January 31, 2015

Vincent AKANMODE, Deputy Editor

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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THE NATION

NEWS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

War threats: Niger Delta ex-militants give F Danjuma 7-day ultimatum ORMER defence minister, Gen. Yakubu Danjuma, yesterday got a seven-day ultimatum from a group of ex-militants in the Niger Delta to withdraw his statement in which he called for the arrest of some former warlords or face their wrath.

Gen. Danjuma had, on Wednesday, condemned last weekend’s meeting of the former warlords in Yenagoa where they threatened to unleash terror on the country if President Goodluck Jonathan loses next month’s election.

Danjuma called for immediate arrest of the war mongers including Government Ekpemupolo a.k.a. Tompolo, Asari Dokubo and Victor Ben Ebikabowei a.k.a. Boyloaf.

A group of ex-militants — the Leadership, Peace and Cultural Development Initia-

•Ex-defence chief urged to apologise to Tompolo, others Bisi OLANIYI, Port Harcourt and Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja tive—led by Reuben Wilson, issued the ultimatum to Danjuma to withdraw the ‘insult’, failing which it said he would be courting trouble.

Boyloaf, reacting separately to Danjuma’s call for the arrest of the militants, threatened yesterday to attack the general’s assets in the Niger Delta if he fails to “retrace his steps” and apologise to the former militants and the people of the Niger Delta.

The Leadership, Peace and

Cultural Development Initiative, in a statement by its President, Reuben Wilson, said that Danjuma, by calling for the arrest of the militants “has walked on the tail of the serpent.”

The group said: “As much as he has the right to free speech, Danjuma ought to know that the oil money he is enjoying today, through his ownership of oil blocs, came from our sacrifices and blood.

We staked our lives to fight for the development of our

country.

“We fought for freedom for our land and it pains us that people like Danjuma who have reaped bountifully from the Niger Delta, can wake up to insult our sensibilities.

“For Danjuma to call for the arrest of Asari Dokubo, then he has walked on the tail of the serpent.

“The much we know is that we the ex militants who decided to drop our guns to join forces with the federal government to develop the coun-

try, especially the Niger Delta, have never said anything or taken any action that would warrant such explosives from Danjuma.“ Restating its support for President Jonathan in next month’s election,the group said: “All we have said overtime is that our brother and president, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, a true son of the Niger Delta, deserves to enjoy the two terms in office provided for in the constitution.

“We stand by this right and we will do everything legal and legitimate to make sure that he is not robbed of that right; not by a thousand Danjumas.

“Danjuma cannot be enjoying our oil money and be insulting us at the same time.

We are therefore giving him seven days from today to retract the statement he made to the media on the arrest of Asari Dokubo. We see his call as a declaration of war with the former fighters and we will like to tell him that we are ready to face him, having declared himself our enemy.

“We are well aware that he owns oil blocs in the Niger Delta. He cannot be eating •Continued on Page 5

Shagari family disowns PDP

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EMBERS of the family of former Nigerian President, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari, have warned leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against dragging his name into the politics of endorsement for their presidential candidate.

A statement from the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation quoted the eldest son of the former President and District Head of Shagari, Captain Bala Shagari (rtd), as saying that his father should be allowed to enjoy a quiet life in retirement.

The statement also quoted Captain Shagari, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Mafaran Shagari, as saying that it was embarrassing for his elderly father to be dragged into partisan politics, leading to needless invasion of his privacy.

He said that while his father would continue to pray for the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria, it is wrong for any political party or group of politicians to use his name in their endorsement campaign without his express permission just to advance their own interests.

Bala Shagari said his father has not endorsed anybody for the February 2015 presidential election, and that he remains politically neutral, stressing that as a father figure, his father’s role is to pray for the peace, unity and stability of Nigeria.

The District Head of Shagari said any endorsement of candidate or candidates of any party might compromise the neutrality and integrity of his father and advised politicians to avoid politics of bitterness, division, intolerance and violence, which he says poses a threat to the nation’s democ-

Mugabe is new AU chair Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe is the new chairman of the 54-nation African Union.

The 90-year-old Mugabe emerged yesterday at the opening of the union’s summit in Ethiopia.

He succeeds Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.

Tony AKOWE

racy.

It is not the first time an individual or group would deny purported endorsement of President Jonathan for reelection.

The Afenifere Renewal Group had earlier distanced itself from alleged adoption of Jonathan’s candidacy.

An an effort made by popular Igbo businessman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuayanwu, to get the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to adopt the President as its candidate for next month’s presidential election was also rejected by the group.

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (standing) addressing a congregation of Islamic faithful at the Bodija Market Central Mosque in Ibadan... yesterday.

Supreme Court orders resumption of Aborishade, others’ trial •Upholds FG’s appeal

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HE Supreme Court yesterday ordered the immediate resumption of proceedings in the trial of former Aviation Minister, Prof. Babalola Aborishade and others over alleged forgery and corrupt enrichment.

Aborishade and others are standing trial in a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Maitama, Abuja for alleged mismanagement of funds meant for the renovation of the nation’s air-

Eric IKHILAE, Abuja ports.

The Supreme Court ruled on the appeal filed against the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja on an earlier appeal by the former minister.

Aborisade, who is standing trial with a director of Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA), T.A. Dairo, and two others had

appealed the decision of the trial court to admit in evidence a statement made by Dairo.

The Court of Appeal upheld his appeal, prompting the Federal Government to appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court in upturning the decision of the Court of Appeal directed prompt resumption of the tri-

als that had stalled for over one year.

Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs who read the lead judgment wondered why Aborishade appealed against a ruling that was not directed against him.

He noted that the ruling was on whether or not to admit the statement by the third accused person (Dairo) and not his (Aborisahade’s) statement.

The court, in an earlier judg-

ment, also set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal in the appeal filed by Dairo and others in relation to the same ruling of the trial court, which admitted his (Dairo’s) statement in evidence.

The apex court held that from the evidence before it, the trial court was right to have held that the statement was made voluntarily.

It ordered the trial court to re-admit the statement and proceed with the trial.

PDP loses Niger East senatorial seat to APC at tribunal

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HE National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Minna yesterday upturned the result of last year’s Niger East Senatorial by-election in favour of Mr. David Umaru of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared former deputy governor of the state, Dr. Shem Zagbayi Nuhu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as winner of the election.

Mr. Umaru filed a petition at the tribunal which proclaimed him winner with 79,779 votes as against Nuhu’s 68,525 votes.

In arriving at its judgement, the tribunal nullified the results of about 100 polling units affected by irregularities during the by-election.

The Chairman of the threeman tribunal, Justice Ibrahim Bako, also granted an order nullifying the return of the 1st

Jide ORINTUNSIN, Minna Respondent (Nuhu) on the grounds that he did not win the majority of the lawful votes cast at the election held on August 30, 2014 and concluded on September 6, 2014 at the Niger East Senatorial District.

Also granted by the tribunal were orders “declaring the 1st Petitioner as the winner of the election held on the 30th August but concluded on the 6th September, 2014, having won the majority of the lawful votes at the election and he is hereby granted.”

Justice Bako directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to “issue a Certificate of Return to the 1st Petitioner forthwith as the duly elected Senator of Niger East Senatorial District, Niger State”.

The electoral body had declared on September 7, 2014 that Nuhu of the PDP polled 92,050 votes while Umaru had

87,425 votes. But after the deduction of the unlawful votes, the respondent had 68,525 and the 1st petitioner polled 79,779 votes to be declared winner.

Reacting after the judgment, the lead counsel to the winner, Barrister Chris Osuagwu said:.”We give glory to God for this judgement. Today’s judgement has shown that no matter how long evil thrives, judgment must surely pre-

vail. The tribunal has given judgment and it shows that there is hope for the masses.”

The counsel to the respondent, Barrister Musa Sulaiman, said his client would respect the decision of the tribunal.

Congratulating the judiciary for keeping the hope of the common man alive, Publicity Secretary of the APC in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa, told newsmen at the court pre-

mises that the judgment had given hope to the masses.

“The judgment has shown that the common man can have his right defended and protected by the judiciary,” he added.

The judgment brings the number of APC senators in the state to two - Niger East and Niger North senatorial districts. The Niger South senatorial ticket is held by the PDP.

Buhari was never stoned in Lagos –APC

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday dismissed as concocted a story by former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, that the party’s presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, was pelted during the party’s rally in Lagos.

The APC said “a lie has never worn a bolder face.” tHE National Publicity Sec-

retary of the party, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said Gen. Buhari and other top leaders of the APC rode in an open bus from the Palace of the Oba of Lagos to Teslim Balogun Stadium venue of the rally, to great cheers from Lagosians who lined the route. ‘’Not once was he pelted with stone during the almost two-hour ride. It is obvious that those who were paid by Mr. Obanikoro to stone the

General failed to deliver. We therefore urge him to seek a refund of whatever money he paid to his hired hands to pelt Gen. Buhari with stones,’’ the party said.

The party thanked the good people of Lagos for turning out in unprecedented numbers to welcome Gen. Buhari to Lagos, saying the Centre of Excellence had never witnessed such a huge and cheery crowd.

THE NATION

NEWS 5

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

‘NEDG debate meant to smear Buhari’s image’

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HE Buhari Support Organisation, the umbrella body of all support groups campaigning for the election of APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has explained why the former head of state decided not to take part in the debate organised by the Nigeria Election a Debate Group (NEDG).

Spokesman of the organisation, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, said the composition of the debate panel was a clear indication that there was a ground design to rubbish the hard earned integrity of Gen. Buhari.

He said that if the highly reputed military could be roped into Buhari’s certificate saga, anything can be done by the ruling PDP to rubbish Buhari, adding: “It is our duty to be vigilant always and refuse to offer the

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EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Organisation yesterday flayed the decision by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to shun the presidential debate being organised by the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON).

In a statement by its Director of Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, the PDP said the APC knew that Gen. Buhari could not stand a rigours debate on issues of national governance and development.

Fani-Kayode said the APC had already said, when approached by an unnamed international news channel for a debate, that it was only com-

Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja fortable with its vice presidential candidate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who has capacity to feature brilliantly on the programme.

According to Fani-Kayode, “We have just read a report in the media credited to the APC Presidential Campaign Organisation that the party would not allow its candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, to participate in the radio and television presidential debate organised by the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON).

“The APC accused the

organisers of the debate of unhidden bias and campaign of calumny by some key organisers of the programme against the corporate political interest of the party and its candidates.

“We had envisaged that the APC would be reluctant to expose General Buhari to the rigours of a live television debate because the opposition party knows that its candidate will flunk it.

“If the APC truly believes that it is a party of progressive intellectuals, as it claims, it should allow General Buhari to prove that at the debate.

“Should the APC fail to par-

ticipate in the debate, it would also show the disdain both the party and its candidate have for the Nigerian people, denying them the opportunity to make informed choices on the basis of what each candidate will articulate as propositions on issues that will be raised.

“We are convinced that General Buhari does not have what it takes to sustain a coherent argument on germane issues of governance and development.

“We challenge General Buhari to a debate on any national and international medium of mass communication and our candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan will be ready to participate.

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

derscore our candidate’s decision not to be hoodwinked into participating in the sham debates promoted by the NTA and some other pro-Jonathan individuals from African Independent Television (AIT).

“A cursory look at the composition of the panel reveals that it includes the likes of Mr. Mike Omeri, Director-

General of the National Orientation Agency and a close associate of the last Minister of Aviation, Stella Oduah, who was a major financier of Jonathan’s election bid in 2011. Ms Sally Mbanefo is the DG of Nigeria Tourism Board.

“With such composition, the NEDG is certainly tinted

and cannot be seen to organise a credible debate.

In a severely corrupted third world nation, one cannot reasonably expect a political appointee to organise a fair debate that could result in an electoral loss for his employer.

“The other principal promoters from NTA and AIT

edented.

“By continuously despairing our youths with: ‘General Buhari has severally failed elections, and so belong to the dark past,’ is that to say perseverance is no longer part of life?

“USA is great today through perseverance. Abraham Lincoln failed elections for over seven times, yet he became one of the best presidents USA has had. Nigeria would soon have its turn. The possibility is with us now. Hate broadcast must be condemned.

“APC and her presidential candidate, Gen. Buhari, are aware that every life has its past but that past must not be a fabricated one. No nation can build its future and elect its true leaders on falsehood and hate broadcast. The broadcast is utter disservice to Nigeria.

“I therefore demand your good office to immediately investigate the said hate broadcast with a view to taking appropriate punitive steps against the AIT and its comrades in this unholy act.

At this solemn period of general elections, Nigeria electorate cannot be treated to this disturbing level of fabricated and hate broadcast.”

•From left: National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari during a courtesy visit to the Oba of Lagos by the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential team at the Oba’s palace, Iga Idunganran, Lagos Island... yesterday.

platform to achieve their mischievous objective.

“The Buhari Support Organisation wishes to un-

Buhari petitions NBC over hate broadcast

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HE presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, has protested to the Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over hate broadcast against him.

He asked the NBC to probe the fabricated broadcast and take necessary punitive actions.

Buhari lodged the protest through the Director, Legal APC Presidential Campaign Council, ChukwumaMachukwu Ume (SAN).

The letter reads in part: “I bring to your attention the fabricated and hate broadcast by African Independent Television (AIT) against All Progressives Congress and its presidential candidate, His Excellency, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

“This hate broadcast has been on from Saturday 24th January 2015 to Sunday 25th January 2015 at 11 pm.

“All-well-meaning Nigerians and persons all over the world are worried that DAAR Communication Plc could do this evil to Nigerians’ sensibilities by broadcasting fixed and fabricated lies for hate purposes. The twisting of facts in the broadcast is unprec-

APC shielding candidate, says PDP

represent the two electronic organisations that have made no secret of their unalloyed support for President Jonathan’s re-election bid. These television stations are presently the overt campaign vehicle for the PDP presidential candidate.

“The recent hate documentary that ran for several days on AIT is a pointer to the extent that Jonathan handlers are prepared to rubbish the hard earned integrity of General Buhari.

“We recall that in 2011, it was alleged that one of the President’s chief economic advisers obtained questions in advance and forwarded them to Mr. President’s ministers for answers.

“We may then ask, what confidence mechanism have since been put in place to forestall a repeat of such occurrence if it indeed happened?

“In the absence of a level playing field, we totally reject the NEDG platform because it is undemocratically constituted to be an umpire over a core democratic principle that should be held in reverence.”

Niger Delta ex-militants give Danjuma 7-day ultimatum •Continued from Page 4 from our farm and at the same time calling us stupid and wishing that we should be arrested while he continues to harvest from our farm.

“Danjuma should apologise to all the former fighters or we will assume that he has no regrets for his utterances.

“We wish to sound this note of warning to all those who think they can intimidate us and force us to abandon our struggle for the re-election of Jonathan-their joint effort aimed at denying us our right will not work. They may be in the majority but we have a minority oil and that is what is feeding this country.

“If they want to push a minority man out of Aso Rock by force, they should start thinking of where they will get money to keep their man in Aso Rock because our oil money will no more be there

for them to share.

“Danjuma must retract the statement within 7 days and apologise to us.”

Ebokabowei, on his part described Danjuma’s demand for their arrest as “reckless and provocative,” and wondered why the former chief of army staff did not condemn the attack on the president’s convoy in some northern states.

His words:“What are the issues that elicited retired General TY Danjuma’s reckless and provocative call? When the motor convoy (sic) of the symbol of our collective national sovereignty, President Goodluck Jonathan, was attacked in northern cities of Jos, Katsina and Bauchi, by hegemonic Northern establishment and their hired elements, retired General T.Y Danjuma did not grant any interview to condemn the act.

“He lost his voice because he is in tacit support of such

manoeuvres to disgrace and remove President Goodluck Jonathan from office using whatever means possible.

“Nigerians should not be deceived; retired General TY Danjuma is not moved to intervene in national issues for altruistic reasons.”

He alleged that Danjuma has failed to provide for the Niger Delta communities where his company prospects for oil.

“Is this the kind of man that will now speak about the unity of Nigeria? For General TY Danjuma and his likes, the unity of Nigeria centres on the control of the oil resources in the Niger Delta.

“Our eyes are now open.

Wwe are watching. Any attempt to cause any inconvenience by way of arrest or intimidation of any Niger Delta leader will be met with stiff resistance and the consequences will be grave and disproportional. This is a prom-

ise and not a threat,” he said.

However, Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on the amnesty programme, Mr Kingsley Kuku, dismissed reports that the Ijaw will go to war if President Goodluck Jonathan is not re-elected into office.

Tompolo, Dokubo, Boyloaf and other former warlords, Kuku said, only expressed concern over the way the president was treated during his campaign in Bauchi and Katsina states.

Kuku reacted to the reports in Abuja yesterday at a forum on how to apply the lessons learnt from the solutions that brought the Niger Delta militancy to a calm, in solving the Boko Haram problem.

Aside from this, Kuku also asked leaders from the NorthEast to take ownership of the Boko Haram problem and end it.

Kuku and Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State were

at the Yenagoa meeting of the ex-warlords.

The meeting took place at the Government House, Yenagoa.

Also yesterday, the Northern Coalition for Good Governance condemned the recent war threats issued by the Niger Delta militants.

It urged politicians to shun acts capable of endangering the country’s democracy.

The group also insisted that all the people suspected to have played any role in the post 2011 election violence should be brought to book with a view to ensuring violence-free elections next month.

The Group’s Director of Research and Documentation, Dr. Ibrahim Baba, told journalists in Abuja after a protest demanding justice during the elections that Nigerians should not allow the 2011 post-election violence repeat

itself.

He argued that one of the ways that election violence could be averted is by the prosecution of those involved.

He said the group would stand against anybody or group trying to divide the country through religion, ethnicity or tribalism.

On Dokubo, he said, “We condemn Dokubo’s threat and any act of linguistics intimidation. We condemn it in all entirety. There is nobody that is above the law; nobody should try to sectionalize the country for whatever reason.

We condemn Asari-Dokubo and his vituperations; we condemn any person that is trying to promote ethnicity, religion and tribalism. AsariDokubo is not an exception and we want to say that if he is found culpable in any thing we will also take him head on”.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

NEWS

Lagos stands still for Buhari LL Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate Gen. Muhammadu Buhari yesterday promised to resolve pressing national challenges, including corruption, insecurity and unemployment, if elected as the President in February 14 election.

He also promised to fight the infrastructure battle in Lagos State, as part of moves to restore the glory of the former Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The former military leader said the state will be given a special attention as the economic hub and commercial nerve centre.

Buhari and his running mate, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), who spoke at a mega rally in Lagos, urged Nigerians to vote for the APC for a better Nigeria. They promised to offer a credible, transparent and accountable leadership, which will halt the economic depression and collapse of social infrastructure.

At the carnival-like rally, which lasted for nine hours, the National APC Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, described Buhari as the best candidate to salvage the country during the crisis period, noting that when developed countries were in similar situation, they beckoned on their retired Generals for good governance.

He said: In the last 70 years of nationhood, you have seen series of political crises. But, one man has been very consistent, steadfast, brilliant, courageous, rsolute, and an advocate of the poor. That is Buhari."

The Chairman of the APC in Lagos State and the governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, promised to deliver 85 per cent of the votes to Buhari. Assuring that the progressive beat will continue in Lagos, Ajomale said: "Lagos will deliver 85 percent of the votes to you (Buhari).

Jonathan will not get 25 per cent of the votes."

Lagosians defied the early morning downpour to converge on the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, the venue of the mega rally. Brooms, the symbol of the party, filled the air as party leaders from the six geopolitical zones stormed the campaign ground, waving to the jubilating crowd, singing and dancing.

The crowd was huge. However, the crowd outside the stadium was more than the crowd inside the main bowl. On the stage to entertain them was the ace fuji musician, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde. There were also artistes, who enjoined the crowd to collect their Permanent Voter's Cards (PVCs) to enable them perform their civic responsibility. Members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), led by Alhaji Agbede, and National Road Transport Employment Association, led by Ahmed Musa, endorsed the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket.

Buhari, who stormed the stadium around 2.15 pm, was accompanied by his wife, Hajia Aisha, his running mate, Osinbajo, and wife, Dolapo, granddaughter of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo; the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the Chairman of the Campaign Team, Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and his Lagos, Osun, Edo and Imo state counterparts; Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Chief Rauf Aregbesola, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and Owelle Rochas Okorocha; the National Deputy Chairman, Mr. Segun Oni, the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Pius Akinyelure, former Ekiti State Governors Niyi Adebayo and Kayode Fayemi, and, Senator Bukola Saraki, former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola.

Oyegun, who presided over the ceremony, presented flags to Buhari and Osinbajo, Ambode and his running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule, and Lagos Central, East and West senatorial flag bearers-Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Hon. Olamilekan Adeola.

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•APC candidate vows to tackle city’s infrastructural problems

•All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (3rd right); his running mate, Prof.

Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right); Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (right); Director-General of the Buhari Campaign Organisation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi (2nd left); Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (left); Buhari’s wife, Aisha (4th left) and Osinbanjo’s wife (3rd left). Back row, from right: Senator Bukola Saraki; Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State; former APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande and others at the APC presidential rally held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos...yesterday.

Photos: Moses OMOSEHIN

Emmanuel OLADESU, Group Political Editor and Musa ODOSHIMOKHE Other chieftains at the rally included Lagos State Deputy Governor Joke Orelope-Adefulire, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Senator Tony Adefuye, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Basorun, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Hon. James Faleke, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, Comrade Joe Igbokwe, who rendered the opening prayer, Hon. Fuad Oki, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Mrs. Kemi Nelson, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Mrs. Toyin Saraki, Mr. Dele Alake, Chief Chris Ekwilo, Mr. Abiodun Salam, Alhaji Abdullahi Enilolobo, Hon. Abiodun Mafe, and Hon. Dino Melaye and Mrs. Abike DabiriErewa, who was masters of the ceremony.

Buhari chided the PDP-led Federal Government for failing the test of leadership, saying that it has failed to resolve insecurity, economic depression, bribery and corruption and u employment. He said: "Whatever we are going to do will help restore Nigeria back."

Stressing that the insurgency in the Northeast is unacceptable, Buhari, who promised to turn around all the sectors, said that his administration will provide jobs, defend education, and restore security.

The former military leader added: " After all what we have gone through in the past 15 years of the PDP, the APC has identified three fundamental programmes that have to be taken immediately. One of them is to tackle insecurity. Two, returning back the economy on track, and tackling bribery and corruption. But, whatever we are going to do, we must secure Nigeria first.

Most importantly, is the Northeast where hundreds of school children are still missing. We are confident that our military can perform, but what they need now is leadership.

We have more than 60 percent of youths in this country, whether they went to school or not, it is the responsibility of government to provide jobs. Whichever way we look at it corruption still remains the bane of the country. This is equally visible in education is not properly catered for in this country. There is no legacy that is better than education. If you are educated there is the chances of

to excel will be there. It is the responsibilities of government to provide good education for the people. It is very important that we vote out the PDP from the top to the bottom. This is in the interest of our nation.

"Where is the Nigerian Airways?

Where is the Nigerian National Shipping Line? Where are they now?

Go and find out how much money they had made from 1999 till now.

And where is NEPA? "After spending about $20 billion on power, what we are getting is still very insignificant. This is because of the incompetence of the PDP from top to bottom. Nigerians have suffered enough and must ensure that PDP is voted out.

"And for Lagos, in particular, they have allowed infrastructure decay to become the lots of Lagos.

Infrastructure maintenance ought to be the responsibilities of the government being a former federal capital. I assure you APC will do that."

Tinubu said: "We want to thank and pay a special tribute to Buhari for his doggedness and concern for the country. What he earns from what he had worked for is enough for him to go and sit back and relax.

But, his patriotic zeal and love for his fatherland would not allow him to do that. Today, there is the cry for change. At the federal level, we will change them. We praise Buhari for his courage and love for his fatherland.

"I want to say that, not because Bola Tinubu is not interested in becoming President of the country. he is capable, competent, qualified, youthful and richer. But, there are people who make sacrifice for their nations. In the last 70 years of this nation, there has been all sort of political upheavals, but one man has been a very consistent, steadfast, brilliant, courageous advocate of the poor.

"One man made some remarks about Buhari's age. I stayed in the corner and prayed that this person will live to a ripe old age. But, I pray that Nigeria will get better so that we rejoice.

"We are in a great crisis. We are facing a lot of challenges. Some of them are like those we have in other climes. When South Africa was in great dilemma and about to disintegrate, they called on Nelson Mandela, who was74 years old, and in his wisdom, he returned South Africa to the right path. When America was in economic depression, they called a 72 years old

Ronald Reagan to get the economy back because he was prudent and incorruptible."

Tinubu also recalled that when France was in distress, the people beckoned on Charles de Gauelle to lead the country to recovery.

He said when Britain had challenges, the people requested 73 yearold former Prime Minister Winston Churchill to lead them to progress.

He added: "Let me take you back on political history again. When we started about two or three years ago, they thought everything about ACN and APC was impossible. I told them there was a gathering storm, a positive thought, coming as a movement to change Nigeria. " When America was faced with civil war and depression, they called a retired General Dwight Eisenhower to rescue the country.

America was returned on the full tract of recovery and success. When France was in trouble, great turmoil and economic depression, civil war and violent, they called a retired general, Charles de Gulle to rescue them. Britain our colonizer, from whom we earned our independence, our colonial master. They have their own history of trouble and challenges, they did not call a man, Jonathan in the parliament then.

They called a retired General, Winston Churchill, at the age of 73 to rescue Britain.

"What do you need now? Change.

This is the time for General Buhari.

Whether qualified or not qualified, we are calling on you to come and rescue Nigeria."

Fashola, the host governor, urged Lagosians to collect their voter's cards, ahead of the poll, stressing that they can only change the government by voting wisely.

He flayed President Goodluck Jonathan for his broken promises to the state, especially the non-fulfillment of his promise to construct the road leading to the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja.

The governor also complained that the President frustrated the light rail project linking Lagos with Ogun State by denying Lagos a right-ofway approval.

Fashola also said that Dr. Jonathan has not shown commitment to the proposed sea ports in Lekki and Badagry because the Federal Government has refused to fulfilled its financial obligations towards the • Continued on page 6

Bank-Anthony condemns PDP’s campaign • Students stage solidarity walk for APC candidate N All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Mr. Babatunde Bank - Anthony, has condemned what he called intimidation, aggression and thuggery which had characterized the campaigns of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) .

He referred to a recent attack meted out to APC members during a campaign rally held in the Alimosho Local Government Area of the state during which APC members were battered and injured, while their vehicles were smashed.

While appealing to the PDP to abhor the act of rascality being perpetrated by their followers, Mr. Bank - Anthony advocated issue – based campaigns which he said had been the hallmark of the APC, as the party is determined to continue to build on its achievements and take Lagos to greater heights.

He said the election of the governorship candidate of the APC in Lagos State in the February 28 governorship election will ensure consolidation on the array of achievements recorded by the outgoing administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN).

Mr Bank-Anthony, a member of the Strike Team, an arm of Independent Campaign Group (ICG) for Ambode’s gubernatorial campaign, Mr. Babatunde Bank Anthony, who expressed this view during a door- to -door campaign in Lagos said Lagos cannot be governed by experiment, but by able and capable hands who are wellgrounded in the art of governance.

He described outgoing governor Fashola as an actualizer who has successfully built on the modest achievements of his predecessor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and have successfully governed the state, recording outstanding achievements in all spheres, adding that Akin Ambode should be voted in to consolidate on his achievements, particularly on infrastructural, social and economic wellbeing of the people.

In a related development, a student movement- Ambode-Adebule Youth Forum, (AAYF) Lagos State Tertiary Institution wing will embark on a solidarity movement in some parts of Lagos on Monday as part of their endorsement of Ambode and Adebule to emerge Governor of the Lagos State in the forthcoming gubernatorial election under the APC. Coordinator of the group, Mr Olawale Ogungbon, during a briefing on Thursday, said the group believes in continuity of governor Babatunde Fashola’s legacies in Lagos State.

