The Nation January 29, 2012

Jonathan seeks AU chair

Anyim, South-East governors kick over Northern killings

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Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

N200.00 SUNDAY AFTERMATH OF SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT

Vol.06, No. 2019

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

JANUARY 29, 2012

EFCC probes Sylva, Idris, Wamakko –PAGE 2

Soldiers kill 11 Boko Haram suspects in Borno

Bomb scare in Abuja From Yusuf Alli, Abuja, Kolade Adeyemi, Kano and Joseph Abiodun, Maiduguri

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LEVEN suspected members of the Boko Haram sect were yesterday shot dead by soldiers attached to the Joint Task Force (JTF) at a checkpoint in Maiduguri.

The Nation learnt that the members of the dreaded sect were stopped at one of the checkpoints in the town by security agents but instead of stopping to be searched they engaged the security men in a gun battle.

At the end of the duel which lasted several minutes, eleven suspected sect members were felled and one sustained serious injury.

As at press time, the number of casualties recorded from the side of the security agencies could not be ascertained.

Confirming the incident in a telephone interview with journalists, the

Adamawa State Acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Umaru (L) congratulating the new Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Abdullahi Liman, shortly after swearing-in the SSG at Government House, Yola, yesterday

•Continued on Page 4

Kogi: Wada heads for court As speaker gets security details Five reasons why FG backs speaker

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NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

AFTERMATH OF SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT

EFCC probes Sylva, Idris, Wamakko F

RESH trouble appears to be brewing for Chief Timipre Sylva,Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko and Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, three of the five governors, sacked on Friday by the Supreme Court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ,according to indications in Abuja yesterday,is revisiting some of their deeds while they were in office and immune from arrest.

Some commissioners in the Sylva (Bayelsa State) and Idris (Kogi) administrations were already facing trial for alleged mismanagement of funds before Friday’s judgement.

Allegations against Wamakko (Sokoto) were sent to the EFCC and other security agencies by the campaign directorate of a former Minister of Transport, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman.

Suleiman lost the PDP governorship primary ticket to Wamakko.

The petition, signed by the Director-General of Yusuf Suleiman Campaign Organization, Amb. Abdullahi Ladan Shuni alleged improprieties in the state ill-fated Independent Power Project and the State Universal Basic Education Board.

Sources said the affected ex-governors may be invited by the anti-graft agency to clarify some issues on some projects.

They may also be asked about certain approvals given to some of their aides, especially commissioners.

“There is no doubt that we have been investigating the activities of some of these

From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

ex-governors in the last two years. Since they had immunity, we invited state officials as applicable,” one EFCC source said.

“We may invite these exgovernors to clarify a few things concerning approvals having been implicated by their former aides. If they have no case to answer, we will let them go.

“You should know that we no longer engage in media trial. Once a prima facie case is established against some of these ex-governors, we will let the public know.

“For instance the EFCC had filed charges against the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Charles Sylva Osuala, and three others for allegedly diverting over N2.3billion.

“Others are the state Accountant-General, Francis Okokuro, Director of Treasury, Abbot T. Clinton, and Director of Finance, Ikobho Anthony Howells.

“Concerning Kogi State , the EFCC is currently trying some former commissioners and Local Government officials under ex-Governor Idris.

“The accused are Stephen Asala, former chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area; Obaro Kayode, former chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area and Tolorunjuwon Faniyi, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

“Others are Samuel Ojo, former Commissioner for Agriculture; Enesi

Suleiman, former caretaker chairman of Adavi Local Government Area and Yahaya Abubakar, former chairman of Okene Local Government Area.”

The only allegations against Wamakko ,it was gathered ,came from Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman.

The Director-General of Yusuf Suleiman Campaign Organization, Amb. (Senator) Abdullahi Ladan Shuni, in a statement yesterday said: “”Shortly after the Supreme Court judgment on the tenure of some state governors yesterday (Friday), our attention was called to strange movement of files from various ministries in Sokoto State to a private house in an area in Sokoto.

“The movement also included those of political office holders, commissioners and heads of government parastatals and departments and their supportive staff.

“Some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal members who were at the venue of the meeting confirmed to us that a number of documents were out rightly burnt while others were replaced from various files.

“We strongly believe that the documents so destroyed were those related with the recent curious withdrawals from the Primary Education board’s account, flood disasters relief account, local government joint account and the new Sokoto State University project account.

“A total of N14.6 billion Naira was withdrawn from these accounts within the

last three months.

“A breakdown of the withdrawals includes N4b from the Primary Education board in the Sokoto branch of a second generation bank; over N2.5 billion from the state and local government joint account and the N1.6billion donated by the

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Allwell-Brown said.

It was not yet decided which bank would lead manage the deal, nor from which company they would source the ships.

She, however, did not provide a timetable on when the company expects to

close the transaction but said that the loan aims to expand the operations of its shipping subsidiary Bonny Gas Transport Limited, which currently has 24 LNG ships.

NLNG was set up over two decades ago to harness

Jonathan may run for AU chair

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R E S I D E N T Goodluck Jonathan could enter the race for chairman of the African Union (AU), after Gambia pulled out of the running , a source close to Jonathan said yesterday.

Leaders would choose a new chairman for the 54member pan-African body

Nigeria’s natural gas resources and produce Liquefied Natural Gas and Natural Gas Liquids for export.

The company has longterm supply contracts with buyers in Italy, Spain, Turkey, Portugal and France and also sells on the spot mar-

Anyim, S/East govs kick over killings

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OVERNORS of the five South East states and other leaders from the geo-political zone yesterday denounced the spate of killings in some parts of the country with Igbos as the main victims.

They have already set up a committee to monitor further development “ as it unfolds and advise” accordingly.

Rising from a one day meeting in Enugu last night they expressed outrage at the killings and called for a stop

From Chris Oji, Enugu

by the perpetrators immediately.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Anyim Pius Anyim, Deputy Senate President, Chief Ike Ekweremadu, the five Southeast Governors, members of the National Assembly, President General of OHANAEZE, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, among others attended the meeting.

They, however, assured

security agencies in the country to investigate as matter of urgency the movement of both files and withdrawals from the state government accounts within the last three months and those found guilty be brought to book.”

A passer-by looks at police officers standing on patrol vehicles at the Obelisque Square in Dakar on January 28, 2012. Senegal's opposition vowed today to force President Abdoulaye Wade out of office as the capital reeled from violent riots that erupted after the top court said the octogenarian could run for a third term.

NLNG in talks to raise $1 bln to buy six ships HE Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) is looking to raise $1 billion in international markets to acquire six LNG carrier ships, and is in the process of appointing financial advisers for the deal, the company said yesterday.

Siene Allwell-Brown, general manager for external relations, told Reuters the operator, which is majority owned jointly by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Shell held a board meeting on Thursday to discuss the appointment of advisers for the loan process.

“We have contacted global banks from which we will choose a financial adviser who will give us the best option through which we will raise at least a $1 billion loan to acquire six LNG carriers for our operations,”

Federal Government and other Nigerians to victims of the recent flood disaster in the state.

“Others are the N8.6 billion allegedly spent on the state university without anything on the ground to show for such expenses.

“We therefore call on the

people of the South East living in the North and other parts of the country that they were in constant touch with the various State Governments to ensure the security of their lives and property.

Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum and Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi , who read the communique issued at the end of the meeting commended the efforts of the Federal Government in containing the situation

in a secret ballot at the African Union summit opening today.

The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are campaigning for Jonathan to run for the position, which has been occupied by the President of Equatorial Guinea, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, for the past year.

“Quite a number of African leaders have been approaching him and encouraging him to be the candidate for the next chairman of the African Union,” said the source, who spoke of the condition of anonymity.

“If it is the consensus of (ECOWAS) that he should run for the chairmanship of the African Union, I doubt if he will be able to tell his colleagues that he will not listen to them,” he added.

Diplomatic sources had earlier said Gambian President Yahya Jammeh or Benin’s leader Boni Yayi were likely rivals for the post, which changes every year and is offered to different regions in Africa on a rotational basis.

However, the source confirmed that Gambia was no longer vying for the spot, which is largely ceremonial, adding that Benin may not run either, leaving Nigeria

as the sole candidate for chairman of the union.

ECOWAS leaders were meeting on the margins of the AU summit in Addis Ababa yesterday to decide whether they will formally recommend Jonathan for the spot.

The next chairman would come from the west African region to replace Obiang, whose election was condemned by rights group over his poor rights record at home.

Elections for the key post of chairperson, Commission of the African Union will also take place at the summit, with the incumbent Jean Ping taking on Nkosazana DlaminiZuma, South Africa’s former foreign affairs minister.

Both sides say they are optimistic ahead of the secret ballot slated for Monday, with sources close to Gabonese-born Jean Ping say he is confident of his re-election.

Ping has the support of much of French-speaking West and Central Africa while Dlamini-Zuma is backed by the Southern African Development Community.

South Africa said yesterday it was optimistic that its powerful candidate could unseat AU head Jean Ping

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Column

Five years of Tatalo I

T is exactly five years, this weekend, that this column debuted. It all looks like yesterday but it has been five eventful years. Half a decade is an infinitesimal drop of water in the mighty ocean of time and in the life of a nation. Man fears time, but time also fears the pyramids. There are certain human monuments that time cannot simply wish or wash away. By the same token, there are unique moments in the life of a society when events that have been incubating away in the hatchery of history suddenly burst on the scene with fateful consequences.

For those who missed it then, we republish this morning, the opening salvo and declaration of intent of this column. Five years later, and with the benefit of hindsight, the whole thing is shot through with ironies and unintended turns and twists. As readers can notice, the column has taken on a life of its own. It has wrestled itself away from the intention of the columnist and sought for itself a totally different identity.

Conceived as a light-hearted satirical sketch, a social diary brimming with gentle wit and wisdom, designed as a retirement nest for the author after a lifetime as an itinerant intellectual worker on permanent migration, the column now reads like a militant manifesto; a

literary bomb which often explodes with the volcanic gusto of Mount Krakatoa.

This is in the nature of creative labour. The work of art is a permanent struggle between the artist and his art. No writer can say that this is how his labour will end. The story reminds one of a remarkable literary enthusiast of Jamaican extraction who had sidled up to snooper after a reading at the University of Birmingham in January, 1989. The young man had been writing a novel and there was this particularly troublesome character that would not let him rest. So one night, “I shoot am. I shoot am, man!” he announced to snooper in the thickest of Jamaican patois. End of novel, and of his career as a budding novelist.

Snooper does not intend to shoot this column. But there have been times in the past when one had been sorely tempted to do so and end the troublesome chicanery. The problem with Nigeria is that there are certain battles which you thought had been won at great costs that have to be fought all over again. In such circumstances, there are overriding objective social realities which predispose a writer to a particular frame of mind, which compels a column in progress to mutate in a particular direction.

Looking back, the Nigeria of five

• Map of Nigeria

I

The wit of Tatalo

STUMBLED on the great man this time around outside a crowded beer parlour around Idumota in Lagos. Even though age and time have not been kind to him, he was still his upbeat and hellraising self. He fixed me with a curious gaze of cautious recognition and suppressed excitement.

“Bros!!!!,” I screamed, unable to contain my excitement at the prospects.

“Who is your bros? Yeye boy.

So you are here, too. I told you that what goes up must come down.

Then he switched into his rich repertoire of native wisdom. Lala t’oroke, ile lo nbo,” he noted with cynical relish, meaning what goes up must come down.

Then he caught me eyeing him with pity and commiseration.

“Don’t you worry about me at all. I am okay. I never expected anything great or glorious from this nation. You see, when you find yourself in the same vehicle with a bunch of flunkies, you stop worrying about individual fate, because the vehicle is going to crash, anyway no matter what you do or

don’t do. Nothing can come out of nothing,” he observed with a bitter smile.

“Hmmmm,” I concurred, impressed by his depth and the acuity of observation.

“By the way, what is the name of the chap in FEDECO these days?” he suddenly shot out.

“Bros, we no longer have FEDECO, we have INEC,” I replied.

“What’s that?”

“Independent National Electoral Commission,” I answered.

“Well, I am sorry,” he began with icy contempt, “that means it is not independent in the first instance. Have you ever heard of a democratic Democratic Republic of Congo, a really united Union of Soviet Republics or a truly Federal Republic of Nigeria? A dog does not have to proclaim its canine nature. In law, we call that overstatement of insecurity,” he said and dismissed me with a wave of the hand before taking a huge puff from his famous pipe brimming as usual with an array of prohibited weed.

years ago is not the Nigeria of today. Five years ago, there were grounds for cautious optimism about the fate of Nigeria. Democracy had not taken firm roots, but the nation was enjoying its longest spell of civil rule since independence. A combination of civil and political forces had made a short shrift of Obasanjo’s tenure elongation scam. The endangered middle class was gradually reappearing.

Nigeria must get it right in the long run, if not in the shorter run.

Then everything began to unravel. First was the egregiously rigged presidential election in April 2007. So fraudulent and preposterous was the election that the ultimate beneficiary virtually disowned it as a flawed exercise. But thereafter, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua began stalling, stonewalling and eventually sabotaging the recommendation of his own Electoral Reform Panel.

And then, things took a nasty and unpredictable turn. If Yar’Adua’s ill-health and eventual demise presaged a constitutional

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nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu crisis, the consecration of Goodluck Jonathan in the wake of elections regarded as freer and fairer by Nigeria’s squalid standards has precipitated an even graver national crisis. The Northern political elite and power mafia are hurting from the disavowal of the strict zoning formula. But by then, Buhari’s democratic hordes were at their gates. If they managed to escape those ones by the skin of their teeth, the Boko Haram scourge has proved an inescapable and unspeakable terror.

When a revered emir weeps openly, it is no longer a laughing matter.

Five years on, it is another country and another clime. The falcon can no longer hearken to the falconer. Nigeria has not been closer to disintegration at any moment in

its history than at this perilous moment. While the entire North has been brought to heel by religious terrorism, the rest of the country is roiling and reeling from economic and political terrorism.. Once again, Nigeria is poised at the edge of the precipice.

It must therefore be understood if the temper of the times affects the temper of the column. Perhaps future generations in a Nigeria rid of religious, economic and political impunity reading through will glimpse from its sullen distemper, its reflex hostility to cant and mediocrity, the temper of these desperate times. They will then understand why kind and gentle writing is impossible in an unkind and unfeeling society.

Snooping around with Tatalo Alamu

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E ‘is one hell of a guy, Tatalo Alamu, a.k.a Bros Akins Woroworo; a.k.a Sir Brutus; a.k.a Comrade Mobutu.

Even by the standards of oddities and oddballs thrown up by our post-colonial quagmire, he was quite a unique specimen: an intellectual of repute, a mathematician of genius, master raconteur, wit and native philosopher of the highest order. He was also, to say the least, an outstanding historian.

Events, people and odd bits from our past tumble from his mouth with a remarkable power of recall and automatic alacrity—apologies to Zeb. Having gone through several incarnations and self-inventions, nobody knew who he really was, or where he came from for that matter. There were rumours that he was‘ of noble birth, a prince of some minor royalty who had forsworn the crown. Another version had it that he was found by intrepid hunters in the forest after a monster rainfall during which giant toads and tadpoles besieged the land.

Before he went native, as they say, he was always dressed in elegant suits that had seen better days. Then one day, taking his inspiration from General Mobutu as he claimed, he assembled all his suits and made a huge bonfire of them in front of the old parliament building, Ibadan. Thereafter, he began wearing bangles made of cowrie shells, a flamboyant danshiki dress and a native cap tilted at

combat-ready angle, or what is known in local parlance as “Ke le nu so nu” (Watch your tongue or get into trouble.)

It was during this phase of his life that he adopted the name of an illustrious native musician from Ibadan. It was also around this time that he started sporting a massive pipe carved from elephant trunk and usually filled with an assorted array of prohibited weeds, the least harmful of which was Indian hemp. One of his more spectacular stunts was when he sat in front of the police regional headquarters calmly spewing his stuff and daring the police to do their worst.

Even before all this, he had achieved some measure of fame and a place in local folklore. Any truant secondary school student of the early sixties in Ibadan who had taken refuge at Dugbe market must remember Bros Akins Woroworo.

We used to go to him to deliver us from tough mathematical homework. However difficult the equation was, however tricky, he would solve it with a flourish.

He would then lambast our teachers for their stupidity and lack of proper training. He claimed to have been a classmate of the great mathematical genius, Omololu Olunloyo, whom he fondly referred to as “Olu Panco”. When we giggled with boyish disbelief, he would launch into a tirade.

“You ask Olu Panco when you see him whether he didn’t go to primary school forty miles outside of Ibadan, and whether his father’s

name was not Horatio Sowemimo Olunloyo. Just go and ask him, you fools,” he would scream.

There were rumours that he was a law student in London before things went awry, which would explain the Latinate terms and archaic English which liberally spiced his pronouncements and the fact that when he was in an upbeat mood, he would announce that he was calling his adoptive students to the bar. Bar, in this case, was a down and out palm wine joint at the back of the railway station where he drank himself silly. He was said to have failed a crucial bar examination and in retaliation had tried to burn down Lincoln’s Inn. This was said to have earned him an instant deportation and a royal edict permanently restraining him from entering her majesty’s domain.

We used to tease him about this misty spot in his remarkable background. He would tell us that there was no subject under the sun, however recondite or remote, that he could not pronounce upon impromptu and with magisterial authority. One day, a powerfully built boy from one of the most illustrious families of celebrated thugs in the garrison city decided to beard the lion in his den.

“What about Queen Elizabeth of England as a subject?” he suddenly asked him with a bored yawn.

“The queen is not a subject. Tell your demented father,” the famed historian snapped.

Government takes over government

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H boy, oh boy, something must be wrong with the critics of this government.

They don’t seem to get it at all. Why is there so much carping and sniffing about the decision of the federal authorities to concession the protection and surveillance of Nigeria’s maritime stretch to a private firm linked to General Tompolo, an erstwhile Delta-insurgent-turned Croesus by Amnesty? Government says it cannot come up with the hundred and thirty million greenbacks required. Everybody knows that the Federal Government is broke. Is this not a classic example of state privatization?

Why the beef?

Snooper has read Malams Mo-

hammed Kudu Haruna and Moddibo Lanre Kawu on this matter and they don’t seem to make sense at all. They don’t seem to remember that Tompolo’s first name is Government. So, it is a question of Government taking over government. Shikena for the arewa jamaa.

Kawu raises the ominous issue of an international plot to create a Niger Delta Republic in case Nigeria completely unravels. That information is already in the global domain, and it is neither here nor there. The iron law of Catch 22 states that one’s concern for one’s safety in the face of danger real and immediate is the process of a rational mind. Oil must flow, even if blood flows with it. So, as the endgame

approaches, Goodluck is the Field Marshal on land while Government Tompolo is the Admiral at Sea. Apart from the dismal and disturbing outing of Ijaw supremacist individuals and groups alike during the last fuel crisis and the damage they have done to the Jonathan presidency, what remains is to conduct a scholarly investigation on the folk etymology of these riverine names. Perhaps they mean the exact opposite of what they purport.

In that case, Goodluck may mean tough luck and Government may mean the end of government. So whenever you meet anybody from that place bearing Fynecountry, just take to your heels. Country is not so fine oo.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

News

11suspected Boko Haram members killed in Maiduguri •Continued from Page 1 Operations Officer of the JTF, Col. Victor Ebhaleme said: “I can confirm to you that the JTF have at the early hours of this morning (yesterday) during a gun battle shot dead 11 high profile Boko Haram members during the usual stop and search operation.”

He added that “apart from the 11 shot dead, one of the sect members survived with bullet injuries and he is being attended to at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).’’

The Guardian of London reported the spokesman of the sect ,Abu Qada yesterday as saying they are now focusing on imposing the Sharia law on all parts of Nigeria and not just the North.And that is the only condition on which they can stop their current spate of bomb and gun attacks in the country.

“One member of the sect who was wounded is receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.

Suspected sect members had, on Friday night, attacked a police station in Mandwari, Kano, police and witnesses said, leading to more than an hour of running gun battles that fatally wounded one policeman.

“We lost one of our men in the attack in Mandwari inside the city. He is a corporal and he died on the way to hospital. The gunmen were repelled,” Kano police commissioner Ibrahim Idris.

The policeman’s name was given as Muntari Bello.

Gunmen “opened fire on our men and the policemen on duty fired back leading to a shootout,” city police spokesman Magaji Majia said.

The attack came at the start of a nighttime curfew that has been in effect in the city since the January 20 assault by Boko Haram.

Residents said they heard the gunmen shouting “Allahu Akbar” as they converged on the police station, travelling on motorcycles and in an all-terrain vehicle.

Spokesman for the group, Abu Qaqa was reported yesterday by The Guardian of London as saying that the sect now wants Sharia established across the length and breadth of the country, as the only condition for ceasing its bomb and gun attacks which have claimed close to a thousand lives.

“We will consider negotiation only when we have brought the government to their knees,” Qaqa said.

“Once we see that things are being done according to the dictates of Allah, and our members are released (from prison), we will only put aside our arms - but we will not lay them down. You don’t put down your arms in Islam, you only put them aside.”

Boko Haram’s attacks have become more sophisticated and deadly in recent weeks. A series of gun and bomb attacks killed 186 people in Kano penultimate Friday.

Raising his voice for the only time during the interview, Qaqa denied reports that some northern governors paid the group monthly allowances in exchange for immunity from attacks. “May God punish anyone that said so,” he said, before adding that the group has popular support in the north.

“Poor people are tired of the injustice, people are crying for saviours and they know the messiahs are Boko Haram.

“People were singing songs in Kano and Kaduna saying: ‘We want Boko Haram’,” Qaqa said, describing how the group can blend into the communities in which it operates. “If the masses don’t like us they would have exposed us by now. When Islam comes everyone would be happy.

“It’s the secular state that is responsible for the woes we are seeing today. People should understand that we are not saying we have to rule Nigeria, but we have been motivated by the stark injustice in the land. People underrate us but we have our sights set on [bringing Sharia to] the whole world, not just Nigeria.”

Qaqa said the group’s members were spiritual followers of al Qaeda, and said they had met senior figures in the network during visits to Saudi Arabia.

The Guardian said that for most of the interview Abu Qaqa used a modulator to disguise his voice, but journalists in Maiduguri confirmed that his undisguised voice matched recordings of previous interviews.

Qaqa said recruits from neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger had joined the group.

He said the rights of the Nigeria Christians “would be protected” under the group’s envisioned Islamic state.

“Even the Prophet Mohammed lived with non-Muslims and he gave them their dues,” he said.

But he added that everyone must abide by Sharia law: “There are no exceptions. Even if you are a Muslim and you don’t abide by Sharia, we will kill you. Even if you are my own father, we will kill you.

“People should understand that we are not saying we have to rule Nigeria, but we have been motivated by the stark injustice in the land. People underrate us but we have our sights set on (bringing Sharia to) the whole world, not just Nigeria.”

There was bomb scare in Abuja yesterday following an explosion of a bus, suspected to be laden with explosives, near the Nigerian Security, Printing and Minting Company.

The driver of the bus and his partner however ran away.

But the Nigeria Police said there is no cause for alarm because the bus was loaded with hydraulic items.

According to findings, the bus had exploded on motion near Nigeria's premier Mint company at about 2pm causing instant pandemonium. The FCT Police Command is also not far from the blast scene.

The incident however left many motorists and commuters to abandon their vehicles. Investigation also revealed that the driver of the bus and his partner coincidentally jumped out as if it was a timed explosion.

But the Head of Security Unit of the Mint, Mr. Umaru Hong quickly drew the attention of the fire service and security agencies to the explosion.

An eye-witness, Mohammed Mijindadi, said: "The bus exploded on motion, we were all shocked. The driver and his accomplice did not show any remorse, they jumped out of the bus and fled.

"The deafening explosion and the fact that the incident was not far away from the Mint gave us a cause to worry."

Another resident, Mrs. Hannatu Baba said: "The police were trying to underrate the ex-

plosion but we were all shaken by its impact. They should explore all clues.

"What they called hydraulic items looked like canned bombs that were recently uncovered in Kano.

A Director-General of an agency, Mr Stephen Imoh, said: "The impact of the explosion forced people to run for cover."

Apart from the quick intervention of the Federal Fire Service, checks confirmed that the Officer in charge of the anti -bomb unit in the FCT Police, Mr. Adigun Tajudeen led a team to conduct preliminary investigation into the incident.

Besides deployment of many anti-bomb devices, samples of the wreckage of the bus had also been taken away for forensic analysis.

The Area Commander of Abuja Metropolitan Police, Mr. Sunday Odukoya said:"The bus did not contain bombs, it was only carrying hydraulic items which can naturally explode under heat or unfavourable weather.

"So it had nothing to do with bombs, I wish to assure Abuja residents. There is no cause for alarm. People should go about their normal businesses and activities."

Supreme Court ruling is a temporary setback, says Sylva

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L-R: Olori Abimbola Balogun with her husband, Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun; Otunba Bimbola Ashiru, Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, his wife, Kemi Ashiru; Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru and his wife, Kehinde Ashiru at a special luncheon in Lagos by Otunba Balogun in honour of the Ashiru brothers, recently.

HE former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva has said as a democrat and firm believer in the rule of law, the ruling of the Supreme Court which on Friday terminated his tenure has been taking in good faith.

He said what has happened is only a temporary setback, adding that the implication of the judgement was that the January 2011 primary election which he won as candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) subsists.

He called on his supporters to remain calm, as they have always been, and not take the law into their hands. He thanked the people of Bayelsa State for the opportunity given him to serve.

Listing the governor’s achievements, Doifie Ola, his chief press secretary said, during Slyva’s first tenure, Sylva he prioritised education, health, agriculture, human capital development, and infrastructural advancement.

Bayelsa Gov appoints new SSG

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CTING Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Nestor Binabo yesterday appointed a former governorship candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in the state, Prof. Millionaire Abowei, as the new Secretary to the state Government.

Abowei took over from Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei who served in the same capacity under the ousted governor,Chief Timipre Sylva.

The Speaker of the Sokoto Assembly,Alhaji Lawal Muhammad Zayyana was sworn in yesterday almost 24 hours after he should have assumed office as acting governor.

An expert in oil and gas, Professor Abowei hails from Angiama Community in the Southern Ijaw Area of the state and contested the 2003 governorship election on the

• Sylva’s PA is chief of staff • Zayyana takes over in Sokoto Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa and Adamu Suleiman,Sokoto

platform of ANPP. Nestor also appointed Mr. Austin Adigio, Personal Assistant to former Governor Sylva as Chief of Staff Government House and Mr. Ebi Avi of the State Broadcasting Corporation, FM Stereo as the new Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

The appointments are with immediate effect .The new SSG will be sworn-in tomorrow.

Binabo addressed the people ina broadcast yesterday in which he enjoined all arms of government to continue to operate and function

as usual.

“All staff and officers of Government should carry on with their duties with decorum and conduct expected of them as public officers,” he said.

He asked residents to “ keep calm and go about their lawful businesses,” adding “the machinery of Government continues to turn as government is a continuos entity.”

He vowed to “deal decisively with any person found engaging in unwholesome conduct.”Alhaji Zayyana took the oaths of office and allegiance as Sokoto acting governor at 9.30 am yesterday.

The oaths were administered

on him by the Chief Judge,Justice Aisha Sani Dahiru.

Zayyana,49, said he looked forward to the return of Alhaji Wamakko as governor in the March 10 election to continue his”laudable people-oriented programmes.”

He described Friday’s judgement of the Supreme Court as a fulfilment of provisions of the Constitution.

Calling for the cooperation of all citizens of the state,he said: “we are all members of one family bound by common destiny with the aim of developing the state.’’

He warned against allowing unpatriotic elements to plant the seeds of discord and acrimony, saying :’’ We should join hands together to promote peace and unity of our dear state in whatever capacity we find ourselves.’’

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

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APTAIN Idris Wada, the governor-elect of Kogi State is facing an uphill task to succeed Alhaji Ibrahim Idris who was sacked from office on Friday by the Supreme Court.

His swearing-in on Friday by the President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Ibrahim Atadoga rather than by of the Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah is already raising dust across the nation.

Forty-eight hours after his purported swearingin,he has not been allocated security details whereas the Speaker of the State Assembly, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello has a full compliment of security aides. He was sworn in by the Chief Judge in conformity with the directive of the Federal Government.

Presidency sources said yesterday in Abuja that Wada,the choice of Alhaji Idris ,has a lot of jurisprudential issues to clear before assuming office.

Sources said only the courts can save him, although his party, the PDP, has given indication that it may go to court to seek redress in his favour.

A top government officer, who spoke in confidence with our correspondent, said: “The Federal Government directed the Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly to take over from Governor Ibrahim Idris because there are a lot of jurisprudential issues involved.

“The government was guided by Section 191(2) of the 1999 Constitution. The Federal Government may not change its mind that Kogi State Speaker should be in charge of the state until there is a contrary pronouncement by a court.”

The source highlighted five jurisprudential issues involved in the Kogi stalemate.

The source added: “Firstly, the tenure of Wada ought to start in March 2012 going by the mandate he secured at the poll. If Idris had remained the governor, would he say he should be inaugurated in January?

“It is true that Wada has

News

5

Kogi: Wada heads for court •Five reasons gov-elect can’t assume office From: Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

been elected governor but there is a constitutional question on when he is to take the oath of office.

“Secondly, Wada was not a party to the appeal before the Supreme Court and he cannot benefit from Friday judgment. Even INEC that was the appellant did not ask for a consequential order either in respect of Wada or anybody.

“Thirdly, there are issues bordering on the validity of the primary which produced Wada as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party. Since Idris, tenure ended in May 2011, the validity of any primary conducted after that day is questionable. Look at the case of Governor Rotimi Amaechi to guide you.

“Fourthly, having been removed by the Supreme Court, Idris had no right to invite the President of the State Customary Court of Appeal, Ibrahim Atadoga, to inaugurate Capt. Idris Wada. As at the time exGovernor Idris mounted pressure on Atadoga, he was no longer in charge of Kogi State . The President of the Customary Court responded to a directive from an ordinary citizen. This amounts to judicial misconduct.

“The ideal thing was for Atadoga to get directive from the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Nasir Ajanah. Instead, he by-passed the Chief Judge.

“Fifthly going by Section185 (2)of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), those who can administer oath of office is in this order: Chief Judge of a state, Grand Kadi of the Sharia Court of Appeal, or the President of the State Customary Court of Appeal. This section says

‘‘for the time being respectively appointed to exercise the functions of any of those offices in any state.

“If you ask the President of the Customary Court of Appeal in Kogi State , he will tell you that he was appointed by ex-governor Idris to administer the oath. He allegedly took an order from an ordinary citizen of the state which Idris was after the judgment of the Supreme Court.

“What we have seen going on in Kogi State is a case of desperation and recourse to self-help by Wada.”

Responding to a question, the source said: “By way of originating summons, let the PDP go to the Supreme Court for the interpretation of the judgment.

“And as far as Wada’s mandate is concerned, he needs to go to a Federal High Court demanding whether or not he should be inaugurated as governor in the light of the vacuum created by the exit of ex-Governor Idris.

“Wada needs to go to court because his mandate begins in March. And constitutionally, pending the time of his swearing in, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly is expected by virtue of Section 191 (2) of the 1999 Constitution to be in charge of the state.”

Section 191(2) reads: “Where any vacancy occurs in the circumstances mentioned in sub-section(1) of this section during a period when the Office of the Deputy Governor is also vacant, the Speaker of the House of Assembly of the state shall hold the office of Governor of the state for a period of not more than three months, during which there shall be an election for a new Governor of the state who shall hold office for the unexpired term of office of the last holder of the office.”

The collapsed three story building where one person lost his life at Gwarinpa Estate in Abuja yesterday.

Photo: ABAYOMI FAYESE

A member of the National Working Committee of the PDP said: “We are going to the Supreme Court on Monday to seek the correct interpretation of Friday judgment and demand the inauguration of Wada with immediate effect.”

The immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Idris, yesterday packed out of Government House, Lokoja and relocated to Abuja.

Investigation by our correspondent revealed that the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Bello, who was sworn in by the state Chief Judge, Justice Nasir Ajanah, has been provided with official security details.

A top security source said: “We have only provided full security details for the Speaker based on the directive of the Federal Government.

“When the constitutional picture gets clearer on Monday, we will obey the directive of the court accordingly.

“We are not taking sides but we do not want any crisis in the state.”

A source however said: “Having been sworn in, His Excellency, Governor Wada

will resume officially in office on Monday.

“He is already planning to move into the official residence vacated by ex-Governor Ibrahim Idris.”

Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, who started moving his personal belongings out of the Government House at about 2am on Saturday finally left in the evening.

It was learnt that a Hiace bus with registration number KGGH 109, had solely been moving the Governor’’s belongings to a location within the state capital.

A reliable source added: “The ex-governor was obviously caught unawares by the judgement of the Supreme Court. It took him time to move out of the Government House.

“However, at about 3.30pm, a convoy of about 15 vehicles drove out of the Government House with the rest of his belonging.

“These included the Hiace with registration number KGGH 109, KGGH 19, a Coaster bus with registration number EU 616 ABC, another with registration number AG 589 LKJ and a Peugeot wagon.

“ Idris rode in a Lexus SUV with registration number covered. The SUV was originally earmarked for use by Captain Idris Wada, “Idris had been receiving visitors up till when he vacated the Government House. Wada was said to have been part of those with Idris until he left the Government House. Wada’s father, Ejiga Wada, whose age was put between 102 and 103, was also there. Others who came to see Idris included members of the state House of Assembly from Kogi East.

“His wife, Zainab, and a few of his daughters were also in the Government House up till the point of his departure.

“Only four riot policemen were left as security for the governor while the officers of the State Security Service who were in the Government House were there strictly to ensure he vacated the official residence of the governor on time so that Bello could move in.”

When contacted at about 8.30pm, ex-Governor Idris said: “I have moved to Abuja, I thank God for everything.”

Ajose counsels amateur boxers

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ONTENDER for the World Boxing council WBC Light welter weight title, Olusegun Ajose has cautioned amateur boxers in Lagos state to shun financial gains and concentrate on improving themselves in their chosen career.

In an interview with NationSport at the 27th edition of the Monthly Saturday Boxing Hall of Fame LBHF, Ajose said the Lagos boxers are lucky to have a competition of this magnitude to keep them in shape.

“During my days, I trained for so many years without this kind of encouragement. I don’t know what they are given, but the monthly show is enough incentive and I consider them lucky. I did not receive such encouragement during my time,” Ajose stressed.

“I think they should

LAGOS and PH

consider themselves fortunate and place their quest for greatness first before financial gains. I want to thank the LBHF for this competition. It is helping the boxers to be in competitive mood every month”, Ajose added.

In the nine-bout competition, Olusegun Mustapha defeated Oyewole Tosin in the 69kg, while Luckmon Ramoni fell to the punching power of Sulaimon Adeyeri in the 60kg.

Rasaq Ogunyemi

defeated Kehinde Ajibola in the 52kg category, just as Makaila Raufu lost to Rasheed Arumu in the 56kg.

Olaide Abashiru also defeated Taofeek Layiwola in the 64kg category, while in the 56kg Ajani Afeez lost to Thompson Bamidele as Gbenga Bada outpunched Abbey Kamba in the 75kg.

The only female bout of the day saw Ruth Okuneye defeat Vivian Vincent in the 56kg. The next edition of the boxing show comes up on the last Saturday of next month.

Wife of late Pa Enahoro dies at 79

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ADAM Helen Enahoro, the widow of the elder statesman, late Anthony Enahoro, is dead.

She died at the age of 79 in Lagos after a brief illness.

Her eldest son, Ken, was said to have broken the news

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

to members of Benin Golf Club where his late mother and father were members.

Details of her death were sketchy at press time as there was nobody at the family residence at GRA when The Nation visited.

6

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

News

Lawmakers demand police overhaul EPUTY Whip of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rotimi Abiru, has called for a total shake-up of the Nigerian Police because only a total reform of the institution can tackle the high level of insecurity in the country.

Describing the removal of the former Inspector General of Police (IG), Hafiz Ringim, as good radiance to bad rubbish, Abiru said the new IG, Mohammed Abubakar is a fine officer who has served diligently well before now.

A Moslem cleric and Anambra State Chairman of the Nigerian Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Duada Ajagu, has urged Nigerians to put aside religious and political sentiments and pray for Abubakar to succeed in the task of com-

D

•Cleric calls for prayers, support for new IGP

By Oziegbe Okoeki Lagos and Okodili Ndidi Onitsha

bating the Boko Haram menace Abiru said, “Abubakar was Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Kwara and Delta states and to me he is a fine officer. When he was here, he displayed some level of maturity and professionalism and crime rate in Lagos was very low.

“He should, however appreciate that why he was brought on board is firstly to actually look for a solution to the problem of Boko Haram in the country and I want to believe that given all necessary tools he should be able to perform well in his new assignment.”

Also, Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, representing Ajeromi-Ifelodun 11 at the Lagos Assembly, said the police under Abubakar should be more proactive “because it is clear now that this Boko Haram people can strike anywhere and at anytime”.

Ajagu who addressed journalists in Onitsha at the weekend, after a special prayer session for the country, contended that for the country to overcome the current security challenges, the people in authority need the prayers and support instead of endless criticism and condemnation.

The cleric who ex-

pressed optimism that the Boko Haram threat will soon be neutralized, said that the appointment of Abubakar as the IGP will certainly give more bite to the fight against the dreaded sect and rid the police of corruption and complacency.

According to him, “Abubakar has been through the ranks and his track record suggests that he will certainly do well.

We are urging Nigerians to desist from further creating distraction among the security agencies by frustrating every good intension to overhaul the agencies through unnecessary agitations and selfish tendencies”.

Lawmaker to northern leaders: ‘Fish out Boko Haram sects in your midst’

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MBASSADOR Mathew Nwagwu , a senator representing Okigwe Zone in the Senate, has challenged northern leaders to put their heads together in order to find lasting solutions to the incessant bomb blasts being perpetrated by the Boko Haram sects in some parts of the country.

Ambassador Nwagwu argued that genuine spirited efforts by highly respected leaders of Northern extraction to stamp out the unpatriotic activities of the Muslim fundamentalists would obviously yield positive results as they are not ghosts but human beings who live in the midst of the people.

The Senator threw this challenge yesterday at an in-

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

teractive forum with members of his constituency during which he dished out empowerment packages to over 1000 people.

Ambassador Nwagwu who justified the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal urged the people to cooperate with President Goodluck Jonathan to enable him to implement his palliative measures through the fixing of refineries and creation of more Jobs for the youths.

He assured that plans hard reached advanced stages for the construction of the second Niger Bridge and fixing of Railway lines to link all parts of the country effectively.

Forum orders Igbo kinsmen in the north back home

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•Former Governor of Kwara state, Sen. Olubukola Saraki speaking with journalists on his arrival at the Presidential wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos yesterday

Fake policemen infiltrate Onitsha… fleece traders, residents

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HERE were strong indications that unscrupulous elements posing as policemen have infiltrated the commercial city of Onitsha, harassing and extorting huge sums of money from unsuspecting traders and the general public.

Narrating his ordeal, one of the victims, Mr. Nduka Osundu, said that the way these men who hide at strategic locations in the city, operate, leave no one in doubt that they are not genuine. “The moment they succeed in stopping you, they will take you to a corner where fierce looking people are gathered and show you police identity card and no matter your explanation, they will charge you for one phony offence or the other and ask you to bail yourself with huge sum of money ranging from N2000.00

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

to N5000.00”.

Osundu, who said that he was manhandled by the men before he was forced to part with an undisclosed sum of money, said that these men take advantage of the business nature of the city to operate, adding that most traders cannot spare time to verify if they are genuine policemen or not instead they pay their way out when apprehended.

Another victim, Mr. Tony Uzor, alleged that some of the men are dismissed police officers who still hide under the covering to do evil, stating that the manner they carry out their stop and search suggests that they are used to the job, “the boldness with which they operate shows that they have been in the job for a long time and the most worrisome aspect of

it is that the presence of genuine policemen don’t scare them away”.

The Nation further gathered that these men always operate around the Upper Iweka flyover, around the Bridgehead, Owerri road and all the roads leading to major markets in the city, where they pose as plain clothes detectives.

However when contacted, the Anambra state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Muktari, said that he was not aware of the existence of fake policemen in the Command, urging victims who have genuine cases to report to any nearest police station for appropriate measures to be taken.

All efforts to reach the Onitsha Area Commander, Larry Osita, who was said to have proceeded on a course, was abortive as his cell phone was ringing without response.

GBO Elders Forum has ordered Igbo women and their children living in the North to return home immediately.

Rising from their one day meeting which took place at the Enugu residence of late Ex Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Igbo elders said their resolve to call for immediate return of the Igbo women and children was informed by the mass killings of Ndigbo and bombings by Boko Haram in the northern part of the country.

Leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazurike, who briefed newsmen at the end of the meeting of yesterday, said the elders, however, advised Igbo men in the troubled areas to stay back and look after their investments for now.

From Chris Oji, Enugu

“We are calling for immediate return of Igbo wives and children so that their safety can be assured here in the East, so the Igbo Nation is once again facing an intending refugee crisis and our people are being forced to flee their homes and places of work’’, he said.

The MASSOB boss, addressed journalistsin the company of former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Justice Eze OZobu disclosed that the forum had set up settlement centers in the South East geo-political Zones for Igbos that were displaced by the Boko Haram activities in the north.

He advised returnees from the North who were yet to get shelters to meet the forum or go to one of the centers at Okwe in Imo State to stay.

He regretted that government had not done much to secure the lives and propert

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

News

•Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Jude Akubilo (right) Prof. Julius Onah, the President of ECCIMA, Okay Nwadinobi and the 1st Deputy President, Dr. Theo. Okonkwo at the eight Annual General meeting of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. (ECCIMA) in Enugu, at the weekend.

PHOTO: OBI CLETUS

7

•Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (middle), Deputy Governor, Prof. Amos Utuama (left) and Delta PDP chairman, Peter Nwaoboshi, during a stakeholders meeting of the party, in Asaba, yesterday

Aregbesola advocates specialised local media

Imo releases N1billion to local councils for capital projects O

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MO State government has released N1billion to each of the 27 local governments in the state to execute the approved 15km road projects and other capital projects.

The sum of N200m each, would be first released for the first phase of the projects.

According to a communiqué issued by Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha after a joint meeting with Commissioners, Special Advisers, Honourable Members of Imo State House of Assembly, Local Government Transition Committee Chairmen and Traditional Rulers, a contractor is expected to do a minimum of 5km of the 15km

From Emma Mgbeahurike, Owerri

road projects approved for each of the local government areas in the state.

The chairmen were equally requested to acquire 100 hectares of land for other projects like general hospitals, guest houses, mini-stadia and housing schemes.

A Joint Government Project Committee comprising of commissioners, special advisers, transition committee chairmen, members of the State House of Assembly and senior special assistants in each LGA was constituted while the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Benjamin Uwajimogu is to chair the

Rural Road Inspection Committee.

The communiqué also highlighted the establishment of a fourth-tier of government in Imo State known as Community Government Council (CGC) which will be headed by the traditional rulers while the PresidentGenerals, Community Speakers, Women and Youth Leaders will serve as members.

It further stated that election into the Community Government Council would hold in April 2012, while the State AttorneyGeneral works out the logistics for the polls.

The Community Government Councils are how-

ever directed to take over the management of health centres while those that don’t have are directed to apply to the commissioner for health.

Under the arrangement, all qualified communities would be entitled to monthly subventions as those that don’t qualify may be merged for administrative convenience.

While former development area headquarters are to be used as Community Government Council headquarters for those communities where they are located, other public buildings will also be converted for same purpose where they are located.

Arewa Youth Forum calls for forgiveness, reconciliation

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ORTHERN youths yesterday appealed to Nigerians to pursue the path of forgiveness and reconciliation as a basis for achieving maximum national security and overcoming security threats currently facing the nation.

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

The youths under the aegis of the Arewa Youth Forum in a statement signed by its National President, Gambo Ibrahim Gujungu, said only forgiveness and reconciliation can move the

nation forward in view of the current state of affairs in the country.

The statement reads, “we have been watching with keen interest the unfolding reactions heralding the appointment of Mohammed Dikko Abubakar as the In-

Protect facilities in your area, community leaders told

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HE leaders of communities in Rivers State have been called upon by the administration of Rotimi Amaechi, to always protect projects and facilities in their areas from being vandalised.

The Rivers Director of Conflict Resolution in the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Lawson Ikuru, made the call yesterday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Ikuru, while inaugurating a solar-powered water project and two 300 KVA transformers provided and installed by the Addax Petroleum Exploration Nigeria Limited to Rebisi Kingdom in Port Harcourt, described Rivers State as peaceful and friendly to investors.

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

Besides ensuring adequate protection of the projects and facilities, thereby preventing them from being vandalised by hoodlums, he said regular maintenance must be ensured.

Ikuru noted that water and light were very essential, while lauding the oil firm for the initiatives, which he said should be emulated by others.

He reiterated that the projects were for the good of the people, adding that Addax Petroleum would continue to do more for communities in Rivers State, provided the people would continue to give peace a

chance.

The Rivers government official assured that the state government would buy into the solar-powered water project, for the benefit of the people of the state.

The Senior Manager, Community Relations of Addax Petroleum, Mr. Taiwo Aborisade, had earlier urged people of benefiting communities to make good use of the projects, while assuring that more would soon be provided.

He lauded the efforts of the Rivers government, traditional rulers, community leaders and other people of the affected communities, for assisting the oil company in ensuring peaceful atmosphere, for the projects to be executed.

spector General of Police. The latest was from the Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described his appointment as an extension of terrorism and national insecurity on account of his stewardship when he served as Commissioner of Police in Plateau State.

“Though, we are not joining issues with CAN and others criticising Abubakar’s appointment, the fact is Nigeria as a country, and its people are going through turbulent times in lieu of the insecurity ravaging our country.

“We plead that for the sake of what we are going through as a nation; let us pursue forgiveness and reconciliation as a basis of achieving maximum national security and overcoming security threats.

“It is also gladdening that the Police Service Commission (PSC) has cleared him of all the allegations, and attested to his competence, integrity, professionalism and a command of respect among his colleagues.

From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

SUN State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has advocated the establishment of local media that would provide specialised programmes like education, art and culture, agriculture, tourism and others.

While inaugurating a seven-man visitation panel for the stateowned broadcasting stations in Osogbo, Osun State, the governor also canvassed for operating local cable satellite television to allow international dissemination of media contents in the state.

Aregbesola, who described the state-owned media station as a mirror through which the people can monitor the government’s activities, said his administration was determined to make the state-owned media houses worthwhile and self-sustainable through their programmes and reach.

According to the governor, the panel was set up to help the state determine the future and viability of the various means of mass communication that are owned by the state government.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, said the reason for setting up the panel was to ensure that it goes round the stations, access the situation on ground and advise the government on how to improve them.

The Chairman of the panel, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, noted that the committee members have been challenged, assuring that they would give a report that can add value to the government.

Osun ACN advises FG on insurance for crisis victims From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria in Osun State has called on the federal government to provide a National Insurance Policy to support Nigerian families whose members were killed in crisis situations.

The state acting chairman of the party, Elder Adebiyi Adelowo, in a statement, said the insurance policy has become necessary for Nigerians considering the spate of killings and destruction of properties sponsored by an Islamic sect, the Boko Haram.

The party lamented the pains the Boko Haram insurgency has inflicted and continues to inflict on Nigerians.

“In enlightened and developed societies, citizens don’t lose their lives in vain as it happens here in Nigeria. There must be an insurance scheme to help victims of natural and man-made disasters, especially like the one we have on our hands now,” the party said.

The party also advised that Nigerians should not leave their security in the hands of security forces alone, saying that the people themselves should become security conscious and assist the law-enforcement agencies to protect lives and property through sustained vigilance.

The Osun State ACN also warned that the security situation in the country should not be allowed to deteriorate further.

Madam Noibi for burial mid February

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ADAM Mercy Ibidun Noibi, 88, is dead. She died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja on 27 December, 2011. An educationist of note, Madam Noibi, was survived by children, great grand children, brothers and sisters.

Elder Aramide Noibi, a public relations consultant, who signed a statement on behalf of the family, said the final burial rites for the deceased would take place in February.

8

Appeal court to hear Uba’s case February 2nd

By John Austin Unachukwu

F

OLLOWING a petition by Senator Emmanuel Andy Uba to the National Judicial Council (NJC) over the verdict of the Court of Appeal, Enugu, which nullified his election to represent Anambra-South Senatorial District, the court will resume sitting to review Uba’s complaints on February 2.

In the petition to the Chairman of NJC, who is the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Dahiru Musdapher, dated December 28, 2011, Uba said the panel of justices, presided over by Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, awarded reliefs that were not asked for by the appellants.

He said the court acted like a “Father Christmas” because the appellants – the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Mr Chukwumaeze Nzeribe – did not ask that the entire election be cancelled.

According to Uba, only 14 wards in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) out of 118 in the senatorial district were complained of by the appellants for irregularities, which were not proven at the National Assembly/Legislative Houses Election Petition Tribunal which sat in Awka.

Uba said the appellate court did not take note of the fact that there were 118 wards spread over seven LGAs in the senatorial district.

Nzeribe and his party had claimed that election irregularities that allegedly occurred at Akpo, Isuofia, Igboukwu 1, Uga 1, Uga 2, Umuchu 1 and 2, Achina 2 and Ezinifite 2 wards in Aguata LGA, Umuomaku in Orumba South LGA; Ogbolo ward, Amamu II and Ihite Ward in Ihiala LGA, which led to the cancellation of results in those areas, substantially affected the outcome of the election.

A review panel headed by Hon. Justice Denton West is in place to look at the issues raised by Uba in his petition, among other things. Uba’s lawyers yesterday sought to serve a motion to parties through substituted means.

Uba’s election was annulled following legal action

by Nzeribe of the APGA, who rejected results of the election and headed for the Election Petition Tribunal, Nzeribe lost at the lower tribunal but went to the Appeal Tribunal, which ruled in his favour.

