2012, the market had recorded average return of 35.45 per cent, equivalent to capital gains of N2.44 trillion. The market appeared to play the same old tricks, which Oteh had played to rouse the sentiments against the previous management of SEC and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), on her.

The downtrend was an anti-climax. At a time she needed to show up the market as evidence of her reforms, since what most elementary investors understand is the up and down value of the market, the market played the cruel joke on her. This did not help her quest for extension of her tenure or outright second term. Meanwhile, with little variations, the downtrend now as it was in 2008 and 2009, was induced by a combination of internal and external factors.

The intrigues that also characterised the formal handover and appointment of acting director general evoked the memories of the manoeuverings that had dogged the tenure of the former Director General. While Oteh’s tenure ended on Wednesday January 7, the apex capital market regulator was left in quandary as the presidency buzzed with intense lobby for the extension of her tenure. The intervening period between the expiration of her tenure and appointment of acting Director General-four days, left the SEC in limbo and could expose the agency to litigations, in the event of any major transactions during the period. The Investments and Securities Act (ISA) 2007, the main body of laws regulating the capital market, provides for five-year tenure for Director General of SEC in the first instance, renewable for similar term of five years only. Section 5, subsection 1 stipulates that the Director-General and the three full time commissioners shall be appointed by the President upon the recommendation of the Minister and confirmation by the Senate.

Oteh made spirited attempt for extension of her tenure, as a stop-gap for eventual renewal of the five-year tenure. With the backing of the Chief Anyim Pius Anyim’s office of the Secretary General of the Federation, which got the Minister

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of Finance to make a recommendation for extension of tenure, she closed in on the Presidency and almost had the extension. While she met with President Goodluck Jonathan two days before expiration of her tenure, on Monday, sources in the know said she had seen a probable letter of extension of tenure. A somewhat confident Oteh returned to SEC awaiting the formal announcement of the extension.

But the other voices had the better ear of the President.

Latching on to discontent among capital market operators and staff of SEC, the declining market performance and more importantly, the political albatross created by Oteh’s previous face-off with the National Assembly, the opposing stakeholders impressed the need for outright change on the President. In the midst of his campaign for reelection on February 14, President Jonathan reasoned with the opposing stakeholders and rejected the recommendation for extension.

According to sources in the know, the complaints against Oteh centered on her management style and personality. In spite of obvious achievements, many stakeholders had complained about her style of management. Some had alleged she was intolerant and unreceptive to others’ ideas while the grudging staff of SEC had complained of favouritism. But in an election year, Oteh’s undoing was the face-off with the National Assembly. The extension of tenure reopened old wounds. A public inquiry on the capital market by the House of Representatives in 2012 turned into a public spat between Oteh and the lawmakers, with one thing leading to another one. The lawmakers had raised issues on the qualification of the erstwhile director general and her financial prudence. Oteh shot back accusing the lawmakers of extortion, blackmail and corruption. She particularly accused the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Capital Market and other Institutions, Hon. Herman Hembe, who was heading the inquiry, of corrupt practices, alleging that he had collected money from SEC for a foreign trip but neither made the foreign trip nor return the fund to SEC. The allegation led to the resignation of Hembe as chairman of the inquiry.

A new ad hoc committee was constituted to complete the inquiry. The report of the House of Representatives’ Ad Hoc Committee on the Near Collapse of the Nigerian Capital Market roundly indicted Oteh and called for her sack.

Resolution 19 of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on capital market, which was adopted by the House, stated that: that the appointment of Ms Arunma Oteh be terminated forthwith as Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission as her appointment is in violation of Section 3 (2) a and Section 38 (1) (b), 2 and 3; Section 315 of the Investment and Securities Act, 2007 in that she did not

have 15 years experience in the Nigerian capital market as required; she has shown incompetence in the management of human and material resources at her disposal in Securities and Exchange Commission; lack of transparency in managing Project 50, regulatory failure in some of the recent mergers, acquisitions and approvals of transactions

by Securities and Exchange Commission and general inability to carry along her staff, board, and management in decision making in Securities and Exchange Commission, and questionable staff recruitment policies.

It had earlier identified as some of the key reasons for the near collapse of the market in the past and lack of public confidence in the market to include conflict of interest and misconduct of the current leadership of SEC, loss of credibility of the entire SEC management team led by Arunma Oteh and lack of statutory qualification by Oteh among others as reasons for deficiency in the marketplace. The report called on the Ministry of Finance to reorganize SEC and sanction erring staff of SEC that were culpable in the deterioration at the capital market. The Senate subsequently adopted the position of the lower chamber.

The National Assembly relied on its interpretation of the ISA which states that “a person shall not be qualified for appointment to the Board of the Commission unless he is a fit and proper person and-(a) in the case of the Chairman or Director-General of the Commission, he is a holder of a university degree or its equivalent with not less than 15 years cognate experience in capital market operations”. The National Assembly obviously in its interpretation took the capital market operations to be Nigerian capital market and cognate experience to be similarly related. Neither the National Assembly nor Oteh sought for the judicial interpretation of the provision. Oteh’s qualifications generally met the letters of the provision. With a first class honours degree in Computer Science from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Oteh also obtained a Masters Degree in Business Administration at the Harvard Business School. She worked for many institutions including Centre Point Investments Limited, a Nigerian capital market operator. She later joined African Development Bank (ADB) in 1992 where her almost two decades included portfolios such as investment and capital market operations, treasury and corporate management. By 2006, she was a top management staff as vice president, corporate management.

But what stuck most was the allegation bordering on management style and financial prudence. At its meeting in June 2011, the Board of SEC had directed her to proceed on compulsory leave to enable an independent investigation to be undertaken in respect of the Project 50 programme which was carried out by the commission in 2011. The decision of the board was arrived at after consideration of the report of its Audit and Finance Committee which had been directed to investigate the sources and uses of funds for the Project 50 event. Amongst its conclusions, the committee recommended an independent audit of Project 50 and that the key actors in the management of the funds should be asked to step aside to allow an unhindered investigation.

Pricewaterhouse Coopers was invited to conduct an investigative audit. She was subsequently exonerated and recalled back to duty by a letter from the office of the Secretary General of the Federation.

As against report of the National Assembly’s inquiry, which was made public, the report of the Pricewaterhouse Cooper was not made public. Many stakeholders kicked, including the staff of SEC who staged massive protest against her reinstatement.

The impasse between the National Assembly and the Executive arm impaired the workings of SEC and the capita market. The National Assembly neither approved any budget for SEC nor considered any submission from the agency since its 2012 resolution. SEC was therefore unable to push through important legislative reviews, including amendment of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) among others, which would have facilitated such landmark initiatives such as full dematerialization, e-dividend and e-offering.

But many stakeholders agreed the former director general contributed her quota to market development. Oteh led several reforms in rules, regulations, institutional capacity, market structure, products, disclosures, compliance and enforcements among others. Under her watch, SEC reviewed and published a new corporate governance code, which became mandatory rather than voluntary as was the case before the review.

The apex capital market regulator has also demonstrated strong determinations toward stringent enforcement regime. It has not only taken various enforcement actions against operators and issuers with respect to inadequate fil-

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

ing of periodic returns and other market infractions, it has taken the clean-up fights to the operational base of illegal fund managers which hide under amorphous names to dupe unsuspecting investors. In a landmark regulatory action, Oteh’s SEC stood her ground to enforce corporate governance changes in a multinational, Africa-originated bank-holding group, which had sacked a whistle blowing director. The director was reinstated and the group made far-reaching changes to its board and governance structure.

SEC also broadened the market space with the introduction of Sukuk (Islamic bonds) in the Nigerian capital market to provide issuance variety. SEC also championed the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) by quoted companies, with effect from December 31, 2012.

With the support of the supervising Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Government also removed Value Added Tax (VAT) from capital market transactions. She actively supported the reforms at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), where she had wielded the big stick and sacked the former director general, Dr (Mrs) Ndi Okereke-

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Onyiuke, and instituted new management and council. She has been a strong advocate of women financial inclusion.

Under Oteh, SEC has also in the last few years modified and introduced several rules and regulations to enhance corporate disclosures, market depth and governance. These also included new rules and regulations by the NSE, which must be approved by SEC. These included initiatives like market-making and whistle blowing among others.

Even in the end, the issues of her qualifications and experience and management style continued to shadow her steps. Many market operators who spoke in the wake of appointment of the acting Director General urged government to consider experience and qualification in the appointment of a substantive director general. A release by SEC, justifying the almost immediate redeployment of staff by the acting director general, added a cruel irony to the send forth.

After justifying that the “redeployment exercise was strategically done to strengthen the regulatory mechanism of the commission”, the release concluded that the acting

director general had in a meeting with the staff assured that “the present management is committed to returning the organization to its traditional core values experienced a decade ago and would undergo corporate rebranding to alter battered image suffered in the past. He also mentioned that the present management is aware about the rights of staff that had been violated in the past few years resulting in an in-house strife but reassured that the issue of human rights would be paramount under the new regime.

In addition, he said the era of fighting has passed, because there will be nothing to fight for. The issues on ground have been amicably resolved, so there would be no need to fight again.

In conclusion, the publication mentioned that the redeployment came out within 48 hours of assumption of duty of the acting director general. This shows the timeliness of the redeployment and the way the acting director general has a clear and deep understanding of the workings of the SEC due to the fact that he previously worked in the commission”. For Oteh, the storm simply refused to go away.

Baba, the ‘beautiful bride’?

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is one Nigerian that excites a lot of passion in these shores and beyond. With his good, not too good, interesting and humorous sides, he has been able to confound many who continue to wonder whether he could be regarded as a friend or foe.

Obasanjo, who had been on a selfimposed break from party politics, may have become the beautiful bride in recent times among members of the two leading political parties in the country, writes Deputy Political Editor RAYMOND MORDI. IVEN the frequency of visits of leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s hilltop mansion in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, the elder statesman appears to have become the beautiful bride whose support must be sought by any party who hopes to win next month’s presidential election. While Obasanjo is not the only elder statesman whose endorsement and support has been solicited for, as the campaign for the make-or-mar February 14 presidential election gets underway, he has been the most sought after. Unlike others such as former military President Ibrahim Babangida, Obasanjo who remains a card-carrying member of the PDP, in his usual colourful and bombastic manner, has not left anyone in doubt where his loyalty lies.

In the latest round of such visits, the presidential candidate of the APC, General Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the party met with Obasanjo at the hilltop mansion on Tuesday, barely 13 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan held a nocturnal secret meeting with the former president at the same venue to woo him to their side.

Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo in company with APC leaders, including Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, the party’s National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Chief Audu Ogbe, Chief Barnabas Gemade, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Governor Ibikunle Amosun and others arrived at Obasanjo’s residence at about 11.20am in a convoy of cars.

It is now clear that the APC, which has been wooing the former president for some time now, has completely won him to their side; despite the fact that he still carries the card of the PDP. It is a well-known fact that President Jonathan and Obasanjo are not best of friends at the moment. Strategists within the opposition party foresaw that the party would need to throw in everything at its disposal to win this battle and quickly cashed in on it. One of Obasanjo’s grouse with Jonathan is the President’s decision to seek a second term. The former President is not favourably disposed to this and he had made his position clear that Jonathan promised not to re-contest and that he should honour the agreement.

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• Obasanjo Civil society activist and President of the Nigeria Voters Assembly (VOTAS), Comrade Mashood Erubami, said Obasanjo became a new bride because of his influence in Nigeria and abroad. He noted that the APC is latching on the old belief that the enemy of an enemy is a friend. The civil society activist was alluding to an ancient proverb which suggests that two opposing parties can or should work together against a common enemy. Erubami argues that the two parties are pursuing their own interests by wooing Gen. Obasanjo to paint them well before the people.

Obasanjo, two-time ruler of Nigeria, remains an enigma to many Nigerians and non-Nigerians alike. So far, he has lived up to his reputation as a controversial, unpredictable, but courageous individual who is often credited with native intelligence. The man who would clock 78 in March, is widely perceived as a complex and difficult person to understand. Depending on his mood, he could unleash his good, not too good, interesting and humorous sides at a moment’s notice.

On the part of the APC, the move to enlist Obasanjo’s backing started over a year ago. Shortly after the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Peoples Party of Nigeria, the Congress for Progressives Change and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) metamorphosed into the APC, the party leaders stormed Obasanjo’s residence to introduce the party to the former President.

Among the APC leaders that spoke at the Obasanjo’s residence was Tinubu. He described the former President as an elder statesman. He had hailed him thus: “You have come out of tribulation and held the highest position in this country. We are here because of your courage. Nobody can claim that he has information more than you. You have surmounted a number of crises. Nigeria is divided now more than before. To realise a stable Nigeria, we want to encourage you to continue to speak the truth. We are resolved and determined to rescue Nigeria, we want you as navigator.”

Obasanjo’s meeting with Tinubu was also attended by the APC National Vice Chairman, Segun Oni, who is a close ally of the former President. Tinubu’s visit, it was said, centred on what should constitute the interest of the South-West in the forthcoming presidential election.

It was gathered the APC leaders specifically solicited the support of the former president for the party. Obasanjo was said to have advised the opposition party to choose a presidential candidate with a clean record.

The contest between the PDP and the APC for Obasanjo’s attention started in October 2013, when as part of its reconciliatory efforts, Senate President David Mark led a PDP delegation to the hilltop residence of the former President, to bring him back to the mainstream of action within the party. The Mark-led delegation arrived the residence some minutes after Tinubu left the place.

As a follow up to the delegation’s closed-door meeting with Baba, as he is fondly referred to, the PDP National Chairman Alhaji Adamu Mu’azu publicly apologised to the elder statesman and sought hi’s forgiveness. Mu’azu offered the apology on behalf of the party in Abuja, while welcoming former Ogun State Governor Otunba Gbenga Daniel with his loyalists within the Labour Party back to the ruling party.

