The Nation July 15, 2012

Why I appointed Patience Jonathan Perm Sec –Dickson More criticisms trail decision

OJUKWU: My greatest fear was living in my father’s shadow’

–PAGE 6

•Ojukwu

–PAGES 24-25

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

Vol.06, No. 2184

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SUNDAY

N200.00

JULY 15, 2012

EDO GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION

Oshiomhole heads for landslide victory Anenih, Airhiavbere, Ogiadomhe, Ogbemudia, Igbinedion thrashed at home –PAGE 2 Celebrations in Edo State I can’t predict winner, says Anenih after voting

•PDP Governorship Candidate, Edo State, Gen. Charles Ehighie Airhiavbere casting his vote at Ward 1 Unit 20, GRA Benin.

Photos: Dayo Adewunmi

•ACN Governorship Candidate, Adams Oshiomhole casting his vote at Iyamho Primary School, Iyamho, Via Auchi, Edo State.

ELECTION DISASTER: Three policemen, INEC ad-hoc staff drown –PAGE 5

ANENIH: What will Mr Fix It tell the president?

–PAGE 2

•Jega

•Anenih

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NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

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OVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State is on course for a second term in office after brushing aside, with relative ease yesterday, the challenge posed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd) in the governorship election.

Airhiavbere appeared to have lost not only overall, he was trounced in his senatorial district of Edo South where Oshiomhole got a total of 1230 votes as against the paltry 158 for the retired army officer in results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for one of the polling units.

As at midnight, the PDP appeared to be doing well in two local governments in Edo Central senatorial district – namely Esan North East and Esan West – where the party was trailing slightly behind the ACN. Emerging trends point to a close finish in tne two areas.

In two of the local governments where INEC had declared official results, ACN coasted home to victory with huge margins. In Egor LGA, the party recorded 50,794 votes as against, 3,536 for PDP and 282 votes for the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in figures certified by the collation officer, Dr. Tony MonyeEmina.

Similarly, in Etsako Central LGA, Oshiomhole’s ACN polled in 16,834 votes compared to the PDP’s 5,113 and 42 votes for ANPP in results announced by the Collation Officer, Prof. Mike Orherua.

The pattern was the same in the 14 other local governments namely – Akoko Edo, Esan Central, Esan SouthEast, Etsako East, Etsako West, Igueben, Ikpoba-Okha, Oredo, Orhiomwon, Ovia North-East, Ovia SouthWest, Owan East, Owan West and Uhunwode.

Airhiavbere’s main backers Chief TonyAnenih, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe (Chief of Staff to the President), and Chief Gabriel Igbinedion - fared

EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

Oshiomhole heads for landslide victory Joseph Jibueze, Osagie Otabor and Precious Igbonwenlundu, Benin

no better in their hitherto secured backyards. They could not deliver their wards.

Early results from polling units and wards across the state showed that Governor Oshiomhole was leading with a wide margin while heavyweights of the PDP were losing in their strongholds.

PDP’s Airhiavbere lost in the polling unit where he voted. He got 38 in the polling unit and 158 in the entire Oredo Ward One, while Oshiomhole scored 355 in the same polling unit and 1230 in Oredo Ward One. In the unit where the campaign financier of the PDP, Captain Hosa Okubo voted, the PDP scored 133 as against ACN’s 106.

Father of former Governor of Edo State, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin voted at polling unit 1 in Ward 2 in Oredo but the PDP could only muster 36 votes in units 1 and 2while the ACN got 319.

Some other results are: Oredo Ward 2, Unit 28- ACN 220, PDP 43; Unit 4- ACN 107, PDP 19;Unit 23 -ACN 96, PDP 17; Unit 19- ACN 189, PDP 23; Unit 15- ACN 136 , PDP 23;Ward12, Oredo Units 1- 10- ACN 1446, PDP 217.

Reports from Uromi, home town of Chief Anenih said the PDP performed woefully there. A PDP stalwart was almost lynched by angry voters at former George Idah Primary School, Oredo 2 for allegedly smuggling into the area a stuffed ballot box.

The ACN also did well in Uselu Ward 1, Unit 10, in Egor Local Government Area (LGA), polling 65 votes as against PDP’s 6.

In EtsakoEast LGA, ACN polled 400 votes in

• Anenih, Airhiavbere, Ogiadomhe, Ogbemudia, Igbinedion thrashed at home • Celebrations in Edo State • I can’t predict winner, says Anenih after voting Unit 01, Ward 10, while PDP got 29. In Unit 02, ACN polled 358 votes as against PDP’s 45. In Unit 03, ACN got 381, trailed by PDP, which 14.

In Unit04, ACN polled 98 votes as against PDP’s 12. In Unit 05, ACN won with 394 votes as against PDP’s 24.

In Unit06, ACN scored 197; PDP got 11 votes. In Unit 07, ACN scored 157 while PDP got20. In Unit 08, ACN scored 392 votes while PDP got 24.

Despite initial problems of late accreditation and delayed arrival of electoral materials at polling stations, voting was peaceful in most parts of the state.

Reports of an alleged plot by the PDP to rig the election forced Governor Oshiomhole to rush to Benin after voting in his village, Iyamho, to see things for himself.

A fuming Oshiomhole told journalists: “attempt to declare fake results will be the beginning of the end.”

He said he had received reports that thumb-printing was going on in the house of a PDP leader. The governor said he had reported the matter to the relevant security agencies. He said voting materials were taken to Oredo at late hours to prevent people from voting and for thumb-printing to take place in the dark.

Governor Oshiomhole said the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega refused to display the voters register for security reasons.

• Chief Anthony Anenih casting his vote

NEWS ANALYSIS

What will ‘Mr Fix It’ tell the President?

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ITH results trickling in from the Gubernatorial election in Edo State in which the incumbent Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, seems to be in a convincing early lead and likely to emerge winner in spite of the strong challenge posed by the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Gen. Charles Airhiavbere, the question on the lips of many observers of the development is: what will the socalled strong man of Edo politics and PDP’s Mr. Fix It, Chief Tony Anenih tell President Goodluck

From Yomi Odunuga, Abuja Bureau Chief

Jonathan after the tragic fate staring his party in a state that he once held sway?

Anenih it was who boasted before yesterday’s election that Oshiomhole, the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), would be swept out of the government house regardless of his achievements in the last four years.

Relying on his antics of the past when the state was under his firm control and its wealth under his thumb and the few cabal in the

state, Anenih spared no punches in the run up to the election. The tension in the state was so much such that the highly respected traditional institution in the state had to join the fray, pleading that a level playing field should be created for the electorate to observe their voting rights without any intimidation.

Even when it was obvious that the tide was in favour of the ACN candidate, Anenih was still confident of running against the tide and emerging victorious in the fierce contest with his anointed candidate. He

was able to pull the strings from Abuja with the backing of President Goodluck Jonathan. Every other person saw what was coming but it appears Anenih and his co-travellers were too far gone in their illusion to win a state that was practically run aground in the nine years that the PDP held sway that they just could not accept the reality of a failure.

As things stand today, it is quite difficult to see Anenih’s party emerging triumphant in spite of the political intimidation and the sudden deployment of sol-

diers to the state few days to the election. If the Edo people eventually succeed in rubbing his nose on the hard floor and putting an end to the politics of godfatherism, which impoverished them for many years until Oshiomhole came with his redemption song.

The question is: what reason will ‘Mr. Fix It’ give for his final fixing by the people’s power? Will he blame it on a dwindling political career or will he look for scapegoats that will bear the burden of an impending collateral damage?

Only time will tell.

His words: “It remains an embarrassment. They were prepared for the fraud.

INEC has been the weak link in the democratic process.

They want to bring those thumb printed materials.

Prof. Jega has made no difference.

“This is just one state election and INEC is wobbling. It is shameful. In a polling unit where you have 500 voters, only 10persons were accredited.”

“Jega who is the INEC boss has messed up the system. Materials were never distributed timely to all the local governments and the polling areas. There shall be massive disenfranchisement of the electorate in Edo State which is against the will of the people. We need things in Nigeria to be done rightly and timely to move the country forward. This may not be the best we are expecting. I will rather die than see the country move backward in corruption and non-development. I am in the election to win and promote development not to promote rigging and corruption and go to court.

“Prof. Jega has planned to delay voting of voters and eliminating some names in the voters register by deleting some through scientific rigging and manipulation.

My assessment is that there will be a high turnout in the election of the electorate but low voting is anticipated. In Oredo, there are reports of none electoral materials.

“Jega best is not good for Nigeria. It is alleged that fake results sheets were found in four local governments in the state. This is a calculated attempt to rig the election in the state by INEC and PDP.” But the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Edo State, Kassim Gaidam, said the election would not be manipulated.

He spoke at the Garrick Memorial Primary School in Benin, where he went to look into complaints that names were missing from the register during voting.

Gaidam said having had a distinguished career in the public service for 35 years, including a period as local government chairman and as Attorney-General of Yobe State, he was not a hungry man to be used by anybody.

The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, who voted at 12.49pm at the Staff Training Centre, Ward 12, GRA, Benin expressed “satisfaction” with the exercise.

Column

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

When dogs kill a tiger…

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EWARE of the society where dogs kill a tiger, a sage famously admonished. When dogs kill a tiger, the hierarchy of might and power is dangerously reversed. Unlike the human society where slaves can become masters, hierarchy in the animal kingdom is deeply entrenched and virtually irreversible. No matter what happens, a mouse will never become a monkey and a catfish will not mutate into a crocodile.

Baring a big asteroid bang which will terminate life altogether on the earth planet, the animal kingdom will always remain the animal kingdom.

Animals are not born equal. So when dogs kill a tiger, apocalypse looms.

The natural order disappears and mere anarchy is loosed upon the world .It is only in human societies that people have the prodigious intellectual capacity and exceptional will to change the order of society and the natural order itself.

Superstition retreats as science and knowledge of nature advance.

But it also happens that human societies are prone to rapid decay and decadence as a result of accelerating contradictions which might ironically have been the fruits of earlier triumphs. For example, if our forefathers had been able to resist and stave off colonial conquest, there would have been no Nigeria in the first instance. And perhaps we would have been spared all the post-colonial horrors that have become our daily diet in contemporary Nigeria.

After all, Britain had been defeated before and nothing happened. The Americans saw them off in order to create a new society.

In Canada, it was a close run thing until the youthful Brigadier James Wolfe broke the stalemate in a daring siege which claimed his life. Even at the height of their imperial glory and grandeur, the ferocious Afghans gave them a bloody nose. In colonial India, they once had their back to the wall during a widespread rebellion, but there was no national mission or enduring myth around which the revolt could coalesce and consolidate.

The Indians could not have summoned their old, bankrupt and discredited gods. There was no point calling on what Karl Marx famously dismissed as crass superstitions and rural idiocies. You cannot summon a new society into existence with old ideas. Even before formal British conquest, the old Indian society had reached the end of its tethers. When humanity lacks the will and the mental capacity to create society anew, anomie and disorder set in.

The society becomes a threat to humanity at large.

It has been suggested by unkind commentators that the Black race is not far from the animal kingdom because we have failed to evolve far away from our animal cousins.

While this is neither here nor there, life can learn its alternative reality and history from literature.

Okonkwo, the protagonist of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, had the phenomenal will to impose his vision on his society.

But he lacked the mental capacity to to appreciate that due to the march of history, the same society could no longer solve some pressing existential problems based on old consensus. For any society that has reached that historical impasse, only a revolutionary rupture from within or an antagonistic logic supplied by conquering invaders can break the deadlock.

This is the state and stage Nigeria has reached .Readers who often wince at the unremitting pessimism of this column, its saturnine gloom, its deep despondency and gnomelike moodiness often forget something. The columnist does not create actuality, he only reflects them.

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nooping around With

Tatalo Alamu

•Fashola

How often one wishes that the situation might be different! How often one wishes to regale readers with a thousand bawdy and hilarious jokes! But it is not the business of the columnist to hide the true condition of humanity and to give false hope and optimism to the afflicted. That is collusion and complicity with evil.

As evil stares us deep in the face, we must stare back without flinching or blinking.

The background to these troubled reflections was a tragedy that occurred late on Saturday. Dogs have truly been killing tigers in this country. Even donkeys may begin to fancy their chances against lions. Last Sunday morning, a sleepy snooper was curled up in bed while talking to a friend who had called in from London.

It was obvious that she was happy to be away from Nigeria even if only temporarily. She regaled

snooper with the advantages of civilisation as presented by London.

As she was about to sign off, she let off almost casually. “By the way, a General was killed by some hoodlums on the long bridge before Berger last night” “But that is impossible. How can a general be killed just like that?”

Snooper wondered more in denial than in conviction.

“Nothing is impossible in Nigeria”, she shot back.

“What is his name?”, I asked in near panic. She requested for a few moments to verify from her source.

She was back almost immediately with the name and address of the slain general. Without wasting any more time, snooper called up a top editor who is usually on top of the situation.

The editor immediately asked snooper to perish the thought. He noted that it was impossible for even a retired general to travel without at

least two armed escorts. They would have been more than enough for the usually poorly armed and poorly coordinated miscreants.

That was how we left it that Sunday morning. Unknown to us, another tragedy was engulfing the nation around that time. Some Homeric bloodletting was going on in Jos, the old pleasant paradise on the plateau. By the time the smoke cleared, almost two hundred people have been brutally dispatched including a serving senator and a ranking assemblyman. It was the horrific pictures of the slain and the dismembered that occupied the front pages of the national dailies on Monday morning.

But by Tuesday, the story of the slain general had begun to float and filter through the major newspapers.

Yours sincerely was shocked to the marrow. It is callousness and cruelty at its most dastardly and despicable.

A devout Christian and churchman, the fallen general was returning to Lagos from a church ceremony in Ilorin and had almost reached his destination when his car developed a flat tyre.

He was said to have been advised about the dangers lurking on that homeward stretch of the express.

People are routinely robbed and killed around the place. He had barely commenced fixing a new tyre when some hoodlums emerged from nowhere and pounced on him screaming for money. Although they got the money they demanded for, they still considered it their bounden duty to stab to death the man they had robbed.

By all accounts, retired Brigadier-

Aloma… so piquant….so pukka….so Picasso

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EVER count Nigeria out.

Even when it is down and punch drunk, it still manages to throw some fistic grenades. At a time of universal gloom and depression when you feel like giving up on the nation, a lone figure emerges from the shadows to offer redemptive possibilities.

The law of the Dialectic does not permit perpetual pessimism or obscene optimism. It is precisely at the point when a society appears to have reached the nadir of its fortunes that the seeds of regeneration begin to sprout. The seeds of regeneration are appearing all over Nigeria. They are visible only to the practised eye. They may not come to fruition in Nigeria as we know it, but that is another matter.

Despite the universal despondency about a nation with a great future behind it, despite the consuming tragedy of Jos and the Dante’s inferno in Okogbe, despite the impending clash of men and political machines in old Edo, this past week belongs to the newly endowed Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mariam Aloma Mukhtar. Her superlative performance at the Senate Confirmation hearing is the stuff of redemptive tropes for a nation in search of redeemers. It was punchy and power-packed, full of pizzazz For the first time in the history of Nigerian judiciary, you have a Chief Justice of the federation openly declaring war on the corrupt elements in her constituency. It was a fearless and

forthright performance. Snooper noticed some of the senators shifting portentously on their seats. There was a hint of imminent incontinence in one or two. A descendant of the great Idris Aloma has come to supreme judgement.

Snooper has heard many stories about the new Chief Justice, which spoke to her adamantine integrity, her fearlessness, her streak of daring and contempt for idle chancers. A top politician was said to have sidled to her to demand for her number, to which she promptly replied that she does not keep phones not to talk of numbers. Snooper says give it to ‘em, maam. Your Lordship, flog the hell out of them. Snooper has an endless supply of Atori whips from the village.

Guv, give me that Cocoyam Combo

“I

YAM what I am!” a black character famously exploded in a novel by a notable African American. While we are still on the subject of regeneration, it is meet to dwell on some pleasant developments in the old wily West. Lagos is beginning to remind one of her old beauty, redolent and reminiscent of old Havana. Under Adams Oshiomhole, Benin is shedding off its image of a municipal village. Ado Ekiti is wearing a new look. Under the urbane and amiable Abiola Ajimobi the primordial debris of Ibadan is gradually disappearing. In Abeokuta, Ibikunle Amosu is sometimes indistinguishable from a feisty foreman waddling in mud and dirt.

It is in Osun state that the seeds of regeneration are literally sprouting.

The improbable and impossible Rauf Aregbesola is proving to be the magic wand the state needs. Anybody who has visited the state of late will attest to the fact that it has become a huge construction site. Our man does not only ruffle edgy feathers, he ruffles trees and trunks too. From Oshogbo to IlaOrangun and then on to Ilesha and back to Oshogbo through the Gbongan junction, huge caterpillars are rumbling about with intent. By the time the stormy petrel finishes with them even his laggard opponents will be forced to take a bow.

But as a glutton for ancient Yoruba

cuisine, snooper stumbled on the real seedlings of regeneration on a recent trip to the Osun interior. A younger kinsman and professor of Agriculture informed the venerable eavesdropper that he had just been given a grant by the Osun government to lead rural farmers on a massive regeneration of Cocoyam in the state. So cocoyam will soon be back and with it all the ancillary derivates such as cocoyam porridge, cocoyam cake, fried cocoyam balls and cocoyam soup. What an awesome combo, as they say in America!!

So dear governor, you don’t have to follow snooper to the village of Iyanfoworogi to eat pounded breadfruit and partridge again. Just give me that cocoyam combo. I yam what I am.

General Sylvester Iruh was a fine officer and gentleman, a devoted husband to his wife, an adoring father to his children and a kind and compassionate soul to all who came into contact with him. He was trained in the best tradition of the military, having entered the Defence Academy from the military school.

Yet what struck most people about him was his meekness and humility.

This was the exalted specimen of humanity who was murdered by psychotic hooligans on a lower scale of evolution whose hierarchy of needs cannot be higher than that of animals. About two months ago in another suburb of Lagos another Brigadier-General was hacked to death on his own premises by a gang of marauders.

One can be forgiven for thinking that the Lagos megalopolis is disorder personified and a true reflection of the ugly normlessness of the Nigerian society itself. But this is not so. The Lagos State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has a zero tolerance for miscreants and urban bandits. Snooper is personally aware of Fashola’s untiring efforts to rid Lagos of armed robbers.

Despite the pressing demands of other vital sectors in this combustible conurbation of humanity, Fashola, building on the foundation of his predecessor, has poured men and materials into the efforts to rid Lagos of the menace of armed robbers. The Rapid Response Squad led by the indefatigable and combat-happy “Tango” has been punitively proactive. In four years, they have virtually driven armed hoodlums out of metropolitan Lagos. The governor and his team ought to be commended.

Yet it needs to be restated that the pervasive atmosphere of insecurity still experienced in Lagos is nothing but a reflection of the structural insecurity of the nation itself. Social disfigurement is a function of the structural disfigurement of the nation. Fashola himself has been shouting from the rooftop about the need to decentralise security in Nigeria, the need for a state police and the need to grant Lagos a special status.

This is a plaintive plea in the right direction. But it can only be achieved within the context of a properly structured and reconfigured Nigeria.

For example, within the context of proper regional integration, the current artificial demarcation of areas of authority and security control in a culturally and socially contiguous territory such as the Ojodu Berger- Mowe-Ibafo- AkuteIkorodu axis will yield to a more integrative and holistic crimefighting. We can even create ten autonomous zones of developments in strategically located areas of the country to serve as hubs for the rapid economic transformation of the nation. A case can be made for the return of new mayoralties to run them.

But you cannot step into the same river twice. By a stroke of the pen, we cannot wish away almost half a century of state-formations in the nation and the peculiar stateidentities this has fostered. It is going to be a hard slog. But if we do not start from somewhere and urgently too the general insecurity in the nation will prevail until anarchy completely consolidates. And dogs will continue to kill tigers. May the General rest in peace.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

News

EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

• Armed soldiers controlling crowd at polling centre in Benin.

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

•A disabled voter Jude Omoikebosele complaining of being disenfranchised.

• Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) chieftain, Chief Tom Ikimi (r) with friends waiting to cast their votes in Igueben Ward 2 In Igueben Local Government Area yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

•L-R DIG Operations, Marvel Akpoyibo, Brig-Gen Umahi and SSS Director Mohammed Bakuri.

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

•Hajia Aishetu Oshiomhole, mother of Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State waiting to cast her vote at Ward 10, Unit 1, Iyamho Primary School, Iyamho, yesterday.

• Osunbor addressing reporters

• Elderly People with their voting cards at ward 10, Iyahmo Primary School at Etsako West Local Government of Edo State on Saturday (14-07-012).

PHOTO: NAN

•Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion casting his vote at ward 2 Oredo, Photo: Precious Igbonwelundu

• Jubilation at Itohan Girls Grammar School Ward 6 Sapele Road after the announcement of ACN as winner in the Ward.

• Traders making brisk business at a polling unit

•Red Cross officials during the election yesterday.

PHOTO: NAN

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Four drown conveying electoral materials From Osagie Otabor and Precious Igbonwelundu, Benin

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HREE policemen, two of whom are inspectors and a constable as well as an adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reportedly drowned in Ethiope River yesterday while taking electoral materials to riverine communities in Ologbo, Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.

Details of the incident were not immediately made available, but the police were said to have launched a search for the bodies.

They were said to have died when the speed boat they were travelling in capsized.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olayinka Balogun said he was yet to get the names of the dead officers.

He said he was sad that he lost three men at once.

News EDO GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

ACN alleges PDP plot to get election cancelled

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HE Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of trying to foment trouble with a view to getting election in some polling stations cancelled.

The ACN said the PDP targeted areas where the ACN was strong such as the Edo Central Senatorial District. However, ACN said it was ready to foil the PDP plot by not succumbing to its provocation.

Addressing reporters in Ubiaja, Esan Southeast Lo-

From Joseph Jibueze, Benin

cal Government Area, the Edo State Deputy Speaker, Mr Festus Ebea, urged ACN members to maintain the peace.

He represents Esan Southeast Constituency in the State House of Assembly. He said: “There have been cases of the PDP trying to run things their own way.

Our people have been resisting and I have been appealing to them to allow the election to run its full and cred-

ible course. I still believe it’s too early to say if the election will be free and fair.”

Asked if he was satisfied with the security presence in the area, he said more men should have been posted there.

He said: “That’s the reason I feel that INEC and indeed all security agents should have made concerted effort to ensure that the place is well-policed.

“They know that the Edo Central carries bloc votes for the ACN and of course the Comrade Governor.

“The PDP has been encouraging its few supporters here to cause trouble, so that the supporters of ACN would react. What they want is for a fight to ensue and this place will be cancelled. But we’re trying our best to ensure that we keep the peace.

“I can only appeal to my party supporters to keep the peace because whatever they do, we will be the losers if we dance along with them.

“We are ensuring that votes cast here are allowed to be counted so that at the

From Joseph Jibueze, Benin

•Party agents waiting for electoral materials at a polling unit in Benin...yesterday

Osunbor hails credible poll

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ORMER Edo State Governor, Prof.

Osadebamen Osunbor, was optimistic yesterday about the success of the state governorship election.

He told journalists after his accreditation at Ogbomoide Primary School, Iruekpen, Ward 6, Ekpoma that he was impressed by the enthusiasm of the electorate.

Osunbor, also a former Senator, said: “The people of the ward have always been very enthusiastic about exercising their constitutional right to choose their leaders.

The turnout that you have witnessed this morning (yes-

From Joseph Jibueze, Benin

terday) is in line with what we have always experienced here.”

He called for additional polling units in the ward, saying:”We have been making this case for very many years.”

Osunbor expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct another free and fair election.

He said: “Votes will count. INEC’s outing in 2011, by all accounts, was quite commendable. Even international observers at-

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tested to the fact that the election was free, fair and credible.

“Other governorship elections that have been conducted since April last year were in line with the overall acceptability of the elections that INEC has conducted so far.

“INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega himself is on ground to ensure that nothing is left to chance. So, we can only hope for the best.”

Osunbor, who was removed as governor by the court, said the judiciary should not “nullify” today’s election.

His words: “I hope that the judiciary will respect the will of the people. I am sure you know that the judiciary in Nigeria has not performed creditably.

“There have been a lot of allegations of corruption among their ranks, especially when it comes to electoral matters. The judiciary has been giving mandates to people who did not win election.

“We hope that will stop and the outcome of today’s election will not be nullified by the judiciary. The electorate should comport themselves well.”

Significant turnout in Edo Central

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HE turnout of voters in Edo Central for yesterday’s governorship election was on the high side with people queuing at the various polling stations as early as 7.30am.

From Joseph Jibueze, Benin

Voting materials got to the units on time as promised by the Independent National Electoral Commis-

No way for riggers, says Akpatason

HE member representing Akoko-Edo in the House of Representatives, Peter Akpatason declared yesterday that his constituents had been mobilised to lynch whoever attempted to hijack ballot boxes in the governorship election.

TRONGMAN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State, Chief Anthony Anenih, said yesterday he could not predict the winner of the governorship election.

He said he was happy with what he had seen so far of the voting.

Anenih, former Chairman, Board of Trustees of the party voted at about 12.38pm at Uzenema Primary School, Arue-Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area.

As he emerged from the polling booth, he told reporters: “I’m pleased with the turnout, and the arrangement in this area is impressive. The weather is fair.”

Asked what he thought would be the outcome of the election he said he could not tell until the results were announced.

“It’s too early to make a real statement now; until we hear what is happening in other parts of the state,” he said.

At the Uromi Girls Primary School, food and drink sellers made brisk business selling to voters.

There were six units in the school.

An INEC ad-hoc staff said voting began at about 12.30pm.

Heated arguments were heard in some of the units as party agents disagreed with electoral officers on how to render assistance to aged voters.

Some alleged attempts to influence their votes in the area known to be Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) stronghold.

In a unit in Ubiaja, a tout tried to distract electoral officers and voters.

Soldiers on patrol were called in to restore order.

Two soldiers flagged down the bus conveying journalists and rode with them to the unit.

By the time they got there, calm had been restored and the troublemaker had vanished.

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From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

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end, Oshiomhole will carry the day.”

The PDP refused to react to the allegation.

The PDP Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Chief Odion Ugbesia, declined to speak to journalists.

They followed him to the Central Primary School, Ubiaja, Esan Southeast Local Government Area where he voted. When the reporters sought to speak with him, he walked away.

He was seen making calls and looking worried even as there was some rowdiness in the unit.

I can’t predict winner, says Anenih after voting

Appeal Court affirms Wada’s election HE Court of Appeal, Abuja, at the weekend, affirmed Alhaji Idris Wada as the winner of the Kogi State 2011 governorship election.

The court dismissed the appeals by Prince Abubakar Audu and his party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), challenging the validity of the election.

In the judgment delivered by Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, the court said “the appeals lacked substance and accordingly dismissed. The two appeals failed. The decision of the governorship election petition tribunal affirming the election of Captain Idris Wada as Governor of Kogi State is hereby affirmed” The justices of the Court of Appeal held that it had no reason to interfere with the decision of the Kogi State governorship election petition tribunal affirming the election of Captain Idris Wada as Governor of Kogi State.

The court held further that 74 out of the 88 witnesses called by the appellants gave hearsay evidence which no court would rely on.

5

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

Akpatason spoke to journalists shortly after he was accredited at Unemenekhua in Akoko-Edo local government council of Edo State.

His words: “The people are prepared and sensitised.

Our agents that came with the materials confirmed that the materials came in the right quantity. We have been mobilising Nigerians for good governance and without credible election, we won’t get good governance.

sion (INEC).

The queue at Unit 5, Arousa Primary School, Ehor, Uhunwonde Local Government Area was particularly long.

Armed soldiers and policemen were present at most of the polling stations.

There were security men at most units, including policemen and at least an armed soldier. Soldiers also mounted roadblocks on major highways and searched vehicles.

There was a huge presence of armed soldiers at the INEC Secretariat in Benin.

A Police Anti-Bomb

Squad complemented the personnel.

A few commercial motorcyclists defied the restriction of movement to do brisk business.They took inner roads and bush paths to avoid roadblocks mounted by security agents.

At the Ogbomoide Primary School in Iruekpen, Esan West LG, there were three polling stations, with a good number of people waiting to be accredited.

Chairs were brought for old men and women to sit, and canopies were mounted in case it rains.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

News

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Why I appointed Patience Jonathan Perm Sec –Dickson

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AYELSA State Government has defended its recent appointment of the wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan, as a permanent secretary in the state civil service. It said that as a diligent officer, who rose through the ranks in the state civil service and was last appointed into the directorate cadre as a level 15 officer in 2005, the First Lady is most qualified to be so appointed.

The government explained that Dame Jonathan joined the Rivers State civil service in the 90’s and that upon the election of her husband as Deputy Governor in 1999 transferred her service to the civil service.

Besides, it said Governor Seriake Dickson is convinced that “wives of governors, vice presidents, presidents and all other spouses whose positions are not funded by the government should be encouraged and supported to pursue and maintain their independent careers,” adding that “wives of such officers should not suffer prejudices or deprivation merely as a

By Sam Egburonu, Segun Ajiboye, Oziegbe Okoeki and Joe Agbro Jr.

result of the positions occupied by their husbands.”