In a letter, through his lawyer, Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN), dated January 12, Uba appealed to be furnished the Certified True Copy of the aforesaid judgment.

In the petition to the NJC Chairman, Uba complained of “Grave bias and denial of justice’’, against the Appeal Panel members. In the petition, he alleged that the Panel “went out of the legal norm, to grant to the appellants, things they did not pray for, in that while the APGA and Nzeribe were said to have complained of irregularities in 14, out of the 118 wards in the Senatorial District, the Panel decided to cancel the election in the entire district.”

The petition alleged that the Hon. Ogunwumiju led Appeal Tribunal delivered a ‘’preconceived judgment’’ against Senator Uba. Raising this issue, Uba’s petition, among other things, said, “The law is settled if not elementary, that a Court of law has no powers to grant a relief not sought or more reliefs than are sought. The law is sacrosanct that a Court of law can only grant less but certainly not more reliefs than are sought.’’

Badagry lawmaker to empower constituency youths S part of fulfilling her electioneering campaigns, the representative of Badagry Federal Constituency at the lower chambers of the National Assembly, Hon. Rafeequat Arinola Onabamiro has reiterated her commitment to take the youths’ of Badagry off the streets through her programme tagged: “ Service to Humanity.”

This commitment was expressed by Hon. Onabamiro through her brother, Alhaji Gboyega Raheem and her legislative aides, Alhaji Muyile Adejumo and Mr. Rasheed Padonu in Badagry during a chat with journalists.

Onabamiro some months back had met with youth groups in the three council areas of Badagry Local Government, Badagry West Local Council Development Area and Olorunda Local Council Development Areas during her constituency visitation.

According to Alhaji Raheem, the youths had requested for buses to be used for commercial purposes.

“Since this is the sole desire of the youths, Hon. Onabamiro consented to providing 18 passenger buses each for the three youth groups as a means of empowering them and taking them off the streets,” he said.

He added that the youths will handle the necessary documentation and maintenance of the buses to ensure proper use which will be inspected regularly by an independent body.

Hon. Onabamiro is set to publicly present the buses and other empowerment items on February 4, 2012 at the Badagry Town Hall by 10.00 a.m.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

News

Jonathan decries poor rating of Nigerian varsities P

R E S I D E N T Goodluck Jonathan has decried the poor ranking of Nigerian universities and charged older universities, particularly the University of Nigeria, to change the situation.

Jonathan stated that it is “not acceptable” that “no Nigerian university is among the top tier providers of tertiary education in Africa, not to mention globally” and declared that Nigeria “cannot be a great nation on the back of poorly trained youth. It is for this reason that the transformation of our nation must start in the classrooms.”

The President also asked the universities to lead in fresh thinking that

From Chris Oji, Enugu

would align their curricula with modern reality to produce graduates with an entrepreneurial mind-set.

In the speech read on his behalf by Education Minister Prof Ruqqayatu Ahmed Rufai, President Jonathan stated, “There is no doubt that the University has been a transformational force in the evolution of our country.

The founding fathers vision was for a united, strong and prosperous Nigeria. These values underline our present transformation initiatives.”

The President asked the University of Nigeria to “spearhead the design of new programmes to incul-

cate the values of dedication to work and entrepreneurship in your students.”

He stated: “The University of Nigeria should lead because of its age, quality of staff and students and its achievements in research and community service. The various international linkages and the recent UNESCO recognition of the University as a biotechnology centre should help elevate your ranking in the near future.”

Three distinguished Nigerians, two of them alumni, were conferred with honorary doctorate degrees of the University in recognition of their contributions to national development in their fields.

Managing Director of Fi-

•L-R Ogun State Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Lanre Tejuoso, Minister of Water Resources, Mrs Sarah Reng Ochekpe and Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun during her working visit to the state at the weekend

delity Bank plc Mr. Reginald Ihejiahi and Prof. Pat Utomi, former director of the Lagos Business School and renowned public intellectual, received the degree of Doctor of Business Administration, while Mr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, bagged the Doctor of Laws.

The awardees joined 1253 graduands that received postgraduate degrees and certificates, made up of 170 doctorate degrees, 892 masters’ degrees and 191 post graduate diplomas. On Friday at the Nsukka main campus, UNN awarded first degrees and certificates to 10, 243 graduands.

Speaking at the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Bartho Okolo urged the fresh graduates to take pride in their accomplishments as they had been equipped with a key tool for life. He added, “It is important also that you do not allow the prevailing socio-economic situation in the country and even beyond to diminish the feeling of accomplishment that should accompany your graduation”, urging them to be good ambassadors of the university.

Ninety four students made First Class Honours, while 2305 gained Second Class Honours Upper Division and 5234 earned Second Class lower, 1593 Third Class.

For the third year in a row, a female student emerged best graduating student. Reverend Sister Maria Amarakristi Onyido earned 4.85 points Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) out of an available 5.00 points to earn the best overall result. She read Mathematics.

Fashola confident of democratic rule

L

AGOS State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) over the weekend handed over four projects embarked upon by Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, stating that democracy is capable of delivering progressive governance to the people.

Governor Fashola spoke in Ejigbo during the handing over of the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu Primary School, the Professor Yemi Osinbajo Court House, the modern public toilet and Babatunde Raji Fashola Primary Health Care Centre which was renamed by the Governor as the January 27 Primary Health Care Centre.

The Governor said the initiative by Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan clearly signifies to the people of Lagos State that all Local Governments and Local Council Develop-

ment Authorities have demonstrated their appreciation for the mandate and votes of the people of Lagos and that it will not be taken for granted.

“If one LCDA has not only championed the activities of the State Government to ensure that construction begins on the Ajao-Ejigbo Link Bridge and the adjoining roads in the way Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan has done and in addition issued a 4-in-1 statement in one day of his commitment to serve the people of Ejigbo”, Governor Fashola stated.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area, Mr Kehinde Bamigbetan said the Council believes that it should take ownership of the BRF brand by domesticating it in Ejigbo as one of the shining stars of the people’s life and this explains why the Primary Health Care Centre was named after him.

Governor Fashola, who thanked the Council for naming the Primary Health Care Centre after him, however declined the offer and renamed the PHC as the

January 27, Primary Health Care Centre since it is being commissioned on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the 2002 Ikeja Bomb Blasts.

The governor later handed over the four projects at the event which had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Hon (Mrs.) Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire, the members of the State Executive Council, the Lagos State Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Chief Henry Ajomale, among others.

Water for all: Ogun partners with FG

O

GUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has reiterated the determination of his administration to provide safe drinking water for the people of the state.

Amosun stated this when he received in audience the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe, who was on

a working visit to the state.

According to the governor, “Water is life; nobody can do without water.

Once there is clean and portable water, the problem of health is largely solved.

We therefore cherish the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources with our state.”

Earlier in his remarks, Ochekpe said she had vis-

ited the Ota Water Scheme and Owiwi Dam with a view to assessing their state and exploring ways of maximizing their potentials in the areas of portable water, irrigation, fishery and tourism activities.

“We are happy with what we have seen and we will do everything possible to complete them,” she said.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

COMMENT and ANALYSIS

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Boko Haram: Doublespeak as strategy Festus Eriye

A government that can’t make up its mind can’t prevail against rampaging guerillas he trampled over during the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) zoning dispute love or forgive him. They will despise him for as long as he remains on the throne – irrespective of the tactics he deploys in fighting the insurgency.

Jonathan has to make up his mind whether he wants to be loved, or whether he wants to be effective and be remembered for something other the fact that he was the president who prevaricated endlessly - looking for the perfect solution - while the country went up in flames.

efestus2003@yahoo.com 08052135878 (SMS only)

I

T is hard to blame President Goodluck Jonathan for desperately wanting to chat with the chaps from Boko Haram.

After all, the Nigerian security establishment has been left embarrassed week after week as the extremist sect runs rings round them to perpetrate the most heinous of crimes against humanity.

Jonathan started it all by telling the sect to identify themselves and state their terms for unconditional talks. But in a response posted on You Tube, Shekau stomped on any dreams of peace talks.

Many responsible Nigerians have argued that government should talk with Boko Haram because even the most violent conflicts are often resolved across a table. That is not the whole story.

Many such conflicts are also resolved through conquest: the only table the sides would ultimately sit at is one where one side would watch the other sign surrender documents.

I believe that negotiations can only take place where your interlocutors are sane and reasonable. Shekau’s statements paint the picture of a bunch of bloodthirsty hounds who have lost all connection with reality.

I absolutely oppose any negotiations with terrorists. I believe that even if talks are unavoidable then they must take place at a time when the Nigerian nation can negotiate from a position of strength; at a time when the sect has seen it cannot prevail through violence.

In matters like this countries don’t offer negotiations cheaply. Talks become a reward for clear and verifiable steps taken by the opposing party - showing their willingness to compromise.

This is not the case here. Boko Haram is offering except more blood and gore.

Jonathan, from a position of near-surrender, is offering everything – and this after the sect slaughtered 200 innocents in Kano, and slew close to 1,000 in two years. The only conclusion one can draw is that they are being rewarded with talks for their killing prowess.

This aside, anyone following the government’s management of the crisis has reason to be worried as officials at the highest levels send out conflicting signals about strategy. One moment Jonathan is inviting the killers for an identification parade and talks; in another breath in the very same interview, he acknowledges that prospects of such discussions happening are very dim because there’s no one to talk to.

You can’t even get a clear slate of demands to analyse because these change

From Keith Atkins to Adamu Maimagani

T •Ihejirika

with every new ego-boosting appearance on You Tube by Shekau.

The other day many celebrated because they thought the government had finally acquired a spine. The occasion was the statement by Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, at the seminar held by the Alumni Association of the Nigerian Defence College, in which he dismissed any form of dialogue with the sect.

He said: “Those who try to justify acts of terrorism inadvertently support terrorists. And some do so only to discover later that terrorism is not a matter to be negotiated and won.”

If the Army Chief is saying one thing publicly and his Commander-in-Chief is pushing the opposite notion in interviews with foreign news agencies, the picture that emerges is one of a house confused about how to proceed.

It is no surprise therefore that Boko Haram could comfortably sow hundreds of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) all over Kano without anyone being wiser.

This is in spite of the hundreds of thousands of armed officers in government employ.

The decision to talk or not to talk is not the problem of this government. The primary reason it has not made headway in crushing the sect is that it cannot make up its mind whether to fight it out, or crawl on all fours to appease the thugs with tonnes of cash like happened in the Niger Delta.

Some have said Jonathan is leery of hitting Boko Haram hard in other not to further alienate the northern political elite which felt duped by his decision to contest the April 2011 presidential elections.

I take a different view. No matter what he does, the president can never make those

“The decision to talk or not to talk is not the problem of this government. The primary reason it has not made headway in crushing the sect is that it cannot make up its mind whether to fight it out, or crawl on all fours to appease the thugs with tonnes of cash like happened in the Niger Delta”

HE more things change the more they remain the same. Back in the day when the inimitable Arthur Nzeribe – sponsor of every dodgy political cause in town – was still active in the business of mischiefmaking, we were introduced to a character called “Keith Atkins.”

This was when the former senator’s Association for Better Nigeria (ABN) was justifying the annulment of the results of the June 12, 1993 presidential election won by the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola.

Day after day full page advertisements signed by the mysterious Mr. Atkins, assailing Abiola and his supporters, and urging the military to continue in office as guarantors of national unity, appeared in newspapers and magazines that were willing to carry them.

Many columnists ran rivers of ink cursing “Atkins” for being a Judas. While the rain of invectives fell, the man on the spot kept a studied silence. In the end it emerged that Nzeribe was one and the same with Atkins!

Thanks to the fuel subsidy prostests Nigerians have been introduced to another faceless propagandist in the mould of the military apologist of the 90s. This time around a certain “Adamu Maimagani” has been signing an unending stream of full page advertisements denouncing anyone who had the temerity to criticise President Jonathan over the removal of the subsidy.

Such is the anger of the regime at having to back down over the matter that they are exacting their pound of flesh by exposing the “hypocritical” past of some of the administration’s critics.

Lagos State Governor, Tunde Fashola, former FCT Minister, Nasir El-Rufai, former CPC Vice-Presidential candidate, Pastor Tunde Bakare, have all been on the receiving end of the cutting adverts.

But “Maimagani’s” arrows have been specially deployed to shoot down Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) President, Joseph Daudu, who made the deeply significant call on the National Assembly to impeach Jonathan. Day after day we are reminded that Daudu was the federal prosecutor when the late environmentalist, Ken Saro Wiwa, was convicted and hanged by the General Sani Abacha junta.

I have no doubt that “Adamu Maimagani” is fictitious just as is his socalled “Society for One Nigeria”. I suspect he is some official we all probably know sitting somewhere in the government’s general or semi-official information and media operations.

An interpreter told me that “Maimagani” in Hausa means ‘patent medicine seller’.

While he is enjoying himself rummaging in the closet of his enemies, he should remember that given the unpredictable nature of politics he may be receiving a generous dose of his own medicine sooner than later because everyone has a past – even those presently in the service of Jonathan.

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

Abubakar’s Albatross

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ETTING up probe panels has always been the usual response of successive governments in the country to various contentious issues. Normally, the panels are set up to establish the cause of the problem and recommend how to prevent future occurrence.

Despite the time and resources usually expended by the panels, most times their recommendations never see the light of the day as governments at all levels either chose to implement the ones that suits them the way they like or ignore them.

This attitude probably explains why despite being indicted by a probe panel, the new acting Inspector General of Police has made steady progress in the police force culminating in his recent appointment.

Specifically the Justice Niki Tobi panel on the Jos 2001 crisis recommended his dismissal from the police if he refuses to retire for allegedly sponsoring some Islamist religious group when he was Plateau State Commissioner of Police.

“Religious fanatics should not be posted to head state police commands. The commission recommends that for his ignoble role during the September 2001 crisis which resulted in the loss of lives, the former Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Alhaji M.D.Abubakar, be advised to retire and in the event of his refusal to do so, he should be dismissed from the service” the Tobi panel stated.

The federal government cannot claim to be unaware of this indictment yet it went on to name Abubakar as the new IG for reasons best known to it. I am aware that there are those who insist that Abubakar has a track record of achievements in his other postings beyond Plateau which qualifies him to be the right person to be saddled with the task of heading the police at this crucial point in the history of the country.

While acknowledging whatever accomplishments he might have recorded in his other postings, it is worrisome that the indictment by the Tobi panel for whatever is worth, has been totally disregarded by the Police Service Commission and the federal government.

Notwithstanding that the Tobi panel was set up by a state government, the religious nature of the terrorist attacks in the country by the Islamic sect, Boko Haram and clashes in some communities require that any of the security arm of the country should not be headed by anyone that has any record of being religiously biased, however remotely.

It is not surprising that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory have faulted the IG’s appointment saying that Christians will not feel safe based on his antecedents in Plateau State.

It is important that the backgrounds of people to be appointed to any office are properly checked and any negative records properly considered. The controversy that has trailed the appointment of the new police boss is counterproductive for government’s efforts to solve the security challenge the country is facing.

The Jonathan administration seems to enjoy courting unnecessary controversy which has diminished its rating among the populace.

It is up to Abubakar to prove his critics wrong and justify the confidence the government has in him to stop the reign of terror by the Boko Haram sect. The task ahead of him is daunting and one can only hope that he would not end up like some of his predecessors who had to be forced out of office due to their inability to live up to the expectations of the people and the government.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Boko Haram: A local phenomenon, not a global threat Nigerian Sunni Muslim militant group emerged from background of sectarian tensions and deprivation

I

N the fast-changing world of violent Sunni Muslim activism, it is reassuring to find that some things remain the same. Every militant group that has emerged in recent decades has shared key elements, and the Nigerian Boko Haram group is no exception. First, in Nigeria – as in Afghanistan, Algeria, Pakistan and the Philippines – there is a long history of religious violence going back to colonial times and beyond. Then there is a more recent aggravation of sectarian tensions against the tense background of the “9/11 wars” of the last decade. Muslim communities in the north of Nigeria, where Boko Haram operates, see themselves as increasingly threatened by the strident Christianity that dominates the south.

Boko Haram means “no to western education” and aptly sums up its cultural message.

This plays into the widespread belief that Muslims are under attack from a belligerent west and its local proxies. Like other similar groups, Muslims who do not share their hard-line stance are equally – if not more – a target.

Then, of course, there are the broad social, political and economic factors. It is relative, not absolute deprivation that is key. Most Nigerians are poor – but three times as many northern Muslims as southern Christians. Northern elites resent the dominance of the south.

Demographics, again shared with much of the Islamic world, have created a “youth bulge” of millions of young men with few prospects or skills.

As elsewhere, it was a single charismatic leader – in this case Mohammed Yusuf – who welded a disparate network of groups with a variety of grievances into something more coherent. And, also as elsewhere, the death of that leader (in 2009) has led to a new phase of extremism as successors try to maintain momentum and unity.

The group first struck international targets when it attacked the UN headquarters in Abuja last year, taking a step on the path trodden by many militant groups which have grafted a global dimension onto their otherwise very local agenda over recent decades. Now, of course, analysts are seeking to establish whether Boko Haram has links to the al-Qaida senior leadership or affiliates and if it is a threat to the west.

As ever, these are highly politicised questions. For local leaders, blaming al-Qaida both

deflects blame from their own inefficiency and venality as well as potentially unlocking considerable financial, diplomatic and security assistance from the west.

For militant groups, claims of al-Qaida membership bring the temporary boost of credibility and kudos, and therefore of funds and recruits. But we should be wary of taking the supposed links to al-Qaida too seriously. Claims that Boko Haram leaders met al-Qaida in Saudi Arabia during the pilgrimage to Mecca should not be dismissed outright. But it is unclear whether it was an encounter with Saudi Arabian militants – of whom there are very few these days – or with figures from “al-Qaida central”, who would have taken an enormous risk by travelling. Both scenarios are theoretically possible.

The conventional wisdom in intelligence circles is that Boko Haram has received cash, possibly large sums of euros paid to criminal “jihadi” factions in the Sahel, from the al-Qaida affiliate al-Qaida in the Maghreb. The latter group is fragmented but tenacious, and is also believed to have provided Boko Haram with training in contemporary urban terrorism, particularly suicide attacks. However, the Nigerian group remains a local phenomenon that does not pose an international threat, British and other officials say.

The fact that it appears to be boasting of links with al-Qaida – which has suffered significant losses in recent years – does, however, indicate that the brand created by the late Osama bin Laden may remain more attractive and durable than some analysts have thought.

The Guardian of London reported the spokesman of the sect ,Abu Qada yesterday as saying they are now focusing on imposing the Sharia law on all parts of Nigeria and not just the North.And that is he only condition on which they can stop their current spate of bomb and gun attacks in the country.

“Eleven BH (Boko Haram) members have been shot dead by the JTF (joint military taskforce) in Maiduguri today (Yesterday), following a shootout with the sect members at a checkpoint in a stop and search operation,” field operations officer Colonel Victor Ebhamelehe told Reuters.

“One member of the sect who was wounded is receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said.

Suspected sect members had, on Friday

night, attacked a police station in Mandwari, Kano, police and witnesses said, leading to more than an hour of running gun battles that fatally wounded one policeman.

“We lost one of our men in the attack in Mandwari inside the city. He is a corporal and he died on the way to hospital. The gunmen were repelled,” Kano police commissioner Ibrahim Idris.

The policeman’s name was given as Muntari Bello.

Gunmen “opened fire on our men and the policemen on duty fired back leading to a shootout,” city police spokesman Magaji Majia said.

The attack came at the start of a nighttime curfew that has been in effect in the city since the January 20 assault by Boko Haram.

Residents said they heard the gunmen shouting “Allahu Akbar” as they converged on the police station, travelling on motorcycles and in an all-terrain vehicle.

In an audio tape posted on the Internet on Thursday, the purported leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, threatened to kill more security personnel and kidnap their families.

He accused U.S. President Barack Obama of waging war on Islam, in an apparent effort to strike a chord with global jihadists.

He denied that the group, which is loosely modeled on the Taliban, had been responsible for most of the civilian casualties in last Friday’s attack on Kano. Police say most of those casualties were shot dead by sect members Spokesman for the group, Abu Qaqa was reported yesterday by The Guardian of London as saying that the sect now wants Sharia established across the length and breadth of the country, as the only condition for ceasing its bomb and gun attacks which have claimed close to a thousand lives.

“We will consider negotiation only when we have brought the government to their knees,” Qaqa said.

“Once we see that things are being done according to the dictates of Allah, and our members are released (from prison), we will only put aside our arms - but we will not lay them down.

You don’t put down your arms in Islam, you only put them aside.”

Boko Haram’s attacks have become more sophisticated and deadly in recent weeks. A series of gun and bomb attacks killed 186 people in Kano

penultimate Friday.

Raising his voice for the only time during the interview, Qaqa denied reports that some northern governors paid the group monthly allowances in exchange for immunity from attacks. “May God punish anyone that said so,” he said, before adding that the group has popular support in the north.

“Poor people are tired of the injustice, people are crying for saviours and they know the messiahs are Boko Haram.

“People were singing songs in Kano and Kaduna saying: ‘We want Boko Haram’,” Qaqa said, describing how the group can blend into the communities in which it operates. “If the masses don’t like us they would have exposed us by now.

When Islam comes everyone would be happy.

“It’s the secular state that is responsible for the woes we are seeing today. People should understand that we are not saying we have to rule Nigeria, but we have been motivated by the stark injustice in the land. People underrate us but we have our sights set on [bringing Sharia to] the whole world, not just Nigeria.”

Qaqa said the group’s members were spiritual followers of al Qaeda, and said they had met senior figures in the network during visits to Saudi Arabia.

The Guardian said that for most of the interview Abu Qaqa used a modulator to disguise his voice, but journalists in Maiduguri confirmed that his undisguised voice matched recordings of previous interviews.

Qaqa said recruits from neighbouring Chad, Cameroon and Niger had joined the group.

He said the rights of the Nigeria Christians “would be protected” under the group’s envisioned Islamic state.

“Even the Prophet Mohammed lived with non-Muslims and he gave them their dues,” he said.

But he added that everyone must abide by Sharia law: “There are no exceptions. Even if you are a Muslim and you don’t abide by Sharia, we will kill you. Even if you are my own father, we will kill you.

“People should understand that we are not saying we have to rule Nigeria, but we have been motivated by the stark injustice in the land. People underrate us but we have our sights set on (bringing Sharia to) the whole world, not just Nigeria.”

Culled from The Gurdian of London

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Comment & Analysis

13

Time to “jaw-jaw” The Nigerian people need to confer on whether and how to abide together as a nation

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WO years shy of a centennial of colonial cobbling, 52 years after flag independence and after decades of empty elite power bragging that everything Nigerian is settled, it is becoming crystal clear hardly anything is settled.

It is time therefore to snap out of the wilful living in denial. It is time to resolve the Nigerian question through a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) to negotiate the basis of Nigeria’s existence.

There is absolutely no doubt that the colonial redoubt Lord Frederick Lugard cobbled together, with the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria in 1914, is radically different from the Nigeria of 98 years later. Over the years, there has been a cultural meshing of sorts across board. There have also been near-permanent demographic changes all over the country, so much so that a breed of Nigerians know as home, not their ancestral hearths but where they have settled and lived peacefully with their host community. Besides, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, a tribute to the renewed pan-Nigeria dreams of immediate post-Civil War years, has also tried to create another generation of Nigerians, who either have stayed back where they served or are married to girls and boys outside their ethnic stock.

Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher, posited that you could not step in the same river twice – such is the flux of change. Were Lugard to come back, he would hardly recognise the contraption he clobbered together for the convenience of Her Majesty’s commerce!

Still, fundamental differences remain. Beyond the blood and gore of spiteful bombings, Boko Haram demands for Islamic rule in its part of the country. The Yoruba, though made of diverse faiths, do not as a collective share this fixation with faith, and would rather go on with their lives, knowing that faith is an extremely personal thing. The Igbo appear to live down the old grudge of the Civil War, live down the enduring injustices that both drove and resulted from that war and appear to have made their painful peace with pacified rage. But that appears to have bottled in them their natural genius for technology and inventions, which Nigeria in a globalised world sorely needs.

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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

•Managing Director/ Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi

Boko Haram: Which way out? point where non-Northerners need to leave the region in order to avert another civil war. The Kano bombings are an indication that there is a big vacuum of security with churches as prime targets.

It is sad that it was when Nigeria was just recovering from the sudden removal of fuel subsidy that multiple attacks were launched in Kano in which the Channels Television reporter Enenche

Need to promote reading culture

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T will not be an overstatement to say that reading culture is dying. People hardly read these days. In times past, people read not only for academic purposes but also for the fun and entertainment side of it. Newspapers, magazines, novels, and other publications were held in high esteem then for their informative nature.

Today, the story has changed. Materialism is now the order of the day. Where some don’t read at all, others read only their academic and professional texts. To them, reading ends in passing their exams, and becoming an expert in their field of endeavour. Reading anything else is a distraction.

However, this impression is not correct. By reading

majority. It is this ingrained systemic injustice, tragically spiced with widespread economic privation that serves as tinder for periodic explosions, of which the Boko Haram menace is the latest manifestation.

What to do, therefore – and fast – is to radically dismantle that warped structure; and erect on its ashes, a new structure that makes component parts of the federation profit centres, that would proudly part with some of their profit as tax to a lean centre. That would be infinitely better than the present arrangement where a Leviathan centre flush with cash, gives doles to the states in the name of “revenue allocation”, suffuse itself in corruption and drive mass poverty. That is the economic side, and the theoretical minded would call it “fiscal federalism”.

Still, not a few would insist that even fiscal federalism, no matter its merit, is now tantamount to putting the proverbial cart before the horse. The Nigerian situation has so deteriorated, they would argue, that it cannot even be presumed that Nigerians would want to live together again. So, this school of thought would opt for the basic question: do Nigerians want to live together? If the answer is yes, the next step is to negotiate how. But if the answer is no, it will be tragic and unfortunate..

This might be an extreme school of thought, but it is not any less legitimate, if only to apply the shock therapy that, with the terrible pass Nigeria has found itself, nothing should be presumed as settled. That would, of course, mean a grand talk to iron out the problems and analyse every suggestion to resolve the skewed fundamentals, should Nigerians decide to stay together.

But after all the initial hollering for and against, what Nigerians probably want is systemic justice and fair play, so as to provide equal opportunities to all.

And maybe, an opportunity to develop on their own pace, in their own way, without an overarching centre, hijacked by a few greedy opportunists.

Nigeria, on the balance, would appear better off as one country driven by justice and fair play; and replete with opportunities. But it is time to test that supposition. The longer the delay, the greater the danger.

LETTERS

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AM calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to take drastic action against the so-called Boko Haram. By the last count over 2000 innocent people have been brutally killed by the group for no just cause. Property worth millions of naira have been destroyed while the government keep on promising “to get to the root of the problem” with no effective action. The security challenge has reached a

All over the country, the minorities are up in arms with, and are eternally suspicious, if not outright resentful, of the so-called Big Three: Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.

On a regional scale, Northern minorities, many of them Christians, kicked against the Muslim majority for alleged cultural, much more than religious imperialism. In the South, the minorities, many of them in the oil-rich Niger Delta, trust the majority Igbo and Yoruba as you would trust a fox. The Yoruba in central Nigeria, who are ethnic South Westerners but geographically Northerners stand in a unique position of experiencing domination by the majority in that part of the country where they are a minority! Even the minorities are no united phalanx. Even the Ijaw, the most populous minority ethnic stock, are regarded with suspicion among fellow minorities, citing alleged Ijaw penchant to dominate.

But beyond all these, there is a country riven into two nations: the one a miniscule but powerful and affluent and the other a vast, abject but dangerously resentful poor. This explosive setting of two nations of the rich and the poor, within one country but with no common socio-economic destiny, did not arise because the leaders over the years have been irredeemably callous, though many would easily posit that were so!

It has evolved rather as a result of a wrong federal structure that allows a few to feed fat on common resources, leaving the vast majority to wring their hands and cry in frustration. What is wrong is this obnoxious pseudo-federalism, structured to breed corruption and to deliver poverty, instead of prosperity, to the vast

broadly, you gain knowledge and information in different areas which will expand your horizon. Many cannot see or reason beyond their noses.

Reading will increase your vocabulary; and you can hardly be caught unawares with words. The more you read, the more you will come across words and other lexical terms. Some are in the habit of reading even the simplest books with a dictionary beside them. Reading will also improve your intellect, and ability to speak with ease. Reading and writing too are directly related. You cannot separate the two. To be a good writer, you have to be a good reader as well.

Reading is very important and should be encouraged.

Thanks to some companies,

and other organizations that have made some input by promoting reading competitions.

More of such efforts are needed.

Schools, the church and other religious organizations, the media, government, and private individuals can also make a contribution. Reading has no age of commencement. In fact, the earlier, the better. The old adage which says “Catch them young” holds true here, though reading has no age limit. Young people should be encouraged to read by making books and other reading materials accessible to them.

It pays to read. Everyone is encouraged to read, and be a source of inspiration to others.

By Nnamdi Ozoegu, Okigwe, Imo State.

Akagwu was killed. What is really happening in Nigeria?

Suicide bombers and callous elements have invaded the peace of the country. Is it a crime for a minority to rule Nigeria?

The killings on daily basis in the northern part need attention of all governors of the region and political leaders and elders to expedite action on these criminal ele-

ments in order not to cause anarchy in this country.

This country is being governed by some influential cabals. We need to restructure the security agencies rather than just sack any police officers. The perpetrators should face the wrath of the law according to the President’s words when he visited Kano.

The political leaders who

are setting up this country as a terrorist nation must desist and allow God to fix the land.

Nigeria needs good roads, electricity, water, education and others not violence. The militants of the Niger-Delta never bombed innocent people rather they fought for the emancipation of their people, likewise the Movement for the Actualisation of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Odua Peoples Congress (OPC). It is high time Jonathan took presidential action over this Boko Haram nonsense; there is no time to waste anymore.

By Godday Odidi, Ajegunle, Lagos.

Democracy is freedom

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N a democracy, one thing I consider grievous and more scandalous than anything is disrespecting the will and thoughts of the people.

Constitutionally, the present system of government recognises the free assembly and association of all and the right to vote and be voted for.

I agree with the Nobel Laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka, who said that, "Our leaders need to go back to school." Having said that however, it will be pertinent to confess that President Goodluck Jonathan is too intolerant of criticism.

Following the nation-

wide protests on the controversial implementation of oil subsidy removal, where the Labour decided to embark on "Mother of all protests", the streets of Lagos and other parts of the country were flooded with fully armed soldiers.

This sudden development astonished many inhabitants.

Reports have it that, some persons were caught, beaten black and blue. This should not be so in a democratic setting; people should be allowed to protest peacefully.

The dramatic event of last Thursday, in which elder statesmen were shot at with

tear gas by soldiers and policeman is clearly unacceptable and cruel.

Realistically, many of our leaders of today need to go back to school to learn how to govern in a democracy. It is against the principles of democracy to tyrannically disrupt free associations.

Rather than worry about peaceful protesters attention should be focussed on how to battle the threats posed to the Boko Haram insurgence.

By Adeyemo Lukman, Tai Solarin University of Education,Ijebu Ode, Ogun State.

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14

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Nigeria on edge as Islamists extend campaign of violence N IGERIAN President Goodluck Jonathan has suddenly shifted his attitude toward the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, as violence spreads across northern Nigeria.

A week ago, Jonathan warned the group had infiltrated the government and security forces and vowed (again) to stamp it out. But in an interview with Reuters news agency Thursday he said that if Boko Haram identified itself and stated clear demands the government was ready for dialogue. He also acknowledged that military action alone would not stop Boko Haram; and northern Nigeria needed economic development.

But Nigeria-watchers think this apparent carrot may have come too late. Boko Haram’s purported leader, Abu Bakar Shekau, responded in an audio message: “We’re killing police officers, we’re killing soldiers and other government people who are fighting Allah; and Christians who are killing Muslims and talking badly about our Islamic religion.”

Over the last month, Boko Haram has carried out multiple bombings and shootings across the north; hundreds of people have been killed. Its targets are

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

O

NE thing a consistent reader of this column could not have missed overtime is that the writer sees President Goodluck Jonathan as a mild-mannered, politically unambitious gentleman until mother luck pushed him into the hands of a wily President Obasanjo. President Jonathan needs no telling that he was, in fact, not the man Obasanjo had zero-ed on for his serpentine post- May, 2007, machinations , that is, if his well-oiled, but forever denied, Third Term Project failed which, of course, it did resoundingly. His main man had been none other than then Rivers state governor, Peter Odili, whose own byzantine schemes collapsed at the venue of the PDP congress to pick its presidential candidate –no thanks to Obasanjo’s own anti-corruption czar, Ribadu, whose name was then the beginning of wisdom for Nigerian corrupt politicians.

Jonathan was not your rambunctious political office seeker who would, ungoaded, trample over long established party rules and regulations had he not been aggressively edged on by OBJ, and the likes of elder statesman Edwin Clark; the latter, however, for more auspicious reasons. The ‘shoeless’ Jonathan was all gratitude to God as governor of his state, Bayelsa, and had been happy winning his hardfought primaries to go full term having been only an Acting governor. But like the London Economist put it, Obasanjo would always want to call the shots and wanted in office as President, only those for whom his word would be law.

I have gone this far to situate my empathy for President Jonathan who must have seen in the past few weeks how lonely it can be upstairs if things go awry, especially after his ill-considered decision to inflict

By Tim Lister

frequently police and government officials, but most of the casualties are civilians. On one day last week, at least 180 people were killed in Nigeria’s second largest city, Kano.

Who are the Boko Haram?

One Nigeria analyst describes the Kano attacks as a “breathtaking show of force” by Boko Haram — one that fits a pattern of bolder and better coordinated attacks over the past year.

Joe Bavier, a writer who is a frequent visitor to the region, told CNN that the “federal government has completely lost control of the north-east, despite deploying thousands of troops and establishing a Joint Task Force.”

Now, he says, “it looks like this insurgency has broken out of the north-east.” And what’s worrying, he says, is that there’s “not a whole lot of visible effort from the federal government to calm things down.”

Philippe de Pontet, Africa analyst at the Eurasia Group, says that Boko Haram’s main aim appears to be humiliate Jonathan’s government, tapping into an existing sense of grievance among Muslims in the north.

He and other analysts say the

government’s heavy-handed response has played into Boko Haram’s hands.

“The impulse is to hit back hard and there are political pressures for a crackdown,” de Pontet argues, “but Jonathan is so weak in the north that he needs to be careful not to alienate people there further.”

Long the poorer part of Nigeria, the north lacks infrastructure such as reliable power. Since the end of military rule much of the region has felt excluded from the system of patronage that fuels Nigerian politics. When he acceded to the presidency in April last year, Jonathan broke the unofficial rotation of Christian and Muslim as head of state.

Bavier, who is with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting, says poverty has fed Boko Haram’s ranks. It is no longer a sect of Islamic fanatics but has the support of disgruntled politicians and their paid thugs.

One source says young men are being paid as little as $2 a day to take part in the group’s attacks.

Compounding the situation, the government has so far treated Boko Haram as a security problem rather than a political problem. Because of a lack of trust, security forces find it hard to gather actionable intelligence

and different security branches often compete with each other rather than share information.

A former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, says the response of the security forces so far has been “abysmal” — which is probably why the InspectorGeneral of Police was fired this week. The State Security Service is probably the most competent branch, he says, but doesn’t share intelligence.

The scale of the attacks, and the subsequent discovery by police of new pick-up trucks in Kano wired to explode, suggests Boko Haram is not short of money. That in turn sparks another debate. Some analysts believe it is financing its activities through extortion and bank robberies. But the Nigerian government, the United Nations and U.S. officials say there is evidence Boko Haram is part of a wider West African jihadist movement, and has developed links with al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.

A U.N. report issued last week says arms smuggling throughout the region in the wake of the Libyan revolution is rampant. “Large quantities of weapons and ammunition from Libyan stockpiles were smuggled into the Sahel region,” the report said. The weapons in-

cluded rocket-propelled grenades, explosives and even antiaircraft artillery.

“Some of the weapons may be hidden in the desert and could be sold to terrorist groups like al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Boko Haram or other criminal organizations,” the U.N. report said.

Philippe de Pontet of Eurasia says the increasing use of suicide bombings “speak to the real possibility that this movement is getting support, training and possibly finance from outside.” But, he says, Boko Haram did not grow out of al Qaeda; nor is there any evidence of foreign fighters among its ranks.

Campbell agrees, noting that its recent statements have not included jihadist slogans or antiwestern rhetoric. While contacts with other groups are possible, there is no indication of close coordination.

The U.N. report notes that “although Boko Haram has concentrated its terrorist acts inside Nigeria, seven of its members were arrested while transiting through Niger to Mali.” They were allegedly carrying contact details for known al Qaeda members.

Continued on page 67

Still on Jonathan leaving a lasting legacy Leadership is about courage applied in the right direction maximum punishment on hapless Nigerians on the very first day of a new year. I, however, sincerely believe that he can still win back our fidelity, even if not our love, because long gone is that genial and supplicative Jonathan who knelt down in all his fullness before a respected man of God and got the people literally raving for him ahead the elections.

If President Jonathan would be his own man, and do to those his oily, billionaire acquaintances who, not only allegedly funded his stupendously expensive campaigns and dominated his PCC what a nononsense Obasanjo did to General T.Y Danjuma, Nigerians could come to appreciate him again because it is the oil mess which, more than Boko Haram, has diminished him as far as Nigerians are concerned.

Last Sunday, I listed some events which I reckon the President must have missed in the heat of the crisis one of which was the ‘Arithmetic of Oil Subsidy’ ,a copy of which I advised he should call for. Much more menacing revelations have since gone viral on the World Wide Web. In my concern that he ends up, as am sure he hopes, on the good side of history, I proceed below with some of the titillating stories of how his friends allegedly led Nigerians to that sorry pass. If he is not afraid to act statesmanly after reading this piece, his Petroleum Minister, that artful dodger, should be the first to be yanked off his cabinet. Ask Dzeani a thousand questions where the truth will implicate her and prove her complete ineffectiveness as a Minister of the Federal Republic, she would promptly claim she is on oath and dodge; but elsewhere, you will be confronted with a thoroughly loquacious woman who had all these days played on our intelligence. Last time she claimed an Audit Report of her ministry which is everywhere on the internet has not been officially passed to her table and before that, sensing that

subsidy manipulators were right there in the hall at the ongoing House Ad Hoc Committee probing the oil subsidy mess, coyly ran away from confirming what even a fool knows, i.e. that an oil cabal holds her ministry by the jugular.

In a publication entitled ‘How Jonathan blew Oil Subsidy money in 2011, an NGO, ‘FOR A CORRUPTION FREE NIGERIA’, revealed that the sudden ballooning of subsidy money from the budgeted N600Billion, or thereabout, was not an accident, but that it was due really to expenses connected to the president’s 2011 election campaigns.

Again in my view, the presidency should ask for a copy of this publication which its readers are most likely to regard as gospel truth.

In it, not only are names freely mentioned, but dates are given on which humongous amounts of money were released to the president’s campaign. A nexus with the spiraling oil subsidy was then established when the publication again mentioned names of oil suppliers, who, shortly after those payments to the campaign turned in huge invoices to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources/ PPPRA, in claims of oil subsidy which ran into hundreds of billions. Since neither the Finance Minister nor her colleague at the Ministry of Petroleum had ever alleged that the President it is who approves oil subsidy payments –the two amazons had merely been quarrelling between themselves as to who of them doesI can wager the President probably knows nothing of these payments.

He should therefore assign a trusted aide – Atedo Peterside, an Investment banker, should fit the bill – to look at the documents and, if possible, clearly exonerate the President of any collusion in the spurious payments. I personally need this done to convince me I have not been backing the wrong horse all these days. The same report also ‘mischievously’ linked another hard-

working and powerful neighbourhood woman to such claims which it alleged were approved pronto.

How preposterous! A clean bill of health will, no doubt, help in shoring up the President’s popularity and has a clear possibility of winning him some friends who have since marooned him as we find in the NollyWood campaign hands turned subsidy removal enemies.

Reference above to General T.Y Danjuma and his then pal OBJ will also be relevant to the next engagement I will be suggesting to Mr President. For ease of reference, T.Y Danjuma, a retired General and close friend of candidate Obasanjo had not only generously funded his 1999 campaigns, he promised to vote with his legs into exile if his friend failed at the election. But thank God, Obasanjo won and so we still have him amongst us but today, at his own confession, Obasanjo will not even be a guest at his birthday party because he would not as much as invite him. If the former President showed up, unannounced, the police, he promised, will promptly be called in. Such is oily relationships.

It is this shock treatment President Jonathan must give to both the devilish Oil Cabal as well as members of the legislative branch who,in their case, if they love him at all, could only have loved him the way a soup pot loves the fowl. Again, I go back to these stories that have gone even far beyond Nigerian borders. I shall précis the long e-mail I got in this regard. It started with the annual salaries of the Presidents of some more endowed countries of the world : USA $400,000.002, UK $222,000.003, France -$302,000.004, Germany-$296,000.005, China &11,000.00.

It then went on to give the following salaries of senators and House members, most probably inclusive of their mouth- watering allowances. Here they go: Senators- $1, 000,000 and House members-

$834,402. Multiply $1000,000 by 109 members and by 160 (N-$). Do the same by multiplying $834,402.00 by 360 x160 for House members to get the quantum of the national patrimony these thoroughly inconsidrate 469 citizens gulp in a single year and ask yourself if Nigeria needs this jamboree of a legislature which meets its quorum with every difficulty.

Mr President should proceed this coming month, by sending an executive bill proposing major cuts in these totally unreasonable perquisites.

Bold enough, he should, in fact, propose that the legislature should be on part-time basis, just as my Senator, Femi Ojudu, representing Ekiti Central, had in fact once patriotically suggested and he will see how Nigerians will rally round him.

But the document is not done. It alleges N45.08 million is budgeted for the V.P’s newspapers; improbable even if he reads 100 newspapers a day, and indicated the President’s feeding budget for 2012 as a whopping N1 Billion. Since budget consideration is still on, the president should offer to feed himself and family on half this amount; ditto the Vice-President who should feed himself, buy his papers, at half the amounts earmarked. Since these gentlemen earn personal salaries, should n’t they actually feed themselves? Afterall, they leave free of rent and neither do they ride personal vehicles nor buy fuel to perform their official functions. A National Sovereign Conference should resolve these and other structural challenges and it will actually not be out of place for the President to urgently convene one in the national interest.

To leave a lasting legacy, it is the President’s bounden duty to do an ‘Obasanjo’ for all known economic saboteurs, oil or not, and whatever their names are.

Leadership is about courage applied in the right direction and the President’s name remains Goodluck.

I would hate to see him go down in infamy.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Tunji

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

T

HERE should be no sentiment in this matter; fair is fair. Petroleum resources minister, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke has no reason to remain in her position if we are to believe whatever the outcome of the present attempts to get to the root of the subsidy fraud in the country is. At the peak of the fuel subsidy protests, the minister invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to look into the matter. This is wrong. The minister cannot be the one to invite the EFCC because her ministry is also under probe in the subsidy saga.

By now, the minister should have been moved either to another ministry or asked to step aside, pending the conclusion of investigations into the matter. As a matter of fact, she should not be alone in this; the same treatment should apply to the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Austin Olusegun Oniwon.

NNPC has been in the news for too long over allegations of incessant wrongdoings, many bothering on suspected fraud or outright corruption. Yet, Oniwon has either remained mute or at best made very feeble attempts to dismiss the allegations. In spite of this catalogue of allegations, he has been a great champion of the removal of fuel subsidy, which we are seeing even from the preliminary investigations into the matter by the House of Representatives Adhoc Committee Probe into Fuel Subsidy

Postscript, Unlimited!

By

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

T

HIS is a sad period for us all indeed; it is so sad all laughter is wiped off my face this week.

It was a long time coming though.

What led us to this very sorry pass did not begin suddenly. No. The egg carrying the possibility that a group within Nigeria could orchestrate the sheer destruction of the lives and properties of their fellow citizens was laid in the foundations of our colonial experience and consolidated in the post-civil war era. Nevertheless, no people deserve to be so callously traumatized or killed off, whatever their colour, race or creed. The national restraint that has followed the destruction of January 20 in Kano is indication that the people are maturing, though, even if holding on by the skin of their teeth. It is good we hold on until we clearly understand the demon we are fighting because no right-minded person fights in deep darkness.

Two strains of possible causes for this throwing-all-godliness-intothe-wind emerged during the week.

There was a report that the Northern governors allegedly used a group of people generally called ‘thugs’ to win elections and it was decided that a standing gentlemen’s agreement, constituting envelopes, be made available to the now empowered and metamorphosed group. Somewhat willful, Kano State allegedly

Comment & Analysis

15

Diezani, others must step aside This is what transparency demands if the government is really serious about clearing the subsidy fog as a charade.

Mrs Alison-Madueke and Oniwon should be joined by the boss of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) and even the former minister/s of finance from 2006 to July last year. The fact is that the oil sector stinks. The problem will be compounded if speculations that some of the money we are now looking for was donated for political campaign purposes. We saw the way money was used then as if it was going out of fashion. Yet, there are limits to how far a party could spend on any election. But were these monitored, not to talk of being enforced?

As Chandu Krishnan, executive director of Transparency International (TI) UK noted, “When donors are making contributions exceeding £20,000 ($31,000) — and some are making donations well over £250,000 ($390,000) — it’s perfectly understandable you don’t give away that kind of money without expecting something in return” In Nigeria, we have heard speculations of fabulous amounts (as much as N200 million in some instances) donated to political campaigns by some corporate organisations, mostly oil firms. If these are true, such monies could not have come from honest sources; they are most likely monies

made through sharp practices like the subsidy fraud that we are talking about. Secondly, the donors must expect something in return. Again, in this case, they might expect government to cover their tracks and look the other way when such generous donors infract the law. There is a Yoruba proverb which, when translated, means someone whose palm has been greased cannot have the courage to chastise the provider of whatever he has been undeservedly offered. Even if there are no limits to how far individuals and corporate organisations can spend on political campaigns, the receivers of the campaign funds should themselves be concerned when such outrageous amounts are being given to them, ostensibly to facilitate their campaign and victory at the polls.

I had expected the civil society to have kicked when it was reported that Mrs Alison-Madueke had invited the EFCC to probe the subsidy disbursements. How can? President Goodluck Jonathan was obviously not composed when he took that decision that she should invite the EFCC because of the pressure of the subsidy protests then. If we agree that she should remain in office as the probe goes on, then, we are all making the same mistake we made after the return to demo-

“Let me say for the purpose of emphasis and clarity that the result of the subsidy disbursement probe may jolly well turn out to be what would make or mar the Jonathan presidency. This cannot be probe as usual and the government ought to have seen the handwriting on the wall … I can only hope the deep is communicating to the deep”

cratic rule on May 29, 1999, to wit: went to sleep hoping that since we now have democracy, other things would automatically follow. We must have seen how wrong we were. But seeing is not enough; we have to wake from our deep slumber and be ready to put governments on their toes like we did early this month. Successive governments have been behaving as if they are licensed to ruin our lives.

This is something we have to reject.

I want to leave Labour out of the ‘pro-Alison-Madueke must step aside campaign’ because some Nigerians are beginning to see Labour in a different light. I haven’t joined them yet; but somehow, since the last nationwide strike, I don’t know why I keep remembering the joke we used to crack many years ago that there are no more fools in Idanre (a town in the south-western part of Nigeria) because the last known fool in the town (names withheld) now cruises about in a jeep.

All said, nothing short of a thorough probe will do in this matter. And we cannot have one with Mrs AlisonMadueke and the others I have mentioned still sitting comfortably atop their respective ministry or agencies.

If we go by Mrs Alison-Madueke’s personal admission before the House Adhoc committee, that in 2006, daily consumption was 26. 9 million litres per day and by 2008, it had increased to 38.5 million litres; she also added that by 2010, our daily consumption was found to be 46.9 million litres, it ought to have occurred to her that something was fishy, especially with the price of crude oil generally high for the better part of the Olusegun

Obasanjo presidency than the late Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua’s or even Jonathan’s. Another reason why she should have raised the alarm was the basis of economic prosperity that could have accounted for the steady rise in the fuel we consume per day, especially from 2010 that she took over the petroleum ministry. She agreed that subsidy paid over the years has been on the increase since 2006 relative to the figures the country has had, from N261 billion in 2006 to N1.736 trillion so far captured for 2011. How come she is just realising the spate of ‘sharp practices’ in the oil industry? Would she have kept quiet for this long if the money being released for subsidy payment were to come from her personal purse?

Now, the government has asked that the report of the KPMG forensic audit report on the NNPC be reviewed, in spite of the fact that it was damning as far as the corporation’s operations are concerned. The starting point should have been for the government to ensure that those indicted in the report are made to face the music. What purpose would the review serve?

Let me say for the purpose of emphasis and clarity that the result of the subsidy disbursement probe may jolly well turn out to be what would make or mar the Jonathan administration. This cannot be probe as usual and the government ought to have seen the handwriting on the wall that Nigeria is changing; that much was clear to the discerning during the last subsidy strike and protests. I can only hope the deep is communicating to the deep.

We are now reaping where we did not sow reneged, hence the ‘punishment’ of bombs that killed over two hundred people. That is one story. The second story has it that when the founder of boko haram, one Mohammed Yusuf, was captured and killed by the police for his rather extremist views in his Islamic teachings and rather worrisome actions such as attacking police stations, he predicted that, indeed, the problem had just started. I don’t know, but in that, he would appear to have been right, since each of the group’s outings has been more horrendous than the last; and no one quite knows who his faithful are and what they want.

Worse, the psychological profile of the so-called ‘boko haram’ appears to be somewhat diluted now.