He said: “All of us must beg Obasanjo to forgive us.

We need to beg him. He is very prayerful and we need to ask him to forgive us so that we can be forgiven. We are your children. We have made mistakes and Baba, please forgive us. Come and lead us. We are your followers and we assure you that we are all good boys and girls. We have sinned. Baba please forgive us.”

The robust relationship between Obasanjo and Jonathan snapped not long after the 2011 general elections, but they managed to keep it from public glare.

The breakdown in the relationship became glaring through an exchange of open letters between them. The tone of the two letters, analysts said, left the impression of irreconcilable differences between both “combatants.”

Obasanjo felt that Jonathan had derailed from the expected path and enjoined him in an open letter to return to the path of honour. The former President had accused Jonathan, who he had supported to become the President, of training snipers for the purpose of unleashing terror against perceived political enemies and of allowing the PDP to slip in disarray, among others.

Erubami is of the view that the PDP move to woo Obasanjo to support Jonathan’s re-election bid is belated. His words:’ The President and his party have been approbating and reprobating at the same time coming belatedly to apologise, begging the General on each occasion that is convenient without attaching any seriousness to their apologies.” There is no doubt that many Nigerians are enjoying the game.

Politically, Obasanjo commands the greatest respect of all Nigeria’s past leaders. He was the first former President in the country that installed his successor and as well facilitated the emergence of the incumbent President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

In the South West, Obasanjo also enjoys political goodwill in almost all the states, including Lagos. All the governors referred to him as their father. Though, some of the states are being governed by opposition parties, Obasanjo still enjoys his political relevance. Apart from politics, Obasanjo also dabbles into traditional matters.

He had facilitated the installations of many traditional rulers, including the incumbent Alake of Egbaland; the Olowu of Owu among others.

During Tuesday’s meeting at Obasanjo’s residence, Buhari solicited Obasanjo’s support for the February 14 presidential election, stressing that the APC would focus attention on issues of security, economy and corruption, if voted into power. In spite of all entreaties by Buhari and the APC leadership, Obasanjo insisted that he remained a card-carrying member of the PDP. He, however, reiterated that regardless of his party affiliation, the well-being of the nation remained paramount to him.

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Style on display as high soci Adunni Bankole, RULY, comets are not seen when beggars die, but the heavens blaze at the death of a noble! And so it was when one of society pillars, Chief Mrs Adetayo Adunni Bankole (Nee Adebowale, the princess of high society, went home. The trumpets of Ebony Caskets, society pall bearers, blazed into the sky, announcing the homeward journey of a beloved woman of style.

To many, she was the Iyalode of the universe, to others, she was the Iyalode of Gbagura, but to everyone, she was a great philanthropist.

It was then not unusual that Lagos stood still for the final burial rites of the Late Chief Adunni Bankole, fondly known as Iyalode Adunni, which took place on Tuesday and Wednesday at Anchor Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, a place owned by her society friend and business woman, Iyalaje of Apapa, Chief Mrs Toyin Kolade.

Adunni Bankole, according to her numerous high society friends, was a show-stopper in life. “There was no time that she entered an event that eyes did not sway in her direction,” said her ever loyal friend, Tessy Yembra. “Adunni Bankole was a show-stopper in life, carrying the society on her laps. Was it in the kind of shoes that she wore? Or the kind of clothes or the jewellery that adorned her body? or her natural carriage or was it in fashion and style? Iyalode had everything, everything that high society stands for.”

This much was corroborated by her heavily grieved husband, politician and business mogul, Alhaji Alani Bankole, who led the family of four children and other relations

T •The late Adunni Bankole

•Chief Mrs Toyin Kolade

•Pastor Akin Ayanwale...ministering

•From left: Aliu Mohammed, Adesina Aiyekoti, Mrs. Bilikis Aiyekoti and Alhaja Afusat Olatunde

•Ebony's pall bearers in procession

n Paul UKPABIO n into the beautified Anchor Event Centre in Ikeja, Lagos, where the Service of Songs, conducted by Triumphant Christian Ministries took place Tuesday evening, and was immediately followed by an Artistes Entertainers Nite of Songs, both held in honour of the late socialite and businesswoman.

Alhaji Alani Bankole, father of ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole, was lost in words, as he found his way out of the hall after the event. When he had to make a comment on his late beloved wife, he simply soberly declared: “She was everything to me!”

Adunni Bankole meant quite a lot to most of the top celebrities that thronged the entire hall of Anchor Event Centre to bid her farewell during the burial service conducted by the Saviour's Ministries Worldwide (C&S Church) on Wednesday morning.

Celebrities who stood to be counted included Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo, the wife of ex President Olusegun Obasanjo; Chief Florence Ita Giwa, popularly known as Mama Bakassi; the Iyalaje of Apapa, Chief Mrs Toyin Kolade; Alhaja Nimota Lai; Princess Bunmi Jegede; Chief Mrs Tai Elemosho (Montai); Aisha Guobadia; Ms Olubunmi George; Mrs Victoria Abiola Alagbede; Bola Oginni; Mrs Adeola Onikunle; Mrs Dupe Lawale; Mrs Nike Adewuyi; Yemi Olomolehin; Banpe Odunsi; Mrs. Sonuyi C; Mr and Mrs Femi Olubalusi; Mr Jide Ajayi; Actress Madam Kofo; Tessy Yembra; Mr Kunle Bakare; Mr Yinka Junaid; Mayor Akinpelu; Hon. Ola Dugba and wife, and a host of others.

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ety bid their own, Iyalode tearful farewell Owu Kingdom was well represented by an array of chiefs and their staff of office was a conspicuous part of the final funeral rites of the late society businesswoman. Her parents, the Late Chief Adebisi Akanni Adebowale (the Abese Ola of Owu Kingdom) and Chief Mrs Gbemisola Adeshida, both hail from Owu Kingdom.

Veteran actress Madam Kofo, who was in quiet tears recalled few years ago how Iyalode Adunni, had urged her to be bold enough to release her daughter for marriage despite her (Madam Kofo's) poor finances at the time. Iyalode simply said to me: “Let the young lady marry her heart throb or do you want her to turn to Methuselah in your house? She then went on to support me all through the planning stage of the event and on the event day, she brought in all the food that was served guests and was physically present throughout the ceremony. That is just one of the many things she did for me. She was everything.”

A quarter of those who were present were journalists of all ranks. Publishers of both hard and soft sell magazines who had a good relationship with her were there to say farewell to her. Amongst them were: Kunle Bakare, (Encomium Weekly), Mayor Akinpelu (Global Excellence) and Seye Kehinde (City People) all who had known her personally, and interacted with her even few days to her passing on. Others were Biodun Kupoluyi, Loye Hamzat, and Dayo Asaju.

According to Mayor Akinpelu, “She was with us a month ago, and, to me, she was looking hale and hearty but of course, we knew she was battling an illness. She would be greatly missed.” “She was a mother to most of us journalists:”said Seye Kehinde, and Kunle Bakare declared, “She was kind, an unusual, generous person.”

And that was one of the virtues of Late Adunni Bankole that made majority of her society friends and others to come out to celebrate her and pay their last respect. Her philanthropy was second to none, said her daughter, Toyin, whose marriage took place on the day she died. “To you all, she was Iyalode, but to us her children, she was our mom, a mom who was loving, caring and

who wanted to do everything for us. She would instruct you, guide you and even do it by herself.”

The well represented Nollywood community, which held a praise night for the Late Adunni Bankole, tagged: Entertainers Nite of Songs, could mostly recall her heart of philanthropy. “She gave, gave and just continued to give,” said one of the young actresses at the event. The Nollywood community was well represented by actreses Mosun Filani, Dayo Amusan, Liz Da Silva, She Baby and others.

For a sober event that her burial was, friends of the late socialite turned out in resplendent colours, classy dresses and outfits; only a few adorned black coloured dress: So, for one who was a classy pace setter in fashion and style, Late Adunni Bankole's friends, stepped out to represent her very well. Even the ushers were not left out as they stepped out to duty in stylishly, pinkish-red colour.

The full participation of churches and ministers of God at her funeral also showed another side of Late Adunni Bankole. Her numerous awards had no boundary, as she was even bestowed awards in churches, to where she also extended her philanthropic activities. She even affirmed her depth of faith by attending a bible college in her last years.

As impromptu as her death was, so was the speculation about her burial place. While many thought it would be in Abeokuta or Alausa, both places she resided with her husband while she was alive; however, an organised Adunni Bankole, owner of Sublime Trademark, chose none of these places, not even her new luxury country home at Ikorodu; she was said to have confided in her daughter, Desola, that it was her wish that she be buried at Atan Cemetery located at Yaba area of Lagos.

It was quite a distance from Ikeja to Yaba, but the convoy of sleek vehicles belonging to society folks, made its way to Late Adetayo Adunni Bankole's final resting place at Atan Cemetery, where at the graveside, family members and friends could no longer hold back the tears; the tears flowed freely as one tried to comfort the other.

•Prophet Dr. Ambassador Enoch Adesola (right) and Apostle Ponle Michael (CL)

•From right: Senator Flornce Ita-Giwa, Mrs Bola Obasanjo, Chief Akinpelu Brown- Omotobase and Chief Akin Obimakinde- Asipa Owu Kingdom

•From right: Bola Oginni, Mrs Adeola Onikunle, Mrs Dupe Lawale, Mrs Nike Adewuyi, Yemi Olomolehin and Banpe Odunsi

•From right: Alhaji Alani Bankole; Owolabi Bankole; Sultan Darasimi Onilenla (grand son); Toyin Desola and Mopelola Jato

PHOTOS: Biodun ADEYEWA

•Owolabi (left) consoling Oluyomi Adebowale

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with KAYODE ALFRED

E-mail:kayflex2@yahoo.com Tel:08116759807, 08035733605

Subomi Balogun acquires latest model of

Rolls Royce T

hat the founder of First City Monument Bank, Otunba Subomi Balogun, is a man of style has never been in dispute. With mansions in different parts of the world, expensive cars and stylish outfits, the respected businessman and Ijebu high chief exudes class and sophistication. The sophisticated nature of his Ikoyi, Lagos home, equipped with state-of-the-art garage and a fleet of exotic cars, attests to his affluence.

Late last year, the banking guru added to his collection of cars with the acquisition of a 2014 Rolls Royce Phantom. No doubt, the Olori Omo-Oba Akile Ijjebu has established himself in the league of notable Nigerians. As the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ijebuland, he is also one of the revered Christian leaders in the area. He has been effective in his role as Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians by striving to make all Ijebu Christians a united family. Every year, he hosts Christian leaders from various churches across Ijebuland to a thanksgiving service.

On January 6, he hosted the Christian leaders to this year's thanksgiving at his palatial residence in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Christian leaders drawn from the zone converged for the event that witnessed renditions from various choirs. The event was also attended by about 30 traditional rulers, including the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who was the special guest of honour.

After the service, Balogun and his wife played the perfect hosts, ushering their guests into his royal pavilion, a small banquet hall that can seat about 800 people.

Happy times for Mo Abudu

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41 with KAYODE ALFRED

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

•Prof Osinbajo fielding questions at the event

Osinbajo:

Portrait of the professor as a politician •An evening with associates HE atmosphere inside the banquet hall of the Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos, changed immediately Professor Yemi Osinbajo walked in with his entourage. It was on the evening of January 9. Friends and associates of the vice-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) organised a

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n Seun AKIOYE n town hall meeting for him. The Professor, as he is fondly referred to, wore a blue suit, a white shirt and red tie and was immediately mobbed by a crowd of enthusiastic supporters. He spent considerable time greeting them one after the other, some he pumped hands

with and others he hugged.

Sometimes, he would express a look of surprise on seeing a particular guest and to others, he would clench his fist, especially if they were not within his reach. Everybody stood to have a glimpse of him and possibly say a

Continued on page 45

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Continued from page 44

,

•From left: Prof Pat Utomi; a one-time Lagos State Commissioner, Mrs Teju Phillips and former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Princess Sarah Sosan at the event

When you look at the interactions of Buhari, the people that he referred to as his mentors and I have taken the trouble to check everything out, both General Gowon and TY Danjuma are Christians from the North Central and they are the closest to him up till today. If you tell them General Buhari is an Islamist, they will dismiss it

word to him; he obliged them all.

The strength Osinbajo showed as he tried to satisfy his enthusiastic supporters was suprising. A day before, he had been on the campaign trail speaking to thousands of voters in Edo State about change which he said “ Nigerians deserve.” His itinerary the next day was no less daunting; series of political campaigns spread across several states in the federation. It would be non-stop meetings people and marathon speaking engagements.

Osinbajo was also admired by many in the gathering because he had never campaigned for any elective post before being nominated as the vice-presidential candidate of the APC. Many in the crowd remarked that he “has carried on this duty well.”

The meeting at which Osinbajo was billed to speak was convened by some of his closest aides and supporters who are also professionals. It was not planned as a political rally in the strict sense but an evening of intellectual discussion with the best minds in Lagos professional and political circuit. It was also meant to raise funds for the campaign.

And many of Nigeria’s best minds were there: Professor Pat Utomi, Ricky Tafa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),Dr. Babatunde Ajibade (SAN), Prof. Bolaji Owasanloye, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN) etc. The cream of the political class was there too: Lagos state Deputy Governor, Adejoke Adefulire; her predecessor, Adebisi Sosan; the Attorney General, Ade Ipaye; his predecessor, Olasupo Shasore and many top members of the APC in Lagos State.

The compere of the occasion, Adeniyi Adegbomire, made a compelling case for the candidature of Osinbajo as soon as the programme kicked off. “This is a defining moment for Nigeria, if you present a good candidate, there is a great chance you can change a sitting president. We present Osinbajo not as a professor but a politician with the capacity to change Nigeria,” he said to a general applause.