In a statement by Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the Senior Special Assistant (media and public affairs) to the

governor, the government said, “By the traditions of the Bayelsa State civil service, officers on directorate level, some of whom are even junior to her present position, have been appointed as permanent secretaries before now,” adding that “appointment is a combination

of leadership, output, dedication, geographical spread, etc which informs a governor’s exercise of his discretionary powers to appoint permanent secretaries in consultation with the appropriate authorities.”

However, her appointment has continued to draw

• Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, planting a tree during the Ministry of Environment 2012 tree planting campaign in Lagos, yesterday.

Photo: OMOSEHIN MOSES

Tanker fire: Death toll hits 137

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HE authorities of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) have created a ward dedicated to victims of last Thursday’s petrol tanker fire at Okogbe.

But the condition of many of them remained bad yesterday with an additional seven dying to bring the death toll so far to 137.

The Chief Medical Director (CMD) of UPTH, Prof.

Aaron Ojule, said on phone yesterday that more survivors of the tanker fire were being moved into the UPTH. Prof Ojule is also the Chairman of the special committee set up by the Rivers State Government to handle the emergencies arising from the tragedy.

Forty three of the victims are still receiving treatment in hospitals in Rivers and Bayelsa States, according to the National Emergency Management Agency’s (NEMA’s) South-South Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Umesi Emenike.

It was gathered that many of the survivors are on the danger list at the UPTH and the Rivers governmentowned Braithwaite Memorial Specialist Hospital (BMSH), both in Port Harcourt, as well as the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and Ahoada General Hospital, Ahoada, the headquarters of Ahoada East LGA, where some of the victims were initially rushed to.

Niger Deltans are asking President Goodluck Jonathan to speedily complete the East-West Road’s dualisation, and blamed the bad state of the road for the accident and the resultant fire.

The CMD of UPTH said: “Many more of the victims (of Okogbe petrol tanker fire) are

• UPTH creates ward for victims • 43 victims are still in hospitals -NEMA • Niger Deltans ask Jonathan to speedily complete East-West Road From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

being moved to UPTH. We received 23 yesterday (Friday), but we lost seven. The figures are changing, because many of the victims are dying.

“Many of the survivors are being referred to UPTH from other hospitals and centres. We have created a ward at UPTH to handle the emergency, which is really unfortunate. We are trying our best to save the lives of the victims.

“Two of the victims still at Ahoada General Hospital will be transferred to UPTH this (yesterday) evening or tomorrow (this) morning.

Many of the survivors are also being transferred to UPTH from BMH in Port Harcourt.”

Ojule added that a subcommittee had been put in place at the UPTH to collate the figures of the victims and to know those who have died so far, in order to avoid confusion.

The NEMA’s SouthSouth coordinator speaking on Rhythm FM, Port Harcourt yesterday described the incident as very sad and unfortunate.

Emenike said: “Forty three victims are still in hospitals. Most of the victims have been moved from Ahoada General Hospital and other hospitals in Ahoada and its environs to UPTH and BMSH in Port Harcourt, where doctors and other health workers are battling to save their lives.

The East-West Road Communities Association (EWRCA), has cried out over “seeming” abandonment of

the strategic road, saying it is a shame the President is from the region.

It also disagreed with the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, who hails from Delta State, over his recent claim that 60 per cent of the East-West road had been completed.

EWRCA, a body of stakeholders, comprising monarchs, chiefs, youths,

opinion leaders and other professionals in the affected communities, stated at a news conference in Port Harcourt that the road is now a death trap and den of armed robbers and kidnappers.

The East-West road starts from Oron in Akwa Ibom State and passes through Ogoniland in Rivers State, then to Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Ogun states, while terminating in Lagos State, with EWRCA’s leaders being particular about the portion between Eleme Junction in Rivers state and Kaiama in Bayelsa state.

more flak as a constitutional lawyer, Professor Itsay Sagay, has described it as a huge joke and comical nonsense.

“It is a huge joke. It is a comic. I don’t really know what they take us for. It is only in Nigeria that you can have such kind of bizarre announcement. It is nonsense,” the erudite legal practitioner told The Nation on Sunday.

Human rights activist and member of the Constitution Review Committee, Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), who is currently out of the country, expressed shock on phone saying: “that cannot be true.”

After a prolonged laughter, Agbakoba asked: “And did she accept it?” He later promised to call back after making some checks on the story.

He then sent a text message that he was unable to confirm the story and said: “I can’t confirm so till am back.”

Activist and gubernatorial candidate of the National Conscience Party (NCP) for Lagos State in the last general elections, Comrade Ayodele Akele, would rather “wait and make some findings” before taking stand on the issue.

According to Akele, a former civil servant in Lagos State, “I don’t know her civil service background. I would advise that we find out some things about her history with the Bayelsa State civil service before making any statement.”

President of Campaign for Democracy (CD), Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, snapped: “It is shocking. It has turned governance to a huge joke.

It’s the theatre of the absurd that can make Nigeria become a laughing stock in the comity of nations. The country is gradually becoming a banana republic.”

Victor Opara, lawyer

Air Force, Arik airplanes in near collision at Jos airport From Gbade Ogunwale and Kelvin Osa Okunbor

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NOTHER air disaster was averted yesterday at the Yakubu Gowon airport, Heipang, Jos when an Arik Airline’s Boeing 737-700 with registration No 5NMJI on a routine flight brushed the wing of a parked Nigerian Air Force C-130 (NAF 917).

A statement by NAF spokesman, Wing Commander A Makun yesterday said the incident happened at about 1. 45pm as the Arik aircraft was taxiing at the airport tarmac in preparation for take-off.

“The tank 1 wing tip of the NAF C-130 was damaged while the wing of the Arik aircraft was dismembered and hung on the NAF aircraft. There was no casualty recorded during the incident.

“However, the two aircraft had to abort their missions. The NAF C-130 was in Jos to airlift students of the Air Force Military School and Air Force Girls Military School”, the statement added.

However, the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Dr Harold Demuren who confirmed the incident said there were no casualties as the passengers disembarked safely.

He added “The situation was put under control and there was no fire or casualty whatsoever. The passengers alighted safely.”

Makun stated that the incident is being jointly investigated by the Nigerian Air Force and the management of Arik.

STF to ‘smoke out’ Plateau killers From Yusufu Aminu Idegu, Jos

THE Special Task Force (STF) on the Jos crises otherwise known as Operation Safe Haven is combing trouble spots in the state with a view to smoking out hoodlums who have been killing and maiming residents especially in Plateau North senatorial zone.

The exercise is also intended to rid the area of weapons such as guns and bombs.

Spokesman for the STF, Captain Salisu Mustapha said:”The inhabitants of Mahanga, Kakuruk, Kuzen, Maseh and Shong 2 are to evacuate immediately with their properties within the next 48 hours.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15 , 2012

‘Pension for legislators will reduce corruption’

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EMBER representing Apapa Federal Constituency, Hon. Babatunde Adewale, has said that the reason he is sponsoring a bill on pension and gratuity for legislators is to reduce the incidence of corruption among them.

Adewale disclosed this in a chat with journalists at the first interactive session/town hall meeting he held with his constituents at Apapa last Friday.

According to him, the bill will guarantee that legislators be entitled to pensions and gratuity for life.

He said it will help curb corruption in the legislature and also enable them to carry out their oversight functions thoroughly.

“If the legislators have the guarantee that they would be getting something till death, the oversight function would be thoroughly done because most of these issues of corruption on the part of legislators are because of the fear of tomorrow,” he argued.

News

Group celebrates Okadigbo’s victory

Three Ondo students’ union A leaders die in auto crash

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HREE students’ union leaders over the weekend died in an auto crash at Emure Ile junction on Owo-Akure expressway.

The deceased were the Student Union Presidents of Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Comrade Awopegba Oluwaseun popularly known as “DCO”; Adeyemi College of Education (ACE) Comrade Akintola Abiodun and Ondo State School of Midwifery, Akure, Comrade Oyikan Olotu.

The students’ leaders were said to have died instantly while several others who sustained injuries were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre Owo (FMC), for urgent treat-

From: Damisi Ojo, Akure

ment.

It was gathered they were returning from an award ceremony organised in honour of Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko in Abuja.

They were in a bus donated to the Joint Campus Committee by the state government recently.

It was gathered the bus driven by one of the students was on a top speed before ramming into an approaching trailer.

The bus, witnesses said, somersaulted twice and hit another coming vehicle in the process.

Journalists were barred by

policemen and government agents from taking photographs at the hospital.

One of the policemen, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said they were acting on directive from above.

Confirming the incident, the image-maker of the state’s police command, Alhaji Adeniran Aremu, however said the students were involved in a lone accident due to over speeding around 8pm.

Aremu said the remains of the dead students were deposited at the State Specialist Hospital morgue in Akure while several others were receiving treatment at the same hospital.

He dispelled the claims that journalists were barred

from carrying out their duties by the state government.

The incident has since sparked off protest from FUTA students who barricaded the Akure/Ilesha road.

For several hours, motorists and other road users were prevented from moving to their destinations.

Chatting war-like songs, the students pointed accusing fingers at the state government for dragging students into unnecessary politicking.

Carrying placards of various inscriptions, the protesters said it was sad that students who should be studying and fighting for their welfare have become tools in the hands of greedy and selfish politicians.

Amosun’s wife tasks nurses

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IFE of the governor of Ogun State, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, has urged members of Forum for Local Government Nurses and Midwives in Nigeria to pay more attention to the health needs of people at the grassroots level by rendering quick and required health care service supports.

Speaking at the grand finale of the Forum’s 28th National Scientific Workshop and her investiture ceremony as the Forum’s Grand Patron held at the Valley View Auditorium, Isale-Igbein, Abeokuta, Mrs. Amosun said the importance of nurses and midwives in the society cannot be overemphasised considering the huge responsibilities of ensuring that doctor’s orders are executed and implemented in order to ensure that patient’s health and dignities are restored.

Russian firm invests in Nigerian Lottery industry

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Russian firm, Ritzio, has expressed strong interests in the Nigerian Lottery Industry.

The firm, which received its operating license under the aegis of Capstar Entertainment Limited, promised to take the industry to the next level.

Its top management team last week paid a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Director General of the Nigerian Lottery Commission, Mr. Peter Igho, assured that the agency will do everything possible to ensure a level playing field for all.

This, he noted, would protect the industry investors as well as Nigerians.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s media manager, Hajia Rakiya Attah, Nahman, who led the visit, commended the commission for sanitising the industry and providing the enabling environment for it to strive in.

7

group, The Nicholas U k a c h u k w u C a m p a i g n Organisation, has congratulated Mrs. Margery Okadigbo on her declaration as the Senator representing Anambra North by the Supreme Court.

A statement signed by its Director General, Chief Fabian Ozoigbo, saluted the courage and firmness exhibited by jurists of the highest court .

It observed that the judgement has shown “the supremacy of the party’s constitution over and above mediocre contraptions and established the sanctity of the Joseph Waku’s list of PDP candidates for the National Assembly elections”.

Murdock for Agape convention

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E N O W N E D motivational preacher, Dr Mike Murdock, will be the guest speaker at the annual international convention of the Agape Christian Ministries Inc., Akure Ondo State.

The theme of the convention, which holds from 6th-12th August, is the incredible God. It holds by 9am and 5pm daily at Possibility ground, I Agape Avenue, Ilesa Road Akure.

A statement by the general overseer of the church, Bishop Felix Adejumo, stated that the convention will offer a platform for the transformation of participants in all spheres of life.

Other ministers are the cohost, Rev (Mrs.) Funke Adejumo, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, inspirational singer, Sola Allison and Possibility voices.

Odunaro heads Oronna festival’s committee

•Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi (left) with the project manager of Niger Cat, Ali Chami (middle) and Nmathali of CCC Construction during inspection of road projects … yesterday

‘Why I installed Uwazururike as Igbo leader’

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HE traditional ruler of ancient Nri kingdom in Anaocha Council Area of Anambra State, Igwe Obidiegwu Onyesoh, has cleared the air on why he conferred the highest title in Igboland on the leader of the Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike.

The conferment, he insisted, was divinely guided.

Onyesoh, who spoke yesterday in his kingdom, chided politicians and other self- acclaimed leaders for their uncomplimentary remarks about his decision to decorate Uwazuruike with the title.

He said: “Those calling for my neck for installing Uwazuruike ‘Ijele Igbo’ are mischievous and I cannot be intimidated into reversing my actions as they wished”.

The deputy Igbo leader, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, assured that the present Igbo leadership will not smear its reputation in the murky waters of Nigerian politics.

The current leadership, he stated, would only play advisory roles where and when necessary to ensure that

From Okodili Ndidi, Onitsha

politicians are accountable to the people.

He said the group will never deviate from the divine mandate of restoring the values and dignity of Ndigbo.

He cautioned politicians

mounting pressures on Eze Obidiegwu Onyesoh to withdraw the chieftaincy title conferred on Uwazuruike to retrace their steps.

Ezeonwuka, who spoke yesterday while conducting newsmen round the

Ogirishi Igbo Conflict Resolution Center at Oba, Anambra State, said there was no going back on the chieftaincy tussle since the spirit guiding the ‘Ofo’ symbol has been given to Uwazuruike by the Nri monarch.

Only SNC can save Nigeria- Afe Babalola

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RONTLINE legal luminary and Senior Advocate of Nigeria , Aare Afe Babalola, has identified an immediate convocation of a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) as the only solution to the Boko Haram insurgency and other malaises facing the nation.

The Chairman/Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Administration (CIA) spoke at the annual presidential /presentation awards to new fellows of the institute over the weekend.

He said countless security and economic challenges facing the nation leaves no other alternative but the convocation of SNC. According to him: “What people need now is the people’s constitution made by the

By Adegunle Olugbamila

people themselves and not the military constitution falsely described as a constitution made by all Nigerians. ‘’ If we initiate a process that will lead to our having

that constitution, we can then at a Sovereign National Conference which Boko Haram will participate, know what the group really want and why they think their current approach is the only way that can secure it.”

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HE Olu of Ilaro and paramount ruler of Yewaland, Ogun State, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, has appointed a Special Adviser to the former Speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Kayode Odunaro, as Chairman of Oronna Day Festival Central Planning Committee for the next two years in the first instance.

Odunaro heads a 20man committee to reinvigorate the event, which is in honour of a legendary warrior of the town.

A businessman, Mr. Idowu Adejumo, was also appointed as adviser to the central planning committee on how to raise the profile of Oronna Day as a rally point for the promotion of the culture, unity and development of the area.

Minister: Anambra rice mill worked 10 hours in 10 years

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HE Omo rice mill in Anambra State has only worked for 10 hours in 10 years due to poor infrastructures, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has said.

The minister disclosed this at the weekend during the 2nd Coalition for African Rice Development (CARD) stakeholders’ workshop, held in Abuja.

The project, which has been abandoned for over 18

From: Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

years under the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project (LAIP), had the capacity of milling 3.3 tons of rice per hour.

Adesina said: “Omo mill in Anambra State has worked 10 hours in 10 years meaning it worked one hour per year because of low power and poor infrastructures. ‘’ He, however, noted that

N3.2b has been put together to restore the rice milling facility and provide necessary infrastructures through collaborations between the Federal Ministry of Works, Federal Ministry of Power, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and the Agriculture ministry.

The minister said it was the first time in the history of the country that four ministries would be partnering to address a major problem.

News

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PH tanker accident: Activist threatens mass action Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

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ISTURBED by frequent accidents occurring along the East/West road in Port Harcourt, where over 100 people died in a recent fuel tanker accident, human rights activist, Ann Kio, has given the Federal Government one and half years to complete the road project else oil companies in the area would be stopped from taking oil.

Kio, who visited the site of the East/West road tanker tragedy in Port Harcourt said if the government fails to complete the road project which has lingered for years, a weekly mass action in form of road blocks along the ever busy road will be carried out by activists, road users and residents of the area. “Defiantly there will be mass action against the government if the road is not completed within the next one and half years,” said Kio. She made this threat just as mass burial was being carried out at the site of the accident.

Kio attributed the deaths to poverty in the Niger Delta region where oil is in abundantce.

She also blamed road users for the avoidable accident that later caused the fire which consumed a large number of fuel scavengers.

Mr. Ilazu Kingdom, a victim’s brother from Upatabo community, told The Nation that he had visited several hospitals, including Ahoada General Hospital, BMH Port Harcourt and FMC Yenagoa, in search of his brother who left house two days ago. But he later found the motor cycle he used at the site of the accident, thus confirming the brother’s death.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Man kills ‘friend’ over A N50, 000 loan timber merchant based in Erijiyan-Ekiti, Mr. Wale Adewumi, has allegedly murdered his supposed friend, Mr. Boluwaji Olarinoye, a student of Ekiti State University (EKSU), for demanding repayment of some amount he owed the latter. He was alleged to have killed Olarinoye with a machete .

The incident, which reportedly occurred at Erijiyan-Ekiti, a community in Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, in the night of Friday, has left many residents wondering why a man would murder a longstanding friend who was gracious enough to offer him monetary help to sustain his business.

According to the accounts, Adewumi invited his friend, Olarinoye, to his house perhaps for explanations regarding re-

From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado Ekiti

payment of the N50, 000 he owed him. It was learnt that Olarinoye took the money from his second semester school fees.

Olarinoye’s father, who confirmed the incident on a radio station in Ado Ekiti, capital of the state on Saturday, said his son informed him that he gave N50, 000 from the school fees he gave him to his friend.

He further confirmed that it was Adewumi who invited his son, Olarinoye, to his house while the latter was having his dinner, adding “my son left the food he was eating

that night to answer the call.”

Father Olarinoye had lamented on the radio: “Boluwaji left for Wale’s house with the hope that Wale was ready to settle the debt. But minutes later, I heard people shouting and lamenting that Wale and a group of his friends had ‘matcheted’ Boluwaji, leaving a deep cut on his throat.

“My son did not pay the fees and he did not do the second semester examination”, he added.

Reports further confirmed that after the incident, Olarinoye’s friends gathered and set Adewumi’s house on fire, while other members of the household reportedly took to their heels immediately af-

ter the incident.

In his response, the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Jonathan Alade, described the incident as “disheartening”, urging the police to muster every necessary effort to get to the roots of the matter.

Meanwhile, Police spokesman for the state, Mr. Victor Babayemi, who confirmed the development, said the police was informed that someone lent his friend money and the matter led to an argument between them which degenerated into a fight.

Babayemi said the victim was stabbed with a broken bottle and “he bled to death”, adding that “unfortunately, the suspect is on the run.

“We are on the trail of the suspect and with useful information from the public, we will soon arrest the him”, Babayemi said.”

Osun partners Lagos on environment

By Tunde Busari

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HE resolve of the State of Osun Government to cleanse the state of filth has taken the state environmental agency to Lagos State where about 58 waste truck operators were recently trained by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA).

The agency, known as Osun State Waste Management Authority (OWMA), has since proved its capability to give Osun State a facelift in line with Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s drive to make the state investorfriendly. Aside from strictly enforcing the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in the state, its presence is felt in the major towns where cleaners give a good account of themselves.

At the closing ceremony of the two-week training cum workshop held in Lagos, Special Assistant to Governor Aregbesola on Environment, Hon. Bola Ilori, expressed the gratitude of Ogbeni Aregbesola to LAWMA for conducting the training free of charge.

Ilori also congratulated the participants and urged them to put to use all they had learnt.

The operators were taught road ethics, truck maintenance among others.

•Gombe State Governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo (right), inspecting a construction site at the Government House, Gombe, at the weekend

South African nabbed over hard drugs

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39-year-old South African woman, Duru Gcinukwazi Lindiwe, was last caught with 5.5 kilogrammes of substance found to be methamphetamine, hidden in tins of sardines as well as in her luggage. Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, detected the drugs during routine search at the departure hall.

The suspect, a street cleaner in Johannesburg, was apprehended during the outward screening of passengers on a South African airline flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. The drug’s, estimated street value is N15million.

NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, said that a detailed search carried out on her based on suspicion yielded positive result. “She was travelling with a carton of sardines. When one of them was opened, the content was methamphetamine. Some of the drugs were also packed in a false bottom of her luggage.

The total weight of drugs found in her possession weighed 5.5 kilogrammes,” Hamza

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

explained.

Lindiwe, who is married with a daughter, told narcotic investigators in her statement that her love for sardines has turned sour since her arrest. In her words, “I love sardine for salad and sandwich. My Nigerian boyfriend gave me the carton of sardine as a gift

because I love sardine. When my bag was searched at the airport, 5.5kilogrammes of methamphetamine was found and I was arrested. I am missing my eight year old daughter because I travelled to the Philippines to study music for over a month. I am only in Nigeria to visit my boyfriend before going to South Africa.”

Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said that efforts are ongoing to apprehend more persons in connection with the illegal exportation of methamphetamine to South Africa. According to Giade, “we have launched a full scale investigation into the case

and we expect to arrest other members of the drug cartel.

Drug traffickers are warned to quit the criminal act or face severe sanctions under the NDLEA Act”. Meanwhile, she will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

It will be recalled that in December 2011, a 38 year old South African lady, by name Nene Fikile Happy-Girl, was caught with drugs while attempting to board an Emirate flight to Malaysia.

She excreted 55 wraps of substances that tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing 700 grammes. She had since been charged to court and the case is ongoing.

LAUTECH suffers brain drain From Bode Durojaiye, Ogbomoso

U

NLESS the two state governments that own Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, urgently address the myriads of problems confronting it, the enviable records of the institution may begin to dwindle.

This is because LAUTECH is fast losing its seasoned academics due to what they referred to as “harsh working environment,” hence they seek greener pastures in other universities with better packages.

The Oyo State Government last year had appointed Professor Sulaiman Adeniyi Gbadegesin, as acting Vice Chancellor of the university.

Gbadegesin, a renowned Professor of Geography from the University of Ibadan, is an indigene of Oyo town.

The Nation investigation authoritatively revealed that the rate at which many of the academic staff are leaving LAUTECH is so alarming that it cuts across all the departments.

For instance, it was reliably gathered that at the peak of the crisis of ownership in 2010, virtually all staff at the department of transport management left the university for another institution.

Presently, the university is run by an acting vice-chancellor, without a governing council in place.

Others challenges confromting the institution include gross under-funding and shortage of office accommodations. The available lecture halls and laboratories are so inadequate that they cannot cope with the over-bloated student’s population.

Chairman, Academic Staff Union, LAUTECH branch, Dr Oyebamiji Oyegoke, expressed strong indignation on the funding of the institution, which he described as “grossly inadequate”.

“The quantum of funding is not what they (owner state governments) are giving the university.

LAUTECH is augmenting payment of salaries. A situation whereby you want the university to generate revenue internally, you are likely to compromise standard, he said.

He also lamented the absence of a governing council in the university. ”Oyo and Osun State governments cannot say they are devoid of tested and trusted people to be appointed as governing council members. Without the council, there can’t be a substantive vice chancellor,” he said.

‘Bar phone calls with hidden numbers’

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•Lindiwa

CTION Congress of Nigeria (ACN) House of Representatives member, representing Lagos Island Federal Constituency II, Hon. Yakub Balogun, has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to direct all telecommunications service providers to render ineffective all local calls made under the

By Miriam Ndikanwu

guise of hidden and unknown numbers.

Balogun said this will help stem the tide of kidnapping and sophisticated crimes in the country.

He urged telecommunication operators to come up with a strategy to check hidden numbers’ calls through activation of Caller Line Iden-

tification System.

“Before GSM was embraced in Nigeria, we didn’t have incidence of hidden numbers during phone calls especially the 090 numbers.

But this has become a serious trend that if not checked, it could mean that the Sim registration exercise we did recently will make no sense after all”, he said.

NEWS REVIEW

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Deployment of fresh graduates to some crisis-prone Northern States under The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has led to intense outcries and apprehensions further endangering the nation’s unity, reports Sunday Oguntola

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T was the pride of yesteryears’ graduates. Every graduate looked forward to it with excitement. Donning the khaki uniform of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was the culmination of academic fulfillment. Those were eons ago. Now, the scheme conceived in 1973 to promote national unity and integration has further broken the ranks of Nigerians.

In the last few weeks, the scheme has attracted much derision and criticisms. Parents, intending corps members, lawmakers, government officials and others have kicked against the postings of 2012 Batch ‘B’ corps members to troubled states. The vociferous oppositions have confirmed these are indeed troubled times for the scheme. It has become a source of apprehension.

Litany of protests Last Saturday some of the corps members deployed to Plateau State protested at the temporary orientation camp at Zang Commercial School, Bukuru near Jos. They frowned at the delay in getting their redeployment forms after the orientation exercise.

The irked corps members waylaid the visiting DirectorGeneral of the scheme, Brig-Gen Nnamdi Okore-Affia, who was at the camp to see to their security and welfare. They chanted songs and demanded their immediate redeployment.

Efforts by the DG to pacify them provoked more anger.

They went wild, saying that they were forced to serve in the state against their wish. They accused the coordinator, Mr. Maram Maful, of not heeding the directive to redeploy them.

Okere-Affia, while addressing the corps members, said the directive to redeploy those who were willing to leave remained irrevocable.

The Plateau corps members drew inspirations from fresh graduates of the Lagos State University (LASU) participating in the scheme. Penultimate week, the LASU graduates stormed the House of Assembly complex to protest their redeployment to violence-prone Northern states.

The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions,

NYSC: Troubled times for unity scheme such as: “Do we look like soldiers?

Many graduates were killed” and ”LASU says no posting to Northern states among others.”

Chairman of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), LASU chapter, Sessi Funmi, who accompanied the students, appealed to members of the House not to allow youths from the Southwest to be posted to the North.

She said: “Most of them are not familiar with that area and in the process they can get into trouble with Boko Haram crisis. Our youths must not be sacrificed and that is why we reject the posting.

Let them post the students to Abuja or other areas that are free from crisis.”

She presented a letter of protest to the chairman, House Committee on Education, Alawiye King. A parent, Isaiah Odiurho, said: “My son was posted to Taraba and I don’t want him to die now, so government should assist us. We are not saying they should not serve but we don’t want them sent to crisis prone areas.”

The Assembly also protested the postings. It wrote a letter to NYSC management to rescind the decision. The House urged the management “to post all graduates meant for the NYSC scheme out of the troublesome states in Nigeria where there is violence and threat to life.”

In Abuja, corps members numbering about 100 protested at the NYSC headquarters their deployment to troubled Northern states. They blocked the gate of the building and hindered vehicular movements in and out of the premises. They vowed not to resume at their states of deploy-

ment until they were redeployed.

One of the protesters said: “I was a victim of this crisis in January 2011. I graduated from University of Maiduguri where I narrowly escaped death. I was shot and was hospitalised, and that was why I missed the service year when my mates served. Now they want me to serve in Plateau State where there is bombing and killing every day. I can’t risk my life the second time. I may not be so lucky this time round, so they should redeploy me because I will not go there for any reason.”

Femi Adegbite posted to Maiduguri said he might not go as he was unsure of his safety. “I don’t want to serve again, they should collect their call-up letter and give me exemption letter and let me go home.’’

Another said: “I am doing my orientation course here at the headquarters, whether they like it or not, they can lock me up, once it’s three weeks they should release me to go, that is better for me than going to the north. Ireti Labati, posted to Yobe, said she would not go if her posting was not changed.

But the management of the NYSC said that there is no going back on the postings. NYSC’s Deputy Director, Publication, Mr. Peter Atilola, said: “They are just wasting their time; there is nothing that we can do from here now.

They still have to report at their various places of posting. It is after their registration that they can seek for redeployment. They cannot change their posting now.”

A resolution of hope The House of Representatives also passed a resolution ordering the NYSC not to post corps mem-

bers to troubled states. The House of Representatives said it was wrong to insist graduates must serve in crisis-prone spots. The decision followed the adoption of a motion by Peter Edeh (ANPP, Ebonyi), who said the NYSC should be directed against deploying Corps members to the crisis-ridden states.

Eden said: “It would be callous to allow innocent children to be posted to places where they don’t know what to do in times of trouble.

“Let us do what is practical.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) says security and welfare should be the primary concern of government.”

Those who argued against the motion said it would set a negative precedence for future postings. It was agreed that Corps members willing to serve in troubled states should be allowed.

In deference to the mounting concerns, the NYSC redeployed prospective corps members previously posted to volatile Northern states. A statement by its Director General, Brig. Gen. Nnamdi Okore-Affia, ordered corps members posted to Yobe to proceed to Nasarawa State while those scheduled to have their orientation in Borno were directed to Benue State.

However, the Minister of Youth Development, Alhaji Inuwa Abdulkadir, overruled the exemption of corps members from volatile states. He insisted that corps members would be posted to Borno, Yobe and other troubled states.

He argued that the issue of posting of corps members to states other than their states of origin

was enshrined in the relevant laws establishing the scheme.

Abdulkadir said any other form of concessional posting of corps members apart from the grounds of health and marriage would require constitutional amendment.