It appears anyone, rich or poor, with a grievance in the north can find some space under its umbrella. Judging by the nucleus which consisted of the students of the said Yusuf, they would appear to have been a neglected group of young people with a deadly mission to establish their own rule which would guarantee them an existence. They were hungry, unschooled and untrained for any skills and they lacked prospects for any known conventional future. It would be wrong to call them purists since many of them were said not to even know the contents of the religion they professed. They were just foot soldiers being trained for something. That something manifested soon in the shape of the ex-thugs of politicians who had direction of purpose but lacked the machinery to inflict state harm. Then entered the third group, terrorists who appear to have been trained by al-Qaeda; these had both the direction of purpose and the machinery for inflicting serious harm, as they have demonstrated.

They only needed the numerical strength of the collective foot soldiers of Yusuf’s group and the ex-thugs.

To this motley crowd, please just add the logistic and financial sponsorship obtained from politicians either by convergence of ideology, love, force, persuasion or blackmail.

Truth is, people will do anything to protect a system in which they have stakes; conversely, people will do anything to destroy a system in which they have no stakes. For too long, Nigeria allowed too many of her young ones to wallow in the north without being compelled to enroll in conventional schools, the more technology-friendly system that can ensure a higher standard of living. I don’t know what the argument was that allowed this condition, the intervention that came from the country (even giving of mid-day meals I hear) came too little too late.

Therefore, many private teachers had to intervene with their private ideologies to the detriment of the state.

This is why the house is being brought down and we are reaping where we did not sow. What then do we do?

We cannot pin all our hope on a new Inspector-General of Police.

However well-meaning or ill-meaning he may be, one man cannot change or ruin a system; rather, it’s a system that can change or ruin a man.

We must begin by examining the system that gave room for the largescale malcontent in our northern midst. That malcontent has grown largely because there are very few industries in the north to cater for the teeming populace in spite of the massive wealth there.

I spent a good part of my youth in the core north, having schooled there, and I remember that the metropolis I grew up in was a simple

one where everyone from different parts of Nigeria co-habited in absolute peace and mutual regard. But I did notice that the industries available, even to my young eyes, were few and limited to textiles and tobacco. I have only once returned to that beloved city and have found it changed – for the better in size. There were tall buildings everywhere, and yet few industries in sight and I remember thinking, no city should grow up like this – on government patronage and imported items.

We should learn something from China where we import our daily living from. Can you just imagine what would happen if an entire group of young people in China cannot find industries to hang their hope and future on? There would be total, world-class chaos. Nigeria must make some concerted efforts to persuade the rich governors and their business friends to begin to think of citing industries at home rather than repatriating their stolen wealth abroad like illegal immigrants. That really shows you how illegal the wealth is anyway.

It is hypocritical for the federal government to ask foreigners to come to Nigeria to invest when even her own people are not encouraged to stay home to invest. A Nigerian once got a license to start a bicycle factory but someone in government got his friend an import license to import the same item and flooded the market with it. Needless to say, the factory dream died along with the owner. Mr. President, start by giving these people a stake in this country, i. e. jobs. Then, we can educate their minds through mass literacy. Unless there is food in the stomach, the ears cannot hear a thing.

Then yes, we have border problems that allow mercenary fighters to come in. I think someone must have let them in. But, for the sake of argument, let us assume that the borders are really porous.

Why won’t they be when we don’t put the right men on the job? At a time in our very recent history, I hear someone from the civil service, without a career in customs or immigration, was detailed to go and head the Customs and Immigration services. I ask you! Which country on earth would do that and would not someday rue it?

I think though that the bigger porosity problems are the violence-breeding media products such as films that our youths are exposed to. While the United States of America, where most of these products originate, had developed an efficient system of social control well before the products began to be made, Nigeria did not have such a chance. So, budding psychopaths and sociopaths easily find validation for their warped minds when they watch the very deceptive contents of these films, including bombers who use them to ‘relass’.

The immediate steps we take will determine how fast this problem will be solved or how far the solutions will go. It is clear though that no part of a group, defined by race or creed, is larger than the whole group; and the safety and well-being of the whole depend on the part respecting its own obligation to the whole. That can only happen when the stakes are well and truly driven in around everyone’s hitched-up tent. The business of nation building must start in earnest so that we can start reaping corporate wellness. Rhetoric must

16

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

POLITICS

17

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

B

EFORE this week’s Friday (January 27, 2012), when the Supreme Court sacked Vice Admiral Murtala Nyako of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the state governor, the February 4, 2012 governorship race in Adamawa State was considered very dicey.

As the flag bearer of PDP for the elections, Nyako was considered the candidate to beat. This consideration was based on the fact that he was believed to be backed by President Goodluck Jonathan in spite of stiff opposition from many PDP chieftains in the state.

In fact, after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reconciled with Nyako and publicly urged his supporters to back the retired admiral; many reasoned it would be very difficult to defeat the then sitting governor.

Today, with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the tenure matter, which removed the power of incumbency from Nyako, merely six days to the election date; it seems the playing field has suddenly become more leveled than PDP and Nyako anticipated, thus further raising the stakes for all.

Perhaps because the PDP candidate will no longer contest as the sitting governor, observers are saying it may be more difficult for him and his party to survive the arsenal of the teeming opposition. “Whether they like it or not, there is no doubt that this development has further strengthened the opposition. The PDP and its candidate will need more luck to win this election,” Alhaji Usman Michika, a politician and community leader, said in a telephone chat.

Even before the ruling, Nyako and his ruling PDP have faced stiff opposition mainly from the former military governor of Lagos and Borno states, retired Brig-Gen Buba Marwa of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Marcus Natina Gundiri, a civil engineer and retired Director of Federal Dams at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja.

Marwa, whose campaign against Nyako and PDP has been scathingly forthright, has condemned what he described as “the deliberate under development of Adamawa under Nyako.”

On the day he was declared the candidate of CPC at the Lamido Cinema in Yola, Marwa said he was convinced that Nyako and PDP would be defeated because the people were tired of a government that was “inept of ideas in developmental aspects.”

Nyako’s camp had countered such criticisms by alleging that his administration performed better than former administrations like governor Haruna’s administration.

This claim notwithstanding, many forces outside PDP and even within have tried to team up to frustrate Nyako’s return to the Government House in Yola.

The intrigues within the ruling PDP has been more interesting. It is instructive to note that some of the most influential members of the party have been linked with plots to ditch Nyako.

One of such plots was an alleged plan to form an alliance of many political groups that would contest against Nyako. At that time, Senator Jubril Aminu, a former minister of petroleum and PDP national elders, reportedly expressed fear that if candidates did not merge, it would be futile efforts attempting to defeat Nyako, who has three serving senators, six House of Representatives members, and 19 members of the state assembly on his side.But insiders said that initiative suffered defeat blamed on improper coordination.

It was after the failure of the initiative that different candidates emerged under various parties.

Another PDP leader in the state, who was also believed to have opposed Nyako is Dr. Bamanga Tukur, a former governor of defunct Gongola State and major contender for the PDP national chairmanship position.

Incidentally, his utterances suggested that he was also not in support of Tukur’s initiative against Nyako.

Final whistle in Adamawa As the candidates of the February 4, 2012 governorship elections conclude their preparations, Sam Egburonu, Associate Editor, examines their chances, taking into cognisance the major factors in the twice postponed elections and the implications of this week’s Supreme Court’s ruling that sacked Murtala Nyako as governor.

Once quoted as describing the Aminuled group as “an unserious and narrow group, bent on causing mischief in Adamawa State,” He said the Adamawa Unity Forum for Change was “a group with leprosy fingers, insignificant attitudes and pettiness,” explaining that his idea of the forum was “beyond the narrow objectives it sought to achieve.”

This internal wrangling within the PDP, it is speculated, may be effectively utilised by the opposition at the elections.

But even with sudden leveling of the playing field, it has been observed that Nyako will remain a major contender in the Saturday election. His major opponents will remain the candidates of CPC and ACN.

•Nyako

Front-runners’ strengths and weaknesses Murtala Nyako: The former governor, who was sacked through a Supreme Court ruling on Friday, is the flag bearer of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Aged 69, the retired admiral enjoys the support of President Goodluck Jonathan though many PDP bigwigs from his state would have preferred another candidate.

But as a politician, he is said to be strong and able to hold his head against opposition. He is also said to have penetrated local communities through some rural projects.

These may endear him amongst common voters.

But given the peculiar nature of Nigerian politics, one major factor that may pose as a challenge to Nyako is the fact that he would no longer be contesting as a sitting governor.

Although his supporters are contending that he still enjoys the support of the former Speaker of the House, now sitting on the big chair, and that of Aso Rock in Abuja, observers maintain that such support, if it exists, would not be the same as the power of incumbency in the state.

It remains to be seen if Nyako will return to the Government House.

Mohammed Buba Marwa: This retired Brig-General is the candidate of CPC. A former member of PDP, Marwa enjoys enormous personal popularity. His party, the CPC, is also said to be popular in the state, especially amongst common artisans and

•Marwa

emigrantsfrom the North-west, who see him as General Muhammadu Buhari’s elect.

Beyond that, the dynamic image he cut out for himself when he served as the Military Administrator of Lagos, during the military era, has made his supporters to project him as the much needed change in Adamawa State.

His major challenge will however be the close rivalry between him and top members of PDP. As a former member of PDP, some influential members of the party see him as a sell out, and an enemy who is ready to abandon his party whenever it did not favour his personal ambition.

It is feared that PDP, besides fighting to win the race, would particularly see that he and his party are frustrated in Adamawa.

They may therefore organise protest votes against him.

This is one of the major obstacles Marwa may face.

Marcus Gundiri: Mr. Marcus Gundiri, the candidate of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), is the new face in Adamawa State politics to watch. A grassroots person, the civil engineer and retired Director of Fed-

•Gundiri

eral Dams at the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Abuja, made his mark amongst commoners when he supervised vital rural water projects in most of the remote communities in Adamawa and the entire old Gongola State.

Also, moderate majority in the state, view his party, the ACN, as the credible alternative as opposed to the two extremes represented by PDP and CPC. If he and his party are able to make good use of this impression, Gundiri may emerge as the change Adamawa people have been looking for.

His major challenge however would be the allegation that he should not be fielded because he is from the same zone with a former of the state. Another challenge he may have to contend with is the claim that he has not been tested politically.

At 58, Gundiri undoubtedly represents youth, freshness and change. As the only major candidate without military background, he also exudes the aura of civil democracy more than the other major candidates. It is therefore up to him and his party to put these facts across to the electorates before the election date.

18

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Politics

SACKE D

What next for these m

•Imoke

•Idris

•Wamakko

The Supreme Court ruling on Friday, which sacked five state governors has altered political permutations, for the affected governors. In this report, Sam Egburonu, Associate Editor, reports on options open to them if they are to remain relevant in political calculations in their states

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

E D!

se men?

•Sylva

Politics

B

EFORE Friday, January 27, when the Supreme Court, in an historic judgment sacked governors of Adamawa, Sokoto, Kogi, CrossRiver, and Bayelsa states, the governors were major forces in the forth-coming elections in the states.

Some of them, who are candidates in the elections that would hold this year, had banked on contesting as sitting governors. With the ruling, such plans may have been dealt a heavy blow.

So, as would be expected, the ruling has altered projections. Maxi Okwu, a lawyer and former presidential candidate, reacting to the ruling said, “I commend the Supreme Court for the judgment even if belated. It’s in accord with the view I personally hold on the matter. The Supreme Court as an ultimate tribunal is not bound by a strict construction of statutes, legislation etc.

There must have been an element of public policy, equity and which influenced them in reaching this momentous decision. The lower courts do not enjoy such latitude.

“However, I would have wished for a more robust response in deciding this case.

The governors have more than profited or enjoyed a v o i d a b l e advantages by this decision coming so late.

Justice has indeed been delayed and thereby

denied,” he said.

Besides the issue of the propriety of the timing and of the judgment itself, the immediate political implications for the affected governors and their states have become a subject of interest.

The details of such political fallouts however differ from state to state.

Liyel Imoke: In Cross River State, where Liyel Imoke held sway as governor before the Friday’s ruling, it was widely said that the state is a Peoples Democratic Party’s state. This impression is informed by the fact that since the return to civil democracy in 1999, the state has always been ruled by the PDP. But given several disagreements amongst members, there has been suppressed fear that the party would need to work hard to sooth aggrieved members if it hopes to contest as a united family during the April 23 governorship elections in the state.

It is a fact that the opposition is currently banking on this unity, especially with the current ruling that sacked Imoke as governor.

Imoke, who clinched the ticket of PDP on Monday, January 23, 2012, was, until Friday, January 27, 2012, considered invincible by his associates.

Before he was sacked, his supporters believed the governorship election, scheduled for April will be a mere formality. This belief, according to our investigation is primarily based on the singular belief that the state is for PDP and that there can never be any general protest votes.

It was also based on the argument that with the power of incumbency, it would be difficult to floor Imoke.

With this development, it remains to be seen if he will still enjoy the support of all, including the leadership of PDP. It is a known fact that many influential members of the party have expressed dissatisfaction with the way Imoke ran the affairs of his government. So, although the PDP government is still in place, there is no guarantee that everybody will still work for Imoke’s return.

Hinting at the division within the party, the state’s chairman, Senator Ahmed Zana, while declaring the result of the last primary, called on PDP in the state to “try and reach out to every aggrieved member.”

Imoke’s opponent at the election, Amb. Soni Abang, who said he would not rule out the option of decamping to another party, said immediately after the elections: “I participated in the elections. I am a member of PDP. Whatever we saw today is far from being a contest. It was electoral manipulation of the highest order.” He added that he joined the race because he believes the governor (Imoke) has not done well.

With this kind of sentiment, it is clear that both Imoke and PDP will need to do a lot of work if they want Cross River to remain a PDP state.

Aliyu Wamakko: Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, the former governor of Sokoto State, is one of the affected governors, whose hopes of returning to the Government House may not be off-handedly guaranteed.

This fear is informed by the fact that even before he lost his governorship seat, it took concerted efforts of follow northern governors to convince Aso Rock that he should be given the return ticket.

19

Stories making round then suggested that President Goodluck Jonathan had indeed lost interest in offering a return ticket to Wamakko.

As a result, the primary election, which he contested with Senator Abubakar Gada and former Minister of Sports, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman, was so Herculean that Wamakko reportedly sought the assistance of highly placed northerners to approach the presidency on his behalf.

Before then, Suleiman, touted as Jonathan’s anointed, had raised the stakes, when he suddenly resigned his plum office to pick up the ticket.

Wamakka fate was only reinstalled was Jonathan openly denied having hand in the plot to stop him from returning to the Government House. Some reports claimed that the president placed a call across to Wamakko to reassure him after some powerful groups had pleaded on Jonathan to allow the embattled governor.

Given such rather delicate standing, insiders said, Wamakko, now outside office, may be more vulnerable. There are even suggestions that he may not be allowed to fly the party’s flag, if the laws of the land allows such changes.

So, it seems certain that before the March 2012 elections, the intrigues will increase even within the PDP. Observers said Wamakko, now an ordinary citizen, will need more tact if he hopes to retain the ticket and win the elections.

Of course, the opposition is certain to take advantage of the rivalry within PDP. How that will leave Wamakko and PDP in the long run remains to be seen.

Ibrahim Idris: Of the five governors sacked this week by the Supreme Court, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, the former governor of Kogi State, is perhaps the only one whose political future appears not to have been affected negatively because of the ruling.

One, he had already served out his two-term and could not contest for the office of governor at this time.

Also, in the fresh election conducted in the state, his party’s candidate, Wada, was declared the winner.

On the face of it, this could be interpreted to mean that his personal political plans would not have been affected.

Timipre Sylva: Although the matter was still under contention, Timipre Sylva, the former governor of Bayelsa State, had technically lost the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party for the forthcoming election before the Supreme Court sacked him as governor this week.

As the winner of the first primary election, Sylva had insisted that the last primary held by PDP, which produced Seriake Dickson as the standard bearer, was illegal, null and void.

Using his power of incumbency, Sylva had sustained the stiff battle against President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP national leadership.

Now that he has been removed by the apex court, it seems his political wings have been further clipped by his rivals, considering reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) officials were lurking around to arrest him after the judgment.

20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Politics

O

NE of the most dreaded fallouts of Boko Haram bombings and killings is the fear that the feeling of hatred it has so far fueled may ultimately endanger the polity and the nation state. Already, millions of non indigenes in the north, especially Igbos, who have been the worst hit, are desperate to return to their home states before they are killed.

The socio-political implication of this development can only be imagined, given the risks and agonies survivors are currently going through.

“We are afraid of Boko Haram. Daddy and mummy keep awake all night in case the attackers decide to invade our home. They would lock all the doors tightly, pray all night and ask us to sleep. But we never can, for we don’t know what will happen next… They said we would soon go home, so we are waiting.”

That was how Miss Agnes Agwuocha, a 17-year old student in Kano, described the terror she and the members of her family, still stranded at Sabon Gari, have been passing through since the terrorist group issued a threat message, ordering all southerners to vacate the North or face annihilation. The group had given the affected non indigenes a mere three-day ultimatum, and since after the expiration, had followed it up with pockets of attacks and killings in Yobe, Niger, and Borno states.

But though these previous Boko Haram attacks in several cities across the north have affected mainly Igbos and other Christians and southerners, it was not certain if the affected citizens were ready to leave the areas some of the have lived all their lives.

Our investigation however showed that this changed radically after the January 20, 2012 bomb blasts in about ten locations in Kano, which left hundreds of people dead and severely wounded.

Since then, most easterners and westerners living in the north have shown more desperation to flee the area and return to their states of origin.

Also following some counter warnings from some youths, the Ogbunigwe Ndigbo, in the eastern part of the country, it has been observed that many northerners in the area are hurriedly fleeing the area with their family members.

The socio-political implications of this development can only be imagined. Although the General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Sunday Idoko, responded to Ogbunigwe’s counter warning by assuring that the military was ready to counter any unrest in the area, many highly placed Nigerians have urged the government to do something fast before it would be too late.

The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural orgnaisation, Amb. Ralph Uwaechue, while recalling various bombings and killings targeted at Christians and Igbos said, “it is now clear that unpatriotic political and religious elements are bent on making our country ungovernable.”

He, in a statement therefore warned that enough was enough.

Kano’s call for evacuation Soon after the multiple explosions, the Kano State chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organisation, in a

Tension a flee over B

•Uwechue

•Jonathan

By Sam Egburonu, Tony Akowe, Kaduna, Barnabas Manyam, Yola, Ugochukwu Eke, Umuahia, Chris Oji, Enugu

press statement signed by the President, Hon. Tobias Michael Idika, called on the governors of south-east and south-south geopolitical zones to come to the aid of their citizens stranded in Kano state.

Part of the statement read: “The Igbos resident in Kano are living with naked fear and apprehension. Though there are few of us who may like to stay and defend ourselves, the majority of us, particularly, women and children, numbering over three million are jostling to leave the North (Kano), because unfolding events indicate that the North (Kano) is no longer safe for easterners…

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano, hereby calls on the governors of the eastern states and Igbo speaking states in the South-South to provide means of transportation with adequate security to evacuate our brethren who would want to leave because human life is precious and should be protected as such.”

Since that call for help, there has been divided opinion on what should be the response of both the affected non indigenes still at the flash points and that of their governors. While some are blaming the governors for dragging feet in saving stranded

citizens, others are accusing the citizens for remaining where they do not feel secured.

Viewed from whatever angle, it is generally acknowledged that the ugly development has not only threatened the polity but also the very existence of the Nigerian nation.

Igbos/Yorubas Adamawa State

Adamawa State. Corroborating Eze Ndi Igbo, the National Coordinator of Global Initiative for African Development, a civil society organisation, Rev Dr. Onwubuya Breakforth, said the rumour of war targeting non indigenes was baseless and unfounded.

flee Youth Corps members flee, seek new postings

In Adamawa State, the situation is also so critical that many non indigenes have fled.

As at the middle of this week, about 22.000 Igbos and Yorubas residing in the state had left due to the current security situation, although leaders of the Igbo and Yoruba communities in the state have been calling on their people to return to the state.

The Eze ndi Igbo in the state, Igwe (Chief) Solomon Ebis, who confirmed the development, also said the mass exodus of Igbos should stop because there was no ethno-religious crisis in

Such reassurances notwithstanding, many non indigenes; especially youth corps members, have left the state to avoid being caught up in the feared crossfire.

For example, out of the 4,171 NYSC members trained for the ADHOC electioneering in Adamawa State by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), about 1.041 have reportedly fled the state due to the security situation.

Beyond Adamawa State, we also gathered that NYSC members, during the week, besieged the commission’s headquarters

“In Adamawa, most families have links with both Muslim and Christian relatives.

So, it is likely that the killings were not perpetrated by people from Adamawa State but by outsiders, especially outsiders involved in international cattle markets in Mubi, Ganye, Ngurore.”

in Abuja, seeking redeployment from states in the north.

Reports confirmed that those posted to Kano, in particular, requested to be posted to states outside of the north. Some of them specifically asked the authorities to stop further posting of youth corps members to Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi and Niger until the insecurity in the region is overcome.

Dr. Breakforth called on politicians to temper the use of language during election campaigns, pointing out that efforts should be made by all and sundry to return the state to its former reputation as the most peaceful state.

He also commended the proactive measures taken by the state Government to patrol the streets of Adamawa and praised the activities of journalist during and after the crisis especially in reporting the level of damage and the dimension the crisis took.

The Chief of the Yoruba Community in Adamawa State, Alhaji Abduganiyu also revealed that he has setup a high powered committee to calm many people who had contemperated leaving the state. The Chief of Yorubas then called on his people to return back to Adamawa State as the state is a peaceful one and the rumours of crisis were far from the truth.

Findings revealed that most shops in Mubi North, Mubi South, Jimeta, Yola South Numan, MayoBelwa, Ganye, Guyuk and

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Politics

n as groups er Boko Haram threats

the state. But some others told The Nation that they were tired of living in the state and that they were currently making arrangement to relocate to other parts of the country.

A civil servant from one of the southern states who would not want his name mentioned told The Nation that “my family members at home have been putting pressure on me to bring my family home and if possible, relocate.

But I cannot go because I am working here and my wife too is working. What are we going to eat if we have to go? Another civil servant with one of the parastatals under the Federal Ministry of Education said that he has started working on his transfer to his home state. “I am working on my transfer and very soon, it will materialise. I know some of my colleagues in the office that have also indicated their intention to move. My Uncle works in Kaduna also and he is looking for ways of leaving the state. He is also working on his transfer so that he can join his family at Abuja. But his office has not accepted and our parents back home wants him to resign and come home if that is what it will take”.

Moslems of Northern origin flee Enugu

•Ihejirika

•Abubakar

Michika have remained locked despite the assurances given by the community leaders.

Commenting on the matter, the president of Tiv community in Adamawa, Chief Terkimbir Tyona, commended Governor Murtala Nyako for making adequate arrangement to safeguard the life of all Tiv people resident in Adamawa State and called on all Tiv people to remain calm and not to panic over unfounded rumour of ethno-religious crisis.

He also commended the Lamido Adamawa, Alhaji (Dr.) Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, for meeting with all stakeholders in Adamawa state to ensure peaceful coexistence of all shades of people in Adamawa state since the unfortunate incidence took place in Mubi and Jimeta.

Tyona revealed that Adamawa State has been a peaceful place until its peace was shattered by agents of darkness who are desperate to mire the name of the state by killing innocent citizens.

Others that have condemned the development include The Network of Civil Society Organisations. Assessing the political and security challenges in the state, the organisations have dispelled the rumour of ethno-religious crisis in Adamawa State while assuring the people fleeing away from the state to return back to Adamawa as the rumour is unfounded.

The civil society network,

made up of about 125 organisations, led by two principal INEC accredited organisations, Global Initiative for African Development, [GIFAD] AND Centre for Strategic Conflict Management, [CSCM] and six others arrived the state capital recently and had gone through the 21 Local Government Areas with a view to making detailed assessment of the political and security challenges facing the state.

Speaking to newsmen after conducting their assessment, the National Coordinator of the group, Rev Dr. Onwubuya Breakforth and General Secretary, Dr. I.E. Onyike, said the team while conducting the assessment met with various stakeholders including the Adamawa State Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, political parties, security agencies, trade unions, market women, public servants private bodies, Emirs and Chiefs.

According to Breakforth, the team visited all the flash points, namely, Numan, Guyuk, Mubi North, Mubi South, Jimeta, Ganye, Mayo-Belwa, Jada, Demsa, Yola North, Yola South, Gombi, Hong, Song, Maiha and Michika LGAs. The group noted that Adamawa is a heterogeneous society with high social diffusion, made up of over seventy different tribes, ethnic compositions and languages and Adamawa was one of the most peaceful states in the North East until the recent

bombings and killings particularly in a church in Jimeta Township.

He said that in Adamawa, most families have links with both Muslim and Christian relatives.

So, it is likely that the killings were not perpetrated by people from Adamawa State but by outsiders, especially outsiders involved in international cattle markets in Mubi, Ganye, Ngurore, etc.

Civil servants apply for transfer from Kaduna In Kaduna State however movement of non indigenes is not so pronounced. At the various motor parks in Kaduna last Thursday, there was no clear sign that the non indigenes found traveling away from the state were leaving for fear of attack by the Boko Haram group.

Sources said the atmosphere remained under control because the state governor, Patrick Ibrahim, held a close door meeting with non indigenes at the Government House, where he assured them of their safety in the state, adding that the government was doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safety of lives of property. The governor has also inaugurated a peace and reconciliation committee to work with the state government in bringing about peace and development in the state.

However, most of the people seen at the parks were traveling light, giving the impression that they were not running away from

Following the counter threat from a militant youth group from the South-East, Ogbunigwe Ndigbo, warning Hausas living in the south-east to flee within 14 days or face the risk of being attacked, it has been observed that many Hausas, non-Hausas from the north and Muslims are fleeing some areas suspected to be targets of the youths, thirsty for revenge.

For example, in Lokpanta, along Enugu-Aba-Port- Harcourt Express road, and Ugwuoba, an artisan Hausa community, all in Enugu State, non indigenes were seen leaving, aboard over-loaded Lorries.

But those of them born in Enugu and those who have lived all their lives in the town are staying behind.

Those leaving are mostly cobblers, okada operators, textile hawkers and cattle rearers.

But the Special Adviser to the Sarkin Hausa in Enugu State, Alhaji Lawan Dan Tiv has said the northern community in the state has no security problem to warrant their relocation to their states of origin.

Reacting to the said mass relocation of some Northern Moslems in Enugu state to their home states, following the threat by Boko Haram sect that southerners living in the northern part of Nigeria should relocate to their states of origin, Dan Tiv stressed that as far as they were concerned they have no problem since Governor Sullivan Chime had earlier given them the assurance that their safety and security were guaranteed in the state.

"We don't have any problem here but then you can't stop people from traveling," he said "We are living like brothers and sisters here in Enugu ," he added.

Also, leader of the Hausa traders at the popular New Artisan Market, Enugu , Alhaji Murtala Ahmed said people are no longer leaving, adding that "even right now, we are having a meeting."

He said the governor has deployed security men to the necessary places to avert any breakdown of law and order in the state. " Enugu is a home of peace. No tribalism. The security men are even here with us even though

21

no single Hausa person has been assaulted or insulted by anybody in the entire Enugu state. The governor even visited to assure us of our security and we are going about our normal business," Ahmed said.

Mohammed, a lad who sells water at the Garki area of Awkunanaw in Enugu Ssouth Local Government area of the state, said he is going about his business without fear because nobody "is molesting me."

But the situations in Anambra and Imo states are slightly different. Our reporter in Awka observed that the areas where Hausas used to stay have been deserted as at the time of writing this report.

Orji assures Hausa Community in Abia of their safety The deadline given to people from the Southern part of the country by the members of the dreaded Islamic sect, the Boko-Haram to leave the Northern part of the country may have forced some people from the South Eastern part of the country to leave that part of the country in their numbers.

However the threat to the lives of non northerners do not have any direct implication to non Igbo people living in the state, except for few Hausa shoe cobblers and barbecue makers otherwise known as Suya who have moved to Lokpanta cattle market where their people live.

The inability of the people from the northern part of the country to leave the state as a result of the deadline may be as a result of the assurance given to them by the state governor, Theodore Orji who assured them of their security in the state.

Abia State Governor Theodore Orji had assured the Hausa community and other tribes living in the state of their safety and urged them to feel free to go about their normal businesses without any fear of molestation.

This assurance was given by Governor Orji through his chief press secretary; Ugochukwu Emezue who said it was necessary following speculations that there will be reprisal attack in Abia State, as a result of the spate of killings against Ndigbo.

Orji, who spoke in Umuahia shortly after his arrival from Abuja, declared that there is no iota of truth in the speculation, which he described as the handiwork of mischief makers, "as all security agencies in the state have been placed on red alert".

The governor said that security has been beefed up in the State to ensure that life, property and security of the people are secured at all times, stressing that the state cannot afford to go back to the dark days of criminality.

He said security agencies have been placed on red alert to maintain law and order in the state.

Orji used the opportunity to condemn the killings of Ndigbo in Mubi, Yola and other parts of the country recently and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives during the series of bombings.

The governor said that nobody has the right to take the life of another no matter the grudge, pointing out that the two major religions being practiced in the country and other religions do not support the killing of one and another.

He said life is sacred and should be treated as such and called on those involved in these ugly acts to change.

22

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Politics

Subsidy: House calls executive to account

By Augustine AVWODE, Assistant Editor

I

N the last 10 days, Nigerians have been pretty surprised at the disgusting, if not sickening and disheartening revelations from the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee probing the handling of fuel subsidy in Nigeria.

The Farouk Lawan-led ad hoc committee have been told sundry stories ranging from massive corruption going on in the petroleum industry sector to how those in charge have been importing crude oil for the Kaduna Refinery; the dispute over the actual number of barrels produced per day, lack of valid documentation and how vessels berthed in neighbouring countries and general lack of transparency.

The Committee announced on Thursday that total subsidy claims to be paid by the Federal Government on imported fuel in 2011 might hit “over N2trillion.”

The committee stated this in the light of fresh revelations that many marketers had outstanding claims to be paid by government running into billions of naira. It would be recalled that the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had given the committee two conflicting figures on the subsidy claims for 2011. Whereas the minister is of the opinion that the total amount paid as at December 2011 was N1.4tn, CBN’s figure of what it called the “actual” payment, was N1.7tn.

According to the chairman of the committee, Hon. Lawan, more marketers had appeared to testify that the government owed them money for products they imported, adding that 100 marketers were awarded contracts to import fuel in 2011, rising from about 49 in 2010.

These are mind bogging revelations and to correctly situate this development, one must ask: How did it all start or what is the genesis of all this?

About four months ago, precisely on Tuesday, September 13, 2011, former Kwara State governor, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, raised a motion on the floor of the Senate which was cosponsored by 14 other senators for the lawmakers to closely scrutinise the subsidy regime within the ambit of the law so as to avoid serious damage to the budgetary allocations for the year.

But the motion could not be full heard until about a month later on October 12, 2011. And when it did, it turned out to be an eye opener for many who never knew the goings on in the fuel subsidy regime.

Senator Saraki, the immediate past chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), argued that the Federal Government operates a fuel subsidy regime with the primary purpose of making petroleum products not only available but at the same time designed to cushion the possible effect of the true market prices on the populace.

He noted that because the fuel subsidy scheme was a long-standing government palliative action to help the Nigerian people, the motion did not aim “by any guise” at removing the fuel subsidy.

He however insisted that in sponsoring the motion, he was propelled by the need to make the scheme more transparent, corruption-free and competitive within an appropriate legislative framework and in compliance with the Appropriation Act. The senator stated that according to the 2011 Appropriation Act, N240 billion, which equals to N20 billion a month was allocated for the implementation of the fuel subsidy.

He noted further that out of the N20 billion monthly allocation, N11.2 billion was voted for Domestic Fuel Subsidy (NNPC) and N8.8 billion for Domestic Fuel Subsidy (Marketers).

He observed that whereas N20 billion was the amount set aside for subsidy on a monthly basis in the 2011 Appropriation Act, in the month of August 2011 alone, the sum of N165 billion was expended on subsidy out which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) got N88 billion and independent marketers N77.7 billion.

Senator Saraki added that of the total N240 billion budgeted for the entire year, a total of N931 billion had been spent as at August ending, which according to him, translates in simple Arithmetic to a difference of N771 billion or 700 per cent above the budget.

He tried to do a contrast and between what obtained in the first quarter of the years and the last quarter to graphically demonstrate his concern about the way the subsidy

•Lawann

regime was being handled.

He noted that in the first three months of the year, both NNPC and the independent marketers did not exceed N62 billion monthly but was surprised, so to say, that within the last three months, the figures had jumped from between N150 billion and N186 billion.

In his words: “With this trend, by year-end, we will have a fuel subsidy bill of over N1.2 trillion as against the N240 billion budgeted for the programme in the Appropriation Act”.

Saraki then urged the Senate to review the standards of legislative oversight, with a view to enforcing stricter compliance and enforcement of the Appropriation Act and rein in government agencies to the control of enabling laws passed by the National Assembly.

“This expenditure is treated as a first line charge and by implication all other expenditures include capital expenditures and even distributions to the states and local government, which we represent, is secondary”.

Senator Saraki was unequivocal about the intention of the motion. For him, it was not to witch-hunt anyone or coerce the Federal Government to end it or remove subsidy the way the government did on January 1, 2012 but to instill a proc-

ess of transparency.”The Senate should note that the wide disparity between what was budgeted for fuel subsidy scheme and what is expended goes to the integrity of the budget and an erosion of the authority of the National Assembly.

“This motion isn’t just about subsidy; it goes to the heart of the budget process and why we are here. Today, it’s the petroleum sector, tomorrow, it may be another sector. As at the time I moved the motion on September 13, the subsidy was N1. 3trillion. We’ve been told that it is now N1. 5trillion.

Now, it has risen to 700 percent above budget.

“I believe 700 percent is a real slap on the budget process.

“The motion is not targeted at an individual, it’s a systemic thing. The motion is about the level of wastage, corruption, lack of transparency that has brought us here. These figures are too huge for us to ignore. We must act fast in view of the challenges ahead.

“This chamber owes it to Nigerians to unravel what’s happening. How else do we explain that in one accounting year, we are spending N1.2 trillion on petroleum subsidy, which is 14 times the value of capital budget for the power sector in 2011, or 14 times power capital (N87 billion) or nine times for roads or 24 times for health or more alarming, four times defense and security budget?

“Those who are charged with revenues of this country must be called to account for every monies they received on behalf of the country.”

Talk of a motion brimming with facts and figures. The motion could be said to be the work of a lawmaker who has decided to add the job of a whistle blower to his arduous tasks of lawmaking and oversight functions for the good of fatherland.

Perhaps, the importance of the motion would have been lost had the Federal Government not by omission or commission played a fast one on Nigerians on January 1, by announcing the removal of fuel subsidy. The angry reactions of Nigerians to the timing, repercussions and economic burden it foisted on them almost instantly led to whole week of protests across the nation in which some innocent lives were lost.

It forced the leadership of the House of Representatives to convene an emergency meeting even on a Sunday at which the fuel subsidy regime was debated. At the end of the day, the House set up the ad hoc committee to probe the management of subsidy. Many who were quick to disparage the action and intention of the House as merely populist and perhaps playing to the gallery might have now seen the usefulness of the committee and the sitting of that day.

But as the hearing continues at the House, let the lawmakers and policy makers always remember the major objectives of the motion as moved by Senator Saraki, to wit that while curbing corruption in the system and enthroning transparency the masses must be assisted to live comfortably with the cost of importing fuel by a crude oil producing nation and a member of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Already, human rights activist and firebrand lawyer, Femi Falana has charged the House not to sweep the revelations at the committee’s hearing under the carpet.

Falana, who appeared before the committee on Thurs-

Political Politics turf

with Bolade Omonijo boladeomonijo@yahoo.com

Sovereign National Conference now

T

HE resurfacing of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) in Lagos on Thursday could not have been surprising to those who have followed the political history of Nigeria. It first emerged in a period of serious national crisis, a time when a full blown dictator took charge of national affairs and dared anyone to confront him. Many of the patriots who founded NADECO then were prepared for the worst and they barely survived the onslaught.

A lot of things have happened in recent times to gladden the hearts of progressives. First, there were the massive rallies and protests nationwide to compel the government to reinstate the subsidy regime on Petrol. Whereas many Nigerians said they understood the explanation of government on the logic of removing the subsidy, patriots and nationalists contended that too many things about the process were shrouded in secrecy and government needed to reformat the system to engender confidence that the accruing fund would be well utilised. The ongoing public hearing by the House of Representatives has further reinforced this position.

Then, when the federal government moved troops to the streets of Lagos and planned to deploy soldiers to all the states of the South West, the people of the region rose in unison. The Oba of Lagos, government of the state, governors of other states in the zone, the media, civil society and political activists challenged the obnoxious decision. Even the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos and other states of the region refused to voice support for the decision of the federal government. It is another lesson that the will of the people is superior to any force as the soldiers were withdrawn without much ceremony. Then, the fact that septuagenarians like Professor Ben Nwabueze, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite and Dr. Kalu Idika Kalu led street protest against deployment of troops was an indication that the past is not too far from the present.

All the protests and rallies took place in the context of general national insecurity. Kidnapping in the South East might have abated somewhat, but the Boko Haram dimension to suicide bombing of public and private places, looming religious conflict and increased spate of armed robbery, especially in the South West, have shown that the American’s prediction that the state could disintegrate within the next three years could become a reality after all. Never before had things been so bad in Nigeria. The United Nations House was bombed, Police Headquarters suffered the same fate and only last week, the whole of Kano city was nearly razed.

Dare devil nihilists seized the city and triggered off multiple explosions that claimed hundreds of lives. Jos is not too far from memory. The fire is still raging in the North East states of Borno, Yobe, Gombe and Bauchi. The other two states in the zone, Adamawa and Taraba have enough of their own security challenges.

The President has broached the topic himself: It is time to talk. It is however not enough to serve notice that he would be willing to engage Boko Haram in dialogue, he must be prepared to bring Nigerians of different persuasions together to discuss the way forward. This is also the NADECO message.

It is not a new call. It is only a reminder that Nigeria has drifted even further apart since the call became strident in the late eighties. Alao Aka-Basorun and Gani Fawehinmi, great crusaders who did a lot to promote the concept may be dead. But, the idea has survived. The Late Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Adekunle Ajasin and Senator Abraham Adesanya who were punished by the Babangida/Abacha administrations for suggesting the need for SNC may be long gone, but the call can no longer be ignored.

It is to the credit of the likes of Admiral Ndubuisi Kano, Mr Ayo Opadokun, among others that they have kept the flag flying. In due course, we shall know if Air Commodore Dan Suleiman, Chief Ralph Obioha and others who left to team up with the PDP intend to identify with the clamour for a new Nigeria, run with a constitution that we can truly call ours.

The questions have reverberated over the ages. Just before independence, the founding fathers gathered at constitutional conferences to decide the way to go. So, the First Republic Constitutions could be described as autochthonous. Others, since, sadly missed the mark. We must return to that path if we are to survive and attain the destined height of the giant of Africa.

For us, oil has become a curse. For others, like Angola, it has been a blessing. The people know what has been done with their wealth and can feel the steady progress. Not so Nigeria. The more prosperous in terms of petro dollars Nigeria has been, the worse has been the standard of living of the people.

A Sovereign Conference is too important to be left in the hands of the indolent handlers of the nation who have frittered away our fund and allowed degeneration in national affairs.

To start the process, the NADECO chiefs should be encouraged to kickstart the process by talking to other national and patriotic groups. The satte is unlikely to do a good job if all is left in the hands of the government of the day.

I doff my hat to Kanu, Opadokun and the new NADECO.

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COVER THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

THE BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

What Jonathan must do to win

In the last couple of weeks, the Boko Haram menace reached new heights, in this report, Sam Egburonu, Associate Editor writes on the options before President Goodluck Jonathan

U

NTIL Wednesday, January 25 when President Goodluck Jonathan took the bold step of sacking former Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, and appointing 53 year-old former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, in acting capacity, some critics had wondered if he had become overwhelmed and had given up on how to solve the Boko Haram riddle.

This action has expectedly elicited fresh hopes of major overhauling of the force, especially because Abubakar was appointed ahead all the six Deputy InspectorsGeneral, who were also retired with immediate effect.

Most citizens, who spoke with The Nation, said what the President did was a signal that he is ready to effect the m u c h awaited far reachi n g changes t h a t would h e l p uproot B o k o Haram a n d other security threats

•Jonathan

in the country.

This feeling was largely informed by embarrassing performance of security operatives in their handling of Boko Haram onslaught. Given the increasing sophistication of Boko Haram terrorist group since Ringim emerged as the Inspector-General of Police, and the obvious inability of the police, under him, to match-up with the group, many observers saw Ringim as one of the major problems of government’s failure in the war against Boko Haram.

Such critics had called on Jonathan to do something about the police, starting from the top hierarchy if he ever wished to overrun the terrorist group.

When he held back, it was widely argued that he probably did not have any idea what to do.

So, now that he has finally eased out Ringim and all the Deputy Inspectors-General, so as to tackle the terrorist sect more effectively, the question on the lips of many Nigerians is if this action is all that the President needs to win the war against Boko Haram?

“The injection of fresh blood in the leadership of the Nigerian Police at this point in time is a wise thing to do, but we must agree that it cannot be all that Mr. President would need to do,” says Dr. Israel Udo, a political consultant. He argued that the appointment of the new IGP is just the beginning. “Jonathan must follow up this gesture by empowering the police and other security agencies. Today, some of

us may adjudge Ringim the way we feel, but it is necessary for us to acknowledge the fact that the Nigeria Police Force and the entire security network need better facilities to measure up with the current challenges. It is not enough to flaunt the experience and connections of the new man.

Without the right facilities, there is very little he would do.”

Re-engineering of inter-agency relations Besides equipping and reforming of the Force and other security agencies, our investigation reveals that the inter-agency relations within the country’s security web may need to be looked into.

Some top security operators, who would not like to be named, contended that each of the agencies, like the Police, the State Security Service, Nigeria Military Intelligence, etc, would perform better if it enjoys healthier relations with sister agencies. It would appear that each of the agencies, instead of cooperating with the others, prefer to work in isolation, in what one officer described as “unnecessary show of superiority or vain attempt to impress the authorities by undoing sister agencies.”

If this alleged rivalry exists in reality, then Jonathan must step in and correct the anomaly if he hopes to win the current security war.

Acknowledging the claim that this type of rivalry may have hampered the efforts of the government to tackle the Boko Haram

•Yuguda

•Shekarau

•Continued from Page 25

Tracking the sect’s cash flow Taiwo Ogundipe, Associate Editor traces some of the sources of funding for Boko Haram

T

HE riddle about the sources of funding for the much dreaded group, Boko Haram once again came to the fore in the wake of the recent massive assault on Kano metropolis as and Bauchi city. A spokesman of the group reportedly said in an interview, that the extensive bombardments wrought by it came about because the governors of the affected two states reneged on an agreement to make regular payments to it. The interview was sourced from an online publication, 247ureports.

The unnamed interviewee was quoted as saying “The reason for Kano and Bauchi States attacks a

few days ago was hinged on failed promises by the governors of the two states.” The interviewee claimed further that many northern governors have relationships with the group. “Most of them pay us monthly to leave their states alone,” the spokesman reportedly said.

According to him, the immediate past ANPP governor in Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau agreed in late 2004 to an initial monthly payment of N5million to the group. This, he said, was later raised to N10 million in 2009. Apart from this, he said the government also provided institutional infrastructural support through the Hisbah (Islam Police) project

which received a yearly budgetary allocation of N1.01billion.

The new Governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, on assumption of office, according to the interviewee, stopped the outflow of this largesse including the funding of the ‘Islam Police’.

Regarding Bauchi, the Boko Haram spokesperson said an agreement was reached with the incumbent governor, Isa Yuguda in 2008, also to the tune of a monthly disbursement of N10 million. The agreement, he said, also entailed the provision of training grounds on the many mountains scattered in Bauchi •Continued on Page 68

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Cover THE BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

B

EFORE former Inspector-General of Police, Hafiz Ringim, fell on his sword following the bungling of the arrest of Madalla bombing prime suspect, Kabiru Sokoto, pressure on President Goodluck Jonathan to sack the entire leadership of the country’s security establishment had been intense.

This is understandable given the fact that in any organised set-up no one rewards failure. According to a report just released by Human Rights Watch the terrorist Boko Haram sect has killed at least 935 people between 2009 and now. About 250 of that number were persons killed by the organisation in the first weeks of this year.

These sorts of numbers are not the kind of figures that make for tenure elongation of those whose duty it is to secure the populace. Aside from the gruesome toll, no major sect leader or sponsor has been arrested, killed or prosecuted in recent times. Ringim himself, not too long ago, acknowledged that the Police have been apprehending only foot soldiers of the killer sect.

With each new devastating attack, the cluelessness of the totality of the Nigerian security network on how to deal with the Boko Haram menace is further exposed.

Although it is reasonable to hold the leadership accountable, analysts agree that the mere changing of faces at the top is not a magic wand. Those who would like to see someone fired assume that there exist within the system persons who can do a better job than those presently saddled with the responsibility. While it is not impossible that such individuals exist, given the peculiar nature of Nigeria’s present day security challenges that position is debatable.

The challenge of urban terror as prosecuted by Boko Haram is unprecedented in scale, intensity and sophistication. Whereas Niger Delta militants often blew up pipelines in isolated locations, hardly a day goes by without the sect setting off some explosions or launching gun attacks against hapless policemen and innocent civilians.

Key to the effectiveness of the group is its increasing proficiency at deploying Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in much the same manner as the Taliban in Afghanistan as well as other members of the global jihadist network. This capability is perhaps the most powerful evidence of linkages between Boko Haram and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).

It is known that for more than two years the sect had acquired some sort of bomb making capabilities. Major Nigerian newspapers carried photographs of crude equipment seized from the group following their catastrophic 2009 uprising. Clearly, they have since raised their game several notches from those early amateurish days.

By contrast, Nigeria’s security apparatus which had apparently dismissed the group as a phenomenon that would swiftly collapse following the killing of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf, back in 2009, made no concerted effort to acquire knowledge in this area.

In spite of regular boasts about being in control of the situation, there is little evidence to show that the State Security Service (SSS), Police, or the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) possess the requisite counter-IED capabilities to match the Boko Haram onslaught.

To further complicate matters, President Jonathan has made the astonishing declaration that the entire government apparatus had been compromised by Boko Haram infiltration. No area is safe: the executive, legislature, judiciary and security forces are apparently suspect.

The escape of Sokoto would, on the face of it, appear to confirm this. Just as unsettling is the fact that a sitting senator is presently facing prosecution

• Ringim

• M.D. Abubakar

Security chiefs’ sack race: Who’s next?

Will the sacking of Hafiz Ringim defuse the pressure on President Goodluck Jonathan to fire all his service chiefs? FESTUS ERIYE looks at the tricky business of hiring and firing Nigeria’s security top brass – accused of being a sect sponsor.

Early in the week some newspapers carried reports quoting sect sources who claimed they had been receiving protection payments from some Northern state governors. Tracking such financial transactions might be a bit difficult given that such governors have access to so-called “security votes” for which no one accounts.

With all these intricacies it would be simplistic to think that another game of musical chairs at the top of the security hierarchy is all that is needed.

In any event, the question of appointments to the apex of the services and agencies is usually an intricate political balancing act often driven by the survival instincts of the incumbent president.

Two of the most closely watched

positions are those of Chief of Army Staff and National Security Adviser (NSA). Until Olusegun Obasanjo’s second coming as president, the positions were mostly occupied by Northerners.

The wily Obasanjo developed a structure in which the three largest ethnic groups – Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa – superintended the NSA’s office and intelligence agencies. Leadership of the Army, Navy and Air Force was then left in the hands minority ethnic groups from North and South.

The late President Umaru Yar’Adua tinkered with that structure by naming General Dambazzau from the core North as Army chief. His successor, Jonathan – coming from a minority ethnic group – has made even more interesting appointments. He named

Azubuike Ihejirika to replace Dambazzau. He is the first Igbo since the civil war to hold the position of Chief of Army Staff.

Given our recent political history, many saw this appointment as a radical one that earned Jonathan immense political goodwill in the South East. It was an appointment which very few could criticize without coming across as seeking to marginalize the Igbo on the national stage.

The other interesting appointment was the naming of General Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd) – an Ijaw like the president as NSA. Azazi is eminently qualified to occupy the post having served at various times as Director of Military Intelligence, Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence, GOC 1 Division and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) before retiring as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

However, given the incumbent’s need to surround himself with loyalists, the fact that Azazi is from the same ethnic group as the president would have played as strongly as his credentials in securing him the appointment.

Many have argued the inability of the security agencies to crush Boko Haram is both a failure of strategy and intelligence. As coordinator of all the various intelligence agencies and sitting atop a multi-billion naira budget, Jonathan is bound to face increasing pressure to replace Azazi as NSA. Just as his reported closeness to Ringim did not stop him from easing out the police chief, he may find it hard to retain Azazi if the atrocities of Boko Haram continue unabated. In that event what options would be open to the president?

Many have suggested that he may run back to erstwhile NSA, General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau (rtd).

Although he has a legendary reputation, and has made the office virtually his property, it would be very awkward for Jonathan to embrace this option for all sorts of reasons. One very strong one though is the fact that many are beginning to wonder whether Nigeria cannot run her intelligence operations without Gusau. A similar query is how did the nation run her intelligence before the general from Zamfara took over?

With the appointment of Ringim’s successor, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar already mired in controversy over the recommendations of the Justice Niki Tobi’s panel report, Jonathan may need even longer introspection before making further changes in the security leadership. It is doubtful though whether Boko Haram would give him the luxury of unlimited time.

