July 04, 2015

Leke SALAUDEEN

Odunayo OGUNMOLA, Ado Ekiti

Iorliam SHIJA

THE NATION

6 NEWS

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R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari yesterday warned warring members of the All Progressives Congress( APC) to cast aside their differences immediately as the party cannot afford to “throw our success to the wind.”

He appealed to them “in the name of God” to forget their personal interest or ambition for now and “get together and use the mandate given to us by this country.”

President Buhari spoke at the opening of a meeting of the National Executive Committee of the party in Abuja against the backdrop of the crisis in the party occasioned by the recent emergence of the leadership of the National Assembly.

He asked the actors in the NASS leadership crisis to sheathe their swords because the party cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians.

He was optimistic that the APC would win the war eventually only if all hands are on the deck.

Insisting on the supremacy of the party over any mem-

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SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

Buhari to APC leaders: pocket your ambitions Yusuf ALLI and John OFIKHENUA, Abuja ber, he said no politician could occupy any political office without belonging to a political party.

His words: ”Let us as members of the APC, no matter our personal differences, get together and use the mandate given to us by this country.

“This is my personal appeal to you in the name of God. Whatever your personal interest or ambition is, please keep it close to your heart and in your pocket.

“Let APC work, let the system work and let us have a government that will earn the respect of our constituencies.

Please accept the superiority of the party.

“I cannot confine myself to the cage of Sambisa forest and refuse to participate in the meetings of NEC and eventually BOT because I respect the superiority of the party.

•Pays tribute to Akande, others for laying solid foundation for party’s take off •Insists on party supremacy “The elections have come and gone, the APC has won the battle, but lost the war.

This is the paradox of democracy, and we shall see how we can manage it going forward.

“The APC must not disappoint its constituency, that is the nation state. We have to convince our various constituencies that we are individually worthy of the sacrifices that they have made.

“They stayed awake day and night, travelling all over the country and made sure as a party we emerged victorious. What subsequently happened is human, and as human beings we are not perfect. But let our collective actions in this party prove that we have won the elections, the battle and we will

win the war.”

He went down the memory lane on the efforts of the party leaders to weave it into a formidable force that won the last elections in the country.

He said: “APC has been damn lucky, if I can use that.

The way the opposition parties realised, agreed and accepted that the only way through which we could be in the system was for us to come together.

“The ACN, the ANPP, the CPC, APGA and DPP wanted to come to participate fully in the negotiation, but they had court cases at various levels, and we suspected that if we allowed them to participate actively in the negotiation for merger, their being in court could cause either delay or deny us registration.

“So we persuaded our colleagues in APGA and DPP that please, stay out of the negotiation, but when we eventually get the registration, they can join en bloc or individually. And we suspected that we couldn’t allow them to participate so that they couldn’t either delay or deny us registration.

“Chief Rochas Okorocha is the epitome of this understanding.

“There have been various committees. Quite a number of you sitting here have been members of committees either leading them or being a member and we agreed. At some stage or the earlier stages, we agreed that nine people should form the interim committee, that is the national chairmen of the parties, the secretaries and the

treasurers.

“I, here, personally, and on behalf of you now congratulate Chief Bisi Akande. It’s a pity he is not here. He led the interim party with dexterity and integrity. I respect his patriotism.

“When we got the APC name through the agreement of various committees of the respective parties, we started working from polling unit upwards. Eventually, we ended up in the convention which gave us the leadership of the party.

“After that, the election started, and again it started from the bottom to the top. I have gone to this extent because not all of us here participated in it and for you to reflect and thank the leadership of the party at various stages for going through all this, which is not easy. But God in his infinite mercy has helped by giving us acceptance. Let us not throw this success to the wind.”

Saraki: Buhari, APC must succeed Onyedi OJAIBOR,

ENATE President Abubakar Bukola Saraki yesterday reiterated the commitment of the 8th Senate to the success of President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.

Saraki spoke in Abuja when the State Chairmen of the APC from the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) visited him.

The Senate President assured that the Senate would not disappoint Nigerians and neither would the APC senators abandon the party.

Saraki said: “I want to use this opportunity to assure you of our cooperation with the Executive arm led by our President, President Muhammadu Buhari.

“I want to reassure you that all of us APC Senators, we are committed to ensure that the APC is successful so that we can continue to win elections years and years and years and years after because of the foundation we are laying.”

He commended the party chairmen and Nigerians for their efforts and sacrifices which led to the victory of the APC in the last elections.

“It is now our responsibility to pay back so that you can sit back and say that my effort was not in vain; that those we elected made this party proud and

Assistant Editor

made this country great,” he said.

He added: “I can assure you that we are committed to doing our best because you have all suffered to get us to this point and we must show the difference, the difference between APC government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We have no choice. There is no alternative.

President Muhammadu Buhari must succeed and Insha Allah, he must succeed.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the State Chairmen of APC in Nigeria, Umar Haruna Doguwa, said the group was in the Senate to congratulate the Senate President and all APC Senators in the Upper Chamber over their victory during the 2015 general elections.

He urged the Senate President to use his good offices to ensure the success of the reconciliation already kick started by President Buhari and the APC. Some of the APC State Chairmen that visited the Senate President included those from Kano, Rivers, Enugu, Delta, Yobe, Plateau, Bauchi, Anambra, Zamfara and Niger.

Others are Abia, Nasarawa, Imo, Katsina, Kogi, Sokoto, Kebbi, Cross River, Bayelsa, Gombe, FCT, Kwara, Taraba, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom and United States of America (USA).

Chad seizes suspected Boko Haram weapons cache in N’Djamena

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’DJAMENA - Security forces in Chad have seized a large weapons cache including guns, rockets and ammunition in a house in the capital N’Djamena occupied by suspected members of the terror sect, Boko Haram, officials said yesterday.

The weapons, buried under the courtyard of the house in the eastern neighbourhood of Guinebor, were destined for Northeast Nigeria, where Boko Haram has launched a wave of attacks in recent weeks despite suffering heavy military defeats earlier in the year.

On Wednesday alone, the terrorists rounded up and shot dead about 145 residents of Kukawa, Borno State.

“These were weapons that Baana Fanaye, Boko Haram’s logistics chief for northern Cameroon and Chad, was preparing to send to Nigeria,” said one investigator, who asked not

to be identified. Fanaye was arrested in a raid by Chadian police last month.

Chad has played a leading role in a regional offensive against the armed group this year, in parallel with forces from Nigeria, Cameroon and Niger.

Two suicide attacks in N’Djamena in mid-June by suspected Boko Haram members, which killed 34 people, were believed to be in retaliation for Chad’s part in the campaign.

Chadian authorities arrested 60 suspected militants on June 27 and said they had dismantled a cell responsible for the suicide attacks. Two days later, five officers and six militants were killed during a raid on an arms cache.

State prosecutor Alghassim Khamis said the latest arms cache, discovered on Thursday, was found hidden in one of the houses raided on June 27.

•The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe (4th right); some of his cabinet chiefs and members of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) working group on the 'green paper' for the national policy on technical regulations, during their courtesy call to the Obi of Onitsha in his palace in Onitsha, Anambra State... yesterday Photo: NAN

Saraki, Lawan have agreed to come together - APC govs •Dogara, Gbajabiamila too •Details of agreement to be worked out in days – Oshiomole •NEC meeting upholds party supremacy•Oyegun gets vote of confidence

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OVERNORS elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are convinced that the bitter disagreement rocking the party over the choice of principal officers of the National Assembly is over for good.

The governors met last night with Senate President Bukola Saraki and House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara on the issue and told reporters that a broad outline for peace had been agreed by all the parties involved in the crisis.

Details of the agreement are being worked out and will be made public in due course, Governors Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said at the end of the meeting, which was a follow up to the APC National Executive Council (NEC)

Yusuf ALLI, Jide BABALOLA and John OFIKHENUA, Abuja meeting.

The NEC itself deliberated extensively on the crisis and mandated the governors to deal with the matter.

President Muhammadu Buhari, at the NEC meeting, said the party must not throw out its success through unnecessary bickering.

The NEC passed a vote of confidence on the party National Chairman,Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Emerging from the APC governors’ meeting at about 6 pm, Okorocha said the discussion went well.

He said: ”We have had discussions and we have all agreed for peace. So, you will not see any more disagreements as it had been in the past.

“Peace has come to our party. Both the Senate President and the Speaker and Senator Lawan and Hon Femi Gbajabiamila will work together for the unity of the National Assembly and for the progress of our party.

“By next week, we shall give you the details of the (final) outcome of this arrangement. But so far, so good; to God be the glory,” Okorocha stated.

Also speaking Oshiomhole said that the presence of the leaders of the warring factions at the meeting was a confirmation of the outcome of the governors’ peace-building efforts.

“The only way to sort matters out is to talk; we have started the process,” he said.

“The fact that the two sides are present shows that the foundation for peace is there. If people refuse to see eye-to-eye or they refuse to

sit together, then you can’t even discuss.

“But the fact that they all turned up and they met, we listened to all sides, we had consultations and we have agreed to continue with the conversation.

“So, I believe that we are making some progress. It is just not that everything is signed sealed and delivered; that is why Governor Okorocha said that we are continuing the process.”

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, had earlier in the day briefed reporters on the NEC meeting, saying the APC governors had accepted the responsibility to resolve the crisis in the National Assembly.

He said the NEC meeting upheld party supremacy and also resolved to make the Buhari administration •Continued on Page 8

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

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The man who would turn around an empty treasury TILL cracking his brain on how to overcome the challenges of an empty treasury and a debt overhang of about N7trillion, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed a new Accountant-General of the Federation, Mallam Ahmed Idris, to be his soul mate in finding solutions to the “rot” inherited from the immediate past administration of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan. Barely a few days in office, Ahmed is already confronted with the irreconcilable figures of the nation’s hard-earned revenue and expenditure. The figures could not just add up to the discomfiture of all Nigerians.

At the session of the National Economic Council (NEC), members were regaled with stunning records of how the National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) spent N3.8trillion illegally in three years and the controversy over alleged unilateral spending of $2billion by ex-Minister of Finance, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. More of such illegal withdrawals may flood Idris' desk in the next few days.

But the pedigree of Idris and his acceptance by the finance and accounting community are his greatest assets. Rated as a quiet, unassuming, incorruptible and highly transparent officer, the new AGF may offer a ray of hope for the nation in “straightening his records.” Most of those who have worked with Idris said his unique characteristic is his daily ability to “clear his table of any issue before closing at work.” Having trained as an auditor, he combines an Eagle eye for details with accounting. A source in OAGF said: “Idris is a round peg in a round hole.

He sniffs and detects any attempt to cook up the books easily.”

Very humble, simple, God-fearing and a man without exotic taste, Idris runs a peculiar Spartan life such that a first time visitor to his house will ask whether he is really in the home of a man who has manned many finance portfolios. Married with children, the new Accountant-General of the Federation indulges in hobbies now considered as strange in this clime in the age of internet.

He loves reading, academic discussion and excursion. His principle or attitude to life is "What will be, will be." A government source says: “Idris works a lot and he is a team player. He is also someone who is accessible. These are the qualities that enhanced his clearance by security agencies.

He is not infallible but he towers above his peers in integrity.”

Born on November 25, 1960, Idris started his career as an Audit Officer at Muhtari Dangana and Co, Chartered Accounts Firm, Kano, in 1985. He was also Head, Loan Syndication Unit of Continental Merchants

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• Ahmed Idris, The new AGF Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation Bank between 1989 and 1994 before moving to TY Chemical Limited (White Oil Refinery) in Kaduna as Senior Management Accountant. He joined the public service as Assistant Director Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) in charge of Financial Analysis in 2000.

He was at the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP), Ministries of Police Affairs and Interior as Assistant Director, Finance. He was Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Interior and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) before his promotion as Director Accounts in the Office of the AccountantGeneral of the Federation (OAGF) in 2011.

A 1984 BSc Accounting graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Idris obtained Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from Bayero University Kano and International Affairs and Diplomacy (MIAD) from ABU Zaria. He had also attended local and foreign courses, including Revenue Generation and Accountability for Local Governments, organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN); World Bank Disbursement Seminar, Reston, Virginia USA; IPSAS Course, Manchester Business School, United Kingdom, among several others.

Before his appointment, Idris was Director of Finance and Accounts at the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.

The pedigree of Idris and his acceptance by the finance and accounting community are his greatest assets. Rated as a quiet, unassuming, incorruptible and highly transparent officer, the new AGF may offer a ray of hope for the nation in “straightening his records.” Most of those who have worked with Idris said his unique characteristic is his daily ability to “clear his table of any issue before closing at work”

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He had also served as Director of Finance and Accounts at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) headquarters.

A chartered accountant with over two decades working experience, Idris is a Fellow of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria and Fellow, Association of Financial Analysts of Nigeria.

He is member of other professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, Certified Institute of Cost Management of Nigeria and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Right from his first day in office, the new AGF indicated that he might be on the same page with President Buhari in fighting corruption, which has become a systemic malaise in the country. He said: “Corruption as a national challenge cannot occur without active collaboration and connivance of finance managers. Officers with corrupt tendencies must be prepared to purge themselves of it as the treasury under my watch would maintain zero tolerance for corruption.

“The treasury is entrusted with public funds and therefore, the responsibility of providing adequate accounting system and controls with best practices to ensure revenues accruing to government are fully collected and accounted for and authorised payments are used for purposes meant; and that assets and liabilities are fully recorded and financial statements are rendered time-

ly”.

The daunting task of cleaning the augean stable The task before Idris is no doubt Herculean but certainly surmountable if he is focused and steady throughout his tenure. The urgent jobs at hand include ensuring that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies remit accruing revenue into the Federation Account; ending the culture of impunity by MDAs of spending without budgeting as evident in NNPC allegedly blowing of N3.8trillion out of N8.1 trillion earned from the sales of crude oil between 2012 and 2015; making the nation buoyant all over again instead of borrowing to pay salaries; managing external and internal debts to a reasonable level; addressing pension fraud and blocking all fraud loopholes in the nation’s accounting system.

More than anything else, the new AGF needs to conclude the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System and Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (GIFMIS) to end the nation’s bloated wage bill. As at February, the new system has made the nation to uncover 62,892 ghost workers and saved N208.7billion. Yet, more ghost workers are lurking in the civil service. Going by the testimony of the immediate past Minister of Finance, Okonjo-Iweala, the GIFMIS is the in-thing to call prodigal MDAs to order as the case in December 2014 when some of them could not pay salaries.

She said: “There was a problem.

Everybody thought the economy was broke.

But what happened was that 14 agencies that were on GIFMIS tried to pay more and utilise more than what was programmed, the system locked them out. And they could not pay one person in their agencies. The President was initially worried but when I now told him the reason, there was smile on his face. He said, ‘so we have a system that can do that’ and I said yes.”

His major headache As the nation awaits the magic wand of Idris, the main headache of the new AGF is how to prevail on his colleagues in various MDAs to embrace his anti-corruption reform agenda. There is hardly any case of corruption in the MDAs busted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) without the connivance of Directors, Assistant Directors and Account Officers. Will Idris walk the talk to fight graft in public accounting? He has a date with history soon on this target.

Boko Haram kills 11 fleeing members in Borno HE terror sect, Boko Haram, yesterday killed 11 of its members for defecting.

The former rebels had allegedly fled from a Boko Haram camp near Miringa village in Biu Local Governmet area of Borno State early yesterday.

A 20-man killer team was hurriedly raised by the sect and dispatched to go after the rebels.

They were rounded up in the village and put on trial.

The sect’s emergency court found them guilty of desertion.

Within minutes, the killer team slit the throats of the deserters in the presence of the villagers to discourage further defections.

A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) who identified himself simply as Modu said yesterday in Maiduguri that the killer team stormed the village early in the morning and embarked on selective killing of 11 villagers, slit-

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ting their throats for renouncing their membership of the group.

He said that the 11 fleeing Boko Haram members had disappeared from the village a long time ago only to return a few days ago, raising concern in the community.

“Everyone knew in the village that the men who recently came back to settle among them were Boko Haram because they left a long time ago. Many residents knew once they returned that we were not safe with their presence in our midst,” Modu said.

Another version of the story said the victims were killed for rejecting conscription into Boko Haram.

The agency quoted a resident, Mshelia, as saying:"Boko Haram fighters killed 11 people in our village (Miringa) this morning (yesterday). The men had fled Gwargware village in (neighbouring) Yobe State to seek refuge in our village after Boko Haram

•Suicide bombers claim 11 other lives Joel DUKU and agency report tried to force them to join their ranks."

Baballe Mohammed, another resident, said the gunmen came to the village around 1.30 am yesterday.

They "picked 13 men from selected homes and took them to the Eid prayer ground outside the village where they opened fire on them", he said, adding two managed to escape.

"The victims were well targeted because they were all residents of Gwargware village... who fled to Miringa some months ago to escape forced conscription by Boko Haram."

Suicide bombers had on Thursday night killed at least 11 people at Malari also in Borno State, another in a string of almost

daily attacks by the extremists.

A female suicide bomber killed seven and injured 13 at a village called Malari on the main road from Bama to Konduga while a second suicide bomber killed three in blast along the same road, Borno state police chief Aderemi Opadokun said.

A military source said in both cases the suicide bombers targeted crowded areas where locals sell fruit along the highway, which runs southeast of the state capital Maiduguri.

It is the fourth attack this week in which more than 160 have been killed by the sect In the most deadly attack, the militants targeted several mosques in Kukawa town on Tuesday and gunned down nearly 148 praying worshippers.

The Borno assaults are the

worst series of attacks since President Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in on May 29, promising to end the insurgency by the terrorists.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, visiting victims of the Boko Haram insurgency in Yola,Adamawa State said the government was determined to end the killing.

“You have to be patient,” he said on Thursday, according to a statement from his office. “As you know, the government has very little money. We are running after all the money everywhere, so that we use it to serve you.”

Thursday’s suicide attacks came after Boko Haram fighters shot dead 145 people in two villages in Borno on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to residents.

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SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

We’re winning against Boko Haram, says Buhari

ESPITE the Tuesday and Wednesday attacks that claimed 148 lives in Borno villages, President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, said Nigeria is progressively winning the war against Boko Haram under the auspices of multinational force involving neighbouring countries.

The President said the multinational force is progressively winning the fight against Boko Haram.

President Buhari, who stated this in his address as

…as military graduates 174 officers Abdulgafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna the Special Guest of Honour at the graduation of 174 military officers of Senior Course 37 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Nigeria, pointed out the importance of harnessing the strengths of multiple security actors as demonstrated in the fight against terrorism.

Represented by the Vice

French woman jailed for murder of eight newborns

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OUAI, France- A Frenchwoman was yesterday convicted of murdering eight of her newborns over an 11-year period and sentenced to nine years in prison.

The prosecutor said Dominique Cottrez, a 51year-old mother of two adult daughters, had stood trial for six days at court in the city of Douai in northern France.

The prosecutor, while acknowledging her fragile mental state, had called for Cottrez to be sentenced to 18 years.

He said the murders came to light in the village of Villers-au-Tertre, in July 2010 after the owners of a new home, which used to be the Cottrez family house, discovered two bags with the corpses.

The prosecutor said few days later, six more bags with the bodies of newborns were found inside Cottrez’s house.

At the time, Cottrez said she had suffocated the babies because she did not want more children, and did not want to seek out contraception from a doctor.

He said during the trial, Cottrez explained how she bore the babies at night, often in the bathroom, before

•Continued from Page 6 work.

He said: “We did have the National Executive Committee meeting today with the President in attendance.

Not just is this the first NEC meeting we are having after the victory of the party, I think it is also symbolic that the President agreed to come to the party’s headquarters.

“When we offered to hold the meeting at the Villa, he opted to come here because he believed that coming here will also raise the morale of the party. And we had a meeting and I am happy that you listened to both the addresses of the President and the National Chairman of the party.

“And what you want to know is what transpired after you left. After you left, the National Legal Adviser came to seek the approval of NEC as to certain categories of members who should be members of the BOT. And the motion was moved and it was carried unanimously after which the National Ex-

strangling them and putting them in bags.

The prosecutor said the births took place between 1989 and 2000, without her husband or daughters finding out due to her overweight body hiding the pregnancies.

He said during her documented testimony, Cottrez at first said her father had helped her hide the corpses and alleged that he had raped her as a child.

The prosecutor said she went on to say that she had an incestuous relationship with him, but later withdrew her statements and said that she had lied.

Her lawyer Frank Berton said after the ruling that he welcomed the shorter sentence, saying it reflected “hope for Cottrez.

“This woman was never a criminal. This woman was walled in her silence, walled in her isolation, walled in her obesity.

Her motives are still unclear, but her lawyers said the decision reflected an understanding that Cottrez suffered from psychological problems and neurotic disorders.

Forensic evidence presented to the court showed that Cottrez’s husband was the father of all eight.

President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari expressed confidence in the quality of training received by officers in the institution which, according to him, has adequately prepared the military to confront current threats to national and global security.

He however, cautioned the officers to be mindful of the “distracting and diversionary” nature of today’s highly sensitive media environment.

“Some of you will be deployed in crisis-prone areas for either internal security or peace support operations outside your country. Given that we live in a common global environment, you must be conscious of your actions,” he warned the graduates.

On the global scene,

Buhari said Nigeria remains firmly committed to the maintenance of international peace and security, adding that the country will continue to collaborate with other governments to promote peace, stability and development on the African continent and around the world.

He therefore charged the military to live up to expectations at all times and to uphold the nation’s enduring legacy in global peacekeeping operations.

“As members of the armed forces, you have a principal role to play in protecting the lives and property of our citizens.

“While maintaining internal peace and security remains primarily the responsibility of the civil police, the scale of the current security

challenges facing our nation requires the military to play a more decisive role in support of civil power.

“Always remember that ethnicity and religious intolerance are the greatest threats to our collective security as a people and as a nation. I urge you all to guard against these negative sentiments in the discharge of your noble duties,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commandant of the College, AVM John Chris Ifemeje, said the course assembled on 30th June, 2014 and is made up of 174 students comprising 70 Nigerian Army officers, 43 Nigerian Navy officers, 31 Nigerian Air Force officers and 9 civilians from the Defence Intelligence Agency, DSS, Ministry of Defence, Nigerian Prison Service, Nigerian Immigration Service,

•Representative of the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Abubakar (4th right); Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman (3rd right) and other worshippers at the 2015 Nigerian Army Day Special Ju'maat Prayers in Abuja... yestersay PHOTO: NAN

‘Saraki, Lawan have agreed to come together’ ecutive Committee and the governors passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of the party.

“I think also important is the fact that the NEC has also provided an enabling environment to look into ways of resolving the National Assembly logjam.

“And I know that today the governors will be meeting with both the Speaker and the Senate President.

The governors are meeting today with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives in a further attempt to find a lasting solution to the lingering logjam in the National Assembly.

“But also, it is important to point to it that everybody in the party is united on two issues. One, party supremacy, secondly that this government must work.

That this government must deliver its electioneering promises. That this government must bring about the change that Nigerians want. These I think, in a nutshell are the highlights of the

NYSC and FRSC. He noted that among the graduating students were also 21 international military officers comprising five from Mali, four from Ghana, and two each from Benin Republic, Burkina Faýso, Sierra Leone and Togo, and one each from Cameroun, Chad, the Gambia and Senegal.

“It has been 49 weeks of intense operational military training and academic activities and the course is designed to equip the officers with the appropriate skills to function as middle level commanders and Grade 1 Staff Officers,” he said.

He advised the graduating students ýto strive to improve themselves and always keep abreast developments, not only in their immediate environment but also in the ever dynamic global environment.

meeting. “ Alhaji Mohammed said it was not just in the interest of the APC to resolve the problem but the nation itself and “all of you who voted for change.”

“What the country wants is stability. What the country wants is peace, a government that can function properly. And I think that is what we are working towards.”

Asked why the APC leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the party’s former Interim national Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande were not at the meeting, Alhaji Mohammed said: “If you look at the constitution, neither of them are members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party. I think it is at the discretion of the NWC and NEC to invite. And it is not out of respect to question why they are not here.

But the bottom line is that neither of them is a member of the exco of the party.”

On the alleged slow approach of the Buhari ad-

ministration, he said: “I think that this is just a perception, because if you look at the circumstances of this government, it is unlike what happened like say in 2003, 2007, and 2011.

“This is the first time that really there has been a transition. It is not just one president being re-elected or one president passing the baton to another candidate of his own party.

“This is the first time in the history of Nigeria when the opposition has defeated the ruling party. And that will also have a lot of implications.

“Two is the fact that when we were coming in at this time, the government as opposition, we need to know the depth of the challenges we are facing. This is what the President-elect of the party realised when he set up the transition committee.

“Our idea of the transition committee was to allow interactions between the outgoing government and the incoming government to give us the opportunity to

know what is the state of the affairs, which projects are ongoing, which one has changed, what is the state of the economy?

“But the President has made some progress. You see, the President took a particular step which I think is not being appreciated by many people.

“A part of it is adherence to Section 8 of the constitution which says that every money accruing to the Federal Government should be paid into the Federation Account.

“Now, by calling the Federal Inland Revenue, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Customs Services, and the NNPC, to close all other illegal accounts, I think that is the beginning of probity in this administration.

“Again, the abolition of general prohibition of goods, I think it is another point that the government is actually working, because before now, what we had was what was referring to the general list of things that are prohibited which had

cause to find their ways into the country. “ The APC National Chairman, Chief Odigie-Oyegun and Senate President Saraki also spoke to reporters.

Oyegun said: “This is the beginning of the end of that crisis. We are still going to sit down and dot the i’s and cross the t’s. By the way, there was a resounding vote of confidence from the entire meeting.

“It has been underlined, it has been underscored.

And it has been emphasised by all levels of the leadership; Mr. President, members of the National Assembly, and our governors.

That has today been thoroughly underscored.”

Saraki said: “Be rest assured that the leadership crisis in the National Assembly is over, and as the chairman said, we just have to dot the i’s and cross the t’s. And we are very pleased and this will be put behind us very soon.

“You can see the smiles from the faces of everybody coming out. It is a good meeting.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

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Presidential mandates and new global order S US President Barak Obama was being expected this week at a White House briefing with Brazilian President Dilmar Roussef a commentator noted that the US president could arrive with some spring in his steps at the event because the US Supreme Court had just endorsed two of the issues dear to his lame duck presidency. These are gay rights and Obama care and I would add the resumption of diplomatic ties with Cuba cut short since 1962 over the Cuban Missile Crisis. Of the three issues the gay rights Supreme Court ruling of 5 to 4 has great human and diplomatic implications far beyond the shores of the US which is also a leading global power and promoter of democracy and the free market economy as a way of life anytime and every where.

The spring was palpable in Obama’s steps when he eventually arrived at the press conference but it is in the implication of the Supreme Court decisions for the rest of the world that I am interested in today. I am also looking at that as a consequence of the Obama presidential mandate for the eight years he has been in power. I make bold to say that that of all US decisions taken during Obama’s presidency the gay rights issue is the most controversial matched only in that regard by the decision in Syria not to strike that nation when it was confirmed that the Assad regime was using chemical weapons to kill its own people. That decision, with the help of hind sight ricocheted into an escalation of the Syrian Crisis by creating a crisis of confidence on the US loyalty to its allies in the Middle East. This unfortunate situation gave birth to ISIS to which many global terrorist Islamist groups have claimed alignment and affinity with in creating borderless caliphates including Nigeria’s deadly Boko Haram which this week alone killed over 100 people in mosques and villages in Borno state in the North East of Nigeria.