On the resolution by the House of Representatives, he said, “Talking about the National Assembly’s resolution vis-a vis our position here. My position is that of the law. The fundamental thing is that the NYSC is a constitutional issue; the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is supreme.

“In pursuance of a deliberate policy to set up something that will always and continue to integrate Nigerians and bring about harmony amongst Nigerians, among other things, the framers of the 1979 Constitution deemed it fit to make the NYSC law part of the constitution.”

He averred that any exemption must undergo constitutional amendment. He said rather than whittle down the scheme people should think of how to strengthen it. According to him, “We should be thinking of ways to improve on the scheme and not to destabilise it. If we still receive volunteer corps from other countries to tackle emergencies why can’t we also use our own position to settle the crises in our land?”

How far these sweet talks can go remains to be seen. If any, the Boko Haram crises and the threat it poses to the NYSC scheme which was fashioned to unity the country, may be its strongest threat ever. How does it help end this?

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

News Review

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Fiery deaths, permanent secretaries an Senator, Rep, others killed in Plateau horror

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ENATOR Gyang Dantong (Plateau North),the Majority Leader of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Mr.Gyang Fulani and dozens of other mourners were killed on Sunday at the mass burial of victims of Saturday’s invasion of ten villages in Barkin Ladi Local Government area of the state.The member of the House of Representatives from the Riyom/Barkin Ladi ,Mr.Simon Mwandkwon was injured and had to be taken to the hospital for treatment as were other mourners. Initial reports suggested that the victims were shot by Fulani who had surrounded the burial site,but the Commander of the Special Task Force (STF) in Jos, Major General Henry Popoola said the NASS members died of exhaustion in the stampede that ensued after the Fulani opened fire on the mourners.

The Islamist sect, Boko Haram claimed responsibility for the attacks and warned that more would follow.

Family of seven, two others die in sleep

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FAMILY of seven and two friends died in mysterious circumstances on Sunday in Umuakuru, Emekuku, Owerri Local Government Area of Imo state. They all died while asleep. Seven of them were found dead in one room and the rest in another room. A relative of the deceased persons, Mr.Ogbonna Awuzie said one of the dead, Pascal Njoku buried his mother just 24 hours before his death. Njoku’s in-laws stormed Umuakuru on Sunday protesting his death. They destroyed the louvers of the house where he died.

Lagosians groan as repairs of third mainland bridges commences

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EPAIRS of the Third Lagos Mainland Bridge got underway on Monday triggering a traffic gridlock across much of the metropolis. Motorists spent endless hours in the chaos while thousands of commuters were stranded at bus stops. A section of the bridge was closed to allow for repairs while traffic had to be diverted to other routes in and out of the island. The first phase of the repairs affects the carriage between Ebute Metta Interchange and Adeniji Adele end. The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa advised residents to make use of water transportation while the repairs of the Third mainland bridge last.

MASS MARRIAGE Brides speak to their grooms during a mass wedding ceremony in Amman, Jordan on Friday. An Islamic charity organised a mass wedding for 46 Jordanian and Syrian couples who are unable to afford expensive ceremonies.

Photo: Reuters

Supreme Court cedes 76 oil wells to Akwa Ibom

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HE Supreme Court on Tuesday conferred the ownership of 76 oil wells claimed by Cross River State on Akwa Ibom. The apex court in a unanimous decision said the plaintiff could no longer lay claim to the disputed oil wells having ceased to be a littoral state after the Federal Government ceded the Bakasi Peninsula to Cameroun. “The plaintiff has no maritime territory since the cessation of Bakasi Peninsula and the Cross River estuary, which used to be part of the state prior to August 2008,” Justice Olufunlola Adekeye ruled in the lead judgement.

LOVE OUTLAWED

Indian village bans “love marriages”

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OLICE in northern India are investigating a village council after it banned “love marriages” and barred women under 40 from shopping alone or using mobile phones in public, reports said Friday.

In a slew of restrictive measures on women’s behaviour, the council, or “panchayat,” in the predominantly Muslim village Asara in Uttar Pradesh state also insisted women cover their heads in public, said the Press Trust of India.

Home Minister P. Chidambaram condemned the orders, saying they had “no place” in a democratic society.

“Police must act against anyone issuing such diktats. If a n y o n e takes action against any young man or woman based on i l l e g a l v i l l a g e courts, then they must be arrested,” Chidambaram said at a p r e s s conference.

Dame Jonathan named Perm Sec in Bayelsa

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HE First Lady,Dame Patience Jonathan was named a permanent secretary along with 16 others in the Bayelsa State civil service on Wednesday. The Head of the Civil Service, Mrs Gloria Izonfo said Governor Seriake Dickson made the appointment in accordance with the power conferred on him by Section 203 subsection 2c of the 1999 Constitution. Mrs Jonathan worked in the civil service until her husband’s emergence, first as vice president and later president.

NOT GUILTY

John Terry cleared of racism

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HELSEA footballer and former England captain John Terry has been found not guilty of racism. He was cleared by a panel of magistrates after a four-day trial over claims that he had racially abused opposition player Anton Ferdinand during a match against QPR in October last year.

Announcing the verdict Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle said it was impossible to know exactly what was said by the two players as they hurled insults at each other during the closing stages of the match.

“The former England captain sat in silence behind the glass-fronted dock while Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle delivered the verdict to the packed Westminster Magistrates’ Court. But cheers erupted from friends in the public gallery as he was cleared,” reported the Daily Mail

95 dead in tanker

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T least 95 people who went to scoop up oil from an overturned oil tanker at Ahoada, Rivers State on Thursday were killed after the vehicle caught fire.

Ninety-three were burned to death on the spot. Two died later in the hospital (and) 18 people were seriously injured, according to the

NEW SILK

Falana, others appointed SAN

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HE Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee, on Thursday, approved the appointment of the La gos-based human rights activist, Femi Falana, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)’s lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs, Professor Yemi Akinseye-George and 22 others into the position of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, who also double as the secretary of the committee, Sunday Olorundahunsi, said that the new appointees had been carefully screened and had been found worthy to occupy the exalted position of SAN, adding that the exercise of appointing them was rancour free.

Out of the 25 appointees, two were chosen from the academics. They are Professor Yemi Akinseye-George and Professor Dakas Clement James Dakas.

Aho bla

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

News Review

s and oil wells

d in ker

Lawan speechless when I confronted him

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Ahoada petrol Senate confirms Mukhtar as CJN blaze sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in the state, Mr.Kayode Olagunju.”People rushed there to scoop for fuel and there was a fire which consumed a lot of people,” said police spokesman Ben Ugwuegbulem, of the southern Rivers state.

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HE Senate on Wednesday confirmed Justice Alooma Mariam Mukhtar as Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).She pledged to rid the judiciary of corrupt judges by encouraging “internal cleansing based on petitions.” She was nominated penultimate week by President

DEAD

Hollywood producer Richard Zanuck dies

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HE prolific Hollywood producer Richard Zanuck has died. He was 77. He died of a heart attack at his Beverley Hills home.

Dick Zanuck, as most people called him, was best known for his work on films such as The Sound of Music, Driving Miss Daisy and Jaws.

Son of Hollywood royalty, he became the youngest studio head in history when he took over 20th Century Fox aged 28.

His friend Steven Spielberg called him a “cornerstone of the film industry”.

Dick Zanuck’s parents were the legendary movie mogul Darryl Zanuck and actress Virginia Fox. After his father made him 20th Century Fox’s head of production, the younger Zanuck went on to oversee the release of some of the era’s classics, including The Sound of Music and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

DAMS Jagaba, the lawmaker whose colleague Farouk Lawan said he handed the $620,000 bribe, has launched a battle for his integrity.

The chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes last week threatened to take Lawan to court if the former Chairman of the ad hoc Committee on the management of the fuel subsidy regime insists that the cash was with him.

Lawan said he collected the money from businessman Femi Otedola to prove that he was put under pressure to influence the committee’s report.

Jagaba recalled that as the then Chairman, Committee on Anti-corruption in 2001, he tabled a N4.5m bribe on the floor of the chamber.

“I cannot and shall never be involved in an individualistic act that runs unethical to national interest,” he told reporters.

Jagaba said he saw the letter purportedly written by Lawan, first on the pages of a newspaper then at the Police Headquarters. He analysed the letter and pointed out the errors contained in it. He said it was an attempt to smear his name.

He said: “Farouk Lawan alleged that he wrote a letter to me attaching $500,000. That is callously untrue and, in fact, calculated to smear my hard-earned reputation, a reputation I painstakingly built since 1999. I never received any letter or money or any other exhibit from Farouk Lawan.

“I saw, for the first time, the purported letter on a page of the Leadership Newspaper, page 6 of 14th June, 2012; and the closest copy which I saw and touched was the copy he presented to the Police Special Task Force (STF) investigating the bribery scandal, when I went there on 10th July, 2012.

Jonathan to succeed Justice Dahiru Musdapher who bowed out on Friday on attaining 70 years of age. The new CJN will be sworn in tomorrow.

THE WEEK IN QUOTES “I used to have a teacher in secondary school. Whenever we were going into examination hall and people said ‘good luck’ he would say ‘no, no. No good luck; you must work hard to overcome challenges.”

—Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on why government must sit up and face the security challenges in the country.

“This God of materialism that we worship should be abandoned .We should judge people by the content or quality of their character, not by wealth or money the man has.”

—Yusuf Ali (SAN) on how to combat corruption in Nigeria.

“All of a sudden, the gunmen started jumping down from the mountains. The sight of the attackers caused people to begin to flee; everyone had to run as fast as your legs could take you. The running caused a serious stampede because the security agents that were among us were also running for their dear lives. We thought they would face the gunmen and repel them but they fled and you can imagine the stampede.”

- Daniel Dem, of the Plateau State House of Assembly on the attack on mourners at the mass burial of victims of last Saturday’s mayhem on some villages in the State by unknown Fulani.

•Dem •Ali

CONFERENCE CALL

Southern leaders urge sovereign confab

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OUTHERN Nigeria Peoples Assembly, SNPA, have called for the convocation of a Sovereign National Conference, to address the problems militating against the growth and unity of the country.

SNPA in a statement by Chief Edwin Clark, leader of South South; Rev. Bolanle Gbonigi, leader, South West and Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, leader, South East, read by Mr. Ledum Mitee, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, at the meeting of the Assembly, warned against posting of graduates from the Southern part of the country for National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in the volatile and life-threatening areas of the North.

•Abubakar

BOMB BLAST

Shehu of Borno, Deputy Governor escape death

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SUICIDE bomber on F r i d a y , attacked a praying ground at the Palace of the Shehu of Borno, killing at least five.

The Shehu of Borno, Abubakar bin Umar Gabai Elkanemi, and the deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha who were the primary targets however escaped the blast unhurt. The explosion reportedly injured the ward head of Galtimari, Alhaji Lawan Makinta, and some children in the Shehu’s entourage. Hundreds of worshippers use the palace of the Shehu of Borno as a praying ground for their Friday prayers. The explosion occurred as the Shehu was being escorted to the palace after Friday prayers.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

There can be law without justice but there can be no justice without law.

COMMENT and ANALYSIS

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Plateau Bloodbath: Analysing Boko Haram’s claims L

OCAL Christian and Muslim communities have clashed for years in Nigeria’s middle belt and the conflict took an unexpected turn this week when Islamist insurgents based in the country’s removed northeast claimed responsibility for a raid and attacks that killed dozens, signalling a dangerous change of tactics for the group.

Many thought Muslim herdsmen had been behind the weekend raids on Christian villages.

Hundreds of assailants armed with guns and machetes stormed about a dozen Christian villages in the pasturelands in Plateau state in central Nigeria on Saturday, said Captain Mustapha Saliu, a spokesperson for a special unit of police and soldiers deployed to halt longrunning communal violence in the area.

Some attackers wore police uniforms and bullet-proof vests, he added.

The following day, as dignitaries attended a mass burial for the victims, assailants attacked again, leaving a federal senator and a state lawmaker dead.

Violence persists Authorities initially said the lawmakers had been ambushed and killed in the attacks, but Saliu now says they both lost consciousness and eventually died as people ran for cover while gunmen shot “in the air”.

The Nigerian Red Cross said at least 58 people had died in the attacks and security forces’ reprisals. They said that toll was expected to rise as aid workers searched for bodies and violence persisted in the tense region.

Most of the victims are presumed to be Christians.

A statement attributed to the Nigerian Islamist radical sect Boko Haram and obtained by The Associated Press this week said that it was responsible for the attacks and warned that Christians “will not know peace again” if they do not accept Islam.

The claim fits into the sect’s previously expressed plan to increase attacks targeting Christians.

Before now, they had claimed responsibility for bomb attacks on churches in the Plateau state capital of Jos as well as other cities and towns further north. They’ve also said in previous statements that they would avenge the deaths of Muslims in Plateau state.

Another element of danger Boko Haram stepping forward adds another element of danger to the conflict in Nigeria’s middle belt. However, authorities say these attacks didn’t use bombs or other explosives - Boko Haram’s weapons of choice. Instead, the assailants chose to raid the villages which would be a dangerous extension of Boko Haram tactics. It is also a style of attack Muslim herdsmen of the Fulani tribe have used in the past.

The local violence, though fractured across religious lines, often has more to do with local politics, economics and rights to grazing lands.

The government of Plateau State is controlled by Christian politicians who have blocked Muslims from being legally recognised as citizens. That has locked many out of prized government jobs in a region where the tourism industry and tin mining have collapsed in the last decades.

Claims by Boko Haram of responsibility for the killing over 100 people in Plateau State his complicating Nigeria’s crisis

Lekan Otufodunrin Otufodunrin@thenationonlineng.net 08023000621 (SMS only)

When to stay off your phones

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•A victim who lost her husband in the recent attack on Barkin Ladi, Plateau State

In 2010, Human Rights Watch said that at least 1 000 people died in communal clashes. Clashes between Muslim Fulani herdsmen and Christian farmers of the Berom tribe remain common despite a state of emergency imposed on Plateau state.

Questions In most parts of Nigeria, a large-scale attack targeting Christians would have been blamed on Boko Haram, but in violence-torn Plateau state the claim raises questions, leaving analysts divided about what could have happened.

“Authorities are investigating but I don’t think that Boko Haram could, out of nowhere, have raided these villages,” said criminal justice consultant Innocent Chukwuma, “they couldn’t do that without local support and collaboration”.

Meanwhile, Shehu Sani, activist and author of The Killing Fields, a history of religious violence in Nigeria, disagrees.

“From my knowledge and experience about the Boko Haram group, I believe 100% that they were responsible for that act,” Sani said. “I think they operated alone,” he said, adding that they had deployed large number of attackers in other cities before.

Special unit spokesperson Saliu said that Boko Haram’s claim of responsibility was not “conclusive” but that “it could help”.

Common enemy “It can help because at least we know that we are all fighting a common enemy,” he said, adding that he hoped the claim would dissuade from reprisal attacks.

Boko Haram members and most Fulani herdsmen share Islam. But the ethnic composition of Boko Haram is believed to be very different from the Fulani people and Boko Haram has been known to turn against Muslims that do not share their extremist views.

“Given that there have already been cycles of violence going on in Plateau

state, I wonder if Boko Haram isn’t trying to cash in on that,” said Alex Thurston, a Northwestern University academic on reformist Islam and electoral politics in northern Nigeria.

“It seems that some people have an interest in localising it and keeping it to local grievances while some people have an interest in nationalising it and Boko Haram is one of those groups.”

As investigators say they are trying to determine if the attacks were carried out by Boko Haram, the Fulani herdsmen or a mix of both, the fighting communities’ don’t want Boko Haram’s claim to distract from their local grievances.

Fan religious conflict “We don’t protect [Boko Haram] and they don’t protect us,” said Saleh Bayari, national chairperson for the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria that protects the rights of the Fulani people.

“Some people may have written this statement to give the tag ‘Boko Haram’ to our communities which will give them a justification to treat our people like outlaws.” He said. “We are not outlaws.”

Mark Lipdo, director of the Jos-based Stefanos Foundation, said the claim does not exculpate the Fulani herdsmen. “Boko Haram are settling [scores for] their own. If Fulanis are taking that call, it is a big problem to Nigeria; it means Fulani are becoming Boko Haram.”

Boko Haram has been trying to fan religious conflict in the country with recent attacks focusing on areas with festering religious tensions and a history of reprisal attacks.

The sect claimed responsibility last month for co-ordinated church blast which authorities initially said left at least 21 people dead. As reprisals spread across the state, authorities later said the toll had risen to 98 dead.

Both Kaduna and Plateau states sit in Nigeria’s middle belt, the dividing line between the predominantly Muslim north and mainly Christian south of Nigeria, a nation of 160 million people. - AP

have always been worried about how we have all become obsessed with mobile phones. In the same country where some years ago, mobile phones were used by few elites and those who could pay the exorbitant cost, it is no longer a status symbol, as virtually everyone have all brands of phones, with some having as many as the number of service providers.

Blackberry, iPads and other smart phones have become part of the communication gadgets that now rule our lives.

Suddenly, like a child who had been deprived of something and now has unhindered access to it, we have become so addicted to these gadgets that it is hard for many to do without them except when they are asleep.

No thanks to the service providers who offer free night calls and browsing, people stay awake to take advantage of the offers.

The advent of social media has made the use of these gadgets more compelling for many that they have become a distraction and people now find it difficult to concentrate on important things including their work.

These days, people no longer listen attentively. They are either texting, ‘facebooking’, tweeting, pinging or answering calls. Last Monday I was at the Lagos State National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp to see a staff and met the corps members at what was supposed to be a Job Creation empowerment lecture.

Instead of listening to the lecture, many of the graduates were busy with their phones.

I was so grieved by the corps members’ preference for what I am sure are idle phone sessions instead of learning from the speaker on how to prepare for the high unemployment situation in the country.

Later that day at a lecture where I was the speaker, I had to take a few minutes to counsel students why they should not abuse the use of mobile phones. Why should a student be at a lecture and be checking his facebook page? I wondered aloud as I told them how privileged they were compared with those of us who lived in the pre-mobile phone years.

I asked if they ever saw a land phone locked with a padlock and not password.

None of them have. I recalled to their surprise how I have to dictate every word of my news story as a correspondent in Abeokuta to The Punch Newspaper headquarters in Lagos.

Mobile phones, social media and other new media technologies are meant to enhance how we communicate and should not be an object of distraction. When Lagos Doctors called off their recent strike, a lady wrote on her facebook wall that she was relieved that older doctors will now be on duty instead of some young doctors who keep checking their Blackberry while attending to patients.

There have been cases of those who text while walking along the road and get knocked down by vehicles or fall into a ditch because they were not seeing ahead of them.

I have no problem with use of mobile phones but people must know that there is time for everything. I am particularly concerned about the youths: students of secondary and tertiary institutions who are too engrossed with their phones instead of their study. Perhaps the phones would have enhanced their education if they use it at the right time more for seeking knowledge than for social networking.

Like a post I read online, students should read their books instead of ‘facebooking’ at the expense of their study.

If we survived without these gadgets, we can always do without them at moments when we should be concentrating on things that require our full attention.

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Ogochukwu Ikeje ohgeeoh@gmail.com 08084235961 (SMS only)

URING national crisis, security chiefs do not sit pretty. All eyes are on them. They are summoned by higher authorities. They are queried. Sometimes, they are sacked. But Mr. Mohammed Dikko Abubakar has something to cheer, even though Nigerians remain in grief. His appointment as Acting InspectorGeneral of Police (IGP) was confirmed last week, even as the country grieved over the death in Plateau State of two lawmakers, Senator Gyang Dantong (Plateau North Senatorial District) and Hon. Gyang Fulani of the state House of Assembly. Both men were among the mourners who went to bury scores of victims of an earlier attack. The corpses were yet to be lowered into the bowels of the earth when the graveside crowd beheld another band of attackers advancing from the hills. One of the mourners said the attackers were jumping down from the ‘mountains’. It must have looked like a movie scene but it was not make-believe. Dantong, a senior medical doctor, and Fulani collapsed and later died in the ensuing stampede.

It was one of the most remarkable attacks of the Boko Haram sect, not in terms of casualty figures but because of the mode of operation and the fact that it was probably meant to pile grief upon a grieving community.

Will the new National Security Adviser, retired Col. Sambo Dasuki be relieved of his duties? Or will he be given another chance to do what his predecessors failed to do, and then be

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Comment & Analysis

Pondering NSA Dasuki’s fate Is another sack imminent as terror attacks continue? fired if he failed?

Dasuki should not be sacked, though not because there is much hope but rather because such previous reactions brought little redemption. The answer to the nation’s security issues does not lie simply in replacing one security chief with another.

One of the reasons IGP Hafiz Ringim was sacked in January, two months before his retirement, was because the police did not seem to have a clue to the security challenges which the country was facing. Ringim was the police chief when youths in the North ran riot, killing, maiming and burning, in what was called the post-election crisis. Many members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were killed in the violence.

Boko Haram also left their blood-smeared imprints on the sites of several institutions across the northern landscape, including a church in Madalla, Niger State, on the Christmas of 2011. Kabiru Sokoto, said to be a leader of the sect and accused mastermind of the Madalla church bombing, escaped from police custody, worsening Ringim’s profile. In January, the Presidency had

had enough and threw the man out shortly before his retirement date.

There is hardly a reason to say Nigeria has been any safer since Ringim left the scene. Terror continues to be unleashed upon a hapless populace.

There persists a terrifying blood flow in the land. Many who survived terror attacks may never walk again. Those who may certainly will never forget what happened.

IGP Abubakar is not happy with this profile. Neither was retired General Andrew Owoye Azazi in his days as NSA. Azazi got the boot, as did Defence Minister Haliru Mohammed Bello, because, as Presdient Goodluck Jonathan said, there was need to bring in “people who can do things differently, not that those who were there did not work hard.”

Indeed, Dasuki, scion of the Sokoto Sultanate, got off to a different kind of start. Shortly after his appointment, there were reports that the new NSA had obtained telephone numbers and contacts of Boko Haram members and would soon open discussions with them. In addition, he was meeting with

Dasuki should not be sacked, though not because there is much hope but rather because such previous reactions brought little redemption. The answer to the nation’s security issues does not lie simply in replacing one security chief with another

everybody he hoped would help end the reign of terror in the country. He was in Katsina. He was in Daura, hometown of Gen Muhammadu Buhari. He was in Jos. Dasuki was in several other places, and everywhere he went, he spread the message of peace. He spoke with youth leaders, religious chiefs and traditional rulers across tribes and tongues.

“I saw the dangerous effect of Boko Haram in these states,” he was quoted as saying. He remained optimistic.

“I have the mandate to put heads together with religious and traditional leaders as well as the state governments to ensure an immediate ceasefire,” he said.

Dasuki seemed to reserve his warmest impressions for Plateau where he once lived. “Before now, he said, “it [was] difficult for me to believe that you [could] see a Fulani and Berom man together on the street of Plateau fighting. But the presence of various ethnic and religious groups at this parley is a pointer to the fact that we want to forge ahead.”

Shortly after those words came forth, Senator Dantong, Hon. Fulani and other Plateau mourners saw armed men jumping down from the hills and advancing towards them. The mourners fled. Dantong and Fulani fell and died.

Boko Haram had struck yet again.

Should Dasuki go? No. Sacking him will not stem the blood flow. What to do?

The Jonathan administration should put the information it says it has to good use.

The Presidency has told Nigerians that it knows the terrorists, and that some are even in government. Then, add the new Dasuki contacts and there should be a rich information base to work with. But the government should decide whether it wants to dialogue or fight.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Comment & Analysis

15

Lack of transparency President Jonathan has inspired perception of corruption by his refusal to declare his assets publicly

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration on a national television station that he does not ‘give a damn’ to requests that he should declare his assets publicly fell short of what was expected of a statesman. But the Presidency’s response to Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project’s (SERAP) letter advising the civil society group to approach the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) if it needs documents detailing his assets, was even worse, coming weeks after majority of Nigerians had criticised the President for not wanting to make his assets declaration public. A Presidency desirous to learn would have taken a cue from the initial criticisms on the subject.

SERAP, relying on the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, had asked President Jonathan to provide information on his assets as declared ‘between May 2007 and May 2012, and to publish widely the information on a dedicated website.’

The President’s Chief of Staff, through a letter dated July 5, with reference number SH/SHC/9/ Vol.6/128 and signed on his behalf by Jalal A. Arabi, State House Counsel, advised SERAP to go through the CCB. The Presidency in particular wants SERAP to explore the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 3 of the 1999 Constitution.

We are aware that it is mandatory for the President, Vice-President, Governors, Deputy Governors, among others listed as pubic officers in Part II of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 constitution, to declare their assets and liabilities to the CCB. The argument that such public officers are not compelled to do so publicly is not only misconstrued but also impedes accountability and transparency in governance.

To buttress our position, we rely on the Third Schedule, Part 1 (A), Section 3 to wit: The Bureau shall have power to: (a) Receive declarations by public officers made under paragraph 12 of Part I of the Fifth Schedule to this Constitution; (b) Examine the declarations in accordance

G

EORGE Egbuchulam has been in and out of hospital for months.

Recently the doctor said he needs a N2.5m kidney transplant plus an over-N3m post-surgery maintenance to end his health misery. George has been in pains, tenaciously hanging on to life via a dialysis regime at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, which is anything but cheap to run itself.

Some six years ago at the University of Ibadan, Egbuchulam was a name on the list of fresh students applying for membership of the National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies (NASELS) Press. When he was called for an interview, the panel was astounded to find sauntering in, a young man donning a vanilla vest on a bland pair of jeans and slippers. Was this all he could wear to a formal interview to join the press? Members of the panel unanimously misconstrued him for an unruly jambite who should be taught the rudiments of formal dressing. It was an embarrassed Egbuchulam who left the interview room, fighting to hold on rushing tears and claiming assuredly that he only wore what he had. But did the nasty encounter stop him from joining the press? No!

with the requirements of the Code of Conduct or any law; (c) retain custody of such declarations and make them available for inspection by any citizen of Nigeria on such terms and conditions as the National Assembly may prescribe; (d) Ensure compliance with and, where appropriate, enforce the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law relating thereto; (e) Receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law in relation thereto, investigate the complaint and, where appropriate, refer such matters to the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

When read together, the purpose and spirit of sub paragraphs (c) and (e) is to compel the Code of Conduct Bureau to make such asset declarations accessible to scrutiny by Nigerians from whom in (e), the constitution expects it to receive complaints about non-compliance with or breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct or any law in relation thereto. It is by allowing this that referrals to the Code of Conduct Tribunal could be facilitated.

Added to the above is the extant law, the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act 2011 duly passed by the National Assembly and voluntarily assented to by the President, which, in Section 1 (1) allows as of right, request for access to information, including information on the assets dec-

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

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

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

laration by the President of Nigeria, being a public document within the meaning of the FoI Act, and which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution. The FoI Act in Section 4: (a) states that when a person makes a request for information from a public official, institution or agency, the public official, institution or agency to whom the application is directed is under a binding legal obligation to provide the applicant with the information requested for, except as otherwise provided by the Act, within seven days after the application is received.

The CCB has breached this provision and we call on SERAP to approach the court for an order of mandamus to compel the release of the documents. The FoI Act in Sections 2(3) (d) (V) and (4) provide a binding legal duty on the President to ensure that documents containing information relating to his assets declaration are widely disseminated and made readily available to members of the public through various means. We do not know why the President is afraid or reluctant to do this.

This was the same President who once said that perception was one major reason for his removal of Mrs. Farida Waziri, former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The same perception is haunting him over his refusal to publicly declare his assets.

However, we are hopeful that he would be gentlemanly enough to hearken to the voice of reason. Reading together all the provisions of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and those of the FoI Act, 2011, we are not wrong to assert that public declaration of assets is contemplated by the law so as to eradicate corrupt practices and abuse of power by the country’s leaders. President Jonathan should take a cue from the precedent set by the late President Umaru Yar’Adua who publicly declared his assets in 2007.

LETTERS

Help save George Egbuchulam’s life Tall, fair and handsome, he was unmistakable on campus, always wearing an infectious confidence that was further bolstered by a chronic smile. And he was knowledgeable. The only time we ever engaged in a real conversation (I doubt he will himself remember) was when someone sought the meaning of ‘rococo,’ and it was him who nearly perfectly offered a definition.

He never hid his poor background. You could almost think

he was proud of it, which clearly signposted the strength of character of a man who knew his financial condition was fleeting, who had unflinching conviction he would someday dismantle the poverty that had plagued him all his life.

Despite never having enough to eat and drink throughout his stay on campus, — the first of his parents’ six children — he graduated in 2010 with a Second-Class Honours (Upper Division). He was a

prominent member of NASELS Press, winning in 2008 the Union of Campus Journalists (UCJ) Prize for Best Fiction. He also won the 2009 edition of the annual quiz contest of the Association of Theatre Arts Students (ATAS); and he was a background member of the prestigious UI team that famously conquered the country in the Zain Africa Challenge of 2009.

In his final year, he was president of the prodigiously talented UI Chess Team. Although he is

clearly a writer for the future, he has been stealthily building repute for his works in screen play, poetry and prose, which can be accessed on NaijaStories.