Looking beyond the military Should only military men hold the post of national security adviser? Joe Agbro Jr. reports

S

ECURITY matters have become hot potatoes in the world today and the responsiblity for security lie solely with only those with military training. It is perhaps because of this realisation that many countries, like the United States of America have ensured that all facets of professions are made to contribute their parts.

The appointment of security chiefs the National Security Adviser (NSA) in other parts of the world is not restricted to those with military backgrounds alone.

Professor Femi Odekunle at a recent conference organised by the School of Law of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and Vision Articulation and Foresight Consulting, said restricting the post of national security adviser to only former military personnel robs the country of great minds.

According to him, “Henry Kissinger was well-respected as US national security adviser,” and he was not a military man nor did he have a military

background. He observed that to properly analyse security matters does not rigidly equate with having a military career.

Citing the stellar performance of former US NSA Condoleezza Rice who was a university professor before being appointed as NSA, Odekunle said the country stands to gain by having the academia involved in matters of security.

In the US and UK, Security advisers have been recruited from the academia and also from within government ranks.

For instance, in the US, the duo of Henry Kissinger and Condoleezza Rice were civilians before they assumed the positions of chief security advisers.

Currently, the National Security Advisor, Thomas Donilon is also a civilian. And since Robert Culler occupied office as the first NSA between March 23, 1953 and April 2, 1955, 22 persons have been appointed NSA. Out of this number, only five persons (Lt. Gen. Brent Scowcroft (November 3, 1975 and January 20, 1977/ January 20, 1989 and January 20,

1993), Lt. Col. Robert McFarlane (October 17, 1983 and December 4, 1985), Vice Admiral John Pointdexter (December 4, 1985 and November 25, 1986), Gen Colin Powell (November 23, 1987 and January 29, 1989), Gen. James Jones (January 20, 2009 and October 8, 2010)) had military background.

Also, in India, the National Security Adviser, Shivshankar Menon, is a civilian. In Canada, Stephen Rigby is the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister and Associate Secretary to the Cabinet. Likewise is the scenario in the UK which has as its first National Security Adviser, a civilian, Sir Nigel Kim Darroch.

While the western countries tend to favour civilians to occupy the position of NSA, it is not the same in many developing countries. In Ghana for example, the National Security Adviser is Brigadier General Nunoo Mensah.

And, in Nigeria, the position of national security adviser has been recruited from the ranks of former military men.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Cover

25

THE BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY •Continued from Page 23 riddle, Udo said it may have explained why most of the operatives distrust their colleagues from other agencies.

It would be recalled that the issue of Boko Haram went out of hand after the leader, Mohammed Yusuf, who was arrested by military men, was murdered in police cell in very controversial circumstances.

Other options Besides repositioning the security agencies, experts in conflict resolution, politicians and others have offered other options available to Jonathan. Contending that the root cause of the Boko Haram problem is both social and political, such experts argue that the solution should not be armed confrontation with the faceless group. Instead, more economic, political and diplomatic options should be emphasised. Such options include negotiating with the leadership of Boko Haram Taking a cue from the innovative tactics employed by Umaru Yar’AduaJonathan government in tackling the Niger Delta militants’ menace, it is being suggested by many that Jonathan’s present government should also explore that option by offering general and unconditional amnesty to Boko Haram members.

The reasoning is that in doing so, the militants, who have been in hiding, will come out, thereby creating the enabling environment for proper negotiation.

For example, the President of Arewa Youth Forum, Alhaji Gambo Gujungu, on behalf of the group recently advised Jonathan to offer amnesty to all members of Boko Haram. He said this will encourage them to surrender their arms so as to commence a genuine dialogue.

As would be expected, many highly placed Nigerians are stoutly opposed to this idea, as they said Boko Haram operators have not given any reason for anybody to believe they are anything other than terrorists. To such critics, it does not make sense to negotiate with terrorists.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika summed up the position of such critics when he said: “No matter and whatever the measure you put in place, we will not get the best result through negotiation, unless the society as a whole rejects terrorism without any justification “Those who try to justify acts of terrorism market it and fuel the terrorists. They do this only to discover later that terrorism is not a matter to negotiate and win.”

He said this during this year’s second seminar on national security, with the theme: “Nation Building and National Orientation, Imperatives for National Security.”

Northern leaders’ question Another important factor that Jonathan has been advised to consider critically is the role of northern leaders in the formation and running of Boko Haram, and how these leaders would help the government to win the battle against the sect.

Reports of the emergence and funding of Boko Haram have pointed accusing fingers on political and traditional leaders in the north.

It has been alleged that the pioneer members of the terrorist group were touts of some political leaders, who trained and armed them for election purposes.

When the groups became rather difficult for those leaders to control, other leaders hijacked the move thereby further strengthening the faceless group.

Now, it is believed that rich, highly connected and influential sponsors are behind the terrorist groups.

Arewa Youth Forum recently confirmed this postulation, when it openly blamed northern leaders for the current state of insecurity in the north, saying that the Boko Haram insurgency would not have happened the way it did if there was equitable distribution of wealth in the northern part of the country.

Gujungu, President of AYF said at a media conference in Kaduna that government needs to study the factors that led to the birth of the sect, especially during the last administration in Borno State, to understand the dynamics and how best to resolve the crisis.

It is believed that if Jonathan truly and

What Jonathan must do to win

•Jonathan

painstakingly investigates the formation of the terrorist group in Borno State and considers the issues that brought the original face-off between the sponsors and the field men, it would be easier to identify the bone of contention that caused the present hatred and bloodletting.

Cooperation of all Nigerians It has also been noted that security personnel alone can hardly uproot the Boko Haram sect. They will need the cooperation of all citizens.

This explained why many observers supported Jonathan’s call to retired security and intelligence personnel to join him, his government and their colleagues still active to find lasting solution to the current problem.

Already, some Nigerians, including

top political leaders have expressed readiness to offer assistance. One of them is Sen. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, the former governor of Kaduna State. While offering to help solve the security challenges, he said: “At this moment in our country, there was need for all hands to be on deck for us to overcome all the problems bedeviling us.

“Whatever role I am given, I will play such role with all my strength and wisdom.”

It is hoped that many more elites and leaders with valuable experience will offer to assist Jonathan.

International Assistance There has been general consensus that foreign assistance would be needed to effectively tackle the Boko Haram onslaught since the Police and other security agencies in the country have seemed helpless in the face of the guerilla tactics used by the group.

This option seems practicable since foreign powers are already making offers to assist Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. For example, the United States has offered to assist Nigeria in the fight against terrorism. US Consul General, Mr. Joseph Stafford, who said this in Lagos during the week, said it was on the agenda of US, Nigeria Bi-National Commission summit, which ended in Abuja on Tuesday.

“We recognize the violence that Boko Haram represents and in the spirit of partnership, whatever comes out of the meeting would be followed up.” He said US could help in terms of information sharing, trainings and other helpful ways.

Acknowledging poverty and economic survival as parts of the problem, Stafford

said, “We do not believe it is solely a security issue. The underlying political and social factors must be taken into consideration.”

He, however, said such a condition should not be an excuse to terminate lives of innocent people.

US also explained some important sociopolitical solutions to the security challenge in Nigeria to include, among others, good governance, control of arms proliferation and efforts to cut off funding of the group.

These solutions were revealed by Ms. Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Public Affairs at a press briefing at the State Department in Washington last Monday, when she said of last Friday’s multiple bombings in Kano, “We are obviously extremely concerned, and it was a really horrific spate of bombings over the weekend.” She added that “US had a broad and rich counter-terrorism dialogue with Nigeria.”

However, some pro-democracy activists have warned against seeking foreign assistance. Those who are of this view are Dr Tunji Braithwaite and Chief Ayo Adebanjo.

According to Braithwaite seeking foreign assistance may complicate rather than solve the problem. He said in giving this view “We are not condoning the act of terrorism. We fear that the act might escalate in the country. We know that the international community has offered to work with Nigeria in tackling Boko Haram menace, but we take this a pinch of salt. The international community should stay, because they caused most of our problems and what they are only interested in is our oil exploitation, so the president should not accept this.”

How far this will go in curtailing Boko Haram is what Nigerians are looking up to.

Rising security votes N

IGERIA has joined the league of countries that are known to spend a good chunk of their budgetary allocation on security.

Nigeria ranks 57 in the global rating on military expenditure. It occupies the seventh position in Africa while it is regarded as the largest spender in the West African sub-region.

The ranking was based on Nigeria’s military expenditure in 2009, which also made her the seventh largest spender on the African continent. The country spent $1.864 billion or N233 billion in 2009, representing 0.90 percent of the Gross Development Product (GDP). Defence is a critical sector and has enjoyed favourable consideration in funding, especially in recent years. For instance, the sector got N264 billion in 2010 and this rose to N348 billion in 2011 budget.

Unlike other sectors of the economy, military expenditure in Nigeria has gone up by over 50 percent compared to other sectors in recent times.

It is anybody’s guess why budget allocations in key ministries and agencies especially security and defence has continued to get the lion’s share in the last few years. But analysts however wager that the rising budget spending for security over the years could have been influenced by a constellation of forces.

For instance, in 2008, the policy thrusts of the budget as presented by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua to the legislature on November 8, 2007, was supposedly reflected in “N444.6 billion for Security and the Niger Delta.”

It would appear that the mega figure was aimed at political correctness and possibly intended to show new commitment heights for security and the development needs of the Niger Delta.

Apparently justifying the need for the bogus budget, analysts at the time said perhaps, it was also intended to signal

reports that despite rising budget allocations for defence and security in the last five years Nigerians have not received value for their money

I brahim Apekhade Yusuf

to the international community that Nigeria is sparing no expenditure in ensuring peaceful co-existence among the citizenry and the interest of the businesses.

It also enjoyed incentives because most of its goods are imported. These imports are exempt from import duties, Value Added Tax (VAT) etc under the Common External Tariff 2008 to 2012 (CET). Defence funding in Nigeria is superior to many sectors and in most African countries, especially in line with security responsibilities.

Giving fresh insight on the budget allocations for security and defence, Mr. Bright Okogu, Director-General, Budget Office, a quasi-governmental agency under the Presidency, noted that within

ECOWAS, Nigeria’s defence spending is the largest.

“It is five times greater than the spending of Cote d’Ivoire and almost 15 times the size of Ghana’s spending,” he said.

Allocation to the key government ministries and agencies under security and defence got the lion’s share of the 2012 budget with N921.91 billion.

2012 budget when compared to 2011 and 2010 shows that from 2010 through to 2012, Nigeria would have spent around $84billion, of which $16bn would be for security.

Over the last eight fiscal years, overall budget performance has been put at about 30 per cent.

Budget Allocations for Security/ Defence from 2008-2012 2008: N444.6 billion (Umar Yar’Adua) 2009: N233 billion (Umar Yar’Adua) 2010: N264 billion (Umar Yar’Adua) 2011: N348 billion (Goodluck Jonathan) 2012: N921.91 billion (Goodluck Jonathan)

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Cover THE BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

TOil subsidy and challenge of good governance Inside Nigeria’s

HE activities of the daredevil Islamist sect, Boko Haram, have, more than at any other time in the over five decades existence of the country, clearly revealed some fundamental weaknesses and shortcomings of the various security agencies in the country. While not troubled with any external threat, the nation is disturbingly assailed by incessant multiple internal security challenges.

Worst hit among these agencies is the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) which has been scathingly disparaged and denounced as inefficient, non-proactive, lacking in modern crime detection prevention skills.

But the police are not the only agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring sufficient and viable security for the country.

The Nigerian Armed Forces, comprising the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy, and the Nigerian Air Force, are other security agencies empowered constitutionally to carry out specific duties towards the strengthening of the country’s security. There are also other security agencies which provide intelligence services. They are the State Security Service (SSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). These agencies were all products of the then Nigerian Security Organisation (NSO) which Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida as the Head of State dissolved in June 1986, through Decree Number 19, after the investigation carried out by a committee led by Umaru Shinkafi. IBB had in his first national address promised, among many other things, to restructure the nation’s security services. One thing that keen observers of these security groups have noted is the lack of team work among them. They are worrisomely hobbled by inter and intra agency contention besides other equally formidable challenges.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) The NPF whose responsibility it is to generally see to the protection life and property within the country has undergone varied changes since 1930 after the police forces of the amalgamated Southern and Northern protectorates were merged. With staff strength of about 300,000, the NPF is yet to fully divest itself of the colonial cloak which makes it hard for it to rise to the demands and challenges of modern policing. Its crime detection and prevention, and investigation records in recent times are everything but something to cheer. The NPF’s ability to deliver is terribly limited by shoddy recruiting method, lack of training for its officers, majority of whom are fairly educated, discouraging remuneration, graft, indiscipline, lack of equipment and other essential necessities of responsive and responsible policing, low level of public confidence, failure to report crimes, want of expertise in specialised fields, and unbridled tendencies to resort to self-help. This is in spite of the fact that huge billions are yearly earmarked for the running of this security outfit.

Analysts and even eminent Nigerians have repeatedly maintained that the present structure of the NPF is ill-suiting. The NPF is constitutionally designated as the national police with exclusive jurisdiction throughout the federation, and all the state Commissioners of Police are answerable only to the Inspector-Gen-

security establishment The bloody exploits of Boko Haram militants across the north have exposed the unpreparedness of Nigeria’s hulking security apparatus. Ademola Adesola examines the shape of the agencies. eral of Police, who is appointed by the President. The call for state police as befitting a country practising federalism continues to rent the ear. Those who make this call argue that state police system will enhance efficiency in policing and make each state to have a manageable security agency that can adequately respond to security challenges.

With the 10-man special committee set up by President Jonathan last week under the leadership of Parry B.O. Osayande to, inter alia, identify the challenges and factors militating against effective performance in the NPF and make recommendations for addressing the challenges, it is the expectation of many Nigerians that the committee will come up with transforming recommendations and that this government will not pussyfoot about implementing them. As it is now, the general agreement is that the NPF is direly in need of a thorough reform which will enable it to acquit itself professionally in the face of the unrelenting threat posed to national security by Boko Haram and other groups.

Nigerians who have had reason to treat the NPF’s motto of “Police is your friend” with disdain will as well want to see a significant change that will enable them to repose confidence in the men and women of the Force now un-

• Azazi der the leadership of AIG Mohammed Dikko Abubakar.

The Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF) As enshrined in section 217 of the 1999 constitution, the defence of the territorial integrity of the country, securing its borders from violation on land, sea, and air, and other core interests of the nation are some of the major roles assigned to the NAF whose main components are the army, the navy, and the air force. It can as well quell insurrection and act in aid of civil authorities in order to restore peace when asked to do so by the President whose action in this wise has to be in line with the conditions prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly. It

•Chief of Army Staff Ihejirika is estimated that the NAF has over 200,000 troops and more than 90,000 paramilitary personnel.

Though in time past the NAF has received commendations for it operations within and outside the country, it is on record that since its incursion into the Nigerian political terrain beginning from 1966 (in which between then and 1999 it carried out 10 coups) its professionalism has been badly eroded, cluttered with all kinds of inefficiencies, and “has become entrenched in all facets of [Nigerian) civic and economic life”. Former army general, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, in his inaugural address as a civilian President in 1999 lamented that

in the nation’s military “professionalism has been lost”, adding that “my heart bleeds to see the degradation in the proficiency of the military”. This fact was also expressed by the Ekiti State helmsman, Dr Kayode Fayemi, in his book entitled Out of the Shadows. The weaker institutional framework of the NAF made it possible for influential personalities to direct its affairs as they saw fit.

The Nigerian Army (NA) is the land branch of the NAF and it is the largest among the Armed Forces, with over 100,000 professional personnel. In terms of doctrine, the task of the Nigerian Army fundamentally remains: to close with and defeat an organised enemy. Because it is mainly tailored to fight conventional wars, the guerrilla tactics employed by the Boko Haram group has continuously stretched it beyond its elastic limits and thus makes it difficult to suppress the increasing insurrection from the terrorist group.

Like the police, the army too has it fair share of bad image owing to plentiful acts of brutality and dehumanisation associated with its troops. Its frosty relationship with the police is inclusive of those factors that make cooperation for the sole purpose of ensuring viable security nearly impossible. If the NA is to aptly perform its roles, its officers certainly will require such training that will enable them fight terrorism in the modern fashion.

The sea branch of the NAF is the Nigerian Navy (NN). Its activities on the Nigerian water ways are not too frequently known to many Nigerians. Since 1959 when it was transformed from its strictly colonial outlook, the assurances have always been that this military agency can respond as expected to any external or internal threats to the country through the sea if aptly em•Continued on Page 67

On the trail of Shekau

I

BRAHIM Abubakar Shekau, like most outlaws, lives a peripatetic life: here today gone tomorrow. He is constantly on the move, running and hiding from the long arms of the law. It is a pattern of life learnt from the leadership of the international terror group, Al Qaeda. Shekau is said to be originally from Kaduna State, and as a Muslim he grew up learning by rote the Quran. The search for Islamic knowledge and the need to quench his thirst made him to relocate from his home state to Adamawa State. However, he never found the fulfilment he was in search of. He therefore began to live a nomadic life: moving from one state to another. He left Adamawa for Yobe and after sometime moved to Borno State.

In the course of living this nomadic life he met Mohammed Yusuf the killed leader of the Boko Haram sect. He and Yusuf were said to have struck a rhythm as soul mates. In no time, because of his organisational abilities, he became the deputy leader of the group. In this position he wielded lots of influence both on Yusuf and other members of the group.

He was said to belong to the hawkish school of the groupbelieving that its mission cannot be achieved through the use of persuasive words but by the use of both terror and coercion. For instance, in 2009 the group got the wind that its headquarters was

Ibrahim Abubakar Shekau is the elusive leader of the Boko Haram sect, Olayinka Oyegbile, Deputy Editor, gives a glimpse into his world. going to be raided by security agents. The late Yusuf and a few others decided that the headquarters should be evacuated and deserted. Shekau would never hear of this. He insisted it was not right for them to run. He advised the group to confront the security forces. Yusuf and some others kicked against this. However, Shekau insisted and prevailed on Yusuf to fight. Eventually, when the hideout was invaded by the security forces Shekau escaped with gunshot wounds while Yusuf and some others were captured only for Yusuf to be killed later by the police.

It was widely believed that Shekau himself was killed along with others during the raid. For sometime Shekau maintained a low profile and dropped out of circulation. This was perhaps to allow him recover from the gunshot wounds he sustained during the raid.

In the footsteps of Al-Qaeda He was later to appear on television and on the social media YouTube, in a video message in which he dismissed rumours that he was dead. The video was shot and released in the manner popularised by Al-Qaada. The video woke Nigeria’s security agencies to the realisation that he

•Shekau is not dead afterall.

Shekau was said to have admired Osama bin Laden and sees himself, especially after the death of Yusuf, as the arrow head of Boko Haram in the country.

With the death of Yusuf, Shekau assumed the mantle of leadership and began to build the group in his own image and the way he felt it should be. He radicalised the group and made it abandon its initial role of quiet evangelising. He encouraged members to take up

arms against the state to avenge the killing of its members. His targets were policemen, other security operatives and government agencies, which he believed were responsible for the decimation of Boko Haram members in the onslaught on their headquarters.

The groups specifically targeted Borno State government officials.

Shekau was so sure of the invincibility of his group that he was never afraid to boast that not even the Nigerian Army can confront it in a fight. His favourite saying to the group is “Anyone who attacks us, we will attack him back even if he is a Muslim. We shall kill anyone who works against Islam, even if he is a Muslim.”

He has perfected the act of attacking police stations, army formations, places of worship and all those he sees as aiding the state in its fight against the group. He has also added attacks on social spots to the list because he sees such places as un-Islamic and against the tenets of Sharia.

The question on every one’s lips is: for how long will Shekau remain elusive and commit more havoc before he is brought to account just like his favourite figure of terror Osama bin Laden? It’s a day short today.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

y m p e e k Why I t e r c e s s u t a t s l a t mari u z i W c M a r i a h B — –Pages 36-37

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Glamour

Kehinde Falode Tel: 08023689894 (sms)

Snow white glam!

E-mail: kehinde.falode@thenationonlineng.net

W

•Izehi

•Ezinne Chinkata

HITE outfits are experiencing a revolution. The Little White Dress (LWD) is the summery sister of the Little Black Dress (LBD). It’s versatile, matches everything, and can be worn day or night. Like your favorite LBD, a LWD is a great neutral foundation upon which you can build a fabulous outfit accented with bold accessories and glamorous footwear. They are no longer as formal as they used to be. They are getting bolder and more daring by the day.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Glamour

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Elbow care tips W

•Ene Lawani

•Checkout Chief Nike Akande tiny bag

HEN we t h i n k a b o u t beauty and skin care, we give special attention to our facial region and to our arms and legs.

However, we often neglect our elbows.

Many people have rough and dark elbows which are not only itchy and hard, but also dirty to look at. Below are some natural ways by which you can take care of your elbows to keep them soft, healthy and beautiful.

Since the elbow region is generally devoid of oil glands, it is easily prone to dryness. Thus, they require regular care and attention to remain healthy and soft.

First of all, you need to keep your elbows clean and devoid of dirt as any dirt that gets accumulated in the elbow region is quite visible and often leads to the darkening of the area. You can use a p u m i c e stone to get rid of dirt.

A l s o , scrubbing the elbow r e g i o n regularly helps.

To have soft and healthy elbows, you need to keep them moisturised.

Always apply coconut oil or olive oil

or a moisturising cream on your elbows after having a bath to prevent drying up of elbows.

If you are suffering from dry and rough elbows, then lemon is the solution.

You just need to rub a lemon on the elbow region for about 10 minutes and it helps in naturally softening your elbow region.

After that, you should apply a moisturising cream. The astringent effect of lemon helps in freeing your elbows from rough skin. Thus, lemon is widely used as a natural cure for rough elbows.

If you have dark elbows, then prepare a home made solution for it by adding little almond powder in yogurt. Apply t h i s mixture on your elbows t o lighten the dark elbows.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Glamour

•Gorgeous Pearl Lowe lace dress

•This Oasis lace dress will be a treat in the festive party season

Lace

inspirations

W

HATEVER your mood, be it romantic, sensual, western, street punk or pop, there is a lace look to fit it.

In a multitude of styles, fabrics and hues; whether seriously romantic or loaded with attitude, there is variety to choose from. Lace has definitely come to stay and it’s a fashion must-have.

•LBD •Model

•Reiss white lace would work so well with coloured accessories to toughen it up!

•Model for Frank Osodi

•Model for Frank Osodi •Model

•Model for Ituen Basi

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Glamour

33

MREIN store, a Nigerian fragrance brand owned and run by Mercedes Richards introduced her ten new scents to the public at the Victorian Crown Hotel, Ajose Adeogun, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Kehinde Falode captures the red carpet hits and misses at the event.

All very trendy for Ebisan. Kudos!

Ndidi Obiora can't go wrong with a well-cut black embellished blouse with peach pumps.

Sexy and confident.

Kudos!

Annette Cole gives lesson in how a streamlined silhouette can work to knockout effect.

Kudos!

I give Ogochukwu thumbs-up!

Kudos!

In this beautiful embellished chiffon gown Chika Acholonu looks comfortable.

In a word, she's resplendent.

Kudos!

Wow! Damilola Adegbite looks incredible and the slenderizing white tunic top, skirt and pumps shoes are just right for her body. Kudos!

THEATRE

t

BIGSCREEN

With VICTOR AKANDE

Tel: 08077408676

es k a m a l o t o m O er 20 widows ov

S

TAR actress, Omotola Jolade has continued to identify with charity. In what she calls “The 20 Widows Makeover”, the thespian was said to have assisted 20 widows in Lagos as a way of encouragement. Omotola said the ‘20 Widows Makeover’ project is aimed at helping these women to boost their confidence and self esteem.

At the event which took place at different beauty parlors, the widows were treated to first class treatment and beauty regime including a total makeover, starting with facials and massage by H and H spa. Next, the women had their hair done by celebrity hair stylist, Ugo at Make Me, followed by make-up by House of Tara.

They were also treated to a shopping spree with clothes from

Everywoman boutique, and finally, a photo shoot session with popular photographer, Kelechi Amadi Obi. Beside, Mossy Ella Bakers provided cupcakes while drinks were provided by Chivita. To top it all, the widows went home with gift items such as designer pots, cooking utensils, a bag of rice each, make-up kit from House of Tara and words of encouragement from Pastor Tessy of Jesus My Shepherd Church.

Omotola said of the project: “I imagined doing something I wish or someone had done for my mother. If you give these women money, they would spend it on their kids. This time it’s about them. It was lovely and fulfilling to see the entire transformation and I am really grateful to all that helped to see this happen.”

Tonto Dikeh pulls another stunt

S

HE is fast becoming the real Sharon Stone of Nollywood, making fresh impact in the minds of her fans and critics alike.

As if the criticism of the 58 tattoos all over her body was not enough, the sexy and sultry thespian has again unveiled a sexy photo shoot, in which she is clad in tight-fitting animal clothing.

This sexy posture is sure to be a topic of gossip in the coming weeks.

The photos portray her as a •Tonto

SOUND TRACK

wild and adventurous persona. And with the never ending series of daring acts pulled by her, sources say indications are that the actress may be following a script which is aimed at sustaining her popularity in the movie industry.

In another development, the actress who twitted a response to one of her fans who had asked her if it was true that she blasted Nigerian Governors on facebook, replied thus: “My name is Tonto Dikeh and I run only this account (@Tontolet) on twitter. Don't be deceived I am not on facebook.”

Osuofia, Mama Gee join telecom Ambassadors

T

HE duo of Nkem Owoh (Osuofia) and Patience Ozokwor (Mama Gee) have been confirmed by MTN Nigeria as the new face of the brand. Sources revealed that the thespians got the contract which is worth 30 million naira late last year.

The contract is said to cover TV, Radio and outdoor advertisements. The duo have made their marks, especially for their comic roles in the movie industry and are regarded as the first elderly actors to be used by any Telecom company in Nigeria.

•Osuofia

plus

GISTS

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e-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

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Entertainment

They have always asked me whether I am married or pregnant.

Obviously I am not pregnant. As for whether I am married or not, I can't talk about that.

I prefer not to talk about it

W

setbacks, how do you see the year turning out?

The year has to be fantastic. There is no other way. If care is not taken, it will take something really bad to happen for Nigeria to become better, and I am hoping that will not be the case. From the way things are going, it is really getting to that crescendo where things will really get worse than it already is.

But I am praying and hoping that someone, especially someone from the leadership part of Nigeria, can do something and save this country especially from Boko Haram. It started like a joke, and before we knew it, it had escalated. Nigeria needs to take things serious. People are dying. It is not just about the statistics; these are human beings we are talking about. It is just terrible.

Personally, what are your plans for the year?

I am working on myself. It is a new year and I intend not to rush into anything whatsoever. Of course it is more about films and the arts; wherever the good wind leads me.

Why the choice of the arts, especially knowing that it places you on the spotlight?

The part about placing me on the spotlight; I have no hand in. If they don't talk about me, I guess it will make my job a lot easier. Then again, it comes with the territory. There is nothing I can do about that. What I do enjoy is getting a good script, doing my thing and knowing that it will change someone's life or that it will entertain and make someone happy. Like real estate, I didn't want a job that is nine-to-five. I had it and it was depressing, but when I started acting, I found out that I was free. I felt like I was in the zone, so I knew that it had to be that. Every other thing will come together.

Would you say that participating in AMBO has anything to do with your success rating in the industry?

I don't know how I can rack my brains around that. AMBO gave it to me. That is the 'koko' of the matter. I probably would not be where I am today without AMBO. Whether I would be at a higher or a lower level, I do not know, but one

37

Why I keep my marital status secret —Bhaira McWizu

Bhaira McWizu made inroads into the Nigerian movie industry when she won the third edition of the Nigerian Breweries - sponsored Amstel Malta Box Office (AMBO) competition. Also an hotelier and Real Estate dealer, this actress talks with OVWE MEDEME on a wide range of issues, including her rumoured pregnancy, the state of the nation among other things

HAT was 2011 like? 2011 was a cocktail of so many things, the victories, the triumphs, and then there was the down part where I had some people who were close to me who fell ill and it was just chaotic because it looked like I was going to lose everything. I realised then that life is more than material things; it is more than career. When you have a family, the bond there is strong.

Looking back, between the good and bad times, which outweighed the other in 2011?

I would speak from a gratitude point of view. I think the good outweighed the other, but thinking about the bad part, it was so depressing. It had to do with life. Someone close to me was ill with cancer and I spent time in the hospital caring for this person.

Everything stopped for me. Even when I was shooting, I couldn't think. I just wanted to go back and take care of her but God was good. God came through for us.

Nigeria appears to have started this year on a wrong footing. With all the

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

thing is sure, I was determined to act. I was determined to make something of my life and my talent. I really can't answer the question, but I can say that AMBO helped me. I think they did a good job of strengthening my career.

Of recent, rumours have been making the rounds that you are married and heavy with child. How true is this?

They have always asked me whether I am married or pregnant. Obviously I am not pregnant. As for whether I am married or not, I can't talk about that. I prefer not to talk about it.

Is there a particular reason you are being secretive?

I am not being secretive about my relationship status. It has nothing to do with secrecy. It is just a part of my life that is entirely mine. The point is, there are rumours and there are some truths to the rumours but I am not just going to talk about it.

What if young chaps see you around and start making passes at you?

Body language is everything. If you are not getting any green light, you will

know what to do. Then, you will know whether I am single or I am not Career-wise, would you say you are there?

God forbid that I would be there at this point. I don't pray to see that time any time soon. I like to go through all the rigours. I like to improve. I like to be appreciated. I like to dream of bigger things and do better things. I am not in a hurry. That is the truth of the matter.

For the benefit of those who perceive acting as being all about glamour, would you care to share the downside?

I can't speak on a general level but one of the dark sides is that I operate in a career where everybody talks about you. As an actress, you lose your privacy. Because it is our job to entertain people, there are some things that people just want to know more about us, and we can't stop them. Aside that, you can also get to the point where you allow the fame to get into your head.

Everybody wants a piece of you and then you forget the real things about life which include family, love, helping other people and all that. I think that is one of it.

In your view, what would you say is the present state of this industry?

There was a time when everyone was complaining about everything and then the movies stopped for a while which was very good. All of a sudden, small groups of people started doing things and getting it right, knowing the ropes and doing things properly. It is a young industry and we cannot expect too much. We are getting to that point where we can say yes, Nollywood has arrived, even though we are not fully there yet. We are doing good stuff.

Today people go to the cinemas to watch home videos. I find that impressive.

Are you working on any project at the moment?

One of the movies I starred in will premiere in February, this Valentine. It is called C7, which means the 7th Commandment, 'Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery'. It is a fantastic movie. I got to play Hajara, a very silly and playful woman who is pitched alongside Stephanie Okereke. Things happened, someone gets shot, the police come in and stuff like that.

What would you say the art has taken from you?

This job is not easy as people may think. I am not talking about the fact that it is really really competitive. I am talking about the fact that if you are a

serious artiste and you like your job, you like to be punctual, you like to do stuff that people admire, it is not easy. It can get really tedious and really painful.

Compared to a nine-to-five job, sometimes, you just want to opt for the other. You have to work at odd hours and you still have to look good.

How profitable is the job?

It is very profitable on so many levels.

I am being recognized, I get paid well and I can afford the things that I want.

Life can be better though.

Recently, the country was thrown into turmoil by the removal of fuel subsidy. What is your take on the issue?

Subsidy removal is practical. It is good for our country, but then again, there are so many things that are good for this country. Most important of them is the removal of bad leadership. If we are to make a list of the things that we need to do for this country, subsidy removal should be at the end. When we have removed the extravagance in government, then we can start talking. I don't understand why they really need such huge figures to run the government. One person's loot can take care of everything. And then we buy the expensive fuel, we spend it on bad roads, traffic and all that. There is so much layer of corruption that even if the government wants to do something good for this country, no one is buying it anymore. It doesn't make sense. We feel ripped off. That is my opinion.

Are you considering contesting for a political position anytime soon?

That is even worse than a nine-to-five job. It is too restrictive but I am considering something close to that.

Something that has to do with nation building is what interests me.

Who is Bhaira?

Bhaira is one person who likes to take things easy. Life is simple. I stay close to my friends. I take my job seriously, I like to love, and I like the good things of life.

As an actress, how did you end up in the Hospitality and Real Estate businesses?

It is almost the same thing as the art in the sense that you don't need an office to perform in those fields. They are lucrative jobs. My mum was into Real Estate and whenever I am free, I like to give her a helping hand and of course learn and increase my creative abilities.

It started out as being a charitable thing, trying to give back to her for all the things she has done for me. But it got to a point where I realised that there is money to be made from the trade.

Are you very attached to your mum?

Who isn't? Of course I am attached to a healthy level. There is a point where you know you need to stand on your own, do things for yourself and think with your own head. On that, I am attached to my mother. My father is late so my mother is very important to me.

Is the demise of your father responsible for the attachment you have to your mum?

She has always been there through the good and the bad times.

When I was at the AMBO house, she went voting for me. She really loves unconditio nally.

What do you do wheneve r you are overwhel med by the stress

I am not being secretive about my relationship status. It has nothing to do with secrecy. It is just a part of my life that is entirely mine. The point is, there are rumours and there are some truths to the rumours but I am not just going to talk about it

of your career?

I try to read as much as possible. I take time for myself where I just stay alone and commune with God and ask for direction. There were times when I have really lost it.

How do you unwind?

I play a lot; I listen to music and watch movies, although watching movies is work for me. I dance a lot to Latin American music and I spend time with my family.

What is your attraction to Salsa?

It is a sensual dance step, although it has some of its roots in Africa. You have to be open to dance Salsa, you have to be flexible and as an actress, my body is my soul, I need to allow energy flow freely. I have always been a dancer. I love dancing.

Do you buy the belief that the world would come to an end this year?

I am not buying it at all.

2012 was a good movie, but about the world coming to an end? I really don't know, but if it does I am ready, it is just that there is so much I have to do. If God says it is time, it is all good.

•Bhaira

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Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Kefee diversifies

Though his past has been strewn with controversies, Soul E is on a revival mission. AHMED BOULOR reports that the artiste who is about to drop a new album, He's Alive, makes another stunning revelation when he said he was never married to Queen Ure

E

MMANUEL Ifechukwu Okose, popularly known by his fans as Soul E, emerged on the music scene brimming with so much vigor that whetted the appetite of music buffs and lovers alike with his single entitled Soul E Baba Dey Here.

Many had predicted that he was perhaps the one who would give 2face Idibia, a stiff competition, judging by his smooth but husky vocals and enchanting physique.

His burgeoning career at the time assumed another dimension when he reportedly got married to Queen Ure, a former banker and Pastor.

Together, they made headlines about how they met in Church and got acquainted in April 2007. The love story was made sweeter with purported claim

by Soul E that he had been watching Ure from afar for eight months before their friendship began.

In an interview with Ahaoma Kanu which the couple granted jointly in May 2008, Ure and Soul E threw spoke on how they met and eventually got hooked: Ure: “Initially, I didn't know who he was and never knew he was nurturing the idea of marrying me. I just observed that there was this particular guy that was staring at me in church. I didn't know he was Soul E. The song, Soul E Baba Dey Here was popular but then, people didn't know who sang it, likewise me. We eventually bumped into each other at the church car park and I asked him why he was always staring at me and that was how it all began. He made his intentions clear; he wasn't out to date and wanted a permanent relationship. I wasn't in any serious relationship, so I gave him a chance and that led to our union.”

Soul E: “I've seen a lot of women because of the kind of profession that I am into here and outside the country. Really, I don't know what happened

My case with Colossal is still in court; I wouldn't like to dwell much on that.

I would also like to use this opportunity to say that at no time was I banned from using the name Soul E as it is being rumored in some quarters

D

ELTA state born songstress Kefee is perhaps thinking about life after music while seeking new ways to make extra cash with her planned opening of a continental restaurant.

The Branama crooner is seriously thinking of exploring other avenues of making money as she is set to open her own restaurant called Branama Kitchen. The eatery is situated at Mende Maryland, Lagos and sources have revealed that it will be officially opened for business th on the 5 of February, 2012.

Soul E seeks forgiveness from all …Admits he has made a lot of mistakes in the past

I'm using this opportunity to beg everyone that has been associated with the negative side of what has been written about me in the papers. I really want to say: I'm sorry. I was young and did not know what I was doing that particular day I saw her. It was a Wednesday and she came to church late. It was her smile that caught my attention and I said to myself that she is my wife. I didn't think about it and I didn't mince words, my brother was a witness. The guy, I featured on the song, Soul E Baba Dey Here was there also when I said it. I thank God everything just worked out perfectly well.”

But the once-upon-a-time fairy tale union fell apart like a pack of cards about three years ago, and as if that was not enough, Soul E's separation with Ure also affected his once burgeoning career which has hit its lowest ebb lately. The legal battle with his erstwhile label, Colossal Entertainment, hasn't also helped matters.

But like the story of the proverbial prodigal son who is on the path of redeeming his image, the singer has come out to beg all those he may have offended in the past.

“I'm using this opportunity to beg everyone that has been associated with the negative side of what has been written about me in the papers. I really want to say I'm sorry. I was young and did not know what I was doing; please find it in your heart to forgive me. I took a lot of wrong steps and am paying for it now. Please, I can't move forward without the prayers of

•Kefee

great men and women like you.

I ask for your forgiveness and take me back as your son.

“I will also love to apologize to my fans home and abroad. If I have done something that may have upset you, I sincerely ask for your forgiveness and want you to take me back as the artiste that you have always loved. I'm a changed man and promise to be of good conduct. I need all the support I can, to become that artiste you all will love to see grow. I take responsibility for every action I have taken in the past. The lovely thing about the mistakes I have made is that I have learnt from every one of them,” he said.

Soul E also chose to drop the bombshell by declaring that he was never married to Queen Ure. “I want to use this opportunity to clear the air on some vital issues that have been misconstrued and passed off as 'fact' to the public. I was never married to Queen Ure. I was never a pastor and neither do I have a church. I only supported Ure's ambition to create a ministry while we were together. I am now a changed man and my priorities are different. My mission is to use my talent as a tool of change to win souls for Jesus Christ and use my experience to stir youths unto a positive path, in order for them not to make the mistakes I

made in the past.”

In another twist, it was gathered that the Delta State born artiste recently walked down the aisle with an Abuja based lady who is said to be a banker, at a registry in Ikoyi, Lagos.

It was revealed that Soul E fell in love with the said lady in Abuja and tongues are already wagging as to whether this is another quest for the R&B crooner to get financial backing and revive his stuttering career.

When asked about his recent marriage to the Abuja based banker, the artiste replied: “I wouldn't like to talk about that now. I am not married to another banker like it is being rumored; I am concentrating on my new album which will be released soon. I will comment on that, when the time comes”, he said.

He also talked about his legal battle with Colossal Entertainment: “My case with Colossal is still in court; I wouldn't like to dwell much on that. I would also like to use this opportunity to say that at no time was I banned from using the name Soul E as it is being rumored in some quarters. I was initially in a group called Soul Brothers which consisted of Soul T, Soul D and l. So, I don't know where that rumor is coming from. “It is not true”, he added.

Political appointment for Sam Dede

F

ROM the Ivory Towers and the movies, actor Sam Dede has opened a new chapter in his career.

The popular actor, we learnt, has been appointed by the State Government as Director General of the Rivers State Tourism Board, with effect from January 20.

The ever-serious looking actor, regarded in some quarters as the Al Paccino of Nollywood, first made a name for himself with his role in the 1996 flick, Blood Money. Before then, he had done My Father's Promise. The big break came for him when he featured in the movie Issakaba.

•Sam Dede

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Wizkid, Banky W cast in Shuga

New BBA game calls for pairs

S

HUGA, the new MTV sevenpart drama series about sex and relationships amongst contemporary African youth, is adding sensational singer, Wizkid and his mentor, Banky W to its cast.

Red carpet for the premiere of Shuga: Love, Sex and Money series is scheduled for Nairobi, Kenya on February 10, 2012.

Produced by MTV Networks Africa in association with The MTV Staying Alive Foundation, PEPFAR and the Partnership for an HIV-Free Generation (HFG), Shuga: Love, Sex, Money was conceived to spread the message of responsible sexual behaviour and tolerance. The initiative, funded extensively by the U.S. Government through PEPFAR, is working closely with the Government of Kenya to ensure the programme fits into Kenya's existing HIV prevention strategy.

The drama is set to explode the romantic hearts-and-chocolates view of Valentine's Day, with a hard-hitting series debut on February 14, (21:30 CAT, MTV Base, DSTV Channel 322).

Kenyan actress Nancy Wanjiku Karanja, 24, features in a key storyline about rape when her character, Baby, is attacked by a trusted older relative. Other themes playing out against the background of Kenya's clubs, bars, hangouts and ghettoes include transactional sex and male homosexuality.

Nancy Karanja is joined in the heartfelt drama by a sizzling cast that includes Nigerian artistes Banky W and Wiz Kid, both performing during emotionally hard-hitting club scenes, while Kenya-based Nigerian musician, Ikubese Emmanuel - a.k.a. 9con plays the role of Femi.

•Winner of BBA, 2009, Kelvin Pam with his wife, Elizabeth Gupta

P

ERHAPS the surprise is not just that the prize money jumped up to USD 300 000, intended Housemates are expected to enrol for the competition in pairs. This is an addition to the twists and turns of last year's ‘amplified version’.

The series producers put it stylishly when they said, for this season, entrants must DOUBLEUP to compete. This means that every aspiring participant for Season 7 must partner with another person to enter as a pair.

It does not matter if the second person is a best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, mom, dad, brother, sister, boss, husband, wife, or neighbour.

In addition to the changes in the series this year, Liberia and Sierra Leone have been added as two new countries, welcomed by Big Brother Africa, while Ethiopia is said to have bowed out of the game, and Mozambique, taking on a new role that will be announced at a later stage.

Thus, the participating countries will include, Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Organisers say both partners, who must come from the same country, 21 years or older, fluent in English and have a valid passport. Entry forms can be obtained from the nearest

MultiChoice office in their country from February 5, or log on to www.mnetafrica.com/bigbrother and complete the entry form online.

M-Net Africa Managing Director Biola Alabi said: “We are thrilled to be offering a huge, new, USD 300 000 prize and to include two new countries who were chosen to participate based on their ongoing interest in the series and their growing DStv audiences. “And while Ethiopia won't have a Housemate this year, we'll look to includ e them and other nonhousemate countries in other ways if the opportunity arises, as we do every season. We are and have always been proudly committed to making this a truly African show.

And as for Mozamb ique, they will be included with a housemate but that's all we are

Kel may lose Soulmate

•Karen Igho with Wendall Parson

N

OTABLE entertainment enthusiast, Chris Kehinde-Nwandu is making plans to unveil his F news making the rounds is anything to go comedy show tagged Laff 4 by, then female rapper, Kel may be stripped Nuttin. of her role as Soulmate ambassador, in the Chris says the comedy company’s search for Season Three personalities show is his contribution to to act as brand ambassadors for year 2012. Sources the ever growing comedy have revealed that her dwindling fame on the industry in Nigeria and music scene is one of the reasons she may be the annual event will be dropped. The terms of contract she signed with staged in five Nigerian the company, stipulate that she must be socially cities: Lagos, Abuja, Port relevant and popular enough to influence the Harcourt, Owerri and youth towards the sales of Soulmate Relaxer.

Enugu.

Radio presenter, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi was He described the similarly dropped as face of the brand at the coming Lagos leg, beginning of Season Two last year. The on-airpersonality was replaced by EME’s Mo’Cheddah. the first in the Mo’Cheddah, who currently enjoys appreciable series, as “a promising airplay both at home and abroad, and has caught evening of the attention of the hair care brand which seeks her signature to represent the brand might just be comedy and music as the next pick. never seen

I •Kel

saying at the moment”.

Alabi said the pair concept “will definitely make a dramatic addition to the series, so we urge people to enter and experience what will be a uniquely different Big Brother Africa”.

Produced for M-Net by Endemol South Africa, the new season of Big Brother Africa will be headline-sponsored by CocaCola for the second consecutive year, and will be screened to 47 countries across the continent, live 24/7 for 91 days on DStv channel 198. The series starts Sunday May 6.

39

Lola Margret set to premiere Omo Oloro

C

OME February 10, popular Yoruba actress, Lola Margret (Bisola Alanu) will be leading some of her colleagues, fans and friends to the United Kingdom for the premiere of her latest movie, Omo Oloro.

Billed to take place at the famous Planet Nollywood event spot, comedian Bolaji Amusan popularly known as Mr. Latin is scheduled to anchor the event, while Fuji artiste, Sefiu Alao is proposed for musical performance.

Directed by Bayo Tijani, the movie stars Faithia Balogun, Mercy Aigbe, Lola Margret and other notable Yoruba actors.

CKN out with Laff 4 Nuttin before. The show is scheduled to take place at The Place Arena, Isaac John Street, Ikeja, Lagos on March 11, 2012.

Chris, who the event is also meant to discover new talents in the comedy industry, listed Primetime Africa, Kennis International Music Channels, Classic FM, The Beats FM, Naija FM, and Wazobia FM as some of his media partners.

40

Entertainment

DSTV GUIDE *Kingdom Against Kingdom Part 1&2: Ukadike is a leader who rules with an iron fist and enslaves his people. Not even Aku, with all his will and physical power could stop him. DStv audiences can tune into Africa Magic on Thursday at 7:00 pm to find out whether Ukadike can be stopped or is he out of control?

Cast: Pete Edochie, Amechi Monago and Francis Duru.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

BIG

CINEMA GUIDE

PICTURE Supported by: SILVERBIRD CINEMAS

AFRICA MAGIC HAUSA (DStv Channel 117) Watch out for the Wednesday night premieres on Africa Magic Hausa. *Fatima Da Siyama: Siyama returns home after schooling in the United Kingdom to a marriage she doesn't want and her father has arranged. She reneges on the arrangement and proffers him her childhood friend.

A few months later she begins to feel jealous of the new couple and suddenly wants her would-be husband back.

AFRICA MAGIC PLUS (DStv Channel 115) *Princess Tyra (Part 1, 2 & 3): Princess Tyra is a classic tale about the abuse of power. The proud and arrogant Princess Tyra, who is betrothed to Prince Kay, finds herself competing for the love and affection of the Prince with her own house help, Mefie.

The discovery of Meffie's pregnancy triggers a chain reaction from the Princess's mother, which results in a series of untold consequences for Kay, Mefie and Ashley, the unexpected twin sister of Mefie. Starring Jackie Apphiah, Kofi Adjorlolo and Van Vicker. *King is Mine (Part 1 & 2): This movie tells the story of a young King who desperately desires an heir to his throne. He inherited a wife from his late brother and predecessor but after several attempts, she failed to bear him a male child. Now the king seeks a new mistress. The cast includes Nadia Buari, Jackie Appiah and John Dumelo.

Catch it on Monday at 7:00pm. *Zan Boko: Is an emotional story of a village family swept up in the current tide of urbanisation. In doing so, Zan Boko expertly reveals the transformation of an agrarian, subsistence society into an industrialised commodity. This docudrama which is directed by Gaston Kaboré and stars Colette Kabore and Joseph Nikiema will be aired on Thursday at 7.44pm *Totor aka The Turtle: It is about Mèntse, an orphan boy who meets his alcoholic father several times without ever speaking to him, and who is finally taken in by pygmies. In the pygmy village he makes friends with Ngâ'nsi, a young orphan like him who has extraordinary divining powers.

DStv audiences can watch it on Thursday 26 January at 8:05 pm.

2

…and mercenaries clash

011 action film relives tales from the intriguing world of military mercenaries to the 80's when the war in the Gulf raged. In 1980, mercenaries Danny Bryce (Jason Statham), Hunter (Robert DeNiro), Davies (Dominic Purcell), and Meier (Aden Young) are in Mexico to assassinate a man. Danny unwittingly kills him in front of his young son and is injured during the getaway. Affected by this outcome, Danny retires and returns to his native Australia.

One year later, Danny is summoned to Oman where Hunter is being held captive. He meets with the Agent (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), who arranges missions for mercenaries, and learns that Hunter accepted a $6 million job

but failed to accomplish it. If Danny doesn't complete Hunter's mission, Hunter will be executed.

Danny is introduced to Sheikh Amr, a deposed king of a small region of Oman who wants Danny to kill three former SAS agents, Steven Harris (Lachy Hulme), Steven Craig, and Simon McCann, for killing his three eldest sons during the Dhofar Rebellion.

Danny must videotape their confessions and make their deaths look like accidents, and he must do it before the terminally ill Sheikh dies. This will allow the Sheikh's fourth son, Bakhait (Firass Dirani), to regain control of the desert region his father had ruled. If

Danny fails, Hunter will be killed. Danny reunites with Davies and Meier. They agree to help him in exchange for a share of the money.

All three murders are completed but soon after, Danny informed by an Agent that there is one last man who participated in the Sheikh's sons' murders and that this man, Ranulph Fiennes, is about to release a book about his experiences as a member of the SAS. With his fate unknown, Danny tells his childhood sweetheart Anne to go to France with Hunter to protect her while he carries out the last job that almost wipes out his entire team.

Immortals: War between the gods and mortals

B

EFORE the dawn of man or beast, immortals wage war against each other.

The victors name themselves gods while the vanquished are named Titans and imprisoned beneath Mount Tartarus.

In this era, the Epirus Bow, a weapon of immense power, is lost on earth during the war. In 1228 B.C., however, the mortal Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) searches for the Bow, intending to use it to release the Titans to spite the Gods for failing to save his family. Hyperion captures the virgin oracle Phaedra (Freida Pinto), believing that she can find the Bow's resting place.

In a small village nearby, the inhabitants prepare to flee to Tartarus to avoid Hyperion's army. One inhabitant, Theseus (Henry Cavill), is a skilled warrior trained by his mentor, the old man (John Hurt).

Theseus and his mother Aethra (Anne DayJones), considered undesirables because Theseus was born from Aethra being raped, are forced to stay behind by villagers and Athenan soldiers including Lysander (Joseph Morgan).