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Group advises voters to show inept leaders red cards PURRED by an unprecedented sense of urgency, a fresh voice has been added to rallying the country’s electorate to redeem the political process and propagate a culture of accountability by actively participating in the upcoming 2015 general elections.

The Red Card Movement, a youth-centric campaign which advocates civic responsibility in innovative and creative ways, is asking Nigerians to use their vote as a “red card” to banish bad leaders from the polity.

“The concept and imagery of the Red Card Movement is borrowed from the game of football. Just as a referee holds out a red card to dismiss players from the pitch for bad behavior, the voters’ card imbues voters with the power to remove bad leaders from office” says Team Coordinator, Red Card Movement, Jade Oshikoya.

“We challenge the apathetic to take control of Nigeria’s future.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

COMMENTARY

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Quite recently General Babangida was sent to speak to soldiers who planned a coup in Guinea and they listened and elections were organised later and sanity returned to that nation

Intervention, sovereignty and security HE US Secretary of State John Kerry came to Nigeria last week for a day’s work, sufficient enough for him to meet our President Goodluck Jonathan and his looming Nemesis at the February 14 elections retired General Muhamadu Buhari, and to sound a note of warning that US visas will not be given to any Nigerian politician found to be involved in any post election violence in the coming presidential elections. John Kerry also affirmed that the US is opposed to any postponement of the election as advised by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser who has been taken to the cleaners by both major political parties and major stakeholders on his advice.

Really it has been a very sad week for Nigeria’s diplomacy, election politics, sovereignty and security.

In a week in which 90 year old President of Zimbabwe became the Chairman of the AU for a year, one can expect a lot of interesting developments from that assumption of office alone. It was also a week in which the AU approved a 7500 strong AU Force from four nations namely Benin, Chad, Cameroon and Niger to be used to help Nigeria fight the menace and advance of Boko Haram in the North East of Nigeria. Coming on the heels of the report that Chadian troops successfully repelled Boko Haram from a Nigerian town, Malamfatori it will not surprise anyone that the AU which formed the Intervention Force of 4 nations is convinced of its rationale for action which was that Nigeria, in spite of its reluctance to accept the AU force, has not done enough to contain the Boko Haram insurgency.

In spite of all these international concern and intervention in Nigeria’s problems which under normal circumstances should be Nigeria’s internal affairs one cannot really complain given the fact that for now the Nigerian state appears to be rudderless and the reason for that is not far fetched. In spite of the furore, indignation and horror of the international community over the ease and speed with which Boko Haram is making short work of the Nigerian Army on all fronts of conflict with Boko Haram in Nigeria, the priority of the Nigerian President is his reelection at the 2015 Presidential elections of February and containing the Boko Haram terror has been made to play second fiddle to that. The President has kept to his National Campaign Schedule all over the country and has not been deterred in this regard by the stoning of his entourage in some parts of the North. Of course the President is the Commander in Chief but he seems to have delegated that duty to the Military bosses forgetting that a major tenet of delegation is monitoring to ensure that the responsibility delegated is not derailed

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to achieve set goals and objectives.

The fact that Chadian troops fought and repelled Boko Haram at Malamfatori, a Nigerian town showed clearly that Nigeria has lost its territorial integrity because our Head of State is not the Commander in Chief of the Chadian Army. I believe the Nigerian President believes that once he is re elected he will face Boko Haram squarely and more seriously but then the omens are bad for his reelection given the very dirty way his campaign aides have been trying to get the APC candidate discredited, disgraced and dismissed from contesting the presidential election on the grounds that he has no School Certificate. Does it make sense to assert that a retired General in the Nigerian Army who attended the US War College is not qualified enough to contest to be President of Nigeria? I think the PDP has carried the qualification saga too far and if it ever leads to any disqualification of the APC Presidential candidate then we will see how the PDP will conduct any election without Buhari. Really dark days are ahead in this coming presidential elections.

On the international scene our loss of sovereignty is very apparent and certain. I have mentioned Chadian troops efforts at Malamfatori. According to AU Commission Chairman Ms Dlamini Zuma the intervention force was to help Nigeria defend itself against Boko Haram attacks because it was apparent Nigeria needed help. He said failure of Nigeria to contain Boko Haram meant that a collective, effective and effective decision was needed hence the AU decision to mobilise the force whose tenure would be for a year with the UN Security Council approval expected on the deployment of the Anti Boko Haram Task Force.

Really I wonder how retired military generals like IBB are feeling over this loss of Nigeria’s territorial integrity given the pedigree of our Army in intervening and salvaging ECOWAS nations like Liberia and Sierra Leone in the past.

Quite recently General Babangida was sent to speak to soldiers who planned a coup in Guinea and they listened and elections were organised later and sanity returned to that nation. That showed the high esteem the nations and armies in ECOWAS sub region held Nigeria. It is therefore a painful anti climax that nowadays small nations like the four forming the Anti Boko Haram Force are the ones expected to rescue us from Boko Haram while our armed forces cannot apparently do this. Again I say it is a sad day for our national pride and the valor of our Armed Forces.

Let us now look at the ascendancy of President Robert Mugabe at 90 to the Chairmanship of the AU at this point in time. I think the AU has veered away from the serious task of providing leadership for Africa and I am quite

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serious. For now the Chairperson of the AU Commission is one of the many wives of President Jacob Zuma of S Africa.

It was during her tenure that the AU resolved that the International Criminal Court -ICC- was against African leaders and that the new president of Kenya should not answer charges at the ICC for post election violence in Kenya. Sanity prevailed however and President Kenyatta has done otherwise in the interest of international law and to save the sovereign reputation of Kenya. The choice of Mugabe as Chairman will embarrass Africa sooner than later. This is a man who has arranged for his wife Grace to succeed him by just framing charges against the woman who has been his Vice President for decades. Robert Mugabe will certainly provide a lot of theatrical entertainment as AU Chairman and not much besides. Mugabe who once boasted that whatever Zimbabwe’s problems may be it is not as corrupt as Nigeria is just too old to lead Africa or AU in any innovative way or manner and his Chairmanship again is a sad day for Africa.

Finally let us round up our run of woes this week with the American advice on postponement of our elections and the visa threat. I know the US meant well in its reaction and I think we should take it in good faith. But then it has never been easy to swallow bitter pills to cure any dangerous disease. That is our lot with the Americans as we battle to swallow and digest the pills of democracy while battling terrorism as we look up to the US for guidance, support and approbation on both accounts. But then one can say that it is unimaginable to think of a US president like George Bush ignoring the advice of an NSA like Codeelinza Rice or Richard Nixon doing that to his NSA Henry Kissinger. That however was what US Secretary of State came to tell our president just this week. Yet we know that these same Americans have told themselves that Nigeria will disintegrate in 2015 which is this year. They told their senate that our army is corrupt and that money meant for ammunition is being squandered and embezzled and they still want to have security meetings with those they have branded as thieves which is simply unrealistic.

Yet again even the two main Nigerian parties applauded the US support of our unbelievable posture of telling our own NSA to go to blazes on the postponement advice because of unavailable voters card that disenfranchises almost half the electorate. Surely the John Kerry visit has come and gone well. I nevertheless urge Nigerian leaders and politicians to be careful of Greek gifts in form of US caution and threats, in case John Kerry left an invisible Greek Horse at any of our international airports. As the French have always said -Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

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When Jonathan spoke on May 29, 2011 Knucklehead

ET’S give it to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, his speech writers are arguably the best collection that any leader from this clime has been blessed with. By the way, I noticed that his other ‘names’---Azikiwe, Mainasara and Omoluabi---were conspicuously overlooked during the oath-taking proper at his inauguration last Sunday. Perhaps, it was a signal that politicking has had ended, synthetic attachments had to be discarded as the arduous task of transforming Nigeria had just begun. Nevertheless, it was humbling seeing a man from the backstreets of a region that has been thoroughly despoiled taking an oath of allegiance as the nation’s First Citizen. Whichever way we look at it, the Jonathan story is an inspirational tale that should wake up the deadened cells and ignite hope in this thick miasma of hopelessness. If well-packaged and backed with good intentions and productive fruits, the Jonathan journey may just be the magical tonic that will rekindle our dwindling hope for a better tomorrow. For now, that blurred hope is buried in the shallow water of lamentation which tends to flow ceaselessly. Years after years, the hope that many cling to has been receding like a mirage for majority of the citizens.

If all we need to get out of the deep mess the nation has found itself are inspirational speeches padded up with stimulating poetic cadence, then none could have been more appropriate than Jonathan’s. I still remember how he got us drooling last year at the Eagle Square when he made public his intention to run for the highest of office in the land. I remember how he touched that tender part of humanity by appealing to our sentiment. How many ordinary citizens will find it difficult to acknowledge God’s power and great possibilities when the sandal-less son of a poor canoe carver mounts the national podium to speak of hope? I recall how he pulled us to his side by recanting the tale of an ordinary boy from Otuoke village who lived to achieve his dreams. I couldn’t have forgotten so easily how he vowed to put Nigeria on the right path because, like he said, he could also feel our pain.

Hear him again: “I was not born rich, and in my youth, I never imagined that I would be where I am today, but not once did I ever give up. Not once did I imagine that a child from Otuoke, a small village in the Niger Delta, will one day rise to the position of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I was raised by my mother and father with just enough money to meet our daily needs.

“In my early days in school, I had no shoes, no school bags. I carried my books in my hands but never despaired; no car to take me to school but I never despaired. There were days I had only one meal but I never despaired. I walked miles and crossed rivers to school every day but I never despaired. Didn’t have power, didn’t have generators, studied with lanterns but I never despaired.

“In spite of these, I finished secondary school, attended the University of Port Harcourt, and now hold a doctorate degree.

Fellow Nigerians, if I could make it, you too can make it. My story symbolizes my dream for Nigeria. The dream that any Nigerian child from Kaura- Namoda to Duke town; from Potiskum to Nsukka, from Isale-Eko to Gboko will be able to realise his Godgiven potential, unhindered by tribe or religion and unrestricted by improvised political inhibitions. My story holds out the promise of a new Nigeria. A Nigeria built on the virtues of love and respect for

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913 one another, on unity, on industry, on hard work and on good governance.”

Therefore,, we can relatively assume that the man who swore to an oath on May 29, 2011 at the Eagle Square is no stranger to the Nigerian problem. Having foraged for fate in the same tough environment that has turned many into living like recluse or psychiatric test case, Jonathan could be said to be fully prepared to begin a transformation process that would change the old order and return dignity to the larger populace who have been dehumanized by the system. But then, this might as well be an expensive assumption if Mr. President fails to put his hands on the plough as soon as the ceremonial aspect of the job is over. Any man that speaks with such passion and angst against a system that he feels has delivered little must surely be coming to the table with something different. That, to my mind, was what Jonathan attempted to put before us in his well-publicized inaugural speech. He had clearly spelt out what he planned to do with the power handed over to him by the people.

And what did he say?

In simple plain language, Jonathan listed his priorities as including, among others: spearheading the fight against corruption; ensuring improved medical care for all; leading the process for democratic growth in Africa; engendering first class education; fulfilling his promise of electricity for all; paying special attention to agriculture and providing efficient, affordable public transport system. He also promised a safer Nigeria so that investments could thrive. He touched on the essentials and waxed lyrical. He employed the right words to soothe nerves. It was his moment and he luxuriated in it.

His words: “You have entrusted me with your mandate, I will not let you down. I know your pains because I have been through it and I am one of you. The time of lamentation is over. This is the time for action. But Nigeria can only be transformed if we all play our parts with commitment and sincerity.”

That was the man with the bowler hat speaking. Now, speechmaking is over. The appeal to sentiment is gone. It is action time.

How will Jonathan fare?

Well, it is too early in the day to say. Already, some have lauded him for signing the Freedom of Information bill into law. They said he made the right choice in picking Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim as Secretary to the Federal Government of the Federation. He has been commended for thinking outside the box in putting together

his cabinet and for speaking out against the shameless lobbyists who wanted plum political appointments for their wives, relatives, concubines and hangers-on. However, are these signs of the success story to come?

Yet we need to ask some questions. Has it ever occurred to these persons that these could as well be mere flashes that could amount to nothing at the end of the day? How many times in the history of this country have we seen leaders who would start on a high and, in a short moment, succumb to the pressures and wily intrigues of the powerful elite? How many times have we seen them abandoning those things that required urgent national attention only to end up embracing the mundane? How many times have our dreams of a better tomorrow been deferred by the hollowness of their empty promises? How many times have we rejoiced over a well-timed speech only to discover that the one who delivered it never remembered a single word out of the high-falutin pledges he made?

One thing is clear: Leaders are not scored high just because they took some good steps and made some good choices in the beginning. History judges them in accordance to how well they were able to comport themselves and handle power in the overall interest of the people. Mr. Jonathan is in this for a long haul. This journey will take him four years to complete. Just barely five hours into that journey, there were signs that it was not going to be a smooth ride with bombs going off in key cities of the North; one was dropped in Zuba, very close to Abuja to maim and kill innocent citizens. This is not just an affront on his presidency; it is aimed at testing his resolve to rein in the perpetrators of this despicable act.

It may not be out of place to say that the 518 citizens killed in Kaduna, the corps members whose dreams were malevolently crushed in Bauchi and others whose innocent blood were spilled during the April 2011 post-election violence have become sacrificial lambs to democracy and the birth of this administration. Indeed, the blood of the April 2011 martyrs has watered the tree of freedom and democracy in Nigeria. Leadership failure at this point in history would amount to a callous denigration of their supreme sacrifice and President Jonathan must know this.

What is required now is more of productive action and less of speechmaking. Will Mr. President step up to the challenge or will he continue with the show of helplessness that has seen his government roaring with righteous rage each time bombs decimate the lives of innocent souls? Let him chew on these things as we wish him all the luck towards meeting our justifiably huge expectations.

He surely needs loads of good luck!

Knucklehead’s note: The piece above which was first published as ‘A President and his speeches’ on June 4, 2011 captures the bond Jonathan signed with Nigerians on his ascendance into the Office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Question is: has he lived up to his words? Well, the index is there for everyone to see if we are to judge him on the fight against corruption, level of insecurity, power generation, health, education, infrastructural development and job creation. Would Jonathan, in all honesty, score himself above average four years after presiding over a country ravaged by insurgengy, polarised by ethno-religious crisis and famished by a dwindling economy?

2015 elections without Okotie’s party HE presidential flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Goodluck Jonathan, led other presidential candidates to a meeting held in Abuja, the Federal Capital, to chart the course of peace towards next month’s general election. The presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari, was also present along with 12 other contenders.

The parties represented at the meeting included the Hope Democratic Party (HDP), which, like the Fresh Democratic Party (FRESH), had won its battle for registration in court after it had been de-registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). But in spite of the similarity of FRESH’s situation with HDP, the former was conspicuously missing from the array of parties represented by their presidential aspirants and party chairmen.

It was not by choice that FRESH was absent. The party was absent because it was not re-certified by the electoral agency in spite of the promise it had made to do so after the Commission failed to pursue its belated appeal of the landmark verdict of July 2013 which upturned the party’s de-registration. Its absence was as the result of a deliberate ploy by the Commission and the ruling party to stop the participation of the party and its flag bearer, Rev. Chris Okotie.

The foregoing assertion is clear when it is considered that the HDP, which won its de-registration battle with FRESH as the precedent was allowed to field candidates while FRESH itself was denied same. It is the height of injustice.

The world should be told why HDP, which got its de-registration annulled by Justice Adeniyi Ademola on the strength of the verdict obtained by FRESH 15 months earlier at Justice G. O. Kolawole’s court in Abuja, was hurriedly recognised by INEC and in a space of one month was allowed to participate in the 2015 general elections, while FRESH was denied same.

Listening to Ambassador Emeka Anyaoku call out HDP’s candidate to come forward and sign the Abuja Peace Accord ahead of the forthcoming polls, struck a painful cord in my heart. In a 21st Century society like ours, and with President Jonathan’s vow to uphold the rule of law and rights of citizens, what did FRESH do to deserve this willful expulsion by INEC, even when it won its right to be relisted from a court of competent jurisdiction? Is Rev. Okotie’s alleged anti-establishment posture

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• Okotie Ojuolape ORISAWAYI

the issue? If so, why punish a whole party because of its leader?

The Commission, as it were, has succeeded in accomplishing its wish to shut out one of the most vibrant and vocal opposition forces from the coming elections. The agency brushed the party’s court verdict aside for no known reason. This dent in Nigeria’s democracy may test the foundations of the electoral process in the months ahead.

Looking at the list of other presidential aspirants in this race and in the light of the growing disenchantment with the old brigade in our polity, the real new face would have been Rev. Okotie. The involvement of the pastor-politician in the coming elections would have created an exciting competition, throwing open a three-way race with an explosive time at the debate between APC’s Gen. Muhammad Buhari, President Goodluck Jonathan of the PDP and the cerebral pastor-politician.

That is why the conveners of the Abuja Peace Accord fell short in the task they set for themselves, in trying to engender a peaceful political atmosphere, because they failed to recognise and address decisively the breach of the rights of other aggrieved players like Rev. Okotie’s party, which is

one of the new parties that would have created the atmosphere of serious competition in the electoral process by presenting a choice between two paradigms. This kind of oversight puts a big question mark on the integrity of the accord which is already being viewed as the ruling party’s ploy at using a quango to accomplish set objectives.

The federal government, under whose auspices INEC is engaging in this impunity, cannot feign ignorance of the injustice, especially as President Jonathan is trumping his government’s human right records. This would be an act of deception because Mr. President definitely receives reports from the commission on the court rulings that revalidated the party. The blame for this political aberration, where a supposedly non-partisan umpire can arbitrarily decide the fate of a party, falls squarely on the laps of the government.

With hindsight, election crises do not really begin on election days: several activities, nuances, and, as in the legal logjam FRESH has found itself in, other acts of injustice, political exclusion and illegalities are the precursors. If FRESH had acted in the mould of the old parties and goes to court to stop the election because it was banned from participating, INEC’s breach of the rule of law would have thrown the entire nation into a protracted political logjam.

But that kind of self-seeking heating up of the system is not in the best interest of the nation whose stability is already being assaulted on all fronts.

Laudable as the concept of the Accord may be; adherence and enforcement are another matter altogether, because it is the older parties, not the new ones, that foment electoral crises. What are the punitive measures against those who would flout this agreement, and what are the legal instruments for enforcing the accord since the Nigeria Police have come out openly to say they cannot enforce it while INEC has repeatedly washed its hands off issues pertaining to the enforcement and obedience of electoral statutes?

These are questions that need answers. The ruling class and bodies like INEC must play an active role in re-orientating politicians to the realities of participation, helping them to remove barriers to optimum performance while maintaining non-partisan transparency, rather than encouraging impunity as the FRESH case obviously demonstrates.

•Ojuolape Orisawayi wrote in from Yaba, Lagos

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

COMMENTARY

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General Danjuma’s advice & militant violence devise O, that constipated, arrogant and obnoxious blubbering militant, who seems to continuously consume extra bowls of foolish every morning, has taken it upon himself to attack General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma GCON FSS psc (rtd)?

Recently, General Danjuma ‘rightfully’ advised the Nigerian authorities to consider arresting some militants for making provocative pronouncements on the 2015 elections and threatening to plunge Nigeria into chaos, if President Jonathan was not re-elected come February 14th.

The militants General Danjuma was referring to included, the loudmouthed budding sociopath, who is the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Victor Ben Ebikabowei, a.k.a, Boy Loaf, Government Ekpudomenowei, a.k.a., Tompolo, and some other individuals.

On the 24th of this month, the militants and their supporters allegedly met at the Government House of Bayelsa State, where they were reported to have threatened to unleash violence on the country and take back their ‘My Oil, My Oil…’ Niger Delta, should President Jonathan lose the election. They also allegedly stated that any attempt to dethrone President Jonathan would be seen as a direct attack on the Ijaw nation. General Danjuma’s statement was made in response to this.

More than many, one fully understand the need to periodically ‘check’ some of our leaders and disrespectfully ask them to ‘take a seat,’ when they behave and speak out of turn! But when our seasoned statesmen necessarily and reasonably speak their truth, from a wealth of experience, it is proper to heed their words. So, when General Danjuma gave the appropriate and proper advise in relation to provocative statements made about the unity and security of Nigeria, it did not warrant the response given by ‘Mujahid I am the leader of the Niger Delta Peoples Volunteer Force.’ This ignorant and despicable Wally disrespectfully and unreasonably replied the General in the kind of opprobrious manner, which has now become his trademark.

Since this Yeti stumbled onto the public scene by ‘starting at the bottom… it has been downhill ever since!’ The Nonsense-Level of this, one man is so overwhelming, it is almost unbelievable!

Notwithstanding the fact that he appears to be getting up on the wrong side of his cage every morning, for him to make the kind of threats he has been making to Nigerians and address General Danjuma in the way he did, this unpalatable figure must have a very, very low opinion of Nigerians… if he really thinks they are his equals!

It is an insult to any reasonably minded person that cherishes Nigeria for this ridiculously misinformed nut case to think that he can continue to publicly threaten Nigerians and square up to a decorated Nationalist, such as General Danjuma. Imagine him chiding and insulting the General and humanitarian; an elder statesman; a talented soldier and veteran of the Nigerian civil war, who patriotically fought to see that the unity of Nigeria remained intact, and who also led a battalion that freed Jaja Wachuku, first speaker of the House of Representatives? Imagine him spewing hate against the first Nigerian Ambassador to the UN and first foreign affairs minister; former platoon commander in our peacekeeping efforts in the Congo; former chief of army staff (1975 1979); former Minister of Defence (19992003)? Imagine this yob insulting an accomplished entrepreneur; Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Council, nominated by president Jonathan in 2010; current Chairman of the Victims Support Fund Committee, which supports the victims of terror attacks by insurgents; and the founder of the T.Y Danjuma foundation, which seeks to alleviate poverty in communities by providing basic amenities, education for children and young adults, and providing free medical care for indigent people?

What has this unsavory character done for this country lately?

What has he ever done for this great country of ours? What has been his contribution to the unity and development of Nigeria? Not until a few years ago, this clueless individual was a mere university dropout, perhaps, paddling a Leaky-Canoe in the creeks of the most rustic part of his village. When he entered politics, he woefully failed at both attempts, running for two offices in Rivers State in 1992 and 1998, before he infamously rose to prominence when he founded the NDPVF, which emerged as the major catalyst for unrest in the NigerDelta region. It was then he began violently terrorizing oil installations and oil companies, attacking oil wells and pipelines in the region. If it were any other country, this indeterminable nugget would likely have faced or be facing war crimes charges, crimes against humanity or crimes against constituted authority.

Even though this aggressor’s mind is probably sprained and not

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just twisted, one can be sure that, even his basic comprehension must have understood that President Jonathan is the President of Nigeria and not only the Ijaw-Nation. To any reasonably minded person, lawfully, morally, patriotically and personally, it is in order for General Danjuma, an accomplished and seasoned statesman, to call on the authorities and security agencies to take interest in miscreants who are threatening the unity of our country. It is expected for a man of General Danjuma’s standing to do so. The threats by ethnic bigots, like Mujahid Tyrant, supposedly claiming to represent the Ijaw nation, are capable of plunging the country into further chaos and war. It certainly is not out of context for the General to advise on the arrest of identifiable people making provocative statements, especially given the fact that the Nigerian police force and the State Security Service had earlier threatened that they would move against anyone who makes inciting statement in the run up to the February election.

With the tense and ominous atmosphere in this election period, such statements by supposed ex-militants or anyone else are uncalled for.

This dismal example of a freedom fighter masquerading as an ethnic champion has been very vociferous, threatening violence if the president, who is also of Ijaw extraction, is not re-elected. Does this vindictive, close-minded coward not know that, in a democracy, public officials are elected into office through elections and via ballot boxes? Is his brain so filled with ‘false’ images of the ‘black gold’ in his father’s backyard that he fails to comprehend, with over 170 million people, 250 ethnic groups and about 774 local government areas, Nigeria does not belong to any region, ethnic group or tribe? Is he too darn thick to understand that, him, his threats and myopic rants have contributed to alienating every part of Nigeria that isn’t Ijaw? Does this fool not get that the disdain some feel towards the President is caused as a direct result of his outbursts? As daft as he must be, even, he must know that, come February 14, the next president of Nigeria will be decided by the totality of the Nigerian people and not some glorified ethic bigot with his caricature threats! Should President Jonathan loose the elections, one hopes that this unpleasant character will find the courage to go back to base and explain to his brethren how his reeking diarrhea of the mouth might have contributed in messing up President Jonathan’s chances!

If his current intention is to stand and speak for the rights of a regional interest, he has managed to do even more damage to his interest than the barbaric bomb strapping lunatic mass-murderers in the North East, with outrageous delusions of a New Caliphate. His constant and consistent threats are indeed punches to his interest. As far as his actions, my sympathies go to those he ‘supposedly’ stands for and to President Jonathan. By opening his humungous gob the way he does, this simian has done so much damage to them. And as a President who, in the last six years, has been very understanding, generous and lenient with him, President Jonathan deserves so much more than the negative baggage that this militant is stacking on his door step.

Honestly, if one didn’t know any better, they could be excused for mistaking this loud mouth as a spy for the opposition, an advocate for President Jonathan’s political rivals. Every time he opens his mouth, he scores an own goal and advances the chances for the opposition to win the upcoming election. In a cruel irony of life, his actions are much more beneficial to the Northern Hausa Fulani and the opposition, which he seems to despise so, than they are to the interests he claims to speak for. If, in the upcoming elections, the opposition is victorious and a Hausa Fulani emerges as the victor, it should be nationally recognized that this genius played a large part in making it so.

If only this moron could take a minute and reflect on how different his effect and influence could have been Nationally. Having the rare combination of being a Muslim from the South-South region, this militant could have been a Nigerian bridge builder for all of his interests, had he chosen peace and love instead of hate and conflict. This

ungrateful biped was once looked upon as a champion to the majority of Northern Muslims. He was once a voice that many Northerners identified with and listened to. He could have been one of the greatest assets, as opposed to being a liability, to President Jonathan and to all his other interests in the run up to this election, if he had just conducted himself in a decent and respectable manner, instead of trying to berate and belittle other human beings and Nigerians who have the same struggles that the people he speaks for have. He had the potential of having a strong cult following had he just restrained himself from lunging onto our T.V screens issuing generic, irrational threats while spitting at the poor journalists trying to interview him.

He has managed to, single handedly, incur the wrath of virtually every regional group and socio-cultural association across Nigeria.

From the Middle Belt Forum, to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), to the Yoruba Youth Congress (YYC), to almost every regional interest, including some from the South-South, this Basket-Case has been asked to stop overheating the polity. Time and time again, leaders, civilians and groups have been pleading with him to tone down his excesses and be careful with his utterances, as it was capable of setting in more sentiments and crisis that would not be beneficial to the country.

The utterance of this hate-filled bigot, spewing venom with a complete disrespect for anything and anyone that represents the variety and beautiful diversity of Nigeria, is appalling and unacceptable. He exhibits how deep in the trenches of absurdity and hate some Nigerians have descended. Anyone who encourages the loathsome cause of hate and fear that this bully is exhibiting cannot be working for the betterment of this country. The kind of radicalization of ethnic allegiances he disgorges has gotten so disgustingly out of control, it is high time for the authorities to take the advise of General Danjuma and, literally, ‘arrest’ this erratic behavior. It is time for the authorities to put a stop to anyone and everyone in this country who continues to stir up mobs and engages in the kind of scare tactics that this cretin does.

Just as he has the right to support President Jonathan for another term in office, many other teeming Nigerians also have the right to support and vote for any of the other current presidential aspirants of their choice. A single individual cannot vociferously continue to threaten the unity of our country while nothing is done to stem it.