We will also concern ourselves today with the mandate of Nigeria’s much respected new President Muhammadu Buhari and the euphoria that accompanied his emergence from the last presidential elections. This is not withstanding the obvious and cruel fact that the high expectations of that election victory of his party has been befuddled if not stigmatised by the way and manner the elections of the leaders of the Legislature were hijacked by APC members who did not toe the party line on the matter, but teamed up with the opposition PDP to elect both an APC President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives. This definitely was an unexpected legislative and political development but it is one crisis that would not go away anyway or any how, and it is one that is destined to shape the direction and destiny of the mandate of the new Nigerian president no matter how one looks at it.

Another world leader that we shall look at today alongside the Nigerian and US presidents is Russia’s President Vladmir Putin who has been accused by the West of violating International law by invading the Crimea in Ukraine and is still having Russian soldiers in Ukraine while the US and EU have imposed economic sanctions against his regime and its key personnel by closing their accounts all over Europe. It is necessary to bring in the Russian leader for the simple fact that he has never seen eye to eye with the US president on many issues especially the gay rights one and he has been able to successfully manage and manipulate his political mandate in his nation such that he has outlasted two US presidents with their combined two terms of 16 years which is really amazing.

To appreciate the presidential mandates of the three presidents one can take a look at their respective background. President Barak Obama was a law professor like our own Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. He however came into politics from the background of a social worker, a fact which has enhanced his mobilization capacities to

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raise campaign funds and galvanise people at campaigns. The same asset has however been deemed a set back in taking tough decisions especially on global security and military matters. This weakness some have pointed out has been seen by the Russian leader hence the confrontational foreign policy of Russia in the Middle East and Europe to bring about the Cold War bi polar world dominated by the former USSR which the Russian leader is nostalgically trying to resurrect by deliberately flouting international law in Ukraine.

In Nigeria’s case the Nigerian president came into office with a massive mandate and goodwill of the people. He ruled as a military leader before but no one doubts his democratic credentials having contested for the presidency on three earlier occasions and lost. Boko Haram has been his priority as he initiated regional security and military cooperation between Nigeria and its neighbours facing the brunt of Boko Haram’s murderous menace. His military background has been useful here and he has even been asked by the EU at the last G7 Summit he attended to provide the needs of the region for the EU to help out.

Yet Boko Haram is still on rampage and this week killed over 134 Nigerians in fresh attacks in Borno state in horrendous manner, attacking mosques and killing women and children. Obviously the new president has to lead the onslaught against Boko Haram in a more productive and deterrent manner and direction. Nigerians need to be protected from being killed in large numbers on a daily basis by Boko Haram. The last president lost the election because he could not contain Boko Haram and he could not bring back the 200 missing Chibok girls who have not been found to date. The military background of our new president gives one hope that Boko Haram’s

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President Muhammadu Buhari has a date with history in Nigeria and he should not allow his mandate to be distracted by the unexpected political digression of the leadership elections in the legislature. He must put his foot down to arrest indiscipline in his party and clean up the Augean stable of corruption in our nation and the economy. That is his mandate and that was why Nigerians voted for him

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days are numbered but the military have to be given the riot act and marching orders to do this and stop the killings fast as he was and is still the Commander in Chief of our Armed Forces and that experience really counts.

With regard to Russia’s President Vladmir Putin he was a KGB officer or a spy, if you remember those James Bond 007 films, before he was handpicked as Vice President by Boris Yeltsin Russia’s president at the time. Putin was Russia’s president during the time of President George Bush the 43rd president from 2001 to 2008. He became Russia’s PM from 2008 to 2012 when he yielded way to his hand picked puppet as president because the Russian constitution allows only two consecutive terms of four years. He came back as president in 2012. Which means he has outlasted George Bush who invaded Iraq and captured Saddam Hussein and he is seeing out Barak Obama with whom he never saw eye to eye on any issue.

With regard to their mandates and its success or failure one can say or hazard a guess or two. I am happy with the outcome and success of Obama Care and the opening of relations with Cuba. The rapprochement with Cuba clearly shows that in international relations there are no permanent enemies but permanent interests. The Obama Administration should remember this as it rejoices over the gay rights US Supreme Court judgement which some people in other parts of the world think is an abomination. In particular the US should be wary in the way it equates gay rights with civil rights and the way and manner it ties observance of its beliefs on this with the way it gives out aid. Especially security and military largess to nations fighting terrorism like Nigeria which urgently needs such attention to contain Boko Haram an ally of ISIS which the US knows and acknowledges as a mortal enemy to be destroyed by all means.President Obama has utilized his mandate in the US but the gay rights issue and the containment of terrorism will outlast his tenure. Both will determine his legacy and his place in world history.

Similarly President Muhammadu Buhari has a date with history in Nigeria and he should not allow his mandate to be distracted by the unexpected political digression of the leadership elections in the legislature. He must put his foot down to arrest indiscipline in his party and clean up the Augean stable of corruption in our nation and the economy. That is his mandate and that was why Nigerians voted for him.

That is in addition to the belief that he especially can lead or shove our military in the direction of giving Boko Haram a kick in the ass to send them packing into oblivion and stop murdering innocent Nigerians at night, in broad daylight or even as they worship in our mosques. That is our hope in the Buhari Administration even as we learn to live with the fact that it will take time for him to make our world better. We are confident our choice is right and that sooner than later he will rein in the wild horse of a political economy he inherited with an empty treasury.

We wish him God’s speed to realize our hope and his mandate. Again, long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

COMMENTARY

A nation obsessed with data collection Saturday I Flakes

T is just as well that the Central Bank of Nigeria decided to extend the deadline for the Bank Verification Number (BVN) enrolment from June 30 to October 31. The sea of heads observable on the premises of banks around Lagos two or three days to the deadline was a clear indication that there was no miracle by which every customer would be enrolled before June 30. It is an age-long tradition that in such matters, most Nigerians would wait till the last minute before they begin to rush. It was the same experience with the collection of the permanent voter cards in the build-up to the recent general election. Millions of voter cards lay unclaimed at the collection centres until the authorities were forced to shift the deadline for their collection.

But while it is easy to blame the people for this unseemly attitude, it is also possible that they are fatigued or bored by the sheer number of times they have to engage in such exercise. Data collection in this part of the world has simply become an obsession. In civilised societies, citizens' data is centralised. In Nigeria, it is so duplicated that citizens are made to waste precious time supplying data to collect their driving licences, international passports and national identity cards or register their phone numbers and BVN. It is either a mark of how unserious we are as a nation or how grossly incompetent our institutions are.

It is hard to fathom why it is impossible to have a central database where information about any Nigerian citizen or resident can be obtained without the individual jumping from the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) and the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to banks and passport offices just to supply the same information. The most frustrating aspect of it all is the fact that in each of the institutions where the information is required, you have to shuttle between your home and their offices for months or even years just to get your data captured. And there is no guarantee that the data that is captured after numerous attempts can be called up when the organisation requires it again.

Such, for instance, are the personal experiences I have had with the FRSC and one of the major GSM service providers with whom I had to register a telephone line. After the rigours I had gone through in 2010 to obtain a new driving licence from the Ojodu office of the FRSC, I had thought that revalidating the licence at the same office when it expired three years later would be a stroll in the park. I thought that since I had undergone the various tests conducted by the VIO and got my data captured at the FRSC office after strenuously parading their office for months, all that would be done was to check through their database, update the information they have on me and issue a new driving licence.

Alas, I was wrong. As I walked into the FRSC office and told the lady I met on the front desk that I was there to renew

With

Vincent Akanmode vincentakanmode@yahoo.com SMS only: 08054700136 my driving licence, the question she asked was, 'Have you done the VIO tests?' I confidently told her that I had done all the tests before obtaining the licence I was there to renew, but she insisted that I had to do them all over again. It took me one week to repeat all the tests at the VIO, after which I returned to the FRSC office in the hope that I would expressly be issued another licence because they already had my data. Unknown to me, I had just embarked on a very long journey.

First, I was asked to join a class of other licence seekers where for two days we were lectured on traffic rules and regulations. Thereafter, we were directed to the office where our data would be captured and a new licence would be issued to us. To cut the story short, it took almost two years and more than 20 visits to get my data captured again. At the end of the day, all I got was a temporary driving licence which they said I should use for one month and come for the

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It is in the same light of needless duplication that I see the current BVN enrolment exercise, particularly because the information demanded in the enrolment form is hardly different from the ones the customer had supplied in the account opening forms. More importantly, they are information that a serious nation would store in a central database the banks themselves can easily access and save hapless customers the pains of forming endless queues in the rain or under the scorching sun for a rigour that is totally avoidable

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permanent one. That was in April, but what I still have at the time of writing is a temporary driving licence. I have visted the office twice in search of the permanent driving licence, but all the officials do is to stamp the temporary licence and extend its validation by one month.

The situation I have found myself now is that the driving licence I started processing about three years ago has almost expired, while I am yet to get it. Yet an FRSC official had the effrontery to ask why I had not gone to revalidate my temporary driving licence the third time. Of course, I told him that the failure was not mine, but that of his organisation. I had done more than I should to obtain a permanent driving licence, but I could not because the FRSC would just not live up to its own part of the bargain. Or how many times must one visit their office to obtain a licence?

Our inability to keep data was also underscored by the experience I had with a GSM service provider recently.

Immediately the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued a directive that all mobile phone users should register their lines, I visited one of the outlets of the telecommunication company in Lagos and registered mine. After using the line for about two years, I needed to configure Internet on it. I visited another outlet of the service provider in Ota, Ogun State, for the configuration only for the lady I met at the counter to tell me that the configuration could not be done because the line was not registered. I told her it was duly registered and I had used it unhindered for two years, but she insisted that I must register it again. I agreed and submitted myself for another registration.

Two days later, the internet that was configured on the phone began to malfunction. I returned to the outlet to ask what was amiss. On getting there, I met a different lady at the counter. She checked through their system and told me again that the line had not been registered. In protest, I told her that the line had been registered twice and that the second registration was actually done on her desk two days earlier. Eventually, she registered the line a third time and reconfigured the internet. But I had only used it for a few weeks when I started receiving messages, asking me to register the line. I abandoned the SIM card out of frustration.

It is in the same light of needless duplication that I see the current BVN enrolment exercise, particularly because the information demanded in the enrolment form is hardly different from the ones the customer had supplied in the account opening forms. More importantly, they are information that a serious nation would store in a central database the banks themselves can easily access and save hapless customers the pains of forming endless queues in the rain or under the scorching sun for a rigour that is totally avoidable.

Oil is dead... What’s next?

HE price of oil is collapsing. Good. Our revenue is dwindling. Very good. The Federal Government cannot disburse enough subventions to the states and local governments. Extremely good. The civil servants are planning to go on strike. Ex…cellent. Are you wishing for the collapse of the country? Nope. I am looking to its real rebirth. This might be God’s way of forcing us to tap into the resources that we have already been blessed with, including other natural, agricultural and abundant human resources.

What was that you said? The civil servants are planning to go on strike. Really! When they are not on strike and they are fully at work, what exactly is their contribution to the national economy? The civil service has become more of a distribution channel for Abuja welfare package, earned from the sweat in Port Harcourt propped up by foreigners while importing our goodies from abroad via the channels of the Lagos ports of Tin Can and Apapa.

To take out the petroleum sector of the economy, what exactly does the civil service primarily earn for Nigeria both at the national, state or local government levels? Apart from the Federal Inland Revenue Service – which is not money primarily made but collected by administrators from what has been earned – and the Customs and Excise – which is equally money collected from earnings that have taken place elsewhere – what other institutions make meaningful money for Nigeria with the petrochemical constituting seventy percent of our national revenue? Even our tax receipts recently released showed N756.7bn being earned with N368.59bn, representing 48.71 per cent generated through Petroleum Profit Tax coming from the petrochemical sector. Basically, without the petrochemical sector and the tax receipts we also get from it, we are almost nothing.

Once the money is earned, this is sent to the Abuja distribution centre before being forwarded to all tiers of government by the civil service. All forms of contracts are offered for all and sundry by the very ingeniously administrative skills of the civil servants the end result of which is the importation via the Lagos ports. From this imported feeding frenzy is where the Customs and Excise makes its revenue and Lagos State feeds off the country’s imported consumption appetite. And this is the economy as administered by the civil servants with hardly anything of added value to the national economic grid.

With the bounties coming in from the petrochemical sector drying up with nothing to do, we now know the emperors and empresses have no clothes on and we have been running an illusory economy. The non-payment of salaries at the national, state or local level really illuminates their true economic worth to the nation. They have been riding on the back-sweat of the private sector and the output of the foreigners in the petroleum sector who are the real earners

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Dele OWOLOWO propping up our economy.

While they are playing out their administrative non-productivity, to digress a little since they are connected, their legislative political masters in the National Assembly find it wise in being unable to pass the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) for years on end. The best they can offer the nation is a sham of rushing it through at the tail end of the last political dispensation. With esteemed fanciful speed and national interest, the legislators decided to pass this bill amongst a raft of non-productive asinine bills where their ‘leg is late’ in ever achieving anything of significance to the nation – stratospheric salaries and perks notwithstanding. At least they dress well. What is the return on investment of the whole non-productive assembly rightly car-plated NASS with ‘N’ representing non-productive personification at the highest level. Like master like servant.

Where the civil service constitutes the largest bulk of employment in the country it demonstrates a classic illustration of abysmal national productivity. The ideal ratio between the public and private sector should be 1:3 where every public servant that is employed means three private sector employees are in the economy. If we can achieve 1:4, then our efficiency must have progressed to the dreamy high heavens.

To use my favourite state of example – Ekiti – as is typical of most states in the country is just a civil service state with dreamy hopes of ever being a viable state. Meanwhile it is one of the best subsistence yam producing states in the country with undoubtedly other agricultural products in the state. What has happened to the state so far? There are roads and a highly educated population. But are they able

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Where the civil service constitutes the largest bulk of employment in the country it demonstrates a classic illustration of abysmal national productivity. The ideal ratio between the public and private sector should be 1:3 where every public servant that is employed means three private sector employees are in the economy. If we can achieve 1:4, then our efficiency must have progressed to the dreamy high heavens

to generate any meaningful income for the state? Nope.

Education is of use when it is relevant to utilising the resources of the state not producing the students and most of them do not seek for employment in the state but go to Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt (LAP). Apart from the occasional breezing in to say hello to relatives or their burials and traditional weddings, that is it. Those who stay are in the education sector busy churning out more outbound LAP crew-oriented graduates or they end up in the civil service waiting for dispensation from Abuja. The most honest accountable system with the best integrity of a system cannot shift this unproductive state of affairs to development without engaging the agricultural-cum-agro-allied businesses who offer the fastest means to employment, empowerment, state or local government revenue-generation with less dependence on Abuja for survival not to forget slowing or even reversing rural-urban migration nationwide.

Any announcement for employment by the Immigration Department has now become the highlight of laying the foundation for national productivity. No problem, if the Immigration Department is able to make enough money for passport issuance to cover its operational and administrative existence. If however, it is still demanding for subventions and allocations from the government, then that is typical of the consumption-oriented nature of the civil service as is representative of our national economic implementation…consume…consume and consume more.

Civil servants should be remunerated on how many businesses they encourage to be set up in their locality not on how many they are able to get taxes from. Tie in the fate of the civil service with priority to revenue generation for the nation both locally and internationally rather than revenue collection and administration. Civil servants should not domineeringly have the power to close down companies but judged by how many companies they provide advisory and practical assistance to set up, survive and thrive. This will create a proactive civil service, streamline the service to only the elite intelligentsia of the society with a performance monitoring system in place that is easy to be monitored and those idle hands would find their way out. They do not need to be sacked, merged as is rightly recommended in many cases by the Orosanye Report nor would there be need to embark on any strikes.

Let the oil dry up, then long may the country live on its other abundant resources of which human resources are not in short supply.

•Dele Owolowo, author ‘Nigeria’s Odyssey…’, is an educationist, trainer and rural entrepreneur with widely travelled background. owolowo.dele@gmail.com

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

COMMENTARY

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If not for Saraki’s patriotic magnanimity…

R. Bukola Saraki, the Kwara State-born politician and, by all sense of the word, a true inheritor of his late father’s exploits in the political terrain, takes his vocation more seriously than many would have imagined. The former banker, two-time governor and aide to ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo recently plotted a coup that saw him perching at the prestigious seat of Nigeria’s President of the Senate, even to the consternation of the leadership of his party, the All Progressives Congress. Some say he is perching precariously on the tip of a dangling rope. That is neither here or there. With the benefits of hindsight, I have no shred of doubt that Saraki must have exploited all the wily tricks in and out of the books to - with cold calmness - manoeuvre his way to the seat. Some say the feat was achieved through a combination of treachery and stone-cold ambition. I beg to disagree. I see his emergence strictly from the prism of what his supporters call Saraki's patriotic magnanimity.

Who else, if not Saraki? Were it not for Saraki's selfless love for country and party, we wouldn't have had a Muhammadu Buhari as President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces today. What greater love could a man show other than sacrificing the Number One seat for our Buhari and then, settling for the lowly, albeit, inconsequential seat of a Senate Presidency. Yet, we heckle him for that. Would the heavens have come down if this man had stood his ground and contested the APC presidential primaries with Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and Sam Nda-Isaiah? Would we have called him a traitor as we so treacherously label him today? Why are we bent on rubbishing the good deeds of this latest hero of our democracy in the postJonathan era?

I have read quite a number of obnoxiously annoying remarks by some persons, saying Saraki carried the joke too far by alluding to the fact that his decision not to run for the Presidency paved the way for Buhari. They even argue that Saraki’s claim is preposterous. Says who? Well, I think these persons underestimate the potency of Saraki's pouch of political wizardry and his insatiable appetite for success. Didn't they say he did not have the capacity to send his father to a late retirement from Kwara politics? Didn't they say he could not muster enough support to install a governor in that state against Senator Gbemisola Saraki, the preferred candidate of his father? Didn't they forecast his doom when he jumped ship and joined the APC with the incumbent governor of his state?

And did he not reformat the party's machinery in Kwara state to suit his design such that his candidates emerged victorious in the 2015 elections? So, is there anyone out there who is yet to see the light that we all owe Saraki an appreciation for giving us Buhari at a time when we all clamoured for change at the centre?

If you like, throw your nose up in pessimism, thinking that this is one of those satirical pieces by Knucklehead. Well, you are on your own. I am dead serious. Any man that could perfectly play the stuff reserved for an iconic figure in the 007 movies in real life can become whatever he chooses to become. Abubakar Bukola Saraki is the James Bond of Nigeria’s modern politics. From what he said in a recent interview, we can make a deduction that this fine northerner with a Yoruba name merely bid his time in the run-off to the election and hit his party in the groin at the most auspicious time.

That, in itself reflects a unique sense of calculation. After all, the most calculating and even, selfish men have emerged as leaders in many climes. It is not by any stroke of providence that Saraki outdid everyone to be selected as the unopposed

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Knucklehead With

Yomi Odunuga E-mail:yomi.odunuga @thenationonlineng.net SMS only: 07028006913 President of the Nigerian Senate. It took meticulous planning, deft moves and killer punches. We may not like his style but we have to give it to him that he got his party leadership foaming in the mouth and flailing with needless rage. By that time, he was already holding aloft the prize of his patriotic magnanimity with all the triumphalism that goes with it.

In case anyone is in doubt about how far Saraki would go in his determination to lead the 8th Senate, he offered snippets into what he had to do. His schematic prism is apt and tested: all is fair in war even if you have to dine with the devil with a shorter spoon. This is not textbook logic but tactical pragmatism. For a man who swore he never had any deal with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, it is interesting that the PDP senators found Saraki too irresistible as a worthy bride for the Office of the President of the Senate. He said he would be the last person to sell his party cheaply for a pot of porridge but the APC came out of that session completely battered, deflated and shred of all modicum of respect. He rode to fame defaming a platform that now nibbles in anguish. But that should not be seen as a crime; after all, we all knew that he had helped PDP to its demise after being given the opportunity of high office. Or we saying he has given the PDP a renewed vigour to gloat?

His traducers now say that if there was any error in how things went awry for a party in which Nigerians reposed so much confidence, Saraki was that error. And so, when he made reference to a “combination of errors” leading to the election of Senator Ike Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President, it shouldn’t be that hard for him to locate the mastermind of such tragic errors. Even his episodic rendering of the events indicts no one but the talebearer of that beer par-

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Abubakar Bukola Saraki is the James Bond of Nigeria’s modern politics. From what he said in a recent interview, we can make a deduction that this fine northerner with a Yoruba name merely bid his time in the run-off to the election and hit his party in the groin at the most auspicious time. That, in itself reflects a unique sense of calculation

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lour rant. First, with placid innocence, Saraki said that the overwhelming support he got from the PDP senators was of “strategic interest” to the PDP as a party. What else would have pushed them to a more pliable, ready-to-play-ball candidate in the first instance? Then, Saraki dramatically announced his ‘pains’ that Senator Ali Ndume lost the election to Ekweremadu as he had thought “the two groups within the APC would meet and agree on a candidate.” What faction was he referring to? The one he refused to meet with whilst dancing naked in the marketplace with the PDP hawks and hiding in ‘small cars’ in the dead of the night at the National Assembly parking lot? Could it be the same faction that obeyed President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to converge on the International Conference Centre while his ‘election had come and gone’ before anyone could bat an eyelid?

Now, hear him at his sanctimonious best: “As early as 4am or 5am, I had the contingency plan that by 8am, we would get to the National Assembly. But I was advised that it might not be safe for me, that if I wasn't in the chamber, it would be impossible for anybody to nominate me.

So l had to find my own way, as l was in the National Assembly complex as early as 6am that morning. I stayed in my small car at the car park until quarter to 10am.It was at quarter to 10am that l got the information that the clerk had entered into the chamber. This is the gospel truth. I was there without any communication. Anybody that said he spoke to me was lying. I did not even know. All l was doing was to be monitoring how people were arriving. It was at quarter to 10 that l got the information that the clerk had entered into the chamber.So, l got out of my small car, stretched myself and put on my Babaringa and walked from the car park into the chamber. I didn't know anything. When l was in the chamber, the only thing l knew was that some of the senators were not present, but l noticed that people were arriving in batches. So, by 10am, the event started and before we knew it, my election had come and gone.”

Now, this must be the stuff Hollywood thrillers are made of.

Such thoughtfulness is clearly beyond Nollywood. I may not know how the journalists present at the press briefing reacted to Saraki’s canticles but I sure know the key elements of moonlight tales. It takes an extraordinary man to remain incommunicado and yet get minute-by-minute information on when to stab his ‘colleagues’ in the back! He professed not knowing anything but it turned that he knew everything. The dramatist calls it a perfect setting for a treacherous script.

Some say it is a betrayal. No, I disagree again. That is dignifying what never was. You are betrayed by those close to you, not by someone who never makes pretences about where he belongs to when the chips are down. These ones play strictly by their own definition of patriotic magnanimity which was also reflected in the shameful drama that played out during the nomination of leaders in the Senate. At least, we all saw how Saraki writhed in ‘pains’ as he picked the party men that aided the realisation of his ambition as Senate leaders.

Regretfully, he could have shown how committed he was to the party by acceding to the choices made by the leaders if not for the fact that his hands were ‘tied” just like that of his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

For those who do not yet know, we are indeed living in strange times when shame has taken a flight and people now wear their garments of infamy with pretentious dignity and vacuous innocence! Pity.

Ortom: Man giants can't hinder •Continued from Page 5 November, 2014 before that of the APC which was scheduled for December fourth.

However, the PDP revised its time table and moved the governorship primaries to December 8 foreclosing any chance of any of its losers moving over to the APC which must have concluded the exercise before that date. Close observers noted that one giant, who was Benue State governor, had influenced the shift, particularly to block Ortom's chances of crossing over to the APC. Like the Biblical story of Lazarus and the rich man, a big chasm had been fixed such that none could cross over from either side to the other. But that was as far as man was concerned.

Did the former minister contrive this arrangement? Certainly not. Flashback to pre-primary events.

At a PDP state caucus held in Makurdi shortly before the ward congresses of November 1 last year, Governor Gabriel Suswam, who held the reins of the umbrella in Benue State, extracted a commitment from gubernatorial aspirants on oath that they would support whosoever emerged as party candidate.

Chief Dr Ortom and one other aspirant refused to take the oath and insisted that they would submit to the decision of the party on the condition that the process was transparent, free, and fair. It is common knowledge that the

PDP ward congresses could be anything but lacking those three elements as the larger percentage of party members were disenfranchised with the deliberate objective of excluding or putting some aspirants, including the former minister, at disadvantage.

Ortom and a few other aggrieved members took up the matter with the national leadership of the party to no avail. At this juncture, stakeholders of his governorship project across the state advised him to seek an alternative platform and mandated him to open discussion with other political parties, which he did but later retreated when PDP leaders promised to address his concerns but subsequently never did.

The unprecedented intimidation and inducement of delegates to vote for an anointed candidate and how the PDP primaries were won and lost have now become history. In the evening of December 9, stakeholders

of the Ortom Governorship Organisation met with him and reiterated their earlier suggestion that he should seek an alternative platform having exhausted opportunities in the PDP. The groundswell of opinion was that there were only two options: to go with the APC or a virgin platform. The window in the APC still existed on account of a curious twist of events.

One of the party's gubernatorial aspirants had gone to court and obtained an injunction which restrained the party from conducting its primary on the grounds that he had been excluded from the exercise.

The injunction which was later vacated following an order that the aggrieved aspirants be included was followed by a litany of others from some of the other five aspirants on various grounds such that the party stood the risk of not submitting any name for the governorship election

within the INEC timetable since the injunctions had made the conduct of the primaries impossible.

Was the former minister responsible for the injunctions? Not at all.

However, at the time he emerged on the scene, everything seemed to have worked in his favour. The APC had amended its constitution in October, 2014 to provide fertile grounds for new members to contest elections the very day they got into the party. It had also made room for consensus candidature.

Those conversant with politics know that consensus within a party resides in the realm of major stakeholders with or without aspirants for various elective offices. If they chose him, what wrong did he do? None.

Ortom did not collect the mandate previously given to any other aspirant in the APC. The leaders of the party chose him to fly its flag based on their assessment of his electoral value. He

may not have been a member of the APC but had played politics with most of the stakeholders in that party for decades and they could repose confidence in him.

They knew the stuff he was made of even as they also weighed the other aspirants and preferred him. The political history of the country is replete with a list of politicians who defected from one party to another and won the mandate of the people.

Ortom has joined the ranks of such people.

In the morning of April 12, a day after the governorship and assembly elections nationwide, the giant that had stood on his way in the PDP called to congratulate him and say his victory was divine. Yes, it was. That giant couldn't hinder him!

• Mr. Shija, a historian, writes from Makurdi.

Access Bank committed to boosting Agriculture in North East -Wigwe HE Managing Director Access Bank Mr. Herbart Wigwe, has revealed that the bank is ready to enter into partnership with Adamawa State Government to develop agriculture in the northeast region.

Speaking to newsmen in the state capital Yola, shortly after a closed door meeting with His Excellency Senator Umar jibrilla

T

Barnabas MANYAM, Yola Bindow the Adamawa state Governor, at Government House, the bank MD said that the bank is willing to develop cordial relationship with the state government and expand its agricultural productivity for more internal revenue generation.

Mr. Herbart Wigwe also reiterated that agriculture being the backbone of the state should be encouraged by all sectors in order to help farmers obtain bumper yields.