Theseus ably battles multiple opponents until the Athenan officer Helios (Peter Stebbings) intervenes and discharges Lysander for his actions.

Lysander travels to Hyperion, offering his service and the village's location. Hyperion accepts, but maims and

emasculates Lysander for being a traitor. Hyperion's forces attack Theseus' village, murdering the villagers and Aethra, and taking Theseus captive.

Other characters like Zeus (Luke Evans), Athena (Isabel Lucas), Poseidon (Kellan Lutz), Apollo (Corey Sevier), and Heracles (Steve Byers), come into play as the gods and the titans prepare for battle.

Colombiana Genre: Action/Adventure Lagos, Port-Harcourt ******************************* Abduction Genre: Action/Adventure Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Abuja ******************************* Tower Heist Genre: Action/Adventure Lagos ******************************* In Time Genre: Action/Adventure Lagos, Port-Harcourt ******************************* RA. One Genre: Action/Adventure Lagos ******************************* Johnny English Reborn Genre: Action/Adventure Lagos, Port-Harcourt ******************************* Friends with Benefits Genre: Suspense/Horror Lagos, Abuja ******************************* Suing the Devil Genre: Suspense/Horror Lagos ******************************* Dolphin Tale Genre: Drama Lagos, Port-Harcourt ******************************* The Change Up Genre: Comedy Port-Harcourt ******************************* What's your Number Genre: Comedy Port-Harcourt, Abuja ******************************* Gossip Nation Genre: Drama Abuja ******************************* Contagion Genre: Action/Adventure Abuja ******************************* The Smurfs Genre: Science Fiction Abuja

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Glamour

Inside the Seal, Nigerian-born superstar singer, Seal, (real name Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel) has spoken of his shock at the collapse of his seven-year marriage to German supermodel, Heidi Klum, admitting they want to divorce with 'dignity.'

Kirsty Mccormack reports.

S

INGER Seal has revealed his heartache over the end of his seven-year marriage to Heidi Klum, saying he and his wife simply grew apart. The 48-year-old singer said both were shocked their marriage had ended and were 'grieving' for each other.

Speaking on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Seal didn't mention reports his wife had grown tired of his hard partying lifestyle and called time on their marriage.

'I think we were shocked,' he simply said.

'You go into these things with the greatest intentions when you say "I do" and you say "'til death do us part." Those vows hold value.

They are not just words.'

The 'Kiss From A Rose' singer is continuing his promotional tour of his latest album despite the latest development in his personal life. He went on to say that they had tried to work through it and do the best they could, but added: 'these things happen.'

'The thing that I'm most proud about this great woman who I married - and I really do mean that from the bottom of my heart - is that together she has given me four incredible gifts, four beautiful children,' Seal told DeGeneres.

But that wasn't the only compliment he had for Klum as he went on to say: 'She still, in my opinion, is the most wonderful woman in the world.'

It also seems that the couple do not plan to get nasty during the proceedings of their divorce.

'I think our priority was to remain civil and do this thing with dignity,' he said. 'We still very much love each other.' However, despite putting on a brave face and insisting that he and Klum still very much love each other, Seal did admit that they are both hurting.

'To say that neither of us were grieving would be an out and out lie - and I don't mind telling you that,' he said to the blonde host.

Another sign of the singer's ongoing love for the German supermodel was the fact that he was still wearing his wedding ring.

DeGeneres commented on this, saying: 'It's a beautiful ring.'

'I think it's just pretty much a token of how I feel about this woman,' Seal replied.

Heidi Klum break-up

'We have eight years. Eight wonderful years together. Just because we have decided to separate doesn't necessarily mean you take off your ring and you're no longer connected to that person.'

This then led him to direct the conversation back to their three children: Henry, six, Johan, five, and Lou, two as well as Miss Klum's daughter Leni, seven, from a previous relationship with Italian businessman Flavio Briatore.

'We will be connected in many ways 'til the rest of our lives,' he said.

'Though our children and also through this tremendous admiration, respect and love that we have for each other.

The full statement by Seal and Heidi reads: 'While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate.

'We have had the deepest respect for one another throughout our relationship and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart.

'This is an amicable process and protecting the well-being of our children remains our top priority, especially during this time of transition.

'We thank our family, friends, and fans for their kind words of support. And for our children's sake, we appreciate you respecting our privacy.'

'Will we wear the ring for the rest of our lives? Who know s? But right now it feels really comfortable on my hand so I h a v e n o intentions of taking it off anytime soon.'

The sudden split has come as a shock to fans after the couple always seemed so loved up with one another in public, and kept the tradition of renewing t h e i r wedding vows every year.

Seal was eager to prove that it is possible for couples to split amicably

in the industry, saying: 'I think the operative here is that we are civil to each other.

'Of course, when you have four children, you just hope and pray that the rest of the world will respect that we have four children and that their little hearts are at stake too,' he added.

Seal had echoed these thought when he also appeared on the Tavis Smiley show. But while he has kept himself busy in the days after the joint announcement, it seems that Klum has been preoccupied herself - but in the days leading up to it instead.

According to TMZ, the blonde has spent the last two weeks interviewing a number of the best divorce lawyers in Los Angeles.

A source said that Klum has already selected one of the lawyers based on this process - which she did in a secret location to avoid a leak.

All of the lawyers she met with have apparently represented a number of celebrity clients and it seems that Seal will not be able to hire any of the lawyers that she rejected because she shared confidential information with them - therefore, representing Seal would create a conflict of interest.

'I feel comfortable': The singer admitted that he was still wearing his wedding ring because he is still connected to Klum A s previously reported, Klum will cite 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for the divorce, with her husband's temper allegedly being a deciding factor.

However, during Seal's interviews there was no mention of the break-up being

41

due to his anger and 'hard partying.'

Klum is yet to comment on the split publicly, only releasing a joint statement with her husband.

There was no suggestion of infidelity, but one source said: 'It was a long time in coming.'

Heidi's father Gunther Klum - who had the German model with wife Ema - has spoken out about the breakdown of the couple's marriage.

He told US Weekly magazine: 'We are very sad.'

After marrying at Seal's beachfront home in Mexico in 2005, Seal and Klum kept their promise to renew their vows every year on their anniversary with their close friends and family.

The tension in their relationship is believed to have started when the pair holidayed with their three children in Ibiza in August.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: 'They were always the couple everybody strived to be but lately it all started to change. Seal seems to have been partying a lot more often than usual.

'When they had their holiday in Ibiza last summer, Seal hit it hard, was out at clubs and with his friends a lot and Heidi was left with their kids trying to enjoy herself. The cracks were appearing and everybody was talking during that trip. He seemed off the rails.

The insider added: 'They've spent a lot of time apart too on work assignments and that hasn't helped matters.

'Then when Seal came back to the UK to do promotional work for his next album, he seemed sleepy and not with it on shows like Loose Women, when he was very late for his appearance.'

And a source told The Sun today: 'The marriage ended months ago in reality. They rarely saw each other and it wouldn't be unusual for them to go months without spending any real quality time together. Ships that pass in the night would be an overstatement.'

Seal hinted at the split when he left a cryptic message posted on his Twitter page on Friday that read: 'The End.' The message was attached to a picture that appeared to show the star's forearm bearing an imprint of a set of wings a possible reference to Miss Klum's role as a Victoria's Secret winged 'Angel' model.

The split paves the way for a multimillion-pound divorce battle between the golden couple. Heidi, one of the world's most in-demand models, is reported to have earned more than ÂŁ12 million in the past year alone.

Seal has sold more than 20 million albums and won three Brit Awards and three Grammys in a career spanning 20 years.

The couple own a home in Mexico and an ÂŁ8.4million mansion in Los Angeles. However, judging by Seal's admirable approach to the break-up so far, things are unlikely to get messy such as custody of their children and the splitting of their joint assets.

42

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Glamour

Healthy snacks that will nourish your hair H

EALTH is one of the major parts of our lives we seek to improve each day. As clichĂŠ as it may sound, we are what we eat. Many times it takes a simple fine-tuning in our daily eating habits to make all the difference in our outward appearances. In the case of hair, you may have tried a million and one products that didn't live up to your expectations. When all fails, start from the insidehave you evaluated your diet lately?

Here are some healthy snacks that are loaded with nutrients to benefit your hair. Don't worry they won't require any culinary skills!

Raisins Snack on some raisins to get that blood flowing!

Raisins are rich in iron a n d a healthy blood flow will stimulate your hair follicles for growth. They also contain vitamin C, which aids in absorbing iron.

Watermelons We all know how important water is to healthy hair and growth, but there are people w h o h a t e drinking water.

Watermelons are about 92% water, so you'll be getting some of your water and other nutrients like vitamin C and potassium. PS

that's no excuse to stop drinking water‌use sweeteners if you must!

Almonds Almonds contain a substantial amount of magnesium which aides in hair growth (magnesium deficiency has been linked to hair loss).

Eating a handful will boost your vitamin E levels as well, contributing to stronger and more vibrant hair.

Carrots Carrots are a great source of b e t a carotene that the b o d y eventually converts to vitamin A, preventing dry and brittle hair.

O t h e r nutrients that carrots contain to maintain healthy hair include: B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin C.

Sunflower seeds The protein levels in these nutritious seeds are comparable to levels seen in steak or chicken breast. As the building block of our hair, protein is essential to growth and strength. While protein deficiencies are rare, this is a healthy go-to snack to keep in mind.

Oranges Your premier source of vitamin C will ensure optimal scalp circulation and help maintain the capillaries that are responsible for carrying blood to your hair follicles. This should speed up your growth if you're experiencing a vitamin C deficiency!

Broccoli Broccoli is loaded with vitamins A and C, which assist the body in producing sebum to moisturize hair and keep those roots strong. If you're not a fan of Broccoli, you're likely to find other green veggies t h a t provide similar benefits.

By Dolapo Roberts Source: Madame Noire

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Glamour

43

Social KAYODE ALFRED

(E-mail: kayflex2@yahoo.com, Tel: 08035733605, 08099400057)

Deoye Austen Peters reclaims social space

Mudi Label celebrates anniversary

B

F

OR many who do not remember when and how the Mudi Label started, it would surprise them to know that twenty good years have gone by.

Popularly called Mudi, Clement Mudiaga Enajemo, the man behind one of the leading fashion outlets in Nigeria, has a lot to be thankful for. At the time he started, fashion was not deeply rooted as it is today.

He struggled through it all, from the inception of his company in 1992, and is today one of the celebrated designers who has brought Nigeria's fashion industry to the frontiers of world standards.

No one can deny that Mudi deserves his happiness. MUDI has become a household name in Nigeria, and also in other parts of Africa.

Mudi

Andy Uba plans big for mum

I

T is once again that time of the year for Dr. Andy Uba to reach out to friends, neighbours and relatives. The Anambra-born politician has started pulling the strings to make the forthcoming 88th birthday party of his mum, Madam Uba an affair to remember.

To those who are very conversant with the ways of Andy, he is someone who likes to prepare for whatever he sets his heart on. It therefore did not come as a surprise when word filtered out that the connected man will be staging an A-list birthday party for his mother next weekend.

We gathered that activities are in top gear to make this year's celebration a memorable Uba one. From the caliber of people expected at the party, one needs no fortune-teller to explain that Andy still wields some political influence.

Chinwe Ngonadi leaves Customs

A

FTER a glorious stint, spanning several years, in the social arena, it seems that the irrepressible forces of nature have combined to make Chinwe Ngonadi otherwise known as Big Chi, in the Lagos social firmament, slow her roll.

In the days when she held sway, her name was a recurring decimal in high society circules. As time went by however, younger socialites started sprouting, giving Big Chi and her peers a good run for their fashion and socialising facility.

Though she remains one of the most stylish women around, Big Chi we gathered retired from the Customs service last year. She has now gone into private business.

ELIEVED by many to have taken a self- prescribed journey into the land of social obscurity for a much needed hibernation, Deoye Austen Peters has suddenly become conscious again and rediscovered his groove. Reports suggest that the man who hit troubled waters after his sudden departure from Zenon Oil has steadily reclaimed his place at the top of the ladder in social space.

Young and full of life and vigour, Austen has found his niche in the turbulently undulating field of Nigeria's oil and gas sector. Having had his fair share of trials and travails, many of which threatened to take him down, Deoye is back on top.

Presently, his energy company named Austen's Energy situated in Lagos, is doing really well.

At the time he was down, many of his friends dumped him, including his wife. However, some stuck by him and helped him weather the storm.

Stronger now from fielding life's wicked curveball, the sky has become the starting point for the sociable dude. As it is, he now enjoys the attentions of an endless number of admirers and bootlickers.

Peters

Gbenga Elegbeleye under pressure

F

ORMER House of Representatives Member for Ikare/Akoko constituency in Ondo State is back in the news. While it seems that Gbenga Elegbeleye vanished from the social radar, news reaching Society Circuit is that he went back to the drawing board to re-strategize.

While he didn't express a desire to contest in the upcoming Ondo State gubernatorial elections, citizens of Ondo have not ruled it out.

Reticent but very articulate, Elegbeleye is one ex-lawmaker that has continued to worm his way into the hearts of many with his silent but innovative strides in his Elegbeleye constituency on one hand, and his brilliant and perceptive arguments when matters concern the growth of Nigeria. It is no wonder then that his kinsmen are currently on his neck to contest so he emerges as the leader the people of Ondo need. While he is yet to confirm any intent to contest, one wonders if the people of Ondo will relent based on their demands that he becomes the next governor.

Taiwo Afolabi struts in new Range Rover Sport 2012

T

ALK about someone who knows how to live the life and Taiwo Afolabi immediately comes to mind. Blessed with suave looks and debonair sense of style, Taiwo Afolabi is a ladies man any day. The tall, dark and handsome man knows just the right time to up the ante.

Recently, in a move reminiscent of a master chess player, Afolabi blew the minds of detractors and rumour mongers. He added the new Range Rover Sport 2012 model to his fleet of cars. As if that was not enough, he allegedly extended his benevolence and good spirit to his twin brother to whom he also gifted a Range Rover Sport 2012.

For those who have stood in corners, whispering cruel and unfounded statements about the Sifax Group who recently won the deal to bring the highly celebrated Marriot Hotel to Nigeria he has certainly left others far behind in his wake.

Right now, he's painting the town red in his A-class jeep, and all who have seen him in recent times comment on the new spring in his step.

44

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Glamour

Exit of an Amazon, Mrs Abimbola Elsie Odunewu

L-R: Mr Totin Akonilafe, Mrs Morayo Akonilafe, Chief Alade Odunewu [The widower], Oyindamola Awosika, Ayotola Awosika, Ebun Awosika, Shalewa Akonilafe, Akanni Odunewu and Segun

V

&

ETERAN Journalist, Chief Alade Odunewu on 4 January 2012 lost his wife Elsie Abimbola Aduke. She was buried on th 20 January, 2012. The funeral service was held at Holy Cross Cathedral, Lagos .

L-R: Olu Fakeye, Chief Badru Olaogun and Anthony Shomade

PHOTOS: Solomon Adeola.

L-R: Tundun Oyede and Barbra Akomolafe

•L-R: Chief Alade Odunewu and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Adejoke OrelopeAdefulire

Barr. Micheal and Justice (Mrs) Tinu Wilson

L-R: Mr Ajayi Abiodun and Mr. Babatunde Odunewu

L-R: Chief Abiodun Adeniyi and Chief Anthony Sumade

Gen. Tunji Olurin and wife Kehinde

L-R: Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye and Egbert Imomoh

FROM THE CAMPUS PAGE 46

With Prof. Emmanuel Ojeme

THE NATION SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Nigeria’s imperial Eagles

S Roger and Rafa

I

T’s the time of the year again when all focus is on the first grand slam of the year. It has been an interesting 2 weeks so far on court but it was the off court activities that have made the headlines more.

World numbers 2 and 3, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s rivalry took a different twist. We have been too used to their rivalry on court and we all know it is advantage Rafa. Over the years, some of the game's top names have volleyed insults back and forth both on the court and in the media room, adding an extra bit of drama to the sport and maybe adding some spice if you want to play the devil’s advocate but never Rafa and Roger. Even though they are rivals, there’s always been a huge respect between both of them. We were made to believe that they are also very good friends, well I thought so too until Nadal’s recent outburst.

Before the Australian Open started, Nadal lobbed a ball into Roger Federer's court, publicly calling him out for staying silent while other players push for change in the men's game.

"For him, it's good to say nothing," Nadal said in a Spanish-language news conference Sunday.

"Everything positive. It's all well and good for me, I look like a gentleman,' and the rest can burn themselves."

Long story short, he criticised Federer for his unwillingness to speak out on issues affecting the men's game, allowing others to "burn themselves" as they seek improved conditions for players.

Nadal even got some backup from one or two other players.

"I don't know why Roger is not supporting the players," Nikolay Davydenko said Monday. "Because he don't want ... any problems. He's nice guy. He's winning Grand Slams. He's from Switzerland. He's perfect."

It is no longer news that Nadal has been complaining about the ATP calendar for a while now. It is easy to understand why Roger is silent about it. Due to their style of play, Nadal is more prone to injuries.

Federer on the other hand is almost always fit. If you ask me, I would say to Nadal, you don’t have to play in all tournaments seeing that

your body cannot last too long without injury due to your style of play.

In response to the criticisms, the Swiss maestro said “I completely understand and support the players' opinions," Federer said Monday. "I just have a different way of going at it.

I'm not discussing it with you guys in the press room.

It creates unfortunately sometimes negative stories."

I can identify with that really. It is better not to discuss it at all than to discuss and be misquoted.

The press always wants the juicy stuff and Roger is definitely not falling for that and really they are friends and colleagues and if Nadal has an issue he should confront RF directly and not cry to the media who inevitably will always make a bigger deal about something that really isn’t a big deal.

Besides why would dedicated tennis fans want to devalue the sport with gossip and "salacious tennis headlines" anyway? One of the many reasons I am a passionate fan or the sport is that there is camaraderie, a gentlemanly-ness, a civility that is not very common in many other sports.

Nadal has since apologized said he was wrong for bringing the issue to the media, and that he and Federer still have a "fantastic relationship”, although he didn't back down on the views he expressed.

Federer was as genial as ever, saying "things are fine" between them and admitting "we can't always agree on everything."

While I agree that the players have a point in their grouse which include the length of the season and prize money at Grand Slam tournaments, which some players believe has not

•Rafael Nadal of Spain (R) shakes hands with Roger Federer of Switzerland after their men's singles semi-final match on day 11 of the 2012 Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 26, 2012. Nadal won 6-7, 6-2, 7-6, 6-4.

increased proportionately with growing profits I think a strike will be very drastic for the sport and the fans.

Just ask the NBA and NFL fans about the lock-out. The ATP chairman has promised to address the issues; I hope it is resolved pretty quickly.

Maybe the payouts and participation requirements need to be updated, but the need to adjust event schedules and the burn out excuse are just ridiculous in my opinion and like I said before, if you don't make some tournaments mandatory, then the corporate sponsors will give less money, if they give less money, players make less money. They need to be able to guarantee the fans that big name players will be there in order to profit. The real

“In response to the criticisms, the Swiss maestro said I completely understand and support the players' opinions, Federer said Monday. I just have a different way of going at it. I'm not discussing it with you guys in the press room. It creates unfortunately sometimes negative stories"

issue should be profit sharing. No need to whine about schedule length. I can't believe that anyone even tries to knock Roger for not caring if the schedule is shortened. He works hard to stay healthy and that should be part of the game! Even Tiger Woods has said that he wants to modify his swing so that he can continue to play as he ages, likewise Federer. The great players will adapt to their sport instead of whining about the sport needing to adapt to them. Seriously, Rafa needs to learn how to pace himself and still be effective. Countless players have learned it before him and countless will learn it after. If you ask me, Federer is doing the mature thing; basically saying that there are issues, but they need to handle them properly and in an appropriate time frame... there is no need to panic.

Simple solution for Rafa and the others, no tournament is mandatory.

Play if you wish to do so, and pay the price for your absence in lost revenue and ranking points.

Selfregulating, as it should be.

Both players have since forged ahead and “taken care” of their business, Nadal more convincingly as he is in the final against Djokovic today. The rivalry keeps getting interesting.

O LONG as Africa remains low in the development scale, so will imperialism prevail in the sports sector.

Football is the most imperial of all sports as the best of most African indigenous players are expected to be domiciled in the developed world and imported back to represent their nations in international competitions. The use of imported foreign based players to prosecute international competitions poses its own problems and in the case of the Nigerian Eagles, in the past several years, there has not been equitable translation of club performances in Europe to national team performance.

This paper attempts further examination of the issues and advices on ways of making the best of Nigeria’s foreign based footballers.

When Nigerian foreign based Eagles do well for their clubs, it gladdens the heart of the national team’s coach.

The expectation is that the coach will be thinking of selecting the core of his team from this constituency. It has not always worked. Why? Here are some reason’s. (a) The social system of European clubs make it an imperative for a hired footballer to deliver on terms of engagement or such a player is returned to the labour market. So, for the Nigerian footballer playing for a European club it is an economic mission and the only way to survive is to perform. Based on this requirement, he knows, he must be disciplined, fit and gameful. (b) Quick Replacement for an Underperforming Player.

In the European club system, the language is performance.

Loss of form leads the club manager to seek a quick replacement for an underperforming player. So, every player is determined to be on top of his game to avoid bench warning position that may lead to ultimate sanction or replacement. (c) Motivation The social system of European clubs are characterized by motivational strategies that bring the best of performance from the players. They include: (i) Effective and efficient medical facilities (ii) Quality nutrition (iii) Insurance for players (iv) Good pay structure (v) Excellent game facilities (vi) Professionalized and integrated division of labour of the staff, among other. (d) Effective training programmes Club training programmes are well marshaled and systematic based on sound and well researched scientific principles. These processes bring the best from the player. (e) Athletic Focus.

The Nigerian footballer in a Europe is an athlete in all ramifications and is absolutely subjected to the rules and principles of athleticism. But in Nigeria, he is an overlord, a rich man and a revered individual and so exhibits a kingly psychomotor believiour on the field or play.

The foregoing reasons perhaps give us of some of the reasons for the underperformance of Nigerian foreign based players on international duty for Nigeria as they do well for their European clubs.

Paradoxically, however, Nigeria is not the only nation that imports her footballers from abroad for international engagement but some other countries who practice the same thing, get the best from their nations. Check on Ivory Coast, Senegal, Ghana and others, their imported players seem to deliver better results for their countries.

Based on the foregoing, the real challenge any Eagles manager faces is how to obtain quality performances from Europe based players and not just giggle at their European forms or performances.

A real reading and understanding of the social system in European clubs which provide the platform for the elicitation of the manifest top performances in Europe could be instructive in this process. Again the managers must also deal with the fact that a our national football team remains a social mirror of the Nigerian society.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

47

VOL 1 NO. 037

The Delta soap I know

T

HE headline above is not exactly appropriate for this article, considering scope and character of its content. However, we shall be constrained to make quick references to it because it will greatly aid our learning on the concept of brand management strategy and life span. A member of MC&A Digest team worked on the brand from its introduction to early growth years. The opportunity of first-hand experience in the development of such a brand offers so much for purposes of practice, teaching and learning. Effectively, therefore, the frequent reference to Delta Soap brand in the course of this article is not about passing judgment on its present managers, but strictly as a case study for purposes of professional enlightenment, in order to help practitioners' competence in case of future endeavor; an analysis a topical issue in brands management.

Put succinctly, this article is about appreciating the concept of brand management or support strategy, within the context of timeliness. Every brand management support activity is dependent upon a strategy, and every brand support strategy has a life-span. Any brand management or support activity executed based on an “expired” strategy constitutes grave danger to the brand. From market entry through growth to maturity, every brand lends itself to varying degrees of support, significantly differentiated by the design and structure of the operative strategy, at every stage. That explains the element of dynamism in the development and application of brands management strategy: circumstantial peculiarity.

As captured by Johnson and Scholes in their document “Exploring Corporate Strategy”, STRATEGY is the direction and scope of an organization over the long term: which achieves advantage for the organization through its configuration of resources within a challenging environment, to meet the needs of markets and to fulfill stakeholder expectations.

Functionally, strategy is about bridging the gap between Means and Ends. It is about deliberate systematic reasoning in determining the following: ?

Long-term business direction ?

Competitive advantages ?

Resource employment and allocation ?

Self evaluation and alignment with prevailing market dynamics ?

Expected or projected gains Following from the above, the essence and importance of strategy in the life of brands is evident. The success or failure of a brand depends on the underlining strategy (and its execution). To a large extent, the market place has no space for second try.

In operative terms, strategy is applied in relative terms.

In other words, strategy is fragmented along the line of application. So it is common-place to see strategic engagement in different forms to include sales, promotion, communication and broad brand management. The bottom line, however is achieving competitive marketing advantage over competition through strategic planning. Let us we quickly add at this point, the three basic components of vision, innovation and alignment working together to propel strategic engagement.

In reconnecting with the focus of this article, we posit that no brand succeeds without a winning strategic platform. Secondly, every strategy has a life span. Therefore, any brand living by an outdated strategy is likely to fail.

In less than 6months of the launch of Delta Soap brand of medicated and antiseptic soap the market was hungry for new trend in product usage within the segment and

the consumer expectations had changed without notice.

This was a period in the skin care market when target user knowledge of the product constituents and value essence was skewed by insufficient information. For instance majority of the target consumers within the skin care products market could hardly differentiate between the antiseptic and medicated product categories. Broadly, skin care soaps were seen as same in every circumstance antiseptic (preventive) and medicated (curative).

Another anomaly prevalent then was the pattern perception and identification of value touch-point. By reason of the quality of advertising prior to the entry of Delta Soap, a skin treatment soap was considered efficacious and therefore dependable by the extent to which its medicated or antiseptic smell is conk (smell) and the degree of its harshness on the skin (feel).

4The assignment for the new product introduction came without a brief (the client was only focused on the

campaigns). To re-enforce the place of time in the relevance of any strategy, that direction did not last more than three campaign burst periods spanning about 9months. The market connected with the brand in no time causing a rejection of those existing market players who until then prided themselves as market leaders based on inadequate consumer knowledge. The entry of Delta Soap caused a major change across the antiseptic and medicated soap market. In no time Tetmosol and Roberts soaps repackaged and repositioned. The consumer value touch points changed and the new brand became a market leader in vital terms.

Strategy and time: the success at introduction quickly necessitated a change in strategic direction from target consumer enlightenment to demonstration of brand promise, quickly followed by lifestyle support. That was the point when the brand ventured into developing icons for the brand in form of beauty pageant sponsorship. Remarkably, that was the point I disassociated from the brand.

Since then, however, the brand has remained a part of my professional past of interest, tracking its evolution in broad terms. It is a little difficult to detail the basic structures of the brand's management presently, but from the distance,

immediate marketing objective successful market entry and immediate target user connect for profitable engagement. In the face of such very difficult assignment, my previous experience with working on Procter & Gamble's Euro-Pampers and Vicks Lemon plus became a child's play.

By the time we set to prepare for presentation to the client, the broad strategic direction was clear consumer education/enlightenment for adjusted value consideration and product usage pattern. That strategic platform led us all the way through in achieving general attitude change among the target market. There from we had a brand which pay- off line became TOUGH ON GERMS MILD ON (your) SKIN. Brand management is all about influencing behavioral pattern and the most influential tool is information.

But all of the market research and report analysis are for the singular purpose of developing the right strategic plan.

The strategic platform on which brand Delta Soap was lunched was consumer enlightenment (recall educational

some things are registering, indicative of a brand at crossroads.

The first major observation is its aggressive venture into line extension.

Strategic brand management process starts with a clear understanding as to what (a) brand is to represent and how it should be positioned, versus competitive brands. The aim is to clearly identify and establish proper brand positioning which will reflect the benefits that the enterprise could maximize.

We are not too sure of the managers of that brand presently, but it seems the introduction of line extension has negatively impacted on the brand, SO MUCH SO IT HAS BECOME A CONFUSED BRAND. The position statement at introduction is still the prevalent today, and it is at tangent with the concept of line extension - for a brand that was distinctively positioned as the truly sophisticated medicated and antiseptic soap (combination of both predominant values) that is distinctively tough on germs and mild on the skin.

Secondly is its brands communication it comes across as lacking in strong strategic direction. A simple message impact check throws up target audience apathy due to emptiness of brand advertising message. The predominant recall element is the female models in the print materials. It is worse with the TV materials because the models do not keep up with the sophistication of the brand.

The big one: all of the above observations are only fallouts of absence of relevant brand management strategy, if you as us. I am not sure the brand has a brand manual even now, with all it had gained in stature and influence.

The present managers of that brand need to rework the entire management, starting by reviewing its person in the market today. Those old brands that suffered shock by reason of Delta Soap market entry have recovered, through extensive review, including product reformulation and repackaging. We suspect that the older brands are gradually taking away from Delta soap's market share not minding its line extension.

One last thing, the extension is negatively impacting on the brand because its value essence does not seem to support line extension. There is a need for rework at this stage.

Let us sign-off by reiterating that all we have done and said in this article are only for the purpose of professional refreshment and could be reference material for young practitioners. No malice.

48

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

H

OW did you venture into the Travel and Tours business?

How I deal with wayward men - Olowo

I read education biology at the University of Lagos and I taught for about fifteen years. After I knew my children had grown and I knew I needed a challenging kind of business, with my husband being an Aviator, I became interested in that field besides i was fed up with what we were seeing in the teaching profession.

Teachers were just given instructions up and down and the life of the children we were teaching was nothing to write home about because the government did not care about them and my salary at the time was nothing to write home about. I then realised that if I apply the same amount of energy that I use in teaching into my personal business, I would be successful.

One particular day, I had been given a salary raise. I got home and told my husband that I had been given a raise and he asked me to show him the pay slip.

When he saw it, he was surprised at how little the money was and told me to resign but since I had served as a teacher for a long period of time, I decided to retire.

While I was searching for what to do next, my husband and I put our heads together and decided to set up an agency with the little money we had. In October of 1992, we started the agency (Interguide Air Services) in Ogun State hotel in Sango Ota. We were there for one year before we moved to this facility in Ikeja.

Mrs Stella Bisi Olowo is a As a veteran, what are some of the working mother and a challenges you face in this industry? successful career woman.

We have a lot of challenges here. The first one is that there is no co-operation Having spent more than from the government and the regulatory twenty years in the travel body that we belong to is not trying to fix agency business, she sheds the problems we face. For example, last year, we were compelled to pay some some light on her money that I ordinary would not have experience as the chief paid because they are not bothered about the welfare of the individual agencies so executive officer of why should they come and levy us? We Interguide Air Services, have nobody who sees to our the challenges and the affairs.Another big challenge is that any Tom, Dick and Harry can go into the travel values that have helped business. We call these people sub-agents sustain her business. She because they mediate between the spoke with Rita Ohai. customer and the agencies. They have no office and they run about, snatching all the customers that would have walked into carry his lunch to the office and I had to your office. make sure his food was prepared on time.

The second problem we face is with the What training did you get to prepare commission we collect. In other African you for this job besides being married to countries like Ghana and Kenya, the job and managing your family? an Aviator? commission given to you by the Airline is I went to an Aviation school where I It was not an easy thing to co-ordinate your profit and you do not need to pay the business and the home but it depends trained for about six months. It was one anybody else out of that money but in on the individual and how well you can thing to go to school and another to put Nigeria there is no regulatory body to see plan your time and activities. A woman into practice the thing I had learnt and by to that because we have cases where who is plan-less will fail. You will need to God's grace, it has worked out well. passengers will tell us to give them some sit down and decide the kind of business What do you like the most about commission or else, they will move to you are getting into and find out the kind running an agency? some other place. of challenges you might encounter there.

It's tasking! It's very challenging and Also this new Cashless Policy that has Sometimes, you will need to take your pen you get to know people. I also love the fact been set up by CBN, although its generally and write down your plans and envisage that I am in a capacity to help people with a good thing in the sense that it prevents on the things you can do to ensure that the free travel counsel I give. people from carrying money around but there will be peace in your home. When I Considering that it is assumed that we the N1million daily transaction limit. was younger, working as a teacher gave live in a male dominated society, how Sometimes, we get clients who pay in me the time to take care of my children. As were you able to survive and be about N10 million into our account for soon as I saw that they were matured successful in this business? their ticket and Central Bank is claiming enough to take care of themselves, I opted Let me just hit the nail on the head. Some f o r m y men will come around and think that you that they will first c u r r e n t are one of those wayward type of ladies‌I remove 10 per cent in tax and then the Bank “A woman who is plan-less will fail. profession. I am not! When they come here with that will remove another You will need to sit down and decide didn't use to attitude, I talk sense into their head. Some the kind of business you are getting get to the of them will say, 'Madam, I want to see 10 to 20 per cent office before you. Can we just go out?', and I ask them, again. That cannot into and find out the kind of 1 0 o ' c l o c k 'Do you know who you are talking to?' I happen because challenges you might encounter because my am a responsible married woman and I am people will fight it. there. Sometimes, you will need to husband is married to a responsible man. It's an We are simply take your pen and write down your the kind of individual thing because you as a human struggling to survive.

How are you able plans and envisage on the things you m a n w h o control what happens to you. If you are not w i l l e a t greedy and you are contented with what to combine working can do to ensure that there will be breakfast at you have, you will make it. hard in this kind of peace in your home� home and When I used to go out with my staff to

Working life

companies to source for jobs, some of the men who ordinarily were not qualified to loosen your shoe-laces will be telling you 'nothing goes for nothing'. I would just take my briefcase and leave. For that same reason, I have walked somebody out of my office before. You just need to decide to be a woman of integrity.

Can you tell us a little about your back ground?

I was born in Kano to strict Christian parents. We were seven children in total and I had my elementary schooling in Kano but due to the Civil war in 1965, we relocated to the South-West and that was where I had my Secondary School education, in Abeokuta Oke-ona Grammar School to be precise. I finished my Secondary School education at Lagos African Church Grammar School (LAFOGRAMS) from there I went to the Teacher's College and then I did my National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Lagos State College of Education after which I gained admission to study Educational Biology at the University of Lagos.

If you were not into the travel and tours business, is there any other business you would have opted for?

I currently run a ministry which is more like a non-governmental organisation which gives me the opportunity to meet and help other people.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

New WOMAN

•Edo women protesting the removal of fuel subsidy

•Women lamenting their plight

Women in protest A

S Nigerians gathered with family and friends to celebrate the New Year, little did they know that they would spend the next couple of weeks in an armlocked battle with the government.

While people were still basking in the joy of the festive season, the President, on the first day of the year gave a sore pronouncement. The debated subsidy on fuel was removed and the price of Purified Motor Spirit (PMS) sky-rocketed to N138 leaving widespread panic and anger in its wake.

A once docile populace sprang into action. Within a few hours, a revolution that had slumbered in the hearts of many was birthed as a provoked populace took to the streets. At the fore-front of the struggle, perhaps for the first time in Nigerian history, were wives, mothers, sisters, daughters...Women.

Deola Sijuade, a business woman and mother, who was at the Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, explained why she decided to join the protest, “I came out because enough is enough. The cost of everything has increased and very soon, our children will have to go back to school.

There's no light, no water and no jobs yet

By Rita Ohai

they want us to pay more money for fuel. Where do they want us to get the money from? How do they want us to survive?” she asked rhetorically.

Similarly, Vera Akachukwu, one of the women of who helped cook the meals served at Iyana Ipaja, doubles as a primary school teacher and tailor. She stated, “This is a very wicked decision (to remove the subsidy) because many of the socalled Ministers and President that are demanding that the fuel price should be increased have never been to a fill-

49

ing station in the last five years. They are collecting a lot of money running into millions as allowances and yet they want to drain more money from us that are barely managing to feed! If they say the country is broke, let them start by cutting their monthly allowances by 70 percent and then you will see that this whole issue of Nigeria being broke will disappear.

They are just robbing Peter to pay Paul and we can't continue l i k e this.”

The nationwide street

protest and strike which received the endorsement of the International community also saw the radicality of women activists like Mrs Ochuwa Ubani, Joel Odumakin and Funmi Iyanda come to the fore.

In what has been adjudged the greatest show of solidarity and courage, the women of the ancient city of Benin drew global attention as they marched naked around the city in protest. According to Onofeagha Okojie, “. In Benin tradition, when women especially old women come out naked to complain about somebody or they decide to use it as a form of protest, it means

that all hell is let loose because as they as walking about naked, they will be cursing the person and be performing all kinds of rituals so that the person's future is doomed.”

Although a large chunk of the Nigerian populace have stood stoically against the removal of fuel subsidy, two women whose names have become synonymous with the policy and its impact are the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala and Mrs. Allison DezianiMadueke, the Minister of Petroleum Resources.

While giving reasons for the necessity of the policy, Okonjo- Iweala said, “Deregulation will open up the market, thereby creating jobs and the policy will reduce smuggling of products to neighbouring countries and reduce fraud.”

Her claim, however, seemed to have fallen on deaf ears as the alleged mis-management of funds from the deregulation of diesel and the effect of the wide-spread practice of corruption still ran fresh in the minds of many, keeping them on the streets for seven days.

The intensity of the protest was largely sustained by women in major cities like Kano where women took to the streets daily as early as 8am, Lagos where the women not only came out to protests the draconian steps taken by the their leaders but also engaged in massive feeding campaigns to sate the hunger of the already angry crowd and Edo State which saw barechested mothers proudly making their voices heard.

Oprah Winfrey: 'I am not the marrying kind’ Oprah Winfrey is still a happily single woman despite dating her partner Stedman Graham for 26 years.

A

DDRESSING a jam-packed crowd at the recent Jaipur Literature Festival in Jaipur, India, where she was filming the show "Oprah's Next Chapter," the former talk show queen said she'd be divorced by now had she tied the knot. "I am not the marrying kind," she said,

By Derrick Bryson Taylor

according to the Hollywood Reporter.

"I know that in a country like India where women have arranged marriages that turn into love, it may seem like a mystery as to why. But if we [referring to Graham] were married, by now we would be divorced.”

Oprah's comments come as no surprise to those who've been following her love life and career over the years. She once said of Graham, “Here is someone who is willing to stand in and stand up for you. And that is love.”

50

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Arts & Life

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

POLITICKLE

2012 opportunities •Or ‘Jobs for all seasons’

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

The writer couldn’t resist the edited version of an article that appeared here two years ago. For its enduring relevance as much as usefulness – reactions thus support – the piece remains a personal favourite among motivational pieces emanating from the writer’s desk. It runs in the spirit of the times.

FEELING down and out? Don’t be. The government may be undecided, the economy may pummel your plans, fuel may be deregulated and social services may not be regular, but never give up. If you are doing great, keep doing what you do best and pray earthquakes and other natural disasters remain remote. For those who need a helping hand, however, here are some ideas to help turn the tide.

The key is to follow monthly developments. Since finances are often dire in January, for instance, setting up a loan-based scheme could be profitable. Many will readily grab a financial lifeline after allowing material craving during the preceding Yuletide to cloud judgment. Of course, collateral and a fool-proof method are crucial to loan recovery as the burden of repayment often tests the beneficiary’s obligation.

In a society devoid of necessities that should normally be provided adequately by government, private supply of public services still appeal. As many previously jobless youths have discovered and currently do in the suburbs, a sizeable number of football-mad citizens find it less cumbersome to experience televised football matches in viewing centres for a fee than risk power outage from PHCN when a goal is about to be scored while watching at home. Besides electricity supply guaranteed through generating sets at the centres, lively discussions among the audience enthrall.

Not averse to the idea but worried about proliferation of centres?

Don’t fret; there is always room for one more. The rowdy, suffocating atmosphere in most centres put off the selective crowd who would prefer more cultured environments, even for a fee higher than normal.

With the 2012 Africa Nations Cup holding in Equatorial Guinea/ Gabon as well as the European Championship and the Olympic Games slated for London in the middle of the year in addition to football action from exciting European football leagues, setting up a viewing centre as soon as possible certainly appears a wise move.

Raincoats and umbrellas may be useless early in the year when there seems to be more dust than moisture but they can be counted as man’s best friends when the rains begin to pour from May. The sight of the itinerant trader hawking a bunch of both items from some strategic street corner and running out of stock on a rainy day shouldn’t amaze. For manufacturers and sellers of bleaching agents cum stain removers, the rainy season is surely a blessing. It is to laundry and dry-cleaning services too as the water-logged potholes and puddles that characterise Nigerian roads ensure a steady stream of customers.

And in the last quarter of the year – the ‘ember months’ as they say – when doomsayers prey on the sensitivities of a mostly superstitious populace, trading in clothes, dresses, electronics and generating sets may be particularly rewarding around the Yuletide.

Food and drinks naturally follow in demand as ceremonies – traditional, naming and wedding – dominate the period.

If any of the ideas works for you, that’s great. You deserve the reward that comes with your effort. Are you thankful? Please mention.

What’s that? You want to do something else, like what I do? Fine, but arm yourself with a copious dose of creativity and self-belief. You’ll need it all when ideas fall flat, ink threatens to run dry in your pen, or criticism bites. Or when, against your will, the pencil doesn’t slide across the surface of the drawing paper as usual.

QUOTE There are two things that one must get used to or one will find life unendurable: the damages of time and injustices of men.

—Nicolas Chamfort

Jokes Quick Drinks A WELL-DRESSED gentlemen enters the bar of a five star restaurant, sits at the bar and orders four very expensive drinks.

The bartender serves them on a silver tray, setting all four in front of the patron.

The man then consumes all four drinks in a matter of seconds.

The bartender comments, “Wow, you sure must have a problem.”

“If you had what I had,” the man replies, “you’d rush them too.”

Leaning over, the sympathetic bartender asks, “What do you have?”

“Fifty cents,” the man answers.

Closer Shave A COWBOY walked into a barber shop, sat on the barber’s chair and said, “I’ll have a shave and a shoe shine.”

The barber began to lather his face while a woman with the biggest, firmest, most beautiful breasts that he had ever seen knelt down and began to shine his shoes.

SUDOKU

The cowboy said, “Young lady, you and I should go and spend some time in a hotel room.”

She replied, “I’m married and my husband wouldn’t like that.

The cowboy said, “Tell him you’re working overtime and I’ll pay you the difference.”

She said, “You tell him. He is the one shaving you.”

Drunken Relief A COMPLETELY inebriated man was stumbling down the street with one foot on the curb and one foot in the gutter.

A policeman pulled up and said, “I’ve got to take you in, pal. You’re obviously drunk.”

Our wasted friend asked, “Ociffer, are ya absolutely sure I’m drunk?”

Yeah, buddy, I’m sure,” said the cop.

“Let’s go.”

Breathing a sigh of relief, the drunk said, “Thank goodness. I thought I was a cripple!”

•Culled from the Internet

1ST STEP IN SOLVING PUZZLE: (373) Look at the 3 bottom horizontal (GHI) 3x3 boxes. The left box has 3 in cell Ic, while the right box has its 3 in cell Gg. The middle box must, therefore, have its own 3 in row H, where 2 spaces are vacant —Cells He and

PUZZLE 373

A B C D E F G H I

5

6 7

9 4 1 7

8 9 4

5 8

7

2

6

3 a

b

6 4 9

3 2 4 3

1 c

d

e

f

Hf. But, since column f already has a 3 — in cell Ff, the only space available to accommodate 3 in the middle box is cell He. Reasoning along these lines, try and fill in all the other vacant cells.

SOLUTION ON SATURDAY. HAPPY PUZZLING !!

SOLUTION TO PUZZLE 372

8

9

29/1/2012

g

h

i

1 8 2 4 9 5 7 6 3

6 3 9 8 1 7 5 2 4

5 7 4 6 3 2 1 9 8

3 4 6 5 7 1 9 8 2

9 5 1 2 8 4 3 7 6

7 2 8 3 6 9 4 1 5

8 6 7 1 5 3 2 4 9

4 9 3 7 2 6 8 5 1

2 1 5 9 4 8 6 3 7

THE ARTS

51

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Intrigues as Culture Ministry faces cuts S the federal government begins to restructure the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation to make it more efficient, there is growing anxiety about the fate of some parastatals and heads of departments. Beyond that, many stakeholders, artistes and technocrats have argued that the committee set up by the federal government to look into critical areas that need to be trimmed or scrapped or merged, should have done better if they had first consulted with culture practitioners before settling down to work.

The argument is that there is truly room to trim the number of parastatals and departments in the Culture Ministry. But this can only be made more realistic if there was a forum where artistes contribute through debates and discussions. With eleven parastatals at the moment and as one of the least funded Federal ministries, the culture sector always feels the impact of government neglect and apathy. As it is now, most of the parastatals do not even have defined and clear-cut programmes to discharge to the public. It is a fact that most of the departments have duplicated responsibilities in terms of functions and programmes and this often leaves much to be desired.

Need for restructuring A source at the ministry agreed entirely with the idea of merging some parastatals and even scrapping some for apparent lack of properly defined roles. “Before that can be done, the same government has to present the matter to the National Assembly which enacted the law or edict establishing the departments in the first place. The existing edict has to be repealed to make it possible to scrap or even merge two departments together. This takes a very long process but if government is sincere, that will be facilitated within the shortest possible time”, the source proffered.

“My own stand”, reasoned Ebi Prebai, secretary of Dance Guild of Nigeria, is that this is a welcome development. But the problem is not totally with the parastatals themselves.

The managers themselves have to sit up to do what is needful to keep the sector alive and healthy. With all due respect, most times the halls of the National Theatre are shut. Why? This is a place where artistes’ programmes should be released every quarter like it is done abroad so that artistes and thespians will know what to do and what to watch”.

“Now”, he went on, sighing almost resignedly, “that is not the case here at the National Theatre. My concern is that the restructuring has to start at the level of functionality if we want to get it right. Let it not be on paper. For instance I don’t see any reason why almost all the parastatals will have art galleries. Art galleries for what? That’s a total duplication of responsibility which does not seem right”.

As it is now, questions have been asked over the years as to why the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) for instance should each have an art gallery. Although one is classified as the constudian of modern art while the other the centre of antiquities, their responsibilities are primarily to cater for the works of art, whether historical, archival or modern. Most times their functions over lap, thus creating undue confusion in the minds of those who follow their dictates. An inside source said, “Yes one may be modern and the other ancient, but what we are saying is that one may give room to the other”, the source said.

Now, when it comes to the role of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), what does it really do that the Na-

A

As the Federal Government prepares to restructure the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation for more effective performance, Edozie Udeze takes a look at the intrigues and intricacies involved

•Adaji, Artistic Director, National Troupe of Nigeria

•Yusuf, GM, National Theatre

•Amolo

•Ebi

tional Orientation Agency which is almost a sub-ministry in the ministry cannot do. NICO, as it is often the case, struggles to define its role and makes it difficult for people to know what to expect.

Abuja Carnival which has now been defined as a department has its programme only once in a year and with a directorate that often begs for concerted action. By the time the carnival comes up in November every year, the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) has already done its own version called National Arts Festival (NAFEST). Interest groups, stakeholders and some well informed technocrats find this incongruous. In other words, one should give room to the other. However the fear is that if two departments are merged, what is the role or position of the junior partner in the marriage? Will the director whose paratatal has been subsumed agree to play a second fiddle? “That, I do not know and that is where the fear is really alarming”, the same source said.

In all these, one thing is clear. The National Theatre and the National Troupe of Nigeria were established by the same edict. In fact most close watchers of events in the sector see their own merger as the most authentic and natural. But like Saint Pius Amolo (Bongoliso), an entertainer and actor put it: “let government not throw away the baby with the bath water. Once when the two de-

partments, The National Theatre and National Troupe came together it seemed smooth from outside, but internally there was plenty of squabble which marred the progress of the paratatals” he said.

According to Amolo, “I appreciate the fact that government is cutting cost for whatever reason. If we are cutting cost, we should be careful not to do away with very important departments and paratatals and what they stand for. But let stakeholders first and foremost be part and parcel of this trimming exercise. After that the chaff can be separated from the wheat. This is so because for me,

merging or whatever it is, has to bring out total efficiency so that for once we can see the viability and functionality of the people meant to serve us”.

An actor who refused to be named, equally picked holes with the modality of the exercise. “What government ought to have done was to open a debate involving eggheads in the sector. Let me tell you, no one is happy with the way some of the managers handle the affairs of the sector. Apart from a few I don’t want to name their names whose departments have been doing well in recent times, the rest are not supposed to be there.

We are the ones to tell government those who have been discharging their official duties and those who have been mismanaging their statutory allowances”.

Based on these however, will government also sack some workers when the exercise is over? That was a question that was put to a top official in the ministry who simply said, “Ah, I don’t think so. Government, having recently extricated itself from the industrial action occasioned by the removal of oil subsidy, will not want to engage labour in another industrial dispute so soon. My own worry is: what will happen to substantive directors whose departments may be closed down or who may be required to play a second fiddle. I see such people throwing in the towel because it will amount to nothing to report to somebody who was your equal before”, the source reasoned, adding, “let’s just wait and see.”

The parastatals •Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) •The National Theatre •The National Troupe of Nigeria (NTN) •The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) •The National Gallery of Arts (NGA) •The National Commission for Museums and Monuments (MCMM) •Abuja Canival •National Orientation Agency (NOA) •National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO) •Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) •Nigeria Institute of Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) Even then, there is still the rumour that the Nigerian Film Corporation, The Censors Board and The Copyright Commission which were seconded to the Federal Ministry of Information and Communications may be on their way back to the culture sector once more.

If that becomes the case, with the much expected adjustments, the Culture ministry will remain the largest in the country with about fourteen parastatals and departments. And then the question will still remain – of what use are all of these to the growth of the nation and the people?

National Troupe on stage in Ethiopia

T

HIS weekend is a very busy one for African Union (AU) leaders and heads of governments as they meet in Adidis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital for the official commissioning of a new AU administrative building. The programme which will last for three days has members of the National Troupe of Nigeria who are billed to entertain dignitaries also in attendance.