There is nothing wrong with standing for the rights of any interest, especially if they feel and are disenfranchised. One just wishes this Humpty Dumpty had found a way to express his concerns without giving the impression that he had no raising and without behaving as if he belonged in a cage. There is no doubt that poster child of shame is a hungry empty vessel that makes the loudest noise, suffering from a chronic inferiority complex so dire it has morphed into a hatred that has eaten so deeply into his heart that it has now turned him into a borderline sociopath; and he is a huge ugly embarrassment to this country!

The current insurgency in the Northeastern part of the country has lingered on for this long because it wasn’t accordingly nipped at the bud. Failure to reprimand and arrest a violence prone terrorist that this militant is, for his constant incisive and divisive statements, might come to haunt the country in the nearest future.

If one had a chance to give Brother-Man three pieces of advise, the first would be, for him to go on a very strict diet of mind, mouth and body!

The second would be to remove the oil-laden chip from his shoulder and get with the program; “Yes, there may be oil shooting out of his great-great grand father’s court yard, but guess what brother… No one cares!”

“The whole of Nigeria, including WE, the lazy, Hausa-Foolani almajirai, illiterate, parasites, Aboki’s, sheep and goats, ARE all benefiting from the wealth directly on his land. It is what it is, mate; get over it already, and turn to the next page…!”

The last is probably the most important to him, most valuable to President Jonathan and most useful to Nigeria. It would be, whenever this Paragon of Buffoonery feels like he has something to say, he should raise his hand and ever so carefully and tightly… place it over his mouth and keep it there!

In every one of our journeys, we all eventually learn that there are times in a person’s life when one instinctively knows when to sit still, keep their mouth shut and remain schtump. Mujahid must have missed that memo; one hopes he gets it now!

With any luck, this annoyingly pesky lump will stop with his vociferous loud noise, embrace peace and do some SOUL-SEARCHING…. Maybe he'll eventually find one!

No to inglorious past T is certainly not over until it is over.

Agreements have been broken, truces rendered mere papers, making men unworthy and uncharitable characters. But there are some, I mean some men of character and honour who remain constant as the Northern star to their words, thereby given hope to mankind in this world of unfaithfulness.

Recently in Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan, former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), and 12 other presidential candidates signed an anti-violence pact in respect of the next month’s general elections. The presidential candidates signed the agreement at the 2015 General Elections Sensitization Workshop on Non-Violence. They pledged to stop vicious campaign comments which could affect the conduct of free and fair elections and gave an undertaking to run issue-based campaigns. We all shall keep our fingers crossed and watch unfolding events before and after the elections.

No doubt, the workshop, through speeches and observations of the participants, gave hope of a better country. This is indeed a pointer to the fact that we can make it, if we are determined to make it. It is indeed a voice of wisdom that promoted the workshop and it was indeed a voice of reason-

I

• Gov. Shettima Victor IZEKOR ing that permeated the workshop and what should be the ultimate must be a voice of united and prosperous Nigeria. It is expected that the spirit of united Nigeria that prompted the emergence of the workshop should be the guiding spirit or lamppost for all the players in the coming elections before and after.

However, I am sensing a discordant tone in

Borno State which does not seem in agreement with the Abuja workshop declaration and this is what informed this writing. Here, individuals or groups try to raise unnecessary tension, dust or unfounded rumours to create panic and even confusion among people. False stories rent the air, compounding the already unsettled atmosphere for self-political gains. For those trying to create unnecessary tension for selfish interest, or for any other purpose, we should not forget that Borno State in particular for the past four years as a result of unfortunate Boko Haram onslaught has been a casuality. The state might not be able to stand further political upheavals. It is, however, imperative to remind all concerned of the inglorious past that bedevilled our political firmament and take a forward march to the future.

Historically, the politics of Borno during the preindependence and in the First Republic can best be described as "dirty" with deep animosity and bitterness. The politics of Borno that period was broadly divided (though not equally) between two main political parties, the Northern People's Congress (NPC), the ruling party, and the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU).

Later in 1954, the Borno Youths Movement (BYM) emerged a more militant political party that gave stiff opposition to the NPC. When formed, Alhaji

Ibrahim Imam and Alhaji Zanna Bukar Dipcharima were invited to join the movement.

While Imam accepted,Dipcharirna declined. The BYM formed by some young Kanuri radicals was ultimately led by Imam who was a former parliamentarian and the Secretary General of the NPC. Imam had to resign from the NPC as a result of his opposition to the party's parochialism and insensitivity to progressive reforms. The BYM aims were, among others, to checkmate the ever-rising profile of the NPC in Borno, curtail the imposing Hausa domination of the whole region and fight for the creation of North-East Province or State, comprising Borno, Bauchi and Adamawa provinces. This was against the "one north" policy of the NPC. The BYM put out as one of its principles "solidarity among the Kanuri people”. This principle emphasized the significance of their religious background which is solely Islam, while the logo of the party, consisting of crescent and stars indicated the concern of the party for Islam in order to create special support from the Shehu.

The bitterness between the NPC and the BYM on one hand and the BYM and NEPU on the other hand was such that it led to suspicion and political clashes resulting in deaths, arson and assassination. For instance, in a single day, over 500 sup-

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buffet

Segun AJIBOYE (Assistant Editor) and Innocent DURU

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

16 Engr Chris Ogiemwonyi is a former Minister of State for Works. He served in that capacity for one year. He had his career in the oil industry for 34 years before venturing into politics.

He was Executive Director, Exploration and Production of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) before he became a minister. Ogiemwonyi, in this interview with OSAGIE OTABOR, dissects the state of things in the country and delivers a grim verdict.

Excerpts:

Y

OU worked with President Goodluck Jonathan as a minister. How would you describe his leadership style?

I worked with him for one year as a junior minister. The frequency •Ogiemwonyi of my meeting him was probably at the weekly council meeting. It was only once or twice I met him one on one. First was to appreciate him for giving me the opportunity to serve. I recall when I was about to exit, I met him to thank him and made a few observations to him. I advised him to create job descriptions for ministers and ministers for state. During that period, ministers for state were complaining that they were not maximally utilised.

Realising where I was coming from, the NNPC, I expected challenges and they were not forthcoming. I classified my period as under-utilised. In terms of accessing him (Jonathan), he just came on board and started learning on the job. I was not surprised the way he was going. I would have expected by now that after six years, he should have understood the dynamics of government and do some things differently; issues like accountability, corruption, fiscal systems. One expected him to do more.

You inaugurated the Benin-Abraka road project which you put at N30 billion. Today, the project appeared abandoned. What happened?

Like most government contracts, government will put down about 25percent mobilisation as the contractors go to site and subsequently fund it on a yearly basis. The Benin- Abraka road was a contract that was to last for three years. Every year, it was expected to be funded to the tune of about N10 billion. As minister from the state, I ensured that the contractor got the money for the first one year. I worked in tandem with the Minister of NigerDelta. When we left office, the onus was now on the next minister to ensure that the road project was infused into the 2012/2013 budget. Probably due to paucity of fund, the project was not funded and the contractor left site.

Since the last election in 2011, do you think much has changed in the country?

Between 2011 and 2015, we have seen some negative indices. You remember the naira/dollar exchange rate. In 2011, it was N160 to a dollar. Power sector is a mess. I was on the driver seat as Group Executive Director Exploration and Production at the NNPC. I used to chair the Gas to Power Committee. We were working assiduously to achieve 6000mw by December 2009. By February 2009, we were on 3400mw. We were with all the international oil companies and their programmes that were budgeted for were well funded. All the Gas to Power projects were given single source. They did not go for open tender.

We identified the contractors and the equipment and approved all of them so that they could deliver 6000mw at the end of 2009. I am surprised that it has gotten worse after that period. I am told now that probably they are delivering 3200mw after all those huge investments. We are blessed with intelligent people in this country but why this government is using people who are half-baked is something many of us cannot understand. The story with the oil and gas sector is very disappointing. The sector is

almost 76% reduction; one would have expected a relative reduction in that parity. They did not do anything scientific. The N10 was an arbitrary reduction. If they had done a real comparative analysis, they should have been talking about 50% reduction. They were unfair to Nigerians. They should remove more because people are suffering.

What do you think should be done to make the NNPC more productive?

I spent all my working life at the NNPC. What the NNPC has been advocating for is to have a minister that will not be involved in the day-to-day operational matters of the NNPC. Let the Group Managing Director be fully in charge. The minister should do less interference. She heads a ministry that should be involved in policy formulation and let NNPC run as a business model. The interference of the minister is unbecoming of a public servant. That is why NNPC is dying. It is more or less bankrupt.

They should allow NNPC set its task and target. Charge the various strategic business units, give them targets and jobs to be done. Let them sign contracts on a yearly basis. If they fail to deliver, you kick them out. Today, NNPC is just producing oil. The IOCs are no more doing exploration. The system in NNPC today is very weak, like the Nigeria Petroleum Investment Management Services supervising the IOCs is ineffective.

IOCs are having a field day in Nigeria. We expect them to tighten NAPIMS the way we did it when we were there under Obaseki.

Obaseki was one of the best Group Managing Director we ever had. He was fully in charge of the NNPC. I was head of NAPIMS and we controlled these multinationals to obey the extant and ensure value for money.

Contracts must be rendered. What they do today is single source.

The refineries are not working. What do you think is the cause?

We have MDs who want to work but you must give them product to refine. We have the best brains in NNPC. For example, the MD of Kaduna refinery cannot work if crude from Warri did not get there. Till date, if you allow NNPC to run as a business model, it will succeed. I hear the language today in NNPC his 'Madam says'.

What is your take on this general elections?

APC will win because in 2011, there was so much emotion, ‘Let us vote our own from the South South.’

We all voted for Jonathan. In Nigeria today, where you come from is no more the issue, what is the issue is who can perform. Competence is now the yardstick. If you see where we are today vis a vis where we were when Baba (ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo) left, you realised we just have to change at the top. We have to change the top. We need a man that can take us out of the woods.

The APC candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, has the capacity that can do this. Governance is not for children. It is not for new players. Governance is not because you are from the same zone with me. In serious business, you ask whether the man has the capacity to deliver. We need a change quickly without sentiments.

Jonathan has done his best.

In Edo, the PDP is claiming that Governor Adams Oshiomhole did not perform in his second term. Do you think that will affect the fortunes of your party?

For 10 years, PDP was in the saddle of governance in Edo, there were no bulldozers working in a Benin, no factory, teachers salaries were being owed, health sector was zero. Oshiomhole came and we saw what he is doing. Don't forget the paucity of funds. The Federal Government is starving the APC states of funds. See what is happening in Lagos State. You can pick the various APC states and see how they are performing. You can see the massive drainage being done by Oshiomhole. You can see lots of roads being rehabilitated and constructed. Look at the General Hospital, new buildings being erected. Traditional institutions are being maintained. Go to public schools and see work going on. By the time I went to Edo North and Edo Central, I scored the governor high.

The ship of state in sinking; we need change quickly —Ex-Minister of State Chris Ogiemwonyi in a state of a comatose. The type of leadership we are providing in the oil and gas industry is bad. I understand the case of a lawyer heading the flagship of the NNPC, the NPDC. If you compare today to 2011, I will say the ship is sinking and it is a case where we really have to change the leadership at the centre. What is imperative is change.

How would you appraise the state of the nation presently?

If you look at the well-being of the people in this country where there is no employment; where I live in the GRA, we get electricity 12 hours a day. The level of insecurity is so high. Anything you can think about in this country is down the valley. The people are now aware. The health sector has collapsed. I wish I could I have a sector I can give a pass mark. All the sectors are collapsing.

What is your take on the slash of fuel pump price by N10 by the federal government?

I don't talk in a vacuum. We are told that what they do in NNPC, they look at the landing price of products to fix price. The landing price is based on the cost of crude oil they are refining. If the price of crude oil was $118 per barrel and they were charging N97 per litre, if the price of crude has now dropped to almost $46 per barrel, that is

‘

We are blessed with intelligent people in this country but why this government is using people who are halfbaked is something many of us cannot understand. The story with the oil and gas sector is very disappointing. The sector is in a state of a comatose. The type of leadership we are providing in the oil and gas industry is bad. I understand the case of a lawyer heading the flagship of the NNPC, the NPDC. If you compare today to 2011, I will say the ship is sinking and it is a case where we really have to change the leadership at the centre. What is imperative is change

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•Ruins of burnt vehicles

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ENTERTAINMENT

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

26 The proprietor of St. Ives Hospital, Dr. Tunde Okewale, is a consultant gynecologist and fertility expert. Since he qualified as a medical doctor in 1985, he has made a mark in the medical profession as the first Nigerian to establish an In-Vitro Fertility (IVF) hospital in Nigeria. In 2013, he recorded a major breakthrough by delivering a 53-year-old woman, Ms. Omobola Bello, of a set of twins through IVF after 20 years of infertility. The following year, he broke his own record by leading a team to deliver a 60-year-old woman, Mrs Christie Omolara Orurhe, of a healthy baby also through IVF. Although he comes from a family of broadcasters, he runs one of the biggest hospitals in Nigeria. He tells KAYODE ALFRED, in this interview, how his dream of medicine all began as well as the challenges he encountered in his bid to actualise it.

women, children and family-focused healthcare facility and an affordable and success-oriented IVF and fertility unit.

Is getting a baby through IVF still as expensive now as it was at the beginning?

IVF is a relatively expensive procedure all over the world. However, it is not the most expensive medical procedure.

For example, kidney transplant, heart surgery and hip replacement, to mention a few, are more expensive than IVF. The misconception comes from the fact that people expect pregnancy to be as easy as ABC for everybody. However, about 25 per cent of couples would suffer from infertility and up to 40 per cent of such people will need some form of assisted conception, of which IVF happens to be the most advanced.

On a comparative analysis, a cycle of IVF in the USA will cost a minimum of $10,000, if not more. And in the UK, it will cost about £5,000. In Nigeria, it averages between N700,000 and N1.5 million, depending on individual challenges and the IVF centre.

However, we realise that quite a sizable number of women who need IVF cannot access it because ow did you come about establishing St. Ives of finances in Nigeria. We, therefore, in association with our Specialist Hospital?

NGO partners offer a yearly subsidised half price discount around September or October for such women. We have been After I had spent close to 10 years in the UK, St. Ives doing this for the past four years with spectacular success. started in a three-bedroom house on Aromire How easy is it now for couples who are looking for Avenue, Ikeja, purely as a women hospital. I had babies to get one? this to prior Lagos never lived or worked in It is easy, apart from financial, cultural adventure from the and sometimes UK. I had an religious conunshakable belief straints. There are that God was also millions of directing my babies who are footsteps back looking for parto Nigeria. Within three years of ents who would struggling to find relevance in adopt and give the crowded private medical them a home and a practice in Lagos at that time, chance in life.

Taking the risk to come our landlord nearly aborted the Despite the revoback to Nigeria from the UK lution dream by giving us an evicin reproduction notice. It was my low tive technology, at the peak of the Abacha point in the practice. many couples are We were scared and I nearregime to set up St. Ives still childless, parly relocated abroad. But we Hospital when everyone else ticularly in Africa. overcame that period by the What could be the mercy of God. From day one, was running away. The big cause? we established St. Ives as a Apart from the lesson I learnt from that is purely specialist hospital with issue of finance, core interest in women, children that one must never allow other factors and family healthcare practice. any person, environment or include culture, We are not a jack of all trade and religion, myths, we don't pretend to be. People government to disrupt one’s ignorance, governknow us for our core services. ment policy of vision and purpose in life Would you say the focusing more on dream has been population control actualised with than social issue of the establishinfertility, and also ment of St. Ives lack of adequate reproductive technology centres. For examHospital? ple, at the last count, India has about 500 IVF centres, while We are not there IVF centres in Nigeria are less than 30 and are mostly concenyet. But so far, trated in urban areas. we have Do you subscribe to the belief that spiritual reasons could stayed true to be responsible for childlessness in Africa? our unique I don’t. But I do believe that ignorance, myths, fears and calling by lack of faith in God are barriers that set limits and are offering ascribed to spiritual forces in Africa How does it feel running one of the best known hospitals in the country?

I feel humbled because it is simply by the grace of God. The scripture says if God does not build the house, the labourers labour in vain. There is also a big responsibility of not going below the standard we have set for ourselves in patients’ healthcare and the expectations of our numerous clients.

St. Ives Hospital is more than a decade old. How has the journey been so far?

Like many businesses in Nigeria, it has had its ups and downs.

Apart from medical practice, what other things do you do?

I pursue other passions such as writing, mostly on women health issues.

Do plan to go into politics

ʻI returned from UK to establish a hospital when everyone was running away from Abachaʼ H

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27

Y virtue of its high option of receiving revenue yield, palm oil is a through duty but has also cheaper substitute curtailed the economic than other vegetable oils growth with less investments and gradually providing coming into Nigeria to devela viable alternative to op the palm oil sector. Having petroleum or any other been at the forefront of palm fossil fuel. Oil Palm prodoil production, Nigeria today uct, according to experts, is losing investments worth has been the world’s billions of naira as parallel dietary staple for more market imports from Benin than 5,000 years of man’s and official imports from existence on mother ECOWAS has removed the earth. And specifically it sheen from the investment is indigenous to West opportunities in the Country Africa, from where it Foods like noodles, vegpicked its scientific name etable oil, biscuits, chips, mar- Elaeis Guineensis garines, shortenings, cereals, (Guineensis from Guinea, baked stuff, washing detera West African nation). gents and even cosmetics West Africa used to be thrive on palm oil. Noodle the centre of the palm oil industry alone consumes industry. The export of 72,000 MT of imported palm palm kernels began in oil and the leading, domestic 1832 and by 1911 palm oil producers fail to “British” West Africa meet this demand. Saddened •An oil palm plantation alone exported 157,000 by unavailability of sufficient tonnes of which oil palm in the about 75 percent Nigerian market, came from some industries have Nigeria. Led by proactively Nigeria and Zaire, announced strategic Africa continued alliances to invest in to lead the world oil palm plantations. in production and Nigeria today proexport of palm oil duces only 1.7% of the throughout the world’s consumption first half of the of palm oil which is 20th century. insufficient to meet its As early as 1901, domestic consumpNigeria was protion which stands at ducing all palm oil 2.7%. Thus, the quessold in the world market and it was a dominant tion of net exports doesn’t arise; however, parsource of foreign exchange earnings. Nigeria’s adoxically, about 20.0% of the oil palm prototal palm oil productions include Palm groove duced domestically is considered of high and substantial farming. Up until the 60s, Nigeria quality and clears all the seventeen tests for was the world’s largest producer of palm oil being an exportable commodity. accounting for 43 percent of global palm oil proOf course, the Federal Government is strivduction. But due to over-reliance on traditional ing to sustain the crude palm oil industry of production methods, excessive tapping of palm the country but the country needs to have a tree for palm wine, break up attempt in 1967-70 stable economy and survival in the palm oil which was actually fought in areas where palm industry. The first ban on importation of vegactivities were predominant, Nigeria’s ability to etable oil was in 1986 by the federal meet up with the global rise in demand was curGovernment but the situation continues to tailed. deteriorate.

The current production yields in the country The ban had an effect; Local production was indicate a serious shortage of capital investment to unable to meet the quantity as well as quality upgrade the machinery and plant equipments to requirements of the industry leading to scarcireach to world level standards which Indonesia ty of raw materials and inflation, Large estate and Malyasia has attained. in the palm oil plantations and output in Nigeria emerged in the first decade of her indeNigeria which is the only category producing pendence as a leading exporter of many major palm oil used by the food industry produced agricultural commodities. Nigeria was a leading 80,000tons annually which is only 10% of local exporter of palm kernel, and largest producer and production and the overall domestic oil proexporter of palm oil. duction was 1.35mn tones,the consumption However, in 1956 crude oil was discovered in demand was 2.25mn tones resulting in a commercial quantity. This paved the way for the shortfall of 900,000 tones. gradual neglect of agriculture by successive governAlso the economy felt the impact as there Ahmed OYESILE ments and the civil war which began in 1967 and lasted was inadequate supply of palm oil, desperate food till 1970 did a major damage to the palm oil sector of the producers’ use non quality palm oil thereby jeopardizeconomy. The war predominantly took place in Eastern Nigeria which was ing public health and safety, the future industrial growth was threatened the seat of oil palm plantations. The oil palm belt includes the states of Abia, because palm oil was and is one of the widely used raw material and migraAnambra, Bayelsa, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, tion of industries and investments in Nigeria to other neighboring countries Ondo, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Imo and Rivers. and with high prices in local market compare to international prices. Also, In the 70s, Crude oil became the dominant source of revenue while agrimost of packaged/refined oil is still imported though ban is in place and cultural production nose-dived considerably. This in turn has contributed to there were influx of oil under ECOWAS scheme though ECOWAS countries food insufficiency and subsequently led to importation of food to suppledo not produce so much of oil. ment local production. Nigeria has also lost its place in agricultural exports Due to the resultant effect of the shortfall, over 11 companies were out of even in area it once dominated. In palm oil supply, Nigeria now produces a production in 2009 due to lack of palm oil input. Importation from ECOWmeager 1.7 percent 34 of total world production which is inadequate for AS into Nigeria has not only eradicated the option of receiving revenue local consumption which is put at about 2.7 percent. through duty but has also curtailed the economic growth with less investToday, from being the largest producer of oil palm, Nigeria is now a net ments coming into Nigeria to develop the palm oil sector. Having been at importer of palm oil. According to IndexMundi, a data portal, the domestic the forefront of palm oil production, Nigeria today is losing investments palm oil produced totaled 930,000 MT in 2014. worth billions of naira as parallel market imports from Benin and official The growth in oil palm has stagnated at 930,000 MT since 2013. The conimports from ECOWAS has removed the sheen from the investment opporsumption of palm oil in Nigeria amounts to 2.0 million MT per annum. tunities in the Country The official figures states that the shortage in oil palm industry is estimated In 2009, the Federal Government saw the need to bridge the low / non to be around 900,000 MT annually.This poses a very precarious situation for availability of CPO so a stakeholder forum was organised for Members of the manufacturing sector that depends largely on CPO as a major source of the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employersmeeting held in raw material. If this shortage is not filled with importation of high quality Abuja by the federal Ministry of Agric & Water Resources. At the end of the food grade palm oil, the economy will lose further investment in the manustakeholders forum in 2009 where the shortfall of 300,000tons were identifacturing sector as companies would shot down and relocate their business fied, the government removed the ban with 35% tariff on importation of outside the country, like it happened in the past. palm oil and for Nigeria to meet the shortfall, the federal government should However, analysts estimate that the major importers of crude palm oil encourage new entrance.

(CPO); Nigeria and Benin Republic, imports 450, 000MT and 470,000MT of So as the low production and high demand for the product both domestic palm oil per annum, respectively. Sources claim that most of Benin and industrial needs continue to generate much agitation, importation is Republic’s CPO imports find their way into Nigeria through informal chaninevitable for the sustenance of the little pride of the country’s industrial nels as Benin exports close to 390, 000 MT of palm oil annually. Thus, actual image and in 2009, the government removed the ban with 35% tariff on the shortage of CPO could be as high as 940, 000 MT if the exports from Benin importation of palm oil into Nigeria.

Republic are taken into consideration.

For Nigeria to meet the shortfall in local usage of crude palm oil and be It is pertinent to note that majority of companies operating in Nigeria self sufficient, Nigeria needs a total plantation of 300, 000 hectares of land. import from the ECOWAS states at zero duty. The level of production in the This no doubt is huge and requires the support of government through its ECOWAS states is not high enough to support the quantity of CPO importMinistry of Agriculture by providing suitable and adequate land for willing ed in those states, but rather, some companies are importing through the investors to invest in large estate plantations in the country.

ECOWAS states and bringing it in through informal channels without payThe road to being self-sufficient is a long one as a whopping $10billion will ing any duty to government. More than 50percent of total import in Nigeria be required and a minimum of 20 years of palm tree planting at a very large is from ECOWAS at zero duty. These are areas that the government must scale. turn its search light on to ensure all imported CPO pass through the right And for now, importation of palm oil serves, as the best alternative to the channel and the payment of the 35percent duty is paid to increase governlow quantity produced in the country pending the development of large ment revenue. estate plantations.

Importation from ECOWAS into Nigeria has not only eradicated the • Oyesile is an expert in agriculture

B

Why Nigeria needs to encourage palm oil production

•Dr. Okewale

someday?

No. When would you say was the major turning point in your life?

Taking the risk to come back to Nigeria from the UK at the peak of the Abacha regime to set up St. Ives Hospital when everyone else was running away. The big lesson I learnt from that is that one must never allow any person, environment or government to disrupt one’s vision and purpose in life.

Do you have any regret in life?

Yes. But they are mostly personal and I believe that all things work together for good for those that love God. Many of your patients are women. How do you keep them at bay in your personal life?

As an obstetrician and gynecologist, my practice centres around women and my dealings with clients are at a very professional level.

What do you like about your job?

My job is like a hobby to me. It is the only thing I know how to do and from where I earn a living. It is my life and I don’t see myself doing anything else. The high point is the joy on the faces of infertile women getting pregnant and having babies and finding solutions to various women, children and family health issues.

You have an impeccable dress sense. Who did you get that from?

My parents taught me to always dress well and be neat. My profession dictates what I wear to work.

What is the greatest lesson that life has taught you?

Never give up on your dreams once you are convinced by faith that it is from God, irrespective of the circumstances around you.

Would you say you are a fulfilled man?

The journey is still at its infancy but we thank God for the journey so far.

Which Nigerians do you admire?

In politics, it is Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola of Lagos State; in business, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; in medicine, the late Dr. Moses Koye Majekodunmi.

‘

For Nigeria to meet the shortfall in local usage of crude palm oil and be selfsufficient, Nigeria needs a total plantation of 300, 000 hectares of land. This no doubt is huge and requires the support of government through its Ministry of Agriculture

‘

Segun AJIBOYE (Assistant Editor) and Paul UKPABIO

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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An evening of talking drums as celebrities honour Ara at HE drums went into a frenzy penultimate Friday when Ara, the lady drummer, stepped into the ball room of highbrow Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos. She was looking ravishing in her satin designed evening dress. It was her 40th birthday party: an evening to celebrate a lady that has drummed her way into the hearts of many across Africa and around the world.

As the guests arrived, the bright well lit, creamy decorated ball room enticed guests to their seats. On the band stand was the celebrants ‘mega band ‘as fondly called. And top Nigerian showbiz celebrities, were there to celebrate with her.

Among them were actors Fred Amata, Victor Osuagwu, Ricardo Asbon, Grammy Award nominee Femi Kuti; songstress Yinka Davies, music producer T.Y. Mixx, actress Iyabo Ojo, comedienne Mandy, Yeni Kuti and others.

Society beau Hajia Aisha Guobadia, Kemi Otegbade, Tessy Yembra, Funke Kuti, Professor Sophia Oluwole, Chief Osimede and wife, Evangelist Isreal Ogundipe, Shepherd in Charge of CCC, Genesis Parish, Pastor Isreal Abiara, and Prince Leke Adeyemi from the Alafin of Oyo’s palace, were all there.

The drums came to a halt for the opening prayer by Prophet Abiodun Adebowale. But not for long as Seun Filudara, a young female drummer delighted the guests with drum beats that awakened nostalgia for the life in the country-side.

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•From left: Hadjia Aishat Guobadia, Princess Tessy Yinbra, Yeni Kuti, celebrant and Femi Kuti cutting the birthday cake

•Ara

n Paul UKPABIO n

Aralola Olumuyiwa, a product of the University of Ilorin and Ambrose Alli University, has elevated the place of indigenous drums through her musical career. She became the first renowned Nigerian female drummer to perform for the Queen of England, performing along side the likes of American Stevie Wonder, and among other honours, was awarded the key to the City of Miami in USA in 2004.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo could not help but be part of the occasion, as he wished Ara the enigmatic drummer, a joyful birthday celebration via a video call at the event. Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, also wished her a happy birthday via a video call.

Ara used the opportunity to showcase her first ever movie titled, Osun Funke. The cast were all present at the venue. They took a bow after the film show.