“All we are trying to do is to see how we can establish partnership with the Adamawa state government to help Governor

Umar Jibrilla Bindow’s administration toward achieving its campaign promises by providing infrastructure development for the people. We are set to open all frontiers of developing agriculture in the state and also ensure that the bank will do its best to encourage farmers across the country to improve their agricultural production," Wigwe added.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 04, 2015

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

14

Violent domestic servants on the rampage 10 ways to guard against them

“The wife rushed the husband to the hospital. At the hospiSegun AJIBOYE (Assistant Editor) and Hannah OJO tal gate, she fainted and both of them were admitted for medOR more than one week, the police, working on the ical attention. Two security guards who ate part of the dinner theory that he was kidnapped, searched every possible • Ensure a valid written contractual agreement were also brought to the hospital unconscious, bringing the place his abductors might have taken him. Strangely, • Do the necessary background checks for families and former number of victims to four. “ however, no one had contacted the family to demand ransom employees Hounkpe, who was placed on a monthly salary of N50,000, for his release. confessed that his friend, the couple’s former cook, was his • Don’t allow them unfettered to your private rooms Unknown to many, including the police and family memaccomplice in the dastardly act.

• Don’t engage in careless display of wealth in their presence bers, the remains of Prof. Albert Ilemobade, a former Vice Earlier in the year, a nanny abducted three of her boss’ Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure • Don’t treat them like slaves children barely 24 hours after she was employed. The (FUTA), lay decomposing inside the garage of his Ijapo • Try as much as possible to give them a sense of dignity nanny, later identified as Funmilayo Adeyemi, later Estate, Akure home. demanded a ransom of N15 million from the family • Pay attention to their economic, material and emotional needs 78-year-old Prof. Ilemobade was killed by two of to release the children.

• It is wicked for a domestic staff to work around the clock his domestic workers, namely his former driver In After she was arrested, the police found • Carry out proper data collection and character examination Olayemi Bamitale and the security guard the so called nanny was working those days, when a that Daniel Ita. The two confessed to the police • Get their photographs and do regular security checks with a syndicate, which included her that they killed the former university don couple needed any husband and others. in cold-blood.

She also confessed to form of help in their They admitted strangling the ex-FUTA VC to death with the aim of stealing his home, they turned to family have been responsible for the kidnap of two kids in recently purchased Toyota RAV 4 SUV Magodo area of members and take in one the with registration number GGE-589-CF. Lagos State in December “I called out the old man from his last year.

She claimed that person.

But today, we want window and he came out through the Magodo victims’ parkitchen. I directed a torch light at the to be whiter than the white the ents paid N2 million. ceiling where I said the fire outbreak The foregoing are a few man. And as long as we had occurred. Immediately he came out, of the numerous cases of Bamitale pounced on him and strangled continue with that tradi- domestic staff who in him till he died. We later dropped his recent times have connived tion, we would contin- with body at the store near the car park so that other criminally-mindpeople would not see,” Ita said in his conue to have the same ed people to rob or defraud fessional statement. their bosses. problem Professor Ilemobade was the latest in the ramThe dangerous trend, according pant cases of Nigerians killed or robbed by their to a senior police officer, who pleaded domestic staff. A few weeks ago, a couple and other memanonymity, is the result of cultural values. “I bers of their household narrowly survived being wiped out am not surprised that this is happening,” he after their cook laced their dinner with poison. said. “We have suddenly lost touch with our The cook, Victor Hounkpe, a Beninoise, later confessed that value system and those things that made our culthe plan was to inject poison into the food of his boss and his ture the envy of everybody. entire household and later steal his belongings.

“In those days, when a couple needed any form According to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, of help in their home, they turned to family memKayode Aderanti, who paraded the suspects, “every member of the household ate the dinner as served. After the dinner, the bers and take in one person. But today, we want to be whiter than the white man. And as long as we husband, Mr Nwogu Chinaka, developed severe stomach continue with that tradition, we would continue to ache and collapsed. have the same problem.”

• Adeyemi

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Our father’s last moments, by children •Continued on Page 3 Before the late professor’s body was detected, Olakitan said she was inside the house sleeping when those she thought were kidnappers entered the house and took her husband away. According to her, she woke up only to discover that her husband was nowhere to be found while the car he parked inside the compound had also disappeared. The gate man was also nowhere to be found.

She said: "When I got to the gate of the house, I discovered that it had been locked and our vehicle had been taken away. That is all I can remember or say about the ugly incident."

She said the car reported to have been abandoned along Ijare Road in Ifedore Local Government Area of the state was not the late VC's car, adding that the suspects took him away in a Toyota RAV 4 SUV, which had not been found at the time.

About seven days later, the corpse of the 79-yearold professor of Veterinary Medicine was discovered inside his store, causing relations and sympathisers •Late (Prof)Ilemobade to weep and mourn. Friends, associates and kinsthe murder case. men of the late professor have continued to throng his The Ondo State Commissioner of residence on Ijapo Estate, Akure.

Police, Mr Isaac Eke, assured the family Many of them were heard raining curses on the killers of their benefactor, who they said was too nice to during a chat with newsmen at the State Police Command, that Ilemobade’s be killed in such horrible circumstances. Ilemobade’s killers would face the full wrath of the residence turned into a Mecca of sort as people from law. Eke also noted that the suspected Akure and other parts of the state tried to catch a killers of the late Ilemobade had conglimpse of the scene of the gruesome murder. They firmed to the police their involvement wore mournful looks as they discussed the incident in •The two suspects and the late Ilemobade's stolen car in the death of the late university don, hushed tones. adding that the law would take its full Eke, who described the incident as traumatic and sad, The family and church members have also made an course in the case. described it as another dimension to criminal acts in appeal to the police and other security agencies in the Describing the suspected killers of the late professor the country, assuring that the police would ensure that country not to allow the killing of the late professor to as evil minded people, the police boss said they should the two suspects arrested in connection with the murbe swept under the carpet. They described the death of not be allowed to live among human beings, hence the der case, who were domestic employees of the the septuagenarian academic as too painful, hence the determination of the state Police command to ensure deceased, were made to face the music appeal for quick investigation into his killing and subHe warned other criminals in the state, saying there sequent dispensation of justice on those found guilty in that justice is done promptly in the matter.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

• Ita and Bamitale

15 “Whether they are literate or not, there must be an agreement on paper. This should cover all the terms and conditions pertaining to the job. There is also a need to give them limits; a domestic worker should not have access to everything and information about you and your home, for example, your bedroom, how rich you are and other sensitive things.

“Give them good benefits on the job. It is wicked for a domestic worker to work around the clock all year round. Monday to Saturday, 6am to 7pm is ideal. Working from 4 am to midnight is not acceptable, even if they are live-in staff. Allow them, at least to have one or two visitors in three months. It is for your own • Amusu and Hounkpe good. Know their health status from the beginning and follow up with it.” procurement of domestic staff.

For Mrs. Cynthia Saka, the use of domestic staff in homes She said: “There should be a certified and prohas become a necessity. But the entrepreneur said caution fessional board that should be in charge of procurshould be applied when employing a house help. ing domestic helps in this country. This will go a “It is almost impossible to do away with domestic workers long way in sanitising the domestic service in totality. However, one must deal with them with cauindustry. tion.

“The practice of calling on a friend or a scout “As regards domestic servants stealing from their masto help look for maids from nearby states or ters, I believe it is a two-way thing. I will like to mention across the borders should be scrapped. that there is no justification for stealing on the Measures should be put in place to part of the servant.

I deter criminally-minded people “Permit me to also say that certain from using the service industry had a maid someactions of employers must be checked as as a cloak for their clandestine time ago. Whenever well. For instance, do you make them activities. less important? Do you deal careshe took the children to feel “Not only do they engage lessly with money in their presence? in robbery, some domestic school, she would beat Do you pay attention to their needs: servants sexually abuse the health, spiritually and economically them. Most times, she children they are paid to others? watch over. So the ripple would give my son knocks among “It is a general belief that when a effects continue. Cheap labour comes with a price; a that could crack the young person feels comfortable, most often, and evil intention would be price which could be death. boy’s skull. If your rela- negativity ruled out.

The earlier we nip this in tionship with your domes- “But like I said, there is no justificathe bud, the better.” tion on the part of workers to steal In the opinion of a social tic servant is not cordial, from their masters. I have had cause to worker, Mrs. Adetutu Bolayou can expect a treat- deal with a number of domestic workers Adesanya, both domestic staff and in my experience, I have seen that ment like that and their bosses cannot be even when some are very comfortable or absolved of blames. While she believes that treated rightly, they still have evil intention. prayers are needed before employing a domestic “Perhaps one will begin to wonder, more often staff, she urged prospective employers to ensure that a than not, it is usually an external influence. I personally valid contractual agreement is entered into when employing have not had any negative experience with domestic worka domestic servant. ers, and this is because as soon as I sense any unacceptable “Well, as much as domestic servants have their ills, their attitude, I do away with such person or persons. employers too are not totally free of responsibilities. The first “Now, as regards what could be done to stem the tide, I thing to do before employing a domestic help is to pray, must say that there are no laid down guidelines as it varies in which a lot of people don't do. Only God can lead one aright. relation to the category of domestic staff to be employed.

“Also, as it regards sourcing, where did you get them from?

However, I will advise that when employing any domestic Who are their parents? Can you trace them? Is there a written worker, the employer should go the extra mile in finding out document? These are some of the questions that you should ask yourself when employing a domestic staff.

• Continued from page 16

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• Alleged Adeyemi’s accomplice For Mrs. Bimbo Williams-Okpabi, Secretary, Customs Officers Wives Association, Seme Chapter, the rising cases of devilish domestic servants plotting to harm their bosses has become alarming.

Williams-Okpabi, who said she once had a nasty experience with her maid, said: “The rate at which domestic servants are harming their pay masters is becoming alarming. I think it is more rampant in the urban areas, where you have the middle income and high income earners making use of these people.

“Personally, I had an experience with a maid pilfering money and other valuables, but I decided not to press any charges due to pleas from her family.”

She suggested that a body be put in place to oversee the

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of murdered ex-FUTA VC Ilemobade would be no hiding place for them in the state.

Adesola, a professor and eldest son of the deceased who is based in South Africa, said the family was yet to come to terms with the death of the patriarch of the Ilemobade family. According to him, “We do not know why he could have been killed in such circumstance, as he was very generous to those that worked with him, especially the driver and his security guard who have both confessed to killing him.”

Adesola recalled that the last conversation he had with his late father occurred during the last Fathers’ Day, which he said the deceased celebrated in style.

He said: "Papa's (Ilemobade’s) last public function was the Father’s Day where, according to him, he played active roles in all the church activities and had personal discussions with all his children after he •Youngest son, Adeseni Ilemobade, and a cleric returned from church.

“He specifically told me and my other siblings who came around to celebrate Fathers’ Day with him that he was happy. When we asked him why, he said he could not explain the cause of his joy but just felt happy and highly excited. He said he was too happy and could not hide his joy. He expressed his joy to everyone that came around him both in the church and at home that Sunday.”

The only daughter of the deceased, Mrs Tolulade Ozigbo, also described her late father as a disciplinarian, stressing that the family has lost a gem and that the vacuum left by the deceased would be very difficult to fill by any member of the family.

She recalled growing up under the tutelage of her late father, saying: “My father was a disciplinarian who would ensure that we all woke up by 6 am for •Ilemobade's Ijapo residence

family devotion, whether we liked it or not. He was too much to be missed. Nobody can say any bad thing about him, not even those who worked with him in all the places he worked, including FUTA.” The youngest child of the deceased, Adeseni Ilemobade, who expressed regrets on the death of his father, said the deceased’s former driver and one of the suspects arrested for his killing had during the last Easter misbehaved.

He recalled that “when daddy travelled to Ondo, our home town, for the last Easter celebration, the driver suddenly disappeared while service was going on.

After the service, Daddy could not find the driver and the car in the church premises. He reported the case to the police and after some days, the driver was arrested and the car was found. But daddy, after a while, accepted the plea of the driver. Now,the driver has done his worst by eliminating him.”

He described the alleged action of the driver as vengeance, stressing that “the driver later came back on revenge mission. But we thank God our father lived a life well spent in the service of God and humanity. He was a man everybody would like to come across and these make us happy as his children who are also growing in his counsel.”

Notwithstanding the circumstances surrounding the death of Ilemobade, the family said a befitting burial would be given to the late professor, stressing that “no matter the way he left, we are still going to celebrate him as a hero that he was.”

Adesola, eldest son of the deceased, said: “Regardless of the circumstances that surrounded his exit (death), our late father will be given a befitting burial. The family is already meeting and planning on the date of the burial,” he said, adding that “our late father will be celebrated

• Continued from page 16

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

16

Violent domestic servants on the rampage

•Saka... recommends background checks

•Williams-Okpabi... a victim

• Continued on page 15 about the past conduct or places where they had worked before. It is very important.”

Mr. Chris Eraga had a very unpleasant experience with his house help. Part of the maid’s duty was to take the family’s kids to school. But that simple assignment provided a good opportunity for the maid to vent his anger on the kids. It was like visiting the sins of the parents on the children.

He said: “I had a maid sometime ago. Whenever she took the children to school, she would beat them. Most times, she would give my son knocks that could crack the young boy’s skull. If your relationship with your domestic servant is not cordial, you can expect a treatment like that.

“I think another reason why the spate of violence is increasing is greed. Many of these people don’t believe in themselves and they have fear of the future, so it pushes them to steal.

“The culture of people looking into their family members to help them as domestic servants is not also helping, because that aspect has been abused. It is even the women that will advise you not to take in their sisters because they are afraid of husband snatchers.

“Maids are not people you employ through technology. You get to know the people you are dealing with and treat them like your own person. Don’t treat them as slaves; treat them as your own person and you could get the loyalty you need.”

For Ebiere Assoh Ajibola-Bodude, a businesswoman, hiring a house help is in several ways comparable to committing a sacrilege. A mother of two, her friends, she confessed, most

•Bodude...aversed to househelps

times joke about her being a mother, cook and laundry woman.

Her decision not to hire a house help, she told The Nation, was informed by experiences of friends, family members and neighbours who at one time or the other had unpleasant experiences at the hands of their house helps.

She said: “I don’t think I can ever hire a house help; not even if I am a billionaire. I understand that mothers don’t really have enough time to look after their homes these days, unlike those days when our mothers were fulltime housewives.

“However, I know of some women whose decision to employ house helps was simply because their friends or neighbours have house helps. In that case, it has become a ‘show-off’ thing.”

Ajibola-Bodude narrated the experience of a friend who employed the services of a female house help, saying: “One of my friends recently employed a house help. The girl came from Kaduna through another friend. And because of her stature, she looked 16, whereas she was actually 24 years old.

“What we first noticed was that she was trying to seduce the husband. And because the woman was most times away from home, the girl would dress seductively. If the man called her, she would stay in her room, expecting him to come looking for her in the room.

“But thank God, the man is responsible. It got to a head one day when the man became angry and sent her packing.”

A source, who would not reveal his identity, blamed the rising incidents of house helps-turned armed robbers on the loss

of moral values and greed among the people.

“Firstly, our moral standards in the nation have been grossly eroded and our values as a people, a community and family have broken down. All our values and standards have been monetized.

“The urge to be rich by any means now prevails; even our justice system has failed.

The police have failed, hence criminals are having a field day. But we should also admit that most employers are hard task masters and they pay peanuts.

“I have a cleaner whom I pay N5000 to clean my two-bedroom flat. She’s supposed to clean my place four times a month, but she does not do it well, so I had to let her go.

“To deter employees from theft and other vices against their employers, employers should ask potential employees to get police clearance in order to ensure that he or she has no criminal record.

“A security measure that should be adopted is for employers to make their employees submit photos and cross-check their refer-

ences.”

Professor Mabogunje Aluko of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) blamed the ugly trend on moral decadence in the society, unemployment and the nation’s political economy.

According to him, “what we are witnessing is the result of the drop in our value system. We no longer value those things that make a society safe. For most people now, greed is the watch word.

“Some of the employers of these servants engage in excessive display of wealth. They send their servants to change dollars for them. Some would give their children huge sums of money in the presence of the servant while on the other hand, they pay the servants peanuts. If you go into their garage, you would think you are in an auto mart. These are part of the problems.”

Speaking further, Prof. Aluko said the dwindling economy has resulted in many families losing their purchasing powe; a situation which he said has resulted in many university graduates scrambling for menial jobs.

“It is obvious that the salary of an average salary earner in the country is not enough to cater for the family. And for the servants, the money they are paid is not enough for their needs.

“The Nigerian political economy is not helping matters. As we speak, the naira now exchange for N230 to a dollar. The people are desperate to earn a living by all means. These are the problems confronting us now.”

Last moments of ex-FUTA VC • Continued on page 15 by the family whenever we agree to bury him.”

Also, the Vicar-in-Charge of Vinning College of Theology, Akure where the deceased attended before his death, Dr Ayodeji Fagbemi, said: "We have lost a very great scholar and it is just too wicked for a man of his caliber to have been killed this way. It is a terrible thing and I believe that those behind this killing will not go unpunished."

He called on the government and the police to ensure that the killers of Ilemobade face the music, saying the case should not be swept under the carpet, just as he called on the judiciary to give accelerated hearing to the case for the world to have confidence in the judiciary.

Ilemobade’s suspected killers were arrested in Ogun State and, after interrogation by security agents, it was discovered that the two suspects confessed to the killing of Ilemobade, hiding his corpse in a store that housed the generator before running away with his vehicle, which they planned to sell. This led to their transfer to the Ondo State Police Command.

One of the suspects, Bamitale, a 36-year-old man who •Generator room where Ilemobade's corpse was kept claimed to be an indigene of Ekiti State, had during enter into his room and take whatever we wanted. interrogation said he stopped working as a driver with "He went into the sitting room of Prof and called him Prof Ilemobade about four months ago when he that there was a power surge, and Baba passed through attempted to steal a car belonging to his boss, adding the kitchen to the security room. It was there that we that Daniel, who was also a domestic staff of the late grabbed his neck until he stopped breathing. We took university don, contacted him a few weeks ago and him to a store beside his car park and dumped his body told him that he had consulted his herbalist on how to there, We put a picture on his chest so that if the body steal the car without running into trouble. was later found, they would think that it was those Narrating how they killed Prof. Ilemobade, he said: who killed him that dropped the picture.

"After he had told me about his herbalist on the phone, "When we entered his room, we saw the car key and Daniel asked me to come to the House at Ijapo Estate N7,000 with his laptop and two phones. Daniel locked on Sunday by 9p.m. When I got to the place, he told me the gate from outside and we went away with the Rav that he had met his herbalist who told him that if we 4 Toyota car. When we were about leaving his residence wanted to take the car, we must ensure that we killed at Ijapo Estate, in Akure, we met some police officers Prof and that he must take away some sand from that who passed by us thinking that Prof had sent us out. house so that there won't be any problem after we "We slept at Alagbaka area of Akure because Daniel's might have killed him. “ brother, who lived at Arakale in Akure, refused to pick His words: "When I asked him how we were going to his phone. The following morning, Daniel asked us to kill Prof who was already sleeping outside, Daniel said take the car to Calabar, but I told him that the N7,000 he would lure him to the security room by telling him with us was not enough to buy fuel to take us to that there was a power surge, and from there, we Calabar. We agreed to take the Car to Lagos, but the would strangle him to death. We would then be able to

people I know in Lagos did not agree that I should bring the car to them.

"We left the place for Ijebu-Ode. It was then that FRSC officers arrested us, saying that we did`n't have the car documents. They took the car to a nearby police station where we were directed to pay N3,000 at First Bank.

“There was no money on us again, and when it was the second day, we took the laptop and the two phones to Epe so as to get buyers in order to secure the release of the car.

"When Daniel saw one of his kinsmen, the guy agreed to buy the phones and he gave us N3,000 so that we could secure the release of the seized car. I went to First bank to pay the money and we took the teller to the FRSC. We were given a letter which we took to the police station and they released the car to us.”

Meanwhile the remains of the late Ilemobade were still in the morgue at press time and may be buried as soon as the family concludes arrangements for the burial rites. It was learnt that the church and the family had met on how to give the late Ondo born academic a befitting burial.

Efforts to speak with Mrs Ilemobade were futile as her children and symphatisers insisted that the septuagenarian widow had been advised against making comments on the incident probably because of age factor or mood of the moment.

Shortly after her husband’s corpse was found in the store room, she had pleaded with the police to bring the suspects to her in order to give her opportunity of asking five questions from them on why they killed his long time companion and bread winner.

However, it could not be ascertained whether the Commissioner of Police acceded to Mrs Ilemobade’s request before the two suspects were remanded in prison awaiting trial.

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THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

Tragic descent of a N Continued from Page 17

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

19

igerian reggae genius

•Fashek on stage with younger artiste, Tuface Idibia

This same Majek, I just saw like that in Fadeyi, begging for ogogoro (local street blend of alcohol) because he did not have N100 to pay for it. I stopped, brought out N1,000 and was immediately struck by confusion. Should I give him this money and contribute to his death or should I refuse him and watch him throw a tantrum like a disposed toddler? He saved me the dilemma as he grabbed the money from me and rushed to the ugly, black dirty merchant of

Continued on Page 22

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

22

Stop judging my husband, rather he needs help —Rita Fashek Continued from Page 19

•Rita Fashek

•Swaida

Some people are never fair, many see and say what they don't know and say whatever they want.

People judge you when you are up and judge you when you are down.

Engaging in that doesn't concern us, the main point here is Continued on Page 51

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

29

How defeating

GOK Ajayi

in a tough case helped my career

–Ex-NBA President Priscila Kuye Stories on pages 30,31,34&35

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

30 Her name is adored within and outside the Nigerian legal community. That is because, Dame Priscilla Kuye has in the last three decades plus, worked hard and contributed to the development of the legal profession, and today is a Life Member of the Nigerian Body of Benchers. From a privileged background, young Priscilla keyed into her parents’ dream of having educated daughters in the family as against the poor attitude towards educating the girl child which was the order of the day then. She went on to the University of London, where she got her law degree; she later returned to Nigeria and years later rose to become the first female president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the first Regional VicePresident of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) for Africa among others.

Dame Priscilla Kuye is today a happy grandmother, but still dutifully sits at her desk in the chambers to attend to law matters and even goes to court. She gracefully combines the beauty of years gone by, with the classic modernity to create a charm lifestyle for herself. She spoke to PAUL UKPABIO in Lagos.

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I met a lady one day while I was playing. She stood in front of me romantically and accused me that I was always frowning. She said I should relax and be cheerful and free with her. She was looking for something that she couldn't get

‘It’s bad exposing days in the

•Priscilla Kuye

OOKING at the enormous success that you have made out of your life, how far would you say that your background has helped to shape the person that you are today?

I was lucky to have had parents who were teachers. They were educated at the Yaba Higher College of that time. It was the university of those days. So, I was lucky to be educated despite the fact that I happen

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to be a girl. In those days, there was stiff discrimination against the girl child acquiring education. My parents insisted that I had to be educated. They also insisted that my sister too must be educated. I am happy that today, my sister is an architect, while I am a lawyer. I had a happy childhood with firm religious upbringing because my mother used to take us to church.

We were Catholics. They instilled the fear of God into us and we learnt to pray regularly.

Did you grow up in Lagos?

No, I grew up in Ibadan. That was some decades ago. Though my father was a teacher at a Grammar School, he was the Assistant Registrar for Co-operatives. And when he retired, he later became an Oba (a traditional ruler) in Ogun state. He used to be called Oba Alade Merin then, that was because he could rule in any of the four areas in Ijebu.

How about your mom?

Unfortunately she died, but then I had returned from England when she died, I was already married and living at Glover Road

Day I was embarra by a lady on stage –Bonsue fuji exponent Adewale Ace fuji artiste Adewale Ayuba had an early foray into music. At seven, he had made up his mind on a life-long career to be an entertainer, a struggle that later found him establishing a music band at 17. He became a force to be reckoned with when his hit album, 'Bubble', was released in 1991. Since then, he has not looked back. A few weeks ago, Ayuba clocked 50, and he was hosted by his fans in America. In this interview with PAUL UKPABIO, the fuji artiste revisits the lifestyle that has sustained him in an industry that is full of uncertainty.

You were not in the country for some weeks. Why did you travel?

ES, I was invited by some of my fans abroad to celebrate my 50th birthday. I was in some sates in America where my fans celebrated me. It was a time for me to thank God. There were different parties for me in New York and Chicago. Now I am back home to business in Nigeria. There was a party on May 22 in Houston, Texas. There was another one on May 24 in New

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York.v We also had another one on May 30 in Minneapolis. I am grateful for the reception I received over there.

How long were you out of the country?

I spent about three weeks abroad.

Though I performed, the trip was specifically for my birthday celebration.

What can you say about your fans based abroad?

The people who had the parties for me abroad were mainly my Nigerian fans. I

have a lot of fans who are not Nigerians.

I have Jamaicans and Americans as fans, but it's Nigerians that invited me.

So, 50 years has gone; what is your hope for the future?

I intend to continue to promote fuji to the world. That is actually my prayer. I want a situation where fuji music is discussed by Americans in America.

I also pray that God allows me to achieve a situation whereby people from foreign lands can come to Nigeria to look

that women are too much these name of fashion’ in Lagos.

Why did you have to go to England for studies, were there no universities here?

That was what my parents wanted for me. They chose the United Kingdom for my further studies. So I left for the University of London where I got my LLB. Afterwards, I came back.

You schooled in England, at that time did it cross your mind to marry a 'white man'?

No, it didn't cross my mind (laughs). I had to marry a Nigerian. I suppose that if I had fallen in love with a 'white man' may be it would have been possible. But then, I didn't. However, I fell in love with a Nigerian. So I married a Nigerian. Nonetheless, inter-cultural marriage is good. But it didn't happen to me. I was more interested in coming back to Nigeria after my studies.

Did you meet your husband abroad?

We met here and also later met abroad. But we did not go abroad together. We went differently. He attended the London School of Economics.

The idea for both of you to get married to each other, was it conceived here in nigeria, or in the UK? (Laughs) The idea was conceived in London and not here. We were just friends in Nigeria, but got closer when we met again in London.

Was it that you met in school over there?

No. it wasn't at a school, we met at a social gathering. We got married in london and then returned to Nigeria.

As a young girl, what was it like to practise law in Nigeria?

It was okay. Law practice is very interesting but you must be ready to work hard, especially if you want to stay in private

ssed Ayuba

out for me and hear my music. It is better for that to happen than for me to be going there to play or do shows.

99% of Nigerians already know what is fuji. It is our music. People like the late Baba Agba Ayinde Barrister tried for fuji music, Kollington Ayinla too has tried. But it is better when foreigners come looking for us in Nigeria.

Why do you have hope that America will swallow fuji music like that?

America is ready for fuji music. The average American likes anything that is not American. Just as we over here appreciate hip hop music, they too love fuji music.

Most individuals like what is foreign. Take for in-

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

31

children up well with the fear of God. We had to teach our chilLate Tai Solarin took dren the truth and teach them by example. When bringing chilCardinal Olubunmi Okodren up, we must teach through examples because children are gie to court, and the Late clever. They watch what we do and not what we say most of the GOK Ajayi was the time. It is not what we tell them, lawyer on the other side. they do what they see us do. I am happy that our children have The matter was about edcopied us. They fear God, they have taken their religion serious ucation. And Cardinal and that makes me happy because this is what I wanted them Okogie was an Arch to be. They fear God and in their own ways, they are very good at Bishop Okogie at that their business. They are successtime. The Late GOK Ajayi ful people and I am proud of them. had more experience than Did you at anytime work for government? me, but I won the case. It I never did. I have been contented being self-employed. I felt practice. When I qualified in Auwas a tough case. GOK that if I was working for governgust 1966 in London, I went to the Ajayi said he was going to ment and at the same time rearLaw School and in 1967 I worked ing children, it may conflict. But with a senior colleague for three appeal the case, but he if I am self-employed, I would years. He was a brilliant lawyer, have more time for the children especially in commercial law. I never did.