The Troupe which left on Thursday was led by the Artistic Director, Martin Adaji and the director of dance, Arnold Udoka. The Nigerian dance ambassadors were especially requested to thrill the august gathering by

the Minister of Culture, Chief Edem Duke.

Part of the dances to be showcased by the Troupe and which were packaged by Udoka include Agene Sebe, Egwu Odum, Fishermen’s dance, maliki and others. According to Udoka, the dances were put in place to show the world the repertoire of Nigeria cultural elements as they are embedded in dance.

The 16-man team will be back to the country tomorrow after performing their last act this evening. In the words of the Artistic Director, “It is our responsibility to always be ready to serve our fatherland. Our love and commitment to the country comes first.”

52

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Arts/Reviews

‘It’s time for dance of victory’ Steve James, Dance teacher at the Creative Arts Department, University of Lagos, is the president of Dance Guild of Nigeria (GOND). In this chat with Edozie Udeze, he talks about the World Dance Day (WDD) and what GOND has in store for the public this year

A

S the president of Dance Guild of Nigeria (GOND), what are you doing presently to keep the association fresh in the minds of the public?

Well, you can see it is just the beginning of the year. But with my secretary here, we’ve been discussing the programmes we have for the year – especially for the World Dance Day (WDD) which will come up in April. We hope to take our dances to Aso Rock this year and the date is April 29. As you know the World Dance Day is commemorated worldwide by all dancers and dance practitioners to reengineer the people and draw people’s attention to the place of dance as a noble profession.

We have sent letters to Aso Rock and to other stakeholders in the sector, hoping that the response will be favourable. This is the first time the body of dancers will be coming close to government. What we have this year is dance of victory. That’s the theme of our programme and it is to celebrate all victorious people in government who emerged winners in last year’s elections.

Every chapter of the Guild in the states are expected to prepare what we call dance of victory to honour every one that won elections in their states, irrespective of whatever political party they belong. It will be dance of celebrations all over the country.

We at the National level will go to Abuja to celebrate with President Goodluck Jonathan there.

Is Jonathan a dancer?

Ah, he is not. But everyone who is victorious dances. Or don’t they? So that’s what we intend to do so that our leaders will see and feel the beauty of dance in all its ramifications. When you are victorious, you dance. When you are happy, you also dance.

That’s the whole essence of what we plan to do, because when you are happy you don’t stay stiff, you wriggle your body to some rhythmic movement.

Don’t you think it is not safe for you to dance too close to government, especially now that fans stone artistes for romancing with the government?

Oh sure, but we are not partisan. What we do concerns dance in its entirety.

Even a mad man dances, a wicked man dances. Dance is totally meant for celebra-

• James

tion and so you can see that there’s no special dance for a wicked man. Dance is dance everywhere just like smile is smile everywhere.

You can’t be happy and stay moody. No. it is like when you have a new born baby. Life is all about celebration no matter who you are and what you do.

What elements of dance are involved in what you intend to assemble?

Certainly, we intend to assemble all genres of dance – traditional dance, sasa, shasha – all elements of dance that exist in this world and we will also try to bring in the president of C.I.D. that’s International Council for Dance. We will also honour all our legends in dance like Sir Peter Badejo, Chris Ogolo, Ojo Bakare and lots more.

These are professors of Dance who have done a lot to promote the profession and take it to greater heights.

What are you doing in the area of choreographing all these dances to give them one format?

The idea is that we will bring in experts in all the genres to give them the choreographic blend they deserve. In doing so, the experts will have to do their own works, bringing

the genres together to give them the desired synergy.

But before each state or troupe carries their out, we need to watch and appraise what they have, so that we do not present what is not good to the public.

But we might not be doing rehearsal collectively.

Each troupe of group will do its own rehearsal but we need to monitor what they do from time to time. Then we select what is good and ask them to perfect. Those that are not good, we will discard. All the dances will come out in their own mode and format so that the public will see other genres of dances. You know what they are used to mainly is traditional dance.

With all the dances we will make stories out of them. We will make laudable statements that will send positive signals to our leaders. We will have two or three choreographers who will finally give us the required blend.

If we can break into government, if we can use dance to make the desired statements, we would have told government that dance is a tool for social re-engineering. That’s why National Troupe of Nigeria was established,

but it is not doing exactly what it is established for.

I was part of National Troupe and what we were told then by the late Chief Hubert Ogunde who was the pioneer director was that at every point, one hundred artistes will be employed by the Troupe.

While fifty are abroad performing and touring and learning over there, the other fifty will be at home performing.

After a year, the fifty abroad will come back while the ones here will also go abroad. What they have brought back from overseas will be used to tour Nigeria to teach others what obtains abroad.

Those who have gone overseas will equally teach their lasts what Nigerian culture is all about.

This does not happen in the Troupe and we need to do our bit to entrench Nigerian dances in the society.

Besides that, how far has GOND, as a body, gone to also propagate Nigerian dances?

Yes, truly, yes, we have not been quite active of recent. When it comes to an association, you know the president or the association always use their personal money to fund the association. And there’s limit to what you can do with your personal money.

It is always hard for individuals to pay their dues.

And you know associations always rely on dues from its members for its upkeep and where that is not forthcoming a lot of things are left undone.

Before you even get corporate bodies to assist, you know how difficult that can be. If you don’t know somebody there no one will listen to you. But then, we have been trying of recent to make things work.

Money has been our hindrance, even as I am talking to you now we do not have enough to do what we intend to do. By the time you ask people to pay, they will ask you what GOND has done for them. But if you want to go to Abuja to perform, everybody will like to be part of it; to showcase themselves before the public. As at now, we have been using our personal money to send out letters and maintain correspondence with people but there’s limit to what we can do in that respect.

We have been doing our best. It is only when you have not succeeded that people will not look your way. When we went to Abuja last year for WDD, you saw what the Guild did and how the people applauded us.

Are members really living on dance and paying their bills?

Hmm, not exactly. I can say that only 40% of us truly live and survive on dance. The rest still do, but have one or two other things to survive on. For me now, as a dancer I am also a teacher at the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos. There, I teach dance and I also dance. I have not deviated.

It is still my profession.

Rotten underbelly of official corruption

T

HE post-Cold War world has produced a global consensus on the devastation caused by corruption in society.

However, in spite of the growing awareness of the danger that corruption constitutes to democracy and development, and the growing number of anti-corruption agencies in Africa in the last decade, there is yet no elaborate scholarly focus on these agencies, most of which were created in the wake of the recent expansion of multiparty democracy in Africa. As a corrective to this, Authority Stealing chronicles the story of Nuhu Ribadu, arguably Africa’s most courageous and most successful anti-corruption Czar and former head of Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The book places the anti-graft exploits of Ribadu in post-military Nigeria on a larger canvass of the crisis of nationhood in a country in which public office is regarded as an ‘eatery.’

This revealing and riveting narrative of one of Africa’s biggest cesspools of graft explains how the systemic or structural crisis which reproduces a thieving ruling class in a typical postcolonial state has pushed a country with an abundance of human and material resources to the bottom of the global human development index. This crisis has also led to the phenomenon of the advance-fee fraud, otherwise known globally as ‘Nigerian 419’ or ‘Nigerian Scam.’ While focusing on the era of democracy in Nigeria, the book uses biographical, structural and historical perspectives covering fifty years of Nigeria’s existence, illuminating the paradoxes of anti-corruption campaign in Africa.

“Will the cesspools of corruption in Nigeria be forever drained and will this great nation discover a path to democratic prosperity? That is the question which confronts us on almost every page of Adebanwi’s searing exposé.” — Richard Joseph, John Evans Professor of International History and Politics, Northwestern University “Authority Stealing documents how discovering, documenting, publicizing, and gesturing at eradicating corruption have constituted the most common methods with which regimes have been compromised, and regime changes have been justified, in Nigeria since independence. When Adebanwi concludes that corruption seems to have become a key instrument of state policy in Nigeria, he cannot be faulted. This book provides the evidence to theorize corruption discourse as the main instrument with which Nigerian rulers invent legitimacy, induce consent from the governed, nurture public goodwill, and sustain continuation. Governance in Nigeria thrives on corruption!” — Adeleke Adeeko, Humanities Distinguished Professor, The Ohio State University

A sacred institution

By Edozie Udeze

M

ARRIAGE is a sacred institution, ordained by God, so that the man will leave his father and mother and together he and his wife will cling and become one (Mark 10:7). With this proclamation Christ asked that both man and woman shall become one in holiness and matrimony, procreating and making life comfortable for both the children and the home.

In this book, The Reality of Marriage, Clement Icha, a Mass Communications graduate zeroes in on the need for couples to work round the clock to make their union work. Since it is a sacred calling, God said in 1 Timothy 3:18 that it is an abominable thing and quite dishonourable when the matrimonial bed is defiled. It is horrific and brings pain and regret to the home.

Icha’s contention is that it is through the efforts of both man and woman that marriage works. At times, a man would ask himself why he married his wife due to some inordinate actions of the woman.

This is often vice-versa, yet it is heartwarming when both couple come together to ensure that these differences are buried in order for peace to reign.

The author breaks it down thus: “For many years, my marriage seemed like a pain in hell with agonies that stung my heart to almost curse the day I got married. And I am very sure that I subjected my wife Charity to similar experience in the relationship. Yet, I refused to see the fact that the fault of whatever I was going through is embedded in me.”

There are equally instructive sub-headings to help readers grasp the lesson in the book. They include one agonizing mistake, where to learn from, what step to take, what’s this thing called sex and lots more. With the deep understanding of the subject matter, the author makes it clear that marriage is a lesson. It is instructive; it equally takes wisdom, knowledge and tolerance to make it work.

As it is for the man, so it is for the woman. Together, in love, marriage can work.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

53

‘Assisted conception is not cloning’ —PAGE 55

•Esther Ogunrinde attended her partner's sham marriage with their four children

•Olukayode Olusanya (left) and Zucina Sabina (right) sign the register, minutes before she left her 'husband' to return to her native Holland

‘Arrangee’ UK marriage lands Nigerian couple in trouble A Nigerian couple employed a “highly sophisticated” scam to stay in this country after the woman assumed the identity of an EU resident her partner had married in a three minute sham ceremony. Richard Alleyne reports

O

LUKAYODE Olusanya, 34, and the mother of his children Esther Ogunrinde, 30, faced being deported back to Africa as he was an illegal immigrant and she was a failed asylum seeker.

But before they were sent home they came up with an ingenious plan – he married a similar looking woman to his partner from Holland. The fake bride then immediately returned home but left behind documents which allowed Ogunrinde to assume her identity.

The scam, which lasted three years until immigration were tipped off, meant the pair were allowed to live and work in this country. Olusanya was jailed for 32 months after admitting two charges of conspiracy to acts to facilitate the commission of a breach of immigration law at Manchester Crown Court.

The fake bride, who was given £3,000 for the scam, was given a 16 month term.

Ogunrinde, a mother-of-four, escaped jail because she had children.

Judge Martin Steiger QC, sentencing, said the conspiracy had been “highly sophisticated” with “ingenious features”.

The court heard that Zunica Sabina, 28,

from Holland was flown in specially for the sham wedding at St John’s Church, Moston, Manchester, in June 2008.

Within minutes of tying the knot, Sabina flew back home – but not before she posed as the happy bride in the arms of her “husband”. She left behind documents which allowed Ogunrinde to assume her identity.

The scheme allowed illegal immigrant Olusanya, and Ogunrinde – a failed asylum seeker – to work in the country and avoid deportation. Ogunrinde fooled three employers using ID documents which Sabina had left behind and declared as lost.

The facts of the scam, which dated back to 2008, began to emerge last June after the UK Borders Agency was tipped off. They say they were able to crack the “serious organised criminality” by working with Dutch police.

Olusanya was working as a nursing assistant at Stockport’s Stepping Hill Hospital at the time. Ogunrinde had worked as a care assistant and cleaner, but had continued to claim food vouchers intended for asylum seekers.

The couple, of Deans Lane, Newton Heath, appeared alongside each other in the

dock, along with Sabina, who is from Amsterdam. Gill Crossley, defending, said he had wanted to do better for his family and legitimise his eldest daughter whose birth had been hidden from the authorities because of the couple’s immigration status.

She read a glowing reference from former employers at Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust. Laura Foster, defending social worker and mum-of-one Sabina, told the court that

she had been recruited for the scheme at a time when she was so cash-strapped and she felt she had no choice.

Judge Steiger said he could not ignore ‘humanitarian considerations’ in Ogunrinde’s case, since she had four children, “even if her continued reproduction” had been in part an attempt to “cynically” improve her hand with the authorities.

She must serve a 12-month suspended sentence and do 180 hours of unpaid work.

John Dilworth, head of the North West Complex Case Unit at Crown Prosecution Service said: “The marriage was a sham in an attempt to defeat the immigration rules that protect UK borders.

The Crown Prosecution Service will continue to pursue anyone involved in such offences and prosecute robustly.”

•Olusanya, 34, signs the register after the wedding which allowed him to stay in the UK

54

T

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Life

EN years ago in New York, I interviewed Helen GurleyBrown, the kittenish but formidable creator of Cosmopolitan, who was then 80. Without preamble, she launched into enthusiastic endorsement of a lubricant called Astrolabe: “You are sure,” she said severely, “that you’re all goody before you get into bed.”

At the time, I was taken aback.

Now that I am older, it seems less funny. Young people are often surprised that older women have sex at all. On Gannet, the social networking site for grandparents that I edit, one poster described celebrating her 55th birthday at work and being asked by a much

younger colleague at what age she had given up sex. She replied that she’d let her know when it happened; the other woman, she said, “looked horrified”.

In fact, people over 60 are now the fastest-growing group contracting sexually transmitted diseases, according to British government agency figures. Since 2002, syphilis has tripled in the over-65s in the United Kingdom and HIV is up by 60%. Even allowing for the fact that we’re starting from a low base, this is clearly not post-menopausal pariah.

Much of the ignorance about sex and the older person stems from resistance to thinking about old

Sixty-nine year old soul music legend, Aretha Franklin, just called off plans to marry her long time companion, Willie Wilkerson.

people at all, least of all their yucky bodies. There is a profound cultural fear of ageing, which glorifies the young and deprecates anything old — “ageing infrastructure”, “sunset industries”.

This distaste tends to feed a perception of older people as a homogeneous group, which is absurd, because we tend to become more diverse, more assertive about our likes and dislikes, as we age.

This is likely to be as true of sex as of anything else.

Certainly, the impression that discussions on Gransnet give is that there is a spectrum of activity, from “none and not bothered” to “lots and up for more”. Some of it may also be highly inventive, if only out of necessity.

When one Gransnetter asked recently, “If 16 is considered too young for sex, when is too old?” the majority view was summed up as: “When you can’t remember what sex is”, and “I’ll tell you when I get there”.

There is clearly one big plus to being older: intimacy benefits from time and a lack of toddlers and teenagers. “Thank God for HRT [hormone replacement therapy] and retirement. It’s better than ever (aged 58)” says one poster. “I don’t care who’s programmed to do what or when,” says another. “I’ve been married for nearly 40 years and have no intention of giving up our siestas and weekend lie-ins.”

As the HRT reference suggests though, menopause can trigger a crisis. Those who sail on through it may well have to adjust, to make use of Astroglide-type aids or other chemical assistance. But among those who do slow down, it isn’t necessarily (or mainly, according to our admittedly self-selecting panel) women who make the decision.

“My husband has never tried to have sex since a ‘failure’ (the first ever) 16 years ago — since then it has never been discussed.”

“We haven’t bothered since 1999,” says another woman.

“There was no discussion or decision, it’s just never been mentioned since then — on a holiday to Tunisia, to be precise.”

A combination of reticence and a bland assumption by young doctors that menopause will put paid to sexual desire leaves some people accepting that sex doesn’t go on for ever, though not all are reconciled to the idea. Some are left with a sense of mourning: “I miss wanting sex as much as the sex itself.”

Menopause may not, of course, be the only or main cause of waning desire, even when it takes the blame.

New relationships have a suspicious habit of reviving enthusiasm. “It’s much better when you live alone and have ‘visits’,” says nanachrissy. “When I was married, I think sex was spoiled by underlying resentments and suppressed anger. Now there are no strings and sex is the best ever.”

The memoirist Diana Athill writes, in Somewhere towards the End, of her sadness that making love with her “dear habitual companion” had grown stale: “Familiarity had made the touch of his hand feel so much like the touch of my own hand that it no longer conveyed a thrill.” She assumed this was a question of her age (she was in her late 50s) until she met someone else and experienced what she thinks of as a reprieve: “I found, to my amusement and pleasure, that novelty could restore sex.”

Nora Ephron, who has written entertainingly about ageing, maintains that, if you’re lucky enough to be having sex in your 60s, you won’t be having the sex you had in your 20s. This is probably true, although it doesn’t have to be worse. Some Gransnetters claim to be having the best time of their lives. The ingenuity of people with dodgy hips should not be underestimated nor, for those with less than fighter-pilot reactions, should “slow love”.

When Jane Juska was 66 and living in Berkeley, California, she placed an advert in the New York Review of Books: “Before I turn 67, next March,” she wrote, “I would like to have a lot of sex with a man I like. If you want to talk first, Trollope works fine.” Her bestseller, A

Round-Heeled Woman (and the play adapted from the book) catalogues a sexual odyssey that is by turns alarming, sad, funny and pleasurable.

Menopause, according to Gloria Steinem, can give women a new drive and confidence. “What we lose in those menopausal years is everything we needed to support another person,” she argues.

“What we keep is everything we need to support ourselves.”

Former Columbia Journalism Review editor Suzanne Braun Levine takes this as her cue in a new book, How We Love Now, arguing that older women have more satisfying experiences of intimacy because we can shuck off expectations of femininity, niceness and acceptability, to be more honest about desire.

Internet dating sites have made finding someone to suit this new, more assertive state easier. There are some that are specifically targeted at people in the second half of life, though one Gransnetter warns, to no one’s great surprise: “All the old men of 70 think they are only 40, so that’s the age of woman they are looking for.”

Sex, for most people, does tail off at some point, though there’s little consensus about the timing or rate of decline. For some, it may stop abruptly on an otherwise unremarkable holiday; others have every intention of continuing to the end of their days and will point out that less frequent doesn’t always mean less intense.

Greater longevity and improved health mean that a phase of life never previously seen now exists: an extended middle age — fit, competent and interested in sex.

The novelty of this means that very little is understood about its erotic possibilities but these are likely to be as varied as for any other group and, probably, more so.

“Don’t give up hope,” one woman posted recently. “I speak as one who met the love of my life (and he really is just that) six years ago after 15 years of (intentional) celibacy. I’m nearly 74 and he’s 56.”

Source: www.mg.co.za

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

W

hat is your area of specialization in medicine?

I specialized in obstetrics and gynaecology. I am into assisted Reproductive Health Technology, which is an aspect of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I am a fertility specialist (IVF) that’s invitro fertilization and minimal access surgeon. These are areas that deal with couples when they have challenges or difficulties in procreating. When there is a problem either with the male or the female, we now go into the assisted reproduction. That was what resulted into this IVF baby thing.

That’s IVF conception and delivery. This is the first and only such centre in Anambra for now.

The first in the South East was in Aba. But they have now relocated to Abuja due to the insecurity then in Aba. When and how did you start Life Specialist Hospital?

We started in September 2010 and we have had several IVF conceptions, actually our pregnancies are more than 10 now but wa are on the fifth IVF delivery now. There are many that are pregnant and their pregnancies are still going on. But this is the fifth delivery. We are talking about those who have carried their pregnancies to fruition. Our first baby was born on August 6, 2011 and the baby is popularly called baby Joseph. He was the first of all the babies we have had through IVF. Triplets and several other singles have been born here.

What are the challenges of delivering through this process?

The first is that it is costly and intensive. A lot of things happen when you want to deliver through IVF. You first harvest the egg from the woman and then collect the husband’s semen and fertilize the baby in the laboratory and between two and five days transfer the baby into the woman’s womb, for it to continue to develop.

There are challenges at every step maybe while collecting the egg or the semen; it can occur when fertilizing the egg in the laboratory or during transfer back to the woman’s womb. When all these processes are completed with the baby transferred back into the woman’s womb, you can say that the first stage has been completed in the conception. Normally, the pregnancy runs its normal course of pregnancy.

There is no other challenge once the baby is planted in the woman’s womb but the normal challenges every other pregnancy encounters till delivery.

Most women who got pregnant through this process (IVF) and after spending huge amount would not want to take chances. They don’t want stories often associated with normal delivery like the baby is coming out and suddenly runs into a hitch and in the process the baby dies. Nobody would like to hear such a story.

How much does it cost? Is it up to N5 million?

Oh! No! We have tried to bring the cost to an affordable range far from N5million. It costs between N500,000 and N800,000 to have an IVF here. We made it to be affordable to average Nigerians. For instance, in United States of America, it would cost you about $10,000 while in the United Kingdom it would cost about 6,000 pounds. When you convert these in our currency you have an idea of what we are talking about.

All over the world we have had over four million babies delivered through IVF. The first IVF baby was delivered in 1978 in University of Cambridge, London. He is called Louis Brown and delivered by Robert Edward and Patrick Steptoc. He has got to the level of marriage and having his own kids. You can now see that they are living normal life. They are like the normal people in the society.

In Nigeria, most parents don’t want to be mentioned when they have challenges of conception. So, without the consent of the parents I can’t mention the surname of the babies. You have to respect the opinion of your client to avoid legal issues.

Are there ethical issues associated with IVF delivery?

People confuse a lot of issues when it comes to invitro fertilization because it is an assisted method of conception. Religious groups and some other segments in the society have continued to ask if we are trying to play God. Are we interfering with natural processes and everything? That is where the ethical issues come in but for us who are in the field, the information we normally put across is: it is the woman’s egg and the husband’s sperm that is used in getting the baby, just like in every other aspect of life.

When you fail to actualize a target, you require assistance. So when couples fail to get conception by the natural process, the couple

55

‘Assisted conception is not cloning’ Professor Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Ikechebelu is a Consultant and lecturer with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi.

He is a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and a fertility specialist. He is the Medical Director of Life Specialist Hospital, Nnewi and the first doctor to perform invitro fertilization (IVF) in Anambra State and the thirrd in the South-East region. ODOGWU EMEKA ODOGWU spoke with him in Nwewi. Excerpts: will require assistance. And the assistance we will render is how do we overcome the problem? Most of the time in IVF, the problem is that the sperm count is low, or the fallopian tube of the woman is blocked. Then how do we overcome this problem? That is what assisted reproduction is all about you can render assistance at different levels. IVF based reproduction still have an edge over adoption because in adoption, you adopt a baby that you have no genetic contribution. But in invitro fertilization you are contributing genetically or if you are not contributing genetically, you are carrying the baby. There is that sense of ownership.

What is the difference between IVF and cloning?

There is a world of difference between IVF and cloning. Invitro fertilization is simply the same natural process of conception – the egg and the sperm meeting together and forming a baby. The difference is that they are doing the fertilization outside the body, before sending back the baby into the womb to grow. It is still following the principle of creation or the principle of reproduction.

In cloning, there is no sperm and egg coming together. What happens in cloning is that you bring the cell of a particular person and culture it in the laboratory. And that cell starts developing into the same person again. So, there is no mixture of genetic material between father and mother but rather a genetic material from a single person that is being multiplied. That is what cloning is all about and that is why the world is frowning at it because we accept that some people who are wealthy or privileged can use the opportunity to clone themselves continually; that they may now start dominating the world.

What of age factor?

Age is a serious determinant of those who will succeed or not in IVF. And our appeal to couples is that if you are having challenges with having a child, you don’t have to wait until you are old before you access this assisted reproduction. You know that the younger age has a better success rate than the older age. So we are appealing to people once you have challenges with having a baby come immediately for assistance. You don’t need to wait for 20 years before looking for assistance because the chances of succeeding are better when you are young than when you are too old. It is not that you won’t succeed but the chances are slim.

I recently handled the case of a woman had waited for 18 years and showed up yesterday seeking for assistance. Why not after the fourth year? That’s why I say if you need assisted reproduction go for it earlier. Do not wait until your system is weak because all over the world age is a great factor in the success rate and in this part of the world, if you are a woman at age 40, your egg would not fertilize easily.

It would be difficult to transplant. So, the person would go for ovum donation. A younger person would donate egg for her.

Abroad, they even limit IVF for women at age 30 and 35 but for us here we are still looking at 40 because of late presentation of our people.

That is a challenge.

Are there reasons why the egg will not fertilize and the IVF will be unsuccessful?

Quality of egg, integrity of the womb where the baby is planted, if there is anything unfavourable, it will affect the survival of the baby. There are sensitive evaluations we have to do but the quality of the sperm and egg matters that’s why we hammer on age. The younger the better.

Are there litigations associated with this IVF? Yes, there are, but thank God for us here in this centre. We have not had any because we insist on following the standard practice. There is a procedure and a contract binding the IVF between the doctor, hospital and the patient.

We follow the patient’s instruction on what she wants and if it succeeds, it succeeds and if it fails, it fails. Every process is open and transparent based on the contract. Then our practice complies with the medical standard, so that all legal issues would be avoided.

Do you have any regrets?

Let me say that professionally, any time I lose a baby not by carelessness on our part but by one medical complication or the other I feel bad and we brainstorm on how to solve such problem if it arises again. From experience in this part of the world, marriages are contracted for the purposes of having children not because of love or any other thing.

We want pregnancies to be managed till delivery to avoid the sorrows and tears associated with death at delivery.

Then the beauti-

•Ikechebelu

ful moment I had was when we delivered baby Joseph. The process we went through to arrive at delivery through IVF was to say the least hectic. So, that August 6, 2011 was like breaking of the ice. That was the first of its kind in Anambra State. We were excited that at the end and with all the investment in structures and technology, we have the result to show for our labour. Baby Favour is the fifth (delivered on January 14, 2012) Do you think doctors are still keeping the Hippocratic Oath? What of medical education, is it improving or falling in standard?

My answer is yes and no.

Yes, because in the general terms, doctors are keeping the Hippocratic Oath and the Medical and Dental council is doing a lot to ensure that this maintained. But you know that in every 12 that there is a Judas. So, one would not rule out few elements in the profession who are doing otherwise.

Then medical education in Nigeria, I must say honestly is improving and meeting up the challenges because the Nigerian trained medical doctors when they go abroad perform better than their counterparts from other countries. I take our medical school as an example;

“In cloning, there is no sperm and egg coming together.

What happens in cloning is that you bring the cell of a particular person and culture it in the laboratory. And that cell starts developing into the same person again. So, there is no mixture of genetic material between father and mother but rather a genetic material from a single person that is being multiplied.”

all our products that have travelled abroad have done so well. They pass the American qualifying exams and the UK qualifying exams and of course you have heard the success stories of Nigerian doctors practising abroad.

They train here before going abroad. They are excelling.

The only disadvantage we have here in our medical school is technological exposure. India went into the technology area and suddenly overtook America and UK. India and some Asian countries like China are competing favourably in the medical field and other fields because they have gone technological. So once we have the technology aspect, we will have our breakthrough and until that is done we would be considered behind the time in the practice but we are endowed with the knowledge and skills.

What of malpractice?

Malpractice maybe there in the secondary schools and primary schools for JAMB and the like but not in the medical schools because it is a practical thing. It is a practical course. You cannot do expo on how to manage a patient. I am a lecturer in the medical school and an examiner with the West African College of Surgeons that controls medical education throughout West Africa.

If I give you a patient to manage, I will be there to know whether you know what you are doing or not because it is a practical thing and I will be there watching you do that. If somebody bleeding is brought in, you will be asked to stop the bleeding. If you can stop the bleeding you will stop it and I will see you have stopped it and if you cannot stop it then I will equally see that you can’t stop it.

Your HEALTH

56

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

A

NXIETY affects everyone from time to time. According to Dr. Seun Braimoh, 'Anxiety is a response triggered when you encounter a situation or thought that makes you feel anger, frustration or tension.'

He also states that it is a common emotion that you may experience when you come across a fearful or nervewracking situation. You may feel nervous, tense and panicked, which increases your stress levels. You can generally reduce and possibly eliminate stress and anxiety levels by making lifestyle changes. However, if you think you are experiencing higher-thannormal anxiety, you should consult your doctor to discuss possible treatment options.

Get rid of anxiety

Step 1 Begin a regular exercise routine. Just going for a walk for 10 minutes a day can reduce stress and anxiety levels. The benefits of exercise may be just as effective for some people as certain antianxiety medications, because it raises your levels of endorphins and other "feel-good" hormones.

unhealthy levels of stress and anxiety.

Step 2 Meditate or use other mind-body relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga, tai chi or visualization.

Relaxation techniques can help you to cope better and help to decrease

Step 3 Eat foods rich in vitamin B12, such as shellfish, liver, beef, eggs and cheese.

Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, says that low levels of vitamin B12 can contribute to stress

Relieving 'Post-Subsidy Stress (PSS)’

and anxiety. A B12 deficiency can cause other physical symptoms which can make you feel stressed or anxious, such as anemia, loss of balance and weakness.

Step 4 Eliminate or limit your use of caffeine, nicotine and alcohol, and avoid using recreational drugs. these drugs can cause anxiety and stress-like symptoms and increase your overall feelings of tension.

Step 5 Incorporate fun activities into your routine. Per Medline Plus, having a healthy work-life balance is a crucial part of coping with stress and anxiety. Doing fun activities can help to maintain this

healthy balance. Socialize with your friends and family and do something enjoyable on the weekends. Try to mentally leave work at the office when you leave for the day.

Step 6 Seek professional counseling if you feel like you can't cope on your own.

Sometimes, stress and anxiety levels can become so high that they seem unmanageable. Counseling may offer relief through talking about and venting your emotions with an impartial third party. It can also help you to develop new or improved coping mechanisms. Ask your doctor for a referral to a qualified professional counselor in your area.

Anti-stress meals I

•Aromatic Oil

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HERE'S nothing like an aromatherapy massage to cure what ails you or at least make the bad stuff go away for awhile. With the recent hike in fuel prices and the cost of living sky-rocketing in the country, life has become so challenging these days that we all need to take time out to de-stress both mentally and physically.

One of the best ways to relieve your body of the daily pressure is Massage. It promotes deep relaxation while at the same time satisfying our need for caring, nurturing touch. Research shows that massage reduces anxiety, tension, depression and pain and it increases relaxation, healthy mental alertness, creativity and general wellbeing. It even strengthens your immune system!

When you combine massage with aromatherapy, you radically increase its effect. Essential oils are powerful

substances that promote healing on many levels from immune-boosting to muscle-relaxing.

With just a few simple ingredients such as the mixture of honey, olive oil and mint leaves you can easily make your own aromatherapy massage oil blend or you can buy a small bottle from a pharmacy or cosmetic store and enjoy a good massage in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

One note of caution: Before using any essential oils, do your research!

Essential oils are powerful substances and should be treated with respect.

Pregnant women need to be especially careful about using essential oils in aromatherapy massage; in fact, it's recommended that they not apply essential oils to the skin at all during the first trimester. Also if you buy massage oil, make sure it's made with pure, natural essential oils not cancer-causing synthetic fragrance oil.

F you're overwhelmed, tired, and in desperate need of some mental and physical nourishment.

You're stressed. Thankfully, here are some things you feast on to feel better beyond throwing in the towel and hiding under the covers.

Milk Milk is high in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12, as well as protein and calcium. Have a bowl of whole-grain cereal and low-fat milk in the morning to start your day with a stress-fighting breakfast.

Cottage Cheese and Fruit Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium. Foods with high protein content that aren't loaded with sugar won't cause a spike in blood sugar and will keep you satiated for a longer time. Try mixing the cottage cheese with a fruit that is high in vitamin C like oranges. Vitamin C plays a role in fighting stress because it's an antioxidant that fights the free radicals that get released when you're stressed. These free radicals have been shown to cause cancer.

Almonds Are you ever looking for something you can really dig your teeth into when you're stressed? Try crunching on almonds to get some aggression out. A good source of Vitamin B2 and E, as well as magnesium and zinc, almonds are high in fat, but most of the fat is unsaturated. Like vitamin C, vitamin E has been shown to fight the free

•Mike

radicals associated with stress, and in particular, those free radicals that cause heart disease.

Tuna A great lunch option, tuna is high in stress-fighting vitamins B6 and B12.

Tuna is also a good low-fat protein source.

Cornflakes or Crispy Rice Cereal Although they aren't low in sugar, cornflakes and crispy rice cereal are fortified with B vitamins and folic acid to help reduce stress. Have them for breakfast with milk or dry as an afternoon snack

BUSINESS THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

57 ‘It costs N34 per litre to refine crude locally’ -- Page 59

O

NE argument that has become hotly debated in recent times is that Nigeria may well be suffering from a serious resource “curse” of some of sort. What with the enormous billions if not trillion petro-dollars earned over the past five decades, with little or nothing to show for it.

Echoing similar views, Chief Frank Ovie Kokori, former Secretary General of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) who spoke with The Nation from his base in Warri, Delta state, observed that: “Nigeria’s oil has not really benefitted Nigerians because the gains have been frittered away by corruption at every level. In Nigeria today, you have some very rich, the nouveau riche and the very poor. Only 0.01% of Nigerians have principles…”

Kokori is on the same page with Comrade Baba Omojola, a renowned economist and World Bank consultant.

Omojola, while speaking with The Nation recently observed that over 95 per cent of the country’s population may not have reaped the benefits of the God-given resources and natural endowments.

According to him, “Among our natural resources is crude oil, which is still being discovered to add to the proven reserves we have. I’m also aware that we can obtain over 110 by-products from crude oil but it is so disheartening that we have only concentrated more on oil to the detriment of other high-yield investment products from crude. But worse still, not many Nigerians get to enjoy the benefits which should normally accrue from ownership of such resources like other citizens of the world with comparative advantage. “ Statements like the above mirror the overwhelming feeling of disenchantment with the system

by Nigerians from all walks of life, many of who have continued to rue the day the country first discovered oil in commercial quantity.

Cost of refining crude locally Following the storm caused by the removal of the fuel subsidy, questions are being raised as to the real cost of refining crude locally.

Expectedly, these questions have elicited few positive responses because the petroleum industry is not only riddled with corruption, but is a sector of the economy considered opaque, secretive and well-guarded.

Kokori alluded to this fact himself when our correspondent broached the subject: “What does it cost to refine crude locally?”

“It is hard to find the actual cost of local exploration of crude because nothing is transparent”, Kokori said, with a tinge of melancholy.

He was however quick to admit that the country boasts the best crude in the world, a fact that is evident in the demand in the international oil market.

“I know that our crude is one of the cheapest to extract in the world compared to places like Texas, Norway, Britain, etc, which

Is Nigeria’s locally refined crude cost-efficient?

Touted as the fifth largest exporter of crude oil in the world, Nigeria is one of the privileged members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) that has also gained notoriety for importing refined crude from overseas at outrageous cost. But some discerning Nigerians have however argued that it costs far less to refine crude locally compared to imported refined products. How cost-effective is it to refine crude locally? Asks Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

Briefs Investors in power sector get January 30 deadline

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HE deadline for investors to show expression of interest (EOI) in acquiring Power Generation Companies is January 30th.

According to the Bureau of Public Enterprises, the generation companies up for sale or concession are Afam Generation Company, the Geregu Generation Company, the Sapele Generation Company, the Kainji Generation Company, the Shiroro Generation Company and the Ughelli Generation Company.

Furthermore electricity distribution companies’ deadline will be coming up in Q2, 2012. The distribution firms up for sale or concession are Eko Distribution Company, Ibadan Distribution Company, Ikeja Distribution Company, Abuja Distribution Company, Benin Distribution Company, Jos Distribution Company, Enugu Distribution Company, Kano Distribution Company, Port Harcourt Distribution Company, Yola Distribution Company and Kaduna Distribution Company.

The minister of Power, Professor Nnaji, is accelerating plans to bring the electricity challenges in Nigeria to a halt. Recently it was disclosed that Nigeria will generate 6600 Mega Watts in 2012.

The minister also recently liquidated the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) on December 31st 2011.

STOCK MARKET REVIEW

• Workers at an oil rig platform (Inset Kokori)

takes longer time to prospect because our crude is on the continental shelf.”

While noting that it may be difficult to place a price tag on the cost of refining crude locally, the erstwhile NUPENG boss who survived many epic battles with the Abacha military junta emphasised that: “The cost of production locally cannot be easily determined because the NNPC will not really give you the amount it cost.

“Our oil is not difficult to extract so; it is obvious that the cost will not be extremely high compared to those countries that have to explore

for crude in the deep offshore.”

Kokori who recalled that the price of petrol was stable for over 12 years said the late Abacha military junta increased it from N2.70 per litre to N11.00.”

Prof. Itse Sagay, while expressing his views on the cost of refining crude locally recalled that some experts who have carried out research in the sector have pointed out the fact that the cost is anything but exorbitant as the Federal Government and its agencies have made the public believe thus far.

Sagay, a professor of law, who spoke with The Nation, said Nigeri-

ans have had the misfortune of being deceived by past and present crop of leaders, who have appropriated the commonwealth for their personal and selfish aggrandizement.

A Pandora’s Box Dr. Izielen Agbon, a renowned petroleum expert who once served as the Head of Department, Petroleum Resources, at the University of Ibadan, in an exclusive online interview with The Nation from his base in Dallas, Texas, USA, Continued on page 58

Gains and losses were fairly matched in the banking sector as cautious re-entries during the week led to cumulative gains of 9.0%, 7.3%, 5.8% and 4.1% for First Bank, Fidelity Bank, Access Bank and Diamond Bank respectively as GTBank firmed up its price by a 2.6% rise late in the week.

On the flip side, selling pressure shaved off 9.9%, 9.6%, 7.1% and 5.2% from Stanbic IBTC, Union Bank, Unity Bank and UBA. In the building materials sector, mid-week rallies did not reverse previous losses for Ashaka Cement leading to a 3.7% loss. Profit taking also shaved off 10.4% from CCNN, while Lafarge Wapco lost 2.5%. Dangote Cement was however divergent to the trend, closing the week with a 1.7% cumulative mark-up.

The food and beverages sector also finished the week with fairly matched gains and losses. Honeywell Flour, Dangote Sugar, Nascon and Nestle all recorded gains of 8.4%, 6.9%, 3.7% and 2.5%, while Flour Mills, Dangote Flour and Cadbury lost 3.1%, 9.6% and 11.2% respectively.

In the conglomerates sector, Transcorp and UACN inched up with marginal gains. A hold back on UACN offers could lead to further gains this week. On a losing note, Unilever and PZ Cussons lost 3.8% and 2.2% respectively.

In the breweries sector, NB lost 1.0%, with a downward review of prices by buyers, while Guinness recorded no price change. Closing bids and offers were fairly matched and prices might hover around current levels as the week progresses.

58

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Business BUSINESS WEEK

PHOTO SHOP

Firm unveils book on investment

A

S part of efforts to attract indigenous and foreign investors, Frantivic &Associates, a Lagos based accounting firm recently unveiled a book on the potentials of investing in Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos recently, Remi Oyekola, Managing Partner of the organisation said the book titled Investing in Nigeria is a comprehensive business guide for individuals, multinationals companies and entrepreneurs seeking to invest in Nigeria.

By Vincent Nzemeke

He added that the book which was a collective effort of experts in the organisation highlights the huge investment opportunities available in the Nigerian economy.

“What we have done with this book is to open Nigeria to the world. We are showing people the opportunities that exist in the various sectors of our economy as a nation.”

On the significance of the book, Oyekola said it would guide investors by helping them find answers to relevant

questions about investing in Nigeria.

“With this book, a potential investor gets answers to all the pertinent investment questions. He knows the major players and the regulatory bodies in the sector he wants to invest in. The book also details some government policies on key investment areas.

Although he deplored the state of insecurity in the country, Oyekola maintained that Nigeria remains an attractive investment hub largely because of its population.

Interest rates to rise in 2012 says Sanusi •L-R: Mr. Segun Fayose, Head, Corporate Communications, MultiChoice Nigeria; Mr. Femi Ayeni, Zonal Director, National Broadcasting Commission and Mr. Mayo Okunola, General Manager, Digital Mobile Television, (DMTV) Nigeria; during the launch of WALKA, a mobile TV device in Lagos recently.

PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

Is Nigeria’s locally refined crude cost-efficient?

Continued from page 57

gave a fresh perspective on the raging debate on petroleum pricing, especially as it concerns the country’s local refining capacity.

As to whether Nigeria has the cheapest crude oil compared to countries like Britain, Norway, USA, Agbon answered in the positive.

According to the former chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) University of Ibadan chapter, “Finding and development ((F&D) costs in Nigeria are lower than USA and Norway. In Nigeria, most of our fields are onshore (deltaic region) and were found and developed in 1960-1990. The 1986 MOU and 1990 MOU between the Federal Government of Nigeria and foreign Joint Ventures partners used a F&D cost of N2.50/bbl to calculate a bonus of $2.00/bbl for additional reverses. F&D cost may vary depending on onshore ($2.5/bbl -$7.5 per barrel), shallow water ($7.5/bbl$15/bbl) and deep water ($15/bbl-$30/bbl) conditions. The new offshore deep water fields are large (greater than 500 million barrel initial oil in place. Nevertheless, their F&D costs are high at $15/bbl -$30 /bbl. F&D cost of $3.5/bbl are average data for onshore old (brown) fields in the Niger Delta.”

The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), he noted: “does not lift the more expensive shal-

N

IGERIAN interest rates may skyrocket this year if the government goes ahead to expand its budget, says Central Bank governor on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

According to Sanusi

Stories by Rita Ohai

Lamido Sanusi, “If we do have an expansionary budget plus the fuel subsidy removal, I think the likelihood is more for an increase than a cut.”

In the face of strikes and

demonstrations, Nigeria this month agreed to partially reinstate a subsidy on fuel but Sanusi said the action would still have an inflationary impact by pushing up the cost of transport, food and other goods.

Railways to facilitate fuel distribution nationwide

F

UEL availability nationwide is set to improve considerably as a new distribution and logistics system in the form of Rail cargo is employed by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).

The NRC on Wednesday took delivery of 20 pressurized tank wagons manufac-

tured in China.

The Managing Director of the NRC, Mr. Adeseyi Sijuade took members of the House Committee on Land Transport in Lagos on a tour of facilities in the rail ector.

Sijuade said, “The Corporation is preparing to resume movement of petroleum prod-

ucts to different parts of the country. In this regard, I am glad to report that 20 brand new pressurized light oil wagons ordered by the corporation from Thorn Engineering/ CRSBG in China arrived in the country via Apapa Port on January 20, 2012 and will be put to use soon.”

BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE Poor regulation, non-adherence to process marred subsidy regime

T • An oil rig

low water or deep water offshore crude oil under the domestic allocation quotas.

Production from these offshore fields is marked for export. Data collection and management is poor in Nigeria but this average is reasonable for the purpose of calculating the cost of petrol in Nigeria.”

Using what he described as a “netback calculation method”, the don, who is also the President of Equilibrium Energy, gave further insights into the different dynamics of oil pricing.

“There are many old (brown) fields near the Warri and Port Harcourt Refineries.

At the refinery gate in Port Harcourt, the cost of a barrel

“The distribution margins (retailers, transporters, dealers, bridging funds, administrative charges etc) are N15.49/litre or $15.69 per barrel. The true cost of one litre of petrol at the Mobil Filling Station in Port Harcourt or anywhere else in Nigeria is therefore ($5+$12.6+$1.5+$15.7) or $34.8 per barrel. This is equal to N34.36 per litre compared to the old official price of N65 per litre or the new one of N97/litre”

of Nigerian crude oil is made up of the finding /development cost ($3.5/bbl) and a production/storage /transportation cost of $1.50 per barrel. Thus, at $5 per barrel, we can get Nigerian crude to the refining gates at Port Harcourt and Warri. One barrel is 42 gallons or 159 litres”, he stressed.

Expatiating, he said: “The price of one barrel of petrol at the depot gate is the sum of the cost of crude oil, the refining cost and the pipeline transportation cost. Refining costs are at $12.6 per barrel and pipeline distribution costs are $1.50 per barrel. The distribution margins (retailers, transporters, dealers, bridging funds, administrative charges etc) are N15.49/ litre or $15.69 per barrel. The true cost of one litre of petrol at the Mobil Filling Station in Port Harcourt or anywhere else in Nigeria is therefore ($5+$12.6+$1.5+$15.7) or $34.8 per barrel. This is equal to N34.36 per litre compared to the old official price of N65 per litre or the new one of N97/litre.”

To many analysts, striking as Agbon’s treatise seems, authorities have continued to delude the rest of the public that things are right. But time will tell.

HE ongoing House of Representatives investigation into the fuel subsidy regime has not been a good outing for government officials and the agencies managing the nation’s petroleum sector. Ministers have admitted that the subsidy process has been manipulated to the detriment of the treasury. Government agencies have themselves been shown to be remiss in the discharge of their obligation to transparently and efficiently manage the subsidy process.

Among the facts established at the hearing is that the government is unsure of the actual level of domestic daily fuel consumption. The PPPRA says it is 59million litres, but the Minister of Petroleum claims it is 46.9 million litres, although a figure of 35 million litres had been used for planning purposes. Questions have also been raised about how the subsidy claims are verified before payment.

In often riveting disclosures to the Farouk Lawan committee, the nation watched as the 2011 subsidy figures grew from the much trumpeted N1.3 to N1.5 trillion before the Central Bank (CBN) confirmed that it was actually more than N1.7 trillion. Adding to the public dismay is the information that huge arrears of subsidy payments are pending, despite the unprecedented sums committed last year.

The appearances last week of the private sector stakeholders in petroleum marketing and distribution have reinforced the perception that it is the government and its agencies that have allowed the fuel subsidy regime to become a vehicle for corruption.

Backed by facts and figures, the major marketers, depot opera-

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

tors and independent marketers have basically told the House of Representatives that they largely played by the rules and that the payments they received from the government were cost reimbursements to make up the difference between the pump price and the landing cost of imported petrol. According to Wale Tinubu, chair of the major marketers’ association, it is the Nigerian people that got subsidy on petrol.

Tinubu told the hearing that the PPPRA template was developed by a committee that included labour during the Obasanjo years. He said that abuse began to creep in when suddenly the number of fuel importers began to increase, with the new comers, many of whom had neither storage facilities nor a retail network, emerging dominant in the business. He specifically stated that there were times when a major player like Oando had to secure supplies from these briefcase companies.

“It’s a bit of a misnomer for us to use the expression “benefited” from the PSF scheme...

We don’t benefit from the scheme, the Nigerian public benefits from the scheme... We simply make a claim...we bring in a cargo for $30m and sell at the pump for the equivalent of $15m, we simply make a claim to the government for the differential pursuant to a law that exists. We do not benefit from the scheme... the money belongs to our Nigerian shareholders and Nigerian banks”, Tinubu said.

It was different strokes for two depot owners. Capital Oil detailed its participation in the downstream sector, including the years when it received no fuel import allocation, only to emerge as one of the largest im-

porters of recent. The company, a major player in kerosene distribution, fielded questions from the committee about its figures.

The ad-hoc committee however, praised the presentation

by Folawiyo Energy as excellent and detailed. Dipo Makanjuola, the company’s general manager, told the public hearing that Folawiyo Energy operates a tank farm that services high-end customers efficiently and without demurrage since its facilities can discharge 45 million litres from any vessel within 24 hours. The company’s participation in the PPPRA’s petrol support fund, Makanjuola said, represents only 21per cent of its entire business and it was conducted with integrity and properly documented. With 10.5 metre draught, Folawiyo Energy’s facilities for discharging fuel cargoes are surpassed in Nigeria only by the NNPC-owned Atlas Cove.

Laced with humour and earthy wit, the Independent Petrol Marketers’ Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) pointedly accused the NNPC of promoting sharp practices by allowing portfolio companies to import fuel. Aminu Abdulkadir, IPMAN’s president, said these companies, owning neither storage tanks nor retail outlets, was responsible for the corruption within the system. He urged that the NNPC should withdraw from retail operations, and instead devote its resources to reviving the refineries.

With the avalanche of revelations, the public will hold committee chair Lawan to his pledge to get to the root of the corruption that has turned fuel subsidy into such an expensive drain on national resources.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Business

59

‘It costs N34 per litre to refine crude locally’ Dr. Izielen Agbon is former Head of Department, Petroleum Engineering and former Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chairman, University of Ibadan chapter. Agbon who is renowned for his expertise in oil and gas is currently based in Dallas, Texas, USA. In this online interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf he gives fresh insight into the dynamics of petroleum pricing among other issues

INTERVIEW

•Agbon

F

ROM available information, Nigeria’s crude is the cheapest to explore compared to countries like Norway, USA, etal. Given your experience in the industry, do you share the same sentiments?

Finding costs are lowest in the Middle East on the average. The fields there have larger reserves. Finding and development costs (F&D) for onshore fields is about $2/ bbl-$5/bbl. Offshore fields have higher F&D costs while shallow water fields have lower F&D cost than deep water fields. Middle East offshore fields have finding cost of $5/ bbl - $25/bbl depending on water depth and many other factors.

Most onshore fields in the USA have been discovered and mid-size new (green) fields are very hard to find. Most green fields are found offshore on the continental shelf ($15/bbl- $30/bbl) like in the Gulf or deep water offshore ($30/bbl-$45/bbl).

Off shore Fields in Norway and North Sea like Ekofisk and Forties fields have F&D costs of ($15/bbl-$40/bbl) depending on water depth. In general, the fields easier to find were found in the 1930-1980. They were mostly onshore. Now it is harder to find new fields onshore. Offshore fields are more expensive because they require special technology. Therefore factors like geology, onshore/offshore, water depth, time of discovery, prevailing oil prices influenced the history of finding cost.