For someone who merely struggled to survive through the financial challenge of a first degree, he had already obtained a form in pursuit of a Masters at UI’s Institute of African Studies, despite his work as an editor with Ibadan-based publishing firm, Bookbuilders. No mean feats, anyone would accept.

Amaechi's demolition of growth in Rivers

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VALUABLE human society depends upon the right for development given to it.

Mahatma Gandhi says that constant development is the law of life, and a man who always tries to maintain his dogmas in order to appear consistent drives himself into a false position.

Without such demolition as we are experiencing in certain areas of Rivers State, the Europelike development many people

want to see in Africa will be a tall dream. In earnest, development is very good but it all depends on how we are developing and who is developing us. This is why everybody must commend Governor Chibuike Amaechi in his efforts to seeing that people are relieved of a life of shacks and squalor.

Without mincing words, as the number one person in Rivers State, people should advise the governor on the kind of job to

do at the affected areas, and not to drag him to the mud. Most people are opposed to even the genuine position of the state government. Why? Whether we are opposition or critics, we must have a conscience to praise Amaechi where he is getting it right and admonish him where he may be going astray. This does not make one a doublespeaker. We must understand that things must change for people to also change.

It is rational to continue with

the demolition works as far as they meet the rights of the occupants of the affected areas.

He should also not allow contactors to abandon work in the areas after a strenuous demolition. He should meet works and words with action.

He should create avenues where the demolitions will not affect the economic activities and social life of the people.

By Odimegwu Onwumere Port Harcourt

Should such bundle of talent be allowed to die, all because of N6m?

The time to help him is now. We should not wait until he dies and then engage in candlelight procession; or contribute for his burial or sponsor a radio or television announcement of his obituary. A thousand naira from 6,000 people is all he needs to stay alive! His friends and well-wishers have raised nearly N1m, who is the one person to donate N5m?

Should George die (God forbid!), there is blame for everyone who has heard about his illness, everyone who ever knew him, everyone who ever set eyes on him, and more importantly, anyone who ever read this piece.

Two questions: where are the 6,000 saviours; and who is the one-in-6,000 Samaritan who would put an immediate end to George’s agony? The search is on!

If you have been touched to save George Egbuchulam, send a donation to: Unity Bank: George Chimezirim Egbuchulam 0018310939 First Bank: George Chimezirim Egbuchulam 3020722444 God’s blessings await you.

By ‘Fisayo Soyombo Lagos.

SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 500 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS: sundaynation@yahoo.com

16

Ropo Sekoni ropo.sekoni @thenationonlineng.net

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S the Senate receives memoranda from various segments of the polity, it is important for senators to be reminded about the special character of the 1999 Constitution that they are about to amend.

Despite the claim by the constitution that it is a document created by Nigerian people(s), it is clear that it is incontrovertibly a document imposed on Nigerians by military dictators. It may be for this reason that many citizens and organizations are calling for a people’s constitution that is created through a constitutional or sovereign national conference. Many of the advocates for a people’s constitution may be right to feel that attempts by the Senate and even the President through the Belgore Committee to amend the constitution are largely designed to move national discourse away from persistent calls for a proper constitutional conference.

The authors of the current constitution must have assumed that members of national and state assemblies would be true representatives of the electorate.

They must have thought that elections would be free and fair to the extent that federal and

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

W

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Comment & Analysis

E, South-Westerners are ever so wise in our own eyes that we often think that Boko Haram, the virulent cancer that it is, will metastasize here in the same manner they began to devastate Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano and, now much more virulently, a more Christian Plateau state where the living can no longer bury its dead. I have always known that Boko Haram’s minders, who are a lot more sophisticated, are much wiser than that kind of silly pidgeon-holing. We seem to so easily forget the Hausa/Fulani penchant for beguilement.

Now they have invaded not only our towns but lithely man long stretches of our ill-maintained expressways –roads that still retain that name for lack of words to properly describe them- where they indwell in tankers, roadside kiosks, abandoned articulated vehicles etc.

Please come with me as I present some edited postings on our self-same ekitipanupo web portal this past week.

Shortly before General Iruh’s Boko Haram –like, gruesome murder on the long bridge overlooking Lagos, one or two of our members/friends have been attacked in similar fashion on the LagosIbadan expressway. Read their capture of those events.

ACT 1 SCENE 1 After my robbery incidence on Lagos - Ibadan road last Thursday, I have kept close touch with the Isara Police Station, Ogun State and I am shocked to note as follows: 1. Several other incidences have happened on that road, same spot.

Constitutional amendment and the citizenry (1) state legislators would have the mandate of their constituents and would reflect the wishes of their constituencies as they carry out their responsibilities as representatives. But the electoral experience from 1999 till date indicates that many of those in the legislatures have not been freely chosen by voters, not even all of those claiming to have been elected in the 2011 elections.

And, many of those that might have been fairly elected might have since the last voting exercise been disconnected from the desires of their constituents.

It must have been the optimism of authors of the 1999 Constitution about free and fair election that encouraged them to leave the citizens out of direct involvement in the section on Mode of Altering Provisions of the Constitution. This section limits the amendment of the constitution substantially to members of the federal legislatures and tangentially to members of state assemblies who are only required to approve recommendations from the national assembly through simple resolutions of two-thirds of state legislatures.

There is certainly a need to include citizens in the amend-

ment process, especially at a time that the constitution is not in any way owned by citizens.

The first requirement to give citizens a sense of ownership is to amend the section on Mode of Altering the Constitution to include a YES or NO referendum on amendments offered by the national assembly. This will allow citizens to participate in deciding the relevance of new constitutional provisions to their life’s desires and their visions regarding how to make the polity and economy work.

Suggestions that should require the consent of the people at the horizontal axis of the polity are already coming to the Senate. One such proposal is the bold restructuring of the country’s governance architecture being suggested by the Belgore Committee. It appears that the highlight of the Belgore Committee’s efforts to ‘fill the gaps in the 1999 Constitution’ is to make local governments independent of the states that form them. This is a matter that must not be approved or rejected solely by the national and state assemblies. Citizens at the grassroots in local governments should be given a say in this case.

While a few politicians scheming to become local government chairmen and women, councilors, or supervising councilors may be celebrating that petro-naira or dollars will soon be flowing directly to them from Abuja, citizens that live and die in local governments may be wondering about the fragmentation of consciousness that decoupling state and local governments might engender. Even traditional rulers who are already clamouring for a space in the new power distribution of an amended constitution may have started worrying about the rise in the number of crown wearers that are likely to start claiming to be first-class rulers.

Non-political citizens that are concerned about service delivery at the grassroots level are likely to be raising issues about the wisdom of leaving monitoring and evaluation of local government projects and programmes to distant donors of funds from the federation accounts.

Political thinkers who are familiar with good practices in other parts of the world must not but wonder why the Belgore Committee wants to throw away the baby and the bathwater.

Such folks are likely to be asking what will be left of states if they no longer have local governments to look after. Citizens must be given a chance to decide through a plebiscite if they want to build upon the so-called three tier government structure created by military dictators without any reference to the governed and owners of local communities.

The Senate has started well by calling for memoranda to guide it in making a decision on which aspects of the constitution to amend. President Jonathan has also acted well in terms of fact finding by setting up the Belgore Committee to assist him in knowing how to move forward on a constitution that the people believe to be a document of estrangement.

These two steps are not strange to other democracies. They are generally seen as part of topdown approach to problem solving. Plebiscite or referendum is seen as bottom-up approach to democratic intervention at the grassroots level. The Senate needs to look in the direction of giving space to referendum in the amendment process. This is one of the illustrations of best practices in democratization across the globe.

General Iruh’s gruesome murder: Boho Haram berths in the South-West No time is considered safe.

2. No police patrol exist on that spot, you only find police patrol vehicles stationed at the filling station after the Sagamu interchange and the one before Ogere toll gate.

Aside these two, you would not see any till you get to the Oyo State section of the road.

3. The bush on both sides of the road serves as good hide out for criminals and I cannot stop wondering what both Bi-Courtney and FERMA are doing on that road.

4. The bad spots on the road are getting worse, making it compulsory for vehicles to slow down 5. The median between the two expressways have been cleared but they remain extremely marshy and very difficult to cross in case of any emergency.

6. Along the entire road, you will find small kiosks presumably occupied by those selling black oil to tankers....you will find them in significant numbers all the way down to Ibadan (including those selling cooked corn) - Stop at these spots to your own peril.

7. The Ogere toll gate has become home to not only tanker drivers, but miscreants who have turned the place into operational base and your guess is as good as mine as to why police or even the army will not go after them.

8. Interestingly, you will find okadas plying the road, possibly for surveillance purposes.

9. The access road to the bridge leading to Sapade/Isara is in a very bad state, so no escape routes for travellers.

10. There are clusters of farm settlements all over the place in the bush used by these hoodlums, the police are well aware and are, most

probably, complicit.

11. It is time to tame these Hausa/Fulani people before the South West becomes a war zone.

ACT 2, SCENE 2 Then the following chilling recount of a forum member who, but for God, may by now be counted with the wounded or dead ‘But for the grace of God, it could well have been me.’

‘The late General and I were members of the same church and we both attended the burial of a member’s late father at Idoba Araromi (close to Oke-Onigbin) in Kwara State on Friday the 6th of July 2012. We both left the place at about 12.30pm but while he returned directly to Lagos, I decided to spend the night in Ibadan. He was dressed in a simple pair of slippers, wore a jacket and trousers and a t-shirt.

Such was the man’s simple and unassuming life!

At Ibadan, I called the women and was assured they had moved beyond Ogere which used to be my most feared black spot and so I relaxed and went to bed happy that they would soon be home only to get a call shortly after, asking me to a general meeting to “discuss the unfortunate incident of the last evening involving Bro Iruh.”

I just went numb.

By the accounts of his co-travellers, the assailants were two Fulani herdsmen, one, holding just the stereotype shepherd rod, the other with sword and dagger. They climbed up from hidden ladders under the bridge immediately asking for ‘money, money”. Without the slightest resistance they machetted the woman upfront, a senior den-

tal surgeon with LASUTH and wife of another church member, before the cannibals descended on the late General who they stabbed everywhere, until he slumped and died; a man who spent his entire life serving this wretched country.

Each of us should take caution as the evil ones are nearer than we think, and are strategically planted in places where they can easily entrap us: city entry points, market places,, gates to our many estates /residences etc.

And, then, the clincher by the narrator: ’We need to be more security conscious in the South West as the invasive forces are subtle and longterm in their planning.’

A northern friend I told of my belief that Boko Haram is stealthily being introduced into Yoruba land easily concurred pleading, however, that ‘ this is why my brothers in the South should note that BH transcends regional, religious and ethnic boundaries…’

Suffice it to say, however, that security agents should, first and foremost, take whatever clues they can from the above to go after those who may be intent in ‘putting the loud-mouth Yoruba in their place’.

They should understand that the Yoruba will not die lying low, or die with gun or arrow shots, to their backs.

Abacha once tried to inundate every piece of property in Yoruba land with his compatriots from outside Nigeria to make life and living a hell for us. He could not even wait to tell the story. Our God saw to that. But we equally know that our South African brothers will not be free today were they holed up in churches. The ‘Odua country’

will never be trampled. And those who swore to protect this country should, please be up and doing. We ask for no more.

But, indeed, we ask for more and it concerns our Ogere compatriots about who there were equally many posts. Most appropriate was the following one and rather than show anger, our respected Ogere brothers and sisters should do their level best to ensure we do not assist those who may not mean well for us. I quote: ‘Ogere has become synonymous with morbid fear, harassment and death for users of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. Cleaning up the mess should be made the primary responsibility of the Kabiyesi and his chiefs’ ‘The hoodlums are not passengers. They reside permanently around his kingdom. For petty royalties, Ogere harbours the tanker drivers who make life hell for motorists. Ogere is not a fuel depot. It is not an eatery. Majority of the hawkers who shove eggs and plantain in your nose are inhabitants of Ogere kingdom. If the Ogun state security apparatus wants to solve this problem, they should involve the Ologere and let him know that his little kingdom has become a den of dangerous thieves and hoodlums’ In my view, all that genuinely angered citizens of Ogere have to do is partner with Kabiyesi, the Chiefs, churches, mosques, the youth and, in particular, the huge stranger elements who must be properly registered under the keen supervision of security agencies.

By far the most concerned here, anyway, must be the Ogun state government which cannot afford toler any part of its territory be a killing field.

Comment & Analysis

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Tunji

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

F

ROM his recent decision to put in place a national strategy on corruption, President Goodluck Jonathan appears to want to drop the word ‘committee’, because there would have been a barrage of criticisms if he ever mentioned ‘committee’ again. Nigerians are not just wary of committees; they are also weary of them. Only members of the committees who smile to the banks with their sitting allowances are never tired of their assignment. As we know, when the person eating goat meat is laughing heartily, the owner of the goat will frown because it is his money that is being consumed.

Committees in this part of the world are usually avenues for job for the boys.

Anyway, the discerning would always know that national strategy on corruption and national committee/s on corruption is one and the same thing. The difference is a question of semantics. Whether the President cleverly avoided using the word ‘committee’ or not, the ‘strategists’ that he would select to thrash out the issue of corruption would still sit like committees and take decisions that would be collated like those of committees. So, where is the difference?

But that is even not the point I am stressing today. The main poser is whether we need any national strategy to fight corruption. I don’t think so. We have more than enough provisions in our statutes to deal with the monster of corruption. What is

Postscript, Unlimited!

By

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

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ET’S have a little bit of fun this week, shall we? Let’s not think about this careless country or the comedic antics and pronouncements of the jewels we elected who sometimes double, in their spare time, as our rulers and lawmakers. Sometimes, one just cannot guess where their places of primary assignment are: the country or the spas. You know what those are, don’t you? They are those places you go to when you’re feeling a little weighed down by all the anxieties you accumulated panting over why your money is stubbornly staying at a meagre two hundred billion and refusing to climb to that much needed three hundred billion so that you can at least qualify for a sniff of a mention (even if for nomination only) in the ‘Fortunes Hundred Thousand.’ Ho to the spas, people!

The spas are those resorts where the obscenely rich go to for a large slice of ‘life’. There, you the rich (oh yes, it can still happen) are pampered out of your senses with so many options to make you feel your money’s worth. You can choose to immerse yourself in a hot steaming bath as big as a swimming pool where you can watch your beer and pepper-soup pouch melt off into the water at least for a while. Don’t worry, it will still follow you home as your sign of good

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From national committee/s to national strategy The President’s ‘new idea’ can’t go far on corruption lacking is the will by government to deal decisively with it. And many people feel government is hamstrung because its hands too are not entirely clean.

What strategy or strategies do we need to fight corruption that we have never heard of? We know what to do if truly we want to fight the menace.

If we must fight corruption, our police must be well trained, well equipped and well motivated. Judges in the temple of justice must also be well paid. Gani Fawehinmi, in a book, ‘The way the law should go’, which he wrote after he was eventually made a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, gave vivid accounts of the pathetic situation of judges in some states who go to work on ‘okada’; some are offered ‘lift’ by some of the litigants who had cases in their courts, etc. How can such judges think straight and deliver judgment according to the law? If we want to fight corruption, we should let the anti-corruption agencies be truly independent. The President should have no hand in their affairs, and if he must, he should not be the one that the heads of the agencies should be responsible to.

All the strategies that we need to fight corruption are in the communiqués of the numerous

seminars and workshops that we have conducted on the matter in the past, which are gathering dust in some government shelves. Corruption has gone not only deeper but even far above into the high places in the land, and that is why bean cake has suddenly become bone in the mouth of the edentulous.

Now that the President is contemplating having a national strategy on corruption, we should bear in mind the possibility of some big people going to court to challenge government on this score; that this national strategy will not augur well for them. Then, the courts will grant them all kinds of injunctions and we would be moving in circles until we eventually get frustrated and drop the idea. You know, because it is the big people that are involved; they have all the money to use all the legal gymnastics that would ensure we get frustrated. Who knows, it may even be the government that will be singing for them to dance, in which case what we would be hearing is the voice of Jacob whereas it is Esau that is at work or play.

You will soon understand what I am saying when the trial of our oil subsidy suspects begins. That is when

“Today, we have been globally rated as a force to reckon with when the issue is corruption. Even the government has acknowledged that corruption has become a cankerworm in the country, in which case, a national strategy will only scratch the monster on the surface; only a full-fledged National Ministry of Corruption will do.”

we will know that election petitions that made billionaires of some judges were a child’s play; subsidy suits will make ‘trillionaires’ of as many others as are willing to play ball, ‘sting operation’ or no ‘sting operation’. The only one on our hands now is getting too knotty to untie. You can imagine the scenario if we have many, involving those who know the law inside out!

What I am saying is that election petitions may be sweet, subsidy cases will definitely be sweeter. As the acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 election, Bashorun Moshoood Kashimawo Abiola once observed, ‘publishing is sweet, but oil is sweeter’. Abiola had tasted both worlds and so was eminently qualified to make a sound judgment. It was probably when he had not known any other ‘world’ that he thought there was no other life after publishing; and that is pretty normal because a child who has not been to another person’s farm will always think his father’s is the largest.

But after the business mogul began to sip from the oil wells, he could not hide the ecstasy of the newfound love, hence his declaration of oil as sweeter than publishing. Our big men who have been drinking oil will attest to this. Inasmuch as we cannot find anyone who would put honey in his mouth and spit it out, how then can someone spit out oil from his mouth? As a matter of fact, it is because oil is sweet(er) that we now have subsidy suspects to prosecute; not a few drank more than enough for us to notice; even if they did not import, or they imported far less oil than they were paid for. Oil is the only

thing one can take excess of; not any of the ‘quine’ tablets, for instance. And, this type of corruption is beyond the ken of any national strategy.

All said however, if the President insists on going ahead with his national strategy on corruption, so be it. What is important is that he succeeds because, if we can battle corruption successfully, other good things shall be added unto us.

However, towards this end, let me advise the President to read last Thursday’s column of my friend, Gbenga Omotoso in this paper where he suggested that we may need to establish a Ministry of Condolences, (I guess) because of the expertise our President is garnering in that area, no thanks to the Boko Haram insurgency. But this cannot be enough. It is people who do not know what they are saying that think the government is already spending too much on recurrent expenditure; the way things are, we may be spending far less.

For sure, there is an acute shortage of ministries in the land, given the enormity of what we need to do to ‘move the country forward’.

It is not only the Ministry of Condolences that should be created.

We need as well a National Ministry of Corruption. People can talk of strategy on corruption when the thing is at an embryonic stage. Today, we have been globally rated as a force to reckon with when the issue is corruption. Even the government has acknowledged that corruption has become a cankerworm in the country, in which case, a national strategy will only scratch the monster on the surface; only a full-fledged Ministry of Corruption will do.

If you want to cure your headache, you need to become a car! living. The wonder of that bath is that it also melts many other things away: headache, gout, annoying irritations from wives and girlfriends and children, etc.

You may also get treated to the massage of your life. Listen, there is nothing as good as a massage. You will be laid out on a table like a plucked chicken, every mountainous bit of you, while the masseuse picks out your erring, recalcitrant muscles and beats the life out of them. By the time she is through, I guarantee you there will not be any life left in either you or the muscles. Someone once described how he saw a massage table in a rich man’s house. That table, he said, wide-eyed, can take one straight to heaven. No, I’ve never had a massage for the simple reason that I have never felt that any muscle in my body has deserved to be put on a table and be pelted and pulled and pampered into a cuddle. I have preferred to put those lazy things to work instead. You, I tell them each morning, drive me to my work place to work, after which we go to the market to shop and then we go to the church to pray and if you’re good all the way, I may take you to the field tomorrow for some good ol’ jogging. That usually puts them right. Massage? Pugh!

Apart from your steam bath and your table massage, you may get treated to other benefits of the watering house that cannot be mentioned on this page for the sake of my readers who see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. Yes, you

can get treated to full canisters of pure oxygen to reinvigorate and rejuvenate your entire system so you never grow old. (Oh, you! What did you think I was talking about? I guess you can get some of that too though).

The sad thing is that the poor also have their troubles. One would think that the Good Lord would use the principles of mathematics to separate the haves and the havenots: more riches, more troubles; less riches, less troubles. But not so: as headaches fall on the rich, so they fall on the poor. Once, I had a raging headache, and to get rid of it, I had to resort to some desperate measures. I watched TV where I saw adverts that told me ‘When headaches strike, strike back with ...’ That left me wondering. If I strike my dog for some sundry offence, it yelps; if I strike my headache because it first attacked me, obviously, I will yelp. So, to avoid that, I had to listen to the wise counsels of the sages who had better ideas.

The first consult said I should dip my head in cold water. That sounded simple enough. So, when the headache struck again, straight into a bucket went my head. But then, I began to have some problems. First, in the upturned position, the water not only went into my head, so to speak, it also went into my nose, eyes and other parts not necessarily in trouble. No, said someone, use the shower. The shower went down my head but refused to stay there. Obviously, I needed another consult.

My new consult asked what my diet was like. I said it was like any other normal Nigerian’s: sparse, no food. It’s in the diet, he insisted stubbornly. All right, I thought, beginning from then on to eye the contents of my diet: too much water, too little water; too much salt, too little salt. I mention those because they are the only things in abundance. I know it cannot be too much beef, chicken or fish because I don’t know how many of us Nigerians can afford the United Nations daily ration of those proteins. So, in exasperation, I consulted a homeopath. Think positive, sayeth he. Positive! Yes, he said; think no evil of anyone, let good thoughts flow from you to them. What if they have bad thoughts towards me, I asked?

Never mind that, concentrate on yourself. Keep your mind at a neutral gear as much as possible, he said. Now, because of a headache, I have turned into a car.

To cut a long story short, I practiced this emotional neutrality for a while, and would you believe it, I have felt less tension towards our leaders who, I’ve heard, overpay themselves in salaries that can finance another country’s national budget; or that I’ve heard that oil subsidies being paid out have now increased by more than a thousand fold since Obasanjo left. I hear these things, but I do not let them leave any impression on me whatsoever; so now, no headache.

Then I began to understand the source of my headache: it is the fact

that Nigerians would prefer to go and enjoy themselves instead of working to fix our country. It then occurred to me that the first pang actually occurred when I read of how government officials no longer keep their good selves in the country. I remembered then how they all, national, state and local government officials inclusive, seemed to suddenly develop a penchant for flying out of the country under every excuse most notably to go and learn the ropes of democracy. And I always thought, what is there to learn in democracy? I then came to the conclusion that we Nigerians appear unable to stop exhibiting our very primitive impulses to show our neighbours how we have arrived; neighbours being the world now.

That was where my groans started.

So, dear reader, we have had some fun with our national, largesize headache, the source of which no one quite knows: whether from the leaders or from we the people.

If we say leaders, why does every Nigerian aspire to get to the top and be like the people they condemned?

If we say the people, why do we continue to recycle it at every level?

Nearly every Nigerian in any position of authority now thinks he has been sent down from heaven to oppress those he is required to serve.

Now, you know why I needed a consult to begin with. Do note though that not all headaches can be laughed off. If you have a headache, please consult your doctor who will tell you whether to be afraid or to put your mind at ... you know where.

18

I

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Comment & Analysis

N December, the people of this town watched the national army stand by while thousands of young men from a rival ethnic group stormed in for a cattle raid. The interlopers shot and macheted hundreds of people, burned homes and stole tens of thousands of cows.

One month on, the state minister for law enforcement arrived in this part of eastern South Sudan to convince residents that the fledgling nation’s new government was ready to help - and that they should give up their weapons.

Gabriel Duop, a man built like a refrigerator, sat behind a wooden desk in a dirt field, a notebook in front of him.

“We are the government,” he told the crowd. “And we want peace.”

But the people wanted answers.

Who, they asked, would protect them when the raiders returned?

That the citizens of the world’s newest nation are making such demands is both a sign of progress and an indication of how far South Sudan has to go. Cattle raids are centuries old in the region. The expectation that a central government can and should halt them is much newer.

For decades, Sudan’s southerners fought the country’s predominately Arab rulers in the north. More than 2 million people died before the fighting ended in a peace deal in 2005.

In a referendum promised by the pact, 99 percent of southerners chose to secede. And on July 9, 2011, the flag of South Sudan was raised over Juba, the rickety new capital.

This country of about 8 million people has several things going for it - fertile soil, rich petroleum reserves and backing from the United States and other wealthy international donors.

But in many ways, South Sudan’s creation was a wild act of optimism.

The landlocked country is embroiled in an often violent dispute with its old rulers in Sudan. Just one in four people are literate. Running water and hospital beds are scarce. And in a nation the size of France, there are only about 300 km (190 miles) of tarmac roads.

In short, there’s every possibility South Sudan could join the ranks of the world’s failed states, adding to instability in a part of the world already dogged by separatist rebellions, Islamist militants, corruption and poverty.

The first year of independence has brought hope and pride, but also graft and missteps - not least an economically disastrous dispute with Sudan over oil that has threatened to turn into a new war. The row has led Juba to shut down its oil industry, which provided an astonishing 98 percent of state income. Domestic crises like the murderous cattle raid in Pibor have tested the government’s ability to provide the most fundamental of services, security.

The first year has also brought questions about what it means to be a citizen of South Sudan. This is especially true in states such as Jonglei, where Pibor lies. There, smaller tribes have long had a tense relationship with the country’s two biggest, the Dinka and the Nuer, which dominate the government.

Most of Pibor’s residents are Murle (pronounced “mur-lay”), numbering an estimated 150,000 people.

In interviews with dozens of Murle leaders and citizens, most remained hopeful their new government would bring development and security. But many were frustrated about broken promises and increasingly worried they might have traded one set of remote and neglectful rulers for another. Crucially, the government has so far failed to convince every South Sudanese that they belong.

“We don’t have roads, we don’t have hospitals,” said Peter Gazulu, a Murle who is close to some of the

For the world’s newest nation, a rocky start

Jubilant citizens celebrating first anniversary of South Sudan's independence

By Alexander Dziadosz group’s most influential leaders.

“Why are we denied representation?

Why are we denied development? ...

We fought 21 years for democracy and freedom for all, so why has it become a democracy for the few?”

Officials in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, the ruling party, dismiss charges of neglect and say frictions among the nation’s ethnic groups are rooted in years of misrule by the Sudanese government in Khartoum. With time and control of its resources, South Sudan can overcome this.

The post-raid meeting in Pibor suggests that won’t be easy.

So deep was the lack of trust in the central government, one woman said she had almost been too scared to show up. She suggested Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer, had played a role in the raids - a claim few outside the town take seriously.

Machar had addressed a meeting in Pibor in December and assured people the town would be safe, the woman said. But the raiders stormed in just days later.

“The vice president arrived here, and those people came right away,” she said, drawing applause from the crowd that hugged the shade of a neem tree.

Machar’s office did not respond to requests for an interview, but he and other officials have said he went to Pibor to try to persuade the attackers to go home. The heavily armed young men refused.

When people had finished airing their grievances, Duop, the state law minister, stood to speak. The sun poured down on him and the crowd.

Officials were working with aid agencies, talking to the media, doing everything they could to help, he said.

The government planned to deploy troops between the Nuer and Murle to prevent more raids, and would even consider a Murle request to split the region off into its own state.

Rumors that Machar had assisted his fellow Nuer in the raid were nonsense, Duop said. “Riek Machar loves his people ... Now we have our own nation, and we don’t want our people to die.”

Duop said he would take the same message to a large Nuer town.

At the end of the minister’s speech, people clapped politely and a couple of men approached to shake his hand.

“Good meeting,” Duop said, and smiled as people filed out.

When the field had mostly

emptied, Samuel Chachin, a tall, balding pastor with a thin moustache, approached a reporter.

The people did not believe the state minister, he said.

THE IMPORTANCE OF COWS Pibor is poor even for South Sudan.

In the dry season, the sun bakes the dirt roads so hard they feel like pavement. In the wet season, rain turns the ground to mud. The air buzzes with insects. Place an apple core on the ground and within a minute it will turn black with flies and ants.

Children in stained, tattered rags fashion toy pickup trucks out of rusted vegetable oil tins stamped “USAID,” the acronym of the U.S. government aid agency. Most of the real pickups belong to aid groups, the United Nations or the national army.

All but a few people live in oneroom, stick-and-mud huts.

“People still have that life of a long time ago,” said David Adoch, a stocky man working as an administrator at the Pibor county government headquarters who put his age around 36.

Most people grow their own food and get by without needing much money. A well-paid government worker or trader - about the only people who use cash - might expect to make 700 South Sudanese pounds a month, or around $140 at recent black market rates. Sorghum, a staple food, now costs over five pounds ($1) a kilo in parts of Jonglei state.

Part of the area’s poverty owes to its isolation. Trucking in basic materials like cement and iron sheeting is costly. It is a common problem in South Sudan, and one reason the state has virtually no presence outside the three or four main centers.

Foreign aid agencies provide almost all the basic services in Pibor, including water and health services.

“If we’re not there, there is simply no health care,” Karel Janssens, a field coordinator for Doctors Without Borders, said of a Murle village near Pibor.