As a young because I would be able to organgathered a lot of experience from ise my time. I am one who bethere and in 1970, I started work lawyer then, I was very lieves that it is important to be a at my law firm. good wife and a good mother. It happy that I won that case What motivated you to set up also helps to raise children who your chambers? and it did also help to get would not be mis-fits or drug adAt that time, there were few fedicts. I believe that the lax we are male lawyers in private practice. more high profile cases experiencing in the society now As a matter of fact, only few feis a problem from the home. It is male lawyers. That was because, important that we give our chilit wasn't easy for women to combine managing their homes and combining that with their dren quality time and teach them good values, we have to teach them to be patriotic, to fear God and to do unto othlaw practice. I had to organise my time and prioritise on ers what they will like others to do to them. those things that I had to do. I enjoyed what I was doing.

Through your years of practice, which would you say Did you have your children before you opened the was your toughest case? chambers or after?

I believe that as a lawyer, one cannot win all cases. I I had them in London before coming back. That was won some and I lost some. I cannot even remember my a fortunate thing to happen because it helped. toughest case, it’s been a long time since: 1967. But I reThey were already growing when I started the member one now, Late Tai Solarin took Cardinal Olchambers. And so they attended Corona ubunmi Okogie to court, and the Late GOK Ajayi was the School and St. Saviours Schools. They had lawyer on the other side. The matter was about educatheir primary and secondary schools here in tion. And Cardinal Okogie was an Arch Bishop Okogie at Nigeria.

How did you cope with the home front that time. The Late GOK Ajayi had more experience than me, but I won the case. It was a tough case. GOK Ajayi and running a young chambers? said he was going to appeal the case, but he never did. As I used to take the children with me to the chambers sometimes. They followed a young lawyer then, I was very happy that I won that me anywhere I went whenever the Continued on page 34 need arose. I had to bring my

’

stance, makossa. It is not Nigerian, but Nigerians like the music and dance to it too.

As a matter of fact, at a time, it was all over the Nigerian airwaves.

Also, you know today that Americans are celebrating Fela AnikulapoKuti because they appreciate the type of music that he played while he was alive. Whatever you cannot do, of course, you will likely appreciate it.

Do you have any regrets at 50?

I am happy that I am a Nigerian.

More importantly, I am happy that God gave me the music talent. But the only regret I have is that I started music at a tender age of seven, which means that •Ayuba I have done

music all my life, but as I am talking to you now, I do not have an album out there which I can say is generating income for me. I have done many albums, successful ones too, but not one to show that this is the one that has been generating income for me. But every now and then, I see my music selling in town, but no money is coming to me. And this is happening to many musicians here. It is sad that our country allows musicians to be so robbed by pirates.

How many albums have you made so far in your music career? And which ones did well?

I have done 25 albums so far, and all my albums are good. I thank God for that. The first and second albums are good. 'Bubble' actually brought me into the limelight. 'Mr Johnson' and 'Ijo Fuji' are there. 'Fuji Music in America' is there too.

At seven, that was quite early to go into music. How did you do it?

Music was God-sent to me. I realised that at that age and even earlier, anytime that my parents sent me on an errand, I went along the road singing. I was also usually attracted to the places where ceremonies were taking place in my neighbourhood in Ikene-Remo in Ogun State where I grew up. Once there, I would start singing without being contracted. I was singing for free.

What kind of music were you singing? it must have been deep indigenous music...

It was fuji music that I was singing. I chose fuji music because it was the music that I could start with little or no money. That is because all the instruments for fuji music are local. One didn't need to have the knowledge of guitar, unlike juju music, for instance, Continued on page 34

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

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Aishat Buhari:

High flying Banke Meshida

More than beauty

W

IFE of the President, Mrs. Aishat Muhammadu Buhari's passion for fashion cannot but be admired. It does not only stand her out as a unique personality but an interesting one.

She has not only built a career in fashion and the art of making people to look beautiful, she also teaches and mentors young ones in the two fields.

In her close to 15 years in the beauty industry, she has trained, mentored and empowered hundreds of Nigerians. The Founder/Managing Director of Hanzy Spa and Principal of Hanzy Beauty Institute is also an advocate of women and girl-child education, having come from an area where the female gender is educationally disadvantaged.

Interestingly, Mrs. Buhari has never been a loud woman even after her admirable looks were accentuated with her marriage to President Buhari.

She is not one to dwell on frivolities either, as she would identify herself only with noble ventures.

An indigene of Adamawa State, she hails from the family of Alhaji Mohammed Ribadu, Nigeria's first Minister of Defence. Her 25-year-old marriage to the former Head of State is blessed with five children and a granddaughter.

Mrs. Buhari has a master's degree in International Affairs and Strategic Studies (MIASS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Public Administration. She is currently undertaking a counselling course in CoDependency in the United Kingdom.

Prior to acquiring her higher degrees, Mrs Buhari had earlier pursued a career in beauty and fashion, obtaining a Diploma in Beauty Therapy from Carlton Institute of Beauty Therapy, Windsor, United Kingdom and specialising in Permanent Make-up, Mesotherapy and Microdermabrasion. She also obtained a certificate from a French beauty school, Estheitique Academie in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Japanese Gold Facial and Towel Folding Techniques.

T

Omosede

Igbinedion

HE hand of the diligent maketh rich, says the book of Proverbs.

This seems to hold true for Banke Meshida-Lawal. Without a doubt, Banke has paid her dues in the high society, hence whatever good comes her way could be regarded as a dividend of years of diligent service.

In a feat that smacks of entrepreneurial resurgence, the frontline make-up artist has come up with numerous innovations in her trade in recent times. For these, she has become the first point of contact for many women of substance in need of make-up services. The Chief Executive Officer of BMPro Make-Up Studio has continued to take make-up arts to global notch.

The story of make-up arts in the country today cannot be complete without a mention of Banke. She had joined a few others to build the industry at a time it was considered very odd for anyone to make the art of make-up a profession.

maintains high taste

I

N SPITE of being separated from the man who once meant the word to her, Omosede is making the best of what life can offer.

Remarkably, none of the inadequacies of life has affected her glowing looks.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Ovia Federal Constituency, Edo State, Omosede is reputed for her love of luxury, and she is quick to profess that the habit rubs off on her son, Alexander, who was fathered by her estranged hubby and Benin prince, Aven Akenzua.

Only recently, she displayed on the social media pictures of high end clothing and accessories costing a fortune, which she recently acquired for her son. Not one to do things in half measures, she was said to have done the shopping for her son's clothes in some foreign outlets.

With her fresh move to the National Assembly, those who used to gossip about her are now said to stop in their tracks once they sight the mother of one.

Quiet celebration for Wale Babalakin at 55

T

HE Chairman of Bi-Courtney Group, Dr. Bolanle Olawale Babalakin, turned 55 on Wednesday. But his enthusiastic friends and well-wishers got a shocker. No champage was popped as he was wont to do. Nor did he make a room for acolytes to clink glasses in his honour.

Rather, everything about his 55th birthday was low key, leaving many of his friends, acquaintances, associates and family members to wonder what was amiss. Olawale, hitherto known for his loud and extravagant shindigs, appears to be letting go of his old ways.

In spite of the turbulence that has hallmarked his business concerns in the last few years, the erudite lawyer cum business man has chosen to be

t n e m e t a t s s e k a m a h o u n Obina O T

HE saying that when you are big, you are big does not necessarily refer to people with large frames. It is rather about people who have the rare ability to turn stone into gold.

In this regard, Obina Onuoha, a prominent player in the oil industry, is a big man.

The nephew of the late controversial businessman, Maurice Ibekwe, is blessed with enormous resources which have earned him recognition beyond the shores of Nigeria. His shrewdness and business skills distinguish him as

a businessman.

Onuoha is the brains behind Premier Petroleum Products, among which is VIVA engine oil. Popularly called Obino 10-10 by childhood friends, Obinna trained at the Harvard Business School and makes no pretence about his preference for the elite in terms of association.

In addition to his palatial home in Abuja and other properties owned by him, he has just completed a mind-bogging edifice that houses his brand, Premium Petroleum. The new building is located on the popular Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

33

Grace Ihonvbere slows her roll

Rahama Babangida takes over Abuja fashion world by storm A

LTHOUGH she acquired an MBA in International Marketing from the Lynn University, Frorida, United States of America, she has found fulfilment in a completely different endeavour. Rahama, the pretty wife of Mohammed Babangida and daughter of billionaire businessman and Chairman of Orietal Energy Resources, Alhaji Mohammed Indimi, is a big player in the fashion business in Abuja.

The CEO of Deva and Deva Petals also runs Fashion Cafe, an Abuja-based outfit reputed for showcasing A-list designer's wear.

The dark and lovely lady has thus created for the rich and famous to get the mind blowing pieces they can wear to special events.

It suffices to say that at the moment, she runs one of the hippest fashion outlets in Abuja.

G

RACE Ihonvbere is the stylish wife of former Edo State governorship aspirant, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere. Like her husband, she is very popular, particularly on the social scene in Lagos and Abuja.

An ardent golf player, Grace, who used to be visible on the social scene alongside her husband, seems to have taken a backseat for reasons best known to her. Gone seem the days when her entry at parties

Funmi Goka avoids the limelight F

UNMI Goka is no doubt a highly respected society woman. An accomplished professional, she has a thriving career in the oil and gas industry. In 2011, she was appointed Deputy Managing Director in Agip Oil, a status rarely attained by women. Funmi, who trained as a lawyer, has a career that spans more than 20 years in the company, serving in various positions of responsibility and in different departments.

Married to a Ghanaian national, Frankie Goka, she is the daughter of the late Chief Oladipo Davies, a former nationalist and minister in the First Republic. Notwithstanding her fame on and off the social scene, her frequent absent at big parties hosted by people of her class has not gone unnoticed.

Plans afoot for 60th birthday Gbenga Ashafa’s

E

VERY encounter with Senator Gbenga Ashafa reveals a man of exceptional intellect with a life that thrives on hard work.

Six decades on, his personal story demonstrates that strength is built through struggle. The lawmaker and representative of Lagos East Senatorial District displays very good grasp of citizenry-centred governance, and this reflects in the way he is adding value to the lives of the people in his constituency.

On July 22, the amiable politician and second child of the late commodity merchant, Lawal Kakanfo Ashafa and the late textile and gold merchant, Tesmot Ojuolape Elemoro, will turn 60.

Arrangements are already in top gear to celebrate the man of means.

Peter Obafemi goes calm F

OR Peter Obafemi, owner of the defunct Ritetime Airways, the transient nature of good tidings is no longer a fable. Before his romance with illluck, the fine looking businessman had enjoyed a constant rapport with opulence.

He socialised with the notables and courted success like a lover.

But the fickle nature of life has dawned on the once influential socialite and he has come to terms with the reality of the saying that change is the only thing that is permanent in life. Like an insignificant proletariat, the once ubiquitous businessman has faded off the social radar.

The last that was heard of him was based on a series of unfortunate incidents. After his first marriage to his Americabased wife crumbled like a pack of badly arranged cards, he speedily found love again and married lovely Lolade Iruka. But a few months after they welcomed their baby boy, Obafemi's second marriage crumbled as well.

And while he was still brooding over the heartbreak, he lost the governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ekiti State to Governor Ayo Fayose, causing his political career to nose dive before it had the chance to soar. Now, nothing is being heard about the once prominent politician.

’

34

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

‘Life is sweet as a grand Continued from page 31 case and it did also help to get more high profile cases (laughs).

Is it just litigation that you do?

No, I do a lot of commercial work too that is, drafting of documents, registering of patents and trademarks, all the other things that I learnt at the chambers where I worked on return to Nigeria.

Which has brought more success to you, litigation or other commercial work?

I will say that it is the commercial work because people know me that I am good at what I do, that I know my onions. I go to court too because once you are retained by a bank, you have to go to court at some point for them. Here you can be a solicitor as well as a barrister.

What were the challenges of working with male lawyers when you returned to Nigeria because according to you, female lawyers were not many.

The male lawyers used to say then that 'women are good for rearing of children and being in the house!' I used to ask them then, how can we get a university education and then sit down at home and not use our knowledge? Let me tell you, a female lawyer has to work twice as hard as a male lawyer before they can recognise her. But once the men know that you are a good lawyer, they give you your respect.

The male lawyers respect the female lawyers who know their onions. It is hard work. One just has to decide to do anything one is doing well whether you are male or female. Being a woman is totally irrelevant in professionalism. At least that is the experience that I have had.

Have you been on advocacy for women?

There is no way that a female lawyer will not get involved in women advocacy. I am a Life Member of the Council of Women Societies, so there is no

way that I wouldn't have been involved in giving talks, holding seminars to educate and motivate women. In my earlier days, so many people used to invite me to give talks and raise the status of women.

Has that improved women generally?

Yes, it has. I think women should take part in such seminars and workshops because they will learn a lot at such places.

Again, I belong to an organisation that is against female genital mutilation. We try to make sure that such mutilations of the female genitals should stop. There is no reason for such mutilations. We educate women on this and even go as far as educating and creating awareness among traditional rulers that this custom must stop.

It should be abrogated. There is no reason why a woman should have her clitoris mutilated. It affects them when they want to have children. Some of them bleed which is not good for their health. There was a book that the Late Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University Professor Jadesola Akande and I put together to educate women. She was my classmate.

Lets talk socials. In those days, professionals and graduates returning from the UK, we hear, used to have their special socials and elite clubs. Does it still happen like that these days?

In those days, there was more security.

Then we could go to night clubs on weekends and come back late. But these days, one has to be careful. In those days, we didn't have armed robbers and kidnappers. I remember going out to Late Bobby Benson Club and we won a prize. We also used to go to Metropolitan Club, but these days, night life is dangerous. One has to be careful because one doesn't know where the armed robbers and kidnappers are coming from.

The night life these days is not for me. But I honour wedding ceremonies and other such social outings. I

Continued from page 31 where the knowledge of guitar and keyboard is needed.

Fuji needs just your voice and locally made instruments.

At what time did public acceptance come from you?

Acceptance started in 1980. I was in Ikene, but my first album was in 1985. I was going around with no equipment, singing with three of my friends who held local items as instruments.

One day, a man named Sunday Olojuanu saw me at a party. He was a welder. He went to my parents, told them that he was going to form a band with me. But my parents declined. They told him that they wanted me to go to school. He promised them that the band would only play shows on weekends.

They eventually allowed him and we came up with a band name the Sunny Ayuba Band. We were together for three years.

Were you making much money then?

I was collecting whatever he gave me. But when I became 17, I then formed my band. I called my friends together. I started coming to Lagos to perform at Canary Hotel in Surulere, after which I returned to IkeneRemo. I was coming for a weekly jump every Thursday evening. In 1985, I moved to

I am a grandmother many times over. Life now is very interesting, you thank God for the grand children and you enjoy them. Children liven up your life at this age.

You exchange visits and you listen to what they have to say. Children are funny, they watch what you do and do the same

also attend professional dinner events. But in those days we had fun because everywhere was secured.

How about leisure?

Oh, I love to relax. I used to play golf at a time, but not anymore. I had reasons to stop. These days I just walk. I had to give it up. I walk for 10 or 20 minutes and then do exercises in my house. I watch films, read detectives books, I read Agatha Christies detective books. I visit friends during the day, not at night (laughs); it’s not really wise going out at nights. I do that because I relax when in company of my friends.

Apart from law, what are you passionate about these days?

I am passionate about church work. I believe we must give thanks to God, do things about God. God created us, we must find time to contribute, to give back through the development of the church, of the society. we must give back because we have received. And when you give to God, you are giving to the society. It is important.

’

When last did you have a holiday?

I don’t miss it at all. I do that every year.

I use my brain a lot, so I do not miss my annual holiday. Every year, I take a full month off work. Lawyers have one month vacation in August, so I use it well. I think it is important to do so because all work and no play make Jack a dull boy.

Is it only London that you go to for holiday?

No, I go to other places. The holiday that I enjoyed most was when I went to the USA and also Dubai. Both are lovely places to visit. I have been to many states in the United States of America. I do my vacation in Nigeria too.

What kind of music appealed to you when you were younger and what kind of music appeals to you now?

(Laughs) You are really taking me back in time, good old memories. We used to dance to Sunny Ade music then, Ebenezer Obey’s music too. But I also love classical music. I still do. I listen to them at home.

They are relaxing. I listen to Christian music too. I use them to meditate.

‘Why I like

•Ayuba

Lagos Island where I got accommodation with a friend with my band boys. Then after my first album where I sang about Dele Giwa, people started knowing me.

What was the motivating factor for you?

For me it wasn't about money. It was about making musical albums and being well known like the fuji mentors such as Alhaji Ayinla Barrister. At that time, any contract that was put before me, I would have accepted because it wasn't about money. It was about being popular with what I was doing.

How did you get a breakthrough in Lagos?

From Canary Hotel where I was

playing at the night club, I moved to Ariya Night Club which was owned by King Sunny Ade. I was playing there and my popularity was building. Not long, I got a breakthrough album, 'Bubble', in 1991.

How did you manage your fame then?

My parents were particular about me.

They wanted me to go to school, and I was well cautioned from home about women.They told me that I could only marry one wife because in my family, we are not allowed to marry more than one wife. That made me to sit up and I saw the female fans as my sisters.

At what point did you get married and what attracted you to her?

I got married over twenty years ago. I was in Queens Borough Community College in New York when I met her.

The moment I saw her, I told the person that was sitting next to me that she was my wife. I didn't even know whether she was Jamaican, American or Nigerian. But she turned out to be a Nigerian, an Ibo lady.

How did her parents react to her choice of a musician?

It was initially tough because her parents already had their impression of who a musician was. They believed that musicians were womanisers who lived on alcohol and so on.

How did you feel about the reaction from her parents?

Well, I would perhaps have reacted in

like manner. That is because 22 years ago, the lifestyle of musicians then was completely different from what we have now. You know, then Fela Anikulapo was reigning, and he was an image of a musician of that time.

So how were you able to convince them?

She was the one that eventually convinced me that I was the only one that she wanted to marry. At that time, I could not defend myself because there was nothing that I had to say.

So many years after, what can you say about your marriage?

I thank God. Marriage is like being in the university. We keep learning. Now, we have beautiful children and living happily. There is no way I could marry another woman because it is an abomination in my family. And I am the last child of my parents. So despite being a musician, I could not marry a second wife. Moreover, I do not even think that I need a second wife. After all, I wouldn't want my wife to marry two men.

What do you like most about her?

I cannot say that there is a particular thing that I like about her. Till date, I have not been able to identify what I love about her. I just know that I am in love with her and that love keeps flowing.

Is your wife into music too?

She is not. Yes, she loves my music, but does not go to shows with me. The truth is that she is a housewife; she

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35

mother’ You play Golf but do you agree that it is for the elite?

It is not true, anybody can go to the golf course and hire clubs, you do not have to buy. You can go to Ikoyi Club, see if you enjoy the game. If you do, then you can then buy your clubs. I know buying them could be expensive but you can hire.

But to enter into Ikoyi Club, one has to be a member and that costs huge money Yes, I am aware of subscription fees and dues, but I still feel golf is not for the elite only. I am a Life Member of Ikoyi Club, I am a member of the golf section. Golf is a wonderful exercise. When you are on the golf course and you want to play 18 holes, you immediately know that you want to walk three miles or more, so you could choose to play nine holes. Then you have to concentrate on the golf ball. You have to make sure that you are on the fare way. By the time you finish playing, you are sure to have breathed in fresh air into your lungs. While playing, you will forget about work, business or legal practice.

You are totally relaxed. And of course you are likely to be there with your friend. As you play and walk, you are chatting with your friends depending on who you are playing with. I find it very relaxing and it is healthy.

So you can play nine holes or even 18 and you can also play alone if that is what you want to do. Though it is better enjoyed in good company of two or four persons. A good game, good exercise.

As professional men hang out after work in the evenings, how do women hang out?

(Laughs) You know, we have International Federation of Women Lawyers, I do not think women hang out together at night like the men do. I do not think women can do that because women are very busy, they are sometimes house wives, and as a career woman before you finish attending to your husband, attend to your children, there will be no time for such. But again, these days, women have

•Kuye clubs for those who have time.

There is a club called Cosmopolitan Club for women, though I am not a member yet, however, some of my friends are.

Also, I think there is The Ladies Dining Club, Zonta International Club and so on.

Women go there to discuss about women affairs and how they can raise the status of women. There is too much discrimination against women in Nigeria. Women have to be economically, politically and educationally empowered. You know that there are men in this age who still believe that girls should not be educated. I think that

is a wrong conception because every individual needs to use their brain, it doesn’t matter the sex. Education is very important for raising the status of women.

Education is knowledge, it is power. Mind you, we also arrange dinners for ourselves too.

What was your fashion sense in those days and then now?

We had a lot of fashion in those days. We had ‘bonfo!’ (Laughs) The clothes reached down to the knees, at least it didn’t expose the body as what is being worn these days. We didn’t have ‘spaghetti’ at that time in Nigeria, but they had in England, the evening wear, the Europeans liked it. We had Buba and Iro; the Buba was short sleeve though, not long sleeve as it is being worn now.

Some of the old fashion that our mothers and grandmothers had is coming back. I believe that a girl, a woman must dress with modesty. These days, women are exposing too much and I do not like it. A mother must watch what her daughters are wearing. They must be properly covered up.

Nowadays, women are exposing too much. And it is the mother’s duty. The girl dresses before leaving the house; that is the best time to correct her to wear something decent before going out. I am happy that there are churches today that when a lady comes in looking too exposed, they tell her to go and change into something decent. When you come to church exposing everything, your back and front, you will distract the men and they will not be able to concentrate on their prayers! And they are supposed to concentrate on their

prayers, that is why they are in church.

You are a grandmother now. What is life like as a grand mother?

Yes, I am a grandmother many times over. Life now is very interesting, you thank God for the grand children and you enjoy them. Children liven up your life at this age. You exchange visits and you listen to what they have to say. Children are funny, they watch what you do and do the same.

Your advice to young lawyers They should work hard, set their goals and always ask themselves what they want to achieve with law practice. They should also work hard, pray hard so that God can bless them. If you are going to court, prepare your case well in the chambers. Young lawyers should not come out of school and then start practising. They should spend some time first with a senior in his chambers to learn. From there, they can then establish their own chambers.

They should also pay attention to details.

You have handled many cases in time past, what if a husband tells his young lawyer wife not to work or a case where a young lawyer is posted out of the state where her husband is resident, what do you advise the couple to do?

I know it happens because I have seen graduates whose husbands said they shouldn't work, not necessarily lawyers alone. If the husband says don't work, then between the two of them, I think that they have to dialogue. The wife has to make the husband to see the reason why she should work. Even if it is part time.

That is I do not see the reason why a woman should sit at home and not do some kind of productive work that will generate some kind of income after going to school to be highly educated. They should dialogue and with patience, they can resolve it.

As regards the issue of posting for a young wife, it is difficult because I believe that husband and wife should be together for a stable marriage, especially if they have children. Again in our country because of the economic situation, it happens, but it is not a good thing for marriage because it may not even be a temporary transfer. I don't like separations in marriages, especially long separation, because it will affect the stability of the marriage.

’

wearing white’

•Ayuba

takes care of the home for us.

Has your style changed?

I love wearing white. It shows that one is clean. I like a tidy look and I wear other colours too, but at least 70% of my

right person is very important. It helps a man to be organised, but when you are married to many women or to many girlfriends, your health and the health of your business will be affected, and that, of course, will lead to stress which would allow someone to grow old quick. I thank God that my home is settled.

Apart from music, what other thing appeals to you?

I love soccer ; I love football.

Whenever I return from the office, I sit down in front of the television and watch football. I do not hang out like that because I am always at parties and shows. I am always like running home afterwards, so that I can get there and relax.

What if a female fan walks up to you and tells you that she loves you, what do you do at that point?

I love wearing white. It shows that one is clean. I like a tidy look and I wear other colours too, but at least 70% of my clothes are white

clothes are white.

You keep looking younger than your age; what is the secret?

It is rest of mind. For instance, we just talked about my wife. Marriage to the

’

Well, when they say that, it invariably means that she loves my music. It is not really an expression directed at affections. It is the music that brought the fan and I together, so when she relates with me on that platform, it is the music that she loves not me as a person.

At the same time, if she actually means to relate to me affectionately on a higher level, then it will be up to me to accept or not. It takes two to tangle. If she does not see me, then no affair will take place. If I do not take her to a hotel, for instance, I will not get to make love to her. So, I must make sure that I am not available for such affair.

As a musician, has a fan ever embarrassed you?

Yes, I met a lady one day while I was playing. She stood in front of me romantically and accused me that I was always frowning. She said I should relax and be cheerful and free with her.

She was looking for something that she couldn't get.

We hear that you identify with COSON, do you think that the body is a solution to musicians?

I am a Director with COSON. They are doing well. I must say. They are collecting money and sharing among artistes, but I still believe that they can do better. Collecting money is part of it, but the major one is to let the music pay.

That is, let us be able to receive money for all the albums that we have done.

Let us make piracy a thing of the past.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

42

CARTOON

D

‘My hubby betrayed my trust’

EAR Harriet, Thanks for providing an avenue for people like me to pour out their hearts. You are doing a great job counselling us. God bless you. I am a mother of three lovely children with a caring husband.

It all started when my husband pleaded with me to quit my bank job, so that I could take care of the children while he worked because they were too young to be alone with the house help. With no hesitation, I agreed totally with my husband's decision because raising our children in the way we wanted was my ultimate desire.

I saw it as a sacrifice that I had to make, but recently my husband has started passing some annoying comments regarding to the way I spend money. He talks to me as nobody. Personally, I feel really hurt because I know the way I have been managing just to make ends meet.

I have gone as far as selling most of my gold jewelleries that I bought when I was working in the bank.

Initially he told me that he would be giving me a monthly allowance, apart from the housekeeping allowance.

Well, he did that for three months.

All I get currently is the housekeeping money which is not enough. I am angry about the whole issue. Please, tell me what to do.

Thanks.

Name withheld, Lagos.

with Email: bineharriet@gmail.com

From My Mail Box:

the same challenge as you. I know manner and not in an angry way. how you feel. A person who has Anger is a powerful emotion. If been financially independent will not handled appropriately, it may find it very frustrating, if he has to have destructive results for you depend on somebody financially. and your loved ones. See this matter as a motivating factor for Your feeling of frustration is you to look inwards. Check highly expected, but how you yourself. Talk to your spouse manage the situation is also very about your passion and how it will important because if you don't be of great benefit, if you start address it properly, it may doing something. lead to other serious issues.

Communicate openly and freely The first step Anger is a with him and is not to take powerful emotion. If listen to his it personal. opinion. If his It could not handled appropriately, response is be that it may have destructive not he is results for you and your loved immediate, going ones. See this matter as a be patient through motivating factor for you to look and don't financia inwards. Check yourself. Talk to keep talking l stress. about it.

He your spouse about your Mention it might passion and how it will be of occasionally. not mean great benefit, if you start Approach all it the way doing something financial issues you are We must commend you for as a team, setting seeing it which telling your story and giving us goals for resolving is common with the permission to publish it. money setbacks and some men when they Thanks a lot. Bear in mind that agreeing on a course of action you are not alone in this situation. are going through tough A good number of women have times. The way forward is to have together. a discussion with him about how Provide clarity of purpose left their jobs to be homemakers, the situation is making you feel. necessary for finding solution. while some are having it easy Learn to avoid regrets and selfgoing and others are experiencing Explain in a calm and loving

WONDERFUL write-up! God bless you.

Amen.

Yusuf, Kaduna.

relationship that I need to be sure. Thanks Name withheld, Lagos.