The female drummers she had mentored or impacted upon were there too. These ones kept the drums Iya-ilu, Iya bata and gangan beating throughout the event.

The birthday cake arrived in the shape of a gangan (a native drum).

And it cost a whooping N100,000.

Ara took to the floor in a hearty dance with her mother, Alhaja Nusirat Olumuyiwa, and her son, Prince Irewole Saliu, as the band rendered the song, Íyaniwura, to the delight of her uncle, Alhaji Amzat Olumuiyiwa, who graced the dance floor in his flowing agbada.

The evening of talking drums was not over without two beauty queens showing their faces. They said they were there to celebrate an evening of arts, an evening of culture and an evening of Ara’s artistry.

•Celebrant dancing with her mother, Alhaja Olamuyiwa

•From left: Iyabo Ojo, Rycardo Agbor and Odunola Agoro

•From left: Celebrant’s mother, Alhaja Temilola Nusirat Olamuyiwa; her Uncle, Chief Olamuyiwa and his wife, Tonu

•Funke Kuti (left) and Kemi Otegbade

•The celebrant performing to the delight of her guests

•A guest PHOTOS: Biodun ADEYEWA

•From left: Prophet Abiodun Adebowale; celebrant; Pastor Abiara Israel; his wife, Tayo and Ara’s son, Prince Irewole Saliu

Continued on page 36

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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Celebrities honour

Ara at 40

Continued from page 33

•Celebrant cutting the birthday cake with members of her family

•Friends of the celebrant

•Tonia

•Oni Bata Jesu performing

•Professor Sophie Oluwole

•Yinka Davies

•Miss Olokun and Miss Okota

PHOTOS: Biodun ADEYEWA

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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Why Jonathan is desperate

–APC scribe Mai Mala Buni As the clock ticks towards the February poll, the rave of the moment is the All Progressives Congress(APC), which is giving the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) sleepless nights.

In this interview, the National Secretary of APC, Mallam Mai Mala Buni, opens up to YUSUF ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation, on the chances of the party.

HERE seems to be demand for change across the country, what guarantee do you have that your candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, will scale through?

You have answered yourself based on your question because you said people are asking for change. What is happening in Nigeria now is common sense revolution across the

T

country, north, south, east and west; everybody is clamouring for change and the demand for change is necessitated by the fact that everybody has realised that there is systematic decay because when you look at all the areas of governance, you will see lapses. When you take infrastructure, education and security in particular, you will know why people need change.

Continued on page 38

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38

‘What PDP is doing is Continued from page 37 Today, you cannot go to church or mosque without being screened. Fear has already been sent to each Nigerian; you cannot go to the market without being screened; you cannot go to the shopping mall without being screened. Already the system has sent in fear and terror because each and every citizen in Nigeria now realise that he is not contented and without securing the environment, no meaningful achievement will be made.

When you look at agriculture and education, everything is collapsing. If you go to the crisis-ridden states you will see that businesses are shut down because all the markets are closed, no education because all the schools are closed, no farming because you cannot go to the farm and no free travelling. You cannot travel freely because you are under a situation of fear. And we should not assume that a crisis in any part of the country cannot affect the other parts. What is happening in the NorthEast has affected the South-West, North-West and even the North-Central. So today, the situation has caught up with every Nigerian and that is the reason why people now realise the need for change and they are demanding for change, a positive change.

Why the choice of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari as the party’s presidential candidate? Why is PDP alleging some shortcomings about him?

On General Buhari’s shortcomings, well, he is human being but don’t forget that he has been the Head of State in the country and he has successfully projected the War Against Indiscipline (WAI), which we all know. So, I can say General Buhari is tested and trusted because even after being Head of State, he was also Chairman, Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and during his tenure, we all know what happened in transforming our roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure, which in some places, they are still enjoying. So, that gives hope to

,

They should bury their heads in shame. All these things that they are saying are giving us more followers because everybody knows that they are not telling the truth because what we expected will be the driving force of their campaign is their achievements. We would have said ok, these people have achieved these. But you can now see that out of desperation and emptiness, they don’t have anything to offer than attacking our candidate and attacking the party •Mala Buni

,

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

39

campaigning for us’ have any achievement to enumerate. The economy is collapsing, education is collapsing, leadership is totally crumbling and you are still mounting the podium to say things that do not have direct link with the people you are talking to. It is only in Nigeria somebody can come out to say that a party like APC attempted to hack into INEC’s database. If the SSS is sophisticated to that extent, what are they doing with the operations of the Boko Haram and other criminals and their sponsors? What are they doing? They ought to have brought Boko Haram to book if really they are sophisticated and have the sophistry of even identifying those intending or some people that are planning to hack into INEC’s database. They should not have directed their strength to APC; they should have directed their intelligence to Boko Haram and other criminals.

They are reducing themselves to the level of mischief. We don’t want to join issues with the DSS because it is a highly respected institution and they would have maintained the integrity of the institution; that is what is expected of them. They shouldn’t be partisan. They should not take sides.

What we are saying is that Nigeria belongs to all of us, we are all for the betterment of this country, the DSS shouldn’t have been reduced to that level.

What they are saying answers them properly, the whole issue is in public domain, and the public knows what we can do and what we cannot do. We are minding our campaign business, the public knows that very clearly.

The Chairman of APC threatened recently that if the election is rigged, APC would form a parallel government and that has sent apprehension across the land, do you share the same thought with him?

I share the same line of thought with him; he is our leader and the National Chairman of the party. What we are saying is this: INEC should not toil with the decision of Nigerians. Nigerians will decide during the election and INEC should not toil with their decision.

It was the same president in 2010 that exonerated MEND from the Eagle Square bombing. He quickly said it was not MEND and he is still the President. But now he is changing the tune because it is election year and that is the reason I am saying what they are doing and what they are saying is campaigning for us because Nigerians are highly enlightened people; they are listening.

As a president, you exonerated MEND and afterwards, you are saying the same MEND was paid to kill you. So, which one do we believe from 2010 till date, he is the president of the country and he speaks on behalf of the country. When the president speaks, everybody must listen, when he said MEND was not responsible for the bombing at the Eagle Square, everybody believed him because the buck stops at his table. He was the one with all the security reports at his disposal. He said MEND was not the one and now because this is election year, he mounted the podium to say MEND was paid to kill him.

On the North-East and the Boko Haram activities in the region, what are you doing to ensure that eli-

gible voters in these ravaged areas collect their Permanent Voter Cards?

Yes, INEC is doing something about it. There was a motion in the Senate on how the Internally Displaced Persons should vote even in their camps and I am sure that INEC is organising special centres for them and they will be issued their PVCs. The three crisisridden states must vote because even in Afghanistan, people voted; in Syria and in the midst of the crisis, people voted; in Iraq, Somalia people voted. You know, without having the democratic structures in place, you cannot handle the situation.

Firstly, when the AU Forces were sent to Somalia for peace keeping, the first thing they did was to conduct election even if the government was operating in Kenya. Also, when America invaded Afghanistan, what they quickly did was to start the process of conducting elections and at the end of the day, they had election in which they elected their president. So, with the internal crisis with the rebels and forces against Afghanistan government, the President was able to conduct election to renew his term.

Today, they have a sitting government which can speak on behalf of the country; they have a representative in the UN. So, you cannot divorce leadership from crisis management. Crisis can only be managed by leaders and if you don’t have leaders trusted by the people to lead them, you cannot manage the crisis.

Is the APC comfortable enough because there are fears that they might use security agencies to rig elections in these emergency states? How prepared is your party to check all these?

We will check them and we have made it clear that the military should not be involved in election and even the National Assembly has made it clear that the military should not be involved in election. Right now the presence of soldiers at campaign venues tells one about the level of sentiments against the ruling party. The heavy presence of soldiers at PDP rallies tells you that the people are tired. How can you be guarding yourself with military to campaign?

That tells you all is not well and that is the reason why we are saying that firstly, we should secure the environment, let there be peace. As big as Saudi Arabia is, you will go to the mosque there without being screened. Also in Rome, you won’t be screened before going to the church there. You can go and check the Pope without being screened because the environment is secured. Even places of worship today are not secured; that tells you the level of our degeneration.

If after the election, you are convinced that APC won and PDP is declared the winner, what will you do?

Our chairman has already answered it. You know in this country, rigging is totally impossible and unacceptable, we cannot accept rigging. People are ready to defend their votes; we will defend our votes and that is why we are mobilising our supporters; we don’t want any violence during or after election. We want violent-free elections across the country and we are ready to democratically defend our votes.

,

•Mala Buni every Nigerian.

It is not about Buhari, it is about Nigerians. Nigerians have trust and hope in a person like him. Nigerians are looking up to him as somebody who can salvage this situation because we all know that he is a selfless person and that gives him an edge over every other person. When you look at the failure of the candidate of PDP and the track records of Buhari, these are two incomparable people. When you take Jonathan and Buhari side by side, they are incomparable, you cannot compare the two of them and that is the reason why you can now see that the clamour is becoming very high.

General Buhari was described by a member of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council as representing darkness, while Jonathan is representing light, how would you react to this?

That tells you about Jonathan’s desperation and certainly, he is losing this election. You see, for somebody to say General Buhari represents darkness and Jonathan represents light, maybe the person is not in Nigeria. As a sitting president or a ruling party, what is expected of the PDP or Jonathan is to enumerate their achievements. When we are talking of Nigeria now, our number one priority now is a consensus that we need security.

We need to secure the environment and the country first before any other thing. For somebody who fails to secure the environment, who fails to protect his own territory to be considered or thought to be representing light, and for someone who everybody knows has a track record of integrity to be representing darkness, such statement can only come from a party like PDP. They should bury their heads in shame. All these things that they are saying are giving us more followers because everybody knows that they are not telling the truth because what we expected will be the driving force of their campaign is their achievements.

We would have said okay, these people have achieved these. But you can now see that out of desperation and emptiness, they don’t have anything to offer than attacking candidate and attacking the party. You can now see the desperation and that tells you that they know they are losing the election because they know Nigerians are no longer with them and Nigerians are now more enlightened than before because you cannot mount the podium to address issues that has no direct bearing to their welfare, they will not listen to you.

How about foul language?

On the use of foul language by the President, that again tells you that it is out of desperation and frustration. He does not have anything to say. He doesn’t

It was the same president in 2010 that exonerated MEND from the Eagle Square bombing. He quickly said it was not MEND and he is still the President. But now he is changing the tune because it is election year and that is the reason I am saying what they are doing and what they are saying is campaigning for us because Nigerians are highly enlightened people; they are listening

,

...continued from page 33

THE NATION, SATURDAY JANUARY 31, 2015

42 The funeral of Dr Joseph Singapore Adaba, a businessman, who died on December 26, last year has been held in Lagos, reports WALE AJETUNMOBI

Farewell to ‘a good man’ L

AFIAJI, the popular neighbourhood in Obalende area of Lagos, was agog penultimate Friday. It throbbed, as usual, with commercial activities. But trading on the narrow street leading to St. Michael Catholic Church in the neighbourhood was suspended for a two-hour funeral programme.

At 9:45am, the hearse conveying the body of Dr Joseph Singapore Adaba, arrived in the church, accompanied by soldiers. There was no stunt by the pallbearers, who were clad in black and white suits. The pallbearers were trailed by the grief-stricken family members and associates of the deceased as the remains were being moved into the church auditorium.

The officiating priest, Reverend Father Vincent Udoye, came in from the pulpit entrance; then, the funeral mass for the late Dr Adaba started.

The widow, Mrs Amina Adaba, who was clad in black attire, sobbed endlessly as the priest began the homily. She was consoled by a group of sympathisers also dressed in black clothes.

Taking the first Bible reading from the Daniel 12: 2-3, Rev. Father Udoye said all the dead shall be awaken on the Day of Judgment.

He said the righteous among them shall wake into everlasting life, while the wicked would be in shame.

The priest urged the congregation to always leave their loved ones with good deeds each day because they would never know their last hour on earth.

He said: “We all must prepare for our final moment because the son of man can come at any time. We must pray for long life but whether we like it or not, the son of man will leave this earth one day and our deeds would determine if we are going to rise among the righteous or the wicked.”

Describing the deceased as a good man, Rev. Father Udoye urged the bereaved family members not to mourn, but to reflect on the good deeds of their breadwinner and move close to God in their trying period. The priest told the widow not to cry but to remain in prayers at all times.

The widow, Mrs Adaba (second left); with other family members of the deceased (from left): Mrs Veronica Uhoghobui (sister); Khadijah Adaba (granddaughter); Rita Adaba, (niece); Mrs. Appolonia Petirin (sister) and Mrs Juliet Bosco-Uduehi (niece)

From left: Former Chief of Defence Staff Moyo Adewuyi; Oluseyi Petirin and Dare Adaramewa •Rev Father Udoye

While taking the second Bible reading from Job 17-22, the clergyman noted that there had been no human being without weakness.

He read: “Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can a man be more pure than his Maker? If God places no trust in his servants; if he charges his angels with errors, how much more those who live in houses of clay whose foundations are in the dust, who are crushed more readily than a moth?”

After the sermon, the priest prayed for the bereaved family and led a processional hymn with the theme: Hark, Hark, My Soul.

Afterwards, the body was moved out of the church for interment at Ikoyi Cemetery in Obalende. After the priest said a short prayer, the body was lowered into a concrete grave by the pallbearers, while the widow and family members of the deceased performed dust-todust rite.

In tribute to her late husband, Amina wrote: “My love, my confidant, my friend and motivator. You left me so sudden and it is still like a dream ... I will not mourn but celebrate you, because that is what you deserve. Although my

•Mrs Alero Azazi (left) and Mrs Boye Dick-Inienebere

heart bleeds with pain, but for you I will be strong. Will forever miss you.”

Adaba died last December 26, last year. He was 67. He worked in Nigerian Immigration Service before he gained admission to study Pharmacology up to doctoral degree at the

PHOTOS: ABIODUN ADEYEWA

University of Brooklyn, New York in United States from 1974 to 1977.

After he returned to the country, he established business conglomerate in Nigeria and abroad.

He is survived by wife, a son and five grandchildren.

WORLD HIJAB DAY

COMMISSIONING

•National Amirah of Al-Mu'minaat Organisation Hajia Nimatullah Abdul Lateef (second right) addressing pressmen during a press briefing on the forth coming World Hijab Day (WHD) at National Headquarters in Jibowu, Lagos. With him are (from right) SecretaryGeneral, Mrs Qudrah Adelase; Naibatul Amirah (Networking) Mrs Sherifah Yusuf-Ajibade and Radio Nigeria reporter, Mrs Ruth Akinwunmi-King.

•Oba of Ojokoro, Oba Rilwan Oluwalambe Taiwo and Executive Secretary, Ojokoro Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs Fausat Hassan-Olajoku after cutting the tape to open a new building.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS...

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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with

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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

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

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NEWS

CRIME

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

&

OTHER STORIES

We saw death face

•Victims of mayhem caused by suspected PDP suppor •Attackers: we only acted in self-defence O NE week after members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) were attacked allegedly by supporters of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Mosan-Okunola Local Development Area (LCDA) of Alimosho, a suburb of Lagos, crest-fallen victims of the mayhem have continued to lick their wounds.

No fewer than 10 vehicles belonging to APC members and residents were said to have been vandalised during the attack while five persons were wounded.

Pandemonium broke out when PDP the gun-wielding supporters of a PDP senatorial candidate in Lagos West, Mr Segun Adewale, allegedly pounced on APC members who were returning from a neighbourhood to neighbourhood rally on Friday January 23 at the Boys Town area of Mosan-Okunola LCDA. One of the victims, Mrs Sola Shokunle, who sustained injuries during the attack recalled her close shave with death in the hands of the marauding PDP thugs.

The 45-year-old Shokunle, who operates a liquour shop at Boys Town bus stop, said: “The incident happened about 4pm and it lasted for about one hour. The PDP were returning from Ipaja while the APC members were campaigning on the lane close to my shop. Suddenly, PDP thugs alighted from their motorbikes and started shooting sporadically at APC members who were apparently caught unawares.

“The PDP thugs were shouting Erun won pa, e le won pa (crush them to death, chase them to death) in Yoruba. Before I knew it, they fired bullets into my shop and I narrowly escaped from the hail of bullets by hiding behind one of the furniture in my shop. Some of the bullets pierced through

•Iya Kampala on hospital bed

n Kunle AKINRINADE n one of the shelves in my shop. The PDP thugs then rushed into my shop and smashed bottles on my cheek and also injured my hand with broken bottles. I fell down in a pool of my blood but I was rushed to a hospital for treatment by some APC members. I saw death face to face but I was lucky to have survived as many of the vandalised vehicles as well as my shop were riddled with bullets. I lost a lot of blood and the wound on my cheek was so deep that I had to undergo a major surgery.”

She explained that she has been experiencing excruciating pains as a result of the injury she sustained during the attack. “Although, I have since been discharged from

hospital but I can no longer sleep well now because of the severe pains that come with the wound on my cheek. I could have been killed by the attackers who were in a killer mood but I thank God for being alive today.’’

When our correspondent visited another victim, Mrs Bukola Akindele, in a hospital, she relived her experience, saying:” I am not a member of any political party but I was within a nearby estate when I heard gunshot sounds and I saw people running.

I was smashed to the ground with my two legs dripping with blood and my knee bones were outside. I escaped death by a whisker and I thank God for surviving the mayhem.”

A woman, simply identified as Iya Kampala (because she deals on tye and dye fabrics), sustained injuries on her legs and was

•Mrs Shokunle still in a hospital at the time of filing this report.

When our correspondent visited the woman on her hospital bed, she barely managed to recount her experience because a major surgery had just been carried out on her badly damaged legs.

“I never knew what was going on. I was just about throwing some waste water outside my shop when the attackers pounced on me and sliced my legs with machetes and dangerous weapons,” she recalled.

“I have not overcome the shock of the attack.I did not know how I escaped from the scene when bullets were fired in the di-

‘How we connived with bank officials to steal money from A

41-year-old suspected fraudster has admitted having insiders in five different banks who helped his gang to illegally withdraw money from other people’s accounts.

Forty-one-year-old Afam Nriedi, a native of Agu-Uku Nri, Anambra State, told operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Lagos State Police Command that he and other members of his gang connived with some bank officials to fraudulently transfer money from the private accounts of individual account holders.

The police said Nriedi was also in the habit of gathering information for his gang members who were also involved in kidnapping and armed robbery. They said he had been lazy because he had five sisters who were taking care of him and his children. His sisters were even said to have been responsible for the dowry he paid for his wife.

As the first son of the family, their late father was said to have left an instruction that Nriedi’s sisters should find him a wife so that the family could continue to multiply.

He was alleged to be a member of the seven-man gang that kidnapped the Director of Dapson Oil and one Alhaji Fashola.

Other alleged members of the gang include Ikechukwu a.k.a. IK, regarded as the gang’s leader, Sunny, John, Pius, Sudo, Kelvin Iga and his wife.

In his confessional statement, Nriedi described himself as an internet fraudster. He said his gang used to hack into people’s bank accounts with the connivance of

n Ebele BONIFACE n

fraudulent bank officials in five banks in Lagos, who usually collected 10 per cent of the sum transferred. But where the bank officials themselves originated the deal, the proceeds would be shared equally.

He said: “There are two ways of hacking into customers’ accounts. One, if it is originated by insiders in the bank, our own is just to come and withdraw money and give them their own at home. But if it is originated by us, the hacking is done by three experienced guys and each of them has a role to play because there is something I know which the other person does not know. When we put heads together, we got result.

“In banking system, when you log into any bank’s data, it will show you all their transactions. When they appear, you log into customer care and the soft code will appear. Three of our members will then sit.

An insider will bring three words.

“Not all bankers are clean. They supply most of the information we use for accuracy. When we get information, we go to another branch while the boy who signed it would work on it. Our role was to carry out their instruction. We were also into fraud, armed robbery and kidnapping.

“I met IK at a beer parlour. He bought me a bottle of beer and we became friends.

It was our coming together for some days that enabled me to know the kind of jobs they were doing.

“One day, he gave me N20,000 after entertaining me with bottles of beer and pepper soup. When I knew the type of work

•The suspects they were doing, like kidnapping, I told them that I would help them to catch big fishes.

“I took IK to the director of Dapson Petroleum Filling Station and pointed at the director for IK and his gang members.

Later, I took the gang to identify the second victim, Alhaji Hammed during the Ramadan period and pointed him out for the kidnappers.

“We got a ransom for Dapson but failed to get something for Hammed who they kidnapped in his white range rover. Both victims were taken to No. 18 Odeniyi Ishola Street, off Bala Road, Isheri-Osun, Lagos.

“I have participated in two kidnapping jobs. For the first one, I got N7,000. They used my car to do the job. I was trading in hospital equipment before I shifted to buy-

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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olukunle87@yahoo.com

to face

ters relive ordeal rection of my car. I jumped out of my car and I was running for my dear life for more than 20 minutes. The thugs were dishing out orders to each other shouting ‘waste them, waste them’ and were shooting indiscriminately. They vandalised my car but I thank God for surviving the attack and for being alive today,” a business woman, Princess Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, whose vehicle was among those vandalised during the attack said.

Addressing a press conference last Saturday, the lawmaker representing Alimosho Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Bisi Yusuf, alleged that the attackers had targeted candidates of the APC. “The vehicles vandalised by the thugs included a Suzuki Vitara with registration number JJJ 543 BJ; a Toyota Forerunner with registration number RQ 743 KJA; a Toyota Camry 2E with registration number KSF 965 AE and an unregistered Opel Wagon.

“Others were: an Infiniti SUV QX4 with registration number APP 233 CN; a branded Toyota Hiace with registration number KTU

408 XM; a Lexus GX 470 with registration number LND 275 DG and a Ford Explorer with registration number FXJ 968 CK,” he added.

One of Adewale’s aides, Mr Tosin Odunsi, in a telephone conversation with our correspondent last Friday had claimed that loyalists of his principal retaliated in ‘self –defence when confronted by APC members. “ I was at the scene of the incident and no life was lost.

We were actually retruning from a campaign rally organised for our governorship candidate, Mr Jimi Agbaje, when we ran into APC supporters at Boys Town area of Mosan Okunola and they were making a mockery of our party. ‘’My boss (Adewale), who was riding in one of the vehicles in our convoy, asked us not to confront the APC supporters. However, our supporters retaliated when the APC supporters started shooting sporadically. So, our people did not attack APC members but we retaliated in self-defence. If you must know, our campaign office in Iyana Ipaja was destroyed by APC supporters about two days ago.’’

customers’ accounts’ ing and selling clothes from Cotonou (Benin Republic). I have shops where I supply goods.

“I gave the gang the information on how to get the two victims at King’s Petroleum and Dapson. I knew them well because that was where I used to buy fuel.

Both of them are big men who help people. There is a beer parlour opposite the King’s Petroleum. That was where we stayed to watch the big men.

“I was arrested in my brother’s clinic in Ikorodu where I went for surgery.

The total money I made since I joined the gang is N700,000. The greatest problem that took much of my money and time was womanising, drinking and smoking.

“The gang used to pay me N20,000 through IK to show them the next big man they would kidnap.”

The second suspect, Kingsley Chukwuma, said: “I am a taxi driver. My route is Igando-Iyana-Ipaja and Egbeda. IK is my friend.

Nriedi gave IK the information. My role was to stand at a bus stop by 8 pm to call the gang to kidnap a tar-

geted victim when he appeared.

“Once we got the man, we would take him to No 18, Odeniyi Street, Isheri Oshun. We would chain his legs only. My role included calling the wife or relations of victims after putting them in the toilet.”

The third suspect, Ogechika Kelvin (32), a father of three, was formerly a teacher but now hawks moinmoin, a local delicacy.

She said her role was to feed kidnapped people, but she said she really did not know that they were abducted.

She said: “I was feeding them and cooking for them, thinking that they were my husband’s friends until I saw the victims chained in the toilet. When I asked my husband, he nearly beat me up.

“I could not report him to the police because I did not want to lose him. I don’t have another husband. It was IK that gave me N90,000. Any time I asked my husband, he would not answer me until I was arrested. It is unfortunate because I am still under my husband.”

•The baby

Dead baby found in Lagos community •The baby being evacuated

OR the residents of Abule Egba, a suburb of Lagos State, what seems like a far-flung story stared them on their face on Wednesday when they woke up to see the body of a newly born baby wrapped in a polythene bag near a filling station.

Residents and passersby told our correspondent that the baby was dumped there in the night as they did not see it the previous day.

A trader, who spoke in confidence, said:” We all got here this morning to discover the body of the baby wrapped in a cellophane bag

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n Kunle AKINRINADE n beside an electric pole where some traders display their wares. We have no idea about who could be responsible for dumping it here. ”I was surprised this morning when I saw the baby lying here dead. It was so bizarre and gory a sight that people found it difficult to look at it. We have, however, informed relevant government agencies for its immediate evacuation,” another resident who pleaded anonymity said.

“We would, however, be more

vigilant in order to prevent queer elements from turning this community into a nuisance.We just hope that government officials would turn up to pick the body before too long,” the unnamed residents added.

A team of officials of the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation later visited the scene about 3pm but they left without evacuating the body.

The body of the baby was eventually removed about 4.35 pm by an official of the Lagos State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit.

Ikare-Akoko bank robbery: Family, Police disagree over slain policeman HE family of one of the policemen killed two weeks ago in Ikare Akoko Ondo State bank robbery, late Corporal Kola Ogidan, has cried out over alleged neglect of the deceased family by Police authorities.

The family in a statement alleged that the police complained of paucity of fund when asked for money to organise his funeral rites.

Ogidan, who was popularly called Kola Team, was attached to the Akure Road Police Post in Ikare Akoko. He was shot dead by the suspected armed robbers who invaded the town.

The family alleged that the late Ogidan's entitlements from the Police Force had also not been released by the police authorities.

Ogidan's family has, therefore, appealed to the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Mr Suleiman Abba, to intervene in the matter.

The family noted that the deceased policeman, who was survived by an aged mother, a pregnant wife and children, died while serving his nation, hence the need for the government to compensate his family.

It was learnt that the late Ogidan was one of the few

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policemen that faced the robbers in an attempt to protect the people.

•The late Ogidan The police spokesman, when he was alive.

Wole Ogodo, however, Inset: Ogidan after he was shot faulted the claim of the late corporal’s family. According to him, the police command actually bought the coffin, provided the ambulance and other funeral materials as well given him the last respect for dying in active service. Ogodo added that some funds have been sent to the family, while his gratuity as usual may take some time because of the necessary processes, but would be paid immediately it is ready.

Residents of the town have, however, called on the Nigerian Army to establish a military check point in the town to forestall further ugly occurence.

The State Assembly at its sitting on Tuesday also called for the establishment of a military post in IkareAkoko community.

A community leader, Chief Saliu Ojelabi, said the community needed a heavy presence of security men to ensure adequate security for the people.

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Agonising plight of Edo homeless kids ROSPER and Godstime Yaya are brothers of same parents. Godstime is nine, while Prosper is eight. Both of them have vowed that they would not see their parents again. Reason? Their parents abandoned them. Their little sister is currently staying with a pastor.

According to Prosper, their father hails from Kogi State, while their mother is from Edo State.

The boys were taken care for a short time by their neighbours at Isihor in the Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State before they were taken to the police.

It was when their neighbours were tired of feeding them that they reported their case to the police which took them to the Child Protection Network.

In a chat with our reporter, Prosper said they stopped schooling after their mother abandoned them.

The story of the little Yayas is similar those of other kids who are living on the streets of Benin City. These kids do minial jobs, including selling water and washing plates.

At nights, they sleep at the Oba Ovoramwen Square, Holy Cross Cathedral, Ramat Park and a filling station at Iyaro.

Reasons for living homes, among others, were sexual harassment, lack of parental care, constant flogging, separation of parents and divorce The homeless kids face harassment from hoodlums who collect whatever money they earn during the day.

Getting the kids to talk was not an easy task, as many of them refused for fear of being sent to a home where they would be under strict control.