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Fola Afoworin, a former colleague of Osinbajo and childhood friend, was lavish in his introduction of the candidate; his flawless and humorous introduction was a great revelation of the character and capability of the man who wants to be Nigeria’s second citizen. Afoworin believes that Osinbajo’s history and experience have prepared him for the job he now seeks.

“When he was the Attorney-General and I had the privilege of working with him, he brought in fresh ideas that some people thought were hot air. But in the seven years we worked together, all the justice reforms we have in Nigeria started with this man here,” he said.

The Professor bowed slightly in the midst of the applause.

Afoworin painted a picture of a calm and hardworking Osinbajo, who worked late into the night researching and writing memos asking for change in Lagos judiciary. “We would write until 2 am and when we approached the governor, he would say ‘my panel beaters have come’.”

He said Osinbajo was the moral centre of the cabinet. “That is what Nigeria lacks today; he is a rare Nigerian, a man you can trust with your affairs,” he said. The crowd appreciated this delicate attributes so robustly canvassed by Afoworin as imbibed by Osinbajo by a prolonged applause which took the intervention of the compere to subside.

Former Attorney-General, Olasupo Shasore, stressed the character of Osinbajo. “What Prof. lacks in height, he has in character,” he said and turned to face the Prof on the podium: “I am

sorry sir,” he said.

Shasore said he had the “misfortune” of taking over from him at the Ministry of Justice but he was able to succeed because he stood on the shoulders of “giants” like Osinbajo.

It will be difficult to know if Osinbajo had ever contemplated himself in the role he currently plays, but what is

certain is that little of his past life prepared him for the rigour and stress of political campaign. “ I had thought that being a lawyer and a pastor, I will be able to talk for a long time, but those two cannot compare to addressing a rally,” he said. Again, the audience understood.

He excused that his voice was getting husky - due to ceaseless speaking engagements - and someone brought water in a sparkling glass which he drank. When he spoke, his voice was better.

“We can win this election and we will win by the Grace of God. What is happening now is historic because for the first time, we have an opposition that is capable of taking over power.”Osinbajo said those words very calmly but its sincerity and faith had a euphoric effect on his audience.

More applause, more shouting.

Osinbajo spoke for a little over 30 minutes during which he showed a survey conducted by AKDP in October 2013 which indicated that the APC has a 65 percent favourable disposition over its rival, the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Also before the APC presidential candidates were announced, the APC had a 51 percent lead on the majority votes and is more popular except in the South East and the South South which, according to Osinbajo, is changing.

He also spoke about the man who would be his boss if the APC wins the election as the man who can truly bring the change to Nigeria, he spoke slowly at this point. ‘’When we talk about change, the question we should ask is change for what? I had interacted with General Buhari several times before my nomination for several hours over different issues. One thing is that he is absolutely committed to this country and that is very important for me because I don’t want to be engaged in any enterprise, especially of this magnitude, if you are not sure of the kind of leadership you will get.

“The second thing is his strong stand on transparency; he once said in a meeting of top leaders of the APC that we must take the issue of corruption and transparency very seriously,” Osinbajo said.

The room suddenly went quiet; many may have heard of the General’s famous anti-corruption stand but hearing it from the man who would be his deputy, it suddenly took on a more serious connotation. Osinbajo waited a few seconds and said: “The room was as quiet as this.”

But there is the other thorny issue of Buhari being an Islamic fundamentalist, which Osinbajo attributed to PDP’s propaganda. “Many of us know General Buhari from his days as the Head of State and until about five years ago,

Continued on page 46

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

46

Portrait of the professor as a politician

•From right (front row): Prof Osinbajo; Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Bola Ilorin, an Aregbesola aide, at the ‘Walk for Change’ rally in Akure, Ondo State, penultimate Friday

nobody ever accused him of being a fundamentalist. The other thing is there was a great deal of pressure to join the Organisation of Islamic Council (OIC) because of the economic problems of the country, despite the fact that he could do so, he refused. It was only a while after in 1988, General Babangida found a way of getting the country into the OIC, but strangely, nobody ever accused Babangida of being an Islamist, strangely.”

There was general laughter at this almost ironical speech but he was not done yet.“When you look at the interactions of Buhari, the people that he referred to as his mentors and I have taken the trouble to check everything out, both General Gowon and TY Danjuma are Christians from the North Central and they are the closest to him up till today. If you tell them General Buhari is an Islamist, they will dismiss it.”

In the limited time he had, Osinbajo tried to articulate his party’s policies and how the party would solve the myriad of problems of Nigeria if voted into power. Never had the problems of Nigeria been so intelligently articulated and simplified; one begins to wonder why it has been impossible to fix them. The answer, Osinbajo said, is corruption which makes political will impossible.

“There are great ideas all the time, great projects all the time but they fall because the leadership wants everything for itself.

Nobody would do it for the nation and corruption is so pervasive. This government has not shown the will to stop corruption and what is taken away from this country is far more than what is earned. The primary issue for General Buhari would be transparency.”

He also gave an inkling into what the APC might do when it gets into power: “When Gen .Buhari was asked what he will do, he said look if we get to office and we start by investigating people we will never get anything done. How many probes will you start? You will never do anything for four years.”

But this didn’t sit well with some people who are angry that those who looted the nation were about to be let off the hook, Osinbajo explained: “ Of course those who have committed heinous crimes will be made to face the law but you cannot spend the whole of your time instituting one probe panel after another; that is why leadership is important, when there is the will

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Continued from page 45

from the top it will power needs; so that definitely go through is important to do.

Osinbajo said from the whole.”

We have taken a But the APC-led good look at the research, the major government would power sector and we yearning of Nigerians know what to do. We also tackle other problems, Osinbajo said must power indusis employment. “All from research, the tries so that indusour survey shows that tries can create jobs, if major yearning of Nigerians is employwe need to re-write the major concern is ment. “All our survey regulations, we will.” employment; 80 pershows that the major There are other concern is employsundry issues that cent of graduates and ment; 80 percent of the audience wanted 40 percent of nongraduates and 40 perOsinbajo’s clarificacent of non-graduates tions. Is true that in graduates have no have no work. Govchoosing him, Gen. work. Government ernment must proBuhari has factored vide hope and we will in the votes of about must provide hope offer some reliefs by six million members and we will offer creating 20,000 jobs of the Redeemed per state. We will also Christian Church of some reliefs by creatprovide stipends for God (RCCG) and ing 20,000 jobs per youth corps members millions of other a year after their servChristians? What will state. We will also ice if they haven’t he do if he ended up provide stipends for found jobs.” as an “extra tyre” unIn the Agriculture youth corps members needed vice presisector, the APC will Does he a year after their serv- dent? revert to the Comsupport the return to ice if they haven’t modities Board systhe regions system? tem where There are other found jobs government will creweightier issues like ate incentives for agrihow the government cultural production would deal with the by buying specific produce from farmers. issue of Boko Haram and the obvious issue This will “encourage people to go into that of rigging. For Osinbajo, being a member of industry because there is a guaranteed mar- the RCCG does not automatically convert ket,” he said. There will also be social secuall the votes on him. “There are people with rity for the aged of between N5,000 and different opinions but one must still earn N10,000 monthly. Under this scheme is also every single vote of the church,” he said. the Conditional Cash Transfer for parents Also he doesn’t believe he would end up to send their children to school and agree to an extra tyre. “It is a real issue,” he conimmunisation. This will lower the cost in ceded, but quickly added: “ He ( General public health and also educate millions of Buhari) really wants to work as a team and Nigerian children. as I can see, he uses the best I bring to the Osinbajo believes that if the problems of table. I also told him I don’t know how to power are fixed, then there will be boom in betray people, I expect we will work well the economy and the APC is looking at together.” power from the angle of decentralisation.

Osinbajo proved he is not a Professor for This is already a working model in Lagos nothing. He addressed questions not arithwith different Independent Power Projects metically but merged issues that are similar (IPP) fixing power problems in different together irrespective of the time the quesareas. tions were asked. Also, when answering a “Lagos State has a model of that. We can question, he knew the sitting position of determine the power needs of all local govthose who asked and would turn and face ernments, if you do a proper survey that individual directly. Somebody in the around the nation of the actual power audience remarked that Osinbajo knew needs. I am sure the generator we all imhow to connect! ported is 20 times or more over the actual He provided an insight into why the

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present government has failed to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency. “ We will get the government behind us; the mistake this government makes is accusing the opposition about Boko Haram. The Commander in Chief must lead from the front, this issue must be given priority. The Chibok girls were not given priority. I have two daughters and I cannot imagine them being somewhere all these months and I will not go and visit the place,” he said.

This was a punch line many in the audience have been expecting; many clapped, others stood up and all agreed with him.

But he was not done, he stressed the need to equip the military and deal with the pool of youngsters who are daily joining Boko Haram.

But the evening was also about raising funds for the campaign. A pledge card was distributed by the ushers and people were encouraged to make pledges to support the cause. An account number was projected on the screen and at the bottom was written: “Thank you and God bless you.”

Dapo Akinosun, a close associate of Osinbajo and one of the organisers of the event said the call for change must not stop with such town hall meetings. People need to get involved; he said change comes “if we all put in our contributions”; he spoke at length and spoke from the heart. Many people are already joining the campaign, there were the Yemi Osinbajo volunteers, and some others printed posters and flyers, while others made shirts and caps. But there is still space for more, Akinosun pleaded.

The evening wore on but the Professor must be preserved for a longer political engagement the next day. In all his engagements, he has exhibited an extraordinary vigour and intellectualism. Despite being his first political campaign, he has carried on well, looking regal and presidential in every way. One cannot accuse him of lack of rigour or intellectual depth.

He is a man much in demand; after the event he was literarily mobbed by supporters; some were there to congratulate him on a well thought out presentation. Many others were there to identify with him; everyone wanted to claim a part of him.

The distance between the podium and the entrance was about 200 feet but it took Osinbajo the whole of 20 minutes to walk this distance because of a wedge of enthusiastic admirers on his path. A throng of supporters were waiting and the chant of change filled the air.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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with

What to know before you say I do

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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

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Continued from last week

Continued on Page 49

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Things to look for in an amazing friendship

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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Continued from Page 48

with Pastor Faith Tel: 01-7341546-8

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The secrets of family increase (3)

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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Alabbar

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

World’s tallest building

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By Professor Dayo Oyekole Ph.D. (Ibadan), NMD, FNCP Tel: 0803-330-3897 Website: www.holisticlifecare.com E-mail: kolemetric@yahoo.com

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

THE NATION,

News

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

•Scenes of the burnt Berlin Market at Marina, Lagos Island... yesterday

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HE home of the House of Representatives member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Dr. Ifeoluwa Abiose Arowosoge, was attacked by unknown gunmen in the early hours of Friday.

The suspected assassins arrived the federal lawmaker’s house located at Ajowa area of Ado-Ekiti about 4.00 am but couldn’t find their target at home.

Arowosoge’s wife, Oluwayemisi and other members of the household were held hostage by the hoodlums who kept asking for the whereabouts of the head of the family.

Arowosoge described the attack as a “reign of gunshots” which created panic in the area but thank God that no member of his family was killed even though his wife was taken to a hospital for the beating she received from the assailants.

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The gunmen mercilessly beat the wife of the All Progressives Congress (APC) federal lawmaker insisting that the woman must produce her husband after which they ransacked the house in search of Hon. Arowosoge.

They announced their arrival with gunshots and attempted to gain entry through the back door which couldn’t be broken.They forced the door which led to the staircase through which they gained access to the upper floor of the two-storey building.

Narrating his ordeal to journalists, the House of Representatives member who was in

Abuja at the time of the attack said he received distress about 4.30 am from his wife informing him about the attack.

Arowosoge explained that he called the Ekiti Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Security Services but he could only reach the latter.

The Ilawe-Ekiti born politician disclosed that policemen arrived his house about one hour after the hoodlums had left describing the attack as an “assassination attempt”.

“I suspected assassination and the attack is from the ruling PDP. You will recall that they attacked the home of the Speaker and they attacked the homes of other House of As-

Adesoji ADENIYI, Osogbo

fight terrorism to a standstill, saying they have all the spiritual powers to fight Boko Haram.

According to him: “I refer us to these ongoing battles in order to make the point that the government and the people of this country must in their various ways play the role expected of them in support of those brave combatants.

“These are trying times. Yet, we must not shrink from our service to this country, whether as soldiers, public or private citizens. That enemy, popu-

larly known as Boko Haram, is our common enemy. Consequently, we must be formidably united in confronting it.

It is by standing together in support of our men and women in the fight against terrorism that we can be sure of victory.”

He added that this is not the time to give up on those who for the country’s collective security are engaged in deadly warfare against terrorism.

The governor said: “Yes we have seen some lapses in the war against terror. Still we cannot run down our fighters.

We must give encouragement

and support, both in prayers and confidence, to the fighting spirit of our armed forces.

“We must note that those who rise in arms against our compatriots in the North-East are less in number than the rest of us. That misguided and malevolent minority must not triumph over us, the majority.”

Aregbesola urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to sufficiently arm the military for it to effectively rout the Boko Haram terrorists and regain the areas under their control.

Highlights of the remembrance ceremony included the laying of wreaths by the gov-

Hundreds of shops razed in Lagos market

ARELY 72 hours after an early morning inferno razed five plazas at the Balogun Market, Lagos Island, another fire broke out at the popular Berlin Market, destroying hundreds of shops.

When The Nation visited the market, thick smoke was still oozing from the razed shops. The heartbroken traders and other sympathisers, were seen discussing in groups. They watched hopelessly, as the last of the firefighters were departing in their vehicles.

It was gathered that the fire which started around 4am, began at a food vendor’s shop and quickly spread to other shops completely destroying them.