DEAR Harriet, Your page is very educative, and I am benefiting a lot from it. Please, can you write DEAR Harriet, Please I need your advice on abusive relationship? Thanks. on ways to identify an unhealthy relationship because at the moment, I'm in a Name withheld, Abia.

pity. This is simply a waste of emotion. Don't wallow in it because feeling sorry for yourself or situation does not solve anything. Your job as a homemaker is not a simple job.

As a homemaker, you work by the clock with little or no break.

Keeping the home front is the reason why he is finding his job easy, so always remember that you are also contributing to the growth of the family. This will help your self-esteem.

Times in marriage do occasionally get tough. If you have a loving and trusting relationship with your spouse, believe in that and show appreciation instead of talking down on them.

Another way to approach your situation is not to see his comment as talk down, but as a way of letting him know what it costs to run your home. Start out by making a household budget; this should include daily expenses like food, home maintenance, weekly buys like groceries, school items for the kids, gas and items of personal care, as well as monthly debits like bills and fees for services.

However, the important aspect is that it will give room for him to see how you spend the housekeeping money. Hopefully, it might put an end to the excessive spending comments.

In marriage, there should be effective communication to solving money issues so that both spouses can work together towards achieving their family goals and at the same time imbibe a sense of individual empowerment.

Sacrifice is also a major and vital factor for a successful marriage, so whatever you do to assist your family is for the progress of your home which you are part of.

Harriet ogbobine is a counselor and a motivational speaker. Send your questions and suggestions to her on bineharriet@gmail.com or txt message only 08023058805. You can also follow her on twitter: @bineharrietj

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

Family Forum with Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Tel: 01-7341546-8 Email: counselling@faithoyedepo.org

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

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

ENGLISH BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Team Chelsea Man City Arsenal Man Utd Tottenham Liverpool S’ampton Swansea Stoke City C.Palace Everton West Ham West Brom Leicester Newcastle Sunderland Aston Villa Hull City Burnley QPR

P 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38 38

W 26 24 22 20 19 18 18 16 15 13 12 12 11 11 10 7 10 8 7 8

D 9 7 9 10 7 8 6 8 9 9 11 11 11 8 9 17 8 11 12 6

L 3 7 7 8 12 12 14 14 14 16 15 15 16 19 19 14 20 19 19 24

GF 73 83 71 62 58 52 54 46 48 47 48 44 38 46 40 31 31 33 28 42

GA 32 38 36 37 53 48 33 49 45 51 50 47 51 55 63 53 57 51 53 73

GD 41 45 35 25 5 4 21 -3 3 -4 -2 -3 -13 -9 -23 -22 -26 -18 -25 -31

Pts 87 79 75 70 64 62 60 56 54 48 47 47 44 41 39 38 38 35 33 30

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

Segun Toriola... n o t o h s r e h t o an Africa’s record

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

51

‘People should stop giving him alcoholic drinks’

Continued from Page 22

•Fashek (extreme right) as part of Jastix, a reggae group

I honestly can't say when it started, believe me. Fashek was on top of his game. I met him when they came to Boston to play at a club. I played with them that night.

That was the first time, I had seen my big brother drink.

He drank a lot and I was shocked and asked him when he started drinking. He just laughed and told me he was okay. That night he drank about three stout bottles and

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

54

‘Nigeria is at the trigger of unleashing opportunities ’ ou initially trained as a lawyer, how did get to become a Negotiation Specialist?

I started as a legal counsel working at the Idowu Sofola Chambers in Lagos before I decided to carve a niche for myself as a negotiation professional. After my Law school programme in Abuja, I proceeded to the Harvard Law School where I went to hone my skills in negotiations. I also bagged another certification law programme at the Harvard Law School where I also honed my skills in leadership and innovations. I was the sole sponsor of the Nigerian rebrand website. The former Minister of Information, Prof Dora Akunyili was happy about my philanthropic gesture and showered some encomiums in the course of that project. I was the first and the youngest African to be awarded by the Africa Leadership magazine in 2012 with a leadership award in Negotiation.

You are a Negotiation Specialist; this seems like a new concept in Nigeria, can you educate us further on what your expertise is

Y

•Adeyemi

Bar. ‘Lada Adeyemi, is a Harvard trained certified Business Negotiation Coach, prolific writer, lawyer and philanthropist. In this interview with HANNAH OJO, The United Nations Peace Ambassador spoke on the state of the economy, unemployment, SMEs among other issues. about?

Negotiation is a skill that we all use every day with our families, friends and colleagues because it is pervasive. It is one of the means of ADRsAlternative Dispute Resolutions that we have. You have Arbitration, Mediations and Negotiations. Fortunately, Negotiation is the only conflict resolution that does not require a third party. So having more negotiation inclined professionals is a pathway to having more business opportunities.

It will lead to people building better relationships, so my skills as a negotiation specialist seeks to help organisations and government build and manage better relationships in order to increase profitability in their businesses.

How do you impacted these skills on young professionals?

In the course of eight years, I have been involved in training graduates and students from universities both in Nigeria and the Diaspora. Universities where I have trained graduates on negotiation skills include University of Ilorin, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife , University of Lagos. In the Diaspora, I have trained at the Brigham Young University-Idaho in the United states. I have held different negotiation trainings in over 20 countries across the world including Singapore,

Malayia, South Africa, Ghana, United States, United States to mention but a few. At the last dispensation, I served in the capacity as a consultant to the office of the president on job creation, a position which I stated I wanted to do on probono basis. I felt that as a specialist in this field, I wanted to give back to my country and I told Josephine Washima, the then Senior Special Adviser to the former President Goodluck Jonathan on job creation that I would like to add my quota to the Federal Government as far as my field is concerned on pro bono basis which I did to the best of my ability. I have initiated several organisations to mention just a few, the African USA international Business Network, the Trans-Atlantic Negotiation School of Business, e.t.c.

Currently, I have consolidated my expertise with experts in diverse industries and we have established an organisation known as the First Empire group. This organisation is a consolidation of efforts of my humble self as well as my partners who are also experts in their fields.

From your experience at the presidency, what would be your advice to the new government on job creation?

My advice is this; equip youths with intellectual ability.

You cannot put something on nothing and expects it to start.

It is not enough to go to the university. There is a need for them to focus on themselves and be more employable. I believe the present government needs to look at creating opportunities for youths to change their mind set from being job seekers to job creators. Here is a country with diverse opportunities and resources but I believe very strongly that the government of the day should not only focus on creating job opportunities for Nigerians but should also focus on creating entrepreneurial opportunities for them as well. For instance, the First Empire Group is looking at establishing an artisan academy to train artisans from plumbers, carpenters and fabricators on how they can use these skills to create jobs for themselves as well. For those who are already doing it or have the experience in it- we seek to help them understand the dynamics of doing well in those sectors. We have also established a negotiation academy to train graduates and young professionals on the science and the arts of negotiations. Most companies are now tired of litigations because it is time consuming and expensive. Companies are beginning to understand that they need to reduce cost and one of the ways they need to do that is to equip their work force on skills that they would need to do this.

You must have heard severally that Nigerian graduates are not employable, how do you think the country can maximise the potentials of these unemployable graduates?

I think very humbly that a lot has been said about the unemployment situation in the country. From the bureau of

Elumelu calls for an end to ROVIDING access to electricity for schools, hospitals, businesses and industries is the single most impactiful intervention that can be made to transform the continent. It has tremendous implications for job creation, health, food security, education, technological advancement and overall economic development,” African businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu who is the Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation joined African economic and political leaders in Abidjan to call for an end to energy poverty on the continent. The leaders came together in Abidjan under the umbrella of the African Energy Leaders Group (AELG). The AELG was launched during the 2015 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The group brings together political and business leaders at the highest level to drive the reforms and investment needed to end energy poverty and to ensure sustainable fuel supplies on the continent.

Elumelu is a founding partner and Co-

“P

•From left: Former president of Ghana John Kufuor; President of Cote D'Ivoire Alassane Ouattara, Co-Chair of the Africa Energy Leaders Group (AELG); Tony O. Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Co-Chair of the AELG; Vice President of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo during the inaugural meeting of the AELG held in Abidjan to discuss regional solutions to the electricity deficit in Africa

chair of the AELG. Providing access for all Africans to reliable, affordable energy services and efficient appliances by 2030 is a key goal of AELG. The AELG objective of ensuring universal access to modern energy is in line with those of the United Nations Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) initiative run by the UN Secretary General's Special Representative Kandeh Yumkella, one of the champions of the AELG.

Foundation sponsors MPRETEC Nigeria Foundation (ENF), a private sector initiative of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in collaboration with UBA Foundation Plc has concluded the training of the second phase of the UNCTAD/EMPRETEC Graduate Entrepreneurship Programme (GEP) for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members nationwide.

The training programme commenced on

E

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

55

statistics to various occurrences that has happened in unleash opportunities not just for Nigerians but for Africans Nigeria in the past years—not too long ago we saw the as a whole. The Foreign Direct Investors we have had in the immigration menace. I believe strongly that unemployment last ten years, I tell you with every sense of humility cannot as far as I’m concerned should be ranked as one of the greatbe compared with what we will have in the next five years. est problem in Nigeria today. When graduates and young This is because of the vantage positioning Nigeria has both people don’t have anything to do, the next thing they would in Africa and the world at large. Africa has the largest conthink of is what they shouldn’t do that they would be doing. sumption and youth population in the world and Nigeria Take for instance the issue of Boko-Haram, we have been has the largest population in Africa. You cannot remove the told and we have read that some of the people used for this Nigerian element from Africa’s progress and productivity menace are lured with N5, 000, some even with N2500 just and that for us I think is a golden opportunity. The last govto commit such terrible occurrence. My humble submission ernment did not focus majorly on some of our strengths. I to the government is that each state should establish a forum believe that this new government would be dwelling on that to invite all the unemployed youths in that state. They from all indications. From my candid view, Nigeria’s posishould invite them for a career fair to understand the varitioning globally from a financial stand point is going to be ous fields which they studied and to run what I would call a on an increase. There may be some hitches but largely I clinical exercise. Some of these youths for example want believe we will not fall short of less of what we did before to be self-employed. Government has a duty of creating now. It can only get better. an enabling environment for them. They should create You mentioned organising trainings and an artisan job fairs where those who want to pursue entrepreneuracademy but we have had many people doing that ship can be encouraged and those who want to already, what unique prospects are you bringing to pursue careers with organisations can be guidthe table?

I ed at opportunities. Also, I think there is a When I had the opportunity to train all the think the chalneed for a mass training and orientation chief magistrates and senior magistrates of lenge as far as social Lagos about two years ago, before the trainon youths. It is unfortunate that our educational system is not something to ing I said to myself what a chief magistrate entrepreneurship is write home about currently. I feel that would need to learn about negotiation. I concerned is that some youths in the universities should have mean these are people who adjudicate day Nigerians are always the orientation of being ready for the by day. However, the encomiums I had labour market. For example, most looking at a win-lose from those trainings were overwhelming youths fail at the first instance of an for me it was a proof that indeed every opportunities. In order and interview. Some don’t even have faith professional both in the private and public words, they go into in themselves not to talk of having faith sector require negotiation skills. We are the in their own expertise or what they can only training and negotiation firm in engagement with a put on the table. Right from the first Nigeria-I say that with every sense of mind-set of ‘I don’t boldness. stage, they are already goofing. Some We have carved that care if you lose; lack confidence, some do not know what niche for ourselves and we have to say at the right time, some their manI am going to win realised based on the figures we nerism are not something to write home have that negotiation skills is trite at all cost about and these are things that add up to both for decision makers and what an employer seeks after. As an organisation, mangers. For example, if somebody we are ready to help the government in reducing unemwants to sign a deal for another company ployment across the federation and one of the ways we overseas, there would be a need for some want to do this is to hold orientation programmes with well thought out negotiations as well. the support of the government in each states of the federaThe same is applicable to local companies tion. that either want to buy over some other What is First Empire group about? companies or might want to merge with It is a combination of various specialist: we focus on four some others or want to into go into other major sectors which comprises tourism, agro business, oil businesses. Being a product of the prestiand gas as well as real estate. Our unique selling point is gious Harvard University, I have been able using international best standards. That is using those strateto understand the dynamics of how gies that has helped developed countries to build and furAmericans negotiate. One of the things I ther develop the African economy and of course with have been able to do is to use what I was emphasis-the Nigerian economy. We do know that there are taught in Harvard and bring the African and quite a lot of experts in these industries that we have menNigerian experience and create a blend of the tioned that for us, we want to create opportunities for two in my classes.

Nigerians in doing businesses globally. In other words, From your experience with members helping businesses locally, operate and sustain their busiof the civil service, how do you comnesses both locally and indeed globally. So while we are pare the Nigerian civil service with celebrating businesses like KFC and Shell and the rest of others around the world? them, we want to help Nigerian businesses earn that status I don’t want to sound political but globally by giving them the right techniques in doing these I will say that in the and giving them the ability to be masters in their various Nigerian civil service, sector and endeavours. Pretty much, that is our unique sellI feel Lagos state is ing point. In the downstream sector, we are currently leading the vanworking on some estate in the Lagos Island and in Abuja. guard in For tourism, we have actually institionalised the first estabdinosaur animatronic tin park in Africa which is called the Lekki Dinosaur Park that should be launched before the end of this year.

Last year there was a rebasing of the economy, what is the big deal of being the largest economy in Africa when lishthere is still so many poor people in the country? ing a As much as I would try not to sound like a politician, I can very tell you confidently that Nigeria is a time bomb about to formidaexplode. Indeed they were quite a lot of encomiums showble and effiered on the last government but I believe that Nigeria has cient civil the potentials of doing better. We may not be able to see service society. I the proceeds of the government of the day but from all indibelieve with the cations which is within our reach based on international best government of the day, what •Adeyemi standards, I believe Nigeria is at it is trigger. It is set to we have seen happen in Lagos

‘

‘

will affect the overall civil servants in the country. I can talk about Lagos because I have been able to interact mostly with civil servants in the state. I have trained chief magistrates and some other directors and some other arms of the civil service in Lagos.

Do you think Nigeria has been able to leverage on the large number of SMEs in the country?

The lifeline of any country’s economy is the middle class and the middle class comprises small and medium class entrepreneurs. What I feel has been the problem in Nigeria is that most businesses don’t survive the first five years. The reason for that is because most of the SMEs establish their businesses based on passion and not expertise. The way they focus on buying materials, they should equip themselves with intellectual abilities to function and do better as SMEs. I feel the government of the day should encourage SMEs more. There should be an encouragement start-ups for people to innovate. One of the reasons why America succeeds is because Americans innovate. I believe for Nigeria to reach an economic Eldorado, SMEs should not stop thinking and innovating. The government of the day can also help by creating what we call innovation labs where those who have ideas can run tests on their innovations and not be scared of making mistakes. We should not be scared of failures because it is a springboard to success. I believe we should even have double of the 17 million SMEs that we have right now because we have the land mass to manage it and we have the population to test those innovations and an economy that can further sustain it.

With your experience with the MDGs, what is your take on the state of social entrepreneurship in Nigeria?

Social entrepreneurship is for me one of the tools that can further enhance Nigeria’s economy because we have a humongous population in Nigeria. I think the challenge as far as social entrepreneurship is concerned is that some Nigerians are always looking at a win-lose opportunities. In order words, they go into engagement with a mind-set of ‘I don’t care if you lose; I am going to win at all cost’. That creates a spring of different reactions. I think there should be a mind-set change to further enhance social entrepreneurships. A mind-set change where youths and entrepreneurs can begin to look at basic opportunities and business engagements from the stand point of a win-win and not a win-lose.

When win-win situations are better enhanced and encouraged, the economy will be better for it.

energy poverty Mr. Elumelu pledged to support the work of AELG. “I am making a pledge to provide $150,000 over the next three years to support the operations of the AELG secretariat,” he said. “I want to call on the governments of the member states of the ECOWAS region, and AELG members and partners to also

step up with significant multi-year commitments to sustain the organization.”

In 2013, Elumelu committed to investing $2.5 billion in the power sector in Africa through President Obama's Power Africa Initiative.

UBA Foundation sponsors Empretec training for youth corps members.

Empretec training for youth corps members Monday June 8 and ended Tuesday June 16 2015.

The training took the participants through the theoretical and practical aspects of entrepreneurship. They also developed detailed business plans and simulations on running actual small businesses during the six day training.

In her remarks at the closing ceremony of the program the Country Director, Empretec Nigeria Foundation;

Mrs Onari Duke, charged the Corp members to keep practicing all the training and skills acquired.

The MD/CEO of UBA Foundation, Ms Ijeoma Aso, also encouraged the trainees to keep improving their skills.

The Corps Members thanked Empretec Nigeria Foundation and United Bank for Africa for the “once in a lifetime opportunity” provided to them by the training.

•From left:Ms Oduneye Adepeju receiving her certificate Country Director, Empretec Nigeria Foundation, Mrs. Onari Duke and MD/CEO UBA, Foundation, Ms Ijeoma Aso

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

56

•Stelae Park

Axum city

Ethiopia’s home of spectacular monuments A

s the door of the Bombadier plane was opened by Ethiopian Airlines’ cabin The ancient city of Axum in Northern Ethiopia is an crew, the whiff of air that came in was enchanting place to visit. It has many great sites and relieving. One may not know whether the altitude of the town was higher than the artefacts that point to an illustrious past. Among the top ancient town of Lalibella (another town in Ethiopia) with its thin air that made breathing attractions are the stelae park, St. Mary of Zion Cathedral, difficult for visitors.

Ethiopian Orthodox Church's holiest site and Axum Rosetta Here, obviously the air was richer. Most tourists on the plane were coming from there.

Stone. OKORIE UGURU recently visited the place and For many tourists from Lalibella, their lungs reports. reacted positively, gulping in air rich in oxygen. This is the ancient city of Axum, northern Ethiopia, just about 150 kilometres the topography is not different from what here unbroken for more than 2000 years and away from Eritrea. It is also a UNESCO obtains in the far north Ethiopia, huge there is the sense that maybe 2000 years from World Heritage Site. rocky hills jutting out and encompassing now.

The ancient Kingdom of Axum has existed the space. In most cases In Axum, the past and the present are for thousands of years, but the roads have to be intertwined in a continuous stretch of was at the peak of its power literally hewn from the existence.

Although modernity has crept in, between 100AD and 10 rocky hills. yet the past is pervasively present in the daycentury AD. Within this to-day life of the people.

Axum, though ancient, period, the Aksumite Axum has a kind of enchantment and is somehow sleepy, most kingdom, as it is sometimes myth.

This was the city where King Haile of the vehicles in use are called, established an empire Selassie had to come down to be crown king. buses.

There are also that covered the large part It is also regarded at the holiest site of the carts being dragged by of northern Ethiopia, Eritrea Ethiopian Orthodox Church. The St. Mary domestic animals. There and some places in the Cathedral complex is one place a lot of are not many of Arabian peninsula. activities in Axum revolve around. individual luxury cars.

During this period, the Having read so much about the town with Driving in, one could see empire controlled trade its stelae and obelisk, it is a place any some isolated houses between the Greco-Roman historical or adventure tourist would look pitched on top of hills. empires and India, leading forward to visiting.

The tour guide, to its prosperity and wealth.

They obelisks or stelae of Axum with their Mengistu, explained that With the wealth, kings of vague symbols and inscriptions mirror an these were monasteries. the kingdom built enchanting past. It is ancient towns like Axum exudes the monuments that have Axum that have sustained Africa as a feeling of calmness. Here, become a source of study mythical land. The stelae are concrete facts to life seems to be simple and interest. the sophistication of African civilization and devoid of the Driving through the town, •The Axum Rosetta Stone frenetic. Life has been on thousands of years ago. What one had so

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015 much read about and seen in pictures are standing and could even be touched.

The Axum stelae parks are located in the heart of town. Among the stelae, there is the great stele that is 33 metres tall and 520 tonnes. But it has broken into pieces. The belief is that it fell while being mounted.

The others are of different and sizes.

The tour guide, Mengistu, gave the history of the stelae: “There are three kinds of stelae: the rough, smooth and richest decorations. The rough one is the simplest.

They are the oldest ones. They were erected in 2nd century BC. When they started erecting stellae, the began from the simple ones. After they improve their skill to smooth ones and finally to the richest decorations.

“We have six richest decorations in this compound and the six stelae are arranged in order of size from North East to South West. They represent a chronological sequence. The fallen one, that is the tallest and the youngest one, is 33 metres high and 520 tonnes. They were made of stones from a quarry.

“There have been questions as to whether the decorations were done right there at quarry or here. They were finished here. We still have some unfinished stelae over there.

That unfinished stelae show they were cut form the mother rock and transport roughly, using elephants and wooden rollers.

Using the elephants to draw the wooden rollers, the finishing is then done here. We also wondered, granite is the hardest stone, what kind of tools did they use to cut the stones? Investigations and excavations are still on.”

The rock obelisks are tall and huge, making one wonder how they were erected. The guide explained: “They also used the elephants to pull and erect it, using a system known as the rolling and pulling system. Generally, we have more 200 stelae registered by the UNESCO. The Scot traveller, James Bruce, came here in 1769. During that time, the city had more than 300 stelae. From that ancient period, the number of stelae became less and less because the local people were using the

57 stelae as stones for building because they did not then recognize the historical value.”

Mengistu explained that the rock stelae were a king of significance as they showed the splendour and affluence of the royalty then: “Generally, those stelae were erected above the tombs for kings and members of the royal families. Those stelae were erected like pagan statues. On top of the stelae is the shape of the crescent, half moon. The holes on the body represent sun. Both represent gods of sun and moon.

“On the body of the richest of the stelae, we have the symbols. At the bottom, we have the symbol of dog and above we have the storey. This is like a skyscraper. Members of the royal families are buried underneath.

“The door symbols are used to create access for their spirits. They go through that to heaven. Every stelae has holes at the base. Those holes are used to offer animal sacrifices to the moon and sun gods. The oldest stelae is about 2200 years.”

The tallest and the newest of the cluster of stelae in the park was the fallen one. It fell during the erection time because at 33 metres high and 520 tonnes of granite, the base was too short. It was not deep enough.

He said: “ So, they were not successful in the process of erection and it fell.

That was about 7th century AD. But the local tradition has a different version. It was successfully erected and standing up till 9th century AD when the Aksumite civilization collapsed because internal and external conflicts.

“The internal conflict was the civil war between the Christians and Jewish settlers. The external conflict was the rise of Islam. Because of this, the Aksumite civilization collapsed and shifted to Lallibela.”

The stelae are not the only attraction at the park. Just below the fallen great stelae is one of the royal tombs that the stelae was built upon. Walking down, close to 10 feet deep to enter the tomb was a bit

•A tomb at the Stelae Park

•St. Mary of Zion Cathedral built by Emperor Haile Selassie spooky. The tomb is not like the rock hewn tombs that are common.

It is a purpose constructed tomb. It has different chambers. The chambers are facing one another with a kind of walkway in between.

According the guide, there may be other tombs yet to be excavated, considering the number of stelae at the park. Beside the park is the museum.

This museum houses some the day-today utensils sued in ancient Axum.

They range from the crude to some highest level of craftsmanship. They are from the stone down to the metal age.

cathedral is made of goat skin and about 1000 years old.

Just outside the old orthodox church is a stone slap said to be the place where Emperor Haile Selasie was crowned king of Ethiopia.

On a normal day at the church, hundreds of worshippers, men and women, flock there for worship. They come in, clutching wooden sticks that are used to support the body and for chants. There is a kind of totem at the door that worshippers pray in front of before heading for the main auditorium of the church.

The complex also houses St. Mary of Zion Cathedral a monastery for monks complex The Ancient who stay there The stelae complex is Kingdom of Axum giving themselves separate from the to worship of has existed for famous St. Mary of God and work Zion Cathedral. thousands of years, but in the The church is the was at the peak of its cathedrals. holiest site of the power between 100AD Ethiopian The Orthodox and 10 century AD. Within Rosetta Church. The this period, the Aksumite Stone and church was kingdom, as it is sometimes Queen of built in 1665 AD

by Emperor called, established an empire Sheba Palace.

Falisides. that covered the large part Leaving This old of northern Ethiopia, the cathedral church was and the stelae Eritrea and some replaced by a new park, we are cathedral built by places in the Arabian heading for what Emperor Haile Salesie Peninsula looks like the in thankfulness to Mary eastern part of the for helping him defeat the town. It is up hill. The Italian imperialists. bus laboured upwards. The In between the old and the new first stop was at a house that contains cathedrals is the small house said to the what has been dubbed the Ethiopian house the Ark of the Covenant.

Rosetta Stone.

According to Ethiopian history, the ark The Rosetta Stone of Axum was was brought to Ethiopia by the Menelik, caused to be written by King Ezana of the son born to King Solomon, by the legendary Queen of Sheba believed to be Axum. It is like the original Rosetta stone, written in three languages: from Aksum.

Sabean, Ge'ez and ancient Greek. In the No one is permitted to enter the house stone, King Ezana ruled from 330 to 356 where the ark is, except the guardian AD. priest. On this particular day, coming out He ruled for 26 years. In the stone, from a trip of the old church and heading Ezana recorded his war and victories for the new, we saw the guardian of the over Nubians and against the Kush Ark just by the fence of the church. kingdom.

The tour guide confirmed it was him.

Leaving there and further up, there is He was holding a discussion with another individual like a priest. But while another site. It is an excavation of a an expansive house. This, according to the guardian of the Ark was inside, the Mengistu, our tour guide, was the individual was standing outside. They palace of the Biblical Queen of Sheba were separated by the fence. According based on findings from the excavation. to the guide, the visitor can never go Leaving Axum, one was thankful for beyond that point to think of entering the memories and so much information inside. about African past. Axum is a town that The old cathedral could only be is opening up to become a modern city, entered by men as women are forbidden but in doing that, they are mindful and from entering. proud of the past. To a large extent, By nature of worship, the Ethiopian modernity has comfortably blended Orthodox Church engages so much in with the past and are existing chants and singing. The Bible used in the comfortably.

‘

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H EALTH MATTERS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

,

‘Riders for Health’ is an international social enterprise that strives to manage and maintain vehicles for health focused partners in sub Saharan Africa with the view of delivering health care services to communities far from cities.

The expertise to be put in place by this project in transport management will enable health workers deliver vital health care to rural communities on a reliable and cost effective basis

•A health worker addressing some villagers

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Riders for Health:

Taking healthcare beyond boundaries HERE is no doubt, that the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations (UN) and many other non�governmental organisations (NGOs) as well

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n David LAWAL n as various parastatals have over the years, embarked on numerous programmes to provide health care for

mothers and children across less privileged communities in Africa.

Interestingly, the more these health organisations make efforts, the less their efforts go in reducing maternal

and child mortality, thus, the need for ‘Riders for Health’.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports in 2014, Nigeria loses about 2, 300 of her

H EALTH MATTERS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

59

Ways to boost the immune system N the whole, your immune system does a remarkable job of defending you against disease-causing microorganisms. But sometimes it fails: A germ invades successfully and makes you sick. Is it possible to intervene in this process and make your immune system stronger?

What if you improve your •Vegitables diet? Take certain vitamins or herbal preparations?

If you drink alcohol, drink only in Make other lifestyle changes in the moderation. hope of producing a near-perfect imGet adequate sleep. mune response?

Take steps to avoid infection, such The idea of boosting your immunity as washing your hands frequently and is enticing, but the ability to do so has cooking meats thoroughly. proved elusive for several reasons.

Get regular medical screening tests The immune system is precisely that, a for people in your age group and risk system, not a single entity. To function category. well, it requires balance and harmony.