The harsh terrain and remoteness are not the only cause of the area’s sense of isolation and neglect. During the civil war, many Murle sided with Khartoum against the southern rebels, who were led and dominated by the Dinka. That rivalry with the bigger groups, as well as a history of back-and-forth cattle raiding, has left

a legacy of animosity and prejudice.

Cows are everything in South Sudan. For Murle and other tribes, cattle are part of nearly every social structure and basic desire: wealth, marriage, status, influence.

A Murle man’s family is expected to pay a dowry of cattle to his bride’s family. Cow milk mixed with cow blood is a prized drink. If a Murle commits murder, he compensates the victim’s family in cows.

“If you have just 10 cows, people will not consider you. You’re like a spoon - only for eating and throwing down. You cannot eat also. You’re for using,” said Joseph, a local government worker, with a laugh. “If you have many cows, people will respect you.

They’ll greet you in a respectful way.”

Raids and counter-raids have cycled for centuries, gradually becoming bloodier as guns and satellite phones flooded in and young men became less responsive to local elders’ pleas for them to stop. With no real chance for people to appeal to the law when rivals steal their cows, the incentive to steal back is high.

THE “WHITE ARMY” In the December raid, an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 young men from the LouNuer - a sub-group of the Nuer marched on Murle territory. They called themselves the “White Army,” a name first taken by another Nuer group during the civil war whose fighters smeared white ash on their torsos to guard against insects.

On December 23, as pastor Chachin and church members in his hometown of Lekwanglei practised songs and prepared food for Christmas, Murle started to arrive from the north. They were injured and had stories of carnage.

“The people were running. They said, ‘The Nuer are coming now,’” Chachin recalled. His family and other villagers walked through the night the 40 km (25 miles) or so to Pibor. There, he and his wife, Rebecca, and their five children moved into a small hut near the main church. By December 31, raiders had arrived at the town’s outskirts. The family fled again.

“You could see the smoke. They were burning the houses,” Chachin said of the raid on Pibor.

The Doctors Without Borders clinic and dozens of homes were ransacked.

Pastor Chachin said raiders shot his mother as she fled across a river, killing her.

Another man, Lela Agolo, said his wife and children were shot dead while sleeping in the grass after fleeing their village.

The attackers began withdrawing on January 3. “They were able to do so unchallenged and have continued to enjoy impunity,” the human rights division of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan reported last month.

The scale of the damage was dramatic. Lekwanglei was reduced to little more than a field of cow bones, crushed jerry cans, and the blackened remains of huts. The village school, one of few concrete structures, was smashed and burned, its walls covered in graffiti. “We are not going to leave,” one slogan read.

Kurkur Golla, who put her age at around 60, said she had witnessed cattle raids since her youth. Back then, she said, “The young people were not like these. They only came and took cattle. They didn’t kill children and old people.”

Mediators stress that the conflict is far from one-sided. The rampage was the latest in a series of tit-for-tat attacks that many say was triggered by a 2009 Murle raid on the Lou-Nuer.

“Lou-Nuer do go and raid, and Murle do go and raid,” said Gatwech Koak Nyuon, a member of the Nuer Peace Council, a local group that has tried to end the violence.

The death toll is disputed. Pibor’s commissioner, Joshua Konyi, put the figure at 3,141. The U.N. human rights report said there were 612 confirmed deaths in the attacks on Murle settlements, although more deaths had been reported. Another 276 people died in revenge attacks on LouNuer and Dinka communities, it said.

Murle were particularly bitter that neither South Sudan’s army, which is stationed in both Lekwanglei and Pibor, nor the local contingent of U.N. peacekeepers, were able to halt the onslaught.

Several survivors claimed Nuer members of the national army had joined in the raids.

Peter Kaka, a 32-year-old Murle soldier in the army, was stationed in Pibor and there during the raid. He said he and the other troops had been given orders to hold back and not intervene, but he did not know why.

“It was a surprise to the (Pibor) community,” he said. “When we were brought from Juba, we were told by our commanders that we were going to deploy in different areas so that we would defend them from external attack. We did nothing. We were just like a throat which is not swallowing the food.”

The Sudan People’s Liberation Army, as South Sudan’s national army is called, says its 400 to 600 soldiers did not intervene because they were outnumbered by the well-armed and organized attackers. A lack of roads and transport made it impossible, despite U.N. warnings, to mobilize enough troops to protect civilians.

Army spokesman Philip Aguer said any order to confront the raiders head-on would have been a “suicidal act.” Aguer said 11 soldiers were reported to have deserted amid the attacks. “Whether they joined the fighters, we are not sure,” he said. The government has since sent thousands of soldiers to Jonglei to prevent further attacks.

The U.N. mission says it did everything it could and that its presence stopped raiders from attacking people inside the center of Pibor.

“The combined use of deterrence, early warning and show of force did protect civilians,” the mission’s spokesman said in an emailed comment. The primary responsibility for protecting the country’s civilians, he added, “remains with its young government.”

A “NEW SUDAN” During colonial rule, British administrators tried to keep the south and its patchwork of tribes separate from the largely Arabic north. When London granted independence in 1956, it left an Arab government in Khartoum, which reneged on a •Continued on Page 67

POLITICS

19

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

2015 and and 2015 Akpabio’s Akpabio’s senatorial senatorial ambition ambition A lively topic of political discussion in Akwa Ibom State is the ethnic group or senatorial zone that should produce the next governor after the expiration of Godswill Akpabio’s tenure.

Sam Egburonu reports that the governor’s alleged senatorial ambition is further complicating the political arithmetic •Akpabio

A

LTHOUGH the issue of Governor Godswill Akpabio’s successor at the completion of his second term has been largely acclaimed as the most thorny issue in Akwa Ibom State politics, The Nation’s investigation shows that the governor’s alleged 2015 senatorial ambition has become a more critical factor in the choice of his successor.

Recently, there were reports that Akpabio will retire from active politics at the expiration of his current tenure as the governor. In fact, he was quoted as saying in a recent interview that from 2015, he would only act in advisory capacity.

“I pray that 2015 will meet all of us alive. I see myself as an elder statesman by that time…I would be a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, sitting down as a development consultant, giving advice to the youths, from the level of local governments to the state,” he said.

This notwithstanding, our findings indicate that the governor’s men are working hard behind-the-scene to ensure that he moves from Akwa Ibom State Government House to the Red Chamber of the National Assembly in 2015. This plan, though easily dismissed by his lieutenants as speculative, has become the central factor that may decide the next governorship candidate of the rul-

ing Peoples’ Democratic Party in the state. An insider source informed that any calculation on 2015 governorship race in Akwa Ibom state that fails to take into account the senatorial ambition of the governor cannot work.

On the face of it, the issue of the right candidate to take over from Akpabio stems from the ethno-political texture of the state. Akwa Ibom State has three pronounced ethnic groups; Ibibio, Annang and Oron. So the most elementary political calculation today could be that since the Ibibio and Annang had recently produced number one citizens of the state, it should be the turn of the Oron people to produce the next governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2015. The current governor, Akpabio, is from the Annang tribe, while his predecessor, Chief Victor Attah, is an Ibibio.

So, Oron, which is in Eket Senatorial District, is loudly demanding for what they describe as equity and fairness.

But feelers from other political stakeholders indicate that the people of the zone may not secure this ticket on a platter of gold. As a result, many aspirants have already emerged both within the Eket Senatorial District and outside.

One of their loudest critics is Ibom Covenant Initiative (ICI). The president of the group, Wisdom Effiong, alleged that there has never been a time in the state when

zoning was used to determine the governorship slot in the state.

According to him, all the 31 local government areas in the state have the right to vie for the governorship slot in 2015.

Other groups whose views have given hint to the thinking of the political leaders in the state include traditional rulers and Adaha Akwa Ibom, a new socio-political forum of eminent Akwa Ibom personalities which is headed by Michael Afangideh, a man considered by many as a political godfather to Governor Akpabio.

For example, the chairman of the state council of chiefs and paramount ruler of Ibiono Ibom, His Royal Majesty, Okuku Dr. Ime Udousoro Inyang, was quoted recently as saying that whatever the Adaha Akwa Ibom will decide in the politics of Akwa Ibom will have a binding force on all interested parties no matter who is involved.

Since then, informed observers have been eager to hear the group’s final opinion on Akpabio’s successor.

Almost three years away, many names have been touted as possible successors of the governor and interest groups sponsoring each of the aspirants have been eager to get the governor’s words.

Some of the known aspirants working behind-the-scene to succeed Akpabio include Nsima Ekere, the current deputy governor;

Umana Okon Umana, the current Secretary to the State Government; Otu Ita Toyo, a former PDP state chairman and Bishop Sam Akpan, the state Deputy Chairman of PDP. Names of many other prominent politicians from the state, including the ones currently holding offices in Abuja, have been mentioned.

The growing army of aspirants aside, we gathered authoritatively that close associates of Akpabio and the managers of his political machinery have been directed to keep the issue of governorship candidate aside and first develop foolproof arrangement that would ensure their principal’s emergence as a distinguished senator in 2015.

The senatorial card: Amongst the four most visible governorship aspirants who are still serving under Akpabio’s cabinet and the PDP State Working Committee, we gathered that one of them has won the heart of the managers of the governor’s political machinery because he is assisting them in the crucial task of putting together a political structure designed to actualise Governor Akpabio’s senatorial ambition in the 2015.

Another source also alleged that Akwa Ibom Peoples Forum (AKPF), the political group that worked for the emergence of Akpabio in 2007, has also been briefed and is already “aware of the need to secure the political fu-

ture of the leader before talking about his successor.”

According to the source, “Every stakeholder agrees that the governor has performed creditably well. So, there is the need to ensure that he proceeds to the Senate after his tenure. The only problem and I know the leaders are ironing it out, is the issue of placating the current senator from the governor’s district, who we all know, will be interested in his reelection in 2015.”

Already, it has been alleged that Senator Alloysius Etuk’s relationship with the governor may no longer be as robust as it used to be before the alleged senatorial ambition of the governor became a public issue. During the recent senator’s retreat in Akwa Ibom State, an event packaged by a committee headed by Etuk, it was observed that the two political leaders from the same senatorial zone barely avoided each other, a development sources attributed to the senatorial ticket in 2015.

Because most of the governorship hopefuls from PDP feel that the governor is hardly paying attention to their plans because of the current questions over his senatorial ambition, they are now eager to see how the governor will resolve what they consider to be the brewing face-off between the governor and the serving senator of his zone.

20

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Politics

Jumbo pay tears PDP apart The rumpus in the top hierarchy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the recently announced new salary package for its national officers is still generating more controversies, reports Remi Adelowo

O

N the surface, everything appears normal at the national headquarters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja. But deep down in the minds of the secretariat staff and some deputy national officers of the party, there is a seething anger that, if left unaddressed, may trigger a fresh crisis capable of putting the smooth running of the party in jeopardy.

Coming fast on the heels of the crisis of confidence between the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and its National Secretary, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, which is yet unresolved, the latest crisis centers on the new ‘jumbo pay’ announced by the party for its national officers, while leaving out a large chunk of other stakeholders in the party.

In the new salary package, the national chairman will earn N24m per annum, while the scribe’s emolument totals N18.5m per annum. Other national officers were also placed on hefty take home pay.

Curiously however, deputy national officers of the party were inexplicably excluded from the largesse. And expectedly, they are

•Jonathan

raising dust over what they termed as the ‘unfair treatment’ by their senior colleagues.

One of the officers who spoke to The Nation on the condition of anonymity said, “This (exclusion from salary package) is unacceptable; what the national officers have failed to realise is that we were all elected into our offices and should not be treated as second class stakeholders in the running of the party.”

More worrisome to the deputy national officers, according to findings by The Nation, is that just two months ago, the Presidency allegedly gave each of the 12 NWC members a Prado SUV, with others getting a Landcruiser SUVs. That was not all. In addition, each of the members received a ‘gift’ of N10m, in addition to furniture and

•Tukur

housing grants also allegedly from the Presidency.

Piqued by this development, deputy national officers have reportedly petitioned President Goodluck Jonathan, calling for an “urgent need to address this anomaly.” But in order not to be accused of writing the petition solely for self interests, the officers also accused the principal officers, particularly the National Chairman of sundry offences, ranging from his dictatorial style of running the party, amongst others.

Other issues raised in the petition is the irregular holding of NWC meeting, which hitherto holds every week and that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party has met just four times as against the expected fourteen since

•Oyinlola

Alhaji Bamanga Tukur assumed office as the National Chairman.

Other issues included the frequent clashes between the Chairman and the National Secretary, culminating in the sack of Alhaji Habu Fari, Chief of Staff to the National Chairman.

On the receipt of the petition, it was a concerned President Jonathan who promptly directed the National Chairman to, without delay, summon a meeting of NEC, which is the highest decision making organ of the party.

Earlier fixed for Wednesday, July 11, the meeting eventually did not hold, perhaps due to series of unfortunate events, which took place around the country last week, particularly the crisis in Jos, Plateau State that claimed the lives of over 100 people, including Sena-

tor Gyang Dantong.

While many of the national officers of the party are anxiously looking forward to the NEC meeting, even as its agenda is yet unknown, The Nation gathered that Tukur and Oyinlola may meet the aggrieved deputy national officers soon and before the NEC meeting to iron out all the contending issues.

Also billed to be resolved at the parley is how to address the lean purse of the party, a situation that has resulted into the non-payment of three months’ salary of the party’s administrative staff and which has led the NWC to raise the new funding proposal to the party’s NEC and the Presidency.

How all these issues would be resolved to save the party remains to be seen.

Fayemi: Turning Ekiti into huge construction site W

HEN Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, promised to turn the state into a huge construction site this year, not a few would have imagined what the governor meant.

But seven months into the year the reality of the statement is beginning to dawn on many with the ongoing construction works in different parts of the state, particularly, Ado-Ekiti.

To actualize his promise to the people, the governor rolled out 13 road projects for reconstruction across the state last year. These include the 9km Omisanjana-132KvaDeeper Life Church road; FajuyiTrade Fair road; 1.8km Ijigbo-IsatoIle Abiye road and several others.

Apart from these roads some of which are at different stages of completion, two other roads awarded by the Fayemi administration shortly after assuming power and are nearing completion are the Ado-Ilawe road; Ado-Afao road.

Apart from the roads awarded by the governor there are other •Fayemi road projects inherited by him. They are Ado-Iworoko-Ifaki dual carriage road; Ewu bridge; OyeIre; Aramoko-Ijero-Ido; etc.

By Ifedayo Sayo

Quality assurance Apart from his own initiated programmes, the governor has also completed some of the road projects he inherited from the immediate past administration in fulfilment of his pledge not to abandon any inherited projects. One thing that stands out in the execution of these roads is the desire of the governor for quality to ensure that the state government gets value for its money.

Commenting on the ongoing road projects in addition to the various transformational programmes of the government, the state chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Prince Tunji Ogunlola, said the state has never witnessed the transformation that is going on, pointing out that the governor has lived up to the expectation of the people.

He said if the past administration had laid a quality foundation for the state, the Fayemi administration would not be saddled with the challenges it faced in putting in place quality foundation.

The CNPP chief challenged critics of the state government to come to the state and see for themselves while appealing to motorists facing traffic problem on the Ado-Ekiti major roads to exercise patience with the government over the massive road construction going on.

Speaking in the same vein, the

Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Mr Sola Adebayo, said the ongoing reconstruction of roads in Ado-Ekiti metropolis was occasioned by the shoddy job done in the past. He said this situation informs the massive road works going on in all parts of the state.

He pointed out that the mission of the government in rolling out many roads for construction and reconstruction was informed by the need to turn the state into haven for investors and tourists Meanwhile, the state government has awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of another 16 township roads in the state capital, AdoEkiti. The roads, when completed, would bring up the state capital in line with the vision of the governor for the city.

Beyond the road projects, in fulfilment of his promise, the governor has awarded contracts for the installation of streets light for Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.

Though, road users are presently facing hard times going through the road, it is expected that at the end of the day, the people will have cause to thank the governor for his vision of replacing the hitherto poor road with an asphalt overlaid and beautifully marked road.

Speaking on the road projects, a bread seller, Mrs Bola Adeyinka said though they are facing tough times now because of the dust on the road, they are positive that after the completion of the project, “we have something to celebrate

and to show the world.”

Apart from the numerous road projects in the state, the governor is about constructing an ultra modern market to replace the existing one. Prior to the construction of the market, the government has erected some lock-up shops at Agric Olope area of the state capital to accommodate market women and men that would be evacuated from the Oja Oba market.

Beyond this, is the issue of payment of compensations to those whose properties may be pulled down to give way for the start of work on the ultra modern market.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Mr Kayode Jegede, said the government is still sorting out the payment of compensation to those who will lose their structures for the new market.

Before now, the solar powered street lights had been a failure as the state capital is always in darkness at night due to the poor work done on the street light.

The take off of the project is still being delayed by the reconstruction work carried out on the major roads in Ado-Ekiti.

As the projects are gradually coming on stream and the government Project Monitoring Committee headed by Mr Ranti Adebisi doing their job, the transformation agenda of the government may not be a mirage at the end. *Sayo is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Politics

Political

OGD: Between PDP and PPN

ripples Baba Datti Ahmed’s plans for 2015

•Daniel

I

B

ABA Datti-Ahmed does not cut the image of a politician. Blunt to a •Ahmed fault, Datti Ahmed speaks his mind on controversial issues without minding whose ox is gored. A former member of the House of Representatives (2003-2011), Ahmed caused an upset when he defeated Senator Ahmed Makarfi at the last general elections. His victory was however quashed by the election tribunal after a brief tenure in the senate.

The Zaria, Kaduna State-born politician has put all of those disappointments behind him and is now looking forward to 2015, when sources say, he would likely contest the governorship seat of Kaduna State on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the same platform he used for his botched senatorial ambition.

T seems Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the former governor of Ogun State, is no longer finding politics funny. This is because the very vocation that brought him fame and fortune is now giving him sleepless nights.

OGD’s current headache has nothing to do with his running battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but how he will handle the division of his disciples now in two warring political groups.

Ahead of the local government election in the state, the former governor is now faced with a political situation that sees two political parties namely the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) laying claim to his political machinery across the state.

The situation had become so bad that some of Daniel’s followers in the two parties have been pitched against themselves during the council area polls.

Take Abeokuta North Local Government Area for example, while Ife Akinbode, a former Special Assistant to Daniel is the PPN candidate, another OGD disciple is the PDP flag bearer.

The situation is the same in several other local governments including Imeko-Afon, Ijebu-North-east, Ogun Waterside, Remo North, Odogbolu to mention just a few.

Candidates of the two parties, in laying claims to OGD’s support, have his picture on their posters. Nearly all of them are also using the black ‘Aso Ofi’ cap he popularised, all in a bid to show the people they have his support.

The challenge now for the former governor is how he will handle the matter without offending any of the divides.

Is Kwakwanso eligible for a second term?

I

•Kwakwanso

S Governor Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso of Kano State eligible to contest for another term in office in 2015? This is the big question being asked by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kano State, as speculations continue to mount that the governor, who served from 1999 to 2003 before Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau denied him a second term, is interested in contesting again in 2015.

Kwakwanso made a dramatic return to the Government House in 2011 defeating Shekarau’s anointed candidate.

For Kwakwanso’s supporters, they are quick to argue that he is still eligible to contest for a fresh term in 2015, since the constitution clearly states that only a candidate who has served for two consecutive terms is not qualified to go for another term. According to them, that was not the case with Kwakwanso, whose tenure was cut short in 2003 before he returned to office eight years later.

With this line of argument, are we in any doubt that the governor is preparing to contest in 2015?

Clouds of fear gather over Boko Haram Sam Egburonu and Edozie Udeze attended the 4th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series, to mark the Nobel Laureate’s 75th birthday, and report

E

NTITLED “Media and Civil Liberties, When the Clouds of Fear Gather,” the 4th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series held at NECA building, Alausa, Lagos, on Friday July 13, 2012 as part of the event to mark Professor Wole Soyinka’s 75th birthday, explored the dilemma of covering conflict in Nigeria, focusing on Boko Haram insurgency.

The speakers and participants, most of them media practitioners, lawyers, civil and human rights activists noted that Boko Haram attacks have continued to defy solutions primarily because of issue of corruption amongst leaders.

The key speaker, Mallam Mohammed Haruna, a political analyst and newspaper columnist, said that one of the major reasons the Boko Haram insurgency is thriving in the Northern parts of Nigeria is because government has refused to address the issue of corruption.

Haruna stressed that until poverty, greed, unemployment, total lack of amenities,

amongst others, are solved, more terrorist groups will continue to emerge to agitate for their rights.

According to him, poverty was not the immediate cause of Boko Haram menace.

“There has been much injustice and corruption. Unless we begin to tackle issues of corruption, unless we are sincere with the governed, I am afraid more serious problems may soon emerge,” he said.

He equally blamed northern leaders for their inability to reach out to the masses. “This is why I feel that since the use of force did not work, we can then resort to dialogue. Let us identify those people and let the governors devote more revenue to better the lot of the people.” He contended that unemployment is another factor that has sustained the terrorist attacks. According to him,. Any country with unemployment problem is likely to experience such problems.

In his contribution Col Ajayi (Rtd), who stood in for one of the speakers, Shehu Sani, lampooned the system for total neglect of the youths. Ajayi,

who was incarcerated in the 1995 phantom coup, called on the media owners to offer training opportunities for journalists.

Other speakers include Mr. John Momoh, the founder of Channels Television and Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, the president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, who gave a graphic illustration of the dilemma of covering conflict in Nigeria. He raised some pertinent ques-

•Haruna

tions: What is the difference between Ife Modakeke crisis and the current Jos problem?

Have we learnt lessons from past crises? Did we ask enough questions?

The moderator of the event, Prof Lai Oso, Dean of the School of Communications at the Lagos State University (LASU) reminded participants of the need to keep Nigeria one as he rendered the National Anthem with deep passion.

•Soyinka

21

Political Politics turf

with Bolade Omonijo boladeomonijo@yahoo.com

Patience Jonathan: The making of a Permanent Secretary

T

HE appointment of Permanent Secretaries by a federal or state government is ordinarily a routine, and should not call for comments or outrage as the announcement of Mrs. Patience Jonathan as one of the 18 new Permanent Secretaries in Bayelsa has generated controversy in the past 24 hours.

Facts from the state indicate that she had transferred her service from Rivers to Bayelsa State . And, according to a media aide to Governor Seriake Dickson who made the appointment, Mrs. Jonathan was already a Permanent Secretary before she took a leave of absence following the election of her husband as deputy governor of the state in 1999. Since then, she has continued to serve with her husband, first as wife of the deputy governor, then wife of the governor of the state, and later, in 2007, as wife of the Vice President. When Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, her husband, was elevated Acting President in February 2010, she remained by his side in Abuja and the situation continued when the first family assumed office following the general elections last year.

Until the news of her appointment on Wednesday, very few people knew she was on leave from the Bayelsa civil service. Attention had always been called to her conduct and speeches. Her aides had tried to call attention to her humanitarian activities, especially through the Women for Change and Development Initiative.

The First Lady’s profile shows that she obtained the West African School Certificate in 1980, then the National Certificate of Education, at 32, in 1989. She then taught in secondary schools. Later, she obtained a degree in Psychology from the University of Port Harcourt . Thereafter, records show that she veered into community banking until 1997 when she joined the civil service.

Although the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Affairs, Mr. Daniel IworisoMarkson, has explained that she was a director in the civil service, it is not clear if she was appointed directly a director in 1997 on account of her experience or rose to the position within two years. It is also not clear if indeed she was on a leave of absence truly approved, or was receiving salary up till 2010 as alleged by sources close to former Governor Timipre Sylva.

While the civil service reforms of 1988 had politicised the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, with some head-hunted from outside the service, such people are deemed to have achieved distinction in other fields of endeavour. The immediate past Head of Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi, falls in this category. But, his appointment did not stir controversy because he was deemed eminently qualified in terms of seniority in the public service, knowledge and competence.

Now that Mrs. Jonathan has been appointed a Permanent Secretary, would she be posted to a ministry?

Would she continue to serve in absentia? Do the rules permit promotion while an officer is on leave of absence? Markson explained that: “But for leave of absence, she would have been at that position by now” In defending the appointment, Markson referred to the time-tested tradition in the academia by which lecturers on leave of absence are sometimes elevated.

But, he did not note that promotion in that sector is by volume and quality of publications and the process could sometime take years. It is therefore not strange that a senior lecturer who put in his papers may eventually be elevated two or three years after when he could already be on leave. This is not the same in the civil service.

It is not clear if, by the appointment, she would be posted to a ministry in Yenagoa or continue to hold on by the side of her husband in Abuja . Why did the state government not wait until she is being reabsorbed into service to appropriately locate her?

The questions will linger unless the Bayelsa State governor, a known protégé of President Jonathan, volunteers more information or permits the Head of Service, Mrs. Gloria Izonfor, to address the posers. The state government and the First Family owe the public a duty to assure Nigerians that rules are not being broken with impunity as political settlement.

22

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Politics

PoliticsWeek ...This week’s issues, events and persons

sundaynation@yahoo.com (08023165410 sms

Person on the podium

*With the conclusion of the governorship election in Edo State, one personality whose name would dominate news in the polity in the coming days is the National Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega. Prior to the election, the INEC boss and his lieutenants assured Nigerians and the Edo State indigenes of a free, fair and credible poll that would be acceptable to all.

So, this promise would be critically analysed either positively or otherwise in the days and weeks ahead.

Events •Mimiko

•Akeredolu

As attention shifts to Ondo State after the Edo campaigns and elections, DARE ODUFOWOKAN takes a look at the likely candidates of the leading political parties and their strengths.

A

FTER this weekend’s governorship electoral tussle in Edo State, all eyes will be on Ondo State, where another political contest is scheduled for October 20, 2012.

The contest in Ondo is between an unbending opposition eager to displace an incumbent who is obviously not in a hurry to quit the Alagbaka Government House.

Consequently, political parties, their leaders and the members are traversing the length and breadth of the state to mobilise support at the nooks and crannies of the Sunshine state ahead of the October election.

Though most of the registered political parties have made claims of preparedness for the forthcoming election, insiders said the stage in Ondo is set for an electoral collision of just three leading parties in the state, namely the ruling Labour Party, (LP); the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) and the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN).

Even before the primaries, influential candidates are already emerging. For the ACN, where indications suggest that Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), a former President of the Nigeria Bar Association, will likely emerge as the candidate, the Ondo gubernatorial election is a must win and the party is not leaving any stone unturned in its bid to clinch the coveted office next October.

If antecedents and performance will be the major

Ondo: Parties draw battle line determining factors in the contest, then the party may be coasting home to victory soon. Now a very popular party in the state, the ACN is expected to draw support and inspiration from the five neigbouring SouthWest states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun and Ekiti, where the party boasts of governors that have good records as performers.

Akeredolu, who also served as a Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General in the state during the administration of one of the military administrators, stands tall among the contending figures. An accomplished professional, pundits say his candidature is no doubt a push in the right direction for the ACN. From Owo in the northern senatorial district of the state, home town of the late octogenarian politician and first civilian governor of the state, Chief Michael Ajasin, Akeredolu embodies the agitation of the people of his zone, the Akokos, for a shot at the governorship seat.

Another positive pointer to the party’s readiness to displace Governor Mimiko is the mature and successful way it handled the alleged grievances of some aspirants.

With nearly all his coaspirants promising to remain within the party and work for his success at the polls, Akeredolu and his party appears set for a fight to finish at the gubernatorial contest. And this is one fight the party is dying to win come what may.

For the PDP, which be-

fore now in the state, was seen as a party in coma, the emergence of its candidate seems to have generated some activities in the sleepy party.

The party’s candidate is a two time member of the board of the Niger/Delta Development Commission, (NDDC), the immediate past National Legal Adviser of the party and a former chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (OSOPADEC), Barrister Olusola Oke. Seen as the only candidate among those who vied for the party’s ticket who can reawake a hitherto languishing party, Oke is what the remnant of the embattled PDP in the state came up with in a last minute effort to remain in contention for the Alagbaka Huse.

From the southern senatorial district of the state, an area which is producing the oil that puts the state among the oil producers in the country, the party and its candidate is banking on the population of the area and the obvious neglect of the area by the Mimiko administration to win the election.

As the incumbent governor and the leader of his largely one-state party, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko is the obvious candidate of the ruling Labour Party.

More than anything else, the Mimiko camp appears to be banking on a combination of the famed ‘luck’ that is usually associated with the governor and the sympathy he enjoyed from the people of the

“Another positive pointer to the party’s readiness to displace Governor Mimiko is the mature and successful way it handled the alleged grievances of some aspirants.”

state during his struggle to regain his mandate after the April 2007 governorship election in the state.

It is commonplace to hear aides of the governor saying something like ‘our principal has been lucky in all the strategic moves he had embarked upon since 2003.’ It is primarily for this reason that such aides see no reason why that same luck will not count for him in October.

Supporters of the incumbent who share this ‘lucky man’ view are ever quick to tell you how they left the Alliance for Democracy to pitch their tent with the PDP in 2003. They also speak of how the Iroko emerged as a strong pillar in the PDP, going on to emerge as the Secretary to the Government (SSG) in the government of Segun Agagu.