A source who refused to be

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Odunayo OGUNMOLA, Ado-Ekiti

sembly members and other APC party leaders.

“They beat my wife and they told her to produce her husband and the beating continued despite the fact that she kept on begging them.

“In fact, she said she was ready to give them the ATM card and the access number for them to withdraw from her account but they kept asking for me.

“I came from Abuja this morning and I was told the CP had just left my residence.”

Arowosoge expressed dismay with the recent turn of events in Ekiti State with the incessant case of politically-motivated attacks, urging Governor Ayo Fayose and Police Commissioner Taiwo Lakanu to be alive to their responsibilities as the chief security officers of the state.

The State Police Command, however claimed the attack on the APC federal lawmaker,”was a clear case of robbery".

The spokesman of the command, Mr Victor Babayemi disclosed that the gunmen had earlier robbed a hotel located within the vicinity of the lawmaker's house.

Babayemi revealed that the gunmen robbed people at the hotel of their money and valuables before storming the lawmaker's residence.

His words: “If they had come to kill him, the assassins would make sure he was around before carrying out the act.

Then, they would not have collected money or asked for the ATM to withdraw money.

I don’t think they were hired killers,”he said.

Boko Haram is the nation’s enemy, says Aregbesola

SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has advised Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious and tribal sentiments, to see insurgents as the nation’s common enemy.

Speaking at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony and laying of wreath in honour of fallen soldiers in Osogbo, Aregbesola said that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the menace of insurgency in some parts of Nigeria be brought to a permanent end.

The governor called on all religious and traditional worshippers to use their power to

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Photos: Biodun ADEYEWA

Ekiti APC Rep escapes assassination •Attackers beat wife mercilessly

Precious IGBONWELUNDU and Paul UKPABIO named said: “The fire must have been started by area boys who would want to seize the opportunity to loot goods belonging to traders. It has always been their practice. After the dust have settled you see them selling off stolen items in the open market.”

According to one Sunday Badmus, the fire consumed about 500 shops especially the shanties.

“It began near one of the shops not too far from one of the banks in the area. It later spread to other areas. It was also supported by the hazy hamartan wind” the witness said.

The secretary of the market’s

management committee, Mr John Olabisi, explained that the fire may have been caused by power surge adding that there had been unsteady supply of power in the area lately.

“The incident has been reported to the owner of the market space Chief Owolabi Martins. About 2000 shops in the market, with goods worth billions of naira, have so far gone up in flames as we speak,” said another member of the market association, Chief Bamidele Obasa.

In a telephone conversation with outr correspondents both the Director, Lagos State Fire Service, Rasaq Fadipe and the southwest spokesman for the National Emergency Manage-

ment Agency ( NEMA ), Ibrahim Farinloye said the situation has been contained.

Farinloye said the shanty nature of the area was also an impediment to rescuers who were unable to move from one end to another to thoroughly fight the fire.

Fadipe said the fire started around 3 am, but that they received information about it around 4.30am.

“We quickly sent two fire trucks to the place. Right now the third fire truck is on the way. One of our men sustained injuries. He was attacked by hoodlums who attempted to take over the fire hose from him. He is presently being treated at the Lagos Island General Hospital” he said.

Lagos confirms resurgence of Bird Flu farms and markets, disinfection vertinary Research Institute is

AGOS State Government yesterday confirmed the resurgence of Avian Influenza also know as Bird Flu in Badore Ajah axis of the state.

State Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, who confirmed the development yesterday while briefing journalists along side Commissioner of

Health, Mr. Jide Idris, also disclosed that a zoological park based in Victoria Garden City is currently on suspicion list and is being investigated following high mortality of wild birds.

He listed steps taken so far to prevent spread to include; active disease search by surveillance agents, bio- security monitoring and sensitisation in poultry

of poultry. Markets decontamination of affected farms and sensitization of poultry farmers and traders on insurance policy.

“A team of eight technical staff, comprising of representatives of the Federal Livestock Department, National Quarantine service and the National

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currently in the state on disease assesment and surveillance.”

He added that active disease search is ongoing in farms and poultry markets, while sensitisation of poultry farmers and fowl sellers is being vigorously embarked on by the surveillance and extension of all live bird markets in the state.

ernor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Commandant of Nigeria Institute of Safety, Ipetu-Ijesa, Air Commodore. Oyewole Jackson and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun among others.

Guber poll: I’m sure of victory, says Amosun

Ernest NWOKOLO, Abeokuta OVERNOR Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, has said that he would win the forthcoming February 28 governorship election in the state.

Amosun who spoke with reporters at the university town of Ago - Iwoye during his campaign tour of the area where the residents showered him with affections despite the fact that his estranged deputy, Prince Segun Adesegun, hails from the town.

The governor noted that he was neither bothered by whatever is the strength of followership of the Social Democratic Party(SDP) or that of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the state, saying the good people of Ogun know who they want.

Meanwhile, the Ogun Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Prince Lanre Tejuoso, said he is in support of the resolution of the House of Representatives directing the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), to allow eligible Nigerians vote in next month’s elections with temporary voters’ card.

Tejuoso who spoke during his visit to the palace of Osile of OkeOna Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso, stressed that the use of temporary voter’s card alongside the permanent voter’s card would ensure that Nigerians are not disenfranchised in the coming elections.

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Ogun APC senatorial candidate gets royal blessing Kunle AKINRINADE

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HE ambition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Ogun West senatorial zone, Prince Gbolahan Dada, received royal endorsement on Monday when he visited the palace of Olota Of Ota, Oba Moshood Alani Oyede (Arolagbade 111).

The traditional chiefs of Ota were also on hand to receive Dada who was accompanied to the palace by notable indigenes of the town and APC stalwarts including a former federal lawmaker, Hon. Kunle Salako, Chief Jide Ojuko and Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon. Rotimi Rahman.

While presenting Dada to Oba Oyede for his royal blessing, Chief Ojuko explained that the visit was a necessary home coming for the candidate in his bid to secure the support of the monarch for a victorious outing during the election in February.

Dada thanked Oba Oyede and other monarchs for their fatherly role and assured them of his willingness to sustain the laudable strides recorded by Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration.

He said: “I purposely join politics to make a better change.The administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun has recorded giant strides in road construction, uplift of education sector among others; next would be water and adequate power supply.

“Our party cannot provide jobs for the teeming jobless youths in the country but we will provide enabling environment to make people self-reliant. This among other reasons is why I have decided to serve our people. The journey ahead will no doubt be tough, but we will lay a good foundation for our society, because a society that has a good foundation will have moral values.”

Dada explained to the gathering how he emerged as the party’s candidate saying: “My emergence as the party’s flag bearer did not come on a platter of gold. I went through the party’s primary and I secured over 60 per cent of the total votes cast to become the winner of the senatorial ticket. Coincidentally, all of us who are the three senatorial candidates of our great party in Ogun State are princes and this shows that our party is a party of those with royal blood.”

In his remarks, Oba Oyede commended Dada for his exemplary character and leadership virtues, urging the indigenes of the town to support his quest to represent them in the senate.

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NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, waving the flag presented to him as the PDP senatorial candidate (Ikot Ekpene senatorial district) by the party state Chairman, Obong Paul Ekpo (left)

Come back and support us, Akwa Ibom PDP begs aggrieved 22 governorship aspirants n Uyoatta ESHIET and Kazeem IBRAHYM, Uyo n HE governorship can- to produce the senator. But didate of the Peoples the ticket has since been to Democratic Party Governor, leading to mass (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, defection by the people to the Mr Udom Gabriel Em- opposition All Progressive manuel and his running Congress (APC) mate, Mr Moses Ekpo, yesEkpo, who is from Abak 5, terday appealed to the 22 ag- urged the people to join grieved PDP governorship hands with the PDP, saying, aspirants to come back and “What are you doing outside offer their support in next when an Abak is the deputy month’s governorship elec- governor,” tion.

Meanwhile, the governorIt will be recalled that the ship candidate, Udom Em22 candidates had distanced manuel has promised, themselves from the party among other things, indussince the conclusion of the tralisation, qualitative educaparty’s primary, which they tion, more than 35 per cent claimed was rigged in favour political positions for of governorship candidate. women, and the continuaBut speaking yesterday, tion of infrastructural develUdom appealed to the ag- opments across the state. grieved members to sheath Udom said time has come their swords and join hands for the people of the state to with him to ensure victory move to the next level from for the party in the election, where Governor Akpabio promising that none of them will stop in May. will be left behind.

Udom said with him in In the same manner, his the saddle, ‘labour will give running mate, Mr Moses way for favour’ in the state, Ekpo, pleaded with the ag- adding that as soon as he grieved people of the Abak assumes office, he will emarea in the Ikot Ekpene sena- bark on aggressive job cretorial district to support the ation, pursue PDP. industrialization aggresBy the zoning arrange- sively, encourage and supment of the PDP in the state, port entrepreneurship in the Abak 5, comprising five every aspect of life and relocal government areas, was vive agricultural revolution.

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Akwa Ibom PDP governorship candidate promises to complete projects HE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, has promised to turn the state into an economic hub through an aggressive industrialization and agricultural revolution programme if he is elected into office.

Addressing a crowd of supporters at the Uyo Township Stadium, he said that his vision for the state is to consolidate on the gains of the Governor Godswill Akpabio’s administration and to open up the state to the world.

Udom identified the airport and seaport as major gateways to economic boom, and pledged his resolve to facilitate the immediate completion of the Ibaka Deep Seaport project and complete the second phase of the Ibom International Airport.

While praising Governor Akpabio for engendering the transformation of the state, Udom said with the deep seaport in place, a domino effect on economic development of the state will come into effect.

He promised to ensure job creation by creating a vibrant industrial atmosphere that will boost entrepreneurship and human capital development, adding that his administration will also focus on the overall well-being of the common man in order to generate employment and empowerment for all.

Udom, who thanked the people of the state for their massive show of support to his aspiration, called on other aspirants of the PDP in the state to come back home and join in the task of building the state, emphasizing that sustainable development can best be achieved by peace, unity and harmony.

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•Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (3rd right); Mr. Edwin Uzor, PDP state chairman (2nd right); Senator Ifeanyi Okowa (right); His Royal Majesty, Obi Dr. David Azuka, the Obi of Akwukwu-Igbo Kingdom (3rd left); Obi Chukwuka Ogbubo, the Obi of Atuma (2nd left) and Obi (Prof) Louis Nwoboshi, the Obuzor of Ibuzor (left) during PDP campaign at Akwukwu-Igbo

Another APC secretariat bombed in Rivers B

ARELY six days after the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State was bombed, another secretariat of the ruling party was yesterday bombed in Ngo, the headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the APC's secretariat, a bungalow, was bombed by thugs suspected to be working for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the same way it happened during the Okrika bombing of January 11 this year.

The people of Ngo, who were woken up by the deafening sound of the loud explosion, had to scamper to safety, with some of them paddling their canoes or moving with speed boats to neighbouring communities to avoid losing their lives to the ugly political development.

The Rivers State Chairman of the APC, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, condemned the bombing of the party's secretariat in Ngo, which he described as barbaric and uncalled for.

Ikanya, who spoke yesterday evening through the Rivers Publicity Secretary of the APC, Chris Finebone, asked security agencies, especially the police, to thoroughly investigate the incessant bombings of APC's secretariats and attack on

n Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt n members of the party, as well as arrest and prosecute persons behind the criminal activities to serve as a deterrent to others.

The Rivers APC chairman also expressed surprise about the conduct of members of the PDP in Rivers State, especially supporters of the party's governorship candidate, Chief Nyesom Wike, the immediate past Minister of State for Education, who he alleged are fond of destroying APC's campaign billboards, posters and banners, particularly those of party's standard bearer, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside.

Ikanya said: "PDP elements bombed the APC's secretariat today (yesterday) at the headquarters of Andoni LGA (Ngo) in Rivers State. Valuable property was lost to the bombing. It has become the style of PDP members. We have been seeing the trend of violence by PDP thugs in Rivers State. Politically-instigated violence does no one any good.

"Any LGA Wike is going to campaign, PDP thugs will move round overnight and remove APC's billboards, posters and

banners to create the impression that Wike is fully on the ground in the area.

They are just deceiving Wike. By the grace of God and support of Rivers electorate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside will win the February 28 governorship election in Rivers State and succeed Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi on May 29, 2015."

The Chairman of the APC in Andoni LGA, Amos Gogo Amos, who spoke on the telephone, expressed shock on the unprovoked bombing of the party's secretariat.

He said: "The bungalow was bombed with dynamites. It caused fire that raged for some hours before it was put out by members of the party and some courageous people of the coastal community.

"We are calling on the security agencies and government to come to our aid, because we are no longer safe in Ngo. Anything can happen in the night. The PDP thugs and their leaders are very desperate to win the February 2015 elections, in spite of being unpopular in Andoni LGA and other parts of Rivers State.

"I received a call around 3 a.m. that the APC's secretariat at Ngo was bombed and on fire. I am calling on the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area and the Rivers Commissioner of Police (Dan Bature) to investigate the matter."

Dickson orders TAN out of Bayelsa, assures Patience of safety OLLOWING alleged threats by some members of the Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN), barring the first lady, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, from coming into Bayelsa State, the state governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has ordered the group, a main campaign group of President Goodluck Jonathan, to immediately leave the state.

Dickson also assured Dame Patience of her safety.

TAN, mainly composed of past political office holders in the state, is led by the former deputy governor of the state, Mr. Werinipre Seibarugu.

The first lady was alleged to have hijacked the group in

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n Mike ODIEGWU, Yenagoa n her attempt to impose a gubernatorial candidate in the state.

But Dickson, yesterday, asked the group to leave the state, accusing its members of promoting subversive activities and inciting crisis and division within the party.