Goodnews Emokpae, one of the kids, said he left home because his father sent him away.

He said: "I was 12 when I left home.When I had no place to stay, I came to the Ring Road. I sell water. Sometimes, I make N1,500 daily. We sleep at a petrol station at Iyaro."

Another kid, who gave his name as Osarogue, told our reporter that living on the streets is a difficult life. He said his father married another wife after the death of his mother.

He said he left home when the beating he received from his father was too much.

According to him, "I am a bus conductor and sometimes, I do petty stealing."

Emmanuel Osamudiamwen, who wants to become a medical doctor, said: "I was staying with my father and step-mother.When my stepmother was maltreating me, I decided to leave the house. I went to somebody's house. My father later said I stole his N400,000, but I did not steal any money. I was taken to court, and it was a lawyer that saved me. The court said I should be taken to a home.

"I was 13 when my mother died. My stepmother always failed to give me and my sisters food. My two sisters travelled abroad last year. She always beat us. She has not given birth to any child.”

Joy Godstime is a 15-year-old girl who is from Ubiaja in the Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State. According to her narration, she left home to start sleeping on the streets after a woman she was staying with told her to go and look for her parents she had never seen before.

She said: "I was staying with one woman who was maltreating me. I didn't know the woman before because it was my grandmother that gave me to her. I don't know about my parents, and I have never seen them before.

"Anytime I asked about my parents from my grandmother, she would ask me to leave her alone.

I grew up at Ubiaja. I was 14 when she brought me to Benin. I was not attending school. The woman later drove me away. She told me to go and find my parents. I left to stay on the streets. I was sleeping at Ramat Park."

Explaining how she survived street life, Joy said she used to assist people to sell, and whatever they gave her would be used to feed for the day.

"There were other kids on the streets, and I did not mingle with them. At night, I would sleep in people's stores. One day I asked a girl for money. I told her about what I was going through and she told her parents who later took me to the police station.

"Since I came here, my grandmother has not come to look for me. I will like to see my parents because I want to go to school. She only told me she did not know where my father went. She said my father ran away after I was given birth to. They

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• Street kids Osagie OTABOR, Benin

told me that my mother did something forbidden, so they drove her away. I don't know anything about my mother or her people."

Another pathetic story is that of 16-year-old Evelyn Osazuwa who claimed she left home because her father slept with her as a punishment for what she did.

"My father is a painter. My daddy used to maltreat me. I dropped out of school in primary six to learn fashion. My father is here in Benin, but my mummy is not here. They quarrelled and my mother left my father. I was two years old when my mother left. The twins were one year old. We stayed with our mum for some years, but the man she re-married asked us to leave because my mother told him she was not having any child. I was 13

‘

Parents should manage their homes and care for their children. If these children are outside there , we cannot sleep with our eyes closed. That is why we are doing our best to make sure we are able to clear them from the streets

‘

when I left my mother.

"My father started telling me he adopted me. I did not believe him and he started threatening to sleep with me. One day, he slept with me. It happened on a Monday. I returned from work. I was sleeping when my father woke me up. He said I should remove my clothes. He said if I screamed, he would kill me. He said he was going to marry me and that I would have a child for him.

"I told somebody about the incident and he brought me here. My father did it only once. He had been kissing and romancing me. My father remarried, but the woman said she could not take care of us,"Evelyn said.

Mrs. Florence Atakpu, Shelter Manager of the Child Protection Network, said the network would pursue the case of Evelyn to a logical conclusion.

Atakpu said the network tried to reconcile the kids with their parents where such was possible, but stated that several cases of girls sexually molested by their parents were being prosecuted in courts.

Atakpu said:” Parents should manage their homes and care for their children. If these children are outside there , we cannot sleep with our eyes closed. That is why we are doing our best to make sure we are able to clear them from the streets.

When a child has spent two or more years on the streets, he will not want to leave. No matter what you do, the child will want to go back to street life.

We take the place of their parents here.

"We feel happy because in this job you have to have passion for children because they are from different backgrounds. You have to have passion for the job. We get them from individuals and the Ministry of Women Affairs. We also get them from the NAPTIP. We try to reconcile them with their parents."

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COMPTROLLER-GENERAL OF CUSTOMS

PRESIDENT JONATHAN

A bad portion of Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway

WAEC REGISTRAR

GOVERNOR WADA

MINISTER OF POWER

Dan Etete at 70

THE NATION, SATURDAY JANUARY 31, 2015

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ESPITE pressure to shift the February general elections, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, and his national commissioners have closed ranks to stick to the poll timeline.

The INEC management members have opted to protect their integrity than postpone the elections Also, the presidential and National Assembly campaigns are expected to stop on February 12.

A similar campaign schedule for governorship and state House of Assembly elections will end on February 26.

Findings, however, revealed that INEC commissioners and staff now work late in line with the poll time which it is not ready to change.

A highly-placed source said: “Jega, the national commissioners and the resident electoral

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No to poll shift, INEC insists Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation commissioners have resolved to adhere strictly to the poll schedule.

“In fact the usual critics in the INEC management have teamed up with others to respect the wish of Nigerians to retain the dates for the elections.

“They want to stick to the timetable to protect their integrity and the image of the country in the comity of nations.

“The INEC team said complying with the timeline will enhance the integrity of the commission. Though Section 25 of the Electoral 2010(as amended) provides that the commission should appoint

•Jega, commissioners close ranks, stick to election timeline ruary 26. The parties are aware •Anti-poll forces hatch fresh plot of these timelines which are in dates of elections not earlier than 150 days, but not later than before the expiration of the term of the last holder of that office, the INEC has offered to abide by the 150-day alternative.”

The source also added that the INEC chose to abide by the timetable for the general elections because the conditions for poll postponement in Section 26 (1) of the Electoral Act are not currently obtainable in most parts of the country.

“Those calling for poll postponement should read this section of the Electoral Act. There must be cogent and legal factors for poll shift.”

The section says: “Where a date has been appointed for the holding of an election, and there is reason to believe that a serious breach of the peace is likely to occur if the election is proceeded with on that date or it is impossible to conduct the elections as a result of natural disasters or other emergencies, the commission may postpone the election and shall in respect of the postponed election, provided that such reason for the postponement is cogent and verifiable.”

Another source in the INEC, who spoke in confidence, said: “Barely 15 days to the poll, ev-

erything is in place for a hitchfree exercise.

“What we are doing is only to crosscheck all arrangements already put in place to avoid any slip. The expectations of Nigerians and the international community are higher; we cannot afford to disappoint.”

Findings revealed that the INEC is in upbeat mood because it has set a target to “make the conduct of 2015 poll better than 2011 elections.”

A national commissioner said: “Our integrity is at stake; we cannot postpone the general elections. It will be a disservice to this nation to do so.”

As at press time, it was gathered that the INEC will draw the curtains on campaign on February 12.

A third source in the commission said: “While the last day for campaign for the presidential and National Assembly elections is February 12, that of the governorship and state House of Assembly will be Feb-

the timetable for the general elections.

“We will not allow any extra day for the parties. Section 99(1) of the Electoral Act prohibits advertisements or broadcast of campaigns 24 hours prior to the day of election.”

But anti-poll forces have hatched a fresh plot to move against the use of the 145,000 smart card readers already deployed nationwide in the 119, 973 polling units(PUs).

It was learnt that those against the conduct of the February poll might join issues with the INEC on the deployment of the card readers.

A source added: “These antipoll forces have come up with a new argument that every voting process must be captured in the Electoral Act, but the use of smart card readers is not included.

“If possible, they want to go to court to stop the INEC from using the card readers which are being deployed to check impersonation and rigging.”

NUC okays law programme for Turkish varsity

T •From left: Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and Hon. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, all Lagos State APC senatorial candidates, during the party’s presidential campaign at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: TAIWO OKANLAWON

HE National University Commission (NUC) has approved a law programme for the Nigerian Turkish Nile University (NTNU).

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Huseyin Sert, made the revelation during an interview with journalists in Abuja at the weekend.

According to Sert, the objective of setting up the law faculty, especially here in the Nigerian Turkish Nile University, was to help in bridging the man-

APC condemns alleged plan to use sponsored protests to force election postponement

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HE All Progressives Con gress (APC) yesterday condemned the alleged plan by the advocates of the postponement of the February general elections to sponsor protests across the country against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a way of forcing the commission to shift the elections.

In a statement issued in Lagos ,the APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said those pushing for the elections to be shifted are also seeking to instigate the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who will serve as part of the ad-hoc staff for the INEC during the polls to say they do not feel safe to be part of the elections in certain parts of the country.

It said even if the NYSC members refuse to participate in the elections in certain parts of the country, which will be within their right, there will be no shortage of those willing to serve as ad-hoc staff ''It has also come to our notice that these election-shift proponents are holding clandestine meetings with various groups, including a section of the media, to recruit them for their dubious campaigns to force a postponement of the election,'' the APC said, adding, however, that all the plots of the election-shift advocates will fail, as Nigerians have seen through them and

have stepped up their collection of PVCs in readiness for the elections," the APC said. ''The assurances by the INEC, that 65 million PVCs are now ready and that the remaining 3.8 million will be ready in due course have heightened the belief among Nigerians that the electoral umpire is indeed willing and able to conduct the elections as scheduled. ''That is why we are surprised that instead of encouraging Nigerians who have not done so to go and collect their PVCs, instead of heeding the advice for the declaration of a three-day public holidays to enable working-class people to collect their PVCs, all they are interested in is how to sponsor various dubious individuals and groups to stage protests against the INEC. ''The PDP has variously said it is ready for the elections as scheduled, but not once has it urged Nigerians to go and collect their PVCs, knowing full well that the problem now is more of collection than anything else. The Presidency has also not made any effort to encourage Nigerians to collect their PVCs. Instead, it has been openly pushing for the elections to be shifted on the basis of inadequate PVC distribution, as shown by the call in London recently by the National Security Adviser. ''Undoubtedly, public funds

have been deployed to sponsor 'talking heads' to make the TV rounds to parrot the lies that over 30 million voters are yet to collect their PVCs, when the INEC has said 42.7 million out of 68.8 million PVCs have been collected, and that it will distribute PVCs until the eve of the polls. These anti-election antics are too glaring for Nigerians not to notice. The dirty tricks point

to one and one thing only: The PDP and the Presidency are mortally terrified of the elections being held as scheduled because they know they will surely lose,'' the APC said.

The party asked the INEC to urgently decentralize the distribution of the PVCs to the polling units to enhance collection efforts, while appealing to Nigerians to make extra efforts to

collect their PVCs so that the PDP and the Presidency will run out of excuses for trying to dodge the elections. ''On our part, we will continue with our campaign for Nigerians to collect their PVCs, and we hereby re-state our stand that under no circumstances shall we accept the postponement of the elections. We are ready for the February 14 and 28 general elections,'' it said.

Gbade OGUNWALE, Assistant Editor, Abuja power gap in the legal academic system.

The Vice Chancellor said: "Just as the main intention of the university is to contribute its quota to the Nigerian society by providing more manpower needed in all sectors, it is expected that law should also be included.

“We are mainly going to use this multimedia system of delivering our lectures to the teeming population of our students.

That is the main innovation and one of the best practices obtainable all over the world.

“Right from the beginning, we are going to start from that perspective. That is why in advance, we are preparing our course materials so that when they come into the multimedia projected lectures, students will get it right”.

To bridge the gap between university tuition and labour market demands, Professor Sert said plans were on ground to ensure that students are taught the practical aspects of the profession, right from the beginning.

New Saudi king announces major government shake-up

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AUDI Arabia's new King Salman has further ce mented his hold on power with a sweeping shake-up that saw two sons of the late King Abdullah fired and the heads of intelligence and other key agencies replaced alongside a cabinet shuffle.

Top officials from the Ports Authority, the National AntiCorruption Commission and the conservative Islamic kingdom's religious police were among those let go.

The new appointments came a week after Salman acceded to the throne, following the death of Abdullah, aged about 90.

Salman also reached out directly to his subjects on Thursday. One of his more than 30 decrees ordered "two months' basic salary to all Saudi government civil and military employees," the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.

Students and pensioners got similar bonuses.

"Dear people, You deserve more and whatever I do will not be able to give you what you deserve," the king said later on his official Twitter account.

He asked his citizens "not to forget me in your prayers".

SPA said Salman "issued a

royal order yesterday, relieving Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz al-Saud, Chief of General Intelligence, of his post."

General Khalid bin Ali bin Abdullah al-Humaidan became the new intelligence chief, holding a cabinet rank.

The change came after authorities in the kingdom last

year blamed suspects linked to the Islamic State extremist group for shooting and wounding a Dane and for gunning down minority Shiites.

A separate decree said Prince Bandar bin Sultan, a nephew of Abdullah, was removed from his posts as Secretary General of the National Security Council and adviser to the king.

Community leader calls for support for APC candidate

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HE President of the NonYoruba Speaking Com munity (NYSC) in the Ifako/Ijaiye Local Government Area of Lagos State, High Chief Abaecheta Ekwueme, has called on all non-Yoruba speaking members in the Local government area to come out en mass and vote for Dr. Elijah O Adewale, the APC candidate for the Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency in the House of Rep-

resentatives election Ekwueme, during a briefing in his palace, said Dr. Adewale “is the right candidate to represent the Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency.”

He said: "Dr. Adewale is a great man. He is a man of the people. He possesses qualities that will bring about strong representation. He will give our constituency a new lease of life.

"It is good to have a person

that is accessible as our representative. Dr. Adewale is very accessible. He will listen to people's complaints and find solutions to all their problems.

"He will carry everybody along. He is not tribalistic. He will treat all residents of his constituency with equality. Therefore, he deserves to be supported by both Yoruba and nonYoruba in the Ifako/Ijaiye Federal Constituency.”

News Lawson commends Amosun for MAPOLY success HE chairman, gov-

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erning council of MoshoodAbiola Polytechnic,( MAPOLY) , Ogun State, Iyalode Alaba Lawson (MFR), has lauded the state governor, Senator IbikunleAmosun for the success recorded by the council.

Lawson made the remark while presenting the score sheet of the council's performance.

She said: " On December 3, 2013, when we received a marching order from His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (CON) as a governing council of this great institution, we never looked back in our quest to rebuild and improve the glory of this institution.

"Since that time, we have and are still stopping at nothing towards ensuring that this polytechnic lives up to her vision statement: "A reference point in technological, scientific and entrepreneurial education, accessible to all, for sustainable national development,”she added.

Club elects Fashola’s aide as president

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HE Special Adviser to Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Commerce and Industry, Hon Seye Oladejo, has been elected as the new president of Ultimate Circle Club of Nigeria (UCN) for the next two years..

He was unanimously elected to succeed the outgoing president of the club, Mr Adelaja Adeleye during the club’s annual general meeting held at the weekend in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Other officers elected into various offices include Dele Olorunda as vice president; Segun Owokade(secretary); Hakeem Amao (treasurer); Otunba Bola Osipitan ( chief whip); Sunkanmi Ologundudu (social secretary) and Adegboyega Ogunosun (director of publicity).

In his acceptance speech, Oladejo said: “Considering the unemployment situation in the country particularly among the youths, I want to assure you that the club in the coming months will come up with a template that will seek to empower the youths within our immediate environment through provision of skills and knowledge needed for self employment.

Lagos cancels sanitation

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HERE will be no environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State

today.

Governor Babatunde Fashola yesterday directed the suspension of the monthly exercise to enable residents to go and collect their Permanent Voters’ Cards in their various wards and Polling centres across the State.

Information and Strategy Commissioner Aderemi Ibirogba said the move was necessitated by the numerous complaints of registered voters in the State that they were yet to collect their Cards adding that such people should devote today to go and collect their cards.

The commissioner however urged residents to ensure that they maintain a clean environment as well as obey all the existing sanitation laws of the state including not dumping refuse in unauthorized places.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

Nobody can intimidate us, Oba of Lagos warns AIG Mbu

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HE Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu 11, has warned the new Assistant Inspector of Police(AIG) in charge of Zone 2 Police Headquarters,Lagos, Mr Joseph Mbu to desist from any attempt to intimidate the people of Lagos as he earlier did in Rivers State, when he was police commissioner.

Akiolu gave the warning yesterday, while receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate,General Muhammadu Buhari’s delegation in his palace.

The traditional ruler who urged people of Lagos to cooperate with security agencies, warned Mbu, saying: “Nobody can intimidate us.

Let it be clear that Lagos is not Port Harcourt.”

“Though police redeployment is normal during elections, but any policeman that comes here to cause trouble will fail. I and my people will give him a matching order.”

He said police officers should not be partisan, adding that “police should do their constitutional role without bias.

He said: “I want to sound a word of warning to security agencies. If anybody comes here to come and cause trouble he will fail. Others have

tried and failed. Sometimes back, someone (a police officer) was posted here and he attacked me and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I told him (police officer) he will fail and he did fail,” the monarch said.

He however urged the peo-

ple of Lagos to cooperate with the security agencies for the general well-being of the state.

“I urged my people to cooperate with the police and the army to do their job. I want all my people to be peaceful

and law-abiding. All shall be well with us,” he said.

The monarch said Lagos State has suffered under the PDP-led Federal Government since the return of civil rule in 1999. He described Buhari as an upright, honest and dedi-

•From left: Bishop Diocese of Lagos West, Rt Rev. James Odedeji, Bishop of Ijebu South/West Diocese, Rt Rev. Babatunde Ogunbanwo and Bishop of Egba West Diocese, Samuel Ogundeji at the 5th anniversary and investiture of special fellows and fellows of the Diocese of Ijebu South/West church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, Odogbolu in Ogun State.... recently

Vote out Jonathan, Ambode urges Lagosians

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HE governorship candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday charged the people of the state to vote out Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and his “non- transformational” government in order to pave the way for accelerated growth of Lagos and the entire country.

Speaking at the Presidential rally of the APC held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, he said Nigeria has not witnessed the type of backwardness in governance as it is under the Jonathan led govern-

ment. He therefore urged well meaning Lagosians and Nigerians to come together to vote out Jonathan in order to rescue the country from ridicule and international disgrace.

His words: “The last 15 years have been characterized with motion without movement and lip service to transformation without any tangible result, so we must come together to vote out Jonathan.”

Justifying the need for continuity in Lagos, he said in a very sharp contrast to what the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has done to Nigeria in the last

15 years, Lagos has witnessed a remarkable and unprecedented growth.

“The foundation which was laid by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has been actualized by Mr. Babatunde Fashola in accordance with our party’s manifesto of excellence.”

He said if elected, he will not only consolidate on this but will move Lagos to the next level of becoming the benchmark of excellence not only in Nigeria but to a world class reference point for development.

“There is no room for trial

and error in Lagos, inexperience and verbosity. Lagos is too important to be used for experiment.” He therefore urged Nigerians to go out to vote out Jonathan on February 14 and vote for him on February 28. He counseled that they should stay back after casting their vote to avoid the PDP e l e c t o r a l Abracradabra(magic) where 16 was declared as greater than 19 in the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF)election or as it is presently in Ekiti State, where seven lawmakers are ‘greater’ than 14.

Fayose arrests Fayemi’s cabinet members over official cars The Nation gathered that the cost

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OUR senior aides of the former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, were yesterday arrested by the task force of the government of Governor Ayo Fayose in a bid to retrieve the monetized official vehicles in their custody.

Their homes were raided by the government task force officials who were followed by armed policemen who succeeded in arresting four of them. They were taken to the state police headquarters.

Those arrested are former Commissioner for Labour and Human Capital Development, Chief Oluwole Ariyo; former Commissioner for Arts, Culture

A

Odunayo OGUNMOLA, Ado-Ekiti

and Tourism, Alhaji Jinadu Ayodele; former Special Adviser (Governor’s Office), Chief Biodun Akin-Fasae and former Chairman, Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Adebayo Orire.

They were at the state police headquarters for about three hours before they were allowed to go back home.

The Nation learnt that the homes of former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Eniola Ajayi, former Special Adviser on MDGs and Multilateral Relations, Mrs. Bunmi Dipo-Salami and former

Special Adviser on Parliamentary and Allied Matters, Mr. Dapo Karonwi were also raided.

Incidentally, Ajayi, Dipo-Salami were not met at home but there was confrontation between Karonwi and the government agents who could not effect his arrest.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Taiwo Lakanu said in a telephone conversation with our reproter that the command did not arrest the former political office holders.

Lakanu said: “We did not arrest them, I only addressed them on the issues at hand. I did not arrest anybody”.

of the car was being deducted from the salaries of the officials until the time of their exit from government after which the administration came up with an arrangement about how the balance would be deducted from their severance package.

But the Fayose administration in a letter dated 24 November 2014 signed by Mr. Tajudeen Adejumo on behalf of the Secretary to the state government, Mrs. Modupe Alade, stressed that no allowance (including severance and furniture allowance) should be used to pay for the outstanding.

Senatorial candidate lights up another community in Ogun

LL Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Ogun East, Prince Dapo Abiodun has promised to ensure regular power supply to Emuren Remo in Sagamu local government area of the state.

Prince Abiodun ,spoke at the palace of Elemuren of Emuren Remo, Oba Abdul Oduloye, in response to the request of the community in the course of his Ward-to-Ward campaign.

Abiodun promised to provide a high capacity electricity transformer for the people and have it connected and activated by the power service provider serving the community before the forthcoming elections.

Oba Oduloye thanked the APC candidate for his gesture , saying they were convinced that he would fulfil the promise, having

cated gentleman who meant well for the country.

“Lagos won’t ever lag behind again in the forthcoming dispensation. I know the ability of Buhari. He is very passionate about this country and he will deliver,” he added.

done a similar thing for waterside communities in the senatorial zone some weeks ago.

He, however, enjoined the APC candidate to help them appeal to Governor Ibikunle Amosun to construct the Falilat Ogunkoya/Emuren road for easy transportation of

their farm produce to the urban centers.

Prince Abiodun had some weeks ago signed an agreement with Ibadan Disco to ensure power supply to Ijebu Waterside within 30 days, following a donation of N50 million for the execution of the project.

During his visit to the palace of the Lemo of Ogijo, Oba Ganiu Dosumu, Prince Abiodun assured the people that the Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led administration would re-enact the developmental facilities put in place at the urban centers in the suburb if voted in next month as they requested.

Agbaje tasks INEC on slow distribution of PVCs

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HE governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje, has decried the slow pace of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC’s) distribution.

According to him, INEC needed to brace up to fill the existing vacuum to achieve credible polls, stressing that this would remove suspicion

that certain people might have regarding issuance of the PVCs. He noted that it was particularly worrisome that certain categories of residents of Lagos, including non-indigenes, had not been able to obtain the document despite several attempts.

He, however, tasked people not to despair over the development by ensuring that they

go to their registration centres to collect the cards.

“Your PVC is your right.

Please, go to where you registered to collect it from INEC officials. It is the instrument that you will use to effect the desired change in Lagos, so go and get it,” he said He therefore told them to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP candidates in the coming elections.

Cleric urges Nigerians to elect tested leaders

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HE Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Ijebu South/West, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Babatunde Ogunbanwo, has urged Nigerians to elect tested politicians with peopleoriented manifestoes and programmes in the coming general elections.

He said that Nigeria needed individuals who would address the problems of the nation and put citizens’ interests above their own narrow, personal objectives.

Ogunbanwo said this while fielding questions from journalists during a diocesan Episcopal award ceremony in commemoration of the fifth anniversary of the inauguration of the diocese at the Bishops court, Odogbolu, in Ogun State, recently.

The well attended event also featured the unveiling of a colourful, 24-page magazine by the name of ‘Glad Tidings,’ the evangelical journal of the diocese, edited by the wellknown media icon, Prince Henry Odukomaiya, who, in his prime, was Editor of the old ‘Daily Times, foundation Managing Director/Editor-inChief of Concord and Champion newspapers.

The bishop chided those politicians who have resorted to hate speeches and mudslinging instead of engaging in issue-based campaigns, stressing that politicians’ speeches in recent times have left much to be desired.

“I have listened to most of the campaign speeches; they are not issue-oriented and that is not what we want in this 21st century. We want issueoriented politicians, we want people-oriented politicians, not people who are selfish, who are concerned only about their families but those who are concerned about the masses of this country, those who are concerned about solving the problems of this

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Ahmed urges Kwarans to turn out enmasse for Buhari WARA State Governor, Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has called on Kwarans to turn out in numbers to the Metropolitan Park, Ilorin to welcome, former Head of State and Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Major General Muhammadu Buhari who will be in town for the party’s presidential campaign.

The Governor in a statement issued in Ilorin by his Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oba said Kwarans of all ages should join in the train of change.

The governor emphasized that the forthcoming elections are not about the individual, religious belief or ethnicity but the destiny of all Nigerians. According to Governor Ahmed the forthcoming elections are about eradicating poverty, ensuring safety of lives and properties ‎and providing sustainable jobs for our teaming youths. "These", the governor said "are variables with no religious or ethnic boundaries".

The Governor, according to the statement, advised the good people of the state to remain law abiding and good ambassadors during and after the APC campaign which promises to attract dignitaries across the nooks and crannies of the country.

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• PDP campaign in Musawa Local Government Area of Katsina State

Photo: NAN

Fulani kill 5 Tiv farmers Residents flee Maiduguri as Boko Haram surrounds city Uja EMMANUEL, Makurdi

ULANI herdsmen on Friday, launched another attack in five villages in Logo, Governor Gabriel Suswan's local Government killing nine people in the process and burning over one hundred houses.

The villages attacked included Chembe, Tse-Mue, Ifer, Mgbakpa and Oragbai all in Ukemberagya council ward which is four kilometers away from Anyiin, the country home of Governor Gabriel Suswam.

Senior Special Assistant to Suswan on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Joseph Anawah, who is an indigene of the area said that the insurgents numbering about 100, used different routes to invade the villages.

The governor’s aide stated that the insurgents traced some farmers to their farms and killed them, adding that most of those killed included people that were rendered homeless as a result of last year’s attacks on the communities by the herdsmen and had returned to their villages to cultivate their farmlands.

He sued for the swift intervention of the federal government and other well meaning individuals and organizations to end the crisis in order to save the state and nation from imminent famine following the displacement of farmers who rely mostly on their farms to feed themselves.

Confirming the incidence, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP John Bako said two people had died in the attack.

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Supreme Court frees Lebanese jailed over arm cache in Kano home Eric IKHILAE, Abuja HE Supreme Court yesterday freed a Lebanese, Talal Ahmad Roda sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court, Abuja for conspiracy and illegal storage of firearms.

He was one of the three Lebanese accused of being members of the Hezbollah terrorist group and held in 2013 in relation to the arm cache found in a house in Kano and some allegedly hidden in some business premises in Abuja.

The others - Mustapha Fawaz, owner of the popular Amigo Supermarket and Wonderland Amusement Park in Abuja and his in-law, Abdallah Thahini - were freed by the trial court.

The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision yesterday, set aside both the process leading to Roda's conviction by the trial court and the court's findings. It also set aside the partial confirmation of the conviction by the Court of Appeal, Abuja and quashed Roda's sentence.

The court did not order his retrial as he was tried and convicted by a wrong court.

Justice Musa Dattijo Mohammed, who read the lead judgment, upheld the appellant's argument that the trial court was wrong to have assumed jurisdiction over the case and that the charge on which he (Roda) was convicted was incompetent.

The Federal Government had on July 29, 2013 arraigned the three men and Fawaz's companies on a 16count charge of terrorism before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

While Roda was convicted on counts 8 and 9 relating to conspiracy, Fawaz, his companies and Thahini were acquitted on all the counts.

Justice Ademola held that the prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubts that those freed are terrorists.

The judge further held that the prosecution failed by the evidence brought before the court to establish a case of terrorism against the accused persons.

He held that the prosecution was wrong by not producing before the court either of the ammunition recovered from No 3 Gaiya road, Kano or the photographer who took pictures of the ammunition.

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ESIDENTS of Maiduguri are fleeing in droves for fear of an attack by the terror sect,Boko Haram.

An earlier attempt last Sunday was repelled by soldiers.