They are wont to cap it with how luck still smiled on them when they again moved to the Labour Party to prosecute the 2007 election, sealing their good run with the victory at the Appeal Court, Benin City. To them, these are good omen that can be repeated in October.

Aside from their claims that Mimiko has performed creditably well in the last three and a half years as governor of the state, his supporters are optimistic that the people of the state are yet to forget his travails in the hands of the PDP and as such, will still be sympathetic towards him when the governorship tussle takes off fully in a matter of weeks.

As the countdown to the October polls narrows down to mere weeks, none of the parties appear set to concede defeat before the election proper but one thing that is certain is that the people of the state are ready and eager to speak with their votes come October 2o.

•Jega

•Mark

•Amaechi

*The long awaited passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law may be in sight following the ratification of the draft by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) about two weeks ago. It was a relieved Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Allison-Madueke who, while briefing journalists at the end of the FEC meeting, revealed that the bill had been forwarded to the Senate for passage into law. With this development, attention has now shifted to members of the upper chamber of the National Assembly to expedite action on the bill, seen by industry stakeholders as the panacea to address the rot in the petroleum sector and the inefficiency of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). There are strong indications that deliberations on the bill would dominate proceedings in the Senate in the coming weeks. *Another issue that will dominate political discourse this week is the decision last week by the 36 state governors under the aegis of Nigeria Governors’ Forum to drag the Federal Government to the Supreme Court. NGF is expected to institute the action most likely this week.

Reading a communiqué at the end of its meeting, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of the forum, Rotimi Amaechi, said the governors are not comfortable with what they described as over deductions by the Federal Government to fund the fuel subsidy.

The governors, according to sources, are demanding final explanation on the formula FG is using to withdraw from state accounts. The governors had argued that the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has not been transparent in the remittance of its account because the corporation ought to operate a zero account by remitting what it gets into the federation account.

Would the governors carry out their threat this week? The days ahead would provide the answer.

INSIGHT

23

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

PLATEAU KILLINGS: Behind the rivers of blood •Hundreds of Plateau women took to the streets singing STF must go

J

OS, Plateau were names once associated with peace and a soothing calmness – and not just because of the temperate climatic conditions prevailing in the region. Unfortunately, those same names are now synonymous with violent conflict, that is, if one begins to count from the major violence of 1994 in Jos North.

Of the 17 local governments that make up the state only Pankshin, Mangu and Kanke are the ones that can be singled out as not witnessing major upheavals in the last two decades.

Several judicial commissions of enquiries have been constituted to find solutions, several peace summits have been held by stakeholders, several presidential advisory committees has also been convened. In spite of all these, the violence and attendant human casualties keep rising in unprecedented proportions. The solution to crises in Plateau State is not in sight.

Some observers have been tempted to compare the Jos crises with the Isreali-Palestinian conflict in terms longevity, and the inability of governments and stakeholders to find lasting solution to it.

The nature of the conflict in the state can best be described as the Hausa-FulaniPlateau crises. This is because in all the incidents since 1994, the recurring factor has been the Fulani pitched against other ethnic groups: Hausa Muslim against Berom (2001), Hausa-Fulani against Shendam people (2004), Hausa-Fulani protest over election in Jos North (2008), Fulani versus Berom (Dogo Nahawa 2010), Fulani versus Berom 2010, 2011, 2012.

All the crises in Plateau State till date have a common cause: “ownership of Jos land.” For some, the conflict has defied all solutions because on several occasions, the Hausa-Fulani have frustrated implemen-

Despite the intervention of successive governments the perennial conflict between Fulani herdsmen and the Berom is nowhere near resolution. Yusuf Aminu Idegu in Jos examines the issues.

•STF vehicles at the scene in Rikkos, Jos North LGA

tation of reports of all judicial commission of enquiry confirming Berom, Anaguta Afizere as owners of Jos. They have always gone to court to stop implementation of such reports.

This explains why the reports of judicial commission of enquiries of 1994, 2001, 2008, 2010, as well as reports of presidential advisory committees like that of 2010, and the Bola Ajibola committee reports have not been implemented. The list of abandoned reports includes recommendations of the Plateau peace summit of 2004.

Since reports of judicial commissions of

inquiry and peace summits cannot be implemented because one party always opposes the outcomes, the alternative path taken by some is jungle justice - which is, continuous violence until one party accepts defeat and surrenders.

That is exactly the scenario playing out in Plateau State and Berom land in particular. It is one conflict with the tendency to continue till thy kingdom come. This is because stakeholders, federal government and state governments, local governments, ethnic groups, religious leaders, community leaders etc, are not ready to deal with the issue with fair and just

minds. Sentiments have overridden good reasoning.

President Goodluck Jonathan is one president who took what is considered a genuine step aimed at finding lasting solution to the incessant violence. Arising from the crises which engulfed Jos and environs from January 17, 2010 to January19th of the same year, Jonathan convened a consultative forum of stakeholders to consider the situation.

The presidential committee originally comprised fifteen members but was expanded to 28 members to reflect the presence of necessary stakeholders within and outside the state.

The terms of reference of the panel was, among others things, to recommend practical solutions to the recurring problems leading to violence. They were also charged with making recommendations to the state and federal governments on any other relevant issues aimed at averting recurrence of such violence.

Members of the committee were: Chief Solomon Daushep Lar, Ambassador Yahaya Kwande, Chief John Mark Samci, Alhaji Saleh Hassan, Senator John Wash Pam, Senator Nasiru Ibrahim Mantu, Senator John Shagaya, Senator Gyang Dantong, Ambassador Fidelis Tapgun, Ngo Yop Hanatu Chollom, Most Rev. Ignatuis Kaigama, Sheikh Balarabe Dawud, Hon. Leo Dilkon, Hon. Ibrahin Dansuki Nakande, Prof Nenfort Gomwalk, AVM Abbas Umaru, Mrs Fati Kyari, Chief Markus Ishaya, Chief Tonye Ogunshuyin, Barr. Akazamus Anakwe, Barr. Smart Irabor, Mr. Muhammed Adamu Alkali, Dr. Danladi Atu, Brig Gen. S. A. Abok, Alhaji Saleh Bayeri, Alhaji •Continued on Page 26

24

The Sunday Interview

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

‘My greatest fear was living in my father’s shadow’

W

HO is Debe Odumegwu-Ojukwu?

My name’s Chief Sylvester Debe Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the eldest natural son of Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu, who himself was the only natural son of Sir Loius Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

I was born on third of August, 1956. He (Ikemba) was ADO (Assistant District Officer) in Udi in 1955.

What exactly do you mean by “natural” son?

There are sons. You could adopt a son. When I say natural son, it means you’re the biological father and that means you sired that son naturally. That is what I mean by a natural son. A natural son is different from an adopted son, a step or foster son.

When I say natural son, I mean the one that comes through biology. So, I’m the eldest natural son, but I’m not his only son; but he (Dim Odumegwu-Ojukwu) is the only natural son of his father, Sir Loius Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Can one infer that the issue of ‘natural son’ came about due to the circumstances of your birth?

I’m a lawyer. So, when you talk about legitimacy, you’re talking about the law. And as an expert in law, when I talk about the law, you’ll realise that an expert is talking to you. So, I’m the eldest natural, legitimate son of the late Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

So when you now talk about circumstances, perhaps you’re trying to allude to whether there were formal marriages and all that. He (Odumegwu-Ojukwu) may not have formalised the marriage with my mother but the constitution of Nigeria is very clear. Under the fundamental human rights it tells you that no child should suffer any deprivation due to the circumstance of his birth. And in law, there are certain things we call legitimacy: legitimacy by subsequence, acknowlegence - which is what it is.

If you have a child perhaps through what they call ‘out of wedlock’, and you’ve not formalised with the mum, there are rooms for you to legitimise it by subsequent acknowledgement of that child. And you acknowledge it in various forms. It does not go in that constitution to say that you acknowledge it by going to your brothers... You acknowledge it even if you only mentioned it to your friends. That’s the position of the law. If you have had land tussle with your brother and you felt that he was not the person that you should make privy to what you owe dearly, you can’t tell him... So, it is enough to allow things stay calm.

You were in the police force. What was the attraction to join the police?

It was part of my resolve to be different because I would be drawing so many IOUs from the army, from the many instructors he had trained. They will all would want to pay back. Then, again, the only place you find true interplay of true nationalism is in the police, army, customs, and, perhaps, in the prisons.

These are the only places where your ethnicity is lost, where you can mingle with all Nigerians. Today, the bulk of my associates in Nigeria are scattered all over the country. I’m at home anywhere because of my course mates. For instance, I was in the same place with (Hafiz) Ringim (the immediate past Inspector General of Police). We were in the same place; we shared the same thing. If I go to his town today, I will be very comfortable.

The same thing goes for the Yar’Aduas, the Abubakars and so many others.

We used to have a Commissioner of Police called Muhammadu Gambo, who later became the Inspector-General of Police. We also used to have Mamman Nassarawa, Deputy Commissioner of Police, they used to come to promotions board; they always insisted that my father should send me back to Police College to continue where he left. They never felt at ease with my foray into the Nigeria Police Force. That was why, when I was in the police, I was one of the A1 cadets. But then, they always felt that there was a hidden agenda. The ghost of Biafra haunted me throughout and I kept on trying to disprove it.

That is the very funny thing between my father and me: people won’t allow him to perform, they condemned him. They called him a rebel and other names. But he was the most nationalistic man I have ever seen. He loved Nigeria more than any other thing. People didn’t understand that. It played out when I attended Course 1, Nigeria Police Academy. And part of the reason I attended the was based on that He (Odumegwu- course fear. That was why when I Ojukwu) may not finished from the university; insisted I must go for have formalised they that course, to delay me, bethe marriage with cause I was very fast. I was fast in the sense that my mother but the very when I was the same course constitution of mate with the former IG Ringim, none of us Nigeria is very Hafiz was a graduate. But I clear. Under the checked into Nsukka to read and that gave me a leap fundamental Law over my course mates and human rights it they knew where I was tells you that no headed.

So, I became a marked child should suffer student. That was why they I should go back and any deprivation insisted do another 18 months due to the course. So, when I finished Course 1, Police Acadcircumstance of his the emy, I became the best allbirth. round student. The problem now became: how can we make an Ojukwu the number one of the Police Academy? Then, they began to toy with so many things. Usually, the best all-round student normally delivers the passing-out speech.

But they didn’t know how to deal with me. They were afraid I could go to the podium and begin to shout “Hail Biafra”. They nearly didn’t allow me to deliver the speech. At a point, they insisted I should bring my speech for vetting. I refused. I refused because essentially, I deliver most of my speeches extempore, off the cuff.

Did you have a degree then?

No, I went to the university on in-service training. I was already in the police before I went to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on study leave. The police sponsored my education and it was so gratifying because my father’s influence was not there. I just wanted to prove that I can be me. The driving force was the wise saying of Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, which says that “it doesn’t matter what you are and who you are; but whoever you may be and whatever you may be, try to be the best of whatever and whoever you may be.” That it doesn’t really matter where you start, the most important thing is where you end up. I was prepared to join the police as a recruit and end up an Inspector General of Police. It was not a struggle per se. It was part of my resolve to be different…

Still talking about your relationship with your dad, what can kind of dad was he to you?

He was a wonderful father. But he was not just my dad; he was more of a friend. We ended up being brothers because he never had any brother. The only brother he had of blood, died during the war with Kaduna Nzeogwu, that’s Tom Bigger. That was the only person he related with and because he related so well with him...

So he now went and got married to Elizabeth in the church... so after marrying Elizabeth in the church... it was apparent that he felt he was being trapped in this marriage...so he left... he was progressing... and you know what happens with military training, they send you off on courses here and there... that further

“

“

To say Chief Sylvester Debe Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the controversial eldest son of the famous Biafran –warlord, Dim Chukwuemeka OdumegwuOjukwu is a chip off the old block is stating the obvious. Besides being the spitting image of his father both in physique and build, he also carries his mannerisms, idiosyncrasies and fearlessness. Sylvester, a former policeman-turned-lawyer, in this noholds barred interview with Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, shares fond memories of his late father, his late mother, Mrs. Margaret Ugbogu and more on the Ojukwu dynasty

•Continued on Page 25

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

The Sunday Interview

• The son of late Ikemba of Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Sylvester Debe Odumegwu-Ojukwu, during the interview at his residence in Lagos recently

“

She was in her 70’s...As I said, my father held me and tried to probe me and I said, look, and I know what you’re thinking about. I said, don’t think of bothering yourself but he insisted. Behind me, he went and told his chief of staff that he never knew how I could bury my mum that I kept saying that everything was under control. That he should go and find out what I was really up to and all that.

So the man came surreptitiously and he found out that I had already taken charge of the whole thing. I did the whole arrangement and that was how my mum was buried...

You know she was married into another family so I wasn’t going to swamp them. I had to remain in the background because that is not my home. The whole of Nnewi people would go with me because in Nnewi I’m a community leader. I’m the President-General of my town’s union, Umudim...

What is your relationship with your siblings as the eldest child?

The relationship is cordial. But they allowed themselves to be misled. They should have purged themselves from the enemy. It was an enemy that came into my father’s compound to destabilise us all.

We still communicate. There are several correspondences between us. I can show the letters they wrote to me during the period leading to our dad’s illness before and after he was flown abroad. I was the only one with him...

I was the one always staying with him in the hospital, my younger brothers all left to sleep in the hotel. I took that responsibility as the eldest son. Since my younger ones knew brother was there, they took the situation calmly.

When my father was in the hospital and they said he needed blood, I was the one that gave him, I was the one that volunteered myself. Nobody was willing to give that sacrifice even among his so-called “brothers.”

When my father was flown abroad, we were meeting in the hospital. I was the only person that visited him with my whole family...I was

“

According to the folklore story, he was so popular with the women that whenever he was passing by in Nnewi, the town crier will sound the gong to warn men to lock their women inside so that they don’t run after him!

“

•Continued from Page 24 widened the gulf between him and my mum. In any case, my mummy, who was a highly principled and a very proud woman told Ojukwu, “Look, you’ve done this before. No! No! I’m no longer part of it.” Even with the pleas and all that, she said, “No, no, I won’t be a part of it.”

Did your mother ever remarry?

Oh! Yes, of course.

She married a community leader, Chief The Ugbogu. She became a relationship is community leader too. So much so that she was the cordial. But they one that was feathering allowed the nest of the Catholicism in her community. That themselves to was why when she died, be misled. They the Bishop told me that my mother was dead and should have that he heard that I ‘had purged just visited her with things worth over N3million. themselves How was I going to cope? from the That the rule in that place was that anybody that enemy. It was died must be buried an enemy that within two weeks.

I said, my Lord, there came into my is nothing I can do. I think father’s that’s the best thing I can do for my mother is to give compound to her a full Catholic burial. destabilise us And I thank God I was able to do it. The day she all. was buried everybody was there. Even my father’s wives were all there.

Even your father?

No, I told my father not to come because he was already sick. The moment I heard of my mother’s death I came and told him Mama was dead; he grabbed me and shed tears.

How old was your mum when she died?

25

PHOTOS: MUYIWA HASSAN

the first person informed when he was dead...

On a lighter note, your dad loved women as can be seen in his trajectory of life. Do you also share that part of him?

(Laughs)… It is a common trait in all of us... My father actually didn’t do much in the real sense of it.

My great-great grandfather, Ojukwu Ezeigbo was a great warrior.

According to the folklore story, he was so popular with the women that whenever he was passing by in Nnewi, the town crier will sound the gong to warn men to lock their women inside so that they don’t run after him!

So how far are you willing to go?

How do you mean?

The question is how many women are you going to have?

(Laughs...) Those things don’t come deliberately, they come accidentally. When you’re a strong man, you have a natural inclination to protect the weak.

And knowing women the way they are, they need protection. But what I’m insistent on is that if you’ve any affair with any woman, bring it into the open.

This can happen anytime. Even as we’re drinking wine now, a woman may work in and we begin to see her in a different light.

For sure, it is God that determines the woman you relate with. When you check the population of the world, it is about 4 billion. There are 2.2 billion women as against 1.8billion men. There is no way however libidinous you’re that you’ll be attracted to every woman. But if you come across anyone that catches your fancy, then you just have to live up to expectation. God brought them for you to help them.

It was Fani Kayode who said a woman is like a shrine. That once you have any relationship with her, you must be given her chicken, goats, and everything from time to time. And I quite agree with him.

So how many women do you have in your life sir?

I don’t count women, I don’t count children. I have not told you now that I’ve two. All I’ve said is that I don’t count women... (Laughs).

“

26

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

INSIGHT •Continued from Page 23

Abdullahi Ardo, Mr. Bukar Goni Aji and Barr. Istifanus Gyang, An analysis of the committee shows that it comprised political and community leaders of the Berom and Fulani, lawyers and technocrats, as well as retired generals. The committee in the course of their assignment went out to seek advice from the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad II, who at that time was the Grand Patron of Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association. They also met with the Gbong Gwom Jos, President of Plateau Council of Chiefs, Da Gyang Buba for counsel.

The presidential committee equally sought input from the Sokoto State government, Plateau State government and governments of the 19 northern states.

Those with insight into its contents say the report and recommendations of the committee have the potential of bringing lasting solutions to the conflict in the state.

In the case of conflict between the Berom and Fulani in particular, the committee found that as a result of years of mining activities in Plateau State, a large portion of land was degraded and rendered unsuitable for other economic activities; farming and grazing.

This factor alone is enough to get Fulani and Berom into endless battle because land degradation in Plateau state affects mostly Berom land. In Plateau North senatorial zone, Fulani herdsmen and Berom farmers clash regularly while scrambling for farm land and grazing space. Both sides clearly had reasons to encroach on each other’s territory The committee, therefore, recommended that grazing reserves be established in areas that are vulnerable to famer/grazer disputes - especially Barkin Ladi, Bassa, Jos South and Riyom Local Government Areas of the state as contained in the approved government white papers on the Justice Niki Tobi Judicial Commission of Enquiry report of 2001.

In the same vein, grazers and farmers should rededicate themselves to work towards promoting mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence in mediating any conflict situation within their group. In addition joint consultative and peace committees should be constituted at ward, village and district levels for settlement of disputes

Plateau killings: Behind the rivers of blood

•Some irate youth in battle with soldiers in Rayfield Jos after the atttack

• Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba

•Bayeri

among farmers and grazers.

Abandoned gazetted cattle routes and reserves should be revived and strengthened with the view of a view to settling the Fulani grazer away from farmlands.

Leaders of the Berom and Fulani should

work towards promoting mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence in mediating over any conflict situation within their groups.

Fulani herdsmen who encroach on farmlands and farmers encroaching on approved

grazing reserves should be penalised by appropriate authorities. Herdsmen should obtain proper permission from farmers before moving their cattle to graze on crop residue.

Herdsmen should not leave their cattle in care of underage children – a practice which normally results in destruction of crops.

Another cause of conflict between Fulani and Berom is the fact that as a result of the crisis many Fulani herdsmen were displaced while most of them voluntarily relocated from their settlements. Since there was no meaningful reconciliation between the two parties, this only bred resentment and reprisals.

Fulani leaders, on their part, have been attributing violent conflicts between their kinsmen and the Berom since 2008 to reprisals for past attacks on Fulanis.

In order to encourage speedy reconciliation and end the spate of attacks and counter attacks being witnessed between the two parties, the presidential committee urged federal and state governments to ensure that all internally displaced persons - especially the Fulani herdsmen are assisted to return to their original settlements.

The committee found out that the non implementation of past reports of judicial commission of inquiry was a factor in the recurrence of the crises. It also observed that adopting the option of a truth and reconciliation commission could enhance the peace process.

Some of the past reports are; 1. Justice J. Aribiton Fiberisima judicial commission of inquiry report over the 1994 crises 2. Justice Niki Tobi judicial commission of inquiry over the 2001 crises 3. The presidential peace initiative committee on Plateau state chaired by Emir of Zauzau, 2004 4. Plateau Peace summit of 2004 5. Justice Bola Ajibola judicial commission of inquiry into 2008 crises The grazing lands in the northern zone of Plateau State where Fulani feed their cattle belong to the Berom, but the Fulani herdsmen are claiming their rights on the same level availed them by the ECOWAS Protocol •Continued on Page 67

Giving Jos widows a lifeline

T

HE Touch a Widow Foundation was born as a result of the incessant crises that have embroiled the city of Jos, Plateau State in the last few years. According to the coordinator of the group, Rahila Pam, “What is going on is so sad. A lot of people have lost their loved ones and the experience brings tears to the eyes all the time. So many people have gone through a lot of physical and emotional trauma already. I am an indigene and I discovered that the number of widows and orphans in the state was increasing at an alarming rate.”

Most of these women, Pam says are helpless, and are still traumatised by the incident and unable to move on with their lives or provide for their children. “Their children had stopped going to school, the families had lost their homes, are not eating properly and the women are reduced to begging. Their inlaws could not be bothered by the situation and offered no help to them. This issue bothered us so much and any time we visited Jos, we always came back unhappy and depressed”.

Touched by the plight of the widows, Pam decided to do something about the situation.

“In December 2009, we started with the women of Tatu village in Heipang District with twenty women. The Headmaster, of the Tatu Primary School graciously allowed us to use the school at weekends for our meetings. We also used the Cocin Church premises.”

At such meetings tears flowed endlessly as the women counted their losses, their fears and the many battles they had to contend with on a daily basis. “The first thing we did was to get the women together and speak to them about their situation and what they can do about it.

We encouraged them by telling them that they had to let go of the past and move forward.

That they should not wallow in self pity but pull themselves together and take the reins of the family and strive to provide for themselves as well as their children’s needs.”

Setting up a foundation Along the line, Pam and the other good

The intractable crises that Jos has witnessed have left in their wake many widows.

Yetunde Oladeinde ran into Rahila Pam, coordinator of Touch a Widow Foundation, a group founded to bring succour to some of the displaced widows in the beleaguered city.

The group has also engaged in fertilizer

• Pam with some of the widows

Samaritans realized that instead of decreasing the problem was on the increase with more deaths recorded. “We realized that we needed to do much more. So we registered the foundation with the Corporate Affairs Commission. The foundation is fully registered as “Touch A Widow Foundation”.

This identity opened more doors for the group and some good spirited Nigerians supported the initiative. “Over months of

operation, the women’s confidence and level of independence has increased greatly and they have gradually begun to take responsibility for their families. This has increased the trust of women in the community as well as neighbouring communities in our programmes.

As a result, the number of women in our programme has increased from 20 when we started in 2009 to72 in 2010 and now 286. In that number we have 146 women who are farmers”.

distribution to the 146 widows who are farmers.

Through the Women Affairs Ministry, 25 bags of fertilizers were got to support the women. It is also involved in skill acquisition project for the widows.

Apart from this, “Some of the widows have indicated interest in sewing, cooking, petty trading, knitting, events decoration, bead making and computer skills. We also want to introduce the art of soap making and production of air freshener, creams and lotions”.

In spite of some of their achievements, Pam notes that there is still so much to be done.

“What we have done can be described as a tip of the iceberg. We need support to be able to help the widows achieve the best out of the situation they find themselves in at the moment. They need to be empowered to make them provide for their family’s teeming needs.”

There has also been assistance from a senator who donated 10 sewing machines, which about 20 women are making use of.

After the period of apprenticeship, each trainee is given a sewing machine to help set her up.

Pam is however unhappy that the youths are idle, “It is also very sad to note that, we have a lot of orphans with no one to turn to for help. At the moment, we have nine orphans that we are caring for and there are so many of them with no one to turn to for help. Since their parents died, things have gone from bad to worse and they have dropped out of school. We are trying our best to see that their dreams do not die with their parents.”

Pam says all hands are on the deck to lighten the burden of the Jos widows.

28

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 8, 2012

Glamour

Halter-neck

beauties

•Stephanie Okereke •KSB-She stepped out in a pleated halter neck dress

•Ini Edo •Genevieve Nnaji

Things to consider

•Ex-MBGN Munachi Abii •Jennifer

•Lanre Dasilva Ajayi

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Glamour

29

Make eye-popping

statements with

cocktail rings •Moreen Onigbanjo

C

OCKTAIL rings are evergreen fashion accessories that just never seem to leave the fashion scene. Stylishly, they add beauty to the finger and one’s look.

So, make an eye-popping statement while drawing attention to your fresh manicure by

slipping on a cocktail ring for any occasion.

Cocktail rings give you an instant boost of style to finish off your glamorous look. Cocktail rings have been around for centuries, but these sparkling accessories really had their heyday roaring in Nigeria in the 1990’s.

Quick tips for wearing cocktail rings: •Look for rings with one focal stone. The wearing a wedding ring, wear your cocktail ring should have only one large focal stone. If ring on the opposite hand. the ring has other stones, then they should complement, not distract from, the focal •Let your cocktail ring take center stage. stone.

Wearing more than one cocktail ring or other eye-catching jewellery may look too flashy.

•Cocktail rings with semi-precious stones Choose a simple jewellery to coordinate with like amethyst, aquamarine, ruby, pink your ring. sapphire are still in you can also decide if you want to wear them every day or only for •Match metals and stones to your cocktail special occasions. ring. If the cocktail ring is silver with blue stones, choose another silver jewellery. Other •Avoid wearing other rings on the same jewellery you are wearing that have stones hand when sporting a cocktail ring. If you are should coordinate with your cocktail ring.

•Ebube

30

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Glamour

Perfume and

you!

•Choosing a right perfume

T

HERE is a skill to choosing and applying perfume. Perfume is just one of the many faces of fashion, and it has its phases and fads, too. Make sure you spray wisely and get one that is right for you by following these fragrance tips.

How to apply a perfume •Apply perfume to your pulse points.

These are the wrists, crook of the elbow, back of the knees, cleavage and neck. Be careful to dab or spray lightly, not crush the smell by rubbing your wrists together, for example.

•Secondly, spray a small amount of perfume into the air in front of you and walk through it. This way your whole body will be immersed in a light spray of scent.

•Add some perfume to a handkerchief or tissue for some extra scent.

•1-Clive Christian imperial price $215,000 the fragrance of money

•2-Caron’s Poivre: $2,000

How to choose a perfume

4-Baccarats Les Larmes Sacrees de Thebe: Price $1,700

•Funke Akindele

•5-Annick Goutal’s Eau d’Hadrien: Price $1,500

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Glamour

Glamour sizes up the red carpet fashion hits and misses from this year Jimmy's JumpOff Live jamz, which was held at the GET Arena, Lekki a fortnight ago.

Kehinde Falode reports

31

32

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Glamour

President of The Mrein Stores, manufacturers of Mrein Scents, Ms Mercedes Richards, reveals her favourite things to Kehinde Falode.

1

Favourite shoe designer Yves Saint Laurent (YSL)

2

Favourite bag designer Chanel

3

Favourite car Mercedes

4

Favourite perfumes I've got loads, the Mrein scents, Wood Mystique perfume, Narciso Rodriguez for her, Tom Ford (oud), Unbreakable by Khloe and Lamar Kardashian and Mahlakhi.

5

Favourite Holiday spot Though I haven't been there; so I'd say my favourite dream holiday spot is the Bora Bora Island.

6

Favourite sunglasses Ray ban

7

Favourite wrist watch designer Hublot

8

Favourite Nigerian fashion designer Yutees

Richards’

top

10

9

Favourite actor &actress Rita Dominic and my favourite male actors are Ghanaians John Dumelo and Majid Micheal

10

Favourite sport Swimming

THEATRE

With VICTOR AKANDE

t

BIGSCREEN

SOUND TRACK

GISTS

PAGE

33

plus

e-mail: victor_akande@yahoo.com

Amstel Malta Showtime airs on radio

Bimbo Akintola reappears in

Hoodrush R.Kelly, Chris Brown Banky W out to Nigerians ch a re talks cancer

•Banky W

•Rkelly and Chris Brown

34

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Why I got married late —Saka

Entertainment

39

Tehila hits Nigeria with Master Audio Sound System

•Tim Ogboruche (2nd right) with other members of his team

Tribute to Hindi cinema

Amitabh Bachchan leads India to Morocco I want to get married to only one person, I want to take very good care of my children just as my parents have done for me. That I am a Muslim does not mean I must marry many wives. God says in the Quran, that you can marry up to four, but you have to satisfy them equally

•Amitabh

Sport&Style PAGE 35

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

IKOYI CLUB EX-CAPTAIN, FRANK GBONEME ADMITS

'Golf keeps me fit as fiddle'

REPENTANT

THOMAS! Ryan Giggs’ gal, Imogen dazzles in sleek outfit

FLIPSIDE OF EMEKA EZEUGO

The Prince of Urualla unfazed with CHIOMA AJUNWAOPARAH SCREAMS

Bentley

‘The best thing after God is my husband’

ROYALTY

By MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN

H

E was widely described as The Destroyer during his heydays with the Super Eagles but Emeka Ezeugo has wittingly displayed that he’s of refined heart with no attachment to material things.

The former Nigerian International who was part of what is now regarded as Nigeria’s Golden Generation that won the Tunisia 1994 African Cup of Nations on their way to the country’s maiden appearance at the USA’94 World Cup, was actually born with silver spoon with rooted in the famous Urualla Royal Family in Anambra State.