The governor, while issuing the warning in Yenagoa during his meeting with the PDP flag bearers for the forthcoming elections, ordered TAN to move its activities elsewhere.

He said the PDP in the state remained the only recognized political platform and structure saddled with the responsibility of leading

the president’s campaign in the state, with him as the leader.

He said TAN had deviated from its original purpose in the state, and asked all the groups in the state to queue behind him.

He said TAN and its leadership had become tools of subversion, needless rancours, acrimonies and divisions, stressing that the government and the PDP in the state would no longer tolerate such actions.

He noted that the activities of TAN and the other groups, if not checked, could be counterproductive, adding that he has the mandate of the people of the state to protect the stability, peace

and security of the state.

The governor, who announced the planned visit of President Jonathan to the state on February 5th, said that he would use the opportunity to thank Nigerians for their support and solidarity to the government.

On threats barring the first lady from accompanying her husband to the presidential rally in the state, the governor, in a separate statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel IworisoMarkson, condemned the development.

He said the state would remain home to President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, and every citizen of the country.

Group urges peaceful elections, warns against violence socio-political group in Akwa Ibom State, The Unbeatable Group (TUG), has appealed to the people of the state to ensure that the general elections hold peacefully across the state.

The group said violence of any form will not do the state or nation any good.

The National President of the group, Comrade Uwakimaha Akpan Ndon, spoke yesterday, while mobilising its members to support the candidatures

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n Uyoatta ESHIET, Uyo n of President Goodluck Jonathan and Udom Emmanuel for president and governor of the state respectively.

He said the president has done well compared with other leaders since independence, considering the peculiar security circumstances prevailing in the country.

He said the group is supporting the PDP governorship candidate, Udom

Gabriel Emmanuel, because he has what it takes to turn the fortunes of the state around.

He regretted the near total absence of industrial establishments in Akwa Ibom State, assuring that Udom' s industrial policies will change the state positively.

"Akwa Ibom is a PDP state, we are never in the opposition. Even if another party produces the governor, we will remain with the PDP,” he said.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

Supporters hail Umeh’s senatorial ambition n Nwanosike ONU, Awka n HE National Chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, was yesterday received by a large crowd of supporters in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Umeh, who was in the area in continuation of his campaign for his senatorial ambition, expressed joy over the turn-out, describing the large turn-out of supporters as an indication that he would win the election.

The people said their support for Umeh was to dispel the rumour making the round in the area that the people of the zone were against his senatorial ambition, adding that the event was a show of their support for the APGA leader.

The ever busy Nawgu junction was taken over by the crowd, including youths and elders, who trooped out to show their support.

The people maintained that Umeh had given the Igbo a political identity with his management of APGA, stressing that without his ingenuity, the party would have been destroyed.

The campaign train had viisited Ogidi and Umuoji communities in Idemili North and South, where Umeh addressed stakeholders in the areas.

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Cross River a model state –World Bank ORLD Bank Country Director, Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, has described Cross River State as a model in the implementation of the Bank’s projects and programmes in the country.

Marie, who was represented by the Team Leader, Nigerian Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), Mr. Amos Abu, said the Bank was delighted to be associated with the state because, “It has a very formidable and fit for purpose project management unit that has continued to set the pace for best practices in the implementation of our projects in the country.”

According to her, the N4.2 billion World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization, Federal Government and Cross River State Government jointly funded NEWMAP which is intended to reduce vulnerability to soil erosion will cover Atakpa, Nyahasang, Edim Otop, Ikot Ekpo, and Ikot Awatim erosion sites in Calabar.

She disclosed that the successes recorded in the state was made possible by the enabling environment created by Governor Imoke, saying that, “Cross River State is the leading state in the implementation of this project and this would not have been possible but for your visionary leadership and support to the project.

“It was actually Cross River State’s effort that triggered the effectiveness of this project in Nigeria and we must commend you Your Excellency for this modest and lofty accomplishment.’’

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Jonathan promises to end rice importation RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has promised that with the anticipated revolution by his administration in various key sectors, including the agricultural sector, if he wins the presidential election, Nigeria will stop the importation of rice in the next four years.

Jonathan made the promise in Abakaliki during the presidential/gubernatorial campaign flag-off rally, held at the Abakaliki township stadium.

The president, who said that Ebonyi State has comparative advantage in rice production, said that with mechanized agriculture; there will be improvement on the pro-

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n Ogochukwu ANIOKE, Abakaliki n duction of the popular Abakaliki rice, which he said will encourage massive local production and subsequently stop the importation of rice in the next four years.

"The government is passionate about agriculture. Ebonyi State is known for the production of the Abakaliki rice, and with the promised mechanization in agriculture sector, Nigeria will stop the importation of rice in the next four years."

He further urged the people of Ebonyi State to think towards diversifying the economy following the dwindling oil price, even as he

assured the people that if re-elected, he will ensure that the abundant natural resources will be tapped to create the needed employment to the teeming unemployed youths in the state.

“Ebonyi should key into agricultural revolution because this will guarantee job creation to the people.

We know that the only industry we have in Ebonyi State is the government. Ebonyi is lucky because you have a lot of minerals. From this year upward, the government will diversify the economy.”

Jonathan further assured the people that he will continue to partner with them in the areas of education,

industry, health and agriculture, adding that his administration will ensure stable power supply in Ebonyi State to encourage small and large scale industries.

The president, who called on party supporters to vote massively for him and other PDP candidates in the next general elections, maintained that Ebonyi State has been stable in delivering PDP since it was created in 1996, and urged them to replicate same, even as he called on aggrieved party members who lost out in the primaries not to leave the party, but to remain and work for it, assuring them that the party will carry them along.

Anglican bishop hails Ademowo’s leadership quality HE Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Most Revd Dr. E.A. Ademowo has been commended for his leadership qualities.

Speaking in Lagos, the Archdeacon of Kirikiri , Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Lagos, Venerable Levi Opara prayed that the God would give the church another man of God that would possess good leadership qualities like that of Ademowo.

While extolling the virtues of Ademowo, Opara said the Archbishop’s accommodating spirit is very powerful and transverses tribe, class and religion.

“He executes his ecclesiastical work with passion and believes in doing any work well.

He prayed for him and wished that “another Pharaoh would not come after him who would not know Joseph.”

Speaking on behalf Ademowo in a statement, Opara said contrary to the negative predictions and speculations of some people, Nigeria shall not disintegrate after all.

He said Nigeria is a big family bound by natural love, and has over time over growth tribal manipulations.

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•Enugu State Governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime (3rd left) flanked by the Deputy Governor, Rev. Ifeanyi Nwoye and some newly sworn-in commissioners, Ms. Rita Mba, Dr.Godwin Udibe (right); Dr. Barth Ezugwu and Mr. Ik. Omeje (left), shortly after their inauguration at the Government House, Enugu...yesterday

Rivers guber poll: Peterside promises to build on Amaechi’s success

HE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, has promised to complete all the ongoing projects started by the administration of Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

Peterside gave the assurance yesterday while speaking at the palace of the paramount ruler of Omumaland, Eze Monday Ojiegbe, in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he received royal blessings, in continuation of his campaigns round the 23 local government areas of the state.

The Rivers APC's governorship candidate, who is also a member of the House of Representatives, promised that when elected, his administration would complete the ongoing model secondary school project, located at Eberi, the headquarters

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n Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt n

of Omuma LGA and many primary health centre projects in the area.

Peterside, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), said: "We will complete the ongoing secondary school project and primary health centres in Omumaland.

Our administration will focus on the completion of all ongoing projects in the state."

The governorship hopeful also stated that an APC-led government in Rivers State would pay special attention to the development of Omumaland, especially, in the area of provision of security.

He stressed that it was against natural justice and equity for a section of the state to continue to dominate the governance of a state with many parts and ethnic na-

tionalities, describing his quest to become the next governor of the state as the battle for the soul of Rivers State.

He said: "Will it be fair for only one part of Rivers State to continue to dominate the governance of the state to the detriment of other parts of the state? It is not good that the resources of Rivers State should be controlled perpetually by people from one part of the state.

"Our battle today is the battle for the soul of Rivers State. We are saying let all birds be allowed to perch. The only way we can have peace is for all parts to have a sense of belonging."

The Omuma monarch, in his remarks, described the governorship candidate as a friend of the people of the LGA, noting that there was nothing would shy away from doing anything for Peterside.

Jonathan sure of victory, says Obi HE former governor of Anambra State and the Deputy Director-General, South of the PDP National Campaign Council, Mr. Peter Obi, has said that President Goodluck Jonathan would win the presidential election.

Speaking to journalists at Umuahia yesterday, Obi said that the wide acceptance of the president was always reflected in the number of people that attended his rallies in all the places visited so far.

He said that the Jonathan administration has achieved salient results in all the sector of the economy.

"The other day, the transfer that stopped running in the country over 30 years ago came back on tracks. For the first time, genuine attention was paid to our education sector, with the setting up of 14 new univer-

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sities in the country. In the area of agriculture, besides our import bill reducing by over 50%, the investment in the sector has grown tremendously, from 100 million dollars in 2011 to 3.2billion Dollars. Today Nigeria has achieved self sufficiency in cement, which was impossible a few years ago," Obi said.

Obi also commended the visit of the president to Borno State to, among other things, meet with the soldiers that are fighting insurgents in the North East, and described the gesture as humane and the manifestation of the president's good and noble thoughts about the country.

Calling on Nigerians to return him to power, he said he needed four more years to complete the good work he has started in the country.

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NEWS

Alhassan is still Taraba flag bearer —APC Fanen IHYONGO, Jalingo ENATOR representing Northern Taraba, Aisha Jummai Alhassan, remains the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Taraba state, the party said yesterday.

The State Chairman of APC, Hassan Ardo, who briefed journalists in Jalingo -the Taraba state capital, noted that Alhassan overwhelmingly defeated three other contestants to clinch the party's gubernatorial ticket.

Ardo was reacting to allegations by one Ya'u Samaila of the 'Concerned APC Members' that Alhassan was still a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and was striking a deal with the reinstated Acting Governor, Abubakar Sani Danladi.

Samaila in a statement said: "Hassan Ardo (APC Chairman) should prove that Senator Aisha Alhassan has actually defected.

"We are fully aware of her deal with PDP on November 21, 2014.

Her romance with the new acting governor and the PDP was glaring, undoubted and a confirmation of the deal. This is evident in the recorded plates presented before the National Secretariat and the GMB office Abuja," Samaila said.

But the APC Chairman defended the party's standard bearer, saying Alhassan has not only registered as a bonafide member, but has been the "backbone" of the APC in Taraba state in the last two years.

"Senator Aisha Alhassan was among the 37 National Assembly members that defected early to the APC. "As far as the APC primary election in Taraba state of December 4, 2014 is concerned, Senator Aisha Alhassan overwhelmingly defeated three other aspirants to get the governorship ticket.

"We are challenging whoever that is challenging the legitimacy of her ticket to advance their facts. The APC is one family in Taraba state and across the country. We don't even know Samaila and his group as APC members," Ardo said.

Samila also alleged that the APC chairman and the flag bearer have been intimidating and illegally suspending members from the party with a plan to "mortgage the opposition's votes" to PDP during the polls.

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• Bauchi State PDP stakeholders at their meeting in Bauchi... on Friday

Suspected teenage suicide bomber stoned to death in Kano suspected teenage suicide bomber, was yesterday at the Kano Central mosque stoned to death by an irate mob.

The suspect, according to sources was mistakenly taken as a suicide bomber who had concealed explosives in his body.

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Kolade ADEYEMI, Kano

The incident happened at about 11.30am, while Muslim faithful were preparing for the Jumat prayers. Some vigilant youths sighted the suspect and instantly descended on him, hauling stones on him from different direc-

tions, which resulted in the death of the suspect.

Residents within the vicinity also said that the alleged teenage suicide bomber was pursued from Kabara quarters down to Kofar Kwaru area before he was rounded up and killed.

Confirming the incident

Council bosses asked to stay in their domains HE Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in Taraba state has moved to check the excesses of council chairmen including how they pay staff salaries, their unending trips (movements) and corrupt related activities.

Permanent Secretary and Head of Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Alhaji Bello Yero has asked the 16

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Fanen IHYONGO, Jalingo local government council chairmen in the state to stay in their domains and serve the grassroots people in the most desirable way.

Yero who briefed newsmen on the activities of the bureau in the last few months, accused the local council bosses of always leaving their duty posts and coming to the state capital (Jalingo) and or flying to the

Mammoth crowds welcome Buhari in Kogi, Benue • Continued from page 2 Also speaking, his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, said Gen. Buhari is the symbol of change the nation and the people have been yearning for because of his honesty and integrity.

He assured that come February 14, 2015, the nation would witness a change in the leadership of the country with Buhari, urging the people to come out, vote and also protect their votes so that it would count for Buhari.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun called on Nigerians to jealously guard their votes, saying it is the only path to securing a better future through the Buhari administration.

Among the APC stalwarts that attended the campaign were Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Bukola Saraki, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Alhaji Lai Muhammed, Chief Oyegu, Senator Alex Kadir, Prince

Abubakar Audu and Hon. Buba Jibrin.

federal capital, Abuja.

Yero was accompanied during the briefing at the Bureau's Headquarters by his Directors including Enoch Dan Musa (Chieftaincy), Babangida Hassan (Finance), Andekunyi Markus (Inspection) and Aminu Jauro Hassan (DPHC).

"Local government chairmen should please sit up, stay in the domains and attend to issues affecting the people.

"A pressman asks you a question, seeking information on what is happening in your area and you can't answer him because you are not on ground.

to this reporter, the Kano State Police spokesman, ASP Magaji Majiya stated: ''At about 11.30am yesterday, the Police received a distress call that a suspected teenage suicide bomber was sighted around the Kano Central Mosque. ''The anti-bomb squad was promptly drafted and before they arrived the scene, the havoc had been done, as he was stoned to death. ''The suspected bomber was chased from Kabara quarters, adjacent to the mosque down to Kofar Kwaru, where the teenager was found dead, following a hell of stones hauled on him."