But with residents whispering yesterday that members of the sect had surrounded the city preparatory to a fresh attempt,hundreds have rushing out of town.

The Damaturu/Kano/ Bauchi/Jos high way which is the only safe route in and out of the town has been recording heavy vehicular traffic in the last few days.

A resident of Damaturu in neighbouring Yobe State,Aisha Abdullahi told our correspondent that she almost called off her official

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Duku JOEL, Maiduguri trip to Maiduguri yesterday on seeing the large number of cars racing out of the city.

“I almost turned back looking at the way people were leaving the town.I just don’t know where the courage to continue the journey came from.I prayed all through the ,” she said.

Usman Kakami Bulama who moved his seven children to Kano said that Maiduguri residents have not been sleeping well since President Goodluck Jonathan’s recent campaign visit to Maiduguri.

“I have become worried just like many other people in Maiduguri. The city has not had this kind of threat of recent until the president

came here and left last Saturday. We don’t sleep with our eyes closed any longer and the tension is growing stronger every day.

“I have never moved my family anywhere since this problem started but I am afraid that this time around something dangerous will happen. It is better for my family to leave and I stay alone than all of us staying here. It does not make sense though its painful and the cost implication is also there,” Bulama said.

Hundreds of people besieged motor parks on Damaturu/Kano road on their way out of the city.

Many of them said they might return to after the election.

Augustina Andrew who was travelling to the

27 feared killed, 80 injured in Taraba attack T least twenty seven persons were yesterday killed and eighty injured in an ethno-religious crisis in Nwonko village of Wukari local government council of Taraba state.

Several houses and other properties were also burnt.

Police said they recovered nine corpses when the violence died down. The attackers however fled, upon the arrival of armed policemen.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Joseph Kwaji said the crisis was between Fulani Muslims and Jukun Christians.

"Before the arrival of our men, the attackers had fled the scene. The police were able to recover nine corpses."Our men are on ground now patrolling the place, and I think relative peace is returning," Kwaji said.

Sources said the attack took place in the early hours.

The killings raised fears that next month's general elections may not be peaceful in some parts of Taraba state.

Wukari has been a zone of bloodshed since 2013. With the reinstatement of Abubakar Sani Danladi as the new acting governor, the skirmishes were thought to have died down for displaced resi-

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Fanen IHYONGO, Jalingo dents to return to their homes and participate in the general elections. But there seemed to be no truce in the horizon, following yesterday's resurgence of violence.

Wukari has been socially and economically paralysed, very quiet and deserted like a 'ghost town.'

A member representing Wukari constituency in the state House of Assembly Daniel Ishaya Gani condemned the killings saying women and children were

also victims.

Gani said the fighters, in their thousands, began the offensive in Tunari village before invading Nwonko.

"Initially we thought the attackers were Boko Haram from Maiduguri because of their large number and sophisticated weaponry, until we discovered they were Fulani arsonists," the lawmaker said.

Gani urged the government to do more in deploying dependable security to the area to protect lives and property.

Southeast with her two children mentioned said: “if Nigeria is alive after May 29, 2015, I will come back otherwise, it is bye bye to Maiduguri”.

Abaganna Yunusa however dismissed the threat on Maiduguri by Boko Haram, saying :“Let them come inside Maiduguri, they will see fire. The day they enter Maiduguri will be their last day. We are going to kill all of them.

Enough is enough. We are tired of them.”

The army has remained silent on the feared attack.

Commercial activities are however going on smoothly in the metropolis.

Commercial institutions like banks are still operating in the city while schools, both private and public are also in session.

The magazine— N e w s w e e k — y e s t e rd a y quoted John Campbell, former U.S. ambassador to Nigeria and editor of the Nigeria Security Tracker - a tool which monitors violence in the West African country – as saying: “In terms of the encirclement of Maiduguri, we try to track the villages that Boko Haram occupies around Maiduguri and indeed it looks like a noose.”

Boko Haram launched an offensive on the city last week to coincide with the visit of U.S. secretary of state John Kerry to the capital, Lagos, to meet with both presidential candidates, incumbent Goodluck Jonathan and opposition leader Muhammadu Buhari.

Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara PDM adopt Buhari, guber candidates HE Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in the three states of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states on Thursday unanimously adopted the candidacy of All Progressives Congress(APC) Presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Similarly, the party has thrown it support behind respective governorship candidates of APC in the states.

In a joint statement by the party's states chairmen of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara, Abubakar Ainu, Ibrahim Master and Umar Gummi, respectively and issued to

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Adamu SULEIMAN, Sokoto newsmen, the party alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of president Jonathan had failed Nigerians.

"It is clear that the PDP government has totally failed in the areas of security, corruption, youth empowerment and job creation, equitable distribution of oil proceeds as well as the Naira value," the statement read in parts.

According to the party, it was necessary for Nigerians to join hands together "to ensure that our hard-earned democracy is not totally destroyed."

While urging it members and the generality of Nigerians to support the APC, the statement declared that the entire structure of the PDM at all levels would work for the success of the party.

"We the entire members of the PDM from the wards, local governments and states levels in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara state have unanimously accepted to adopt the candidacy of General Muhammadu Buhari as the presidential candidate and APC gubernatorial candidates in our respective states," the statement further confirmed.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

2015 election: Uduaghan warns over ethno-religious drum beats

Duke demands return of oil wells to Cross River n Nicholas KALU, Calabar n ORMER governor of Cross River State, Mr Donald Duke, yesterday, used the occasion of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential rally in Cross River State to demand the return of the oil wells the state lost to neighbors Akwa Ibom as a result of the loss of Bakassi to Cameroon.

The demand elicited wild cheers from the crowd at the UJ Esuene Stadium, venue of the rally.

The feeling in the state towards the Federal Government has been that of repressed anger, as it is felt that what they had have been taken from them.

Duke begged that at worst, a political solution should be applied to solve the problem which has put the state in a very precarious economic situation.

The former governor also pointed that the federal roads in the state were in deplorable conditions, and urged the Federal Government to urgently attend to these problems.

He promised Jonathan of the state’s support towards his re-election bid.

Jonathan, who later spoke, avoided a direct response to the issue of the oil wells and poor state of federal roads.

He said his administration would focus on young people.

He promised the extension of the East-West road to Calabar and a rail line that would run from Lagos to the Obudu Ranch in Obanliku Local Government Area of the state.

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Group accuses Dickson of sponsoring attacks against Jonathan’s wife n Mike ODIEGWU, Yenagoa n group, the Bayelsa Renaissance Movement (BRM), on Friday accused the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, of spending the state funds to sponsor media attacks against the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan.

The group expressed dismay that Dickson was attacking Mrs, Jonathan despite her contributions to his election in 2012.

But reacting to the allegations, Governor Dickson, through a statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Iworiso-Markson, refuted the claim and distanced self from threats against the first lady, vowing to deal with troublemakers.

BRM in a statement signed by its President, Mieton Charlse Labiri, claimed that Mrs. Jonathan was never involved in the alleged plot to unseat the governor in 2016.

Labiri said: "Dame Jonathan is not associated with any political evil, either in Bayelsa State or Nigeria.

From her little corner, she galvanised support for Hon.Seriake Dickson in 2011/2012 to emerge as the governor. It is quite sad that the same man is today expending millions of state fund to sponsor media attacks against her."

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n Shola O'NEIL, S'South n Regional Editor OVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State yesterday urged caution by the political class during the campaigns in the build up to next month’s elections .

He warned against whipping up ethnic and religious sentiments.

“We should caution ourselves on what we say, the desperation and do-or-die is becoming worrying. No position is so important that should result in loss of lives.

Eight years is a short time, four years is shorter. If we realized this we won’t go to the extent some of us are going to,” Gov.Uduaghan said in Warri.

“Unfortunately, ethnic, regional and religious colorations are being given to everything. The combination of ethnicity and religion, if not properly managed, can be very dangerous.”

He appealed to contestants across the various political parties to put the interest of the nation above their personal ambitions.

Citing the PDP Senate primaries in the state from which he withdrew,the governor said: “When I look at the build-up it was a build up to violence, not just by one ethnic group. We are enjoying freedom today but I have a strong feeling that if the Senate primaries had gone on there would have been curfew in Warri today. “ I am using myself as an example because I believe we do not need to go to the extent we do sometimes to seek political offices.”

The governor also said that the groundbreaking ceremony of the Ogidigben Export Processing Zone (EPZ) project in Delta State will now come up after the presidential poll.

According to him, the original November 2014 ceremony was put off for security reasons.

He said the president had mandated him to work with the appropriate presidency officials to agree on a new date for the ceremony after the February 14 presidential election.

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•President Goodluck Jonathan (2nd left), assisted by Vice President Namadi Sambo (L); PDP Chairman, Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu; Cross River State Governor, Sen. Liyel Imoke; Mr. Peter Obi, and Senate Leader, Sen. Victor NdomaEgba (R) at the commissioning of the multi-billion naira Goodluck Jonathan By-pass in Calabar...yesterday

Edo traditional rulers support Buhari, APC HE Otaru of Igarra Kingdom, His Royal Highness (HRH), Oba Emmanuel Saiki II and his council of chiefs have expressed their support for the candidates of the All Progressive Congress (APC) for the Edo State House of Assembly and the National Assembly in the general elections.

The monarch also promised to support the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (Rtd).

He made the promise while receiving the state governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole in his palace at Igarra, the administrative headquarters of Akoko-Edo Local Government

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n Osemwengie BEN OGBEMUDIA n Area.

Addressing the monarch, Oshiomhole said, “I want to thank you for the support you have extended to my administration, the wise counseling, and to appreciate you for the leadership you have provided, which has ensured peace in this kingdom.

“My mission today is to present our candidates in the forth-coming elections to you; to solicit your royal blessing and to mobilize your subjects to support our party, the APC. “Your highness, I must state that

while we do this, we need to understand that in the elections, we need visible people, not only in the state House of Assembly, the presidency as well, people who can’t be swayed when you put a little money in front of them.”

Governor Oshiomhole did not fail to seize to use the opportunity of the interruption in power supply during the visit to castigate the PDP, saying, “In the cause of my speech, light went-off.

That is the story of Nigeria, that we can’t live our lives uninterrupted because the Federal Government under the PDP for 16 years has always promised that they will fix power.

Physically-challenged protest destruction of APC billboards in Calabar A

group of physically challenged persons yesterday stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat along Barracks Road to protest an alleged “continued removal of billboards/posters belonging to APC candidates in Cross River State by persons suspected to be supporters and hirelings of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.’’

The protesters, who addressed themselves as the APC Persons With Disabilities (APCPWD), arrived the secretariat at about 3pm, led

n Nicholas KALU, Calabar n

by Mr. Offiong Effanga Okon.

The group warned perpetrators to desist as such tendencies were capable of breeding violence and undermine public peace during and after the elections.

They also warned that the non-violence pact recently endorsed by the various parties in the February elections must be respected to the later through a civil and peaceful approach to the electioneering.

“Just yesterday, we gathered after our investigations that PDP supporters were going round removing posters and billboards of our candidates apparently to satisfy their paymasters.

Incidentally, too, we are here today to report to the state echelon of the party that we have confirmed this criminal tendency of the PDP hirelings following the removal and or replacement of our presidential candidate’s, General Muhammadu Buhari’s billboard close to the Margaret Ekpo

Jonathan commissions Calabar’s first flyover RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday commissioned the multi-billion 6.8 kilometres Airport Bypass road with an interchange bridge named after the President in Calabar, capital of Cross River State.

Speaking at the brief ceremony prior to the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign in Calabar, the President eulogized Governor Liyel Imoke for his leadership style saying that he was an iconic symbol of good representation of the party.

According to Jonathan, “This is a great story which symbolizes the vision of PDP, to create environment that will stimulate and help people in commerce, industry and social integration. For the government and people to notice that they need a bypass

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from the airport to divert traffic and decongest the city is indeed an exhibition visionary leadership.

“On behalf of my party, the PDP we thank you very sincerely for representing us well here in the state. Let me at this point assure you that we will work with the state to ensure that more of this kind of amenities is attracted to the state.”

On the naming of the road after him, the President said: “I want to thank you very sincerely for immortalizing me with the naming of this all important road after me. I pray that the day I will leave office, I will leave enough footprints that people will use in remembering me.”

He described Cross River as Nigeria’s entertainer centre that has curved a niche for itself in the area of tourism

adding that, “I’m glad to be in Cross River State, a state that is entertaining Nigerians.

That was why I selected your own, Chief Edem Duke to come and handle tourism at the centre because we saw what he was doing in Cross River.”

Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke who could not hide his excitement at having the President commission the road, said: “Today, we have the privilege of you commissioning one of our very many projects by the grace of God in the state. It is an airport bypass road designed to decongest traffic in our city center. It is constructed through a swampy area. Contruction started in 2011 and we are glad to complete this 6.8 kilometres road with an interchange bridge and have you commission it.”

International in Calabar Airport with that of Goodluck Jonathan its candidate.

Receiving them at the secretariat, co-chairman, Media and Publicity of the Governorship Campaign Council, Mr. Bassey Ekpenyong Ita said, ‘’the party is already aware of the clamp down on instruments of identity of our party’s candidates for the February polls by persons suspected thugs and we assure that appropriate actions would be taken to put an end to the anomaly.”

Ita said the party will contact relevant law enforcement agencies on the matter.

Akpabio happy over Ibaka deep seaport KWA Ibom State Governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio has disclosed that Ibaka Deep Seaport in the state has not been abandoned as being rumoured following the presentation of the final Outline Business Case (OBC) on the project to him.

Governor Godswill Akpabio, who stated this on Thursday when members of the Ibaka Project Steering Committee, led

by Dikko Bala, paid him a courtesy visit at Governor's Office, Uyo, noted that the seaport would become a major transshipment port to other surrounding nations and a gateway to industrialization.

Akpabio remarked, "The Ibaka Deep Seaport, which will be the best in the country, would become a major trans-shipment port to other surrounding nations. It would be a gateway to industrialization and when realized, it would assist Nigeria a lot and will have positive multiplier effects to the country's economy.

"Port development will help to consolidate on government economy, and the emergence of the Ibaka deep seaport will be a gateway to decongest activities in the Lagos port. It will attract foreign shippers into the country. The Ibaka deep seaport is like a seed that must be sown to create major industries in the country and create employment opportunities for our teeming youths," he said.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

•L-R: Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly and running mate to the governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Ude Okochukwu; PDP governorship candidate, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Abia State governor, Theodore Orji and National Vice Chairman, South-East PDP, Col. Austine Akobundu, acknowledging greetings from the crowd on their arrival during the PDP Abia south zonal campaign rally at Enyimba Stadium Aba.

•Area Manager, PZ Wilmar Ltd, Mr Sunday Odii (left), presenting a cheque to the Managing Director, Geo-System Ltd, Mrs Victoria Mohammed (middle), in Abuja. With them are the winner of a car, Alhaji Sani Umar (2nd left); Head of Sales, PZ Wilmar, Mr Ademola Aramide-Atolagbe (2nd right) and Chairman, Central Geo-System Ltd, Mr Mohammed Rasaq...yesterday.

Abia police parade robbery suspects HE Abia State police command has paraded two suspected armed robbers who dispossessed a man of his Toyota Sequioa SUV car.

The suspects were alleged to have pasted a campaign poster of Hon. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, member representing Bende federal constituency of the state.

Parading the suspects in Umuahia, the state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ibrahim, said that the suspects must have done it to escape arrest, since it could be believed that the car belongs to Ms Ukeje.

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•Suspects pasted politician’s campaign posters on car to evade arrest n Ugochukwu UGOJI-EKE, Umuahia n Ibrahim said that the two men, Uchenna Ibero, male aged 24, and Ifeanyi Agbai male, 27, were arrested by the police at Amaiyi Obilohia in Isuikwuato Local Government Area after snatching a campaign bus from a politician.

The Abia CP said that the suspects had earlier snatched a Mitsubishi campaign bus with registration number APP 376 CV, belonging to Chief Karibe Pascal Ojigwe, a former international foot-

Ojukwu's kinsmen support Uba HE kinsmen late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu have declared their support to Chief Chris Uba of the people’s democratic party(PDP) in the State.

Uba is contesting for Anambra south senatorial zone in next month’s general elections on the platform of the PDP. According to them, Uba had shown demonstrable resilience, courage and commitment to make a positive difference in the affairs of the state, adding that he ought to be given the chance to serve the people.

The four Obis that make up the clans of Nnewi, namely Uruagu, Umudim, Nnewichi and Otolo, made the declaration when Uba and other PDP leaders paid them courtesy

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n Nwanosike ONU, Awka n visit in continuation of his tour of the wards.

Speaking separately in the respective domains, the Obis described Uba as "a firsteleven" politician who should be at the centre stage of national politics."

They said they would do everything within their reach to ensure that Uba's ambition is realised.

Also yesterday, the PDP campaign train moved to Idemili South Local Government Area, where the state chairman of the party, Ejike Oguebego, presented flags to its candidate for the House of Reps election, Hon. Charles Odedo and the senatorial candidate, Senator Annie Okonkwo.

Jonathan is a brand –Obi ORMER Anambra State governor and Deputy Director (South) of the PDP National Campaign Council, Mr. Peter Obi, has described President Goodluck Jonathan as a brand when it comes to governance.

He said this yesterday during the PDP Presidential Campaign at the Awka-Ibom Stadium, Uyo. Obi said that just as every brand of any particular product had its selling points, that today in Nigeria, President Goodluck Jonathan has strong selling points that were compelling reasons while Nigerians should return him for another four years.

On those selling points, Obi referred to his respect for democratic dividends, his transformation of the airports in the country, his ability to put back the trains back to tracks after more than 30 years, his transformation of the agriculture sector, his imprints on education, his belief in the unity of the country, among others.

According to Obi, "His records are available for all to evaluate. He has an enviable past that holds a bright prospect for a far better future. I say this because in leadership, it is good to retrospect into the past of those seeking different positions so as to have an idea of what the future will be."

Reacting to the fall in the value of the nation’s currency, Obi said that the global fall in oil prices was affecting many nations of the world, especially those that export petroleum. He said that comparatively, Nigeria was one of the least affected among oil-producing nations, which, according to him, was of proof of Nigeria's sound macro economic management.

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baller and a candidate of the APGA for Abia House of Assembly.

He said that the suspects snatched the bus at gun point from Ojigwe.

“My men went after them and traced them to Isuikwuato, where Agbai was arrested, and during a search in his house, we recovered one AK47 rifle with serial number 05934.

“One AK47 magazine containing three rounds of live ammunition, one locally-made revolver pistol, one APGA T-shirt and one black

polo with the inscription, ‘Gallant MOPOL, including the snatched bus.

“A few days later, the suspects led the police to the De-Jug Hotel, located at Nkpa, near Uzuakoli, in search of the fleeing members of the gang, and the hoodlums, numbering about five, on sighting the police, opened fire on them.”

Ibrahim said that one suspect, identified as Ifeanyi Agwu Sunday of Eluama Alayi, was arrested with bullet wound, while the Toyota SUV with registration number SMK

766 DE, with a poster on it was recovered.

The police boss said that his men also recovered one Space wagon with registration number NCH 405 AE, one Toyota Picnic SUV with registration number KPA 177 LG and a Lexus Jeep with registration number PH 30 AM. He added that the vehicles were recovered and one Ndubueze Onuegbu was arrested in connection with the three vehicles which were parked in a compound belonging to one Chibueze Onuegbu at Ubani Ibeku in Umuahia North area.

...two killed in Delta EN of the Delta State police command have killed two robbery suspects.

The suspects were killed when they engaged a police team in a gun duel after a botched robbery attempt.

The Nation gathered that the suspects, who operated on motorcycles, were part of a notorious gang of armed robbers who have terrorized residents

M

n Okungbowa AIWERIE, Asaba n

of Ebrumede community, Uwvie Local Government Area.

The robbers allegedly posed as customers to rob a shop, which specialises in selling hitech phones and computer accessories.

According to the shopowner, identified as Godswill Okito, “about two weeks ago,

these armed robbers came to my office and requested for Hi-Tech phones and a Samsung Galaxy X5, with the total amount put at N500,000.I gave them my complimentary card, taking them to be real business men.

“They called me to say they were coming for the items on January 27th at about 1.00pm,

but they got to my office at past 12.00 pm, when they met my sales girl and told her of an impending business with me.

My sales girl told them to wait, but the suspects brought out guns and threatened to shoot her.”

However, luck was said to have ran out on the robbers when the sales girl escaped and raised alarm and put a distress call to the police.

INEC distributes 1,431,500 PVCs in Delta HE Independent National Electoral Commission in Delta State, yesterday, said it had distributed 1,431,500 of the 1,911,332 permanent voter cards.

The figure, according to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr AneidiAbasi Ikiowak, represents 75% of the number of voter cards distributed, adding that the distribution of unclaimed 479,832 PVC’s had continued in the 25 local government areas of the state.

Ikiowak, who spoke in Asaba-the Delta State capital, said the PVC’s were printed after the 2010 voters’ registration conducted in the state.

He urged those yet to collect their

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n Okungbowa AIWERIE, Asaba n PVC’s to do so.

‘I have instructed electoral officers to distribute these cards even in markets and churches provided that the owners will sign attestation documents,” the REC said, adding that some of the unclaimed cards belonged to those who had relocated from Delta State or transferred their voting points from Delta to other states.

Ikiowak said the owners of some of the unclaimed cards may have been deceased, adding that the electoral body found that some of the cards belonged to some students of tertiary institutions who had left the state after graduation.

He said the electoral body had received 365,280 additional PVC’s for those that registered during the last continuous registration exercise and those that transferred to Delta State.

He said the additional cards were being sorted, and promised that distribution would commence by weekend.

Ikiowak said the commission had received 4,380 card readers for the 3,624 polling units, adding that some of the cards readers were reserves.

He said 22,000 ad hoc staff drawn from the NYSC, staff of Federal Government owned establishments would be engaged for the elections.

President promises to review status of Oron maritime academy •Says FG has rehabilitated 20,000km roads RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday said his government would review the status of Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, in Akwa Ibom State.

Jonathan, who spoke during his campaign rally at the Akwa Ibom International stadium in Uyo, also assured indigenes of Akwa Ibom State that the Ibaka deep seaport would be a reality.

The President explained that so far, the Federal Government has rehabilitated 20,000 kilometers of roads out of the 30, 000 kilometres of roads that were not motorable in the country.

He said: “Your governor has tabled four things, the Maritime Academy in Oron. He feels that we should review the status of that institution. I promise you that we will review the status of the institution. The governor has also men-

P

n Kazeem IBRAHYM and n Uyoatta ESHIET, Uyo tioned the Ibaka deep sea port. The Ibaka deep sea port must be a reality.

“The governor has also mentioned the issue of the rail lines and of course Aba-Calabar road. When we came on board only about 5, 000kilometers of road out of the 35, 000 kilometers of federal road are motorable.

“30, 000 kilometers of federal roads are not motorable. We have rehabilitated 20, 000 kilometers of the road within four years. The remaining 10, 000 kilometers, including this road that the governor mentioned, is among the 10, 000 kilometers. It is a small fraction.

Jonathan, who admitted that he has not done enough to deserve the overwhelming support he is getting from

Akwa Ibom state, said: “I cannot come to Akwa Ibom State to campaign. The support you have given to me, I don’t think I have in terms of doing something for Akwa Ibom State, I have done nothing compared to the support you have given to me.

“What I will tell you is to continue with the support. We will focus on major things and definitely Akwa Ibom state will be happy that they have supported us. We will not take your support for granted. We will surely make every Akwa Ibom sons and daughters are happy with the government.

In his speech, Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, assured President Jonathan of 1.6 milion votes in the February 14 presidential election.

In attendance at the rally were Governors of Cross River, Liyel Imoke; Delta State, Emmanule Uduaghan and Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

COMMENTARY

• Continued from page 11 porters of the NEPU were sentenced to various imprisonments in Maiduguri without option of fines for unlawful assembly. Similarly in 1956, the BYM candidate, Alhaji Basheru Yunusa, defeated Alhaji Shettima Kashim, the Waziri of Borno (Prime Minister), who contested under the platform of the NPC during the Northern House of Assembly election for the Yerwa North constituency. It was humiliation beyond description for the second most important man in Borno, the Waziri, to be defeated by a "truck driver" of the NA Works Department.

Professor Oshuntokun captured the scenario thus: "The victory of the BYM in 1956 invited a vigorous response from Kashim Ibrahim. The entire NA staff, NA police, the emirate council and all other forces were utilized by Kashirn to fight the BYM. Through systematic persecution, sometimes, involving imprisonment, exile, forceful removal from one's house, burning of property by party thugs, the BYM was weakened".

In 1958, during the elections into the Yerwa Town Council, the BYM won eight seats, while the NPC won 23. Waziri Kashim did not stop here, even after the victory of the NPC. Strict orders emanated from the NPC, forbidding any social and commercial contacts with the supporters of the BYM. Thus the members of the BYM were regarded as contaminated commodities or infectious diseases which must be avoided at all cost. It was indeed politics of bitterness. The NPC administration in Borno then was ferocious, undignifying and oppressive, especially where the opposition groups were involved. Imam himself was not spared this NPC tyranny and absolutism. His case became more intolerable to the NPC when it became obvious that the BYM and Imam had the sympathy and support of the Action Group (AG) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo. The people were pushed to the wall and could bear it no more. The climax came when Imam, the patron of the BYM was convicted on a trump-up charges of bribery and corruption through a gift of a horse. He was sentenced to a year imprisonment. To humiliate him further, his house and property in Maiduguri were set ablaze and was forced to go on exile to Gboko, the hometown of Joseph Tarka, the leader of the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC). There, Imam contested an election into the Northern Regional House of Assembly, using the psudo name, Mr. lwar lwar Gatie in Jemgbah (Tarka's Constituency) and won. He became the leader of opposition. Like in Borno, other places in Nigeria, especially the Western Region recorded serious political intolerance, thuggery, electoral fraud, arson and assassination of political opponents which later earned the region the appellation of "WILD WEST". The political upheavals, breaches of peace and near anarchy conundrum were the shortcomings that heralded the death knell of the First Republic with the military coup of January 16, 1966.

One person that hailed from Borno this time who was also a Minister in the First Republic was Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim. Alhaji Waziri witnessed the bitterness, rancour and bloody politics of the First Republic and would in the Second Republic not tolerate the same. Hence in 1979, the introduction of "Politics without bitterness" of his Great Nigeria People Party (GNPP), one of the registered five political parties in the Second Republic. Parts of the manifesto of the GNPP reads: "We believe in POLITICS WITHOUT BITTERNESS. This implies an understanding by all the political parties in this country that they are members of one large family - the nation. Members of this family should entertain and accommodate differing points of view with the full knowledge and understanding that if the family prospers all its members will share in this prosperity, and the family cannot prosper without the full cooperation of all its members." This philosophy served as the undertone of the political testament of the

No to inglorious past

• Ex-Borno Gov, Sheriff GNPP this period, though there were occasions in which his principle was put to severe test as a result of some unpleasant political upheavals or intimidation witnessed this period.

Commenting on this Waziri's philosophy of peace in his book, "The Nigerian General Elections 1959 and 1979 and the Aftermath," Ahmadu Kurfi (page 243) writes “.... Nigerians appeared to have learned a bitter lesson in 1959, 1964 and 1965 when several lives were lost and valuable property damaged or destroyed and many people detest repeat performances of the ugly episodes of those years. The spirit of "politics without bitterness expounded by Alhaji Waziri Ibrahim, leader and presidential candidate of the GNPP, generally prevailed throughout the country."

No doubt, Waziri Ibrahim in 1979 had a dream.

He had a dream of clean politics of post-1965 era.

He had a dream of Nigerian politicians, giving Nigeria a clean bill of health in politics through a total break from the horrible past. As a matter of fact, the flag of the GNPP with 19 stars depicting the then 19-state structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a royal blue background, its logo of a cow, a cockerel, bunch of groundnut and palm tree attested to the great diversification geographical spread and agrarian basis of the party.