“I come from one of Africa's oldest royal family, Urualla precisely,” he said in a rare interview with The Nation Sport & Style. “Urualla is a principality that is slightly bigger than Monaco. My grandfather, Ezeugo was the king but the first son always becomes the king once the king takes a bow to join the ancestors. My most senior uncle is the current custodian of the stool.”

All over the world, those who belonged to the royal class are always revered but Ezeugo posited that the perk of being a blueblood is nothing than responsibility, even as he revealed his disgust for Contd. on pg 39

36

37

SPORT&STYLE SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

SPORT&STYLE

SPORT&STYLE

FROM LAS VEGAS TO

T N A T N E REP

TH

IBIZA

!

S A M O

'Golf keeps me fit as fiddle'

H

E has only just returned from Las Vegas, but Steven Gerrard is already on holiday again. The Liverpool star was spotted in Ibiza on a jetty surrounded by swimsuit-clad women.

With some of his England squad mates focusing on training for the Olympics in Spain, the footballer has plenty of free time to get a well-earned break.

His wife Alex wasn't with the 32-year-old as he walked down to the dock with some male friends to go for a swim.

A source on holiday in Ibiza told Mail Online: 'Steven was with a big group of lads on the Moet bed, every girl there was trying to get on his table but they weren't having any of it, the minders told everyone to go away.

Steven showed off his toned stomach and chest in his swimming shorts, and attracted a few admiring glances from passersby.

But Gerrard didn't give any of them a backwards glance, and it is understandable given the flawless bikini body his wife was showing off in Vegas a week ago.

The WAG rivals her lucky husband for best figure in the Gerrard household, and showed off it off in a skimpy twopiece as the couple partied at a pool party during their US holiday.

Alex revealed in her OK! magazine column that her husband had surprised her with a trip to the US after she's been unable to go last year when she fell pregnant.

'He took me to the airport thinking we were going to Ibiza but all my friends were there and they were like: "Woo, we’re going to Vegas!"' she revealed in her column.

'I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t twig at all – I saw all my friends at the airport and thought, I wonder where they’re going?!'

S

HE'S known for making the most of her assets whenever possible. And while Imogen Thomas usually favours clingy, cleavage-enhancing dresses, the 29-year-old star opted for a much more demure look as she stepped out in the capital last night.

The reality star was attending the launch of London's Hippodrome Casino, which marked the re-opening of the famous theatre as an entertainment destination.

The model paired her dress with a slicked-back bun, smoky eye make-up, a black clutch bag and black peep toe platform heels.

And it was a good job the brunette beauty decided to wear her usually flowing locks up for the evening, as prior to arriving at the event she and a friend were caught in a downpour.

Earlier, Imogen Thomas shows off an eye-popping amount of cleavage on a night out.

The busty Welsh model’s boobs almost spilled out of her low-cut hot pink dress as she stepped out in London recently.

The 29-year-old who had a fling with Manchester United star, Ryan Giggs, had teamed her revealing outfit with a black leather jacket, black peep-toe heels and a pink paper bag.

Federer and wife soak up sun on luxury yacht

Is Kate Upton dating Justin Verlander?

Sports Illustrated supermodel spends romantic weekend with Detroit Tigers pitcher

S

IKOYI CLUB EX-CAPTAIN, FRANK GBONEME ADMITS

Steven Gerrard gets first-class attention from swimsuit-clad girls

Ryan Giggs’ gal, Imogen dazzles in sleek outfit

HE is currently one of the world's most lusted after supermodels. And it appears that Sports Illustrated stunner Kate Upton may no longer be a single woman.

The 20-year-old has been spending quite a lot of time with one of Major League Baseball's best pitchers, Detroit Tigers player Justin Verlander, 29.

The pair were spotted in Michigan where they attended an Aerosmith concert together. The buxom blonde model was seen by many fans, watching the event from Verlander's private suit at the Palace of Auburn Hills, according to the Huffington Post.

Inside, the pair were joined by Kate's best friend and fellow model

CELEB FITNESS

Lizzy Glynn and Verlander's pal Frank Viola Jr. They started off at a bar with a mechanical bull and then headed to Birmingham's South Bar. The following night, dressed all in black and wearing a Detroit Tigers baseball cap, Kate was seen jovially skipping into a private suite to watch Verlander play.

What Verlander's rumoured girlfriend Emily Yuen thinks about the pair's blossoming friendship is unknown.

Yuen reportedly met Verlander in college, and the pair are said to be currently in a long-term relationship Meanwhile Kate has been single for some time, after being last linked to New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez earlier this year.

R

OGER Federer showed he is a man who knows how to live the high life as he wound down after his Wimbledon victory with a luxury holiday in Sardinia.

While his rival Andy Murray battled the rain in Britain, signing autographs for fans and shopping for groceries in a damp and grey London, Federer jetted off with his wife for a holiday in the upmarket Italian resort of Costa Smeralda.

The man who is worth £30m through his recordbreaking sponsorship took his wife Mirka on a day-long yacht cruise, setting sail from Porto Cervo off the northern coast of the Italian island.

As a man celebrating his seventh Wimbledon victory and his first Grand Slam win in two years, he looked fittingly relaxed, and the two, dressed in laidback summery clothes, loaded up their boat with supplies before setting off for a cruise in the jewel blue waters.

The couple left their twin daughters Myla Rose and Charlene Riva, two, behind, enjoying some well-deserved time together - no doubt much needed in the wake of what would have been an intensive training schedule for Federer pre-Wimbledon.

PHOTOS: Bola Omilabu

R

CRUISE CONTROL

Mario Balotelli keeps scoring amid lovechild claims!

H

IS ex-girlfriend may be pregnant and insistent he is the father of her child.

But that hasn't prevented Mario Balotelli from having plenty of fun.

The Italian striker continued to enjoy his holiday in the party isle of Ibiza and he has not shortage of female company. He was seen seemingly without a care in the world as he got close to a couple of scantily clad women.

The 21-year-old looked happy and carefree as he wore some baggy white board shorts and lapped up the rays.

And his smile spread even wider as he was flanked by a bevy of girls in string bikinis.

Balotelli seemed to take a shine to one blonde lady in particular, who happily jumped on the back of his jet ski. She showed off why she'd caught his eye as she bent over to reveal her tanned and toned derriere.

Mario wrapped up in a life jacket as he took charge of the water vehicle.

And he could be seen zooming through the water as his friends also jumped aboard jet skis. They later jumped off and into the water before drying off.

The footballer's former girlfriend Raffaella Fico revealed she is pregnant earlier this month and is so adamant that Balotelli is the father she's agreed to allow a paternity test to take place.

Fico split from the sports man in April amid reports he had cheated on her.

Initially it was reported that he was 'delighted' with the news but Manchester City and Italy striker Balotelli then issued a strongly worded statement in which he said he would 'accept his full responsibilities once a paternity test' had been taken to establish if he really was the father.

Fico has since released a heartfelt letter to the star via Italian weekly magazine, Chi. Since news of her pregnancy emerged Balotelli has been spotted living it up in nightclubs near his home town of Brescia as well as in the south of France after being given a few days extra holiday while his City team mates are on pre-season training in Austria.

etired from the Nigerian Customs in October 2008 after 32 years of meritorious service, Frank Gboneme, who now has business interest in the Petroleum sector and Freight Forwarding, does not joke with keeping fit and that led him into the ‘gentleman's game’ of golf.

He reckons that golf has helped him to stay in first-class shape physically and mentally. The immediate past captain of Ikoyi Club 1938 (Golf Section) sheds light on his fitness routine as well as its benefits in this interview with TAIWO ALIMI. Excerpts...

At what point did you start serious fitness regimen?

I have been athletic all the while right from my secondary schools, through Alabama A & M University in the USA. I had long appreciated and understood the importance of fitness and keeping fit. Later in life when I started working, my doctor also advised me to partake in serious fitness and exercises and that is why in 1998, I started playing golf. Then I was working with government in the Nigerian Custom Service and even when I retired in 2008 and started my own business I did not stop because you need to be fit to do well in business.

How is your fitness routine like?

I try as much as possible to work out daily before leaving home in the morning. I have a gym at home; I work on the treadmill and lift the weight for about one hour before going to work.

I also play golf at least three times in a week. I play on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

On Wednesday I play around the midday, very early on Saturday and midday on Sunday after church service. However whenever I’m playing golf I don’t use the gym at home. I only use the gym whenever I am not playing golf.

So how fit are you?

I am very fit for my age. I don’t fall sick too often and l can walk 10km every other day. Golf is an all round fitness routine. You can walk at your own pace and if you want to, increase your pace to brisk walking. Since a game of golf (18 holes game) last for about four hours you would have successfully exercised all parts of your body by the time you finish a game. If you are not fit you cannot finish a round of golf. So if you can play three rounds a week, you have to be very fit.

What are the other benefits of playing golf?

Golf has changed my life. Golf is a game of life. Aside from physical benefits, golf also makes you mentally active. It also teaches one important lessons of life. For example, you may play well today and tomorrow play badly. Meaning misfortune is part of our daily life and we cannot be fully prepared for it that is golf for you. It is also an avenue to meet others in different fields of life. You have to play with different kinds of people and get to know them better in the course of playing the game.

How long do you intend to play golf and keep fit?

I intend to do this until death. We have golfers in this club in their 80s and they still play the game regularly. We have Papa Kuye and others in their advanced ages and they are still playing. I cannot stop play-

ing golf and would continue to play golf for as long as l live and keep fit because it is even now that l need it more. Golf is the only sport that other athletes, be it tennis, squash and basketball players retire to. Golfers don’t retire to other sports and that is why it is a sport for all.

So to answer your question, only death can separate me from golf.

What about your family, do you encourage them to keep fit?

My wife plays golf though not as regularly as l do. And my children are also active in sport.

Though they prefer to play tennis, basketball and not golf.

Sport&Style

PAGE 38

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

CHIOMA AJUNWA-OPARAH SCREAMS

‘The best thing after God is my husband’ Excerpts...

By Adetutu Audu

N

IGERIA’S celebrated athlete, Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah has described her hubby as the next best thing to her after God. Painting a picture of a wonderful man, the Olympian noted that her husband was specially packaged for her, boasting that the marriage was made in heaven!

“I know that there are many men but it is not easy to get a good husband,” Ajunwa-Oparah, who is now a Divisional Police Officer in Lagos, told The Nation Sport & Style.

“I thank God that I found my own husband because you if you don’t get your own husband, you would face many stress. If not for the kind of husband that I have, I won’t be where I’m today. After God, it’s my husband and that is why I must find time to cook for my husband.

“I don’t leave the office till 10 or 11 pm, sometimes I sleep there but he is very understandable. He is the kind of husband I prayed for. We never dated but we are happily married. We are now like a brother and sister.”

Chioma Ajunwa-Oparah made history at the Atlanta’96 Olympics Game when she became the first Nigerian to win individual Olympic Gold medal-a feat she said has opened doors for her. Upon her return from the Olympics, the late Head of State, Sani Abacha bestowed on her National Award, the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) while her community proudly bestowed on her a chieftaincy title.

On October 1, 2010, Chioma was listed and celebrated among 50 distinguished Nigerians to mark the country’s 50th Independence anniversary. She enthused that her meritorious rise was due to her diligence on both the track and on her beat as a Cop woman.

“There was a time I wanted to resign to take an appointment in the US but it was my husband that said I should stay back here,” She revealed.

“I am not trying to exaggerate, but if you are close to me, you will know what I am talking about,” she added amongst sundry issues.

Before your Olympics’ success story, did it ever cross your mind that athletics will take you places?

Honestly, I did not know that athletics would take me to the top of the worldwide. I started running for the fun of it but I thank God that He has taken me to this level. I think the lesson is that whatever one is doing, it is important to do it well.

In what way has the fame impacted in your career?

By the time I came back from Atlanta, I was promoted two ranks above my contemporaries. And I believed it is because of the feat I recorded in Atlanta. I Ajunwa became a star and my name has opened doors for me.

When I walk on the street today, people treat me with respect and this makes me happy.

How did your parents react when you decided to do sport?

They actually discouraged me totally. They locked me up several times but I would jump through the windows to go for training and I really thank God that I eventually pursued my dreams.

So when you became a star, how do they feel?

They never knew that sports could bring glory. The perception then was that if you are doing sports, you will be wayward but my own story is different. God used has sports to bring some families out of poverty; most athletes that have made it in sports are not from rich homes.

In a career heavily populated by men, don’t you feel intimidated?

I don’t. I believe I have a great father in God and He is the one doing the job. I am just sitting here doing what God wants me to do. Policing is very simple, every day they send you signal on what to do and if you follow the steps that the number one Policeman is telling us to do, you won’t have problems. I know the rudiments of the job and I follow every instruction but most importantly, I put God ahead of everything.

PHOTO: Muyiwa Hassan How do you relax in the midst of all these?

This job has no time for relaxation. You come to work every day, it is not easy but I’m coping well. As a woman, we believed that what a man can do, a woman can even do better. There are some issues in this job you can use motherly guidance to handle.

The Federal Government honoured you recently, how do you feel about the national honour?

I think I am really honoured that it happened while I am still alive.

When I learnt that I’m one of the 50 people picked in celebration of Nigeria’s Golden Anniversary, I was really happy and felt on top of the world. I cried. I did not know why I was crying but it was all tears of joy.

When I won the Gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, I never knew it was a big thing until I got back to Nigeria and I saw multitude of people waiting for us. When I saw the names of the people on the list, I asked myself how many people were still alive. I was like God, Chioma Ajunwa, and ‘what did I do?’ My mind went back to the medal and I said ‘this medal is something else.’ I am happy and elated that God made me who I am. I am grateful because money cannot buy all what I have got as a result of having the Gold medal at the Atlanta’96 Olympics.

FLIPSIDE OF EMEKA EZEUGO ostentatious life style.

“I attach no importance to material stuff, a luxury car, expensive house, wrist watches,” Ezeugo explained. “Those who came from nothing or from nowhere are the kind who dotes on material stuff. I come from a noble background and some things mean nothing to me.

“I have a Maserati in the state of New Hampshire solely because I enjoy the thrill of revving up the engine at night from New Hampshire to Montreal in Canada. And this is all I do with that ride. Smooth ride to Montreal for a night out. It's a 220k cutie.”

You can actually call Ezeugo a ‘rebellious’ Prince with a cause. He lives the life of a nomad, crisscrossing the world because of his multi-facet responsibilities which he confessed has dearly affected his matrimony.

Said he: “Football happened to be the job that brought fame my way but I have another job too that involves performing my royal duties, serving my people. I go about that like just another day at work. It brings me back to Nigeria often and the job is done quietly without the Principality's financial support like the royal families of Europe.

“Indeed, I’m a prince but I don't wear it like regalia of honour at all. I’m pretty settled now but I left it late (marriage) because there are so many things that was more important and needed expedient attention. “Since I live in Lagos, New York, New Hampshire, Abu Dhabi, Dhaka, Lima, and Mumbai, it's not every woman that can keep up and handle the rigours of being in a relationship with a global personality like me. There's no K-leg in our love story.

“My wife just can't go round the world with me because she is a doctor and she's gotta be in one location. It isn’t easy for me because I gotta wait until another day for a kiss and the day when I get to Lagos could be a month or two! My wife is a simple lady, not nagging or easily swayed by material stuff.

She makes me laugh and doesn't take herself too seriously. She is amiable and urbane and that's enough for me.”

Despite his well-heeled background, Ezeugo indeed has a Spartan outlook with little or no attachment to luxurious items which incidentally have tossed many of his contemporaries into the cream of the crop of the Nigerian society. “ Style is a combination of attitude, swagger, decency, taste, colour and the ability to light a place or

Contd. from pg 35

‘I’m a reluctant Prince

Not much is known of your immediate family, who is the love of your life and how did you meet?

My parents are getting along in years. They are back in Aba, Nigeria where they live also. I have four brothers and a sister. I also have a city of cousins and relatives if you know what I mean. My wife is the woman that's messing up my mind right now. And the funny thing is that you don't even know that. We met in Benin. My cousin introduced us and we chatted for a couple of months on phone and later I flew to Benin and the story took another twist.

How is life in retirement?

I have been busier in retirement than when I was still active. I scout for teams abroad and work as a consultant, brand ambassador, technical director and sporting Director for different clubs and corporations abroad. I also work for television and radio stations abroad as an analyst/pundit, commentator and presenter. All these jobs are abroad. Emeka Ezeugo is a coach too. I've never had such hectic life.

One day in the South Asia or the Middle East and another in North America or Europe. My just another day at work could be in Lima, Mexico city.

New York City, Mumbai or Lagos.

This is interesting, what prepared you for all these multi dimension activities, what role does education played in all of these?

My Parents (they) are a major influence in my life and in all that I do. I’m a bit not like them because I am outgoing, extroverted and a citizen of the world.

Thanks to them for instilling in me the importance of education.

And you mentioned poetry, it is one of the stuff that I am passionate about. The others are football, music and dancing. Though I no longer play football as a profession, I still enjoy breaking a sweat people with no knowledge of the impact or influence,” noted Ezeugo who graduated from the Southern New Hampshire University.” Just like candle lighting up another and losing nothing, money can't buy you style because you can't put it on. I think it is oth-

Emeka with young guns because playing football is my sanctuary. So are music, poetry and dancing. When i do these things, all my worries and challenges become nonexistent. Educate is like a moon shinning so bright in a dark night. Education provides one with a lot of options.

You reminded me of Eddie Murphy's role as a reluctant prince in that film, Coming to America, what perks do you enjoy as a royal blood and did you have a celebrated marriage or a quite one?

The perk that comes with being a blue blood is responsibility, responsibility, responsibility. Of course great expectation from my people cannot be

ers that can say if I got lots style or not.

“I’m that kind of guy who wears Emenegildo Zegna instead of Armani, drives a Maserati instead of a Ferrari, you feel me? That should answer your question. My swagger, the style I strut comes pretty

ignored. I had a very quiet marriage though not as quiet as I would have liked. It's hard for someone like me to have a quiet wedding no matter what measures we applied. I will always be like a goldfish with no hiding place.

You sounds like an enigma, how would you describe yourself?

Emeka Ezeugo is a reluctant Prince, a radio & television personality, mundialista and a citizen of the world. He is an alpha Africanise whose passion for football, music, poetry and dancing may seem outlandish but the quest to experience these passions in every continent keeps him criss-crossing the globe many times over. Glad that I love travelling.

You were called 'The Destroyer' when you played like a Trojan for Super Eagles, complement to you?

Destroyer is sobriquet that came from Westerhof.

I thought I could have been more useful for Nigeria in other positions but he confessed that he didn't have a player as disciplined to handle that role. You can see that the role became extinct once i vacated that position in the national team. It's a role that you can't get carried away even when your team is 3 - 0 ahead. Your technique must be sick and you must maintain crisp one or two touches beyond a decent level.

Can the Super Eagles attain the same level of the 1990s when you guys made Nigerians proud?

It would be difficult to attain but not impossible.

Enabling condition is lacking. And the culture of cutting corners, nepotism, institutional corruption, deeply entrenched mediocrity and mal-administration are so prevalent that it can only be eradicated on the last day of this world.

Something like the great deluge will have to occur again for all these to be eliminated from Nigeria. subtle because I have an imposing presence already.

Physically, I stand out already. You don't want to appear too loud, like check me out, am so cool,” Ezeugo explained .

40

Entertainment

He is called Real Pee Ajaba and he is the new kid on the block, making waves with tracks like “Imperfect Me” and “Tear Rubber Love”. Many have confused his voice with that of 2face Idibia’s.

Already a protégé of the African Queen crooner, Real Pee, who already has a ten-track album and several singles to his name, believes the future can only get brighter. NICHOLAS KALU met him in Calabar.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

I may sound like 2face, but I’m my own man —Real Pee

Entertainment

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

41

Movie director weds in style

Movie director weds in style

D’Beat Goes On! Kefee, Rooftop MC for Liza C & Friends concert ge, CEO, iddle), Mr. Efe Omore Sampson Oloche (mnded by members of The Beat Now Muzik; surrou

•The Beat

•Kefee

42

Entertainment

BIG

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

CINEMA GUIDE

PICTURE

LAGOS

Supported by: SILVERBIRD CINEMAS

n a h c h c a B l o B

Bundle of lies ABUJA

PORT HARCOURT

Amazing Spider Man:

Astonishing on 3D

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Glamour

–Omasan Buwa

43

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Glamour

Social

ADETUTU AUDU (E-mail: crownkool@yahoo.com, Tel: 08023849036)

Neya, heiress to Uzor Kalu’s dynasty

Gbemi Shasore reaps more gold

Lola Omotayo’s stylish strides

•Kalu

•Omotayo

Kehinde Odeneye’s noble heart •Odeneye •Shasore

Steve Babaeko charts new course

•Babaeko

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Glamour 45 Marifa Witte rocks again

Bobby Taylor now shines

•Witte

Kofi Sagoe rethinks marriage •Taylor

Tiwa BensonUkeje slows down

•Benson-Ukeje

Bolanle Austen -Peters’ pain

•Austen-Peters

•Sagoe

•Oni

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Glamour

&

OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL (08033572821) raphseg2003@yahoo.com

At Oluwadara Ogunlesi and Abiodun Fagbemi’s nuptials

•Groom’s parents, Mr and Mrs Fagbemi

By Olusegun Rapheal

•Couple, Oluwadara and Abiodun •Bride's Parents, Mr Kayode Ogunlesi and Mrs Bola Ogunlesi

•L-R: Lanre and Fola Ogunlesi

•L-R: Mrs Modupe Ogunlesi and Mrs Moji Dokpesi

•L-R: Dunni Opayemi and Mr Noah Oyeneyin

•Couple: Rita and Adeyinka Awomosu

•Seyi Onajide and Jaiye Olusola

Ojieh and Awomosu unite

By Olusegun Rapheal

I

th

T was indeed a glamorous event with class, last Saturday 30 June, 2012 when Adeyinka Awomosu was joined with his Heart rob, Rita at Oluyole Registry, Challenge Ibadan. After signing of the marriage register, the wedding train moved to Caroline Hall, Genesis Hotel and Suite, Challenge, Ibadan for a grand reception.

•Mr John Obi and wife, Lola

•L-R: Oba Olufemi Taylor and Groom's Mother, Mrs Beatrice Awomosu

•L-R; Ogom Umeh, Odun and Folake Kuteyi •L-R; Mrs Bukola Faleke, Mrs Jumoke Oyeneyin and Princes Cynthia Andrew

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

47

VOL 1 NO. 037

Brands management: The in-house model (II) O

RDINARILY, the management theory of discriminatory engagement on the basis of core competences requires that human resource is only reasonably profitably utilized when it is engaged in carrying out those tasks for which they are best trained or competent. It on that basis that labor as a capital is expected to be spent profitably, in the production of that value for which it is best for. Otherwise, the employer would be wasting or under utilizing (such) resource, considering return-on-investment (ROI).

Driving the theory of profitable resource utilization further, on basis of competences and value appreciation, outsourcing brands management has been the safest from any brand, traditionally. This position is supported by the following reasons, otherwise listed as the advantages brands stand to gain for engaging professionals independent of their corporate person, environment and influence: •COMPETENCE. By design, a professional brands management consultant is equipped to function as a team of professionals for the different roles they play as managers of the brands in their care, such that will help their brands achieve set-marketing objectives. To be relevant, therefore, an advertising agency or brands management consultancy must be adequately staffed for the role it is established to play.

As we know the traditional setting of an advertising agency –the clients' service, the creative and media departments remain the standard setting, not minding the innovations prevalent.

An advertising agency will only be expected to perform creditably when these different key resource departments are adequately manned. These are departments that must exist to complement themselves to be truly effective at providing creative, strategic and media solutions for the over-all benefit of the brand in their care •INDEPENDENCE. As stated in the first part of this article, one of the roles or functions of advertising agencies is information gathering. It is on the basis of the importance attached to information gathering, processing and interpretation that research & (strategic) planning evolved as a key component of modern day brands management science. Information and gathering manifests in so many ways, to include, market analysis, consumer traits and habit study and analysis, trade activities, comparative analysis of brand performances indications versus competition, media environment scanning, interpretation and analysis, and so much more. In fact, research has come to stay as the soul of modern-day brands management practice.

Other such critically important roles of the ideal advertising agency include own-brand investigation and analysis (mostly carried out in the form of SWOT analysis). A proper and scientific analysis can at times tell an unpleasant story of own-brands. That is because such analysis should be unbiased, truthful and indiscriminate. Their findings are or should not be at the mercy of the analyst or open to his/her manipulation.

To effectively carry out these two critical functions/ roles, independence from remote and the not-too-distant influence is very important and must be assured •EXPERTISE. The standard advertising agency setting thrives on uncommon competence of distinctive expertise, most primarily expedient (but not limited) to the area of creative or visual art. Agencies work process starts with

creative thinking and ends with creative interpretation and execution. Therefore, the advertising agencies are designed to seek, identify and engage human resources with peculiar training and talent that are cultured to work or perform in an atmosphere or work environment defined in the structure of an advertising agency. So, it is common thing that an advertising agency houses experts in crea-

tive/copy writing, visual artists, sound engineers, research experts, media planners and buyers, business analysts and economists. This is clearly an assemblage of uncommon combination, likely more possible in an environment expedient in an environment of creativity peculiar to an advertising agency.

As in visual arts, the function of media engagement is equally very demanding of professional competence and details. The prevalence of Media Independence practitioners in today's brands management market underscores the extent of its professional requirement and importance in the process of brands/marketing communication.

•RESPONSE-TIMING. Response-timing in relation to task execution, is a function of competence, commitment and dedication, culminating in over-all efficiency. Management science establishes that people are more productive in doing that for which their efficiency is highest. That underscores the power and influence of focus. It follows, therefore, that every corporate engagement, as in individual enterprise, will thrive at fuller capacity if they do that for which they are best equipped and productive.

The purpose an advertising agency is designed for is efficient brands management, focused on achieving set marketing objectives for the brand or corporate person they manage as a client. Therefore, Agencies are best placed to deliver on assignments based on the professional require-

ments for brands management, by reason of their professional training and equipment. The entire creative process leading up to brands management services is best managed by an advertising agency – so structured to deliver at established terms. And because they KNOW-HOW-TO, they do it (best) on time. Advertising agencies' process management is designed to meet deadlines. Delivering on promise, to the agency person, is only a part of the entire story, because the system does not count any assignment as concluded if it is not done on time! Time is always of the essence, in the business of brands management.

•BUDGET & EFFICIENT COST MANAGEMENT. A very important aspect of professional training a new practitioner is exposed to, in preparation for practice in an ideal advertising agency setting is efficient budget management. In the first place, efficient budget management is one of the key considerations for rating advertising agencies. A creative agency must demonstrate the ability to conclude tasks/assignment and achieve objectives at the lowest possible cost to client. So, we hear of considerations such as discounts, special discounts, volume discounts, cost of media exposure vis-à-vis opportunity to see… the considerations for efficient budget management are so detailed that everybody in the agency looks at the figures at every stage of the entire process.

In fact, the in-house joke way back, use to be that accountants for advertising agencies are specially trained for the role they perform.

Professionally, the advert agency system is designed to help the client save cost.

In all, brands management is a description of a set of professional services demanding of practitioners, trained and equipped for the role and function of managing brands, profitably. Our question, therefore, is: is it beneficial for brands to establish a department within their own organization or corporate structure, for purposes of rendering those services advertising agencies are structured to provide?

This management idea is loosely referred to as In-House Agency. Brands or corporate persons that think in favor of this management option, site cost control or budget management efficiency as the principal reason for their thinking. So much can be said in defense or otherwise of such position, but considering the sensitive role of an advertising agency, can it be supported anywhere that any given brand stand to gain more from looking after itself, criticizing itself, appreciating the competitive advantages of other market players in order to improve on its performance and be able to interface with external institutions and resources for itself?

We at MC&A DIGEST would rather that brands appreciate that they stand to gain by living by the principle of concentrating in doing that for which they are best equipped and out-source those functions or in-put that are at best peripheral to their area of core competence, especially brands management because to do otherwise will only amount to being PENNY-WISE, POUND-FOOLISH!

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Making it big‌From a

humble beginning

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

New WOMAN

Should Nigerian men do house chores?

In a society where the average man is far from expected to ‘trade the kitchen sink’, finding a balance between joggling house chores, raising the kids and being productive at work can be a nightmare for a lady. A man who offers a helping hand is often considered a rare blessing writes Rita Ohai.

49

Pillowtalk With

YETUNDE OLADEINDE

molaralife@yahoo.com

Vibes you just can't flow with…….

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Etcetera

SUNNY SIDE

Cartoons

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

POLITICKLE

deewalebf@yahoo.com 08060343214 (SMS only)

The debutant •Or ‘World Coach!’

CHEEK BY JOWL

OH, LIFE!

THE GReggs

LESS THAN 10 minutes into the match, my players lost all sense of tactical order and appeared bewitched by the opposing team’s more robust approach. Instead of the neat passing game that I had painstakingly imparted in training sessions and which the boys began their first match under my tutelage with, proceedings assumed a dimension more akin to the outdated ‘kick and rush’ pattern than the suave tip-tap style of the modern game.