Magaji, said that nothing incriminating, like explosives was found on him after thoroughly searching him.

He however appealed to the general public to always contact the police wherever any suspected suicide bomber or other questionable characters is around them and urged them against taking laws into their hands.

Boko Haram: Yobe expends over N10bn OBE state governor Ibrahim Gaidam has disclosed that his government has committed over N10 billion since 2011 to date in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

Gaidam who was speaking at the fundraising ceremony for his re-election as governor in the 2015 general elections regretted that the huge sum of money would have been used in other viable sectors to change the lives of the people of the state in the event of the absence of the crisis.

He stated that the state has been supporting security operatives in the fight against the insurgency in areas like procurement of vehicles, payment of allowances, medical treatment of injured security personnel and assistance to families of victims.

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Duku JOEL, Damaturu “Our accumulated expenditure from the beginning of the insurgency to date is over 10 billion naira. It is obvious that the security challenges have slowed down the execution of our policies and programmes because funds that could have been used for the provision of social services are being deplored to support the fight against insurgency,” Gaidam said.

The Governor expressed concern that Damaturu, the state capital has witnessed seven major attacks from the end of last year November 2014 to date, ascribing it to the failure of the PDP government at the centre.

According to him, the security situation in the north east region is unfor-

tunate, stressing that only APC can bring the needed change that Nigerians desire.

The governor gave the assurance that he would consolidate on the achievements so far recorded and solicited the support of the people towards the realisation of his dreams for the state for another four years.

Over 495 million naira was recorded from the fundraising which drew friends, family members and well-wishers of the governor towards his return bid.

While thanking those that contributed in cash and in kind for the success of the election, Governor Gaidam promised that the money will be used for advertisements and campaigns in the media apart from logistics.

Suspected bomber abandons bomb-laden van in Gombe suspected bomber yesterday abandoned a explosiveladen pick-up van at a police check point in Gombe, and fled after a failed attempt to detonate the improvised explosive devices at the check point.

An eyewitness said that the suspected bomber had concealed the devices with bags of maize, house utensils, bedding and other items.

He was said to be driving from Gombe city to Dadin KowaBiu in Borno state.

According to the witness, the suspect first attempted to bribe the policeman at the check point, near Dadin Kowa in in Gombe.

He said the police man on duty refused the bribe and insisted that he should park his van for checking.

The source said at that point, the suspected bomber rammed into one of the drums filled with sand which was used as barricade, apparently for the devices to explode but could not.

He said that the suspect rushed out of the vehicle and fled into the bush when his attempt failed.

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God has already ordained winner of presidential poll, says Pastor Adeboye HE General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) says God has already ordained the winner of the February 14 presidential election.

Speaking at an inter-denominational prayer session at the Obafemi Awolowo University ,Ile-Ife,Pastor Adeboye said God is a ‘master planner,’ who has already planned the leadership development of Nigeria.

Nigerians,according to him, should not bother themselves unnecessarily about the election as “God has already planned who will be the President of Nigeria. “ God has already planned that before we were born. God is not like human beings, who doubts what is to be done. He has plan for everything,” he added.

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NMA wants Ondo doctor’s death investigated ADUNA State chapter of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has urged the security agents to unravel the mystery behind the death of Dr. David Oguntuase who was found dead in his clinic, Universal Medical Clinic located at Akure in Ondo State after it was razed by fire on the eve of Christmas in 2014.

In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Secretary o, Dr. Muhammed Sani Ibrahim and Dr. Shehu Abdulrahman respectively, they commiserate with the entire members of Ondo State Chapter of NMA and the family of the deceased over the loss of the late doctor. “This, again is another acid test of the investigative capacity of our security forces,” the statement said.

They tasked politicians on making specific commitments towards providing improved health care services, providing universal health coverage and improving the health infrastructures at all levels; they made known that have continued to attend to patients in all government tertiary hospitals across the nation despite the ongoing industrial action that has been embarked upon by the hospital support staff under the umbrella of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

SPORT EXTRA

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AFCON 2015... AFCON 2015... AFCON 2015...

Play without fear in opener, Le Roy tells Congo O

N the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations opener, Congo coach Claude Le Roy has told his side to play without fear ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations opener against hosts Equatorial Guinea tonight.

It has been 15 years since Congo - the 1972 champions - qualified for the African showpiece, but they booked their spot in this year's tournament by finishing second in Group A of qualifying.

Le Roy is well aware that his inexperienced side are not fancied as one of the favourites to lift the title in February.

However, the Frenchman is adamant there is no pressure on his team, as he feels qualifying for the

• Le Roy

event after such a long absence is an achievement in itself.

"We have six players who are under 20 but all my boys like football, they like to play," he said.

"We have no pressure because for us the big target was to come back into the Africa Cup of Nations after 15 years of not qualifying.

We will see how far we go.

"On a technical level, we are doing great and we understand that the host will have some limitations because of the short notice of organising the tournament.

"We have told our players to be patient, to forget anything that is missing because of the time required to organise the Africa Cup and manage every situation well."

Gyan hopes to end Ghana’s AFCON misery

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KIPPER Asamoah Gyan once again leads a youthful Ghana side in quest of a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title but first in more than three decades starting in Equatorial Guinea tonight.

Ghana’s all-time top scorer was one of a handful of experienced campaigners when the Black Stars were pipped by Egypt in the final of the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola.

Ghana also reached the last four in 2012 and 2013 and they will again be one of the favourites in this year’s competition, even though they last won it in 1982.

Gyan, who on his official website declared his 2015 wish is to lead Ghana to win the tournament, is confident of another good run despite the youthfulness of Avram Grant’s squad.

“I think so [exceeding expectations at the 2015 Africa Cup].

We have done it before — we did it in Angola [in 2010],” he said of his team’s chances.

“I remember that time [2010] 80 or 85 percent of the players were from the Under-20 team and there was no hope. But we were able to get to the final, we came very close and lost in the final.

“This time also there are a lot of young players in the team.

“It’s not going to be easy, but we will go there and do the right thing and then qualify from the group stage and then think about maybe winning the cup.”

He added: “For us the players, it is always on our mind that we

• Gyan

Today’s Matches Eq. Guinea v Congo Burkina Faso v Gabon

should do something before the next generation.

“We want to break the jinx [of not winning the tournament since 1982]. That is what Ghanaians want and it is something we the players also want.”

But the 29-year-old Al Ain striker admits they are in a difficult first round group comprising Senegal, Algeria and a resurgent South Africa.

“We have to first think of our group because we are not in an easy group,” he said.

“What we have to do is stay

focused. As a captain, I will do what I have to do to psyche the boys up and make sure we approach the tournament with a positive mind — no distractions.

“With the quality we have, we can go through.”

The squad’s confidence has been further boosted by the appointment of former Chelsea manager Grant as coach.

Gyan, who now plays in the UAE after stints in Italy, France and England, has remained one of Africa’s most consistent scorers.

He was named in the CAF Africa Best XI for 2014 and also made the final nominees for the Player of the Year Award won

by Yaya Toure.

This will be his fifth Nations Cup appearance and, besides the goals he will be expected to score in Equatorial Guinea, he will also be expected to lead younger teammates like the Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, David Accam and Christian Atsu to glory to the relief of millions of long-suffering Ghana fans.

Kanoute tips Keita to shine

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EYDOU Keita may have turned 35 on Friday but Frederic Kanoute is adamant his former Mali team-mate will still be a force in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament kicks off tonight when the hosts, Equatorial Guinea, take on Congo in Bata. It will be the most open contest for years, according to Kanoute, who believes Mali have a chance of winning it despite being drawn in a tough group with Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Guinea.

“We have done consistently well recently without making it to the final,” Kanoute told Goal.

“With Seydou Keita leading the team we can make it this year. I am hopeful.

“Mali were a bit up and down in qualifying but there has never been such an even competition, with Nigeria and Egypt both missing. Mali have enough quality players, and Keita is a great leader.”

The versatile Roma midfielder had four good seasons at Barcelona, for whom he appeared in two victorious Champions League finals against Manchester United, in 2009 and 2011.

“He brings experience, professionalism, he plays in one of the top leagues. As long as he’s fit he can keep going, and he is an asset to any team.

“If this happens to be his last Cup of Nations, I truly hope he finishes with the title.”

Kanoute, who starred for Tottenham and Sevilla, made his Cup of Nations debut in 2004, when he was joint top scorer with four goals. In 2007 he became the first player born outside Africa – he was born in

France to a Malian father – to become the continent’s footballer of the year.

He has retired from playing and, aged 37, now holds ambassadorial roles for Mali and Caf (Confederation of African Football) and runs an academy in Mali that focuses on education and social issues. He followed Mali home and away in qualifying.

The former striker said he was excited at the prospect of watching the 2015 tournament, and when asked which players might make up the next generation of African superstars he nominated two.

• Keita

'We are strong but we will take it game by game'

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QUATORIAL Guinea coach Esteban Becker Churukian says his Nzalang Nacional has quality, is strong mentally and tactically and will compete for victory in every match they contest during the Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

• Becker

The host nation gets the 30th edition of Africa's biggest football fest tonight when they play Congo at the Estadio de Bata.

After the opener against Congo, they take on Burkina Faso and Gabon in other Group A fixtures.

"My team has had good preparations for AFCON. We have a little time to work together but we have done enough and I think my team is very fast, strong and have quality, technically and tactically. My team has intelligence," Churukian, who was appointed coach about three weeks ago, said.

"I think for us it's very important to take it match to match. Cote d'Ivoire is for me the favourite, the strong team of the tournament but Equatorial Guinea plays home and there isn’t pressure at all. So we will see how we go with each match."

Quiet please, Hayatou <<<<<<Continued from back page Sadly, Diouf was a very bad adone of the coaches dressed for pre vertisement for the African game and post-match conferences in with his conduct in-and-out of the Adidas kits but wearing a blue field. He hit the headlines for the Nike fez cap. It was that bad. wrong reasons, earning the bad The essence of having such insobriquet of ‘spitting cobra.’ ternational brands associated with It was clear to everyone in 2004 our football is best seen with that CAF and its clan didn’t want Adidas’ resolve to fund ManchesOkocha among the winners ter United FC of England’s £200 when they shamelessly denied Jay million quest to sign Lionel Messi.

Jay the award, in spite, of being £200 million is chicken feed for voted the player of the tournaAdidas, but they recognise the fact ment, again in Tunisia. Without that having pictures of Messi wearany doubt, Samuel Eto’O is a gifted ingAdidaskitsfurtherraisesitsproplayer not as skillful as Okocha, file in the kitting industry, espeeven as he is a ruthless finisher. cially with a big football brand But what ought to have such as Manchester United. swayed the 2004 award in Why would Adidas want to Okocha’s favour was his awesome splash as much as $750 million display against Cameroon to on a jersey deal for Manchester qualify for the semi-finals. Many United, with the caveat of getting still savour the beauty in the curly Messi to Old Trafford? Simple; free-kick that Okocha took to earn brand war. Did I hear you say Nigeria the semi-final berth. The how? Here is it; Messi plays for selectors opted to crown Eto’O as Barcelona FC in Spain, which Africa’s best. No grudges though, wears Nike jersey. Yet, Messi is considering the way the the poster boy of the Adidas Cameroonian held the world brand, and they have long hoped spell-bound with his knack for to be able to help move him away goals playing for FC Barcelona in from Barcelona – who are sponSpain. sored by main competitors Nike Hayatou should save us his re– and place him with a club spongrets. History will judge his body sored by Adidas. better when clips of African stars So, you can see why our who shone in Europe and the coaches and players in the last set Diaspora are watched by discernof Eagles should not humiliate us ing people. Perhaps, it is this pain further by shedding crocodile that Hayatou wants us to forget tears for missing the AFCON by saying: “Players like Jay Jay 2015. Nigerians are worse off for Okocha would have been very our absence than they think. It worthy to feature in the list of winwould pay them to keep quiet. ners. But the technicians decided They have caused us enough otherwise; it is the law of the pain. game.” Hmmm! If Hayatou is conAgain, no brand worth its onvinced that they did the right ions will do business with players thing, he should let us have some and coaches who don’t see anyquiet. Nobody asked him to rething wrong with holding the mind us of this decision. country hostage over their entitleWe have forgotten about it, exments. True, they have a right to cept for occasions when Okocha demand their wages but with a rightly captures this denial as his lotofdecorumnotthisstyleofmakbiggest regret, like he did some ing us the world’s laughing stock. time ago when he said: “If I have I hope that many of these disany regret, that will be not wingruntled players know that they ning the Africa Footballer of the have no place in the Eagles as we Year award. But I don’t think I rebuild for the 2018 Africa Cup was meant to be because I gave of Nations and the 2018 World my best, but at the end, it wasn’t Cup in Russia. good enough.”

NFF chieftains must warn the Vintage Okocha; he isn’t one Eagles coach not to go near most to rock the boat. A good sport - if of those who were at the Brazil you ask me. But when you look 2014 World Cup, especially those at those who got the crown in who are not playing regularly for those years when Okocha was their European clubs. not favoured by CAF, you shudWe should rebuild the new der because in one of those inEagles, using the country’s Olymstances, Okocha was playing in pic Games team, the All Africa the French Ligue Un for PSG. Games team and the Flying Would these technicians say they Eagles squad members. Those were not watching those games, who were in Brazil have lost the if not physically but on television? appetite to play for glory. Rather, God help us all! they are interested in knowing how much is in any game for Crocodile tears them, largely because they know Daily, the media is inundated that they are in the twilight of with lamentations of Super their national team appearances.