F&D costs in Nigeria are lower than USA and Norway. In Nigeria, most of our fields are onshore (deltaic region) and were found and developed in 1960-1990. The 1986 MOU and 1990 MOU between the Federal Government of Nigeria and foreign Joint Ventures partners used a F&D cost of N2.50/bbl to calculate a bonus of $2.00/ bbl for additional reverses. F&D cost may vary depending on onshore ($2.5/bbl -$7.5 per barrel), shallow water ($7.5/bbl-$15/

bbl) and deep water ($15/bbl-$30/bbl) conditions. The new offshore deep water fields are large (greater than 500 million barrel initial oil in place. Nevertheless, their F&D costs are high at $15/bbl -$30 /bbl. F&D cost of $3.5/bbl are average data for onshore old (brown) fields in the Niger Delta. Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) does not lift the more expensive shallow water or deep water offshore crude oil under the domestic allocation quotas.

Production from these offshore fields is marked for export. Data collection and man•Nweze agement is poor in Nigeria but this average is reasonable for the purpose of calculating the cost of petrol in Nigeria.

From your analysis, you said the cost of refining crude locally is N34 per litre even with our moribund refineries. Can expatiate further on this?

There are many old (brown) fields near the Warri and Port Harcourt Refineries. At the refinery gate in Port Harcourt, the cost of a barrel of Nigerian crude oil is made up of the finding /development cost ($3.5/bbl) and a production/storage /transportation cost of $1.50 per barrel. Thus, at $5 per barrel, we can get Nigerian crude to the refining gates at Port Harcourt and Warri. One barrel is 42 gallons or 159 litres.

The price of one barrel of petrol at the depot gate is the sum of the cost of crude oil, the refining cost and the pipeline transportation cost. Refining costs are at $12.6 per barrel and pipeline distribution costs are $1.50 per barrel. The distribution margins (retailers, transporters, dealers, bridging funds, administrative charges etc) are N15.49/litre or $15.69 per barrel. The true cost of one litre of petrol at the Mobil Filling Station in Port Harcourt or anywhere else in Nigeria is therefore ($5+$12.6+$1.5+$15.7) or $34.8 per barrel.

This is equal to N34.36 per litre compared

to the old official price of N65 per litre or the new one of N97/litre.

In your report you said there is a high sales tax of 91.2% at the old price of N65 per litre. How did you arrive at that figure please?

If we refine all the petrol and other petroleum products that we need domestically, the cost of a litre of petrol would be N34. For the Federal Government of Nigeria not to build any new refineries since 1980 (Kaduna) is a testimony to the lack of planning, leadership and development. Despite the increase in the population, the number of vehicles, the demand for petroleum products and every other economic indicator, the Federal Government of Nigeria did nothing to increase the capacity of refining crude oil.

Given an official price of N65/litre and a true price of N34/litre for locally refined petrol, there is a fuel tax of (65-34) N31/litre or a (31/34) 91% fuel tax. I do not think that the Federal Government of Nigeria has given up their policies of adding value to exported products and import substitution.

We all agree that it is to our nation’s interest to locally refine all our petrol needed for domestic consumption. We should have more than 10 refineries today. We should be exporting petroleum products to Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) nations instead of leaving it to smugglers or a cabal. We should not be importing petroleum product as an oil exporting nation. It is a shame on the leadership of the country.

The 91% fuel tax or 185% fuel tax with the present Federal Government of Nigeria military-aided, imposed price of N97/litre should be devoted to building new refineries so that we can get out of this dependence and sustainable underdevelopment strategy of importing petroleum products. This is better than sharing the monies between the Federal Government of Nigeria, State Governments and Local Governments under the SURE programme. These State entities have not been able to use the revenue from exporting 2 million barrel a day to develop the country because of corruption, inefficiencies and International Monetary Fund (IMF) development strategies. So we should not expect them to do any better because we now giving them more money under SURE. SURE will just be another avenue for mismanagement because we lack the institutional capacity and ethics for implementing development oriented activities in the public sector.

Nigeria has become notorious for importation of petroleum products. Why has this persisted?

If we cannot meet internal demand because the Federal Government failed to do the Turn Around Maintenance in the refineries due to corruption/inefficiency, then the remaining allocated crude oil should be sent to foreign refineries for the purpose of meeting local demand (like was done in the past).

The allocated crude oil of 445000 bpd cannot be priced at international prices. Most countries do not export oil until they have met internal demand. For sustainable development purposes, the domestic market of any export commodity is very different from the world spot market.

Domestic allocation crude oil prices

should be based on the cost of production (like OPEC advocates) and not the international spot market oil prices as being advocated by the IMF. Even our national 2012 budget is not based on international spot market oil prices because of the vagaries of this market. The wages in Nigeria are not based on international (border) free market prices for labour. It is therefore a very bad development policy to subject our whole economy to international shocks by making a basic energy input like petroleum product prices dependent on a factor that we do not control like the spot market price for crude oil.

Do you think private refineries can thrive under the present circumstance?

I do not think we can get any private investor to invest in refineries in Nigeria if the Federal Government charges them international spot market prices for the crude oil (like the Federal Government is currently doing to the NNPC). It is more profitable for any private investor to buy the same crude oil at the same amount in New York and put their refineries in USA and Europe where the enabling environment is more stable and corruption is less. The refining margins are high in Europe and USA, the markets are bigger, the social overhead capital is more developed and the institutional environment is more stable.

The private investors have to be given the right incentives to venture into the Nigerian market. The downstream market is riddled with uncertainties and bureaucratic governmental inertia. The social overhead capital (infrastructure etc.) is in a state of decay. There are all kinds of hidden costs to doing business. Private investors will need a guaranteed profit margin to set up shop here just like the distributors/marketers demanded years ago.

I do not see how the government can charge Ghana and other ECOWAS nation less than spot market oil prices for crude oil imports from Nigeria (give them a discount) and yet make NNPC pay international spot market oil prices for lifting the domestic allocation. So our crude oil cost more in Port Harcourt than in Accra. Private investors will not come to such a politically loaded environment. If the Federal Government did a PEST (political, economic, social, technological) analysis rather than their normal SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunities and threats) analysis, they would have seen that they have the wrong strategy.

What in your view is the solution to the present impasse?

The solution is to keep the price at N65 in the short run. The NNPC price for domestic allocation should be based on production cost. NNPC should focus on a good TAM for local refineries and the elimination of corruption/security problems in the petroleum products importation process by approving only three to four major companies who own refineries with configurations that can refine low sulphur crude like Nigerian crude oil as licensed importers. The amount of imports can then be easily measured and the movement of the products easily monitored. In the middle and long term, we need to build more refineries rapidly with the aim of dominating the ECOWAS/African market and powering our industrial development with low cost energy inputs.

60

Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2011

COMPANY NEWS

UK boosts healthcare in Nigeria with N5bn

W

ORRIED over the paucity of quality drugs in the country as well as dwindling investment in the sector, the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) Partnership for Transforming Health Systems, (PATHS2) has hinted of plans to invest a total of N5.2 billion in the sector. The agency gave this hint over the weekend at a roundtable in Lagos.

At the stakeholders’ meeting which had participants drawn from the pharmaceutical companies under the aegis of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Nigeria (PMG MAN) in attendance, PATH2 management said the key objectives of the meeting was to increase the investment in drug manufacturing in Nigeria and improve the long term sustainability and availability of quality drugs at a reasonable price.

Speaking at the event, PATHS2 National Programme Manager, Mike Egboh said the meeting provided an avenue to engage in discussions with manufacturers of pharmaceutical products and brainstorm on various ways of collaboration to encourage investment in local production of drugs that will improve sustainable drugs availability in Nigeria.

He said: “We rely more on imported drugs when we know we can manufacture these drugs here in Nigeria.

We need to encourage and support our local manufacturers to boost their production capacities in order to improve drug availability, supply and distribution particularly in the rural areas.”

Egboh further disclosed that the UK government through the PATHS2 project is investing 21 million pounds (approximately N5.2 billion) to improve the availability of basic health commodities notably essential drugs and medical consumables, medical equipment, laboratory equipment

Stories by Rita Ohai

and teaching aids materials that will be needed to support health facilities in PATHS2 focal states. This aid by the UK government is one of the largest investments in the procurement of drugs and equipment in the Nigerian health sector since the time of Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) in the late 90s.

The health commodities, he stressed, will be sourced from local manufacturers and national suppliers who are duly registered by National Administration for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) thus promoting patronage of pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria which will ultimately lead to increase in availability, access and affordability of quality drugs. This initiative is to motivate the pharmaceutical companies to build their production capacity and provide opportunities for scale-up of lo-

cal pharmaceutical production.

In a keynote address, the Director of Food and Drug Services, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Bridget Okala commended the efforts of PATHS2 in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system especially in the area of health commodities procurement and supply particularly for the poor in the rural communities.

Mrs. Okala who recalled that PATH2 played a positive role towards drafting the National Drug Policy currently being implemented by the Federal Government assured that the ministry will continue to collaborate with PATHS2 in its efforts to ensure sustainable availability of drugs in the country.

“PATHS2 has shown significant impact in improvement of health care delivery in the Nigerian health sector and the Federal Ministry of Health will provide PATHS2 all the necessary support as we work together to ensure Nigeria

achieves the MDGs by 2015.”

She however disclosed that the Federal Government has earmarked the sum of N200 billion loans to be disbursed to manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry to improve local drug manufacturing and build their capacity to participate in international building process according to WHO guidelines.

In his remarks, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMGMAN), Mr Bunmi Olaopa commended PATHS2 for the initiative which he said was a positive development for the healthcare system in Nigeria.

The PMG MAN boss said in pursuit of access to quality medicines, the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria has embraced WHO pre-qualification process and many manufacturers have invested huge sums to upgrade facilities and processes.

•L-R: Mr Bunmi Olaopa, Chairman, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Nigeria (PMGMAN); Mr. Mike Egboh, National Programme Manager, PATHS2 and Mrs. Bridget Okala, Director, Food and Drug Services, Federal Ministry of Health at the PATHS2-PMGMAN roundtable meeting held in Lagos

Emzor leads polio eradication

Z

OLON Healthcare Ltd (a member of the Emzor Group) in conjunction with other stakeholders are working assiduously to remove Nigeria from PAIN. PAIN countries which include Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Nigeria, are countries where polio is still a major health risk.

Justifying the need for the

campaign at a stakeholders meeting in Lagos, the firm advocated the use for inactivated polio vaccine in the polio eradication regime.

According to the participants, since other countries of the world have embraced the idea and has led the sustenance of polio eradication, Nigeria should not be an excep-

tion.

Painting the damage the disease is doing to the country, the company said: “A four-fold increase in polio cases was reported in Nigeria in 2011, with the disease spreading to other countries, according to World Health Organization.

“The disease had also spread to neighbouring Niger, Mali and Ivory Coast

as a result of importation of the virus from Nigeria, therefore the success of polio eradication in Africa rests on Nigeria interrupting the virus.

“Forty-three cases were reported in Nigeria in 2011, compared to 11 in 2010, Curbing the polio virus in Nigeria is key to eradicating the crippling disease in Africa.”

New electricity tariff commences February, says NERC boss

T

HE Board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has hinted of plans to begin the proposed new electricity tariff, especially its implementation next month.

The board is expected to fix a February date for the formal announcement of the tariff structure.

The Chairman, NERC, Mr. Sam Amadi, who gave this hint recently, said there had been some delays in the

implementation of the new tariff structure because the commission was working hard to ensure that customer issues that might likely arise in future were properly addressed.

The new tariff was supposed to have taken effect on January 1, 2012.

He said, “The Board will be meeting on Thursday. This is to determine the best time to announce and to start the implemen-

tation of the new tariff. From all indications, we may announce the tariff next month – February.”

According to the NERC boss, implementation of the new tariff will not take effect immediately after the announcement of the tariff structure.

The increase in tariff, Amadi also noted, would not be 100 per cent across the board, as some factors would be put into consideration to

determine the degree of price differential.

The difference in the level of price change, he explained, would be based on factors, like the capacity of the different power distribution companies, the different categories of customers on board, cost of service to customers, location (area), cost of producing power vis-à-vis the area, and the number of customers per location.

Beyond Talent

By Adetayo Okusanya Email: adetayookusanya@hotmail.com

Don’t be a hero: You are not the invisible man

T

WO weeks ago I talked about being the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of your own destiny. I hope that it inspired you to play a more active role in shaping the course of your life and future. As CEO, you are responsible for the strategic direction and operations of your enterprise, and ultimately its success or failure rests squarely on your shoulders. It is a high risk and high stakes role.

If you run a business of one, i.e. YOU Inc, you have to learn to execute the various functions that are a necessary part of accomplishing your life and career goals. The sad truth is that many professionals focus all their efforts in the operations function i.e. just doing their jobs, and fail to invest time and resources in other areas that enable them achieve greater heights of success. To be successful at directing your own destiny you must utilize a broad set of skills, one of which is the ability to market yourself and create a demand for your professional brand.

As CEO of YOU Inc, you are also the Chief Marketing Officer of your enterprise. It is your responsibility to develop an effective strategy for raising the visibility of your professional brand. No one else will do it for you. The goal of self-marketing is to increase your name recognition and build your public reputation and credibility, such that you occupy a more favorable position in the minds of your target market, relative to your competition. If corporations can dedicate entire departments and huge financial resources to marketing their products and services, then there is much for you to gain from investing in identifying and connecting with the people who want what you have to offer and are willing and able to pay for it.

Whether you are an entrepreneur, a solo professional or employee below are four self-marketing strategies you can implement this year to increase the visibility and power of your professional brand.

1. Create a Mailing List Emails and newsletters are a cost effective means of staying connected with your target market and building brand awareness. Your list of contacts is a valuable asset that can generate significant leads and opportunities for you. Create a mailing list and share valuable and relevant information with others.

Be careful not to SPAM your contacts and inundate them with emails. Limit your emails to twice a month and give members the option to opt out of your mailing list. The beauty of emails and newsletters is that they help you spread your influence and keep you current in the minds of your target market.

2. Create an Online Profile Online profiles are also a great way to stay in constant touch with ideas, people and organizations that are important to you. The internet is most likely the first place people are going to look for information about who you are and what you are about. More often than not, they will start with Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter, so it is important to create profiles on these networking sites. Keep your profiles professional, consistent with your brand message and regularly updated so that people see value in returning to your website. Do not upload anything on the internet that you would not want employers, professional colleagues, customers, recruiters and others to see now or in the future.

3. Become a subject matter expert and share your expertise with others Create and share relevant content in areas that are important to your target market and effectively position yourself as a resource. Sharing content through articles in popular print or online publications, personal or influencer blogs, speaking engagements, videos, podcasts, etc. helps you establish yourself as an expert that people can turn to for advice and information. If you work for an organization, consider writing a white paper or organizing brown bags, lunch and learn sessions and other training events for your colleagues. Writing, speaking and teaching are great ways to get instant credibility and build a reputation as a subject matter expert.

4. Expand your professional network Get out of your office and get to know people outside your department and organization. Plan to increase the exposure, influence and reach of your professional brand. A good place to start is by keeping in touch with friends, acquaintances, classmates and colleagues. You can also volunteer at a community centre or a school, join the board of a charity, become a member of a business networking or professional organization or attend a conference. Be always prepared to tell others who you are and what you are about. Never leave home without your business cards. Build relationships with as many business professionals as possible, with whom you can borrow influence, establish partnerships, conduct business, refer clients and generate leads.

• Okusanya is CEO of ReadinessEdge

61

WORLD NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

Senegal opposition vows to stop Wade’s bid S

ENEGAL’S opposition vowed yesterday to force President Abdoulaye Wade out of office as the capital reeled from violent riots that erupted after the top court said the octogenarian could run for a third term.

Riot police cordoned off streets around the presidency after the opposition threatened to march on the palace after a night of what local newspapers dubbed “fire and blood” in which rioters killed one policeman.

The streets in flashpoint suburbs were littered with still-smouldering debris after rioters engaged in running battles with police, overturning and torching cars, setting alight tyres and shops along the city’s main arteries.

In the working class suburb Colobane where a mass opposition gathering turned violent, Chinese immigrants surveyed the remnants of several of their shops torched in the riots.

The violence erupted late Friday after the west African nation’s Constitutional Council gave Wade, 85, the green light to run in February 26 polls, sparking anger among opponents who accuse him of fiddling with the constitution.

“Wade rejoices, the country burns,” read the headline of the Walfadjiri

newspaper while le Quotidien declared: “Wade burns Senegal.”

Abdoulaye Wilane, a leader of the opposition Socialist Party told AFP there would be a “legal and political battle” to ensure Wade leaves power.

“The fight will continue to the end.”

Presidential spokesman Serigne Mbacke Ndiaye said

on French International radio (RFI) that Wade’s camp would also challenge several opposition candidacies.

“Of 12 million inhabitants there were 200, 300 even 1,000, 2,000 people protesting the Constitutional Council decision, really that s not a concern.”

The five-judge council unveiled a list of 14 contenders but rejected the candidacy of

music icon Youssou Ndour, who warned of rising tension in the country and vowed to challenge his disqualification.

Ndour, who shocked the music world when he announced this month he was quitting singing for politics, was left off the list with the council saying many signatures he provided could not be verified. A minimum of 10,000 were needed.

T

HE second most senior cleric in the Church of England, Archbishop of York John Sentamu, yesterday condemned the British government’s plans to introduce same-sex civil marriages.

“Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman,” the Ugandanborn archbishop told the Daily Telegraph newspaper, adding that only “dictators” tried to redefine things that were so established in tradition and history.

Prime Minister David Cameron’s government is due to launch a consultation on same-sex civil marriages in March, more than six years after homosexual civil partnerships were introduced in December 2005.

But Sentamu said: “I don’t think it is the role of the state to define what marriage is. It is set in tradition and history and you can’ just [change it] overnight, no matter how powerful you are.

“We’ve seen dictators do it in different contexts and I don’t want to redefine very

clear social structures that have been in existence for a long time and then overnight the state believes it could go in a particular way.

“It’s almost like somebody telling you that the Church, whose job is to worship God [will be] an arm of the armed forces. They must take arms and fight. You’re completely changing tradition.”

Sentamu warned that if new legislation was introduced to allow same-sex marriage, there would be a rebellion not just from bishops in the unelected upper House of Lords, but from all parties and in the elected House of Commons.

“If you genuinely would like the registration of civil partnerships to happen in a more general way, most people will say they can see the drift. But if you begin to call those marriage, you’re trying to change the English language,” he said.

“That does not mean you diminish, condemn, criticise, patronise any same-sex relationships because that is not what the debate is about.”

Congo opposition leader calls for strike over poll

C •Tires burn in a street, January 27, 2012, in Senegal’s capital Dakar, where clashes broke out between police and young protesters, following the publication by the Constitutional Council of a list of candidates eligible to stand in the country’s presidential election in February.

AFP:PHOTO

Nine die in fresh Syria violence S YRIAN government forces clashed with antiregime army defectors across the country yesterday, as the Arab League’s chief and the prime minister of Qatar were set to depart for New York to seek U.N. support for the latest Arab plan to end Syria’s crisis.

At least nine people were reported killed in the clashes and other violence, bringing the death toll for the last three days to over 80 and adding urgency to attempts by Arab and Western countries to draft a political settlement to end 10 months of bloodshed.

But the initiatives continue to face two major obstacles: Damascus’ rejection of a peace plan which it says impinges on its sovereignty, and Russia’s willingness to use its U.N. Security Council veto to protect Syria from sanctions.

In the bloodiest incident reported yesterday, Syria’s state-run news agency SANA said “terrorists” ambushed a bus carrying army officers near the tense Damascus suburb of Douma, killing seven of them.

Although Damascus has been relatively quiet since the uprising began, its suburbs have witnessed intense antiregime protests and army defectors have become more visible and active in the past

British cleric condemns gay marriage plans

few months.

Syrian opposition groups had no immediate reports on the ambush in Douma, but the Local Coordination Councils activist network said government troops were attacking several other Damascus suburbs — Kfar Batna, Saqba, Jisreen and Arbeen — using tanks and armoured personnel carriers.

It added that defectors were fighting advancing troops.

In the eastern oil-rich province of Deir el-Zour, an oil pipeline took a direct hit

and caught fire as government troops shelled a town, activists said.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the LCC said the early morning shelling of the town of Qoriah killed at least one person and set the pipeline on fire.

Syria’s state-run media blamed anti-government “terrorists” for the attack, saying the fire was extinguished four hours later.

It said the pipeline carried crude oil from al-Omar field

to a station in the area.

SANA also reported that Syrian troops prevented gunmen from crossing from neighbouring Turkey into the northwestern province of Idlib.

SANA said a Syrian soldier was wounded while many of the infiltrators were either killed or wounded, adding that the rest returned to Turkey.

The United Nations estimates that more than 5,400 people have died in Syria’s turmoil.

IAEA chief urges Iran to cooperate with inspectors

T

HE head of the UN’s atomic watchdog has urged Iran to cooperate with a team of inspectors heading to Tehran, after a recent damning report on the Iranian nuclear programme.

International Atomic Energy Agency chief Yukiya Amano told AFP that the organisation’s previous efforts to check Iran’s claim its nuclear programme has only peaceful purposes had been hampered by “a lack of cooperation”.

“We hope they will take a constructive approach. We hope that there will be substantial cooperation,” Amano said on Friday.

An IAEA report in November highlighted a range of areas which had

raised suspicions that Iran was pursuing the development of nuclear weapons, despite its repeated denials.

It detailed 12 suspicious areas such as testing explosives in a steel container at a military base and studies on Shahab-3 ballistic missile warheads.

Amano said it was too early to say definitively that Iran was pursuing a nuclear weapons programme.

But he added: “We have information that indicates that Iran has engaged in activities relevant to the development of a nuclear explosive device.”

“We are requesting that Iran clarifies the situation. We proposed to make a mission and they agreed to accept the mission.

“The preparations have gone well but we need to see what actually happens when the mission arrives.”

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said the onus was on Tehran to prove its good intentions to the inspectors, who will be visiting Iran from today to Tuesday.

“There is no other alternative to addressing this crisis than peaceful resolution through dialogue,” Ban told reporters in Davos.

Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has insisted that Tehran is not dodging negotiations and was ready to sit down with world powers Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States, and Germany for talks.

ONGO’S top opposition leader is calling for a strike over last year’s much-criticized election. Etienne Tshisekedi on Friday called for the strike to start Monday, but it is unclear if his call will be heeded. He has declared himself president despite officially losing the November poll.

Congo’s powerful Roman Catholic Church has also for called mass protests against what it calls “serious errors”

in the results.

Local and international observers have already said the elections were too flawed to be legitimate. It was only the second democratic election Congo has ever held, with the stability of the mineral-rich African nation at stake. Critics say millions of voters were unable to cast ballots, hundreds of thousands of ballots have been tampered with and 1.3 million completed ballots went missing.

Earthquake rattles Greek Island

G

REEK authorities say an earthquake with preliminary 4.9magnitude has shaken the country’s southern Aegean islands, including Crete. No injuries or damage were immediately reported in the quake, which was the third in three days in the area.

The Athens Geodynamic Institute says the undersea earthquake occurred at 12:50 p.m. (1050 GMT) yesterday

about 243 kilometres from the Greek capital, Athens, between the islands of Santorini and Crete. It says the earthquake occurred at a depth of 31 kilometres.

Earthquakes of magnitude 5.3 and 5.2 occurred in the same area on Thursday and Friday, respectively.

Greece is in one of the world’s seismically active areas, with hundreds of quakes occurring each year.

Defence asks ElBaradei to testify in Mubarak trial

A

lawyer for Egypt’s former interior minister has requested that Nobel Peace Prize laureate and proreform leaderMohamed ElBaradei testify as a witness in his client’s defense.

Attorney Mohammed elGendi says ElBaradei could testify thatsecurity forces from the Interior Ministry protected him and ensured he arrived home safely during the most violent day of last year’s uprising that

ousted President Hosni Mubarak.

El-Gendi’s comments Saturday come on the oneyear anniversary of Egypt’s “Day of Rage,” in which hundreds of protesters were killed and wounded in clashes with police.

Former Interior Minister Habib el-Adly, Mubarak and four top security officers are facing charges of complicity in the deaths of hundreds of protesters at the hands of security forces.

They face the death penalty if convicted.

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World News

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

H

E dreamed of a promised land. But like Moses in the Bible, he never got there.

Had Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. been alive, he would have celebrated his 83rd birthday on January 15, 1929 but, despite being felled by assassin’s bullet in 1968, his greatness has soared over the years. Hence, to celebrate this icon of equality and justice, the Public Affairs section of the United States Consulate in Lagos and the management of Freedom Park, Lagos Island, last Tuesday, organised a forum to mark what is now referred to as Martin Luther King Day, a US federal holiday which is marked every third Monday of January since 1986.

King was a crucial figure in achieving the civil rights act in 1968 which sought for freedom via equity and justice for black people, predominantly living in the South. A young Baptist pastor, he had been bothered by the issues of segregation and became vocal in denouncing it.

However, instead of bringing violence to oppose the white oppression of that era, he, learning from the success of Mahatma Ghandi in India had toed the line of non-violence.

The venue of the presentation, the former records office of the former was apt for discussions of freedom. According to Deji Rhodes, the former prison located on Broad Street had confined the likes of Sir Herbert Macaulay, Pa Michael Imodu, Pa Obafemi Awolowo (all heroes of freedom). However, now refurbished by the administration of Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, the prison is now known as ‘Freedom Park.’

After a brief documentary on the life and

times of King, Richardson who is writing a book on the American civil movement highlighted to the audience which comprised of mainly secondary school students the prevalent circumstances of that era. Slide after slide, punctuated by researched facts, Richardson collapsed over two centuries of history which brought about the movement.

The audience oohed and aahed at how in the in the 20th century, the Jim Crow Laws made segregation a norm in southern states with the catch, ‘separate but equal’ applied to black Americans. “There were over 400 segregation laws,” Richardson said. “There were different water fountains for whites and blacks. And if a white person was walking down

walkway, the Negro had to give way.”

He also talked how Negro men, women, as well as children participated in the various protests which sprouted in some states in the South – defying dogs, water hoses, arrests, beatings, and other forms of violence.

King, largely influenced by how Mahatma Ghandi fought Indians’ plight through non-violent protests, would later do same with the march to Washington on August 28, 1963. Over 250, 000 people gathered on the streets while millions watched on TV how American Negroes stood up for jobs and freedom - their right.

According to an autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr. edited by

Clayborne Carson: ‘They came from almost every state in the union; they came in every form of transportation; they gave up from one o three days’ pay plus the cost of transportation, which for many was a heavy financial sacrifice. They were goodhumored and relaxed, yet disciplined and thoughtful.

They applauded their leaders generously, but the leaders, in their own hearts, applauded their audience.

Many a Negro speaker that day had his respect for his own people deepened as h felt the strength of their dedication. The enormous multitude was the living, beating heart of an indefinitely noble movement. It was an army without guns, but not without strength. It was an army into which no one had

‘America has come a long way’ Chris Richardson, a diplomat at the US Consulate General in Lagos is in the editing stage of his book on the American civil rights movement.

In this interview with Joe Agbro Jr., the graduate of Emory University, Atlanta Georgia and Duke University Law school speaks about his writing project

Y

OU’RE writing a historical dictionary of the American Civil Rights movement.

How does it feel like dwelling on this dark part of history?

I don’t think about it as a dark part of American history. I think of it as a

triumphant part of American history from a sense that it demonstrates America’s ability to climb and reach from a really dark place into a really good place for us as Americans. I think of the civil rights movement and the struggle against segregation as something that we, as Americans should be actually proud of because it shows how Americans climbed from a really low point into a high point. And for me, it’s never been a labour of sadness or depression; it’s a labour of love – just to see people fighting for the country that they love.

How is the degree of segregation now in the US? How far are those elements that caused the civil war been whittled down?

When my parents were growing up in America, my grand-parents were growing up, segregation was part of their life. But, now, they’ve lived to see an African-American president, AfricanAmerican Secretary of

state, a woman secretary of state. Many of the things they were told as children weren’t possible, they’ve lived to see it. And I think that’s the beauty of America and our systemthat, we’re a country that protest, march, and fight, not out of some hatred for our country but out of real love and appreciation for our nation. We have a long way to go but I think we have really come a long way as a country.

You were born in the US and now you’re writing about the civil rights and you’re in Nigeria. When was your first time in Africa and how did it feel like?

My first time in Africa was actually in east Africa in Tanzania.

Nigeria is my second experience in Africa. And I think Nigerians could learn a lot from AfricanAmericans in terms of history and African American can learn a lot from Nigeria in terms of history.

There are some parts of African-American

experience that we don’t necessarily understand where it comes from. We come back to Nigeria and we see it and we’re like wow that makes much sense now.

We understand ourselves more as AfricanAmericans. So, a large part of West African culture, Nigerian culture, lives on in America. So, I think Nigerian culture is a larger aspect of American culture through the African-American experience.

to be drafted. It was white, and Negro, and of all ages.

It had adherents of every faith, members of every class, every profession, every political party, united by a single ideal. It was a fighting army, but no one could mistake that its most powerful weapon was love.’

King also delivered his now famous ‘I have a dream’ speech there where he foresaw a country devoid of racial discrimination.

After the audience listened to how Martin Luther King defied the segregation in the Southern states, renowned Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka regaled the audience of stories of how segregation was practiced during the British colonial rule in Nigeria.

“The St. Saviours’ church (on Lagos Island) was known as European Church,” said Soyinka referring to the now influential Lagos church.

“Even the Ikoyi Club (in Lagos) was segregated.”

Soyinka who was privileged to have met the King also dwelled on King’s personality. “Though, he advocated non-violence, he was also a combatant,” he said.

No doubt, King wouldn’t have been otherwise to have confronted the police on numerous occasions, slept in jails, faced physical attacks and have a constant threat on his life. But, Dr. King was a dogged fighter.

After the achievement of the civil rights Act, he advocated for staying off the war in Vietnam, as well as other issues confronting humanity in the US. He was on such mission when he

was assassinated on the balcony of Lorraine Motel, Memphis, Tennessee, in April 4, 1968. According to Richardson, when his heart was examined, “it was found to be the heart of a 70 year-old.” Yet, he was just 39.

In December 2010, when 26 year old Tunisian Mohammed Bouazizi set himself ablaze in, a wave of protests now known as the Arab Spring swept across Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Bahrain, Yemen, and Syria. These rooted regimes and changed deep-seated policies. The ‘Occupy Wall Street’ in New York protests also brought to focus the might of the masses, a movement which spread across Europe. Little wonder ‘The Protester’ was Time magazine’s 2011 man of the year.

But while the ‘peaceful’ one man hunger strike of Anna Hazare, an Indian activist succeeded in bringing attention to anticorruption in India, such was not the case in Syria where government forces have visited violence on protesters. So, about 5, 500 lives have been lost.

Few protesters would however rival King’s staunch application of nonviolence. Throughout his life, he focused on bringing about equity and justice. As was noted by a journalist in the aired documentary, King “was willing to die for a cause he believed in but he was not willing to kill.”

And with a Nobel Peace Prize, a US presidential Medal of Freedom and a US federal holiday in his honour, Dr. King’s name is etched as an icon of Freedom through non-violence.

King was awarded at least fifty honorary degrees from colleges and universities in the U.S. and elsewhere.

More than 730 cities in the United States have streets named after King. King County, Washington rededicated its name in his honor in 1986, and changed its logo to an image of his face in 2007. The city government center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is named in honor of King. King is remembered as a martyr by the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (feast day April 4) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (feast day January 15).

Essay

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

The American elections: The lesser inadequacy The most dangerous invasion a nation experiences is the one from within

T

HE American election season approaches full swing. Just last week, President Obama presented his State of the Union address which was tantamount to an opening campaign speech. His Republican rivals held two debates in the strategic state of Florida.

What took place confirms troubling observations about the condition of America. It is a great but troubled nation.

Those who steer or would steer her are insufficiently equipped for the employment they seek. Thus, America’s greatness will continue to recede in all likelihood. There is a sense that American sun slowly sets and that the new day will find the nation in a position inferior to that now occupied. Neither the President nor the Republican pretenders seem capable of arresting this reduction.

Both President Obama and his Republican competitors speak grandiloquently about restoring national greatness. All claim to be outstanding patriots who would restore economic vitality at home and champion democratic fairness and peace through superior strength abroad. Yet something is afoul.

Not one of them should speak in such high terms because none of them is equal to the task. The aspirants are much smaller than the times. What they lack in capability they compensate for by their excessive covetousness for the top national post.

Rarely has the distance between the rhetoric of candidates and their abilities been so glaring. All politicians on the campaign hustings can be pardoned the occasional, even frequent exaggeration.

This year, merely exaggerating would be a sign of prudent restraint. This year will become a year of chronic, shameless lying to get the job. It will be a time where ambition trumps ability, where fakery matters more than fact. It will be time when all the candidates promise to lift America up but the policies they pursue will have but one outcome – to continue to pull down most people.

In this mercenary atmosphere, there is little good to be found. Plentiful morsels of bad and worse describe the stew. The American political system will expend over one billion dollars for a presidential campaign that can only promise mediocrity as its finest result. By any objective measure, this is a rather costly undertaking for such a pedestrian outcome. Amidst the stilted and feigned partisan cheers, disappointment abounds throughout the general population. Yet in the end, Americans will have to make an imperfect choice.

At this point, President Obama seems to be that choice. In 2008, this column strongly endorsed candidate Obama, believing he genuinely intended to pursue the policy lines he outlined. He held out the promise of beginning that transcendental leader who comes along in

•Obama

the nick of time to rescue a nation from itself.

However, he has been a singular disappointment who personifies more of what is wrong with politics than what are its solutions. He campaigned as a modern progressive but governed as an oldfashioned moderate. He has proven to be more of a question than an answer. Yet, he is less dangerous than any of his Republican rivals. He is like a toddler, half walking and half crawling in the right direction. The trouble is that he seeks to catch a dynamic reality, as swift and mobile as a dashing hare. He will not succeed unless he quickly grows into the adult statesman he claims to be. His success is a long shot but at least it is a shot. The success of any of the Republicans is foredoomed by their high ignorance and low prejudices.

The Republicans chase the same swift hare.

Yet, they do so blindfolded and walking backwards. They have no chance of success should they gain the White House. Theirs would be tale of failure in the extreme. They would lead the nation into the distance past where white males ruled without remorse and all others served without backtalk.

That is path as futile as it is unfair. Thus, the people are left with selecting between the America of Obama’s ersatz gloss of fairness or of the Republican’s genuine injustice. The choice is unattractive but one that will have to be made come November.

President Obama exists in this day and time, albeit more as a political thespian than a leader. The Republicans are of pied pipers of the land of conservative make-believe.

The President’s greatest problem is that he talks big but does small. For a problem that

“The unfortunate reality is that the coming election does not offer America a choice between different but viable solutions. The election is reduced to a choice of punishments. Voters can take the slow but eventually lethal drops of arsenic administered by President Obama or they can allow the Republicans to shoot them in the head and get the dirty job over with quickly”

requires a rope to harness, he tries to lasso with a tiny string and proclamations of best wishes. He is an outstanding orator whose words now ring hollow because they fallen to barren ground too many times. To the keen observer, his speeches are no longer filled with majestic words but littered with catchy phases intended to delude the public into believing he is taking strides larger and more monumental than what is actually being performed. As such, President Obama is but a middling politician. His blackness makes him unique as a president but uniqueness does not necessarily translate into greatness. Neither his blackness nor his oratory skills makes him great because neither can overcome the holes in his leadership.

In his state of the union address, President Obama gave a reasonably correct analysis of the troubles plaguing the American economy. But his prescriptions were puny compared to the gravity of the problems faced. Identifying that the American economy needed to restore its manufacturing prowess, he proposed a set of modest tax incentives to spur manufacturing growth by encouraging American companies to repatriate operations that had been moved overseas.

These tax measures will not make a dent.

His approach mimics what Ireland did to attract foreign investment a few decades ago. However, the American economy is of a different nature and dimension than the Irish. The introduction of a few industries that would cause the small Irish economy to roar would produce barely a whimper in the American economy. If America is to regain its footing as a top manufacturer, it requires a bolder policy initiative. It needs a national industrial policy much like it had during the inception of the republic. Such a measure is even more needed now given that China and other nations have their industrial policies that funnel substantial government support and investment to strategic industries that build export earnings while also closing the technology gap between them and America.

President Obama asserted he would create a new commission to fight unfair trade practices of other nations. To the uninitiated electorate, this may look the bold stroke. However, it is disingenuous.

63

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative already has this mandate. The Trade Representative also already sits on the President’s cabinet. Creation of another office would be superfluous, adding little value. Either the USTR is ineffective and should be dismissed or the new proposal was announced merely for public effect but not in pursuit of any substantive policy.

The President also proclaimed the Justice Department would constitute an investigative team to examine the wrongdoings that led to the 2008 financial meltdown. It is curious the President would wait three years to tackle this problem and would do so only after the anti-elitist Occupy Wall Street movement had gained national attention. It is not as if he just learned about the financial collapse. This is the event that has most shaped his presidency. That he made this announcement so belatedly reveals his Justice Department had not deemed it fit to meaningfully investigate the worst financial upheaval since the Great Depression. The lack of prosecutorial zeal is puzzling given the clear and obvious evidence of financial fraud by many of the large banking institutions. This sorrowful admission by President Obama reflects his close alignment with the financial sector.

As such, the tardy announcement of the investigative unit should not be taken at face value. Its genuine value is a much reduced one.

While the investigative unit is yet to be established, the Administration has been negotiating for over a year with the banks on a deal that would have the financial industry establish a minimal fund of 25 billion dollars to pay some of its victims in exchange for broad immunity for the mortgage-related banking malpractices that form the base of the 2008 meltdown. How the government can agree to an amount of restitution prior to having investigated the extent of wrongdoing smacks more of political alchemy than legal precision. That the banks are eager to conclude the deal indicates they are getting a bargain. Their potential exposure could run into the hundreds of billions if not trillions. Under the deal, they are likely to pay only a fraction of what their culpability indicates.

If this deal is signed, the proclaimed, new investigative team will be a powerless vessel. It could investigate but not prosecute because much of the wrongdoing would have been granted immunity. While the President portrayed the measure as a way to advance justice and protect the American public from financial vultures, the investigation will be nothing but an academic exercise mostly of value to legal historians. It will not alter banking practices one inch. None of the major culprits will be put in the docks for one second to answer for nearly wrecking the national and global economies. President Obama has hoodwinked the general public into thinking he is battling the financial sector while in fact he is serving the interests of the Money Power that fuels his campaign and controls his governance.

Still, he is better than the alternative.

The recent debates reveal the Republican candidates are more deeply flawed than the President. Candidate Newt Gingrich is as narcissistic as they come. In his heart of hearts, he would be emperor if possible. If elected, he would spend his time making it possible. Thus, he is a most dangerous man because he would eagerly undermine democracy to aggrandize power. He believes himself a great historic figure along the lines of Churchill or Roosevelt yet no other people see the parallel. He would not be fit to be the manservant of either of these men. His exalted sense of self demonstrates his lack of proportion. Moreover, he is a bundle of prejudices. He wears his disdain for President Obama like a medallion as he does his general dislike of blacks and minorities. He appeals to the angry and bewildered working class white male who wants to return to the fine days of old when •Continued on page 65

JANUARY 29, 2012

64

With Joe Agbro Jr. 08056745268

Hello children, Trust you have all resumed school after the strike which paralysed the nation. Here’s wishing you a fruitful 2012 •Your brain is 80% water.

•Sound travels about 4 times faster in water than in air.

•Water dissolves more substances than any other liquid.

•Between 70 and 75 per cent of the earth’s surface is covered with water. However, humans can use only about three tenths of a percent of this water which is found in groundwater aquifers, rivers, and freshwater lakes.

•The total amount of water on the earth is about 326 million cubic miles of water.

•884 million people lack access to safe water supplies; approximately one in eight people.

•3.575 million people die each year from water-related disease.

The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through dis-

WORD WHEEL

Water facts ease than any war claims through guns •Pure water (solely hydrogen and oxygen atoms) has a neutral pH of 7, which is neither acidic nor basic.

•By the time a person feels thirsty, his or her body has lost over 1 per cent of its total water amount.

The weight a person loses directly after intense physical activity is weight from water, not fat.

•People living in the slums often pay 5-10 times more per liter of water than wealthy people living in the same city.

Rotary organises children’s party

T

This is an open ended puzzle. How many words of three or more letters, each including the letter at centre of the wheel, can you make from this diagram? We’ve found 31, including one nine-letter word. Can you do better?

Riddles with Bisoye Ajayi 1. I am something. I carry people around but no one can carry me. What am I? 2. I am something. People feel me but can not touch me. What am I? Miss Ajayi is a JSS 1 student of Queens College, Yaba, Lagos.

PUZZLE

• President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Gbolahan Ayodele, presenting a gift to one of the children

Magazines for many years have been a source of getting detailed information about virtually any subject. Find some magazines in the wordsearch below

APERTURE, ARCHITECT, ARISE, AUTOMOBILE, COUNTRY GARDENS, EBONY, ECONOMIST, GLAMOUR, HELLO, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, NEWSWEEK, OVATION, PC WEEK, PEOPLE, PLAYBOY, READERS DIGEST, ROLLING STONE, TATLER, TIME, VIBE, WIRED

Word wheel NINE LETTER WORDS: Awkwardly ark, award, away, awkward, awry, dark, darkly, day, draw, drawl, dray, lad, lady, lard, lark, law, lay, raw, ray, wad, walk, walkway, war, ward, wary, way, wayward, yak, yard, yaw

Magazines

Puzzle Answers

WORD SEARCH

At a recent painting competition, Eileen’s rendition of a Constable was not last. Jenny only just managed to avoid last place and came third.

The lady who painted a Monet was very successful and took first place. Ada beat the lady who painted the Taylor and the lady who painted the Van Gogh beat Vera. Can you determine who painted what and who won?

Name Artist Monet, 2 Eileen Constabl e, 3 Jenny Van Gogh, 1 Ada 4 Vera Taylor

HE 2011 edition of the Rotary Club of Lagos sponsored Christmas Party for the children of Campos Square of Lagos Island tagged ‘Annual Campos Square Children’s Christmas Party’ was attended by over 400 children.

It was a fun as the children jostled for prizes in the dancing, beauty pageant, quiz and many other competitions, with an anonymous donor increasing his part-funding of the event to N200,000.00. The children were well fed with delicious meals, soft drinks and also received educational gifts from Father Christmas to take home.

Send in your stories, poems, articles, games, puzzles, riddles and jokes to sundaynation@yahoo.com

Answer to Riddles:

1. Motorcar

2. Air

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JANUARY 29, 2012

65

EBERE WABARA

WORDSWORTH 08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

Not by Fashola “O UR investment in amateur sports is beginning to reap fruits— Fashola” (THE NATION SPORT Headline, December 28) I can stake my employment that this couldn’t have come from my superactive and cerebral governor, Egbon Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) of Lagos State! Investments yield fruits which investors reap.

BRF and Lagos are working. “…Chief Olusegun Osoba, in response to a question, has (had) jokingly….”

“In place of the temporary and barely perceptible relief offered by stray sand bags….” Be on the alert: ‘relief’ connotes temporariness. So, to write ‘temporary relief’ smacks of subliteracy.

“Armed robbers paid him a non-courtesy call at about 7.30 p.m.” Back to the basics: either at 7.30 p.m or about 7.30 p.m, depending on context. No mix-up, please. And what is ‘noncourtesy’ all about? Do bandits pay courtesy calls?

“As it was remarked sometimes (sometime) ago...”

“Waking up in the morning of Wednesday, January 25, 2012, had not been too problematic for Hafiz Ringim, at least not in any way that the day had given him any hint of what the day had in stock (store) for him.”

“It is a make-belief story” Get it right: makebelieve. “...it cuts in from the next street whether along the very busy Broad Street or at the outskirts of the city.” Travelogue: on the outskirts.

“The sweet look of the cards do (does) not give any inkling of a country….”

“Land allotees get ultimatum” Spell-check: allottees.

“Beside the African Union dastardly act which shocked and outraged the world.…” There is a world of difference between ‘beside’ and ‘besides’ (which applies here).

“In fact, a dangerous development such as cultism needs not to be (need not be) treated with a kid’s glove”. Get it right: kid gloves.

“The impression I was given was that IBB had morbid fear of the wild,

wild west, and would never cross the River Niger again, talk less (let alone) coming to Lagos. “…the heads of these institutions did not like the carnage that went on in the university campuses but they were handicapped.”

The cultists’ challenge: on (not in) university campuses.

“Anything to create a reasonably safe distance between us and the governor’s siren was alright.”

This way: all right, if you subscribe to formal (standard) English. ‘Alright’ is an unacceptable spelling in classical environments. “…he has indeed made remarkable damages on earth with a little help from its inhabitant. ‘Damage’ is uncountable except in legal reparations.

“What this therefore calls for is (are) clear-cut criteria for determining who goes and who is retained at the end of the pruning exercise.” What is the function of ‘exercise’ here? And this: criterion (singular); criteria (plural).

“If each civil servant had at least a two-bedroom house in Abuja, very few Nigerians could have raised any eyebrow on the furniture allowance for lawmakers as was done not too long ago.” Our mandate, their meal ticket: raise eyebrows (fixed expression). Once again, ignore some obsolete dictionaries that still endorse this and mislead some of my hypercritics! “…and that money spent on the comfort of the executive and legislative members of government does not extend into (to) the pockets of civil servants or other members of the civil society.”

“Lagos Chamber of C o m m e r c e President…receiving momemtos as....” Till eternity: mementos.

“Merger of Japan’s three banks elicit (elicits) reactions” A recurring case of subject-verb disagreement.

Proximity does not come in here.

“He is frank to the point of recklessness and does not bath (bat) an eyelid about sensibilities once he is convinced about what he is doing.”

“Successful candidates in the exam are placed into (in) universities depending on their performances and

choices.”

“The picture one is likely to get is that of lawmakers yet to come to grip (grips) with the seriousness of what their duties entail.”

“Both palatable and heart-rending news are (is) most often broken there.” “…his skin must have toughen (you mean toughened?) such that nothing can stir his emotion as to make him cry.”

“They were, in their primes (prime), sent on a journey from which nobody returns.”

“Its police, too, began investigation culminating into (in) the arrest of some suspects….”

“We do not have to wait till these bloody miscreants would think of going for a minister of education or a very top government personnel (official)….” ‘Personnel’ is strictly for collective usage. For example: the Nigerian Police service personnel who mount roadblocks are corrupt and disobedient. Remember that past IGPs had ineffectively abolished checkpoints. This is hoping that Mohammed Dikko Abubakar, the acting Inspector-General of Police, will succeed especially in those areas where his predecessors had bungled.

“Since last week Tuesday….” Either last Tuesday or Tuesday, last week.

“Our politicians should realise that if they can hold the country into (to) ransom for their jumbo pay, then civil servants should not be blamed if they do same (the same).”

“Manchester City girds lions (loins) for Man U and stems-up for record” For sports journalists (who cherish language abuse): phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation. “…the paper’s new printing machines which had been lying at the ports for sometime (some time)….” If you must remain Nigeria’s largest daily sale, distinguish between ‘sometime’ and ‘some time’.

“In Nigeria, it was designed by the military dictators as bait to divert the attention of the people from the enormity of their loots.” No questions: ‘loot’ is non-count.

Focus on columns and magazines coming on soon.

The American elections: The lesser inadequacy The most dangerous invasion a nation experiences is the one from within •Continued from page 63

they controlled the world and the black man knew his subordinate place.

Gingrich taps into the racist mentality of the Old South. He is the political and intellectual reincarnation of the Southern fire-eaters of the 19th century who plunged the nation into civil war in vain attempt to maintain slavery and the culture underpinning. He looks down on all nonwhites and non-Christians in America and abroad as lesser human beings. In short, Gingrich is an itinerant disaster and an additional foreign war in the making.

Candidate Romney is a capitalist’s capitalist. He believes and has practiced the dark arts of modern financialism to amass a personal fortune that renders him oblivious to the burden the inequitable evolution of the American economy has placed on the average citizen. As such, he would stand aside and watch as the grinding of the purported free market pounded the great mass of Americans into dust. He sees little place for government in the operation of the economy and would rip apart the social safety net. Regarding foreign policy, he is only slightly less of a warmonger than is Gingrich. Candidate Ron Paul is probably the most principled and honest of all the candidates, including President Obama. Despite his libertarian credentials, he still is engulfed by personal racism. Like the other Republicans, he sees the world in stark black and white colorations, with black always being bad. Because of his libertarian philosophy, he adheres to crackpot notions of returning the economy to the gold standard. He believes the gold standard would usher in sounder finance and prosperity.

History says otherwise.

Recessions and depressions were more numerous and severe under the gold standard than under the current fiat monetary system. His prescription is one that would pauperize more citizens, making them more enslaved to indebtedness than they are already.

The last Republican candidate, Senator Rich Santorum, is a mechanistic adherent to every stock conservative principle known to man.

His extreme conservative consistency reveals a person of false certitude and little imagination. He is as flexible as a plank of

•Mitt Romney wood and this lack suppleness is a mean danger in a president. He would impose an austerity program plunging the nation into recession and would bomb Iran to smithereens if given the slimmest chance. The world would be a poorer, more combustive place with him at the helm.

In the end, President Obama is the least odious selection when compared to the Republican hopefuls.

Yet, his reelection should not be considered a victory. This would be just the continuation of the lesser inadequacy. He too is still too prone to flexing military muscle in foreign engagements and succoring the rich at the expense of the poor. One of the ironies of his presidency is that the Republicans saved him from his worst self and thus may have saved his presidency. Last year, he inexplicably offered the Republicans a deal that would have cut the federal budget by 400 billion dollars yearly for ten years.

The Republicans rebuffed the offer because they refused to agree with him on anything. Had they not been so blinded by hatred, they would have allowed him to tie this noose about his neck. Had this unwise austerity measure been implemented, American would be experiencing the type of recession plaguing the UK and much of continental Europe. The Republican refusal to endorse Obama’s folly has allowed the American economy the extra funds keep growing modestly.