There is still much that researchers Exercise: Good or bad for immudon’t know about the intricacies and nity? interconnectedness of the immune reRegular exercise is one of the pillars sponse. For now, there are no scientifi- of healthy living. It improves cardiocally proven direct links between vascular health, lowers blood preslifestyle and enhanced immune funcsure, helps control body weight, and tion. protects against a variety of diseases.

But that doesn’t mean the effects of But does it help maintain a healthy lifestyle on the immune system aren’t immune system? Just like a healthy intriguing and shouldn’t be studied. diet, exercise can contribute to general Quite a number of researchers are exgood health and therefore to a healthy ploring the effects of diet, exercise, immune system. It may contribute age, psychological stress, herbal supeven more directly by promoting good plements, and other factors on the imcirculation, which allows the cells and mune response, both in animals and in substances of the immune system to humans. Although interesting results move through the body freely and do are emerging, thus far they can only their job efficiently. be considered preliminary. That’s beSome scientists are trying to take cause researchers are still trying to un- the next step to determine whether exderstand how the immune system ercise directly affects a person’s susworks and how to interpret measureceptibility to infection. For example, ments of immune function. The folsome researchers are looking at lowing sections summarize some of whether extreme amounts of intensive the most active areas of research into exercise can cause athletes to get sick these topics. In the meantime, general more often or somehow impairs their healthy-living strategies are a good immune function. To do this sort of reway to start giving your immune syssearch, exercise scientists typically ask tem the upper hand. athletes to exercise intensively; the scientists test their blood and urine beAdopt healthy-living strategies fore and after the exercise to detect Your first line of defense is to choose any changes in immune system coma healthy lifestyle. Following general ponents such as cytokines, white good-health guidelines is the single blood cells, and certain antibodies. best step you can take toward keeping While some changes have been your immune system strong and recorded, immunologists do not yet healthy. Every part of your body, inknow what these changes mean in cluding your immune system, functerms of human immune response. No tions better when protected from one yet knows, for example, whether environmental assaults and bolstered an increase in cytokines is helpful or by healthy-living strategies such as has any true effect on immune rethese: sponse. Similarly, no one knows whether a general increase in white Don’t smoke. cell count is a good thing or a bad Eat a diet high in fruits, vegetables, thing. and whole grains, and low in satuBut these subjects are elite athletes rated fat. undergoing intense physical exertion.

Exercise regularly.

What about moderate exercise for avMaintain a healthy weight. erage people? Does it help keep the Control your blood pressure. immune system healthy? For now, even though a direct beneficial link hasn’t been estab•Fruits lished, it’s reasonable to consider moderate regular exercise to be a beneficial arrow in the quiver of healthy living, a potentially important means for keeping your immune system healthy along with the rest of your body.

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under five year old children per day, which is approximately 839,500 children in a year.

The same report has it that 145 pregnant women reportedly die either at child birth or after child birth per day.

And this amounts to 52, 925 women per year.

Given this statistics, Nigeria, like many other African countries, ranks high as one of the countries with large contribution to the under five and maternal mortality rates in the world.

Worthy of mention here is the fact that many of these deaths could be prevented if aid gets to those who need them, regardless of their locations – rural or urban settlement.

It is largely true that the coverage and quality of health care service delivered to communities that are at the outskirts or in far rural areas has continued to fail both women and children in Nigeria.

Thus, the need to introduce a project called: ‘Riders for Health’.

‘Riders for Health’ is an international social enterprise that strives to manage and maintain vehicles for health focused partners in sub Saharan Africa with the view of delivering health care services to communities far from cities.

The expertise to be put in place by this project in transport management will enable health workers deliver vital health care to rural communities on a reliable and cost effective basis.

The need for 'Riders for health' became pertinent considering the challenges faced by health care givers in reaching communities that are far removed from urban settlements.

What this means is that, not only that those members of communities that are far from cities often struggle in vain to get health care, even health care workers likewise struggle in a bid to save affected Riders for Health employees the use of every form of motor vehicles to deliver health care facilities as well as move health care givers to concerned communities.

Among the motor vehicles employed by this project include motorcycles, ambulances and other four wheel vehicles used in the delivery of health care in seven countries across Africa.

These countries include Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and The Gambia.

The project is in collaboration with

ministries of health, international and African NGOs, private sector organisations, local community based organisations and religious groups, to improve access to health care, Furthermore, the project has the capacity to take care of an estimated 14 million people across the seven African countries mentioned above.

For example, one single motor vehicle plus one rider has the capacity to cover 56.7 kilometers and beyond within a month covering a total of 5.1 million people.

At the core of this community focused project is both training and preventive vehicle maintenance. The essence for running reliable vehicle fleets cannot be separated from the need to ensure that the chain in health care delivery is never broken by failing vehicles thereby increasing health workers’ The same way, prevention is better than cure in human health, so is maintenance better than repair for automobiles, hence the need for constant maintenance, which is also cheaper to keep a vehicle running efficiently over time than to repair it when it breaks down completely.

The programmes have been designed to provide training and employment opportunities to build local a project focusing on human health, the service of highly skilled technicians becomes vital to regularly travel to service vehicles in the communities in which health workers serve.

In addition to training health workers to drive safely in the difficult terrain, there would also be training for them on how to carry out daily checks on their vehicles.

This is because, majority of the population of sub Saharan Africans live in rural areas where the best roads are little more than dirt tracks.

Public transport is infrequent and delivering health care on foot or by bicycle between sparse villages is an exhausting and ineffective task.

Simply put, without reliable transportation system, the millions of pounds invested in vaccines, drugs, bed nets, condoms and to train health professionals every year will be wasted because they will fail to get to where they are needed on time.

There is therefore every reason for this project to achieve the set goal in order to have a safe and healthy world.

Courtesy: health.harvard.edu

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

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 04, 2015

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

NEWS

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FERMA Sure-P trainees protest extortion by Jonathan’s administration •Lagos Assembly promises to investigate allegations CORES of trainees of the SURE-P FERMA Task Force who were clad in black outfits yesterday stormed the Lagos State House of Assembly, premises on a peaceful protest march against the extortion and fraud carried out against them by some unnamed individuals of the Goodluck Jonathan administration under the pretext of employing them.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Officer Ikon Ikuagwu said the trainees totalling 51, 000 were made to part with various sums of money to buy application forms, identity card capturing, vests, face caps and other accessories totaling over N79,000 under the pretext that they would get federal jobs.

He added that for good three years since 2012, the trainees were made to undergo paramilitary training by agents of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and denied any form of salaries or allowances but promised that they already secured jobs with the FERMA Task Force.

“We parted with the various sums of money because of desperation and joblessness and because we were made to believe that the programme was real because we saw the logo of the Federal Government and adverts on the programme in certain Nigerian newspapers” ,he said.

He named certain individuals

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Miriam EKENE-Okoro who are chieftains of the People Democratic Party (PDP) as being responsible for the collection of the various sums of money from them adding that they have resorted to send a Save Our Soul message to the Lagos State House of Assembly and the Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode to assist them in salvaging the jobs promised them by the Jonathan administration.

Ikon Ikuagwu said in the past three years they have been dehumanized and suffered several losses including many of the female trainees who had miscarriages and many who suffered injuries while crossing the expressway to the training ground.

He warned that presently, majority of the trainees are now roaming the streets having been denied the jobs they were promised by the agents of the Goodluck Jonathan administration and that they constitute a potent danger if not well managed.

He said the trainees are made up different categories of Nigerians and graduates in various fields who were conned by agents of the Jonathan administration and left in the cold with nobody volunteering why the jobs they were promised had disappeared into thin air.

Save my life from political miscreants, Ondo APC chieftain cries out member of the State Executive of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in Ondo State, Mr Saka YusufOgunleye has alleged threat to his life by suspected thugs loyal to a serving senators in the state.

In a petition dated July 1, and sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Police(DCP)in charge of Criminal Investigation Department(CID) through his lawyer, Beauty Okoromi & Co, Yusuf-Ogunleye alleged that there was a plan by some political thugs to attack him.

The petition states that, ‘ it is no longer news that our client YusufOgunleye has been vocal on the unholy alliance of a Senator in the state with Dr Bukola Saraki who was elected Senate President recently in a controversial manner.

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Damisi OJO, Akure "Our client heard it on good authority that there is a clandestine move by suspected thugs to attack him for criticising the Senator for acting against the directives of the APC national leadership on National Assembly election.

"Our client has received series of strange calls on some numbers including 07068791702, 09028865111, 08034459003 and others threatening to kill him,the last of such secret meeting was held in Iju-Itaogbolu on Saturday, June 27.

The lawyer said Yusuf-Ogunleye is now living in fear, stressing that he could not afford to keep quiet because of the past political antecedents of those involved.

•From left: Principal, Ojodu Junior Grammar School, Mrs. Adebola Kolawole; President, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Joe Odumakin; Nollywood actor, Ayo Badmus and Deputy Director of Education, Mrs. Ige Olufunke, at a lecture delivered by Joe Odumakin on 'Yes we can', at Ojodu Junior Grammar School to mark her birthday, in Lagos.. yesterday.

Photo: NAN

Ekiti Council resumes enforcement of sanitation R Tunde Famuyisan, Head, Environment Department in Ikole Area Council, Ekiti, said on Friday that the council has begun enforcement of sanitation laws hitherto stalled by the Judiciary Staff Union’s (JUSUN) strike.

Famusiyan disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Ikole-Ekiti.

He said the department had suspended the sanitation exercise

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because they were handicapped in prosecuting violators during the period of JUSUN strike.

The sanitation officer said that with JUSUN calling off its strike, the council would also resume the sanitation exercise.

He warned residents of the area to obey sanitation laws or be ready to face the consequences..

Famusiyan said sanitary officials had carried out enough sensitisation, during the strike period, on the

Cocoa farmers urged to replant old farms with new variety OCOA farmers have been advised to replace their old cocoa trees, which have reduced yields, with new ones to boost production.

Mr Michael Afolabi, an Agriculture Extension Officer, gave the advice in an interview with the reporters on Friday at Usi in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti.

Afolabi said that replacement of the old trees would sustain the future of the cocoa industry and allow farmers to begin reaping high quantity and quality cocoa beans in few years of planting.

He called on the Ministry of Agriculture in both state and Federal Ministries in the cocoa producing states to establish

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nurseries in every Local Government.

This he said was to enable farmers have enough seedlings of the new variety to replant their old cocoa farms.

Afolabi further appealed to government to introduce more incentives to support young Nigerians who want to venture into the cultivation of cocoa, saying such would motivate them to embrace farming.

He said that urgent steps needed to be taken to attract more young people into cocoa farming, to replace aging farmers.

He said that doing this would prevent drastic reduction in the production of cocoa in the country.

Alaafin charges leadership to always exhibit moral courage LAAFIN of Oyo, Oba [Dr] Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111 has said the true answer to national grief is that leadership must have moral courage, and possess superior moral qualities necessary for proper guardianship of a human society.

He said past style of cowardly

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Bode DUROJAIYE, Oyo leadership are not based on the courage of convictions, and the promotion of a visionary ideas about the future greatness, as well as improvement in the total physical and moral condition of society.

According to him, ''we have a

Yoruba Unity Forum seeks support for Buhari, Osinbajo Yoruba group, Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), has appealed for an unflinching support and cooperation for President Muhammadu Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo administration.

At a meeting held at its secretariat, Efunyela Hall, Ikenne Ogun State, the group resolved to host the Vice President, Prof. Oluyemi Osinbajo to a very grand reception at Ikenne, Ogun State, his home town.

YUF also appealed to APC, and the national assembly leadership, to urgently arrest the ongoing feud and

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to be very magnanimous to resolve it soonest, so that it does not blow beyond proportion, at the expense of the nation’s peace and stability.

T he meeting also heartily congratulated the Patron of the Forum, Lt. General Oladipo Diya (rtd), on the full restoration on his ranks as the former Chief of General Staff, gazetted recently by the Federal Government.

Yoruba Unity Forum is a nonPolitical Socio-Cultural Group, which is the Umbrella of all the entire Groups, Societies and other affiliates in the entire Yoruba Race.

society without discipline and higher goals to pursue other than personal desires, and in which therefore, everyone who has the chance subjects the larger interest of the society as a whole to grief. This brings us to the principle upon which the moral system of a future Nigeria should be established.

Alaafin also called for critical appraisal of the loss of important and essential values that may be traditional and old but are highly cherished.

These, according to the monarch include the concern for brotherhood and neighbourhood which are now lost to the process of achieving the material world.

Oba Adeyemi stated this today while fielding questions from reporters in his palace..

Alaafin pointed out that character is more important than the vigour of body and keenness of the intellect, adding that It is the soil on which all else must grow or else nothing can come into fruition.

‘’People must be faithful to their word, respect mutual obligations and be kind to one another and place the welfare of others above personal gains. Unity and progress of the country will continue to be threatened until core values that should promote law and order, respect for elders, sanctity of human lives, brotherliness, honesty and tolerance are appreciated and adhered to’’ Alaafin also stressed the need for reassessment of the values of Yoruba cultures, in order to preserve them from extinction.

Said he,‘’Oral traditions , for instance, have been operationally defined to include formal historical accounts recited by professionals or those handed down from one generation to another, as informal narratives of past events within orally-literate societies. Within the contrast of the rapid changes in techniques and methods of African historiography, oral traditions are increasingly no longer mere adjuncts to written documents.

essence of hygienic environment.

He said sanitary officers would from Monday move from street to street, inspecting residential areas to ensure that people imbibe good environmental sanitation habits.

NAN recalls that Mr Niyi Ogundare, chairman of the state chapter of JUSUN, had on Wednesday announced the suspension of the seven months old strike, after a meeting with the state government.

Don, others hail Ondo over residency card initiative former Statistician General of the Federation, Prof. Doyin Akinyosoye, has recommended the adoption of the Ondo State Residency Card initiative, otherwise known as Kaadi Igbeayo, to the National Economic Council (NEC) for effective planning purposes in Nigeria.

Prof. Akinyosoye gave this recommendation in Akure at the weekend, following the successful take off of the utilization phase of the scheme.

According to him, the card which captures the data of each resident, if adopted nationally, will no doubt be useful as a platform for effective planning for the citizens to ensure equitable share of the nation's wealth consequently enhance overall development in the country.

At the flag-off ceremony of the utilisation of the smartcard on Thursday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner to Ondo State, Mr Segun Agbaje, who represented the Independent National Electoral Commission boss Amina Zakari said the scheme would also be recommended to the Federal Government for adoption by the electoral body since the card would enable the owner vote in any part of the country irrespective of place of resident without the risk of duplication of votes.

Agbaje implored residents of the state to pay their tax as at when due to enable the sustainability of the project.

He said he was fascinated by the fact that the activities of the owner of the card inputed on it will automatically be detected if presented for verification in any other part of the state other than where the initial activity took place.

He added that if adopted by INEC, voters can vote in any part of the country irrespective of where he or she resides.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY JULY 4, 2015

64 News

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NOTHER round of fuel scarcity may after all be on the way, if nothing is done to resolve the lingering crisis between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Chevron management The union is asking for, among other things, the revisit of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) reached between the management of Chevron and the union in 2012 and again the reinstatement of the executive chairman of the branch of the NUPENG in Chevron, Comrade Shabi Dada, who it said was removed from office one

Fuel scarcity looms again ...as NUPENG takes on Chevron over unsettled issues Ambrose NNAJI year ago for no just reasons as well as the issue of categorisation casualisation Meanwhile, the union has urged the Federal Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Chevron management to order, saying the activities of the management are not in the best inter-

est of Nigerians. This, it said, would drive home the expected change in the country’s oil and gas sector which is the yearning of the people Speaking with journalists in Lagos at the weekend, the Lagos Zonal Chairman of NUPENG, Comrade Tokunbo Korodo, said the sacking of the executive chairman of the Chevron branch was an affront to the union, expressing

disappointment that all the calls by the union for his reinstatement proved abortive He informed that the contract workers of Chevron had been on strike for nine days now in order to press home some of these demands from the management.

According to him, before now, the contract workers had been under the control of six contractors about three

years ago.

On the other hand, the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the former contractor was cancelled and the one in existence now was imposed on the union, adding that there was no contribution of the union to it He said all the basic things that were needed to be enshrined in the CBA were not there.

He said: “We have been agitating for the revisit of these issues and they also made us understand that the contract is also coming to an end by December this year.

“As this is still going on, some of our members have been pencilled down for termination of appointment and retirement. There is need to have a vibrant CBA that will take care of the benefits of members.All efforts to have a listening ear from the management of Chevron proved abortive, hence the agitation by the workers “It took them complete seven good years before we were called for a meeting and even when we attended the meeting, no concrete result came out of it.”

FHA Home’s MD faults suspension

•President, Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD), Dr. Kayode Ogungbuyi, with some international delegates at the 43rd IFTDO Conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Ambode orders rehabilitation of distressed mother of three sets of twins

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday directed his deputy, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule, to effect the immediate rehabilitation and provision of welfare assistance to Mrs. Ruth Uche, the mother of three sets of twins whose husband absconded from their home in Agege, Lagos.

This was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna.

Governor Ambode’s direc-

tive followed newspaper publications which narrated the ordeal of the woman who spoke with reporters during her distress visit to the Government Secretariat, Alausa on Thursday.

The governor, who was visibly touched after reading the plight of the woman and her children, noted that as a responsible government, the wellbeing of the people of the state, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political af-

filiations, is paramount to his administration and assured the people of Lagos State that his government would continue to provide good leadership “that will guarantee adequate protection of lives and properties of all Lagosians.”

Her husband, Mr. Benjamin Uche, was alleged to have absconded from home as a result of the expected birth of another set of twins from his wife, making the third in a

row.

While acknowledging the present economic situation in the country, the governor noted that it is not proper for anyone to abandon his family, especially young children that they willingly brought to life, admonishing that it is only when such children are properly taken care of that they can achieve their full potential in life and become responsible citizens in the future.

Get ready to sell your jets, Oshiomhole tells owners

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ov. Adams Oshiomhole of Edo yesterday ad vised public officers and politicians to get rid of their private jets as President Muhammadu Buhari had begun blocking financial leakages in the country’s economy.

Oshiomhole made this known at a public lecture titled “Labour and the Nigerian Economy: What needs to be done” held at the University of Port Harcourt.

He said that businessmen who connived with some officials of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to defraud the nation through subsidy claims would be probed.

“Few people (in Nigeria) are taking away so much wealth, while majority of the people are going home with almost nothing.

“A clear example is when you arrive at the private wing of the airport in Abuja; you will find more than 40 to 50 private jets parked there in one airport alone.

“The question is what

sources do these private jet owners get their wealth from; and which businesses do they run to acquire this luxurious lifestyle.

“You find a young man who has connection with stateowned NNPC, which is supposed to work for the interest of Nigeria, corruptly work for only the interest of few persons,” he said.

Oshiomhole said billions of state funds had been stolen by a few individuals due to alleged chronic corruption perpetrated by some NNPC officials.

He said the Buhari-led administration is already making moves to rid the nation of these corrupt officials and institutions.

“Very soon, those who maintain luxurious assets and private jets will begin to sell them because they will no longer be able to maintain them.

“The sources of procurement of these ill-gotten wealth by these people are currently

being disconnected and more will be disconnected soon,” he said.

Oshiomhole blamed the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for its failure to call politicians to order in the face of the country’s current falling economy.

He said it was unfair that Senators could earn an annual salary of about N200 million when the lowest grade worker earned a paltry N18,000 monthly as a minimum wage or N216,000 as annual salary.

“How NLC has kept quiet and allowed Senators allocate to themselves annual income of N200 to N300 million both as basic salaries and bogus allowances combined baffles me,” he queried.

The governor said that Nigerians should not be deceived with clamour by some politicians to cut their basic salaries by half.

He recalled that former presidents Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan had cut their salaries and those of their ministers by 25 per cent

each.

“Now, in the face of current harsh economic realities, some politicians are saying that 50 per cent should be removed from their salaries to appease Nigerians.

“This implies that if you add the current 50 per cent reduction demand and the already removed 50 per cent which was never restored by the previous administrations; it will amount to 100 per cent reduction.

“This is a clear case of the more you look, the less you see, as politicians are bent on deceiving and confusing everyone because the main money is not in salaries, but in their allowances,” he said.

Oshiomhole called on President Buhari to revoke licences of electricity generation and distribution companies, saying the sector was “fraudulently” privatised.

According to him, the country will grow economically if policy makers come up with policies that were in tune with the character of Nigerians.

He further said: “We are doing this for Nigerians to know that the NUPENG is not going on strike unnecessarily.

We law abiding. We are taking this step to press home our demands.”

He continued: “Whatever scarcity or hardship Nigerians are getting out of this, they should put it at the door step of Chevron. We are not willing to oppress or punish Nigerians, but Chevron is pushing us to that stage.

“If nothing is done, the union will be forced to ask other branches of the NUPENG to embark on strike to press home these demands, and there would be another fuel scarcity as a result of this.”

Secretary, Chevron Contract Workers Union of the NUPENG, Segun Odukoya, disclosed that some people had been on casual employment for the past twenty years.

He said there is no vacation, overtime or medical attention given to the workers.

“We say no to categorisation; we say no to casualisation; and we say no to intimidation and victimisation. The NUPENG will always fight for the rights of the workers”, he said.

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HE Managing Director of FHA Homes Limited, the mortgage subsidiary of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Roland Igbinoba, has faulted his suspension on the alleged instruction of the Managing Director of the FHA, Prof. Mohammed Al-Amin.

He has also initiated contempt proceedings against AlAmin and Haytuddeen Atiku (appointed to act in Igbinobia’s place) for their refusal to obey an order made by the National Industrial Court, Abuja on June 19 this year, directing his reinstatement.

Igbinoba, in his originating processes, accused the Board of Directors headed by Al-Amin of not according him fair hearing and opportunity to defend himself against allegations raised against him before he was purportedly suspended.

He stated that he was summoned to an emergency board meeting of the FHA Homes Ltd at the instance of Al-Amin and that he was, at the meeting, served with a letter dated June 2, 2015 and containing unsubstantiated and frivolous allegations on his person and office without being given the opportunity to defend himself or at least be heard.

He, therefore, asked the court to order his reinstatement and declare his suspension as illegal, null, void and of no effect.

Shortly after Igbinoba filed the suit, the court heard an exparte he filed along with it and granted an order for interim injunction directing Al-Amin to reverse Igbinoba’s suspension and Atiku to vacate the position pending the determination of the substantive suit

by Igbinoba, challenging his suspension.

Igbinoba, in the contempt proceedings initiated against Al-Amin, the FHA and FHA Homes Ltd, stated that despite the service of the interim order made on June 19 by Justice

Eric IKHILAE, Abuja M.N Esowe of the NIC on AlAmin and others, he (Al-Amin) has refused to reverse the suspension contained in a letter dated June 2, 2015, while Atiku has refused to vacate the position of Acting MD of FHA Homes.

In the application for an order of committal dated June 30, 2015, Igbinoba is praying the court to commit both AlAmin and Atiku to prison for disobeying the court order which had been served on them on June 22, 2015.

His lawyer, Chukwunweike Okafor, stated as part of the grounds of the application that Al-Amin had in various paid advertorials and interviews in newspapers “acknowledged being aware of the court order of June 19, 2015.

“The said Haytudeed Awal Atiku refused to vacate the position of the Managing Director wherein he said the 3rd respondent (Al-Amin) has informed him not to vacate the said position.”

He is, therefore, seeking “an order of committal to prison custody of the 3rd respondent (Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the FHA) for disobedience to an order of the court made on June 19, 2015 wherein the respondents were mandated to reverse all the steps they have taken, relinquishing and restoring the control and powers vested in the claimant/applicant as Managing Director of the 2nd respondent.”

In the second prayer, the applicant asked for “an order of committal to prison custody of Haytuddeen Awal Atiku (Acting Managing Director, FHA Homes Ltd)” for the same reason of disobeying the June 19, 2015 order of the court.

Justice Esowe has fixed July 8 for the hearing of the application.

THE NATION, SATURDAY JULY 4, 2015

News 65

I’m not under house arrest, says Kwankwaso

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former Governor of Kano State, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, yesterday said he was neither under house arrest nor invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He said he had also instructed his supporters to withdraw any case instituted against the EFCC on any issue.

Kwankwaso made the clarifications in a statement in

Yusuf ALLI, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

Abuja by his Principal Private Secretary, Muhhamad Inuwa Ali, against the backdrop of rumours that he had gone into hiding, following the commencement of a probe into the management of N2billion pension cash while in office.

The statement said: "To set the record straight, Sen.

Obama's grandmother to cook for president on Kenyan trip

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RESIDENT Barack Obama's Kenyan grandmother, known as Mama Sarah, yesterday pledged to cook a traditional meal for her grandson when he visits the East African nation, the birthplace of his father, later this month.

"With regards to what food I will prepare for Barack on his visit, I will prepare all the traditional food available," she said.

"It does not matter whether Barack is a senator or a president," she added. "He will have what I have prepared for him."

Mama Sarah was the third wife of US president's paternal grandfather, Hussein Onyango Obama, and lives in the small village of Kogelo in western Kenya which is home to a number of the president's relatives.

She said she had asked him to travel to Kogelo "to pay respect to his father's grave", but it was not clear if Obama was scheduled to travel outside the capital, Nairobi.

Obama's late father was born in Kogelo and grew up there before travelling abroad to study, where he met Obama's American mother in Hawaii.

Although Mama Sarah is not a blood relative, Obama calls her "granny" and has visited her in the past.

It will be Obama's fourth visit to Africa since becoming US president, but his first to Kenya since taking office in 2009.

A presidential visit to Kenya had been put on ice, while President Uhuru Kenyatta faced charges of crimes against

humanity for his role in 20072008 post-election violence.

The International Criminal Court has since suspended that prosecution, citing a lack of evidence and Kenya's failure to cooperate.

After Kenya, Obama then travels on to neighbouring Ethiopia where he will become the first sitting American leader to visit. Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, also hosts the headquarters of the African Union, the 54-nation continental bloc.

Africa's second most populous nation held a vote in May that was described by many independent observers as flawed.

Ethiopia and Kenya have both been on the frontline of the fight against Somalia's AlQaeda-allied militia, Shebab, and have been important security partners to Washington.

Kwankwaso was not invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), nor was he ever placed under house arrest or prevented from discharging his legislative or personal duties by any agency.

"As a distinguished legislator, he is ever willing and ready to support and strengthen our anti-graft agencies in the fight against corruption in Nigeria."

He said some of his support-

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his person before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by his political opponents sometimes in May 2015.

"The supporters sought for the distinguished Senator's permission to institute legal action against the said petitioners to which he consented.

"But to the distinguished Senator's surprise, the supporters and their lawyers instituted

an action against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) instead of restricting the case to be against the petitioners (our political opponents).

"Conversely, Sen. Kwankwaso has instructed his supporters and their lawyers to discontinue the matter against the EFCC with immediate effect, while the unfounded libelous case against his person will continue."

•From left: Former Chief of Army Staff, Retired Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau; President Muhammadu Buhari; Gov. Ibikule Amosu of Ogun; former Governor of Jigawa, Alhaji Saminu Turaki, and other worshippers at the 2015 Nigerian Army Day Ju'maat prayers in Abuja...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

CBN vows to protect farmers’ jobs, incomes

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HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) yesterday vowed to protect the jobs and incomes of Nigerian farmers, dismissing suggestions by the Economist magazine that Nigeria’s recent foreign exchange policy was not well thought out.

Under the new policy, the CBN will not provide foreign exchange for the importation of certain goods such as rice.

The CBN, in a statement in Abuja, said it "will do the little it can to protect the jobs and incomes of local farmers, using some of the same principles western economies use to justify the protection of their farmers through huge subsi-

dies.