Eagles players over Nigeria’s This is why whenever they aselimination at the 2015 Africa semble, what tickles their fancies Cup of Nations, which begins most is what they would be paid today in Malabo, Equatorial for matches won, lost or drawn.

Guinea, without defending They even have the audacity to champions Nigeria. ask to be paid upfront and such The players feel that Nigerians ridiculous requests of being paid are gullible. They are hoping that for ‘lost’ game because they played their pleas will sway the fans to their heart out. forgive them. They must be jokWould it shock readers of this ing because the losses incurred by column to hear that each Super Nigerians transcend the ardent Eagles player got $5,000 for the football followers. Various facets drawn game against South Afof the football industry are countrica in Uyo? Their coaches reing their losses, with many pledgceived theirs too. No record of any ing not to do business with the coach or player rejecting the cash NFF, if these bunch of Eagles stars because Nigeria didn’t qualify for continue to play for Nigeria. the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

These disappointing Eagles are Yet, they are shedding crocodile the reason why manufacturing tears in the media, thinking we giants Adidas don’t want to reare fools. new our kits contract. Their reWhereas shell-shocked fans fusal to do business with Nigeria around the country couldn’t eat, is germane because our players sleep or do anything reasonable found it difficult to respect the after the game, the Eagles and their terms of the Nigerian deal by coaches hurried to the Governwearing Adidas kits during the ment House to collect another country’s assignments. $200,000 from the Akwa Ibom From the coaches to the playState governor, which they shared ers, they breached the rules, with while we mourned. Enough.

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CRIME

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

&

OTHER STORIES

Killing of 39-yr-old sparks HERE was outrage over the killing of a 39-year-old, Jeje Oni, by suspected hoodlums penultimate Thursday in Ijoko community in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The deceased, according to sources, hardly missed his wife’s meal in the afternoon. It was gathered that he would usually leave his shop on Railway Line road in Ijoko town, Ogun State, to eat his lunch at home with a couple of his friends. As usual, he left his shop to eat his lunch at home on January 8, 2015 but he met his tragic end on the road.

He was allegedly shot dead by some hoodlums a few meters away from his residence, thus ending his rendezvous with life. The killing of the Ekiti State-born man,who was said to be a fashion designer, came barely 17 days after the palace of a monarch in the town, Oba Ogunseye, was allegedly razed by some hoodlums suspected to be loyalists of another contender to the stool.

Oni’s shop was located near the burnt palace, thus raising suspicions that he might have been singled out as one the supporters of Ogunseye.

It was gathered that Oni was trailed by his assailants shortly after he left his shop on his motorbike in company with one of his friends to eat lunch at home near the Agoro area of Ijoko.

A friend of the deceased, who was riding with him, had to jump down from the motorbike and ran for his dear life following sporadic shooting by the hoodlums who were trailing him on their motorbike.

An impeccable source, who spoke in confidence, recalled: “I am one of the artisans that work in the neighbourhood and my workshop is close to the deceased’s shop. Oni was fond of taking his friends home in the afternoon for his lunch because he did not eat out.

About 3 pm on Thursday January 8, he received a call from his wife that his meal was ready and he asked me to join him for lunch

T

n Kunle AKINRINADE n at home. We left on his motorbike about 4.30pm for his residence in the Agoro area of Ijoko.When we got to Sawmill area, we noticed that some armed men were trailing us on a motorbike and he decided to speed off.

It was while they started shooting at us as we sped off that I jumped off the bike and ran for my dear life.

“The hoodlums were shouting ‘they are one of them, they are one of them.’’ The shots the armed men fired missed me but sadly hit Oni’s legs and that was when the assailants caught up with him and killed him. By the time I came out of hiding, a crowd had gathered round Oni’s body and I had to report the incident to Sango Police Station, while I returned to the community to inform the people around our base about the incident. ‘’The late fashion designer owned a building in the Agoro area of Ijoko and he was an easy going person. The police have made some arrests and the matter has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta,” he added.

The killing of the man has, however, triggered an outrage as residents of the community condemned the activities of marauding youths suspected to be loyalists of a rival monarch in the community.

A resident, Amos Jimoh, who spoke with our correspondent, said: “The people behind the spate of violent attacks on Ijoko should be arrested and prosecuted once and for all. The killing of Oni came about two weeks after the palace of Ogunseye was razed suspectedly by loyalists of his rival, who also destroyed many buildings in the community. It is disheartening that the hoodlums succeeded in killing Oni minutes after he left his shop located near the Oba’s palace. The law enforcement agents should be given a standing order to lay surveillance and deal with peo-

Enraged husband kills self, wife, daughter in Ogun n Ernesy NWOKOLO, Abeokuta n N enraged husband, release, stated that the 46Oubusayo Sunday, year-old Olubusayo, was an has stabbed and set Eegun man and also a himself ablaze at the rustic farmer.

Onigbedu commumity in According to the Police Ewekoro Local Governimage maker, Olubusayo's ment Area of Ogun State wife, Oyewole (40), and the after hacking his wife and daughter, Esther (3), were bethree- year-old daughter to headed by the man for readeath. sons yet to be known, while The Nation gathered that the remains of the three have Olubusayo, after he had set been kept at the General himself on fire, attempted to Hospital Ifo for autopsy. take a plunge into a well Adejobi also noted that no near his house but concerned member of the deceased’s neighbours who saw him family or neighbours has prevented his suicide bid given the police any informaand also rescued him. tion regarfing the cause of The neighbours, it was the incident while little clues learnt further, took him to his left behind by Olubusayo behouse apparently to pacify fore he died, suggested that him but they later found out there was a quarrel between that he had done a great him and his late wife. havoc in his house - he killed A knife and cutlass stained his wife and daughter by with blood and suspected to chopping off their heads. have been used in beheading Olubusayo after his rescue his wife and daughter, have was said to have died of the been recovered from his burns on the way to the hoshouse. pital.

The Commissioner of PoThe Police Public Relations lice in the state, Ikemefuna Officer in Ogun State, OluOkoye, was taken aback muyiwa Adejobi, said inveswhen he received the report tigation into the tragedy has of the incident and has distarted, adding that the incirected that the matter be dent occurred last Wednestransferred to the Departday in Onigbedu. ment of Criminal InvestigaAdejobi, a Deputy Supertion, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for intendent of Police(DSP), in a thorough investigation.

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ple who want to destabilise peace and harmony in this community.

“We thought there won’t be another violent attack again following the burning down of the Oba’s palace and the destruction of cars and buildings belonging to some village heads on December 23, 2014.The killing of Oni is condemnable and those who masterminded it should not be spared of the wrath of law. A situation whereby people and property are killed or destroyed is not acceptable and government should ask the police to step up action to stem the tide of violence and wanton destruction of lives and property,” said another resident, who asked not to be named.

In a telephone conversation with our correspondent, the spokesman of Ogun State Police Command, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, said a suspect is being held in the wake of the incident.

“We have arrested one Hakeem Oluomo and he is now in our custody. Although, we have not been able to establish his actual linkage with the killing of the deceased but we are holding the suspect for unlawful possession of fire arms.We are still investigating the mat-

•Oni’s body

ter, while our men have been deployed in the community to prevent destruction of lives

Ekiti police 'detain' mystery attack on 65-year-old woman

one after the other on her way to the bank to withdraw some cash to boost her business.

The woman was attacked •Mama Oyo on her hospital bed. inset: the bandaged leg by one of the rams, which gored her right thigh with its horn, an attack which knocked her to the ground after n Odunayo OGUNMOLA, Ado-Ekiti n which the other ram took its turn in attacking the hapresident of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital whose less victim on the ground.

The rams spent two days in "detention" at the Adoname was given as Mama Oyo, was rushed to a Ekiti Police Area Command in Okesa. traditional orthopedic clinic following attacks on The owner of the rams, who is said to be a manager of her by two "mystery rams." a petrol station located in Okesa, reportedly went into The incident, which happened at Okesa area of Adohiding following the havoc wreaked on the victims by Ekiti on Tuesday, generated the concern of people in the the animals. neighborhood on the fate of the woman.

Residents of the area claimed that the rams which The 65-year-old woman was attacked by the two rams

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015

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olukunle87@yahoo.com

•Oni when he was alive and property.

It will be recalled that the thin line that held the peace of the community snapped on December 23, 2014 when suspected loyalists of a monarch were alleged to have attacked the palace of Oba Ogunseye. They were said to have set the palace ablaze and vandalised some vehicles belonging to some traditional chiefs of the town who were holding their meeting there.

Following the December attack, the spokesman of the Ogun State Police Com-

mand, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement had disclosed the arrest of about nine suspects and the recovery of arms and ammunition from the palace of the monarch, while the butt of a locally made gun was recovered from the palace of Oba Ogunseye.

The statement read in part: ”Following the recent crises that rocked Ijoko town in Ado Odo/ Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, the state police command has embarked on proper investigation by pouncing on the perpetrators of the crises that lasted for days and arrested nine suspects with arms and ammunition. The investigation prompted the police teams from the Department of Criminal Investigation and Police Mobile Force, coordinated by the Deputy Commissioner of Police(DCP) in charge of operations, Mr Egberebi Egbuson to conduct search and raids on the palaces and premises of the two disputing rulers, Oba Matanmi and Oba Ogunseye in the night of December 27,where nine suspects were arrested and 12 locally made single barreled guns,; two pump action guns,191 cartridges, two cutlasses, one axe, charms and masquerade clothing were recovered in the palace of Oba Matanmi and one butt of a locally made single barreled gun was recovered in the palace of Oba Ogunseye who has also been indicted by some suspects arrested in a case of shooting and wounding that occurred at a filing station in Agbado area of Ogun State on December 26, 2014.

“The command has given invitation letters to the two Obas for interrogation and proper investigation on their involvement in the crises that rocked the area for days. ‘’The suspects will soon appear in court after the investigation into the matter has been concluded with a view to finding a lasting solution to any act of violence and break down of law and order in the area and other parts of the state and to serve as a deterrent to those who are fond of creating crises on Obaship and land cases in Ogun State,” he added.

rams for violent ...owner goes into hiding usually moved together always attacked innocent passers-by unprovoked.

They said the rams had constituted a nuisance to the people in the neighborhood who had complained on their excesses to the owner who failed to tame them.

Speaking to reporters at the traditional medical bone clinic located on Ereguru Street, Ado-Ekiti, Mama Oyo said she became unconscious after being gored on her thigh by the rams only to regain consciousness after some hours.

Mama Oyo evoked pity as she lay on the bed writhing in pain inflicted on her by the rampaging twin rams with the affected right leg heavily bandaged.

She explained that she never expected the attack as she was going to the bank without provoking the animals but expressed surprise at the sudden charge by one of the rams, which gave her the first blow with its horns.

Her words: "On the fateful day, I was going to the Union Bank with my son. We were walking on the walkway and saw the rams in front of us but not knowing what was on their mind.

"But immediately they sighted us coming closer to them, one of the rams rushed towards me and hit me several times with its horns.

"Immediately, I fell down. But as I was struggling to get up, the second ram joined the first to attack me, thank God that some people came to my rescue and saved me from untimely death in the hands of these 'mad rams.’’

One of the residents of the area, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the rams as "troublesome and notorious" as they attacked people at will.

He said: "We have complained several times to the owner of the rams to tame the animals to no avail. The animals are always roaming the streets and daring people."

The owner of the traditional bone clinic, Chief Ezekiel Ogunjemilusi, explained that Mama Oyo's affected tigh would take at least two months to heal.

He explained that the woman was brought to the place in a critical condition having fracture on two sides of her right leg.

An officer at Ado-Ekiti Police Area Command, who pleaded anonymity because he is not the official spokesman, confirmed the attack, adding that the Police have not succeeded in apprehending the owner of the rams.

He said: "Since yesterday, we have sent two of our men to go and invite the owner of the rams but he is nowhere to be found. We learnt that he is the manager of the filling station.

The latest news on the incident at the time of filing this report Thursday evening revealed that Mama Oyo has been relocated to another hospital in Akure, Ondo State capital, for a better treatment.

The source also revealed that the owner of the ram had agreed to foot the medical bill of the victim.

35-year-old trader, Mr Chike Okwunn Kunle AKINRINADE n wanne, has petitioned the Nigeria PoPanti,Lagos. lice Force over an alleged harassment Responding on the telephone, Chinasa, by his estranged lover, Chinasa (surname however, denied ever dating Chike. She exwitheld), who is a former police woman now plained that their relationship was just for based in United States of America (USA), folbusiness transactions. lowing failed marriage plans.

“Chike is my wanted suspect; he is a In a petition forwarded to the Assistant Inwanted man. He sold my goods worth $8,000 spector General of Police, in charge of Zone 2 and used the money to buy a car. He has been Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, Mr Umar invited by the police at SCID. I cannot date Manko, Okwunwanne’s lawyer, Barrister somebody like Chike and if we had dated, Omobolaji Adejumo, explained how Okwunhow come he does not know where I stay in wanne and Chinasa were match-made by a Nigeria? How come he was not at the airport couple based in US. to pick me on my arrival? He was introduced A copy of the petition obtained by our corto me for business purposes and not for marrespondent read in part: “Sometime in June riage.