Similarly, its motto of “Justice to the People" or "Adalchi" spread through the nooks and crannies of the country. GNPP, as a party from the minority background, had support from all the minority groupings of the First Republic and was indeed the only truly national party in outlook with pockets of support nationwide.

The well-acclaimed philosophy of politics without bitterness of Waziri Ibrahim ironically went into troubled waters in Borno, his home state as a result of some unpleasant political upheavals or intimidation witnessed this period between the GNPP state controlled government on one hand and the National Party of Nigeria (NPN), the opposition party in the state, and the NPN federal controlled government on the other.

Immediately after the gubernatorial election won

by Alhaji Mohammed Goni, the GNPP governorship candidate, the NPN rejected the governorship results on the ground that the election was rigged. Alhaji Kam Salem, the defeated NPN governorship candidate who was once the Inspector General of Police boasted immediately the gubernatorial results were released, "The government of the GNPP in Borno State is a temporary government. We will bring it down in three months".

Within the first three months, of course, the NPN as a party, undertook to contest most of the elections they had lost, including the gubernatorial election, in a court of law; they did not succeed much even in the one case where a re-election was ordered. Not willing to be contended with that,

the party proceeded to challenge the constituted authority of the Borno State Government and its agencies both in the state capital and In the rural areas, by appointing parallel structures of administration, especially in the traditional section where they knew the fibre of state administration lied; and where also they knew or believed that they could manipulate the gullibility of rural folks to persist in their recklessness.

There were accusations and counter ones. The NPN accused the GNPP government of victimizing their supporters who were in the NPN and depriving them contracts and also denying civil servants, having the sympathy for the NPN, promotion in addition to victimizing them. While denying the allegations, the GNPP accused the NPN of subversion and incitement through creating parallel structures of government and intimidating as well obstructing government officials in the course of discharging their duties. Accusations and counter ones graduated to physical combat and outright arson and riots resulting in deaths and burning of houses. Rightly or wrongly, the police was accused of partisanship by the GNPP controlled government of Mohammed Goni and called for the transfer of the state police commissioner in person of Alhaji T'ahiru Jiddah, a request rejected by the federal government. Peaceful Borno suddenly assumed the toga of bloodletting.

Of the riots, the ones of Bembem and Chukuriwa were devastating in human and property loss.

To compound the situation, the federal government of President Shehu Shagari deported Alhaji Shugaba Darman, the GNPP majority leader in the Borno State House of Assembly to Chad on the ground that he was a non-Nigerian and a security risk. To a great extent, the degree of animosity was mutual. The Bembem Judicial Commission of Inquiry, in its findings, captured the mood of mutual hostility in the following words: To the supporters of both parties, the slogan "Adalchi" of the GNPP and "Aminci’" of the NPN were abusive and repulsive words, or taken as such; and neither side at Bembem on the fateful day took kindly to them ... what is said to Bembem, at that in time could be said so for the whole state". The commission continued: “Daggers-drawn animosity and hostility permeated the political arena in the state; the political situation was tense; and security of the state was unstable. Riots, clashes, ambush, threats to life, killings and destruction of properties were rampant." But even more ominously, the commission observed: - "No police action, if any at all on some of these riots etc., like the burning of Uno (Nduguno) village (which occurred) about six months ago and other atrocities (was taken)".

With regards the deportation of Alhaji Shugaba Darrnan, Justice Oye Adefila, sitting at the Maiduguri High court nullified the deportation order and awarded the plaintiff (Shugaba ] the sum of N250, 000 for exemplary and aggravated damages against the federal government. The federal government appealed against the judgment, but lost at the Appeal Court as the court upheld the judgment of the lower court but reduced the cost in respect to damages. However, the federal government of President Shagari did not pay the cost awarded against it. It was President Ibrahim Babangida administration that paid the cost of damages so awarded to Shugaba Darman.

Thus, the politics of Borno during this period was almost similar to the dirty politics of pre-and post-independence era in the state where there was politics of bitterness between the NPC on one hand and the BYM/NEPU on the other.

The coming into power of General Abubakar Abdusalami, following the death of General Sanni Abacha marked the floodgate of political

parties as over 40 political parties emerged.

However, of all these, the prominent ones were the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Peoples Party (APP) later turned All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Alliance for Democracy (AD) and Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the breakaway faction from parent ANPP. Later the ACN, ANPP and CPC merged into the All Progressives Party (APC).

In Borno State this time, the dominant parties were the ANPP and PDP and, of course, to an extent the CPC. Between 2009 and 2014, the APP and later known as the ANPP controlled the state with overwhelming members in the state Assembly. While Alhaji Mala Kachalla was the ANPP state governor between 1999-2003, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff became the state governor between 2003 and 2011 and Governor Kashim Shettima from 2011 to date on the same party platform.

However, between 2001 and 2003, the APP experienced internal squabbles which resulted thereafter into factions in the party. As a result of the factionalization, the then governor, Alhaji Mala Kachalla, defected into the AD and contested the 2003 gubernatorial election in Borno on the platform of AD. Senator Ali Modu Sheriff became the governor of Borno between 2003 and 2011 on the platform of ANPP, having won the gubernatorial election twice on the party platform.

Similar to what happened in 2003 when the ANPP ran into internal conflict and consequent factionalization, the APC in Borno in 2014 had a problem as a faction of the party in the state led by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, a chieftain of the APC, pulled out of the APC into the PDP, while the other faction led by Governor Kashim Shettima remained in the APC. The defection of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff is said not to be unconnected with his inability to realize his dream in the APC. It would be recalled that between 2003 and 2011, the ANPP ran into internal conflict and consequent factionization of the party with each faction, evolving its own militant wing as a protective unit. Of these militant wings was the ECOMONG said to have the blessing of the leadership of the main political party (ANPP). This period as well unfortunately marked a replay of the past bloody scenario of the inglorious past as they were political clashes and bloodletting, among various political groups. Ironically, it was a case of “dogs eat dogs” as most of the political upheavals were among the factions that constituted the ANPP in the state, the ruling party.

Today, in Borno State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has experienced a breakaway faction led by Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who has moved into the PDP along with his supporters, while the rest APC members in the state stood behind Kashim Shettima, the state governor. As stated earlier, it is observed that the supporters of the two groups are consciously or unconsciously drumming war songs, spreading false alarm and raising unnecessary tension. Sadly enough, this unpleasant situation is aided or abetted through acts of omission or commission by a section of the press. This is unfortunate as the press should be the unbiased umpire, thereby minimizing political violence.

For now, efforts should be directed at peaceful elections, especially in Borno and other areas assaulted by Boko Haram as these areas cannot afford to shed further bloodshed in the name of politics.

We cannot afford to go back to our inglorious political past.

•Izekor, a senior journalist, wrote from Maiduguri.

Group urges INEC to speak out if it's having challenges HE Christian Welfare Initiative (CWI) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to let Nigerians know if it is having challenges in conducting February 14 presidential election.

The National President, of the association, Archbishop Magnus Atilade said it would not augur well for a commission saddled with such responsibility to keep quiet, and allow people with vested interest to be its mouthpiece by canvassing for a postponement of the elections.

Atilade said, "nowhere in the world is the goal post shifted when the game is on. So nobody should suggest for a postponement if INEC has not said it cannot conduct fair, free and credible elections.

"There is more than meet the eyes when people go outside the country

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Oyeyemi GBENGAMUSTAPHA and Adeola OGUNLADE to be canvassing for shift in the election dates. It will not be fair on the contestants, who had spent money on campaign and other logistics.

Indeed, shifting unilaterally is dangerous. No problem is insurmountable. If the INEC comes out and announced that it is having challenges, then clerics like us can pray, while civil societies and activists can brainstorm on solutions, all in unity and dear love for our nation, Nigeria.

"For some notable figure to be telling the world, without actually allowing INEC to consult or discussing with Nigerians, that February 14 election and other elections are not feasible does not portray us a sovereign nation."

CWI, a.k.a-Christian Vanguard said it is also disheartening that the country is disintegrating through the activities of Boko Haram.

Archbishop Atilade said the situation is approaching a disgraceful calamity which is ridiculing all

claims to nationhood.

"Enough is enough. Boko Haram insurgencies must be defeated and eradicated from our society by all means. We need to deploy both local and international forces to wipe these local and foreign terrorist

groups from our country, once and for all," he stated.

He equally enjoined all Nigerians who are eligible to vote, to go, "and collect their permanent voters cards (PVC), go out to vote and protect your votes.

‘Allow voters use temporary voter’s card’ traditional ruler in Ogun State, Oniwasinmi of Wasinmi, Oba Emmanuel Osuntogun, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow the use of Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC) in the absence of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) to enable voters perform their electoral responsibility for the candidate of their choice.

The PVC, according to the monarch, is the only certificate from the INEC that qualifies citizens to vote or be voted for.

The monarch said many Nigerians are yet to collect their PVCs, including himself and his wives; this is due to shoddy arrangement in the distribution of the cards.

A

Osuntogun stated this in his office at the Premier Group of Schools, Itori, Ewekoro Local Government Area, Ogun State.

The monarch said apart from him, many eligible voters in the country were yet to obtain their PVCs, just as he urged INEC to ensure prompt distribution of the cards or allow the citizens to vote with the temporary cards since they were also issued by the INEC. His words: "As a citizen, it is my right to vote and the only certificate that permits me to vote is the PVC and I have tried many times but I have not been able to get it including my wives.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY JANUARY 31, 2015

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HE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said some top Army officers serving in the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) may be sanctioned for suffering losses of men and weapons during encounters with Boko Haram insurgents.

The list of the said officers and the nature of the fatal operations were, however, kept under wraps by the military as at

Boko Haram: DHQ may sanction Army General, others Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

press time.

But there were concerns that the indictment of the officers might be in connection with recent strikes of Boko Haram in Baga.

There were indications that the affected officers had been moved to Abuja for interrogation.

A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj-

AU proposes 7,500-strong force to fight Boko Haram

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HE African Union (AU) yesterday tabled a pro posal for a regional fivenation force of 7,500 troops to defeat the "horrendous" rise of the terror sect, Boko Haram,in Nigeria and neighbouring Chad, Cameroun and Niger Republic.

The call for collective action came as leaders of the 54-member bloc opened their two-day annual summit in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, where they are addressing a string of crises across the continent.

"Terrorism, in particular the brutality of Boko Haram against our people, is a threat to our collective safety, security and development. This has now spread to the region beyond Nigeria and requires a collective, effective and decisive response," AU commission chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said in a speech opening the summit.

The proposed force will have the backing of the AU and will ask for expected UN Security Council approval, plus a "Trust Fund" to pay for it, DlaminiZuma said.

More than 13,000 people have been killed and more than one million made homeless by Boko Haram violence since 2009.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told African leaders that Boko Haram was "a clear danger to national, regional and international peace and security".

Also listed for discussion at the summit are the economic recovery of countries affected by the Ebola virus, the setting up a "solidarity fund" and planning a proposed African Centre for Disease Control.

The worst outbreak of the virus in history has seen nearly 9,000 deaths in a year - almost all of them in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone - and sparked a major health scare worldwide.

With over a dozen elections due to take place this year across Africa, the focus at the talks will also be on how to ensure peaceful polls - likely leaving little time for discussions on the official summit theme of women's empowerment.

The Institute for Security Studies, an African think-tank, warns that many of these elections "are being held in a context that increases the risk of political violence".

Ban Ki-moon also told African leaders they "cannot afford" to ignore the wishes of their citizens.

"People around the world have expressed their concern about leaders who refuse to leave office when their terms end. I share those concerns.

Undemocratic constitutional changes and legal loopholes should never be used to cling to power," Ban said.

Meanwhile, the All

Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) has said that the decision of the the AU to commit troops in a multinational effort to fight the Boko Haram terror sect was a welcome development.

A statement from the Director of Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, yesterday said the decision of the AU to send troops to confront the Boko Haram onslaught will bring succour to many Nigerians who have waited for government intervention.

The statement reads: “We welcome the decision of the African Union to endorse 7,500 West African troops to fight Boko Haram.

“For the victims of the Boko Haram onslaught and for Nigerians who are residents of areas most hit by Boko Haram attacks, this is the best news that has come for a long time.

"It is an action that has become necessary in the face of the seemingly show of ineptitude and a clear lack of proactive initiatives on the part of the PDP government, a government that prefers to muddle up and politicise issues of paramount importance than to squarely face them.

"We will only implore the AU troops to conduct themselves in accordance with the global rules of engagement.”

Feb poll: Forum threatens N10m libel against Jonathan's House-to-House campaign group

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HE Nigerian Young Pro fessionals Forum (NYPF) yesterday threatened a N10million libel action against a house-to-house group campaigning for President Goodluck Jonathan for using its name illegally.

The forum dissociated itself from the campaign group in a protest letter to House-to-House through its counsel, Mason and Smith LP. The protest letter said: "It has come to the attention of our client that your organization is responsible for a paid and sponsored political campaign bulletin/advertorial which has been aired on the network of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and on other media platforms with national coverage.

"The said political campaign bulletin/advertorial has the intention of passing off our client as a political group, association

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation and forum – whereas the contrary is the case.

"In the said bulletin we are made to understand that clips and visuals of the chairman and other executive members of our client were infused into your political bulletin/advertorial passing them off either as members of a political group and/ or representing them as endorsing certain other individuals or groups in the forthcoming general elections.

"Our clients find this political bulletin/advertorial offensive, distasteful and wholly repugnant. It is interesting to note that the bulletin/advertorial paid for and sponsored by your organization has the clear and expressed intent/capacity and indeed has represented our client as a political forum. This is

totally unacceptable."

The forum demanded the withdrawal of such adverts where it had been featured.

The letter added: "In view of the foregoing, we have our client’s instruction to direct as follows: "That immediately upon receipt of this letter, your organization ensures that the said bulletin/advertorial is withdrawn and further showing of same on any media channel/platform ceases forthwith.

"A retraction of the said bulletin/advertorial and a public apology to our client. Compensation of N10m for passing off our client as a political actor/ group.

"Please be minded that unless the foregoing demands are complied with, our client will be constrained to seek redress for this grievance in a court of law of competent jurisdiction."

Catholic Church warns against inciting sermons, statements

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ATHOLIC Church yes terday called for restraint by clergies in their sermons ahead of next month’s elections.

The church, which plans to deploy 4889 observers in 23 states during the polls, particularly asked clergymen to avoid partisanship and admonish their members against inciting and abusive language in the social media

News 67

Eid-El-Maulud

The Executive Secretary of the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Evaristus Bassey, told reporters in Abuja that churches and mosques should intensify sensitization of their members to avoid violence whatever the outcome of the elections.

He said some groups are bent on causing trouble after the election “no matter how free and fair it is, if it does not

suit them.”

He added: “Citizens should not rely on the assurances of security agencies alone, as the scale of violence, if it happens, may overwhelm their capacity, and therefore must be extra vigilant “ Citizens must pray against violence. On this note, the JDPCs will be holding prayer rallies across five geo-political zones, except for the North East.”

Gen. Chris Olukolade, said the disciplinary action is a normal military procedure. " Nigerian officers in key command positions of the MNJTF are in the process of accounting for their actions, leading to the loss of weapons, men and locations in their areas of responsibility.

"This is a normal military procedure in major operations or after encounters. The essence is to extract and collate relevant information for subsequent missions.

"It could also lead to or determine appropriate disciplinary action where necessary."

Wikipedia says: "MNJTF is a 'combined multinational forma-

tion', comprising units of the Chadian, Nigerien and Nigerian Armed Forces.

"The task force was first organised as a solely Nigerian force in 1994 during the administration of the late Gen. Sani Abacha to "checkmate banditry activities and to facilitate free movement" along its northern border.

"In 1998, it was expanded to include units from neighbouring Chad and Niger with the purpose of dealing with common cross-border security issues in the Lake Chad region, with its headquarters in the town of Baga, Borno State."

Meanwhile, the DHQ last

night confirmed the reclaiming of Michika in Adamawa State from the insurgents.

But it said a mopping-up operation was ongoing to search for stranded insurgents.

The statement added: "An extensive mopping-up operation to search for arms or stranded terrorists and other casualties is ongoing in Michika after troops sacked the terrorists who have been operating in the town and its environ.

"The main assault on terrorists’ main positions was concluded yesterday as many of them died in the combat.

"Troops, who sustained injuries in the operation, are receiving necessary medical attention. Other troops are continuing the pursuit of those who are on the run from the town. Normalcy has been restored accordingly."

A source said one of the officers arrested was a General.

‘Calls for poll shift unpatriotic’

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HE South West Indepen dent Campaign Organisation (SWICO), an association of politically conscious, peace-loving and patriotic Nigerians, has condemned the calls for the postponement of the February general elections.

In a statement signed by Moses Olafare and Gbenga Soloki, the group’s DirectorGeneral and Director of Media and Publicity respectively, the SWICO said: “This call are callous, diversionary, unpatriotic, reckless, mischievous and an invitation to political turmoil because of the preparedness of the parties as well as the umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“We would not have had rea-

son to raise this, but the statement credited to the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, on the same matter triggered our reaction, as this might be the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), especially now that some of the party stalwarts have also joined the diabolical train.

“While some of those agents of destabilization have given the inability of the INEC to distribute all Permanent Voter Cards as reason, others have asserted the security challenge in some parts of the country as reason. If we may ask them, where in the world have we gotten 100% collection of voter

cards. It is a continuous process which will still be done even after the elections. The security challenge did not just start now, and any reasonable government that loves the people would have nipped it in the bud before getting to this abysmal level.

“The above reasons cannot be sufficient enough for the postponement of elections, as there are no compelling needs to do so except for mischief and deceit or better still to gather momentum for the ruling party. It is on this note that those clamouring for such criminal postponement are enemies of Nigeria who must be put under surveillance in order to unravel their sinister plot.”

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

COMMENTARY

Sowabomate Ibiene Emmanuelle Agiobu-Kemmer, (Feb 1962-Jan. 2000)

Remembering “The Beautiful Teacup” Beautiful Daffodil Sunshine of Spring,

“A

T h e

Was the Blossom of my Garden Until an Angel came At nightfall To pluck My beautiful Daffodil, The Sunshine of Spring Away into the skies To light the world of memories…”

“God knows what He is doing for all of us.

He is the porter and we are His clay. He will mould us and make us so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfil His Good, Pleasing and Perfect Will” This was the last message sent by Miss Sowabomate Agiobu-Kemmer, one of the victims on board the ill-fated Kenyan Airways, which crashed on January 31, 2000 in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, killing about 169 out of 179 passengers and crew on board.

This message, found in an e-mail she sent to some friends whom she regularly shared the gospel with, had its focus on God’s purpose for creating every individual: and as a finished product of His creation, each individual was the exact picture of what God wanted him or her to be, right from inception. She illustrated her message with a story of a couple who had been married for 25 years and whose love for antiques, especially pottery was profound.

They had gone antique shopping one day in England, in a beautiful antique shop, which had a rare tea cup. The couple could not but express their admiration for the beauty of the cup.

But as they were admiring it, the cup spoke to them about its transformation and the accompanying pains from an ordinary clay to a beautiful tea cup, which was not its original form, despite its protest.

The cup took the couple through its various stages of transformation, which were painful and excruciating. These included from clay to the spinning stage, rolling to molding and baking, to painting, glazing and baking again.

These processes the cup admitted, were painful and tedious, but at the end, they brought out the beauty in it.

Miss Agiobu-Kemmer, “Boma” (which means God’s Blessing) as she was fondly called by all, illustrated in her message that the tea cup was later told by its Maker after viewing itself and appreciating its own beauty in the mirror,

•

Agiobu-Kemmer

that if it had not gone through the various excruciating stages of transformation, the beauty that came out of it would not have emerged.

“I want you to remember that I know it hurts to be rolled and beaten, but if I had left you alone, you would have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled.

I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but if I hadn’t put you there, you would have cracked. I knew the fumes were bad, when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn’t done that, you would never have hardened, you would not have had any color in your life. And if I hadn’t put you back in the second oven, you wouldn’t survive for very long, because the hardness wouldn’t have held. Now you are a perfect finished product. You were what I had in mind when I first began with you.”

According to ‘Boma’, there cannot be any further alteration in human life, save for that, which he was created to suit. Man was created by the Lord in line with whatever divine plan and purpose He had in mind before His creation. Perhaps, ‘Boma’ Agiobu-Kemmer was subtly telling the story of her life and her transformation before she became born again to her friends, using the story of the beautiful teacup.

‘Boma’ as she was fondly called before her sudden death was a very active member of the Deeper life Bible Church and Ministries, Rivers

State District. Because of her standing in church, she was on the missionary team to East Africa and was home-bound, after as successful evangelical trip to the French-speaking Island of Madagascar and on board the ill fated flight KQ430 when it crashed in Abidjan shortly after take-off.

Well known for her generosity, gentle nature and philanthropy. Boma’s death was a terrible and irreparable loss, both to her family and community which she gave selfless and tireless service, while showing so much love for all humanity.

Born into a family which was not only blueblooded, but distinguished in both public and international life, her late father, Reverend R.S.G Agiobu-Kemmer was a renowned educationist, a diplomat, minister and a traditional chief. Her mother, Mrs. Margaret Agiobu-Kemmer was a distinguished member of the nursing profession retiring as matron of the Lagos General Hospital, after many years of meritorious service. She was an active church and community leader.

Miss Sowabomate Agiobu-Kemmer was the Senior Human Resources Adviser, Recruitment and Training, Shell Petroleum Development Company, until her death. She was described by Mr. Subair, head of Human Resources Department as “an invaluable asset, a highly intelligent, hardworking and amiable staff.” The pastor and founder of the Deeper Life Bible Church and Ministries, Pastor William F. Kumuyi described Miss Sowabomate Agiobu-Kemmer as “a very devoted member and worker in the Church, whose death is even a greater blow to the Church of God.” He prayed for the family to take solace in the scriptures as he quoted the Psalmist who says “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15) As the fourth of five children of the late Chief and Mrs R.S.G. Agiobu-Kemmer, Boma was educated in Nigeria, Britain and France.

She received her secondary

Lagos stands still for Buhari • Continued from page 68 take-off of the project.

The governor said Buhari will halt the problem encountered by the people of Apapa, where 4,000 tankers lift fuel on daily basis.

Urging the people to vote for APC, he said: "Let us get our PVCs and go out on February 14 to show love to Buhari and Osinbajo by voting massively for the APC." Amaechi observed that the PDP is jittery because change is imminent. He warned against rigging, saying that Nigerians will resist fraud.

The Rivers governor said the election is a referendum on his performance and that of the President, who he said, has no achievement in the Southsouth state.

Urging Nigerians to vote for Buhari, he said Lagosians should vote for Ambode to succeed Fashola.

The Southwest Women leader, Mrs. Nelson, ueged women to reject the PDP because President Jonathan has failed to rescue the abducted Chibok girls.

Oshiomhole said: "The challenge for Nigeria today is about creating jobs. They will not be created through token policies.

We need a government that will put in place a coherent industrial policy that will bring back Michelin and Dunlop back to Nigeria and resuscitate other industrial estates in Ikeja and Ogba.

"You cannot create jobs by giving money to thugs. After 16 years, it is clear that PDP has no idea. For 16 years, no power supply. Instead of reforming power, they are deforming it. Enough of prejudice. It is time to bring a trusted and trusted leader. Gen. Buhari has no money, yet, he was governor, minister of petroleum and Head of State. You need a man who will not steal to curb corruption."

Okorocha, who decried the politics of ethnicity and religion being promoted by the PDP, said Buhari's victory has been

• Buhari signed, sealed and delivered.

Aregbesola said: "The issue involved in this election is the sustenance of poverty and abolition of poverty. If you are interested in poverty, misery and hardship, vote for the PDP. If you believe there must be an end to poverty, misery and hardship, vote for the APC." The Osun State governor lamented that some parts of Nigeria, which was a united country, have been taken over by insurgents.

Odigie-Oyegun thanked the crowd for its resilience, stressing that only those who are foolish can ignore the momentum for change. He said: "I have seen people's sweat for change. The youths want change."

Senator Oluremi Tinubu said: "Today, we are witnessing the beginning of the restoration of Nigeria." She urged her constituents to renew her mandate for a second term in the Upper Chamber.

Ashafa promised that Lagos senators will assist in the making of laws that will move Nigeria forward under Buhari.

Adeola, a member of the House of Representatives, said corruption has engulfed Nigeria, leading to economic hardship. He assured that there will be a

clean break from the past, if Buhari is elected.

Ambode predicted that President Jonathan will lose the election, advising Nigerians to brace up for change at the centre.

Urging Lagosians to vote for continuity in the Centre of Excellence, he promised to build on the legacies of Tinubu and Fashola administrations. Ambode, who echoed Ajomale's remarks that Lagos will deliver 85 per cent of the votes to Buhari, said the people will resist rigging.

Mrs. Aishat Buhari ueged women to vote for the APC because they have the numerical strength to effect change through voting.

Osinbajo said: "It is time for God to rescue Nigeria from corruption, poverty, joblessness and insecurity. Our time of deliverance has come. The train of freedom has arrived. On February 14, with your PVC, you will cause a change, a fundamental change in this country. That change is what we have been waiting for since 1960. It shall arrive February 14 when you vote General Muhammadu Buhari as the President of Nigeria.

"Some people are afraid. The only reason why they are afraid is that they fear that corruption will end. If corruption does not end, poverty cannot end. If corruption does not end, job cannot appear from anywhere. If corruption does not end, education cannot survive.

"With corruption, you cannot build hospitals when some people are keeping all the money in their pockets. Don’t let them deceive you. Some people are saying there is an Islamization agenda. Tell them it is not true. Tell them the only truth is that we all know General Buhari is an honest man, he is a straight forward man.

He will fight corruption. He wants this country to be better and, by the grace of the Almighty God, on May 29, he will be the President of Nigeria."

education both from Queens College, Yaba, Lagos, Surrey in England, before she proceeded to the University of Bordeaux, France, where she obtained both her First and Masters degree in French, other European languages and linguistics.

She was also a certified professional in Personnel Management. She was a professional wine-brewer and ‘nose’ (those licensed to taste and certify wines) a pastime which she gave up after becoming born again.

Her other passion, she never gave up was cookery.

She was also a cordon-bleu cook, a first class cook, who spoilt everyone with her mouth watering and delectable fare. She loved art.

She had her wedding plans, which she hoped to start as soon as she returned from her trip. Alas, it was not to be, she never made it.

However, as if she knew, she had left for everyone, a message of consolation in her last email, “The Story of the Beautiful Tea-Cup” Life may be brief, but Memories never fade.

“We pass this way but once, only that which is done for Christ will remain.” Selah!

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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SPORT EXTRA

Keshi takes charge again S • Warri Wolves celebrate

Adewale’s brace secures victory for Wolves

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BRACE from Sikiru Adewale secured a 3-1 victory for Warri Wolves against Nigeria Professional Football League champions Kano Pillars in the Super Six Competition.

A thrilling opening 45 minutes saw three goals at the Abuja National Stadium.

Adewale drew the first blood in the 13th minute, before he made it a brace with a composed finish in the 34th minute.

Four minutes before the end of the first half, Christian Obiozor halved the scoreline.

However, the highlight of the match was the amazing strike netted by Ikechukwu Ibenegbu eight minutes after resumption.

Chances flew up in the second half with neither side able to add to their tallies.

At the beginning of the first half, Pillars tried to dominate the match, but Adewale soon quietened them down with the curtain raiser after thirteen minutes. Omodiagbe Emmanuel played a perfect pass for Adewale, and he made no mistake to beat Theophilus Afelokhai.

The exciting Stanley Dimgba, who was a phobia to Pillars defenders then set up Adewale for the second goal of the game after 34 minutes.

Obiozor then restored hope for Pillars when he pulled one goal back for them. He grabbed his 3rd goal of the tournament after capitalising on a defensive blunder from the Seasiders.