"Should we keep allocating scarce FX to rice importers when vast amounts of paddy rice of comparable quality produced by poor hardworking local farmers across the rice belts of Nigeria are wasted, and farmers are falling deeper into poverty, while we export their jobs and incomes to rice producing countries?" the apex bank wondered It lamented that "decades ago, Nigeria was one of the world’s largest producers of palm oil, but today we import nearly 600,000 metric tonnes, while Indonesia and Malaysia combine to export over 90 percent of global demand."

Trainingexpertsurgedtomaintainprofessionalintegrity RAINING and develop ment practitioners in the country have been called upon to maintain professional integrity in their conduct and for continuity and hitch-free succession, they should coach and mentor their subordinates.

The Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM), Lagos branch, Mr. Senbore Samuel Oluwatoyin, made the call, while delivering a lecture at the special induction ceremony of the Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD) in Abuja.

In the lecture, entitled ‘Coaching and Mentoring as a Tool for Organizational Training and Development ‘, Mr. Senbore defined coaching as facilitating another’s learning, performance development and ability to change.

Coaching, according to him, is aimed at developing skill competence and improving performance in specific areas, adding that the goal of coaching is to increase awareness and the responsibility of the person

ers actually initiated a libel matter against some people who wrote a petition against him to the EFCC. The statement added: "The attention of His Excellency, Engr.

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Senator representing the Kano Central Senatorial District, was drawn by some of his political supporters in Kano regarding a libelous and unfounded petition against

being coached.

He said: “Mentoring is advising, counselling and interacting with a person on how to behave and conduct himself daily to grow into becoming a leader in work place. A mentor is an experienced person who advises and helps someone with less experience to grow over a period of time.”

Mr. Senbore said: “ A good mentoring relationship is identified by willingness and capacity of both parties to ask questions and face challenges. It also stimulates employees at all levels within the organization.

“It has more a wider-angled lens than coaching. Overall, the two give the employee the benefit of his or her years of experience and education. This experience is impacted in a way that the mentor helps to develop a mentee and the organization.”

In his own contribution, Mallam Abdu Ganger said: ‘‘It is our conduct as trainers that would make our organizations regard us as being serious. The way we relate says a lot on how we value our profession. Train-

ers are no beggars and we should not beg,rather you impact knowledge, even if it entails giving the service without a fee’’.

The First Vice President of the NITAD, Rev Tunde Salawu, said “the attitude to training is the war which the NITAD has been fighting.”

Earlier, the President and Chairman of the Council of the NITAD, Dr. Kayode Ogungbuyi, represented by the First Vice President, Rev. Tunde Salawu, in his opening remark, enjoined the inductees to be good ambassadors of the institute and contribute their quota to its growth and development The Second Vice President and Chairperson, Branch Development Committee of the NITAD, Mrs J.I.K. Jolaoso, represented by the institute’s National Publicity Secretary / PRO, Mr. Soji Akinyemi, while receiving the new members into the fold, reminded them that “trainers have a pivotal role to play in the country, especially at this glooming time of the nation’s economy”.

Nduka CHIEJINA (Assistant Editor) The CBN said it believes that Nigeria cannot attain its full potential by importing anything and everything arguing that for far too long, "this trend has significantly weakened the operating capacities of our industries, but now is a good opportunity to begin a reversal."

The CBN took a swipe at the Economist by stressing that the London based magazine was quick to deride its policy as lacking in economic foundations, whereas "it is the same principles upon which many other countries do not allow importation of certain products."

The Central Bank of Nigeria said it believes that "the 48 per cent decline in oil prices may not be transitory and made bold policy changes, including closure of the subsidized Official FX Window, which resulted in a 22 per cent depreciation in the currency, the Naira."

The bank added that contrary to the article’s argument, "adjustments to a sharp decline in the supply of US Dollars cannot all be borne by an indeterminate depreciation, without considering the full impact on the Nigerian economy."

The demand side it said also has to be considered, not just in response to the pressure on the Naira, but as an opportunity to change the economy’s structure, resuscitate local manufacturing and expand job creation for our citizens.

It noted that like other oilexporting countries, Nigeria is grappling with its share of the aftermath of the oil price decline and "despite this, our economic fundamentals remain strong. Inflation is still within the CBN’s single-digit band,

the exchange rate has stabilized around N197 per US Dollar for the last 5 months, GDP expanded by 4 per cent in the first quarter of 2015 and 469,070 new jobs were cre-

ated in the same quarter. With ingenuity and productiveness, we believe that Nigerians will seize this opportunity and use it for the greater good of the country."

Ambode alerts Nigerians to be wary of cyber fraudsters

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AGOS State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday alerted the general public on the activities of some impostors impersonating him via various social media platforms with the intention of defrauding unsuspecting citizens.

The governor, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Habib Aruna, said some unscrupulous characters are attempting to capitalize on his goodwill to dupe members of the public, particularly his associates.

He said he had been inundated with complaints from his associates, alerting of the rapid proliferation of his identity in cyberspace under different platforms, especially the social media, with obvious intents to defraud Nigerians.

The governor said a faceless character who currently operates with the e-mail: a_ambode@yahoo.com is going about soliciting for CVs from his friends and acquaintances for appointments.

He also alerted the public on the multiple identities these faceless persons operate on Facebook with his name and photographs.

The governor, therefore, urged Nigerians to disregard entreaties from such persons, calling on them to report to the law enforcement agencies to ensure that those behind the nefarious act can be made to face the wrath of the law.

Governor Ambode said that efforts would be made to nab those behind the dastardly act.

Lab scientists to clamp down on quacks Vincent IKUOMOLA, Abuja HE Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nige ria (AMLSN) has vowed to fight against unregistered laboratory outfits within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The AMLSN promised to ensure that patients spend less time during laboratory tests.

The newly elected President of the FCT branch, Ndubuisi Ebitea, said: “It is high time the association regulated the practice to curb quacks. Medical laboratory scientists do not practise quackery.Those who are not trained medical laboratory scientists are responsible for the bad development.

He further said: "One thing that the association is promoting is the introduction of quality management systems into our laboratories. We call it the turnaround time. It is one of the key items in quality management system. We are going to embark on projects to build the capacity of our members."

Earlier, the immediate past President of the FCT branch, Dr Casmir Ifeanyi, had blamed the infiltration of the practice by quacks for conflicting laboratory results usually observed.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

Abia to deploy soldiers at checkpoints

Robbers kill woman over N3, 500 F A bread seller, identified simply as Dorcas, has been killed by armed robbers after they collected N3, 500 from her.

The deceased was said to have borrowed the money to boost her business after she was robbed in similar fashion last month.

Eyewitnesses said Dorcas was shot because she held onto the robbers and shouted for help.

The incident happened at about 8:45pm along the busy Mission Road in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The spot where she was shot along

n Osagie OTABOR, Benin n

the walkway was stained with blood when The Nation visited the scene.

A witness, who gave his name as Jeremiah, said police men in a police patrol van at the nearby junction turned away when shots were fired.

"It was much later that the police came and took the body away. The police was at that junction when the incident happened."

Another witness said he was about to buy food when a girl and boy came with gun to rob them.

The witness said they robbed the food seller and bread seller, but the bread seller decided to struggle with them.

Edo police spokesman, DSP Stephen Onwochei, who confirmed the incident, denied eyewitnesses account that police in the area failed to help the victim.

Onwochei explained that policemen pursued the robbers into a water channel the robbers allegedly ran into.

"Our men recovered some bags and clothes inside the water channel where the robbers threw victims bags. We are still investigating the robbery."

n Ugochukwu UGOJI-EKE, Umuahia n

OLLOWING the recent upsurge in cases of kidnappings and violent crimes in Abia State, the state government has announced the return of military men to the roads as part of the measures to check the crime waves in the state.

The information was contained in a release issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Godwin Adindu.

The statement said the government is determined to ensure that Abia State remains crime-free.

“Dr. Ikpeazu, has had consultations with President Muhammadu Buhari and the GOC, Commanding 82 Division of the Nigeria Army, Enugu, and has secured the approval of the Army for the redeployment of soldiers to the major roads in Abia State.

“The pockets of incidents of insecurity witnessed in the state in the last couple of weeks will not repeat as the governor has taken drastic measures to curtail cases of insecurity and ensure total maintenance of law and order in the state.

“Security of life and property and law and order are top priorities of the current administration. Therefore, all criminallyminded people in the state should desist from any form of criminal activity or face the music.”

Akwa Ibom to give loans to women entrepreneurs S part of the efforts to combat poverty in Akwa Ibom State, the state government is set to disburse soft loans to women entrepreneurs in the state.

The wife of the state governor, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, reaffirmed governments’ commitment to women empowerment through the provision of soft loans in order to boost their economic livelihood.

Mrs. Emmanuel disclosed this when she received the state executives of the Market women Front-line Association who came on a courtesy visit at the Government House.

Speaking, she noted that efforts were under way by the government to grant soft loans to women entrepreneurs in the state, saying when that is done, women, whom she described as the ‘engine room of the family and help mate’, would be fi-

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•From left: Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers; new Commissioner of Police(CP), Mr Chris Ezike and Deputy Governor, Mrs Ipalibo Banigo, during the CP's courtesy visit to the governor in Port Harcourt...yesterday. Photo: NAN

Gunmen kill one, kidnap three women in Bayelsa K IDNAPPING activities in coastal communities of Bayelsa State have continued, with the killing of a young man and the abduction of three women.

The bandits were said to have abducted three women and in the process killed a te young man in the Enewari community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

The slain man was said to have incurred the wrath of the abductors when he tried to foil the devilish operation. �The gunmen, numbering six, were said to have stormed the community on Tuesday in two speedboats.

The women were reportedly kidnapped in the community market.

Traders at the market were said to have abandoned their wares and ran for cover.

The deceased, whose identity could be determined as at press time, was said to have been gunned down when he attempted to raise the alarm to thwart the kidnap operation.

The kidnappers were said to have whisked their victims away to an unknown place on a speedboat.

A member representing Southern Ijaw Constituency III, Mr. Daniel Igali, confirmed the incident on the floor of the state House of Assembly while moving a motion under a matter of urgent public importance.

n Mike ODIEGWU, Yenagoa n

He described the invasion of Enewari community by the gunmen as a worrisome development.

He said the recent upsurge in kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state was creating fear, adding that members of the state House of Assembly may not be safe to visit their constituencies.

The motion was supported by Gentle Emelah representing Yenagoa III; Mr. Ebiye Tarabina (Kolokuma/Opokuma II), Mr. Parkinson Mac-manuel, Yenagoa 1; Chief Mitema Obordor , Ogbia 1 and Bernard Kenebai, Sagbama II. The House passed a resolution imploring the state Chief Judge to set up a special court to try cases of kidnapping and related offences.

ASUU cry out over incessant kidnapping of members in Edo From, Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin Members of the Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU), Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma chapter, on Friday, took to the streets of the university town to protest the kidnap of their colleague, Dr. Paul Erie, an asso-

ciate professor.

Erie, who is of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, was said to have been kidnapped at his residence in Igbanke, Orhiowmon Local Government Area of Edo State, since June 16, 2015.

The unionists, who carried placards and chanted solidarity songs, took their peaceful protest to the Ekpoma Police Station, palace of the monarch of Ekpoma and the popular market square in the town to register their grievances.

Chairman of ASUU, AAU chapter, Prof. Fred Esumeh, explained that the protest was to bring to the public domain the unending spate of kidnapping of its members or their spouses in Ekpoma and environs.

He recalled that more than eight AAUASUU members have been kidnapped in the past, and called on security agencies and the governor of Edo to come to their rescue.

"Teaching and learning cannot take place in an environment where fear reigns supreme, while insecurity is the order of the day.

"We believe that this ugly trend has become pervasive and almost a normal thing because little or nothing has been done to apprehend the hoodlums, as they seem to be having a free day in their nefarious business," he lamented.

Sacked Rivers LG service commission boss kicks HE former Chairman of Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Nnamdi Wokekoro, has expressed shock at the decision of the state House of Assembly to recommend his sack, which has consequently been effected by the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike.

Wokekoro, who spoke in Port Harcourt yesterday

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n Clarice AZUATALAM, n Port Harcourt through his legal representative, Mr Richard Onyeweola, said that the members of Rivers State House of Assembly were duly informed about his inability to appear before them on Thursday because he was out of the state.

Onyeweola said that a formal letter was sent to the as-

sembly in that regard and that his client sought a rescheduling of the appointment with the lawmakers.

Wokekoro expressed disappointment that the lawmakers did not give him and members of the local government service commission fair hearing before they recommended their sack.

Meanwhile, the lawmakers yesterday screened and

cleared a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Port Harcourt City Local Government, Chief Azubike Nmerukini to replace Wokekoro.

It will be recalled that Nmerukini was the chairman of the commission before the former governor of the state, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, removed him and replaced him with Wokekoro.

n Uyoatta ESHIET, Uyo n nancially dependable.

Mrs. Emmanuel thanked the women for their support during and after the elections, saying that their efforts were all recognized.

She charged the market women executives to come up with a well-articulated welfare programmes for their members, while also admonishing the group to identify with some of their members who will benefit from the loan scheme.

In appreciation, the first lady donated a bus to the group to aide their movement.

Speaking earlier, 1st vice President of the group, Obongawan Magdalene Udom, appreciated the first lady for granting the group audience within a short period in office, saying it shows the extend of love she has for the group.

Tribunal dismisses cases against Ayade n Nicholas KALU, Calabar n HE Election Petition Tribunal in Calabar, Cross River State, has dismissed the petition filed by the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate, Ntufam Fidelis Ugbo, against Governor Ben Ayade of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).

The petitioner, Ugbo, had filed a case on April 30, 2015, seeking the nullification of the 2015 governorship election which Ayade emerged winner.

In a plea made to the chairman of the tribunal, Hon. Justice Mohammed Aliyu Mayaki, yesterday, Ugbo’s lawyer, Mr Bolutife Olusegun, appealed to the court to dismiss the case.

Olusegun said their withdrawal was for the unity, peace and overall development of the state.

The petitioner had filed an application on July 2, 2015, seeking the dismissal of the case.

Justice Mohammed Mayaki, after considering the submissions from the various parties, granted the application.

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NABTEB to conduct vocational assessment for IDPs n Osagie OTABOR, Benin n HE National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has declared its readiness to conduct vocational assessment examination for victims of Internally displaced Persons (IDPs) in Edo State.

Among the IDPs, currently being housed in a private camp in Uhogua village Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state, are victims of Boko Haram insurgency.

NABTEB said the assessment was to certify skilled persons in the camp to enable them be useful to the society.

It said a committee it set up had visited the camp to identify major areas of as-

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sessment with a view to providing vocational assistance to the victims.

Deputy Director, Research and Quality Assurance of NABTEB, Mr. Olabode Ibidapo, who disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Benin city, noted that the board could assess the skills acquired by the IDPs, even though it was not a formal school setup.

Ibidapo said the committee had written its report bothering on areas of assistance as requested by the operators of the centre, and explained that the report could not be made public because it was yet to be considered by the management of the board.

NEWS 67 Play politics and get sacked, Ortom tells traditional rulers THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

OVERNOR Samuel Ortom of Benue State has warned that any traditional ruler who wants to play politics should resign or face sack.

Governor Ortom said traditional ruler should play their roles as the custodian of the peoples culture and father to all including politicians and non politician.

Addressing Tombo Community

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n Uja EMMANUEL, Makurdi n Development Association (TODA), Makurdi branch at his residence in Makurdi, the governor warned that his administration would no longer tolerate traditional rulers dabbling into political matters.

He advised the traditional rulers to tackle the problem of insecurity,

occasioned by Fulani herdsmen's attack on farmers, in their domain.

The Governor said, without security, investors would not be attracted to the state and his administration's major policy trust is to create wealth for the people through foreign investment "I have given three months to those who are armed, to return their weapons back to the govern-

ment or face the wrath of the law, as my administration will deal with any one found with dangerous weapons," said Ortom.

He charged the people to set up small and medium scale industries to be self reliant and generate income.

Earlier, leader of Tombo Community Development Association (TODA), Makurdi branch, Profes-

sor Orkuuga Malu, commended Governor Ortom for appointing some of their members into key position and pleaded for more of such appointments.

Professor Malu appealed to the governor to consider the construction of Abinsi-Tyulen-AyilamoAnyiin road which has not been maintained since construction forty years ago.

Tambuwal seeks investigation over death of 38 yr man in NSCDC custody OKOTO state Governor Aminu Waziri Tambawal has ordered the Sokoto state Human Rights Agency to conduct a full scale investigation into the circumstances that led to the death of 38 year old Jamilu Abdullahi who allegedly died in the custody of the Sokoto State com-

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NEXIM Bank pledges economic collaboration with Benue Govt ENUE State and the Nigerian Export Import Bank, NEXIM, have pledged mutual cooperation to boost economic activities in the state.

Governor Samuel Ortom and Managing Director of the bank, Roberts Orya, made the disclosure when the Governor visited the management team of the financial institution today in Abuja.

"We shall create the enabling environment for the private sector to thrive in our state and collaborate with you by encouraging our indigenes to do business with you and monitoring them to ensure that repayments are made as at when due," the Governor said.

The way to go and be able to get out of the woods is to promote public private partnership to industrialize, encourage micro, small and medium scale enterprises, commercial and trading activities as well as investment, he stressed.

According to him these were the strong points for which his administration had passion to boost massive jobs, wealth and opportunities for unemployed youths in the state.

Governor Ortom stated that he was proud that Orya was a good ambassador of the state and Nigeria and commended the management of the bank for adding value to the economic development of the country.

Earlier, the Managing Director had disclosed that the bank had disbursed over N4b (Four billion naira) as intervention for businesses in Benue State, with the lion share going into food processing.

He listed areas of intervention as agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and services such as hospitality, tourism, transportation, as well as the entertainment industry.

"Nexim is desirous of deepening our collaboration with the state particularly in agro-processing," he stated.

"We plan to hold our next quarterly Exporter Enlightenment Program where we can give a lot of information to our exporters in Benue State," he added.

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n Adamu SULEIMAN, Sokoto n mand of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps(NSCDC).

Jamilu was reported to have died last month in the custody of the agency's command.

A statement on Friday by the gover-

nor's spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, said the Governor expressed sadness over the unfortunate situation.

The governor in the statement vowed that the state government will get to the root of the matter.

According to the statement, "the investigation will unravel the cir-

cumstances that led to the death of Jamilu Abdullahi and recommend appropriate steps to be taken to avoid future occurrence. The administration of Governor Tambuwal values human lives and will continue to respect the sanctity of the lives of all its citizens," it added.

Ganduje tasks labour unions on housing scheme for workers ANO state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, yesterday tasked labour unions in the state to join hands with his administration towards evolving a realistic housing scheme for workers in the state.

Ganduje lamented that so far, a sustainable housing scheme for the workers has not been realized despite their immense contribution to the development of the state.

The governor, who made the assertion during a Ramadan Iftar organized for members of the state branch of Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Journalists at the Government House, Kano, said it is high time workers get permanent shelter for their families.

“In advanced countries, if you are working, you have shelter,” he said as he

K

n Kolade ADEYEMI, Kano n lamented that the reversed situation is what is obtained in Nigeria.

He also stressed the need for labour unions to work closely towards ensuring that Kano workers are incorporated in the Health Insurance Scheme as so doing, would make life better for them.

While assuring that his administration will support journalists and workers to do their jobs well, Governor Ganduje hoped that their professional unions would work with the government towards achieving its goals.

The state Commissioner for Information, Comrade Muhammad Garba said the new administration in Kano is assessing stateowned media with a view to upgrading their facilities for better service delivery.

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THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

NEWS

BOAT TRAGEDY: •Faces of anguish...the mourning parents

Dreams that perished •Parents relive last moments with victims

•How strange headache would have I

T was a bright sunny day yesterday , after an early morning downpour , but darkness was all that the people of Irewe, a riverine community in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, could see.

The serene community was plunged into mourning last Wednesday when the driver of fibre flying boat rammed into a canoe conveying 12 students in the community to school, killing six of them instantly.

From one part of the community to the other, the downcast residents gathered in small groups discussing the calamity that befell them. The homes of the bereaved families were filled to the brim with sympathizers coming to offer their condolences.

Such was the mood at the home of Pa Kayode Tay, a 76-year-old man who lost his grandson, Nathaniel, in the accident.

He looked disconcerted ,yet to come to terms with the loss of the 13-year-old boy he described as his source of joy. “ I am a sad man,” he said,shaking his head. “This incident is a big blow to me at this age when my children and grandchildren should be the ones to bury me when my time comes to meet my creator. “ Unfortunately, it is the other way round today.”

Nathaniel,he said, “ was my grandchild, my source of happiness and the only child of his mother. He was living with me until his death on Wednesday at 13 years .

“He was planning to write his entrance examination into secondary school. On that fateful day, he complained that he had headache. “ I asked if he would be able to go to school, he answered in the affirmative saying that he had a mock examination to

n Innocent DURU n

write.

“I could have made him stay back but I consented that he should go because of the examination. He left around 8:30. At about 10:15, information came that some pupils were involved in an accident on the water.

Unfortunately, my grandson that was very dear to me was among the deceased.”

Debunking the story that the pupils drowned, he said: "Eyewitnesses said they were almost at the shore when a fibre boat driven by an illegal oil bunkerer rammed into them. They said the driver had an ear piece in his ears and on top speed while the other person with him was fast asleep.

“The hapless pupils were screaming as he was moving close to them but the earpiece didn't allow him to hear them. The paddler of their canoe was caught unawares. “ Before they knew what was happening, he had rammed into them killing six instantly. Their heads and faces were badly damaged when we brought them out.

So, it wasn't a capsize as the public have been made to believe.

“They didn't also drown but were killed on the spot by the reckless bunkerer. If they had merely fallen inside the iver, my boy could have swum his way out. He wouldn't have died. I am deeply pained by his untimely death.”

He said he would miss Nathaniel because: "He always assisted me to farm and fish. He planted almost everything I have at the farm .”

The father of the deceasedmet him, Felix, was almost speechless when The Nation met him.

•Hanah Ajigbo

All he could say was: " I saw him that very day but I never knew that was the last time I would see him. The government should do everything possible to forestall a reoccurrence."

Florence Akindele and her sister, Hannah Ajigbo, lost their daughters, Patience and Josephine in the incident. They were 16 and 18 years old respectively. Before leaving for her place of work that morning, Florence, recalled that she had instructed the deceased to attend to some pressing needs during her break time.

She could not reach the school or carry out the assignment given her.

“When I was going out, I instructed her to take some of my clothes to a friend and also help me sort out my daily contribution matter during her break time. I was

•Mrs Akindele

midway into my journey when I heard about the incident. I wanted to turn back but the driver of the canoe said I shouldn’t bother. I insisted on returning home because it was not quite long after my daughter left for school.

“Getting to the scene of the incident, a student teacher in their school broke the bad news to me.”

She alleged that the police have not been fair to the bereaved families, because,according to her “ When we went to the station today (Friday) on the invitation of the police, one of us angrily said that the canoe that caused the accident should have been burnt. On hearing that, a top officer at the station asked his men to put all of us inside cell. I got angry and asked him if he would be happy to train a

NEWS

THE NATION, SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

69

Photos: Abiodun ADEYEWA

•The late Josephine

•The late Jonathan’s mother

•The late Jonathan

•The late Nelson

•The late Patience

•Some of the sympathizers

saved my grandson –76-year-old man

,

•Veronica

child to that level in life and somebody would recklessly kill her?

He responded by asking whether they were the ones that killed our children.

That was very callous of him. We want justice to be done. “ She also appealed to the state government to provide life jackets for the students in the area, saying: “ Our community has the largest population in this community and it is imperative that they build a secondary school for us so that our children would not have to risk their lives on water everyday. As a stop gap, they could provide life jackets for all the pupils to enable them stay afloat in the event that any problem occurs on the river.”

Her sister, Hannah described the incident as a big blow to the family.

Wilson Jimoh Feikun, 43, and his wife, Patience, remained inconsolable yesterday,their eyes still tear filled.

After much persuasion ,Patience said: "My son, Nelson,13, was in primary six.

He overslept that morning and I had to ask somebody to wake him up so that he could get ready to go to school.

He then bathed his younger ones and took them to school before coming to dress up to go to school.

“When he was ready, he came to say bye to me but I never knew that he was bidding me the final goodbye."

Explaining how news of the tragedy reached him,Nelson’s father said: "I was fishing with my brother at the sea when he (Nelson) came to bid me bye.

Moments afterwards, a woman ran towards my brother and whisphered some words into his ears.She then turned to

me,saying some pupils fell inside the river.

“Without knowing who they were, I ran without waiting to wear my shirt to the spot of the incident. It was there that I was told that my son was one of the victims. My brother's son also died. We quickly jumped into the river in search of their bodies but found none until about 5pm.

“Later, somebody came up with an idea that helped us to bring out three bodies that day.

“Unfortunately, my son and his cousin were not among them.

We went home that night traumatised and unable to sleep all through the night. “ As early as 5 am on Thursday, we returned to the river.

After so much attempts, my son's body was brought out at about 9am. We continued until my brother's son and the last victim were found. We took them home and buried them.

“Nelson was a very brilliant boy. He wished to become a lawyer but death has shattered his dream.

I ran without waiting to wear my shirt to the spot of the incident. It was there that I was told that my son was one of the victims. My brother's son also died. We quickly jumped into the river in search of their bodies but found none until about 5pm.

,

> It is agonising."

Wilson’s brother, Friday Jimoh Fiekun and his wife, Veronica, also lamented the death of Jonathan, their 16- year-old son.

Friday who was fishing with his brother when the incident occurred said: “My son had the ambition of becoming a medical doctor and I was joyfully looking forward to when he would achieve that ambition.

It is a painful loss that will take a very long time to ease off.

The traditional ruler of the community Oba Adekambi Durosinmi Agunbioyinbo II, Osolu of Irewe, appealed to the Lagos State government to turn the only secondary school in the area to a boarding school to save the children from the risk of travelling on water every day. " There are 37 villages under me stretching as far as Whispering Palm in Badagry and we have just one secondary school for our numerous children. We have about nine primary schools and all the pupils graduate from there to attend the secondary school. " We appeal to the government to provide life jackets for the children of different age grades coming from far places on water to school here. There are jackets for the adults but there are none for the children.

“Aside from life jackets, we want the government to make our secondary a boarding school so that these children would not have to risk their lives travelling on the water to get to the school.

“At present, we have a four-bedroom flat hostel for the teachers but that is still not enough because a lot of them come by water everyday to the school. The government should help look into this and also give us more teachers because there are not enough teachers to teach the students.”

THE NATION, SATURDAY JULY 4, 2015

70 News

RAMADAN KAREEM

Ramadan 17, 1436AH

‘APC has capable hands to resolve NASS crises’ Oziegbe OKOEKI

A

member of the Lagos State House of Assembly rep resenting Eti-Osa 1 constituency, Hon. Kazeem Ademola Alimi has assured that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has the calibre of leaders to resolve the current impasse among its lawmakers at the National Assembly.

Alimi gave the assurance while answering questions from reporters at the 3rd Edition of the Feeding Fasting Faithful and Ramadan lecture he organised for Muslim faithful in his constituency at Eti-Osa. The lecture titled, ‘The role of leadership in our modern day democracy’, was delivered by Dr AbdulLateef AbdulHakeem, the Chief Imam of Lagos State House of Assembly.

Alimi said the current crisis at the National Assembly is one of those things that happen in a democratic society.

“There is no way you will not find situations like that, but I know our party, APC, I believe by the time they come back on July 21 there would be peace and reconciliation and the country would move forward”.

The lawmaker said the lessons he expects the listeners to take home from the lecture is “for them to know the role of a leader in a society and at the end of the day the followers will also know their roles”.