2013, a family friend and boss to our client “Although I have been told that the goods (Okwunanne), Chief Benny Iwule, a Nigerian are with the police but I gave him the goods resident in the United States, introduced our and not the police.He should be the one that client to one Chinasa, that she is desirous of will return the goods to me.He is running settlling down with a Nigerian man. In the from me because I asked for my money. I have course of their discussions after phone numnot seen Chike and my bers and contact details goods. He duped me and had been exchanged, she ran away with my informed our client that money. Tell him to give she was 36 years old and me my goods. We don’t our client agreed to the have anything in commarriage proposal based mon except for business. on the assumption that He sold the goods and they were within the same has refused to give me age grade. Not long after my money. Chike was inmarital promises were troduced to me by Chief sealed, she started bossing Benny Iwule, who is our client around such that based in US. he got fed up with her “How does he know I overbearing attitude, howam older than him? Is he ever, he condoned her. my father or parent? I “Sometime around lost my husband but I July/August 2013, she have a fiancée. With my (Chinasa) volunteered to level and exposure, marsend some goods to our riage is not an issue to client to help her resell but me.” he declined. He was thereA few hours later, one fore surprised when she •Chike Pastor Bello Balogun sent him a message to reOlusanya of Mountain of ceive a carton at a clearing Solution, Owo, Ondo agent’s place in Ajao EsState, precisely 10.39 pm tate, Lagos. Upon opening Eventually when on Wednesday, called our the package, he realised on the that what she sent were they met and had seri- correspondent telephone on behalf of fairly used goods. Our ous discussions, our Chinasa. client then told her he Contrary to Chinasa’s doesn’t deal in secondclient realised that the denial that she never hand or fairly used goods, lady in question cannot dated Chike, Pastor Balohe then decided to keep gun, during the phone the goods for her.” be less than 50 years old. conversation, explained Trouble, however, At that stage, our client that Chinasa and Chike started when Chinasa visdated. ited Nigeria late 2013, told her he couldn’t in actually He said: “Chinasa when Chike discovered all honesty continue gave me your phone she is a 50-year-old. number to speak with According to the petiwith the relationship as you because she claimed tion, “Eventually when you wanted to publish a the foundation was they met and had serious story about her. She is discussions, our client rebuilt on deceit one of my members and alised that the lady in she is very close to me. question cannot be less She claimed that Chike than 50 years old. At that stage, our client told her he couldn’t in all hon- had duped her of the proceeds of some goods she sent to him for sale. She was actually inesty continue with the relationship as the troduced to that Chike for marriage. She sent foundation was built on deceit. Around this me his name in 2013 asking me to pray in period, our client’s dad was hospitalised and order to know if they are compatible for marhe had to travel to his village to take care of riage and I told her that God does not approve his father.The lady asked for our client to wed of their relationship.I told her that even her. She then started harassing our client for though Chike is single, still he won’t marry abandoning her to tend to his father on his her.” death bed. Though the father later died owing Speaking from her base in US, Mrs Mercy to complications from his sickness, yet she reIwule, whose husband had introduced Chifused to show compassion or understanding nasa to Chike, explained that Chinasa was or any empathy whatsoever. peddling falsehood against Chike. ‘’When our client told her he had expended “Chinasa is just harassing Chike for no just all his money on his father’s sickness, she reason. My husband and I actually introduced asked him to borrow or face her wrath. Not her to Chike, who had been managing our long after, policemen from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti Street, businesses in Nigeria. She said she wanted to marry a Nigerian man and we introduced her Lagos, came to pick up our client based on a to Chike not knowing that she was older than phantom complaint of theft by Chinasa. On him because she has a petite figure. Chike did getting to the station, the lady (Chinasa) cornot steal her goods or use the money to buy a nered our client again asking him if he was car. I was the one who asked Chike to start ready to marry her so she can drop the using the Toyota Sienna car I left in Nigeria charges against him. Our client had to agree because I also have another Toyota Pathfinder with her so as not to jeopardise his own freeSports Utility Vehicle in our house in Lagos. dom as it was three days to the burial of his “She lied to Chike that she was 36 and late father. Our client is not desirous of marryChike said he does not want to continue with ing a lady old enough to be his mother and the relationship when he discovered she was she has been threatening fire and brimstone older than him. She then vowed to punish that she would use the police to make our him for breaking her heart and had been using client’s life a living hell.’’ law enforcement agents to harass the poor The controversial goods as gathered have boy.’’ since been taken into police custody at SCID,

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,

outrage

Man petitions police, accuses estranged US-based lover of harassment over failed marriage plans

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TOMORROWPUNCHLINE IN THE NATION

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.9, NO. 3069

When the next set of cabinet nominees go for screening they would probably be made to walk through a scanner that would determine their susceptibility to corruption —Festus Eriye

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EXT to the presidential election on Feb ruary 14, the Lagos State governorship election two weeks later, will be the most interesting, significant and critical in the country. The office of Lagos State governor is easily the most powerful and influential in Nigeria after the Presidency. Lagos is miniature Nigeria. There is no ethnic group in Nigeria that is not represented in Lagos. She has a population that is equivalent to or larger than at least 30 African countries. The megacity is Nigeria's commercial and industrial nerve centre. While she has recorded steady and easily demonstrable progress over the last 16 years, Nigeria has experienced undisguised retrogression in virtually all critical sectors under the leadership of the PDP since 1999.

It is against this background that this column has consistently made a case for continuity in Lagos but change at the centre at the forthcoming defining polls. The two leading governorship candidates, Mr Akinwumi Ambode of the APC and Mr Jimi Agaje of the PDP have since stepped up their campaigns. The APC on Wednesday held its first mega rally at the Airways ground in Ikeja. Agbaje answered Lagosians' questions in a live video chat the same day commencing from 6pm the same day.

On Thursday, the two candidates squared up with those of other parties in a debate at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, GRA, Ikeja.

In picking Agbaje as its governorship candidate, the PDP seeks to mitigate its unsavoury public image that has so far denied it electoral success in Lagos State through the credibility and appreciable goodwill of the pharmacist and politician. Despite his understandable public endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan's re-election, Agbaje has delicately projected his own candidacy rather than his party platform. In this respect, he walks a difficult tight rope. But then, as Dr Dapo Thomas of the Lagos State University (LASU) has pungently argued, his chosen platform raises serious questions as regards Agbaje's consistency and fidelity to political principles.

As a member of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD), Democratic Parties Alliance (DPA) and Afenifere, Agbaje has always identified with parties committed to the re-structuring of Nigeria in the direction of true federalism. In joining the PDP, he has undertaken an amazing ideological and philosophical somersault. The PDP symbolises the opposite of all that Agbaje has espoused in his political career.

If a man will sacrifice his cherished values to gain political office, will he not readily jettison ennobling principles to remain in office? It is not an invalid question.

On the hustings, Ambode has rightly projected his public sector experience of service that saw him rising from the local government cadre through the state civil service to reach the zenith of his career as Permanent Secretary and Accountant General of Lags State over a 27year period. To be fair to Agbaje, he has not claimed any public leadership experience. He has only contended with characteristic honesty that his private sector experience as an entre-

Lagos: Experience or experimentation?

‘

Agbaje is against debt.

Yet, he wants to reduce taxes and at the same time enhance welfare services. This can be nothing but government by magic - a dangerous experiment Lagos can illafford

•Ambode •Agbaje

’

•Agbaje

preneur and industrialist is sufficient to acquit himself creditably as Lagos State governor.

After all, Agbaje argues further, what public service experience did Awolowo, Dr Goodluck Jonathan or even Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have before the commencement of their public leadership careers? As Ambode aptly quipped at the Archbishop Vining church debate, President Jonathan's below par record is an excellent example of why relevant public service experience is critical for effective and positive leadership in a complex polity like Lagos or Nigeria. It was a wrong example for Agbaje to cite.

What about Tinubu? True, he had no public sector experience when he assumed office as Lagos State governor in 1999. But then, in the private sector, he had risen to become treasurer of Mobil, the international oil giant before opting for a political career. Tinubu thus had some experience of complex organisational dynamics. Even then, Tinubu had to spend a considerable learning period before he settled down to effective governance. Thus, the period between 1999 and 2001 were years of intense criticisms by the public of the perceived non-performance of the Tinubu administration. It was as he gradually understood and mastered the system that the tempo of governance increased under Tinubu.

As Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has publicly said, a key factor in the outstanding success of his administration was his prior experience as Chief of Staff and member of the Lagos State Executive Council for about five years in the Tinubu administration. Unlike Tinubu, Fashola thus had an appreciable understanding of the system and could hit the ground running.

Ambode stands on even firmer ground than Tinubu or Fashola. On a general level, he had operated in the service for 27 years. He understands the system thoroughly. On a more specific note, he has been a key participant in the conceptualisation and implementation of the development master plan under which Lagos has taken impressive strides. These invaluable experiences stand him in good stead to take Lagos to the next level.

How then about Awolowo? His case must be placed in the appropriate historical and political context. First, Awolowo was an exceptionally gifted human being who remains intellectually, morally and spiritually unequalled by any politician in this dispensation. Secondly, Awolowo's generation of politicians inherited a qualitative colonial civil service of the highest standard that made it easier for them to quickly adapt to the demands of public leadership.

Thirdly, the parliamentary system under which Awolowo operated placed greater premium on collegiate rather than personalised leadership.

In the presidential system, much more depends on the personal experience and effectiveness of the chief executive.

Fourthly, even as talented as he was, Awolowo had to undergo a learning period when he emerged as Leader of Government Business and Minister of Local Government in the Western Region on 7th January, 1952. As Olufemi Ogunsanwo writes in his book, 'Awo: Unfinished Greatness', "For some time, the lieutenant-governor himself continued to preside informally at cabinet meetings to guide the proceedings…The governor eventually took a backseat as Awolowo stamped his political authority and administrative competence on the government".

Lagos State for the last 16 years has been implementing a development master plan under which it is widely agreed that the state has made tremendous progress. Yet, Agbaje promises a new master plan, which can only be experimental. Lagosians are thus being asked to jettison a working master plan for a speculative and untested one.

One of the components of Agbaje's new master plan is to build 150,000 new houses for Lagosians in his first four years in office. These houses, he promises, will be private sector driven but made affordable for ordinary Lagosians and non-Lagosians using mortgages with reasonable interest rates. First, how will his proposed mortgage plan be different from or superior to the current one of the Fashola administration? Again, if his housing scheme is private sector driven, how will it at the same time be mass-oriented and affordable? The private sector is motivated by profit and not philanthropy.

Again, Agbaje plans to open up Epe, Badagry, or Ikorodu rather than the on-going Lagos Atlantic project, which he claims will have a negative impact "on the congestion of the Victoria Island axis given the increased growth in traffic flow to the area". First, does the Lagos Atlantic City project, perhaps the most sophisticated and ambitious project of its kind in Africa, in any way clash with or obstruct the numerous on-going projects such as the Lagos-Badagry Expressway to open other parts of the state? Second, can you magically develop other parts of the state without elevating the current economic and revenue generating capacity of the state as the Lagos Atlantic City project seeks to do?

Agbaje is unhappy with the debt profile of Lagos State. He has the view that debt is inimical to development. As Ambode has argued, however, debt must always be considered in relation to GDP and the total economic capacity of the state. Debt is an inevitable feature of modern public finance. What matters is its effective use to generate further development as is the case in Lagos State. Agbaje is against debt.

Yet, he wants to reduce taxes and at the same time enhance welfare services. This can be nothing but government by magic - a dangerous experiment Lagos can ill-afford.

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Quiet please, Hayatou

C

ONFEDERATION of Africa Football (CAF) President Issah Hayatou likes playing pranks with Nigerians wherever he is here. He enjoys revisiting bad decisions taken against our senior national team Super Eagles and leaves us with the impression that he had nothing to do with the fate that befell us.

Hayatou speaks English fluently, but he comes here to speak French, no doubt his mother tongue as a Cameroonian. But Hayatou uses this code switch to hit us below the belt. Of course, Hayatou has a right to express his views, but such comments must not unearth a disappointing past like his last opinion on Austin Okocha’s loss at the CAF Awards in 1998 and 2004. We don’t need any reminder of the past since it is irredeem-

able.

Hayatou was here for the 2014 CAF/Glo Africa Footballer of the Year award. His salvo this time is that regrets not seeing Austin Okocha decorated with the award. This insult on our sensibilities reminds this writer of the goal scored by Henry Nwosu against Cameroon in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984. A very good goal, but it was controversially disallowed, with many pundits suggesting that the referee may have done that in awe of the CAF president.

In 1998, despite Nigeria’s shambolic outing at the France’98 World Cup, Okocha was easily the most exciting player to watch. His breath-taking dribbles earned a mouth-watering contract at Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

Pundits thought that Okocha would without doubt be the default winner of the 1998 Af-

rica Footballer of the Year award.

Not so for CAF. We were bored with the diabolical machination of having voters coming from Francophone countries voting their own. Where were these Francophone voters when Victor Ikpeba, Emmanuel Amuneke, the late Rashidi Yekini and Nwankwo Kanu won the award? When these Nigerians won the award, they were as exemplary as Okocha was during the 1998 World Cup but they were not as skillful as the one also called Jay Jay. Indeed, Morocco didn’t qualify for the next round of the World Cup. Nigeria did, losing 4-1 to Denmark in the second round.

Okocha’s deft dribbles could rock a skeleton. His silky skills and wizardry leave his markers sprawling on the turfs. His footwork left spectators yelling for more. So good was Okocha that he was named twice BBC Af-

rica Footballer of the Year. Many still yell watching clips of Okocha playing for Bolton Wanderers FC in the Barclays English Premier League. In fact, in one of the footages, the then Bolton manager Sam Allardyce imitates Okocha’s dancing steps after scoring some terrific goals.

How CAF came up with Moroccan Mustafa Hadji, the pony-tailed striker, as the continent’s best player in 1998 confounded the world. Had CAF crowned Sunday Oliseh, who placed third in that year, there would have been the silent grumbling from football’s aficionados. Not the loud disapprovals that trailed Hadji’s choice.

At the 2002 World Cup, El-Hadji Diouf rightly got the award because of his meteoric outing for Senegal at the 2002 World Cup, which was co-hosted by Korea/Japan. The Senegalese hit the quarter-finals in their maiden appearance at the Mundial, with Diouf being the Teranga Lions’ undertaker.

•Continued on Page 61

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