The neutrals asked for more as the first ended 2-1 in favour of the Seasiders.

Wolves continued to dictate the pace in the match, and they slowly took the sting out of Pillars' play.

And, as the momentum shifted in their favour again in the opening exchanges of the second half, Wolves increased their lead, but it was a touch of brilliance from Ibenegbu.

The skillful Dimgba delivered a left-wing cross to the dangerous area and the attacking midfielder finished with a superb volley.

Wolves' front men were simply having a festive time, but it took the bravery of Afelokhai from preventing a whitewash.

Arab Contractors sign Evbuomwan

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RAB Contractors have signed Nigeria midfielder Stone Evbuomwan on a 30-month contract.

The 20-year-old moves to Egypt for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance, after a one year stint in the Nigeria Professional Football League with Dolphins.

Evbuomwan who plays as a central midfielder, had his opportunities limited at Dolphins after joining them from ABS FC at the end of the 2012/13 NPFL season.

He has reportedly passed his medical examination with the Egyptian Premier League club.

He has been in North Africa for the past three weeks undergoing trials with the three-time African Cup Winners' Cup

• Evbuomwan

champions.

The club is owned by the construction and engineering contracting company, ElMokawloon El-Arab (company).

UPER Eagles out of contract Coach, Stephen Keshi has opted to be in charge of the Delta/ Edo Exinternationals against the rest of the country in the clash between both sides on Sunday, February 1 at the Warri City Stadium.

The match was put together by friends of Okowa to showcase the PDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa while veteran Goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala will take over as coach of the rest of Nigerians.

In a release made available by the Chairman, Publicity Committee, Moses Etu, Keshi has made his intention known to handle Delta/ Edo players made up Harry Blackson, Mobosa Brodericks, Duke Udi, Samson Ozogula, Sam Okpodu, Edema Fuludu, Prince Afejukwu,Sam Sodje, Humphery Jebba and Davidson Owumi.

Others in the Delta/ Edo side include Austin Popo, Tosan Blackson,Kenneth Nwomucha, Lucky Sunday, Joshua Kator, Sam Otis, Joseph Cole and Sebastine Okoh.

Those who will feature for Coach Emmanuel Okala and who have confirmed their participation are Peter Rufai, Mutiu Adepoju, Jay Jay Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, Emmanuel Amunike, Uche Okechukwu, Nduka Ugbade, FridayEkpo and Emeka Ezeugo.

Maude gives report of refs training

Others include Ifeanyi Udeze, Bright Omokaro, Kingsley Obiekwu, Alloy Agu,Clement Temile, Etim Esim, Mobil Okparaku, Austin Eguavon and the Kanu Nwankwo. " Stephen Keshi has sent words that he would like to handle the Delta/ Edo side of Ex-Internationals and with that, the mantle to coach the rest of the Country fell on Emmanuel Okala. The players will arrive Warri on Saturdaywhere accommodation has been reserved for them and the match will start by 14h00.

Meanwhile, Warri Wolves feeder team will lock horns with Mowoe Babes before the Ex-Internationals showcase why they have become a household name in the Country and fans who will not cough out a kobo to watch the match will not regret coming.

• Keshi

Enyimba held by Dream Team

D

REAM Team missed the chance to put the pressure on the Flying Eagles as they were forced to a 1-1 draw at the Abuja National Stadium.

The match which ended all square, was thrilling and entertaining from the blast of whistle.

For both sides, there was disappointment at the failure to fashion a victory and the casting aside of two points

that won't put the Nigeria U20 team under pressure.

Enyimba were primed for the three points following Andrew Abologu's first-half opener.

But the U23 boys struck eleven minutes after half-time as Jonathan Osondu profited from Moses Ocheje's error to level matters .

Fatai Amoo's side enjoyed the better of the play after the equaliser, but were unable to

N

IGERIAN match officials, members of the Football League Referee Association.

Progress report of the select 18 referees away on capacity building in England is that the match official shave been doing well so far.

Chairman of the Nigeria Referees Association, Ahmed Maude disclosed to www.footballlive.ng that Match officials were part of a group to under-study the capital One Cup semi final second-leg between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur.

The NRA Chairman assured the team has gained much in the short time it arrived England. ” We’ve been doing very well, we’ve been engaged on the Capital One Cup and I can assure we picked several points. So far its been good,” Maude affirmed.

• Nigeria match officials, members of the Football League Referee Association

• Abologu

find a crucial winner.

The Nigeria U-23 team started well as Christopher Madaki rifled a 30-metre shot which was saved by Ocheje, while Abalogu was unable to connect a cross from Chinonso Okonkwo.

Ebenezer Odeyemi who was the lone man upfront for Enyimba offered the physical ingredient that his team wanted.

Bayelsa Football Academy product Newman Doumbra threatened the People's Elephants defence line with his industry and direct approach to the game.

Enyimba went in front after a team move from midfield.

Abalogu demonstrated supreme confidence to dink Odeyemi's assist to the net and hand his side the lead.

As both teams struggled to defend the end-to-end nature of the contest continued, Ocheje produced a fine save from Yahaya Adamu with a header in the 38th minute.

The Dream Team VI deservedly levelled eleven minutes after the break as Ocheje surprisingly failed to deal with a back pass and the lurking Osondu was at the right place to power his effort into the unguarded goal.

The decisive goal never came, though, with both teams earning a point apiece.

Amutu out of Super Four • Player sustains hamstring injury against Enyimba

D

REAM Team V1 Augustine Amutu will play no further part in the ongoing LMC NPFL Super 4 tournament holding in Abuja after the Warri Wolves' player sustained an hamstring injury in the first half of their 11 tie with Enyimba FC. Amutu who copped an hamstring injury was replaced in the first half by Jonathan Osondu who incidentally got the U-23 national team equaliser in the 56th minute of the encounter.

The Assistant Coach of the Dream Team V1, Fatai Folorunsho Amoo has told NationSport t h a t A m u t u does not stand the chance of r e c o v e r i n g f r o m t h e

From Tunde Liadi,Owerri hamstring injury under two days because the injury would keep players out of action for at least two weeks.

Amoo, however, exuded confidence that other strikers who step up the plate to ensure that they fill up the vacuum created by the absence of Amutu.

The former 3SC coach also confessed that his strikers have not been delivering with goals after they only netted five times from four games.

The ex-international also confirmed that most the players he assembled for the Super Four only came in few days before the

start of the tournament after it was dawn on them that the U-23 would be participating in the tournament.

• Amutu

THE NATION SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015

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SPORT EXTRA

MANU GARBA SCREAMS

Pace, strength I don’t have team for AYC but no stars • Hails Flying Eagles’ players for excellent Super 6 showing

• Manu Garba

T

HE Chief Coach of the Flying Eagles Manu Garba was cornered shortly after his team beat Nigerian League Champion Kano Pillars and was full of praises for his players for beating Pillars. He also told NationSport Correspondent in Abuja Segun Ogunjimi that he has no team yet for the Africa U- 20 Championship and other news concerning his team. Excerpts.

You have beaten two arguably strongest Nigerian Clubs in the ongoing Super Six, first Enyimba 2-0 and secondly on Monday the league Champion Kano Pillars 2-1.

We played against three times

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja league champion in a roll which is Kano Pillars, an experience, compact side, a side that move the ball on the ground. I believe the game was good test match for both sides and I hope Pillars really learnt a lot from our boys as we also learnt some aspect from them too. The joy of the game apart from victory is that my team entertained the crowd.

For me is a sweet victory to beat FA Cup and League Champion in a roll, I give kudos to the boys for a job well done.

What is the magic for these impressive performances

Flying Eagles win Super Four

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IGERIA U-20, the Flying Eagles, have won this year’s Super 4 with a

match to spare after they thrashed Dolphins 4-1 on Friday.

The Flying Eagles recorded an unassailable 12 points after they won all their four matches thus far.

Nigeria U-23s are in second place on eight points, while Enyimba have seven points.

Warri Wolves have three points and Dolphins are bottom of the six-team invitational tournament without any points.

The final day of matches will be played on Sunday with Flying Eagles taking on Dream Team in a match that is of mere formality for the Nigeria U20s.

Warri Wolves will square up with Dolphins and Enyimba take on Pillars.

Taiwo Awoniyi gave the Flying Eagles the lead after 24 minutes off a through ball by Obinna Nwobodo.

The Flying Eagles extend their

lead in the 42nd minute through an own goal by Dolphins defender Jonathan Zikiye off a desperate clearance by Victor Ezuruike.

The Nigeria U20s went 3-0 up on 49 minutes through Bernard Bulbwa, who charged from the midfield, ghosted past his marker before slotting home coolly.

However, three minutes later Christain Pyagbara reduced the deficit when he turned sharply inside the box before firing past Flying Eagles goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo. Dolphins had two players sent of for dangerous play – Ezeruike in the 61st minute and Tijjani Adamu two minutes later.

In the 82nd minute, substitute Musa Yahaya saw his shot come off the crossbar with the Dolphins goalkeeper well beaten.

The Flying Eagles continued to attack their opponents before they grabbed a deserved fourth goal through substitute Chidera Eze.

against top Nigerian clubs in the Super Six competition?

You know that from the day of the Golden Eaglets team, we play a brand of football call total football where every player has right to move to any position as far as other team mate will cover for him. And as you can see, we lost a lot of scoring chances against both Enyimba and also today (Monday) against Kano Pillars and these are the things we need to go back as soon as we resume after this championship and all the mistakes we have notice here, we shall surely address those mistake. Don’t forget that this championship is not our last preparation immediately after the championship we are going to Gambia to put the final finishing touches and get use to the whether which is close to Senegal and perfect much more strategies, by that time we can say we are ready but for now we are not ready for Senegal.

You said you are not ready for Senegal and we have few weeks to go when are you going to be ready?

We have more than one month before our first game.

What i am trying to say is that, although we have won two matches against strong teams like Enyimba and Kano Pillars and there are lots of mistakes that can be corrected for just one week.

Are you targeting winning Super 6?

For us, we always try to win every match we play in any tournament we partake in. Winning the Super Four or super Six will boost the morale of the team a head of Senegal 2015.

Is there going to be automatic shirt for the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and others?

In this team there is no automatic shirt for any player, even during the qualifiers, he could not displace some of the player he met on ground, he started from bench. When a player comes back he has to show us that he is capable of picking a shirt but no automatic shirt. Let me tell you, we have a pool of players that to the extent that if this one is not around we always have a cover for that. My major worry is defense and don’t forget in this five day tourney we can see a defender that we will invite to the camp to come and fight for shirt. We shall not stop giving our best until we pick the 21 man list that will represent Nigeria in Senegal.

Is Sokari still in your plans?

Sokari is still part of my team.

But he has to be in camp and prove himself. For me we don’t rely on any individual player, you can recall during the world cup when Isaac Success got injured Taiwo Awoniyi was on the bench waiting for an oppor-

tunity and he played well by scoring four goals and a lot of assists.

Is Dele Alampasu still in your plans?

Yes, Alampasu is still in our plans but we understand he has yet to sign his contract and the moment he sign the contract he will join the rest of the team, but if he doesn’t come back before the final submission of 21-man provisional list it means he will be out of the tournament.

As a two time world champion, now you are playing U20 category, are you under pressure to be Africa and world champion again?

I think in my life i have never been under pressure and i will never be under pressure. Why because I have good believe in destiny, and my destiny has already been good and we are been working very hard and Nigeria are behind the team and with the players’ hard work and good preparation and support from the NFF this team will go a long way to make this country proud both in Africa and the world.

Are you going to miss the like of Nwakali and Iheanacho in your team?

Kelechi is a player that can add value to this team as at present he has an ankle injury. They just remove POP just yesterday (Thursday), that was the information we got from his club Manchester City. Kelechi is injured and we are going to miss him because he is a kind of player that can convert all our chances so, he is very valuable to this team. And I think I have said it that at this level, I never see a player who can shoot very well like Kelechi around the box.

He has that ability and as for Chidi Ebere a midfielder who is very visionary if you watch the U- 17 World Cup all the overlapping by Musa Yaya was made through the passes from Chidi Ebere.

But we have somebody like Chidi Ebere in this team who is Ifeanyi Mathew. He just came back from Belgium.

We don’t build team on a single player.

Most of your players are foreign based. What will happen if their various clubs refuse to release them?

Like i said earlier that we are still searching and we are not relying on an individual, we have thousands of player in this country to replace any player, this is Nigeria you understand.

AYC is around the corner, what is your promise to Nigerian?

The Africa Youth Championship is our first target. We want to win the AYC first so as to qualify for the World Cup and go to the World Cup as African Champion.

Edibi gets difficult Tunisia/E.Guinea match

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• Awoniyi

IGERIAN Referee Peter Edibi has been handed a difficult nations cup match tomorrow in Bata, as CAF experiments with five referees instead of the traditional four.

Starting from the quarter finals tomorrow three assistant referees will be used.

Considered the most difficult of the quarter final encounters given the involvement of the hosts, referee of the encounter will be Rajindrapasard

• CAF uses five refs Seechurn of Mauritius, Edibi as first Assistant, Jerson Dos Santos of Angola is second assistant, Marwar Range of Kenya is third assistant while the fourth Official is Koman Koulibaly of Mali.

It will be recalled that due to security concerns and other logistics, CAF had to move this match from the 5,000 seater Ebebinyin stadium to the 40, 000 capacity Bata stadium where the final will be played.

So far, matches involving the host have been a sell out and tomorrow will be no exception.

• Edibi

<<<<<<Continued from back page something radical had to be qualifying for the quarter-fidone with their senior national nals. What this also shows is team when they were beaten that the game is growing in by hitherto rookie football naAfrica, more so when some estions in Africa. tablished countries, such as But is anyone missing the Senegal, are at the African soc“big-for-nothing” Super Eagles cer showpiece without some of in Malabo? Who will miss their celebrated stars, most of players who specialise in prowhom were dropped because testing against everything of their attitude, loss of form or without thinking of the odium being bad influence on the budsuch acts pour this country? ding youths in their squads.

Who will miss players who Besides, most of the countries cause their nationals heartthat qualified for the quarteraches enroute winning finals were coached by foreignmatches? Who will miss the ers – a fact that lends credence Eagles whose coaches are allto the claims that African knowing and impervious to coaches need to undergo rechange? Who will miss the fresher courses to learn the team where coaches sell wrist tricks of the game. It also shows watches to players at exorbithat African players have tant rates? Who will miss playgrown in their trade, making ers who love to mix the serious it absolutely impossible for our business of playing soccer with domestic coaches to impact the attending discos? kind of knowledge that they In Malabo, we have not are exposed to in their Euroheard of cases where football pean clubs. federation chiefs and the playThe dearth of players at the ers or coaches are quarrelling? grassroots is also traced to the We have not been told of infact that African coaches don’t stances where players are talktake the time to teach the ing on telephone with their young boys and girls the basics country’s presidents before of the game. The result is that and after games? We have not most of the new lads that we read stories where players and have seen in Equatorial Guinea coaches bar their have pace, strength and the countries’reporters from rewill to give their best but no skill porting their activities the way to excite the fans. This lack of ours do? skills – except for a few of the No stories of players jumpplayers - has accounted for the ing the hotel’s fence to boogie low score results of matches. at night clubs. No football fedI’m not surprised by the glut eration chief is keeping vigil to of foreign coaches among the prevent players from sneaking African countries. The trend is into other rooms to visit girlin sync with global best pracfriends like our Eagles did at tices where if you don’t have the Tunisia 2004 Africa Cup of the men to do the job, then seek Nations. There are no threats quality tacticians until such a of players and coaches seeking time when your nationals can audience with the FA chiefs, compete favourably with these sports ministers and highly better exposed foreigners. placed government officials to It must be noted that most know how much they would of the countries with foreign be paid for matches not yet coaches have had them take played. No scenes where charge for the first time in this coaches blatantly wear sports competition. What it means is apparels in conflict with the that these countries could get country’s attires at training sesbetter, especially those counsions and pre-match and posttries that have qualified for the match conferences. Not at all. quarter-finals, making the race Oh! How we miss our dear for the five tickets allocated to Super Eagles.

Africa for the 2018 World Cup Everything emanating from in Russia one to follow with Malabo and the smaller cities keen interest. where the matches are being It is difficult to state categoriplayed bothers on football. cally the best African team in Government officials are not this tournament. But countries flying into Malabo in droves to like Algeria and Cote d’ Ivoire support their national teams. have built on the gains of their Have we learnt a lesson from participation at the 2014 World missing out on the Africa Cup Cup in Brazil. They either of Nations? No. We have spent changed the coaches or the last three months toying dropped bad influence players with the simple task of sacking or both to rejuvenate the sides the team’s coaches. A lull exthat we are watching. They ists that may continue until a may be slow to find their clearer picture emerges on the rhythm during the three games political scene. By October they have played. But you when the 2018 World Cup could see a bright future. The qualifiers begin, we will still be Ivoirens would be happier for rebuilding when the last eight it watching their coach change nations at the quarter-finals Yaya Toure in the closing stage at this year’s edition of stages of the game against AFCON would have found Cameroon, yet the Ivoriens still their range, scoring goals with won. Such an action would aplomb. have been tagged a taboo in the These quarter-finalists will past. spend the next six months corOn paper, Algeria looks like recting the flaws they have the odds-on-favourite to renoticed through international place Nigeria as the next Affriendly games while Nigeria rica Cup of Nations winners. will be struggling with who Both they have to beat Cote d’ should coach the Eagles or not.

Ivoire, easily the game of the If Nigeria is to participate in four quarter-final matches. If the crucial soccer competitions the Algerians win the trophy, for 2018, beginning with the their template will serve as the Africa Cup of Nations, then model for confused countries the government must allow the like Nigeria to copy. The AlgeNFF pick a coach it can conrians have rebuilt their team trol. This is the key to success from a fallen dynasty of spent as a ship cannot have two capstars which they held on to. It tains. dawned on the Algerians that

TOMORROWPUNCHLINE IN THE NATION

SATURDAY, JANUARY 31, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.9, NO. 3112

I do not of course wish to deflect attention from Mimiko's hapless and unintended quarry, President Jonathan; he is the current chief occupant of the cesspit of Nigerian political misrule and he must bear full responsibility for the miasmic rot and decay in the land

—Biodun Jeyifo

“

I do not make empty promises in my cam paign because whatever I promise to do, I had already carried out adequate study to make sure I can accomplish it in the next four years”. That was President Goodluck Jonathan speaking at Onitsha while on the campaign trail on February 27, 2011. It was a campaign in which Dr Jonathan made over 90 documented promises across the country. He promised not less than two or three projects in virtually all states of the federation.

Incredible as his promises sounded, many Nigerians sincerely believed in Jonathan’s capacity to deliver. After all, he is not only a trained scientist, he holds a PhD in Zoology. There was, thus, no cause to disbelieve his confident claim above that all his promises were predicated on careful and meticulous planning. The doctorate degree in any discipline is expected to confer on the holder the capacity for sustained and exhaustive research, rigorous and methodical thinking as well as meticulous planning.

It was on this rock solid foundation of intellectualism that Dr Jonathan’s promises were supposedly predicated. Things have turned out most unexpectedly. His palace of promises seems to have been built on sinking sand. As he desperately seeks a second term in office, it is no easy route back to Aso Rock for the former shoeless school boy from Otuoke. Practically 80 percent of his 2011 promises remain unfulfilled.

Nigerians are worse off today than they were when Jonathan won an emphatic pan-Nigerian victory four years ago. His PhD has hardly reflected in the quality of his governance. Some of his unfair critics claim that Dr Jonathan’s PhD may be just a Port Harcourt Diploma after all.

Of course, I do not believe them.

Despite his dismal performance in office, Jonathan’s fervent supporters continue to proudly flaunt his doctoral degree as a major factor in his favour. This, they claim makes him clearly superior to his major opponent and emergent nemesis, General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Jonathan campaign has sought to make a major issue of Buhari’s educational qualification.

They claim that a man who rose to become a General in the Nigerian military, a former military Head of State and who has contested for the country’s presidency on three previous occasions under the present constitutional dispensation does not possess the minimum constitutional, academic qualification to run for the office.

Of course, Buhari has since convincingly dispelled all misleading and mischievous insinuations about his educational credentials. My teacher, Emeritus Professor of Political Science and civil military relations at the University of Ibadan, Professor Bayo Adekanye, demonstrated compellingly in this space last week that the case against Buhari’s educational qualification to run for the presidency rests on feeble, logical, empirical and constitutional foundations.

But then, does President Jonathan’s doctoral degree necessarily make him a superior leadership material to Buhari? Let us take a closer comparative look at their curriculum vitae starting with Jonathan. Born in Otuoke, Bayelsa State,

Curriculum vitae: Goodluck Jonathan vs Muhammadu Buhari

‘

His PhD has hardly reflected in the quality of his governance. Some of his unfair critics claim that Dr Jonathan’s PhD may be just a Port Harcourt Diploma after all. Of course, I do not believe them

•Buhari and Jonathan on 20th November, 1957, Jonathan obtained his First School Leaving Certificate (FSLC) in 1969, the West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1975, and the General Certificate of Education (Ordinary Level) in 1976. He also obtained a B.Sc in Zoology (Second Class Upper Division) in 1976, an M.Sc in Hydrobiology/Fisheries Biology in 1985 and a PhD. in Zoology in 1995. All his higher academic degrees were from the University of Port Harcourt.

Now, let us look at Dr Jonathan’s employment history. He started work as a Preventive Officer in the Department of Customs and Excise between 1975 and 1977. He must have got this job on the basis of his WASC. Between 1982 and 1983, Dr Jonathan was a Science Inspector of Education at the Rivers State Ministry of Education. It was obviously his B.Sc in Zoology that qualified him for this job. Dr Jonathan was a lecturer in the Department of Biology, Rivers State College of Education, Port Harcourt, from 1984 to 1993. His M.Sc degree qualified him for the job. He served as an Assistant Director in the defunct Oil Minerals Areas Development Cor-

’

poration (OMPADEC) between 1993 and 1998.

Again, his M.Sc degree was the basis for this job even though someone with a first degree could also rise to the position with the acquisition of the requisite experience.

Since his obtaining his doctorate in 1995, Dr Jonathan has not taught in any higher institution or research institute. There is no evidence of his having published any academic papers or engaged in any other form of academic research.

He has no record of relevant experience as an academic. His PhD has thus added little or no value to his career progression. The University of Port Harcourt has recently confirmed that President Jonathan indeed obtained his PhD from the institution. But given Dr Jonathan's often embarrassing quality of intellection and articulation, the university may either have to reappraise the quality of its certificates or throw Dr Jonathan's dissertation open to external peer review. Between 1999 and now, he has risen from Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State to Governor of the state, Vice President and ultimately President of Nigeria largely on partisan and not necessarily meritocratic grounds.

Now let us turn to General Buhari. Born on December 17, 1942, he obtained his primary

education in Daura and Maiádua (1948-1952), attended Katsina Model School in 1953 and Katsina Provincial School (now Government College Katsina) from 1956 to 1961. He obtained his military training at the then Nigerian Military Training School, Kaduna (1963), Nigerian Military College, Kaduna (1964), Mechanical Transport Course at the Army Mechanical Transport School in Borden, United Kingdom (1965), Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, India (1973) and the United States War College (June 1979 to June 1980).

Unlike Jonathan’s scanty experience as an academic, consider Buhari’s rich experience in his chosen military profession. Buhari began his career as a Platoon Commander, 2nd Infantry Battalion from 1963 to 1964. Thereafter, he served as Mechanical Transport Officer, Lagos Garrison (1964-1965), Transport Company Commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade, (1965-1966), Battalion Adjutant/Commander, 2nd Infantry Brigade (1965-1966), Brigade Major, 2nd Sector, 1st Infantry Division, (April to July, 1967), Brigade Major, 3rd Infantry Division (August 1967-October 1968), Acting Commander, 4th Sector, 1st Division, (November 1968-February 1970), Commander, 31st Infantry Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, (February 1970 –June 1971), Assistant Adjutant General, 1st Infantry Division Headquarters, (July 1971-December 1972), Colonel , General Staff, 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters, (January 1974-September 1974), Acting Director, Supply and Transport, Nigeria Army Corp Headquarters (September 1974 – July 1975).

Other strictly professional military positions Buhari has occupied include Military Secretary, Army Headquarters (July 1978-June 1979), Member, Supreme Military Council, (July 1978-June 1979), General Officer Commanding, 4th Infantry Division, (August 1980-January 1981), General Officer Commanding 3rd Armoured Division (November 1981-December 1983). I do not include here Buhari’s political experience as Military Governor, Petroleum Minister or Military Head of State.

Now, what awards have the two candidates garnered in the cause of their careers? President Jonathan was named Best Performing Deputy Governor Award in the Federation in 2002 by the Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria (IPAN), won Award of Exemplary Leadership Quality and Good Governance conferred by the National Association of Women in Education Development in July 2003 and the Honorary Award for Democracy and Good Governance conferred by the NUJ, Abuja Council. He is also a Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR).

On his part, Buhari has won the following awards and professional military medals: Defence Service Medal (DSM), National Service Medal (NSM), General Service Medal (GSM), Loyal Service and Good Conduct Medal (LSGCM) Forces Service Star (FSS) and The Congo Medal (CM). He has also been awarded the GCFR. If, dear reader, you consider these two CVs, who has the requisite experience and qualities to tackle Nigeria’s current challenges?

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Pace, strength but no stars

E

QUATORIAL Guinea has shown that Af rica has what it takes to host big soccer competitions at short notice, with the remarkable manner the matches of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations have been played without hitches.

The few hitches so far have resulted from the pressure on the pitches in two centres, no thanks to the hurried manner in which the facilities were completed. Consequently, two matches will be played today and tomorrow.

Indeed, today at Bata, hosts Equatorial Guinea will seek to grab a quarter-finals ticket by beating Tunisia. The game had been slated for Ebebiyin but was moved to Bata. And Sunday’s quarter-finals between group c winners and Group D runners-up would be played in Malabo instead of Mongomo.

Interestingly, the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF), in a statement on Tuesday, said: “The two matches (in Ebebiyin and Mongono) have been adversely affected by the combination of wear and tear from six games played or to be played in each of them and the unstable weather conditions seen lately.”

Good talk CAF. This is a departure from the buck-passing of the past. CAF knows that the hosts saved it the embarrassment of postponing the event, had they opted out of hosting it like Nigeria and two other countries did. Until the competition began, some Europe-based African players launched subtle protest about the possibilities of hosting the event in Malabo and its cities because of the fear of the dreaded Ebola disease. Most of them asked CAF to postpone the competition. Others demanded another country should host the event at a later date.

But CAF stuck to its guns. The event has turned out to be a thriller and easily the most competitive Africa Cup of Nations, with the closeness in the qualification race. A couple of games will be decided by the toss of the coin, one of the technicalities used to determine eventual winners of competitions when all the known indices fail to produce a winner.

The results have been very close, even as pundits have marvelled at the pace of the matches. These purists point at the fighting spirit of the players, their passion as well as their determination and dedication. Countries with big ego players have been taught the lessons of their lives as they have been made to dig deep to secure draw results in games where they were tipped as favourites.

The classic between Cote d’ Ivoire and Cameroon must have told the Ivoirens that they

need to rebuild their team if they hope to make any impact in the game. Players, such as African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure, can no longer produce the form that we see him exhibit with Manchester City while playing for his country. No disrespect to Yaya, who tries to give his best during matches for Ivory Coast.

But there is a limit to what a tired body can give.

The Cameroonians may be out of the competition but they have a new team that can reproduce the golden era of the country’ football, if the new boys are kept together and exposed to quality matches. What this trend shows is that there are a lot of players in the continent.

The problem with local coaches across Africa is the difficulty in picking these rookies at the grassroots in preference for the established stars.

Our local coaches have refused to update their knowledge to complement the players’ skills, especially those of them who are in Europe.

Little wonder we are talking of Equatorial Guinea, Congo Dr and Congo Brazzaville

•Continued on Page 71

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