Also reacting to the topic of the lecture, former representative of Apapa 1 constituency at the Lagos Assembly, Hon. Mufutau Egberongbe said leadership is all about followership, sacrifice, honesty, integrity and being masses oriented.

“You are a leader to the extent to which you are able to carry your followers along in whatever you are doing and that calls for integrity, sincerity of purpose on the part of such individual and this essentially is what is lacking in our body politics and in our polity as a people and as a nation”, Egberongbe said.

RAMADAN GUIDE WITH FEMI ABBAS e-mail: femabbas@yahoo.com Tel: 08122697498

Functions of mosque

M

OSQUE in Islam has both temporal and spiritual functions none of which should be taken for granted. The word Mosque is the corrupt English pronunciation of ’MASJID’ (pronounced ‘Masgid’ in Egyptian dialect) which means a place of prostration. The Europeans got that name from the Egyptian dialect. In Islam, mosque is not meant for SALAT alone.

It serves many other purposes each of which has a fundamental significance. For instance the very first mosque established by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Medina was a multipurpose one. That mosque named the ‘Mosque of Qubah’ did not serve as a place of worship alone, it also served as a school, a library, a clinic, a court and even a parliament for the Muslim community. And, ever since, the Mosque has continued to serve all those purposes throughout the Islamic world.

That was why the very first University ever established in the world, the University of Cordoba in Spain, started as a Mosque. And, it will be recalled that even the three oldest Universities in the world today: Al-Azhar University in Cairo, Egypt; Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco and Zaytuniyyah University in Tunis, Tunisia all started as Mosques. Using the above yardstick to judge what the Mosque is in our society as against what it ought to be, one will sincerely conclude that our Mosques are grossly underutilized.

Hardly can we find in our society today, a Mosque that is used as a court, a library, a parliament and a hospital.

Whereas Islam is a dynamic religion and the Mosque is supposed to be a symbol of that dynamism, this is rarely considered when it comes to establishing Mosques in our society.

Today, we need Mosques in our societies more than ever before. We need Mosques for training and good orientation for our children. In fact, we need Mosques as a backup for homes in reforming our society. That is why we must provide in every Mosque those amenities mentioned above if only to give our children the best education they deserve in our own little way of making our society a worthy place to live in.

In our Mosques, we need Computer training Centres; tutorial classes for our Imams and Muadhdhins as well as for coach our secondary school boys and girls; good libraries for reading and research; modest clinics as well as arbitration courts where civil and matrimonial conflicts can be settled through the Qur’anic and Sunnah adjudication.For Islam to continue to play its dynamic role as originally designed, enabling environments must be created for our Mosques so that Muslims can occupy respectable positions in the society.

From left: Guest lecturer, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt, Ustaz Solah Abu Yunus; Alhaji Quadri Zakkarriya; Mudir, Sheik Al-llory and Provost, Markaz Islamic and Arabic Training Centre (Diploma section), Dr Abdulmomne Yusuf, at the event in Lagos.

‘I didn’t talk about Buhari to stir controversy’ C

ONTRARY to the in sinuations in certain quarters, The Mudir of Markaz Islamic and Arabic Centre, Lagos, Sheik Habeebullahi Adam Al-Ilory, has said that he made reference to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari and other past leaders not necessarily to stir controversy Speaking in Lagos, Al-Ilory said that there was no iota of truth in the allegation that the reference was meant to stir controversy. He explained that he made reference to the present and past leaders in the country because a verse of the Quran being used for his ongoing Ramadan lecture talked about trust.

Al-Ilory said: “When we talked about the government, it was not deliberate. But one of the verses of Suratul Momeen talks about trust. A few months back, we voted and a new government was sworn in. If we now come across a verse which talks about trust, there is nothing wrong if we now apply that verse to the new government.

Tajudeen ADEBANJO “There is nothing controversial about this. I am not partisan but always exercise my voting right as a citizen of Nigeria. I don’t vote for party but for candidates,” he added.

Al-Ilory, who said the new government needed time to sort things out, urged Nigerians to exercise patience and appealed to the government to fulfil its electioneering promises.

Besides, he said it was a misconception to tag his sermons and preaching as controversial.

The revered cleric said rather, they are about contemporary issues meant to shed light on matters that would be beneficial to the generality of Muslims and correct misconception about Islam.

Al-Ilory said the clarification became necessary in view of a piece of advice given by an unnamed person that he should change the topic of his ongoing Ramadan

O ye who believe! Enter into Islam whole-heartedly, and follow not the footsteps of the evil one for he is to you and avowed enemy.

Qur’an 2 vs 208 Sponsored by ALHAJI KHAMIS TUNDE BADMUS Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland

Tafsir and move to another “controversial issue.”

He said: “There are differences between Tafsir and sermons. When you want to give sermon, you have to pick a specific topic. This may be a moral or religious topic. But in Tafsir, you talk about a wide range of issues. When you are doing Tafsir, your interpretation of the Quran will now be based on your knowledge and understanding of the Quran. Tafsir is all encompassing and more elaborate. You can talk about a wide range of issues when during Tafsir.

“Somebody advised us to change the topic of our Tafsir and we should move to an-

other controversial issue. My Tafsir is not about controversy. I am not for controversies. We have been on Suratul Mumeen (a chapter of the Quran) for the past four years and we have not gone beyond 10 verses.

“The beauty of it is that we continue to apply the meaning in different ways based on contemporary issues. This is the beauty of the Quran because of its flexibility. In other words, the Quran will be relevant at all times.

“In the past, we have treated some issues which some people considered to be controversial. This was based on their interpretations and perceptions. If there is a misconception about Islam, it is our duty to correct it and tell our students.”

NGO holds free eye treatment, surgery for 3,420 Abdulgafar ALABELEWE, Kaduna

I

N the spirit of Ramadan, a Kaduna based NonGovernmental Organisation, Aýminu Musa Abdulsalam (AMA) has screened and given free treatment to 3,420 patients suffering from cataract and other eye related diseases.

Out of the number, 205 patients have been scheduled for cataract surgery next month, while 810 others have been given free medicated glasses.

The medical outreach which attracted patients from within and outside Kaduna State is expected to wind-up on the last day of Ramadaný.

Speaking with journalists at the centre of the free medical outreach, Director of AMA, Aisha Yusuf Mamman said, even though the outreach is done in Kaduna during the Ramadan fasting period, ýit is opened to people of all faith.

According to Mamman, the NGO, which focus on three key areas of healthcare, education and empowerment for the less privileged is solely financed by a successful business mogul, Alhaji Musa Bello Abdullahi with the spirit of giving back to the society.

While noting that, the Kaduna medical outreach is the third edition, she disclosed that, the NGO has taken the treatment to 22 other Nigerian states outside Ramadan.

THE NATION SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015

71

SPORT EXTRA

NFF to continue Keshi investigation • Denies PH was rejected • Reverts to Abuja for Olympic Qualifying match

T

HE Nigeria Football Federation's Disciplinary Committee will continue its investigations of Nigeria coach, Stephen Keshi even though he has been dropped by the Ivorian Football Federation as one of their candidates to coach the Elephants of Cote D' Ivoire.

The 53-year old Keshi was listed by the Ivorian Football Federation as one of 59 'applicants' for the vacant Cote d ‘ Ivoire coaching job, which prompted an investigation from their Nigerian counterparts, even though Keshi himself denied ever applying for the job.

The Ivorian Football Federation has since pruned the list down to three, with Keshi's name missing, but chairman of the NFF Disciplinary Committee, Christopher Green says they will continue their investigations on whether Keshi did apply for the Cote d ‘ Ivoire job.

"We will continue our investigations," Green said, "We're not investigating why he didn't make the final cut for the Ivoirians, but we're investigating whether he really did apply for the job.

"So their decision not to name him in their final list doesn't affect our investigations, so we shall continue to investigate the matter," Green added.

It will be recalled that Keshi had been summoned to appear before the committee last week, where he reiterated his claim of never applying for the Cote d ‘Ivoire job.

It remains to be seen what the NFF will do at the end of the investigation, but Vice Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Iyke Igbokwe however said they would recommend Keshi's sack if he's found 'guilty'.

Meanwhile, as the Super Falcons prepare for their 2015 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament match against Equatorial Guinea later this month, scribe of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi has revealed that the team will no longer play the match in Port Harcourt.

The scribe told www.footballlive.ng that logistics issues involved with CAF coming to inspect the stadium and granting approval have led them to reconsider the idea.

He further revealed that the match venue will be relocated to Abuja, where the previous qualifying matches have been played. ” The venue for the Super Falcons game was not rejected but the inspectors have insisted on inspecting the facilities because its a new stadium and a few logistics issues were taken into consideration which made us opt for a return to Abuja.”

Musa Mohammed happy to choose Basaksehir F.K • Joins club in Holland for preseason training Tuesday IGERIA under 20 international Musa Mohammed has expressed his happiness at completing his transfer to Istanbul Basaksehir F.K. The Turkish Super Lig outfit have agreed to terms with the defender, who has committed his future to the Basakhesir Fatih Terim Stadium for the next three seasons.

In his first words during his official unveiling, Musa Mohammed said: ''The praise goes to God that I was transferred to this club. ''I believe I will develop here as a young player. I hope together with this team it will be a very successful project.''

News24.com can reveal that Norwegian champions Molde were interested in acquiring the fullback this summer but his agent, Adam Mohammed, rejected their advances.

The 18-year-old Mohammed appeared in every single game played by the Golden Eaglets during the Fifa Under17s two year ago and skippered the Ni-

N

geria U20s in New Zealand last month.

Former Nigeria youth international Simon Zenke turned out for Istanbul Basaksehir F.K. during the 2013 - 2014 season.

However, Mohammed will join the rest of the squad of his new Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir FK in Holland for preseason training on Tuesday.

AfricanFootball.com gathered that the all-action defender has fully integrated with the ambitious IBB squad and will get his European visa in time to travel to Holland by Tuesday.

The squad will leave this weekend for Holland.

The club have already successfully applied for the player’s residence permit. Skipper Musa was unveiled to the media on Thursday in Istanbul.

He has signed a three-year contract with an option for an additional year.

German Bundesliga outfit Hamburg and Rosenborg of Norway were also keen to sign the 18-year-old fullback from FC Hearts of Abuja.

• Keshi

AFRICAN U-23 CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFIER

Manchester City delay Iheanacho's invitation • ‘We 'll welcome him if he comes’

M

ANCHESTER City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho has told NationSport specially that he is eager to join the camp of the U-23 national team who are preparing for an African U23 Championship qualifier against Congo immediately he receives the nod from his English Premier League side to so.

Iheanacho is among some of the Flying Eagles' players that participated at the recently held FIFA U-20 World Cup held in New Zealand and the player has informed NationSport that he is elated about his invitation to the U23 team but that he would be needing the permission of his club before he jets off to the camp.

He said he believes the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) would have done the expected which is to officially notify Manchester City of his invitation and that if they have done that, he would still need to be told by officials of the former EPL champions before proceeding to the camp.

"I am highly honoured to be invited to the U-23 camp. It is an honour to play for ones' country but I will need to be given the nod to go before I can go ahead," Iheanacho told NationSport.

Meanwhile the Media Of-

From Tunde Liadi,Owerri

ficer of the U-23, Timi Ebikagboro has assured the Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho that he is welcome to the camp of the Dream Team VI but that if his English club do not approve of his desire to join the team, it won't be held against him.

He confirmed that the NFF had sent letters to all players through their clubs notifying them of the desire of the U-23 national team to have them in camp preparatory for the CAF U-23 Championship qualifier against Congo.

• Iheanacho

RE: GUINNESS RECORD FIGHT: BASH ALI WRITES BUHARI…ACCUSES GOVT OFFICIAL OF SABOTAGE A story with the above headline was carried on this page last Saturday. We have since discovered that the content is not true. We, therefore, retract it entirely. We apologise to Nexim Bank for any inconvenience the story might have caused – Editor.

BASH ALI

Heartaches for Eagles <<<<<<Continued from back page juries kept Moses on the sidelines.

Enyeama’s rating and the quest Interestingly, Moses feels from teams with goalkeeping slighted by the talk that he should problems to look in his direction. be used in the sale of Stoke’s goalEnyeama is still a very reliable goalkeeper Asmir Begovic to Chelsea keeper, commanding the number in a swap deal. Vexed, Moses one shirt for club and country. No wants a move to Tottenham FC, mean feat, by any stretch of imagianother London side who want his nation. services. Take a bow Moses for Big moves for defenders are far such a courageous move. He feels and wide apart as the dentition of he can play at Tottenham, which is a 90-year-old. The game is essenplaying in this year’s Europa tially about scoring goals, leaving League than returning to Stoke as defenders with short end of the a make-good player. At least we stick in any transfer season. Only have a Nigerian player who knows Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos is inhis worth and isn’t ready for pitvolved in a meaningful discussion. tance to survive. It remains to be He is being chased by Manchester seen where Moses would be if he United. But the English side must fails to land the Tottenham deal. bow to Real Madrid’s quest for Joel Obi, who plays for Inter their goalkeeper De Gea, if they Milan FC of Italy, has been sold to hope to get their man. Again, the another Italia Serie A side Torino, transfer rules are such that give the for 2.3 million pounds. He underplayers the final say on where they went a medical on Thursday. Easwant to be. So, Ramos may insist ily one of Nigeria’s most skillful on joining Manchester United at his midfielders after Austin Jay Jay terms in the same way as De Gea Okocha, he has been unable to lift is heading for Real Madrid. Let’s his game to Okocha’s level due to see how these two transfers play a recurring injury. It is expected out for the game. that he makes the breakthrough to Where do I start from in evalushow the world what it has been ating Eagles defenders in Europe? missing, when the new season Only Juwon Oshaniwa appears to starts for Torino, aka Old Lady, be in the transfer net with Hearts another alias for Juventus. I can’t of Scotland being his next bus stop. wait to watch Joel strut his trade For a boy who cut his teeth in Euagainst Juventus! ropean football in 2012, going to Sadly, the Nigerian whose goal Scotland from Israel is a notch-up. gave the Eagles the Africa Cup of Others, such as Godfrey Nations diadem in South Africa, Oboabona, Ederson Echiejile and Sunday Mba, is now in oblivion Efe Ambrose are stuck with their with his move to a second division European clubs. Will they drop into side in Turkey – wait for it the reserve bench? With sparing apMalatyaspor. Anyway, Mba pearances for their European clubs moved from a third division side last season, the trio lack the barin France CA Bastia, a promoted gaining power in the current transside from third division to second fer market. Their poor records division in the Turkish league. Some make them a hard sell for even the form of movement abi? I dey laugh o! best managers.

See how Nigerian coaches ruin Kenneth Omeruo needs divine some of our best players. I will leave providence, if he hopes to play in the Mba story for another day.

Europe from next month. His Who are the strikers for the game has dropped that he isn’t sure Eagles in Europe and how many of a place at Middleborough FC, goals did they score last season to where he was loaned to from merit any meaningful transfer? A Chelsea. He cannot return to difficult question, if you ask me.

Chelsea for any look-in; he must But the answer is best seen with wait, perhaps on the new clubs prohow they are being excluded from moted to the Barclays English Prethe big movements in Europe mier League for succor or those relnow. egated to the second division, who Ikechukwu Uche has moved may wish to scout for defenders downwards from Spain to Mexico who have played in the elite league. to play for UANL Tigers. This is Such is Omeruo’s stand in the looking like a retirement move transfer market that he needs than a career clincher which plenty of prayers. May be, his Villarreal FC offered Uche with ‘regular’ appearance with the regular qualification for the UEFA Eagles could serve as a clincher for Champions League. This Mexican European clubs looking for move effectively rules Ike Uche out internationals in Africa to export. of the Eagles. But you never can Ordinarily, the kids who lifted the tell with these Eagles coaches.

U-17 World Cup in the United Osaze Odemwingie could be Arab Emirates (UAE) ought to counted as one of the few Nigehave been the subject of major rians who have scored goals in transfer moves, had they done well Europe. He has just recovered at the U-20 World Cup in New from a long term injury playing Zealand, which Serbia won. Those for Stoke. He will be with the club boys have fallen into the obscure this new term. We hope he plays leagues for this season, except regularly. He renewed his Stoke those who had European league deal by another year deal on jobs before the intermediate Thursday. Ahmed Musa has been World Cup in New Zealand. our best scorer in recent times.

Kelechi Iheanacho is in Owerri He did well for CSKA Moscow awaiting the next directive from last season. He is still there. He Manchester City. Lucky boy. can repeat his goal-scoring form Chidera Eze is in Porto in Portufor both club and country. gal. Flying Eagles captain Musa Come in Emmanuel Emenike, Mohammed has finally signed a Nigeria’s hottest striker until the three-year contract with an option goals dried up for both the Eagles for an additional year with ambiand Fenerbache FC of Turkey. tious Turkish club Istanbul We cannot forget fledgling Basaksehir FK. Odion Ighalo who is making his It is in the midfield department debut in the elite league in Enthat the Eagles have players begland with Watford United. ing mentioned in the transfer Ighalo’s goals helped Watford market. For instance, John Mikel seal a place in this season’s Obi, has decided to stay at Chelsea Barclays English Premier League. until 2017, when he can walk away He opened his goal account with from Stamford Bridge, a free agent the Eagles against Chad in to any club of his choice like Frank Kaduna from the penalty spot.

Lampard et al have done. Inter Ighalo was literarily wrestled to Milan want Mikel, but Chelsea the ground by his Chadian won’t sell the Nigeria because marker, prompting the referee’s Mourinho feels strongly that he intervention. is part of his highly criticised deUntil this period, the rumour fensive formation during mill suggested that Swansea matches. wanted Ighalo to strengthen its Another Nigerian in the transattacking options. But that story fer market of note is Victor Moses. has melted away like ice cream in Moses loaned to Stoke for the last the scorching sun. Ighalo is conseason. He had an uneventful loan demned to make his mark with spell with Liverpool, the previous Watford in the elite class. season. But at Stoke last season, in-

TOMORROW IN THE NATION PUNCHLINE

As I have always argued on this page, one man’s meat is another man’s fish (please pardon my adulteration of the original saying). The rest of the world too should have the right to freely decide whether given their sociocultural circumstances, they want it gay or straight. That is the beauty of democracy —Tunji Adegboyega

SATURDAY, JULY 4, 2015 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL.10, NO. 3265

I

T was exactly 100 days after he was sworn in as governor of Lagos State on May 29, 1999. The media was near unanimous in their condemnation of the performance of the new governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Columnists, editorialists, feature writers, news analysts and cartoonists portrayed the governor as too slow and clueless.

They condemned the gaping pot-holes on impassable Lagos roads, the skyscrapers of refuse on major highways across the state, dilapidated schools, lack of potable water throughout the state, chronic insecurity and much more. It did not matter that these problems had been allowed to fester over two decades of largely visionless military rule. They had no sympathy for a governor who had inherited a fiscally insolvent and near bankrupt state. Like instant coffee, the critics wanted instant change – no excuses.

Governor Tinubu’s media team was under severe pressure. They understandably turned the heat on the governor to at least begin some publicity hugging mesmerising moves even if of little concrete substance. For instance, they suggested, he could begin patching roads state wide amidst a blitz of publicity. Tinubu staunchly refused. He insisted on a methodical and systematic manner in the resurrection, revitalization and re-development of the state.

Two years later the story began to change. The same critics began to appreciate what they saw as the beginning of the radical modernisation of diverse sectors of the state. Today, Tinubu is widely acknowledged as having laid the foundation for the remarkable progress recorded under his successor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and which freshly elected governor Akinwunmi Ambode promises to elevate to new heights. Lagos has taken giant strides in the last 16 years.

It is a similar story in President Muhammadu Buhari’s Nigeria of 2015. Buhari has just spent a month in office. But there is urgent demand for the immediate fruits of change. Of course, this is understandable. The rot and decay of the PDP, particularly President Goodluck Jonathan years, was deep and of epidemic proportions. Consequently, the intensity of the nascent opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) for change was unprecedented in aggressiveness and creativity. The expectation and desire for change became pandemic. Just boot Jonathan out and positive would automatically commence in Nigeria – many people believed. This belief was reinforced by Buhari’s record of decisiveness as a former military Head of State as well as of impeccable personal integrity and incorruptibility.

Contrary to public expectation, things have been rather slow in the early morning of the Buhari dispensation. For one, this is a democracy. Action must follow due process, which can be slow and cumbersome. Secondly, as Buhari himself has forthrightly and courageously noted, his pace at 72 cannot be the same as it was three decades ago. Even then, Buhari as a younger and draconian military dictator was never impulsive. Even the harshest actions of the Buhari/Idiagbon regime then were taken

Resolving APC’s National Assembly crisis

‘ •President Bubari only after appropriate laws (military decrees) backing them had been enacted. That he has chosen to be methodical, reflective and restrained rather than playing to the gallery through cheap heroics since formally assuming office on May 29 shows Buhari’s graciousness, decency and maturity as a leader. A man of lesser character would have chosen the noisier, more boisterous and sensational but ultimately less useful path.

This is not to say, however, that the Buhari administration, despite the scale of the mess it inherited, ought not to have proceeded at a faster pace even at this time. For instance, there is no excuse that key offices that do not require legislative approval such as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) or Chief of Staff (COS) have not been appointed. Since he has obtained legislative approval to appoint 15 Special Advisers, nothing ought to have stopped the President from doing so pending the appointment of ministers.

It is obvious that President Buhari’s administration is clearly being hindered from functioning more efficiently and effectively by the intra APC post- election crisis that blew into the open following the National Assembly leadership election fiasco. Contrary to the decision of the

It is true that none of these tendencies on its own could have dislodged the PDP without the other. However, it is a more fundamental truth that left to the likes of Abubakar Atiku and Bukola Saraki, Buhari would never be President of Nigeria

’

APC leadership, a minority of the party’s legislators teamed up with the minority PDP members to throw up Senator Bukola Saraki and Honourable Yakubu Dogara as Senate President and Speaker of the House respectively. To add insult to injury, Saraki conceded the office of Deputy Senate President to Senator Ike Ikweremadu of the PDP. Even worse, both Saraki and Dogara rejected the party’s nominations for other principal offices of the two houses taking their rebellion even further.

An acceptable resolution of this crisis is clearly a necessary condition for the Buhari administration to be able to take off at full throttle and commence the much awaited change agenda. As I pen these words, the party’s crucial National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting is holding in Abuja. But then, what is the genesis of the crisis? The magnitude and unprecedented manner in which the APC dislodged an incumbent PDP gave the budding party the illusion that it had become a cohesive whole. In truth, there are three tendencies within the APC. Firstly, is that tendency committed to genuine change from the ideology and direction in which the PDP had led Nigeria for the past 16 years - a tendency rep-

resented most prominently by Buhari and Tinubu.

Secondly, there are those members of the nPDP who defected from their former party not because of ideological or policy differences but due to their inability to fulfil their political ambitions on the platform of that party. These include former Vice President Abubakar Atiku and most of the governors that quit the PDP in protest against Dr Goodluck Jonathan’s authoritarianism. These are the forces behind Senator Bukola Saraki and they will as is so obvious, dump the APC as readily as they did the PDP to satisfy personal ambitions.

Thirdly, there are those like Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano State who, although quit the PDP along with the other governors, has remained fervent in his commitment to his new party and its agenda of change. Governor Rochas Okorocha and Senator Chris Ngige, who come from the hard core PDP ethno-regional Igbo South-east zone have also remained steadfast in their fidelity to the APC. It is true that none of these tendencies on its own could have dislodged the PDP without the other. However, it is a more fundamental truth that left to the likes of Abubakar Atiku and Bukola Saraki, Buhari would never be President of Nigeria. Not only did the Tinubu tendency mobilise the South West in support of Buhari against strong opposition from groups within the South West like Afenifere, OPC and certain Christian elements, Tinubu worked hard to help change the minds of some powerful northerners who were scared of the implications of a Buhari presidency. If Buhari had not made a head way in the South West, a feat he could not achieve on three previous occasions, it is unlikely that he could have won that election – at least not on the first ballot. If he does not retain the support of the South West, it will be easier for his opponents both within and beyond the APC to cripple and ultimately undermine his government.

The formation of a harmonious ‘team of rivals’ among the three main tendencies within the APC is imperative for the party’s success as Nigeria’s new ruling party. Let me, however, quickly correct the erroneous impression in many quarters that a tendency within the APC tried to foist Senator Ahmed Lawan and Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila on the legislature as leaders of the National Assembly.

Rather, the party leadership opted for mock intra-party primaries among interested aspirants. The Saraki/Dogara group, however, opted to shun this process and instead worked with the opposition to undermine their party in the National Assembly.

However, there is no use the APC crying over spilt milk. This is no time to apportion blame. If the party hierarchy accepts what has happened in the National Assembly as a fait accompli, the Bukola/Dogara tendency should also make meaningful concessions to the other tendencies so that the APC can quickly put this crisis behind and move on. Or is this a tactic to paralyze and compromise Buhari’s government even before it takes off?

Ade Ojeikere on Saturday talk2adeojeikere@yahoo.com

Heartaches for Eagles

I

T’s the transfer period in Europe. Players, coaches and club officials who did well in the previous season get lucrative offers from clubs in dire need of reinforcement.

Mind boggling figures are being offered to strikers, mostly, although midfielders, such as Paul Pogba, who plays for Juventus in Italy, may surpass what many strikers could get in this new season’s transfer window.

Goalkeepers and defenders are not excluded from the crazy figures being bandied to lure them out of their former clubs. Goalkeeper De Gea of Manchester United, for instance, wants to play for his home country’s team Real Madrid in Spain. But Manchester united’s manager Louis Van Gaal has rejected anything like that, even though he has Valdes

on the team’s pay roll, who could fill the void if De Gea quits. But Van Gaal is an old fox in this business. He knows that allowing De Gea head for Spain could haunt him when the chips are down for the 2015/2016 European Champions League matches.

Real Madrid chiefs know that Casillas has passed his prime. He conceded cheeky goals last season that cost Real Madrid many games.

They want De Gea, knowing his recruitment will effectively seal one of its weak links and set the stage for an all-season chase with bitter rivals Barcelona FC, reigning UEFA Champions League winners, not forgetting the other tittles that Barca grabbed in its treble feats last season.

Goalkeepers who did well last season are enjoying the free season, although many have opted to remain in their old clubs, knowing

that it guarantees them a regular shirt. For some others, such as Petr Cech, who has seen it all with the European game, winning every title that there is to be won in Europe, the move out of Chelsea to London rivals Arsenal was one that the team’s cantankerous manager Jose Mourinho won’t want to happen. Mourinho has a running battle with Arsene Wenger.

Mourinho recruited Cech. But Mourinho’s second coming to Chelsea is one Cech wants to forget about quickly, largely because of the second fiddle role he played last season.

Mourinho recalled Thibaut Courtois, who was on loan at Athletico Madrid, back to Chelsea, for effective competition. That annoyed Cech. Courtois became the number one choice, leaving Cech with cameo appearances, most times, if Courtois was injured or

fumbled in the preceding game.

Cech is a Gunner and has spared no word in getting back at Mourinho. Interestingly, Cech has the best opportunity to hurt Mourinho, when Arsenal meets Chelsea in the Charity Shield game at Wembley Stadium in August.

It hurts to look at the transfer trends in Europe without highlighting how Nigerians are faring in it. In the preceding season, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama had several news items on his likely movement out of the French Ligue Un. He was arguably one of the best goalkeepers in Europe, if not the world, given his incredible performances both for the French team and Nigeria at the Brazil 2014 World Cup tournament.

Today, the story isn’t the same for Enyeama, not his fault though. The Super Eagles and indeed his French side have been appalling this last season. This has affected

•Continued on Page 71

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