This may allow Obama to

be reelected. President Obama is lucky despite himself. However, in such dysfunction and irony, greatness is not found.

If America is to rebound, presidential leadership must change to embrace a reformist stance of the progressive variety.

America needs a new progressive era just as it did at the beginning of the 20 th century in order to resolve the crushing economic inequities wrought by the Gilded Age of the late 19 th century.

While scant as a fraction of a razor’s edge, President Obama offers this thin possibility. With any of the Republicans, this option is foreclosed.

The unfortunate reality is that the coming election does not offer America a choice between different but viable solutions. The election is reduced to a choice of punishments. Voters can take the slow but eventually lethal drops of arsenic administered by President Obama or they can allow the Republicans to shoot them in the head and get the dirty job over with quickly. While the hired pundits and political analysts from both parties and mainstream media will act as if one side or the other has the right message and formula, the truth is that neither does.

This election is a morose proceeding camouflaged as a festival of democratic expression. Ye there is no true democratic expression when all the election will likely determine is whether America will continue to slowly shrink under Obama or do so at a more rapid pace under one of the Republicans.

66

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

Cover

67

THE BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

Why Plateau is blackspot on Abubakar’s resume

M

UHAMMED Abubakar is one of the numerous Commissioners of Police that have served in Plateau State.

He resumed at the Plateau Command on July 12, 2000 and was posted out November 7, 2001.

The Acting Inspector General of Police might mean many things to many people; one thing that stands him out is his ability on the job. He demonstrated this feat while serving in Plateau when he almost rid the state of criminals.

On resumption of duty in Jos, Abubakar announced his arrival to criminals in the state and advised them to leave the state before he gets to them. He said, “I’m now in charge of Plateau State Command of the Nigerian Police, everybody in this state is my friend except criminals. So if you know you are a criminal you have to do one of two things; you either change from your criminal ways or you leave the state.

I don’t operate in the same state with criminals. I am a trained criminologists, I know how to hunt and get criminals, that is why I am sounding this note of warning to them, leave Plateau State before I spread my security drag nets to fish for you” Within a month of his resumption, he commenced his onslaught on armed robbers and criminals and almost every week of his stay in Jos he paraded criminals of all manners before newsmen. He was able to map out Jos into zones and marked out areas he called “black •Continued from Page 26 powered. Already, in his appearance before the Senate Committee on Navy last Wednesday, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ola Ibrahim, revealed that though the navy required about N142b to run its expenditure in 2012 fiscal year, only about N19b was allocated to it. He additionally revealed that about N6.5b would be required to fuel the newly acquired NNS THUNDER and four other ships donated to it by the United States Government.

According to available records, the NN command structure today consists of the Naval Headquarters based in Abuja, two operational commands with headquarters in Lagos and Calabar, two training commands with headquarters in Lagos but with training facilities spread all over Nigeria, two operational bases, five forward operational bases, two Dockyards located in Lagos and Port Harcourt and two fleets based in Lagos and Calabar.

This arm is said to have about 15,000 personnel, including those of the Coast Guard.

On its part, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is the arm of the armed forces charged with the defence of Nigeria by air. Formally established in 1964 with technical assistance from West Germany, records show that it started operation as a transport unit with aircrew being trained in Canada, Ethiopia and India.

The Air Force did not get a combat capability until a number of MiG-17 aircraft were presented by the Soviet Union in 1966.

Though it has transport, trainer, helicopter, and fighter aircraft, like everything Nigerian, the Air Force which is reputed as one of the largest in West Africa was in 1999 assessed by IISS as hobbled by “very limited operational capability”, with many of its air-

From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

spots”, that is, areas that are notorious as hideouts for criminals.

A retired superintendent of Police Paul Jato said “MD Abubakar brought a reform to Police headquarters in Jos, he was able to give a befitting look to the headquarters by furnishing the office of Commissioner of Police to taste, as well as the Police Officers mess. I was still serving that time. He is a man of action, he hates laziness and rewards officers and men who exhibit professionalism on the job.

“However, the other side of MD Abubakar was exposed during the outbreak of the 2001 crises on the 7th July 2001. His failure to prevent the violence and his poor management of the violence was one event that portrayed him as a religious fanatic. He was alleged to have sent a good numbers of Mobile Policemen to protect the Jos Central Mosque but allowed several other churches within the vicinity to be razed down by Muslim youths.”

A Berom elder, Toma Jang Davou said, “Up till today we have not forgiven MD Abubakar for allowing the 2001 crises, he confirmed that he was aware of the looming violence but did nothing to stop it, he rather sent his men to protect the Juma’ at Mosque from been attacked. I am still holding him responsible for the first major religious riot that broke out in 2001.

Before then the state did not know anything like religious crises. His

•Abubakar

failure to stop the crises was the beginning of the religious divide in Plateau which the state government is currently battling to eradicate and re-unite Christians and Muslims.

He is not capable of being the IG, he

will promote Boko Haram to a more dangerous level and turn Nigeria into Somalia” On the other hand, Alhaji Saleh Bayeri, National Secretary, Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association

of Nigeria (MACBAN) in his own view said, “I’m congratulating the appointment of MD Abubakar as the IG of Police. This is the best appointment Mr. President has done so far, he is the best man for the job, no doubt. He showed his handiwork in Jos here when he served as Police commissioner. If not for MD Abubakar, Muslims would have been driven away from Jos by the native Christians. He is an unbiased police officer.”

In his own view, state chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Rev. Philip Dafes said, “The man has left a very bad record and precedence in Jos. He fanned religious riots, he is to me a religious bigot going by his direct involvement in the 2001 religious crises in Jos. The judicial commission indicted him, he was recommended to be dismissed and tried, so I don’t think he is the right man for the job.”

What is clear to all is that, Abubakar to many in Plateau State is different things to different people; Muslims in the state love him while Christians do not see him as an impartial arbiter.

The Plateau State government which raised the Justice Niki Tobi panel which indicted Abubakar is already kicking against his appointment.

How Abubakar and President Jonathan who appointed him hope to douse this suspicion of bias in the new Inspector General and hope to rein in the Boko Haram menace is yet unclear.

Inside Nigeria’s security establishment craft no longer airworthy. Its staff strength as at 2007 was 10,000.

What is not in doubt is that this military arm of the Nigerian Armed Forces has need of some significant improvement that will make more professional and efficient in the discharge of its security role.

The intelligence services The rising wave of terrorism in Nigeria has helped in putting the nation’s intelligence services in the spotlight. One recurring question that Nigerians are yet to find answer to is the seeming total lack of requisite intelligence gathering on the part of those entrusted with that responsibility. Many wonder whether tax payers’ money is not being dished out to unintelligent intelligence personnel given their inability to uncover terrorist plans before they are successfully executed. It is the view of many Nigerians that the State Security Service (SSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) are in a better position to take the wind out of the smooth sail of terrorist outfit like the Islamist sect.

The role of the SSS is to protect the country against domestic threats, to uphold and enforce the criminal laws of Nigeria, and to provide leadership and criminal justice services to both federal and state law-enforcement organs. It is also charged with the protection of the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, State Governors, their immediate families, other high ranking government officials up to the 774 local government areas, past presidents and their spouses, etc. While the SSS had

•SSS DG, Ekpeyong Ita

frequently after its creation in 1986 under the leadership of Ismaila Gwarzo as its first Director-General adapted to various roles necessitated by evolving security threats in Nigeria, its performance in the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency, many believe, has not been inspiring. It will need to rise above its present limit to be able to effectively counterterrorism and counterinsurgency. This was the bottom line of the address delivered by the Director-General of the agency, Mr. Ekpeyong Ita, during the graduation ceremony of Executive Intelligence Management Course 4 of the Institute of Security Studies last year. He said, “Our operational environment has since changed, and the only way to meet up with the emerging challenges is through constant training and capacity building”.

The DIA which is constitu-

tionally responsible for military intelligence is in a class of its own with a blaze of internal contradictions and loss of focus. Established with the intent that it would function as the American Defence Intelligence Agency, the agency has since veered off that path and has been affronted by varied unproductive restructuring that has resulted in the disruption of the 30 per cent serving military personnel and 70 per cent civilian structure. The agency has been filled with military officers and no civilian has ever been appointed as the Chief of Defence Intelligence or deputy.

What has suffered miserably with the misplacement of priority in the agency is the nation’s security wellness. So abysmally inefficient is it that not many Nigerians are aware of its role and importance.

The staff strength of the DIA has undergone gradual and consistent pruning from about 100,000 to an appalling 10,000, with the civilian personnel being the worst hit as many of them were retired willy-nilly without gratuity. Of the 11 departments being operated by the agency, only two poorly functioning ones are run by civilians, a development that has made the agency a fertile ground where the seeds of suspicion and animosity grow uninhibitedly. Convinced that the agency is in a better position to neutralize the current scourge of Boko Haram’s insurgency, an analyst/columnist, Mr. Dele Agekameh, submits that, “If we are to fight the current resurgence of terrorist activities in the country, the Presidency should take more than a passing look at the DIA as a whole so as to enable it to function as it ought to be. One way to do this is to make sure that

professionalism is enthroned in the agency … The DIA should revert to the good old days when its operatives were everywhere”.

The third fold of the intelligence service is the NIA. It is in charge of foreign intelligence and counter-intelligence operations.

This agency like the other two directly reports to the President.

This agency is believed to be hampered by its deficiencies in intelligence collection and analysis capabilities. It is believed to be equally poorly equipped to counter security threats like covert foreign operations, dissident groups like Boko Haram, and border violations.

While it is no news any longer that Boko Haram has links with international terrorist groups like al-Quaeda and Somalia’s alShabaab insurgents, not much serious work has been seen to have been done by the NIA in unraveling these links. Thus worried about how the Islamist sect has become a huge problem to Nigerian security, security experts have been calling on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to invoke Article 25 of its Charter, which states that in cases of aggression or conflict in any member state or threat thereof, in case of internal conflict that threatens to trigger a humanitarian disaster or that poses a serious threat to peace and security in the sub-region, the Mediation and Security Council shall intervene.

With adequate reform, training of personnel, and cooperation among the various security agencies, many are of the view that they will be better positioned to respond appropriately to the various security challenges currently confronting the country.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

News

Sea piracy: Police arrest ex-militant, fake soldier

A

N ex-militant leader, General Andrew Joel, was yesterday paraded by the Akwa Ibom State Command over alleged sea pirates’ attacks at the creeks of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

Speaking during a briefing, the State Commissioner of Police, Solomon Arase, said the command also arrested a fake soldier, Abel Dominic.

Arase told newsmen that Dominic was parading himself as a Lt. Colonel in the Nigerian Army before his arrest by the officers from the command.

The police chief said the suspect claimed to have defrauded unsuspecting victims of large sums of money with the promise of helping them get a job in the Nigerian Army.

Represented by an Assistant Commissioner in charge of State CID, Don Awunah, Arase said a total of nine suspected sea pirates were arrested in a well- coordinated joint military and police operation at the Mbo creeks.

Items recovered from the suspects, according to the police boss, include 13 empty magazines of AK- 47 Rifle, 3 propeller outboard engine, 2 powerful touch lights, 1 lantern, 1 double red covered stove, one machete and 8 trousers of camouflage army uniforms, 4 amnesty identity cards, 210 Liberian dollars and one black infinity Jeep with registration No AJ 445 AYB The ex-militant and the fake soldier have however denied the

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo claims of the police.

Joel told The Nation that he normally works with the State Security Service in apprehending suspected ex-militants that refused to yield to the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programme but was still operating on the creeks.

“I normally work with the SSS. Last week, I came back from Bayelsa State one Isaac Marine called me and said that militants wanted to kidnap him and bomb his house and I told him I would come over.

“Later on, Hero called me that I should come and help him that he was having problem with Latto. From there, I called my boys that we should look for a way to capture Latto and give the SSS. “We didn’t go there with riffles. I called the Assistant Director of SSS that we are working with but all to no avail. So far, I have aided the arrest of three ex-militants, who are still operating after the Amnesty Programme. Presently, I am helping the security agencies to maintain peace because I don’t want my name to be stained,” he said.

On his part, the alleged fake soldier said he was enlisted into the Nigerian Army on August 20, 1995 and passed out of the training on December 15, 1995 but was later dismissed as a Lance Corporal as a result of the accident he suffered after return-

ing from Peace Keeping Mission in Liberia.

His words: “I was not impersonating as a Lt. Col. What happened was that, when I came to Uyo, my landlord’s son beat my dad. I was very angry and I dealt with him also. While doing that, some group of boys came and I

told them that you are beating my dad when you know that he has a son that is in the Nigerian Army to the rank of Lt. Col. That is just the language I used. I left the Army as a Lance Corporal. I have never impersonated for one day. I have never been in possession of army uniforms and

identity card.

“On the issue that I am collecting money to put people in the army, it is not true. It was my cousins that came that they wanted to enter the Nigerian Army and I told them we need to appreciate the people at the training in Zaria.”

• (L-R) The Chancellor, Achievers University, Owo, Senator Bode Olajumoke; the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka; the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Otunba Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; the Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, during the conferment of Honourary Doctorate Degree of Science in Public Policy and Management on Aregbesola in Owo, Ondo State, yesterday.

THE BOKO HARAM INSURGENCY

Tracking the sect’s cash flow •Continued from Page 23 State as well as a promise of protection against arrests by the Federal Government.

The Bauchi State governor, he claimed, stopped the monthly fund in mid 2011. The Boko Haram spokesman said the group was not happy but remained loyal to the agreement because of the unfettered access to the mountains of Bauchi as training camps.”

Continuing, he said: “the Northern governors are overwhelmed about the strength of the group and are aware of the capabilities of Boko Haram operatives in their respective states”. Some of the State government officials, according to him, visit their camps to watch them in training exercises. The training, he said, is harder than that of the Nigerian military.

The two state governments promptly denied the allegation.

In separate statements, the two state governments categorically said their governors had nothing to do with Boko Haram. The Bauchi State government denigrated the allegation as a “very, very strange” one because “Isa Yuguda (the governor) cannot be involved in such.”

The denials not withstanding, some observers are of the opinion that these claims should be thoroughly probed.

Notably, this was not the first time

politicians or high profile public officials especially governors were fingered as sources of funding for the group. Some even believe that the group was originated by some politicians, especially governors who used them to fight elections.

Perhaps, the first concrete proof that the Boko Haram emergence and funding have political undertone came with the arrest, on November 3 last year, by operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) of another self-professed spokesman of the Islamic group, identified as Ali Sanda Umar Konduga, alias “Usman alZawahiri.”

The SSS paraded the man who had said to have revealed names of local politicians who have been funding the group. The SSS claimed that Konduga disclosed that Boko Haram had origins in a militia group called ECOMOG which enjoyed the patronage of top politicians in the north-eastern state of Borno, especially the then Governor Ali Modu Sheriff.

Konduga reportedly confessed that he was formerly a member of the ECOMOG militia group before he and several of his colleagues joined Boko Haram.

The suspect, speaking through an interpreter, also told reporters at the session that he was trained

by Mohammed Yusuf, the late Boko Haram leader, who was killed in police custody in 2009.

Konduga claimed that ex-

Governor Sheriff even appointed one of their leaders, Fuji Foi, as a commissioner. But when Foi was sacked and then murdered, the sect believed that his death was political and swore to avenge it. He added that that was when the late Saidu Pindar, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Sao Tome and Principe, stepped in as a major financier of the sect and promised them N10 million. Al-Zawahiri said Pindar was on his way to deliver N5 million to them when he had a road accident and died.

Pindar died on August 31 2011 along the Kaduna-Zaria road, aged 57. Prior to his death, he had contested the 2011 election in Borno State as the running mate to the PDP gubernatorial candidate, Alhaji Muhammadu Goni.

Konduga said he was nicknamed Usman Al-Zawahiri by Pindar in order to conceal his identity for security reasons. Al-Zawahiri is the name of the leader of al Qaeda.

Konduga also said a serving senator, Mohammed Ali Ndume, took over the sponsorship of the sect after Pindar’s death. Ndume was a two-term member of the House of Representatives, on the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). He served as Minority Leader before he decamped to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011 in order to contest for the Senate from Borno South district.

Konduga alleged that it was the senator who scripted threat

messages to Governors Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu and Sule Lamido of Niger and Jigawa States respectively, as well as to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke and the chairman of the Borno State Election Petition Tribunal, Justice Sabo Adamu. His words: “The intention of the threat to the chairman of the Borno State Election Petition Tribunal was to ensure that he nullified the present administration of Governor Kashim Shettima.”

Ndume was arrested by the SSS and had since been docked. The SSS spokesperson, Mrs Marilyn Ogar disclosed that an analysis of Al-Zawahiri’s phone confirmed constant communication between him and the legislator. She added that the arrest of Ndume “further confirms the Service position that some of the Boko Haram extremists have political patronage and sponsorship.”

Brigadier-General Jeremiah Useni (rtd), former deputy chairman of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP, had last year, alleged that Boko Haram members enjoy patronage of top local politicians.

He said that a few years ago while he was visiting Borno State as the deputy national chairman of the ANPP, he saw an “army” of youths hawking petroleum products illegally on major streets, where upon he asked the governor of Borno State why his

administration allowed young men to openly engage in illegal trading in petroleum products.

According to Useni, the governor then answered him, “...leave them, they are very useful to us [during] general elections [as thugs], we...use them to turn everywhere [i.e. stir trouble].”

Recent events suggest that Boko Haram has gone beyond seeking funds from local politicians as its members have turned to raiding banks to raise funds while also reaching out to foreign sources. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, told journalists recently that the Army did establish the involvement of foreigners in the operations of Boko Haram. He, however, declined to name the countries or foreign backers of the group. He said weapons and operational gadgets captured from the group are strong evidence that there is foreign involvement in the terrorism going on in Nigeria.

He said: “It is definite that the group that call themselves Boko Haram or terrorists receive training and possibly funding from some foreign elements. This is evident from the types of weapons we have captured from them; from the type of communication equipment we have captured and from the expertise they have displayed in the preparation of improvised explosive devices. These are pointers to the fact that there is foreign involvement in the terrorism going on in Nigeria.”

69

WORSHIP THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

NEWS

Living Seminary, church collaborate on Faith community medical outreach A The power of imagination (5) D

By David Oyedepo

EAR Reader, welcome to your regular column. This week, as I conclude this first series I brought you this new year, I will be doing a recap of the main points raised in the four teachings we have had earlier on.

During the first week, I asked you the following vital question, the answer of which will set the foundation for the kind of success and breakthrough you will experience in your business or career this year: What thoughts or forms of imagination do you have for your business, career or home for the new year 2012?

In that teaching, I defined what imagination means. It involves the formation of a mental image of something that is neither perceived as real nor considered present as to the senses.

Imagination is fundamental to success because, according to Scriptures, For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7).

During the second week, I taught on how you can renew your mind. If you are to experience success in your business and joy, peace, and love in your home this year, it would be necessary to deprogramme your mind from all negative orientations and perspectives. You must appreciate the fact it is God’s desire that you work and do your business.

The authentic instrument for renewing the mind to that of Christ is the Word of God. Will power, psychology, strength of character etc, will not do it. Only God’s Word is capable of renewing the mind of anybody from the negative patterns of this world.

In the third week, I showed you how the wise company factor can enhance your thoughts and consequently your imagination. Having wise friends, walking with wise people and connecting with wise associates enhance your mental development.

Enhanced mental faculty enables you to take good and quality decisions in matters affecting your business, career, home, etc.

The Word of God says: He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20). It is time to disconnect from those negative and fruitless association corrupting your business or home. It will help you to experience the glory that God has in store for you this year. Remember that friendship is not by force, but by choice. This new year is not a time for you to mingle with crooks, miscreants and derelicts in the society. Be wise!

During the fourth week, I showed you inspiration as a factor that can enhance your thoughts and imagination. Inspiration is an important factor in your quest for success and breakthrough in this new year. When you get inspiration from someone, you get new ideas from him, which make you enthusiastic and encourage you to do something positive.

Watch out for any man or woman who has made a mark somewhere; he or she has a human reference from where he or she draws inspiration. Likewise, you need to have someone or people to inspire you. I drew inspiration for boldness from the man called A. A. Allen. I got a new heart from listening to his audio tapes, that I no longer got intimidated by anything in life!

One day, while watching the video recording of Archbishop Idahosa’s Ibadan crusade, I was moved with the needs of humanity. I saw people (the lame, sick, cripple and blind) being carried to the stadium as early as six o’clock in the morning for a meeting that would hold in the evening. I said to God, “The suffering of man is too much, help me to play my role.”

God has positioned men on your path, who can help you accomplish your imagination by inspiring you to attainment.

You are to draw virtue from them. May you locate them in good time, in Jesus’ name!

Friend, the grace for inspiration is the privilege of those saved. Are you saved? You can be saved by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Do you want to be saved (born again)? Please say this prayer: Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. I cannot help myself. Forgive me my sins.

Cleanse me with Your precious blood. Deliver me from sin and satan!

Today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now I know I am born again!

I invite you to come and fellowship with us at the Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, the covenant home of Winners.

Our midweek services hold on Wednesdays between 6 and 8 p.m. We have four services on Sundays. The first one holds between 6.30 and 8.15 a.m., the second between 8.25 a.m. and 10.10 a.m., the third between 10.20 a.m. and 12.05 p.m. and the fourth between 12.15 and 2.00 p.m.

Every exploit in life is a product fo knowledge. For further reading, please get my books — Making Maximum Impact, Towards Mental Exploits and Success In Marriage.

I know this teaching has blessed you. Write and share your testimony with me through: BISHOP DAVID OYEDEPO, Faith Tabernacle, Canaan Land, Ota, P.M.B. 21688, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria; Or call 7747546-8; Or E-mail: bishop@davidoyedepoministries.org

S part of their social responsibilities, West Africa Theological Seminary (WATS), Lagos and Glory Christian Centre (GCM) have concluded arrangements to collaborate with two Indian institutions to facilitate a community medical outreach in two Lagos centres.

Speaking at a press briefing to herald the outreach, Provost of WATS, Rev. Dr. WilliamsUdotong said “God is the God of the living, we want to preach to those who are alive and not those in the mortuary, so we have to do everything to make people stay alive for the message”.

The proposed medical mission scheduled to hold between 28thand 29thof January at the Glory Christian Centre (GCM), along Apapa-Oshodi express way, Ijeshatedo, Lagos shall be concluded between the 30thand 31stJanuary at the West Africa Theological Seminary, Ipaja, (WATS) Lagos.

The two organisations, are partnering with MEDCRESTHealthness and ARTEMIS Health Institute both from India to facilitate the medical outreach which shall last four days in Lagos.

One of the organisers of the event, Pastor Oluwafemi Martins mentioned three areas the outreach shall address.

“The team will carry out diagnosis because a wrong diagnosis is a wrong foundation and no matter what you build on it, it can not stand”. Martins who is also a Governing Board Member of the seminary added that “the second category is a referrer, this means the team will also refer those they are not able to treat because of time and available equipment to other qualified hospitals and the third cat-

•L-R: Olusegun George, Victor Olajide, Conference PRO, Methodist Church Nigeria, Aramide Tola Noibi and Prince Adesegun Akintoye at the 2011 Wesley Cathedral, Olowogbowo, Lagos

By Dayo Emmanuel

egory is for those who would need to be transferred to India for further treatments”, he explained.

Dr. Udotong, who also serves as a Pastor with the Deeper Christian Life Ministries continued that “at WATS we train people not only to know the Bible but to have an interface between the Bible and the community engagement. As we know, the health care services of our country is acute except for those who are well to do who could afford foreign medical services, the church has to come in to assist especially as we are bringing foreign experts”.

In his own remark, Pastor JideMoye representing Glory Christian Mission relayed the plans of the church on community development. Moye who is also the Director of

Urban and Holistic Department at WATS and a serving Pastor at GCM said “GCM is going to be 20 years old in March and the medical outreach is one of the events lined up to mark the anniversary along with other community development activities”.

Udotong who confirmed that WATS’ students come from about 80 denominations added that “WATS exists primarily to partner with churches to influence the community positively. The churches have been slow when it comes to social engagements, sometimes this is due to ignorance and selfishness which keep them away from their social responsibilities”.

Shedding more lights on the activities of theIndian partners and the outreach, Martins said “the Indian hospitals we are partnering with are world

class institutions whichhad been to Ondo State in the past through the Niger Delta Development Commissions (NDDC) to offer medical assistance to Igbokoda and Okitipupa communities. The institutions also have a good working relationship with the Indian government and its Embassy in Nigeria and this will really help the outreach especially as it regards the possibility of referring patients to India”.

Martins continued that the organisers also plan to collaborate with local pharmaceutical companies to be on ground during the mission to offer discount sales of recommended drugs. He also noted that selected local hospitals have also been contacted to facilitate and provide support services while the outreach lasts between 9:00am and 5:00pm daily.

Clerics calls for national confab

T

HE General Overseer of Divine Call Power Ministry, Pastor Moses Orogojimo has thrown his weight behind the call for a national conference of all nationalities in order to chart a pathway for sustainable peace and stability in Nigeria.

Orogojimo made this known in an interview with The Nation at the ongoing 30 days prayers and fasting for Nigeria organized by the church in Oke-Aro, Ogun State.

According to him, the spate of bombing and killings of innocent people could lead the country to anarchy if government does not show enough willingness to provide security for the millions of harmless Nigerians.

He said it is time for the government to invite stakeholders from different

ethnic and religious groups in the country brainstorm and produce a blueprint on how we can peacefully co-exist together as a nation.

The cleric noted that although terrorism has become a global phenomenon that has taken it roots in many part of the world, “providing a forum for sincere dialogue among all ethnic would help identify the

loose ends that pave way for these dastard acts”.

He stated further that the forum should include credible Nigerians who will represent the interest; ill feelings and aspiration of the people in each state which report should be follow through by all stakeholders.

He recalled that Sudan ends its long years of civil un-

rest when a referendum was reach to make the Southern Sudan an independent state in the interest of peace and development.

Orogojimo challenged Christians to continue to lift the nation in prayers and exhibit good works that is needed in building structures that would bring about peace and prosperity in Nigeria.

Intercede for the nation- Adekoya

T

HE Senior Pastor of Four Square Gospel Church, Anthony Village Rev. Gbenga Adekoya has called on Nigerians to intercede for the peace of the Nation. He made the call while preaching at a special prayer session organized by the church recently.

The pastor said Christians in Nigeria must pray

for the peace of the nation because it is a biblical injunction. He added that it is only prayers that can bring the country out of its present predicaments. “We have to pray for the peace of our nation because it is a spiritual command. It is only prayers that can save this nation from the challenges we are presently facing”.

The clergy also encouraged Christians not to join the bandwagon or indulge in any corrupt practice capable of provoking God’s wrath.

“Christians must be careful not to be a part of the problem. We must cleanse ourselves and not indulge in any corrupt practices in order not to provoke the wrath of God”.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

70

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Rebecca Opeyemi Osunlana, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Rebecca Opeyemi Adesanya. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State government and general public should take note.

Access Bank confirms sack of over 1,000 staff

AZUBIKE

By Ayodele Aminu

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

BENSON

OLALEYE

OMOPARIOLA

OGUNGBEMI

OSUNLANA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Benson Omolara Abosede, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Mustapha Omolara Abosede. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

GODSPOWER

I,formerly known and addressed as Godspower Agnes Okwuchi, now wish to be known and be addressed as Adiele Godspower Agnes. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

WAHEED

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Fatimo Olaide Waheed, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Fatimo Olaide Akinosi. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

CHIBUIHE

I,formerly known and addressed as Chibuihe Anthony Maco, now wish to be known and be addressed as Onwu Anthony Maco. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OGUNLEYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Mr. Ogunleye Olasunkanmi Albert, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mr. Oluleye Olasunkanmi Albert. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ODUWOLE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oduwole Oluwayemisi Bisayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Oyekan Oluwayemisi Bisayo. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

MBARIKATTA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Mbarikatta Euphemia, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Udeh Euphemia Amara. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

OJOMO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojomo Omowumi A., now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Alabi Omowumi A. All former documents remains valid.

NYSC and general public should take note.

ILARIOGUN I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ilariogun Bose Fatimah, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Oshibamowo Bose Fatimah. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ALABI I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Alabi Deborah Anuoluwapo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Adekoya Deborah Anuoluwapo. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

AJIDE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ajide Grace Adeola A., now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Joseph Grace Adeola A. All former documents remain valid.

C.M.D and general public should take note.

ETUK I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Christiana Ima Etuk, now wish to be known and be addressed as Miss Christiana Ima Etukufort.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

BALOGUN

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiola Ajoke Balogun, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Abiola Ajoke Smith. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public should take note.

OGUNMOLA I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunmola Titilayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Akintomide Titilayo. All former documents remain valid.

Authority Concerned and general public should take note.

OGUNMOLA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunmola Tayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Ogunlade Tayo. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria Police Force and general public should take note.

OLATUNJI I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatunji Olayinka Ajoke, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Gureje Olayinka Ajoke. All former documents remain valid.

Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, University of Ibadan and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olaleye Lydia Ifeoluwa, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Adeyemo Lydia Ifeoluwa.

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ADEOYE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeoye Omotayo Adekemi, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Ewah Omotayo Adekemi. All former documents remain valid. OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, NANNM and general public should take note.

YAKUBU I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Yakubu Sariyu Abike, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Oladipupo Sariyu Abike.

All former documents remain valid. Osun State Universal Basic Education Board, Osogbo and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Omopariola Moyin, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Megbowon Moyin. All former documents remain valid.

Federal Civil Defence and general public should take note.

ORESILE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oresile Olufowobi Olajumoke, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Idowu Olufowobi Olajumoke. All former documents remain valid. Ogun SUBEB, INELGEA, Imukoro, Atan and general public should take note.

ADEYEMO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyemo Oluwaseun Abayomi, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Bamaiyi Oluwaseun Abayomi Feyikemi.

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ADELEYE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeleye Comfort Aina, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Akinleye Comfort Aina. All former documents remain valid.

Gbonyin Local govt., Ode Ekiti State and general public should take note.

FASORO I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Fasoro Funmilayo Temitayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Ayodele Funmilayo Temitayo. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

OLOWOYEYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olowoyeye Mopelola Janet, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Ajewole Mopelola Janet. All former documents remain valid. Ere City Microfinance Bank, Osun State and general public should take note.

ALO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Alo Oluwafisayo Adetola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Oladiipo Oluwafisayo Adetola. All former documents remain valid. Ilesa West Local govt, Ilesa and general public should take note.

IDOWU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Rebecca Idowu Oluwadamilola Adeoye, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Rebecca Idowu Oluwadamilola Akinde. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

SALAKO

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Salako Funmilola Mayowa, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Tutuola Funmilola Mayowa. All former documents remain valid. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, NYSC and general public should take note.

AFOLABI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Afolabi Esther Mojirola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Oyediran Esther Mojirola.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OLAKANMI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olakanmi Titilayo Opeoluwa, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Sowemimo Titilayo Opeoluwa.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

FADIPE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Fadipe Monisola Mokunfayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Abiodun Monisola Mokunfayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MUSA I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Musa Nuratu Temitayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Sobowale Nuratu Temitayo. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MOJEED I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Mojeed Oluwaseun Musinat, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Okuselu Oluwaseun Musinat. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

YAYA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Yaya Titilayo Olabisi, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Muritala Titilayo Sarat. All former documents remain valid.

Ogun State Ministry of Health and general public should take note.

ADENIRAN I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeniran Grace Oluwadamilola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Adegbite Grace Oluwadamilola.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

LAWAL

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Rukayat Adenike Lawal, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Rukayat Adenike Ojo. All former documents remain valid.

Voice of Nigeria (VOA) Abuja and lagos office and general public should take note.

ADEDIRAN

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adediran Hannah Adebukola, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Anifowose Hannah Adebukola. All former documents remain valid.

Efon Local govt. and general public should take note.

BAMIDELE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Bamidele Atinuke, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Dale Covenant Atinuke. All former documents remain valid.

Skye Bank Plc., First Bank Plc. and general public should take note.

OGUNNIYI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunniyi Oluwarantimi Oluwatoyin, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Borisade Vincent Oluwarantimi Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Local govt.

Service Commission and general public should take note.

AKINOLA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinola Oluwabunmi Florence, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Olanrewaju Oluwabunmi Florence. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State govt. and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogungbemi Abosede Oluwatosin, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Yusuf Abosede Oluwatosin. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OLORUNTOYIN

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Oloruntoyin Mayowa, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Bamidele Mayowa. All former documents remain valid.

Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amarachi Theodora Azubike now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amarachi Chijioke Ogbonna. All former documents remain valid ,MOUA Umudike and general public should take note.

ABIODUN

I, formerly known and adressed as Miss Prisca Chizoba Eboh now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Prisca Chizoba Egbechue. All former documents remain valid.

IMSU Owerri,NYSC and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Abiodun Omowumi Veronica, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Oloyede Veronica Omowumi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I,Iloakazie Francisca Obioma and Iloakasi Francisca Obioma is one and the same person. I, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs. Iloakasi Francisca Obioma. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Iloakazie Athanasius Chukwuebuka and Iloakasi Athanasius Chukwuebuka is one and the same person. I, now wish to be known and be addressed as Master. Iloakasi Athanasius Chukwuebuka. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Iloakazie Theophanie Chisom and Iloakasi Theophanie Chisom is one and the same person. I, now wish to be known and be addressed as Iloakasi Theophanie Chisom.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Iloakazie Maryjane Ekpereamaka and Iloakasi Maryjane Ekpereamaka is one and the same person. I, now wish to be known and be addressed as Miss Iloakasi Maryjane Ekpereamaka.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

EWEJE

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Gladness Olusola Pelumi Eweje now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omototemi Gladness Olusola Pelumi. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ESUGA I formerly known and addressed as Miss Esuga Sokolayam Hussena, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayodele Hussena Taiwo. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ADENIGBA

ORJI

I formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Adenigba Monsurat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adenigba Esther Seun. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OLUSOMOKA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Janet Torkwase Ugboho, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Janet Torkwase Aondofa Merbee. all former documents remain valid. Ukum Local Government Of Benue State and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Orji Florence Chinedu, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Ezike Florence Chinedu. All former documents remain valid.

Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti and general public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olusomoka Foluso Mary, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Ndego Foluso Mary. All former documents remain valid.

Ekiti State Primary Education Board and general public should take note.

OLOWOLAFE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olowolafe Motunrayo Iyabode, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Ogunleye Iyabode Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Mnagement Board,Efon Alaye and general public should take note.

OMOLEYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Omoleye Sade Priscilla, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Ayoola Sade Priscilla. All former documents remain valid.

Federal Medical Centre, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State and general public should take note.

OGUNKINLE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunkinle Ebiwumi Funmilayo, now wish to be known and be addressed as Mrs Ojumude Ebiwumi Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Judiciary and general public should take note.

UGBOHO

OLAOYE

I, formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Olaoye Olabimipe Victoria now wish to be known, called and addressed as Mrs Omotehinse Olabimipe Victoria. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti state Local Government service commission, Ado-Ekiti and general public should please take note.

SILAS I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ihuoma Kate Silas now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ihuoma Kate Chinenye Nsofor. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ANOKWURU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Stella Nkechinyere Anokwuru now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ejiogu Stella Nkechinyere. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ORJI I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Orji Amarachi Justina now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Amarachi Justina Lucky Nwahunanya.

All former documents remain valid. General public tatke note.

EBOH

OCHOIHEUKWU We formerly known as Miss Happiness Chidinma Ikpe and my children Gift Onyinyechi Ochoiheukwu,Goodluck C h i n w e n m e r i Ochoiheukwu,Christaina Ugochi Ochoiheukwu, Caleb Nnaemeka Ochoiheukwu and Victoria Onyedikachi Ochoiheukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Izu Happiness Chidinma,Izu Gift Onyinyechi,Izu Goodluck Chinwenmeri,Izu Christaina Ugochi, Izu Caleb Nnaemeka and Izu Victoria Onyedikachi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AGUIYI I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chidinma Blessing Aguiyi now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Chidinma Blessing Chukwudi Nmeregini. All former documents remain valid.

FMC Umuahia and general public should take note.

IBEH I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Celestina Obiageri Ibeh now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Mbanaso Celestina Obiageri. All former documents remain valid. FMC Umuahia, Local Govt Civil Service Commission Health Dept, Umuahia North LGA and general public should take note.

UGBAJA

I, formerly known and address as Miss Ugbaja Chinedu Iroha, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ekeme Christiana Chinedu. All former documents remain valid. Isialangwa South Local Govt. and general public note.

OGECHUKWU

I, formerly known and address as Miss Ogechukwu Maureen Obidike now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojukwu Ogechukwu Maureen, All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public note.

UZUKWU

I, formerly known and address as Miss Victoria Chioma Tochukwu Uzukwu now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Emmanuel Ikediuwa Patrick. All former documents remain valid. General public note.

OKEHIE I,formerly known and address as Miss Nneka Charity Okehie, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwuemeka Nneka Charity. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public note.

NWOSU

I, formerly known and address as Mr. Ambrose Nkemakolam Nwosu, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mr. Ambrose Nkemakolam Alex. All former documents remain valid. general public note.

NDUKWE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ijioma Ude Ndukwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lawrence-udeagha Blessing.

All former documents remain valid. Abia State University Uturu, NYSC and the general public take note.

OYEYODE I formerly known and addressed as Miss Oyeyode Adeyanju now wish to be known and addressed as Alamu Oyeyode Adeyanju. All former documents remain valid.

Osun State SUBEB and general public take note.

GANIYU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ganiyu Deborah Arinpe now wish to be known and addressed as Oyeleke Deborah Arinpe. All former documents remain valid. osun State SUBEB and general public take note.

AMANDA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Amanda Onyinyechukwu Ezekwe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amanda Onyinyechukwu Sam-Wobo. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

M

ANAGEMENT of Access Bank Plc yesterday confirmed the sack of over 1,000 staff of the enlarged bank, which includes Intercontinental Bank that it acquired last October.

Managing director of the bank, Aigboje AigImoukhuede, in a chat with business editors also said the branch rationalisation exercise affected 130 out of the combined figure of 450 branches of the bank.

He said the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) endorsed the retrenchment exercise.

The Access Bank boss explained that the decision to prune down the number of the bank’s branches became inevitable given the fact that some of them were not profitable.

Intercontinental Bank, he explained, was losing N5 billion monthly as at the time of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) intervention, a negative development, which he said continued up till the time the bank was taken over by Access. He, however, said the figure came down to N3.9 billion in October.

Giving an insight into staff rationalisation, the bank’s chief executive said the exercise wasn’t arbitrarily done, explaining that “we set minimum threshold in terms of performance and that you will be sacked if you don’t meet the minimum target set.”

He disclosed that staff of former Intercontinental Bank were given a simple challenge of ensuring the retention of old customers so that the new institution will not suffer customer erosion.

He said the result was, however, woeful, explaining that out of former Intercontinental bank staff, only 100 of them could achieve a 100 per cent of the target.

The Access Bank boss said the branch rationalisation, which started six weeks ago was to ensure that all non-profitable branches of the combined institutions are yanked off.

According to him, rationalisation is not new to Access Bank because, according to him, the bank carries out the exercise from time to time.

Assuring the stakeholders that branch rationalisation would not affect the fortunes of the bank, Aig-Imoukhuede said research has shown that banks with smaller branches perform better than those with larger number of branches in Nigeria.

He said the trend is that customers will be served not only by branches but by other transaction channels, stressing that some of the branches of bank are not reflective of the services they offer these days.

Shortly after the acquisition of Intercontinental, AigImoukhuede, had explained that the combination of both financial institutions would bring about the accretion in value to all stakeholders.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012

71

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QUOTABLE "The judgment delivered by the Supreme Court today (Friday) on tenure of governors has cleared the doubt and controversy surrounding the tenure of office of governors and other elected public officers in Nigeria.”

SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO. 2019

— Femi Falana’s comment over the five sacked governors.

G

IVEN the intensity of recent attacks on some states in the northern part of Nigeria by the Boko Haram Islamist sect, and the uncoordinated and often unprofessional response by the federal and state governments, it is not surprising that many inside and outside analysts have begun to doubt the viability of Nigeria. After the 2011 Christmas Day bombing of a church at Madalla in Niger State, an American professor of history at State University of New York, Jean Herskovits, wrote an article warning the United States not to take sides in the crisis unfolding in Nigeria because, according to her, Boko Haram was amorphous and its violence contrived. The problem of Nigeria, she said, was much more complex than it seems, and if US took sides, it could end up worsening the crisis or even becoming a target. It would be interesting to read her again after the Kano attacks.

In 2005, the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) released a simulated security dissertation by the US National Intelligence Council (NIC), a think tank. The think tank suggested that under certain conditions, which it stated in its study, Nigeria was likely to break up in 2015 going by the increasing rate of conflicts ravaging the body politic. Nigerian leaders predictably lambasted the researchers and dismissed the study and described it as a doomsday prediction authored by the enemies of Nigeria. They, however, took no concrete steps to address the hostile conditions the NIC believed could lead to the breakup. Indeed, after seeing some palliative measures embarked upon by the Olusegun Obasanjo government, particularly its obliging implementation of certain patronising but deleterious International Monetary Fund (IMF) policies, the CIA downplayed the NIC report and suggested that Nigeria was on the mend.

However, last year February, five US military scholars at the Centre for Strategy and Technology, a think tank based in Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, suggested in a 156page report that given prevailing conditions and conflicts in Nigeria, the country was likely to be wracked by multipartite civil war such as the world witnessed in Lebanon in 1975 and Somalia in 1991. The war, they concluded, could lead to the breakup of Nigeria in 2030, not 2015.

Some of the factors they mentioned were: (a) lack of unifying national identity; (b) history of corrupt governance; (c) religious and cultural schisms; and (d) shifting demographics.

The scholars, however, warned that the projection should not be read like a prophecy or specific prediction. Nonetheless, they added, Nigeria could shatter in an instant if the conditions were right.

Nigerian leaders find it irritating to be told that the country they preside over is a failing state. But facts suggest indeed that the government’s ability to impose order on some parts of the country is being diminished with each passing month, even as the areas experiencing incipient anarchy are widening. Sadly, the more the challenges multiply, the more degraded the country’s security machine. By an abhorrent mixture of incompetence and injustice, a wider swathe of the country is now exposed to almost irreversible radicalisation and

Boko Haram, dialogue and Nigeria’s future

•Ihejirika

•Abubakar

destabilisation. Peace was essentially bought in the Niger Delta. Left alone, the desperate federal government would not be averse to buying peace in Northern Nigeria, just like many state governments were alleged by the Boko Haram sect itself to have bought some sort of tenuous peace in their states.

The scale of the January 20 Kano attacks, the apparent frustrations of the federal government in preventing future attacks, and the manner the sect runs rings round the security agencies, have finally made many sceptics to begin suspecting that Nigeria’s failure is not as far-fetched as it seemed some seven years ago.

For many, the question is no longer whether it is possible, but when. This fear of the unknown is worsened by the continuing inability of the government and its security apparatuses to master the mechanics of pacifying restive regions while keeping collateral damage to the barest minimum, or of enunciating sound social and economic policies to satisfy the country’s growing population. Even much more disturbing is the fact that the government can neither seem to make up its mind whether to negotiate with the sect nor elementarily understand what the sect is all about, where it is headed and what it is capable of.

This is where Professor Herskovits’ analysis is unhelpful. She has written copiously on Nigeria as a historian, but she has not seemed to take the pains to understand the sect enough to write as definitively on it as she has pretended. It is even more mystifying that she was given such an excessively generous space in the Nigerian media and understanding by our government.

While Herskovits is right to warn the US

not to meddle in the Boko Haram crisis, I wonder where she got her impression that the sect is not a “well-organised and ideologically coherent terrorist group.” Was she expecting the young sect, which was founded in 2002, to be as coherent as Osama bin Laden’s well-funded al-Qaeda? For its age, and given the quality of its leaders, the sect has shown some coherence and ideology, as simple as that ideology might be. It not only clearly stated its religious predilections, it is clearly enamoured of al-Qaeda’s social and religious iconoclasm, with a good measure of the Afghan, Pakistani and Iraqi forms of extremism thrown in. It has said it wants a more doctrinaire form of Sharia imposed on some northern states, and it continues to widen its requests as it gains momentum and confidence, and as it senses the desperation and helplessness of the government.

Its beginnings made it susceptible to control by politicians and non-ideological patrons, but as it grew in confidence, and educated northerners began to join its ranks, it has shown increasing tendency to be independent.

When it runs out of money it has robbed banks and explained the malfeasance away as helping themselves to usurers’ money. That it depends on the poor and alienated for its recruits does not make it a socio-economic revolt. There will always be foot soldiers whatever the cause.

The government can legitimately try to deprive it of recruits and rein in monies laundered to the sect, but it must not confuse the principles and philosophy of the sect with bread and butter revolt. Religious factor can sometimes be a sufficient reason for revolt, as indeed the Sokoto Caliphate showed when it promised a new theocratic order in place of

Imagine if Jonathan had done otherwise

R

ECALL that the Great Protest against fuel subsidy removal lasted for one beautiful week in most parts of the nation. In Lagos, it was one week of unprecedented total compliance and indescribable carnival, deployment of social media for productive national enterprise, and sheer profundity in the creative use of all the amenities of literature. Instead of latching on to this explosive creative genius of Nigerians, President Goodluck Jonathan interpreted the protests as subversion of national security, opposition by dissident groups of political parties and hijackers, and enmity to be crushed or neutralised. Well, he had his pyrrhic victory.

But imagine if he had seen the protests from a different angle. Imagine if he stole into Lagos and found his way to the Gani Fawehinmi Park, say on Wednesday or Thursday during

the week the protests lasted. Imagine blissfully if, deploying his inexistent creative genius, he had mounted the stage where musicians and Nollywood princes and comedians were serenading protesters with golden hits and improvisation, sought the hated Pastor Tunde Bakare’s permission to address the large crowd, and proceeded to make the speech of his life.

Imagine, if you could, that Jonathan, by an incredible display of political and literary legerdemain, gave prefatory remarks about how he appreciated the show Bakare and Co. had put together, and how it had stirred his soul to believe that Nigerians, irrespective of tribe and religion, and class and political party, could come together to speak with one thrilling voice. Then imagine that in spite of himself Jonathan had announced he was reverting fuel price to N65/litre until he was

able to secure in March the cooperation of Nigerians and their lawmakers in the National Assembly to raise the price. In that glorious moment of ecstasy, with the roof (sky) literally brought down with presidential virtuoso, he would have stolen the thunder of his political opponents, won over Nigerians from all walks, and united everyone behind him.

Instead, Jonathan alienated all of us, crushed the protest as best as he could, and lost our admiration and respect. Thereupon we left him to face the Boko Haram menace in Kano as best as we knew how, with Kano youths rejoicing over the routing of the president’s security men. Will he learn from the experience? Hmm, imagine if he could. Alas, our recently transformed president abhors lessons, any lesson.

the prevailing decadent order in the early 19th century. The Sahel was replete with similar religious movements.

Boko Haram feeds on the poor and alienated, but it is misplaced extrapolation to suggest, as President Goodluck Jonathan told Reuters, that the problem is amenable to negotiation. The Nigerian government has obviously done little to really understand that the sect is driven more by religion than by poverty, in that order. The former president Obasanjo, it is recalled, regarded the Sharia movement as a political thing in a country with a history of religious conflict, just as the northern traditional and political elites have been ambivalent towards Sharia notwithstanding the provisions of the constitution. While it is legitimate to campaign for religious concessions in a secular society, it is nevertheless difficult to achieve it without risking subversion of the constitution, promoting the Lebanonisation and Pakistanisation of the country, and opposing the forging of a national identity.

Unfortunately, Obasanjo’s ‘political Sharia’ permitted the erection of iron curtains in many cities of the North, with the paroxysms of religious rage accentuating the pauperisation of northern youths, and widespread poverty becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy – of economic deprivation and injustice triggering social revolt. Even within the ambit of the prevailing unitary (economic and political) system, states receive significant allocation enough to turn their fortunes around. If they judiciously use the allocations, exploit their own natural resources creatively, and enthrone new social order in their states where equity, justice and fairness reign, conflicts and disaffection would be mediated in such a way as not to expose the affected states and the country as a whole to destabilisation and, worse, disintegration.

To suggest that the government should negotiate with the sect and then institute a Marshall Plan for the Boko Haram states suffering endemic poverty is to foolishly offer other states, regions and militias the inspiration that all they need do to secure concessions is to levy war against the state. Negotiating with Boko Haram is merely a desperate means to secure peace and paper over the substantial cracks of misrule that has plagued the country.

If the government hopes to win peace in the Boko Haram states and avoid disintegration, it must sanitise and remould its security apparatus into an efficient organ, not indiscriminate killers; restructure the federation away from the indolent dependence on the centre to a more compact, less expensive regional governments; police the states more effectively to ensure good governance if we must retain the present laborious structure; and recognise the urgent need to enthrone social and economic justice under responsive and intelligent federal and state governments.

The beleaguered Jonathan government must be duping itself to think that ethnic nationalities are not already considering worstcase scenarios. I think they are. The nationalities know that all it takes for a conflagration to occur is for Boko Haram to widen its operations to the South, which, at the present rate of incremental horror taking place in parts of the North, is no longer inconceivable. If Boko Haram has limited its operations to the North for now, it is because it is beguiled by the possibility of an independent and viable non-secular North, the sort preached by the late Muammar Gaddafi. In its response to the panicky offer by Jonathan to negotiate, the sect has indicated lack of interest. Anyone who has an understanding of the sect should have seen that coming.

The first US think tank referred to above suggested Nigeria could unravel in 2030. This may seem a very generous timeline; but it also warned that the country could shatter in an instant. It is that ‘instant’ that we must watch, for it may be much nearer than we imagine.

The other think tank suggested 2015 as the year of apocalypse. Both simulations are disturbingly real, and their conclusions indicate simply that Nigerian leaders do not have the competence and the realistic appreciation of the Nigerian ethos to remedy the sore points of amalgamation.

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