Soon we were a goal down and, towards the end of the first half, buckling under a two-goal deficit. Tired of prancing the touchline in vain motivation of my wards, I sank onto the bench and held my head in my hands, wondering where I got it wrong. Instead of a glorious start to my coaching career as I envisaged, spectacular failure loomed.

My predicament was amplified by one of my substitute defenders, Thaddeus, who sidled up and patted my back, saying: “Don’t worry, Coach; it will get better, you’ll see. You know it’s our first match. We’ll do better in the next match.”

I wondered if there would be a next match as I considered immediate resignation. The performance of my boys was simply inexcusable. The defenders played flatfooted and often collided with one another in an evident display of poor communication while the attackers made incessant aimless runs into the opposition box where they threatened little. And the midfield? Well, let’s just say it crawled.

This was not how it was meant to be, I thought. I believed I possessed the requisite skill as a seasoned footballer to coach beginners when members of a youth team approached me to tutor them. Rather proud to have my abilities so acknowledged, I accepted. After all, I had a wealth of experience in handling a school team with considerable success to tap from.

But I realised the difference by my first training session. Skill levels ranged from the definitely promising to the hopeless which, unfortunately, most of the players were. Inevitably, the team touted and depended on the skills of two players: one, nicknamed ‘Okocha,’ who played from the midfield and the other, an attacker with the moniker, ‘The Bull’.

But on Match Day One, ‘Okocha’ was quickly identified as the fulcrum of the side and marked out of the encounter. With his supply line cut off, The Bull overstretched himself and hobbled off with injury midway through the second half. The other lads looked confused on the field and were subsequently overwhelmed to finish the game with a morale-smashing 40 loss. Dejected at the end, I managed to announce that training would resume the next Sunday when a post-mortem of the performance would be conducted. I lingered afterwards on the pitch – erstwhile scene of my dreadful coaching ‘baptism’ – to consider the future.

I would surmount the challenge, I decided. So, I set about improving general team standards. I had to show the boys how it could be done, so I played as I trained them. Trainings became more fun and the lads were soon applauding mesmerising moves on the field. I was no longer referred to as ‘Coach’ but ‘World Coach!’ and ‘Coach Coach!’

But the boys were impatient to play another friendly match. They felt they had learned much and were eager to make amends for their embarrassing showing earlier. While I commended their fighting spirit, I cautioned on the need to avoid rushing into action. In the end, enthusiasm prevailed over reason and we soon found ourselves in the middle of another losing battle.

Eventually, we crashed 2-0 but the boys remained undaunted. This was improvement, they iterated. They chattered excitedly as they left the match venue. As I contemplated their spirit ruefully, Thaddeus came up to me again and, grinning broadly, said: “You see, Coach. I said we would improve.”

It was no use arguing with him so I nodded. But he was probably right because the boys played out a 1-1 draw in the next friendly and made me delirious with joy when they won the next match 1-0. It was a most pleasant re-awakening.

QUOTE

Giving up doesn’t always mean that you are weak. Sometimes it just means you are strong enough to let go.

—Anon

Jokes Humour

Wrong Perception AT THE final dinner of an international conference, an American delegate turned to the Chinese delegate sitting next to him, pointed to the soup somewhat condescendingly and asked, “Likee soupee?”

The Chinese gentlemen nodded eagerly.

A little later, it was “Likee fishee?”, “Likee meatee?” and “Likee fruitee?”, and always the response was an affable nod.

At the end of the dinner the chairman of the conference introduced the guest speaker of the evening and he was none other than the Chinese gentleman who proceeded to deliver a penetrating, witty discourse in impeccable English, much to the astonishment of his American neighbour.

When the speech was over, the speaker turned to his neighbour, and with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, asked, “Likee speechee?”

The Wine Parable FARMER Hubert was a very rich man who was deliberately tough on his farmhand, Nico. Once, Hubert gave Nico a bottle and said, “Buy me a bottle of

wine.”

The poor farmhand asked, “How can I buy you wine with no money at all?”

Disdainfully, Hubert said, “Anyone can buy wine with money. It takes real skill to buy wine without money.”

Time elapsed and Nico eventually returned with the empty bottle. He handed the bottle to Hubert and said, “Enjoy the wine, please.”

Staring at the empty bottle with some dismay, Hubert asked, “There is no wine, how can I enjoy this?”

With a straight face, Nico said, “Anyone can enjoy wine if there is some. It takes real skill to enjoy wine when there is none.”

QUOTES •Creditors have better memories than debtors.

—Benjamin Franklin •To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.

—Soren Kierkegaard •Culled from the Internet

Writer ’s Fountain RITING with style: Unlike newspaper reporters others should care about. It is this genuine caring, and technical writers who are trained to and not your games with language, which will be disclose almost nothing about themselves in the most compelling and seductive element in their writings, all other kinds of writers reveal a your style. lot about themselves to readers. These A petition to the local government chairman revelations, accidental and intentional, are about a pothole in front of your house or a love referred to as elements of style. letter to the girl next door will do.

These revelations indicate the writer’s Do not ramble. And we won’t ramble on that personality. Does he sound ignorant or informed, here. stupid or bright, crooked or honest, humourless Keep it simple. Remember that two great or playful? But why should you examine your masters of language, William Shakespeare and writing style with the idea of improving it? You James Joyce, wrote sentences which were almost do so as a mark of respect for your readers, childlike when their subjects were most profound. whatever you’re writing. So mind the following “To be or not to be?” asks Shakespeare’s Hamlet. points.

The longest word is three letters long. Joyce, when Find a subject you care about. Find a subject he was lively, could put together a sentence as you care about and which you in your heart feel intricate and as glittering as a glittering necklace, but he could also be brief.

Life matter: Have guts to cut. Your eloquence should be •The attachment of the human skin to muscles is the servant of the ideas in your head. If a sentence, what causes dimples. no matter how excellent, does not illuminate your •The human brain cell can hold five times as subject in some new and useful way, scratch it out. much information as the Encyclopedia Say what you mean. Write accurately, always Britannica. selecting the most effective words and relating •It takes food seven seconds to get from your them to one another unambiguously, rigidly, like mouth to your stomach and food can get to your parts of a machine. That is the way to say something stomach even if you are hanging upside down. worth saying and be understood.

W

THE ARTS

51

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

• Uyovbisere

• Oshodi by Adejumo

• Rhythm by Mmesirionye

Imbued essence at Olympics For the first time, Nigerian visual artists are involved as a body in a Summer Olympics, to showcase the beauty and value of Nigeria’s contemporary art to the outside world.

Edozie Udeze spoke to some of the artists.

T

ODAY at the G-live Guildford, Surrey, England, the 90 contemporary art works of 39 Nigerian visual artists are taking their rightful place at the ongoing Summer Olympic Games. Tagged Imbued Essence, the exhibition was powered by Bank of Industries (BOI) to showcase Nigerian artists to the outside world and to use the opportunity to tell our own cultural stories.

Speaking to The Nation on behalf of other artists, the duo of Abraham Uyovbisere and Biodun Olakun who are the

official curators of the exhibition expressed optimism that the works will help the world to see the total beauty of visual arts as conveyors of positive cultural values for Nigeria. “When you see the paintings, you’ll know that they are from this part of the world”, Uyovbisere, a seasoned studio artist, said.

What are on display are mainly contemporary works done between 2005 and now. In the words of Uyovbisere, “the entire programme is packaged mainly to rebrand Nigeria, that is to tell the outside world that

we are focused on our arts. This is so because, if you are not in your element, you can’t be focused; you can’t do an excellent art work.”

After three days, the works will then be dismantled and taken to Theatre Royal Stratford, East London, where they will remain on display till August 12.

Olakun explained that the essence of this arrangement is to enable the entire Olympic contingents from all over the world to perceive, feel, see and patronise Nigerian artists. He said: “When you talk of an event,

you talk about economic activities too. It is not only about track and event. People have to use the opportunity to interact, network and make money. This was why Evelyn Oputu, the Managing Director of BOI insisted that the works should, reflect the total values of contemporary works in Nigeria.”

The works cut across paintings, sculpture, woodworks, craft, and more.

Many of the works dwell on what the artists termed visual satire. In some, you have pictures and paintings of old traditional

OAU holds Literature and Prose conference

F

ROM August 20 through 23, at the Conference Centre, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, the English Department of the university will host the Ife English Language Literature and Communication Conference.

The conference, which has as its theme, Language, Literature and Communication in the Globlised and Digital Age, is expected to feature three keynote speakers, Professor McPherson Azuike, Department of English, University of Jos; Professor Remi Raji-Oyelade, Department of English, University of Ibadan and lead paper presenter, Dr. Suleiman Salau of the Department of Mass Communication, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

Already, paper abstracts are invited from scholars on many sub-themes such as Language & Culture in the Digital Age, Literary Discourse in the Digital Age, Language Contact in the Digital Age, Language & Rhetoric in the Digital Age,

Literature & Rhetoric in the Digital Age, Film in the Digital Age. Literature and the Internet, Discursive Features in Synchronous & Asynchronous Online Interactions, Communication & the Social

Media, Language & Identity in the Digital Media, Drama & Theater in the Digital Age, Linguistic & Literary Creativity in the Digital Media, English Language Teaching in the Digital Age, Language, Literature & Gender in the Digital Age,

African Writing in the Transnational Space.

Emergent Trends in Nigerian Writing, Migrancy, Exile & Globalisation in Black Writing, Imagining the New African Diaspora and Linguistic & Literary Representation of Diaspora Communities.

• Olakun

masks, depicting a people and what they stand for. “Yes,” Olakun said, “this is to further tell the story that a people can best be depicted through arts and culture. These are cultural elements that best represent us as a nation. This is arguably the first and the best-packaged works of Nigerian artists to the Olympics.”

Beyond the price range of between five and ten thousand pounds per work, the therapeutic effects and ecstatic nature of paintings will help officials and athletes to unwind. Art involves the total celebration of human capacity. And even then since music is used for both the opening and closing ceremonies, it shows that sports and art are interwoven. “Yes, the games help to promote every micro cultural segment of human population on earth,” Olakun said. “And visual art forms part of this sphere of human activity,” he further stated.

Setting new agenda for African revolution Scholars across the globe converged in Lagos last week to chart new ways for African socio-cultural renaissance. Edozie Udeze reports.

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CHOLARS across the globe gathered for three days in Lagos during the week for the second Toyin Falola Annual International Conference on Africa and African Diaspora (TOFAC). It was an opportunity to brainstorm and draw global attention to the relevance of Africa and Africa’s development and what should be done to move the African continent and its multitude of people to the next level.

Professor Toyin Falola, formerly of Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun

State, is reputed to be Nigeria’s most celebrated historian in international circles at the moment.

Not only that, he is the Vice – Chairman of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) slave routes project in Africa. He has, in the past twelve years, been organising this kind of lecture in Texas, United States of America.

In the University of Texas, in Austin, where he handles African history, scholars from all over the world have come to know him as a Continued on page 52

Dancers entertaining at the event.

Photo: Edozie Udeze

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Arts/Reviews

Books Setting agenda for Africa A fortuitous escape

Continued from page 51

great advocate of a free African continent where people should raise their voices against tyranny, bad governance and political ineptitude that have been plaguing the Black race over the years. In Diaspora, Africans are meant not only to work and contribute to the growth of their host nations, but to also articulate ways to save Africans from perennial leadership problems and perpetual crisis of confidence.

This was why the theme of the conference was anchored on cultures, identities nationalities and modernities in Africa and the African Diaspora. Some of the subthemes dwelt essentially on burning national and continental issues. Questions were raised on minority and politics of alienation and political instability in Nigeria.

While other scholars queried holistically the views most people bandy around concerning the post-colonial arrangement to keep the nation as one, but then how long can we dwell on this?

From about 1850 to 1960 when Nigeria gained independence, it was under the control of British colonialists. Then the collapse of the colonial era was immediately accompanied by a great sense of promise. Nigeria was seen as one of the greatest nations in Africa if the necessary indices were put in place. But within a short while, it suddenly seemed grim, as divisive problems of reality were ushered up to the fore. The huge waste of natural resources, strangulating massive poverty and corruption, uncontrollable birth rates and medley of other challenges began to stare the nation in the face.

But both Nigeria and the African continent can come out of these gridlocks and forge ahead as a united front by submerging these dysfunctions for the good of the people.

Nations had experienced similar problems in the past and were either able to manage them or allowed same to subsume the people. Scholars from Canada, the US, UK, and South America were most piqued about the socio-political and economic situations in Africa and called for quick solutions before they get out of hand.

Michael Vickers, a professor emeritus from the United Kingdom challenged African leaders to be open to the masses. “The Arab Spring is a springboard of bad leadership. The people are meant to hold their future in their own hands. Let true democracy and good governance be the guiding principle of the people at the helm of affairs,” he said. He equally noted that what is happening in the Arab world can replicate itself here if the necessary issues are not quickly sorted out.

“The suffocating social issues in the nation have to be resolved as soon as possible,” he posited.

Professor Tunde Babawale of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC), who hosted the conference, drew attention to the many changes in world status quo that have been causing frictions in world order.

“This conference is essentially drawn to address issues of terrorism which have become a global phenomenon. Since more than half a century ago, the world has experienced and is still experiencing changes that affect power relations.

This has continued to define socioeconomic engagements of people.

As scholars, we need to tell our leaders to sit up to save the world,” he said.

In his opening address, the Minister of Culture, Chief Edem Duke, promised to open a department of Diaspora affairs which will be culture and tourism driven in order to address some of these issues. “This will also enable scholars to chart policies that will aid global efforts at facilitating understanding between diverse cultural backgrounds and assist in global peace building,” Duke stated.

Professor Ademola Dasylva of Ibadan Cultural Studies Group who packaged the conference

urged scholars to build the necessary momentum that would make for the desired change in Africa. “Ideas like these will build and later ignite the necessary revolutions,” he said.

There were over 158 papers delivered on diverse topical issues. But more importantly, visitors were treated to avalanche of cultural displays by Nigerian dancers and drummers. Duke stated that the dances were to show our visitors that Nigeria has abundance of cultural heritage for recreation and relaxation. “This is one of the many ways we welcome and take care of our guests,” he said.

By Olubanwo Fagbemi

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F ‘Itohan’ were essentially written to complement the global campaign against child trafficking and sexual abuse, the short novel by Bolanle Oyedipe would have surpassed its brief, offering a healthy mix of suspense, entertainment and message in a plot woven around the heroine who lends her name to the book’s title.

In a pleasantly racy style, the ninety-five-page narration opens with an insight into the young girl’s brilliant mindset and organised home on Benin City’s Ikpoba Hill before a steady slide into turmoil as Itohan finds herself sucked into the dreaded world of European prostitution via a ruthless uncle and the promise of a better life for her family.

A government scholarship for undergraduate studies in reward of exceptional performance at secondary school hardly counts as, shooed by the family’s consent in the face of economic depravation, Itohan is expressly shipped to Italy where Uncle Tony’s ulterior motive is immediately apparent. Naturally resistant, the plucky Itohan needs something extra to escape the dire consequence of sexual slavery and reunite with her concerned parents and beloved sibling, Osato.

Despite grammatical hitches and minor layout flaws, Oyedipe’s easyflowing style should register with young readers who would easily

imagine themselves in the protagonist’s shoes. With vivid illustrations by ace cartoonist and illustrator, Azeez Ozi Sanni, as well as interesting use of dialogue and characterisation, especially in the latter part of the book, the challenges of girl-child education in Nigeria could not have been more topical.

There is indeed a lesson for everyone as the story also highlights the role of parents, relatives and the government in steering youths away from the greed, corruption and despondency pervading Nigerian society. Itohan’s is a classic good-girlsaved-from-going-bad story loaded with morals enough to bombard the bad and galvanise the good.

•L:R, Duke, Babawale and others at the conference

Talking books at UP’s Spontinism: an exposé authors’ forum of functional art

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ET to make its official debut with an exposé of a series of artworks dubbed Ivie, is creative arts company, Lizaad.

According to Chuma Anagbado, Lizaad is a creative arts company set up to seek and provide functional applications for a new pattern of art which he calls Spontinism.

With artworks which he refers to as simply illustrations, the artist and founder of Lizaad explains that Spontinism is a kind of art that is largely indigenous and cultural. “It is my own creation but it is inspired by the art of my people.

They are basic illustrations, very simple and not too detailed but it still sends across as much message as a detailed message will send. You can call it line drawing if you want. In the art, we generally group it as urban art.”

The Fine and Applied Arts graduate from the University of Benin said that the exposé comes up on Saturday, 7th July at Get Arena, Victoria Island, Lagos.

“We intend to use this illustration to create clothing items, like making impressions on shirts, shoes, jewelry. We intend to use them on ceramics, porcelain or other ornaments.

This is just the first in a series of expositions we would be holding and we hope to push boundaries with Spontinism,” Chuma stated.

In putting out art pieces, proponent of the new style minimizes colour and space but maximizes light probably because of its functional nature.

A number of his illustrations are tied around geographical boundaries and happenings.

Among the illustrated cities in

By Ovwe Medeme

his collection are Abuja, Benin City, Port Harcourt, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri. He also touches on national issues including the current scourge of terrorism ravaging the northern part of the country.

With about 20 artworks on display, Chuma explains the whole idea behind Spontinism.

“I call it Spontinism in the sense that the time it takes me to create one piece is spontaneous though the time it takes me to conceptualise it is very long. It might even take months but once I draw the first lime till I drop the pen, everything just comes spontaneously. The reason is that I try as much as possible to allow what is inside to just flow out the way it is. I do the controlling in the conception stage,” he said.

•Benin work

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N what is gradually becoming a tradition, the University Press Plc continued its romance with its authors via an annual interaction between it and its authors. Aptly tagged ‘Authors Forum’, the publishing outfit held a fourth edition on Wednesday, 27, June at the Kakanfo Conference Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Like similar meetings which had distinguished personalities deliver keynote addresses, this year’s was no exception. With rapt attention, the audience, comprised mostly authors, listened, as Professor Peter Okebukola (OFR), former helmsman at the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC), delivered the keynote titled ‘Homage to the book.’

According to Okebukola, “the generation of good quality authors is fading and there is some urgency in implementing a restoration agenda.”

Using the imagery of red and blue pills to pass his message, Okebukola said the red pills are “factors and events which are deleterious to the scholarly development of potentially-good authors” while the blue pills are the “antidote.”

Identifying the red pills prevalent in tertiary education level, Okebukola noted the stifling environment which ensures teachers as well as students were involved in lazy scholarly work such as plagiarism and self-publishing.

He also noted the “poor reading culture among all categories of students in the Nigerian educational system” as debilitating, with music winning the competition over reading.

Reflecting from his experiences as a student at St. Malachy’s College, Sapele, in present day Delta State, Okebukola said; Every student two weeks, all students were expected to read a book of any type obtained from the school library or elsewhere and present a summary to the class on the Saturday closing the second week. The best summary of the month, for the term, for the year, were given awards.

We were given essays to write every month. There was an essay competition for the entire school where all students – junior and senior participated. Once a

By Joe Agbro Jr

month also, all classes assembled in the school hall for the elocution class. The combination of these efforts bolstered the reading culture in the school. Little wonder a sizable percentage of students in our class made distinction grades in the West African School Certificate in 1966 and many rose to the rank of professor in their different fields in record time.”

Recalling a lecture he delivered recently at the Tai Solarin University of Education, Okebukola said: “Teachers need to be retrained in a way that will strengthen their content knowledge in their teaching subjects and motivated enough to deliver quality instruction.”

Okebukola’s presentation followed last year’s keynote delivered by Professor Niyi Osundare. Osundare in his address, ‘Homage to the book,’ said; “The book is too important a tool to be left out of national planning.” Osundare however said some things must be put in place before the book can become of relevance again. According to him, “before we can bring back the book, we must first of all bring back our politics, then our economy, and our educational system.”

Managing director of UP Plc, Mr. Samuel Kolawale, while numerating the progress report of the company promised to look into areas whereby the company could revamp both the reading culture as well as sustain the authors.

Some of the authors present included Professor Akachi AdimoraEzeigbo, Professor Chukwuemeka Ike, Emeritus professor Ayo Banjo, Professor Niyi Osundare, Professor Akinwumi Isola and Dr. Tony Marinho.

•L:R, Ike, Ezeigbo, Okebukola, Are and Kolawole at the event

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A cancer and tale told by survivors

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Cancer is becoming common in Nigeria. It knows no class nor status. In this report, Yetunde Oladeinde takes a look at the disease, its causes, and possible cure.

FEW weeks ago, Angela Onyeador, one of Nigeria’s most glamorous society ladies died in the United States of America. The news of her death shocked many Nigerians. The beautiful Onyeador had been battling with a terminal disease suspected to be cancer since 2010. This, sources say, made her to disappear from the social arena for months before her eventual demise.

Aramide is expecting her third baby. But unlike the previous pregnancies, this one is showing some signs of problems. In the third trimester, she was advised to go for yet another scan. But somehow she is worried because a recent study she stumbled on while browsing the net has it that the radiation effect of CT scan has a negative effect on the unborn baby.

Alarmed by the report, Aramide shouted: “God forbid, I won’t want to risk my child’s life and expose the baby to cancer.” However, her doctor tells her that this scan is beneficial to the embryo at this point.

The fear is real Her fear is understandable. For many the fear of cancer is indeed the beginning of wisdom. Benzene and other chemicals, drinking excess alcohol, environmental toxins, excessive sunlight exposure, obesity, radiation and some genetic problems can predispose an individual to cancer.

According to experts, cancer grows out of normal cells in the body. Normal cells multiply when the body needs them and die when the body doesn’t need them. It can develop in almost any organ or tissue, such as the lung, colon, breast, skin, bones or nerve tissue.

Usually, the symptoms of cancer depend on the type and location. Cancer can affect the uterus or the reproductive organ. Women are known to develop tumours (lump) as their body goes through the different stages of growth. The tumour, which is a malignant spread, is sometimes cancerous. Though scientists say not all tumours are cancerous; the fact remains that tumours are common amongst women.

For breast cancer, no single cause has been pin-pointed. However medical authorities say genetic, environmental and hormonal factors, may be major culprits. It seems the disease discriminates in the choice of women at least in terms of age. People between 40 and 60 years are more prone to having it. Unfortunately, the disease is usually shrouded in a culture of silence. This, expert says, is one of the biggest obstacles against its proper management, care and prevention. The cost of managing cancer is also a nightmare for many.

An average cancer patient needs between N2, 000,000 to N8,000,000.

Death by cancer In the last few years death by cancer has doubled in Nigeria. It is feared that by 2020, cancer incidence in the country may rise to 90.7 per 100,000 and 100.9 for males and females respectively. An estimated 2.7 million

A

cancer cases have been recorded around the world and it is expected to rise to about 21 million by 2020.

Testimony of a survivor In the late 80’s an actress, Becky Musa had developed this life-threatening ailment and required urgent medical attention overseas, the cost of which was about $30,000. Some artistes moved by her condition initiated the ‘Save Becky Musa campaign’. They called attention to her condition and the assistance required.

That effort yielded result as the Babangida regime came to the aid of the actress. She was immediately flown abroad, had the ailment treated and returned hail and healthy. Today the actress is indeed a survivor. Recently at birthday bash, Musa dressed in an orange, yellow and brown satin gown, looked splendid and full of life.

Happily her husband goes down memory lane to recall the traumatic moments and how her story changed. “She came out of life support. It was a great thing to witness. When we got to England, the doctors said that she was never going to have a child because of the harsh treatment through chemotherapy and the treatment of that cancer.”

It was indeed a trying phase in their life and they programmed their mind to the fact that they were never going to cuddle their biological child. But somehow the story changed miraculously for them. The husband continues, “Listen to this good news. We have three children, a set of twins (boys) and a girl. It’s the matchless name of the Lord Jesus Christ. “ Like a malignant sore, that it is, cancer continues to haunt and terrify so many people all over the world. It strikes hundreds of thousands of people every year. And the awesome statistics continues to rise on every continent.

Like Musa, Sola Adeoti is another survivor. “In 2004 precisely, I got a leading in my heart to go and do a check up with my daughter. The doctor examined my breasts and discovered that one was bigger than the other and so he told me to go for further evaluations which now revealed that I had cancer of the breast. I went through all the treatments like the chemotherapy and the mastectomy. In between I was going back and forth to Europe and the US and I was favoured to be treated by Professor Bam, an extremely qualified doctor who was the head of the Medical Board of Association that pioneered the treatment called, the Blue Print for Treatment of breast cancer”.

But it wasn’t really easy to push cancer over just like that. “My ordeal wasn’t quite over because usually with chemotherapy the cells decrease, but not so in my case as I was told that instead of the cells decreasing and dying, the reverse was the case. The treatment was fuelling the cells! This was tragic and death seemed so certain. My oncologist told me the implication; and by the time I did my sixth chemo, I was told there was nothing that could be done anymore”.

Somehow Adeoti thought she was already at the final bus stop and her body could no longer tolerate any more session. “The cells

Victims and survivors

•Gani-Fawehinmi

•Late Alaere_Alaibe

• Maryam Babangida

•Beko Ransom-Kuti

• Yinka Craig

• Sola Adeoti

had increased by 100 per cent. They told me they didn’t think I could survive any more chemo and there was no alternative treatment. So, I prayed, regained my strength and went back for more chemo.”

But miraculously she scaled through when all hope was lost. At this point her thyroid gland had been thoroughly damaged, she lost weight and became very skinny. “At that point there was nothing the doctors could do. I was discharged. I knew they had given up on me, but all I could ask for was a miracle. ‘God help me!’ I prayed over and over again.”

While some can be described as survivors others have not been this lucky. The list includes the late Chief Gani Fawehinmi who had a prolonged battle with cancer of the lungs. There are many others like Hakeem Shitta, Beko Ransome Kuti, Yinka Craig, Alaere Alaibe amongst others.

Dr. Olaleru Abiodun of Croabay Hospitals, Lagos said there is urgent need to sensitise the public about cancer. “The cancer depends on the type. Some can be cured but some cancers cannot be cured.

Most of them are not curable not just in Nigeria but worldwide. Not much can be done when you are faced with liver can-

cer. In Nigeria, the major problem is with the time of diagnosis, it is too late. Other factors include poverty, illiteracy, facilities on ground as well as awareness on the part of government’.

Sometimes, the problem, Abiodun informed can also be linked to the fact that a lot of people indulge in self medication and patronise quacks. “The government is trying its best but what they are doing may not be enough. But this is just a drop in the ocean, compared to what is on the ground.

So many things still needs to be done and we need to find out if they are reaching out to the rural areas and if the primary healthcare facilities required are available”.

For Friday Okonofua , a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Benin, Edo State, there is need to give more attention to cancer care and prevention. “Indeed, the rising cases of cancer deaths in Nigeria are becoming a national embarrassment. It is my considered opinion that government needs to develop a comprehensive policy on cancer prevention and treatment and set up an emergency task force to implement the related plan of action. Such a policy must be hinged on the tripod of the prevention, early recognition of the disease and prompt treatment.”

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Miscellany

A women and youth group recently won an award from the TY Danjuma Foundation.

Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf, reports HE Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative (FAWOYDI), a nongovernmental organisation devoted to raising awareness around issues affecting northern citizens in the country, has won the recognition of the Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma Foundation (TYDF), as the best grantee for the year 2011.

FAWOYDI’s projects in northeastern states of Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, where it has continued to bring succour to the less privileged in the society, won the hearts of the foundation.

Recounting their success stories for the year under review recently, Executive Director/Chief Executive, FAWOYDI, Hajiya Maryam Garba said: “The year 2011 activities were successfully implemented in our targeted project sites specifically in 22 local government areas covering about 80 communities in Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe States respectively.”

The organisation which works in four key thematic areas namely education, reproductive health, gender/women rights and good governance, according to Hajiya Garba, was able to achieve some modest successes due to the support of indigenous philanthropic organisations like the TY Danjuma Foundation, among others.

She recalled that its interven-

Doing good works in conflict zones

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T

HE news of the death of Sele Eradiri came as a rude shock because it happened at a time she said she was recovering from her ailment and was set to return to work. But she’s gone, against her will and that of most of us whose lives she touched most profoundly. Sele was the assistant director (News) of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

I met Sele in the mid 1990s during the campaign to save the remaining untouched Nigeria’s rainforest located in Cross River State. I was the press officer of the Cross River National Park and she had come with a team of journalists to do a story on community forestry and the activities of logging companies in the state. Nigeria’s remaining 5% of pristine rainforest located in Cross River State was under severe threat.

Sele’s total dedication to duty, high level of professionalism and knack for being detailed were infectious and made her stand out. She could make extremely interesting stories out of the most insipid of events and happenstances. Many still remember the Newsline story of “Tunde” the sitatunga antelope brought from the Drill Ranch in Calabar to the Lekki Nature Reserve of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in 2002. I was by then the communication manager of the organization.

“Tunde,” the antelope, had been bought off some traders in the Lekki market in Lagos in 1994 by the then General Manager of the Cross River National Park, Mr. Clement Ebin, flown to Calabar and handed over to the man-

•A recreational centre for young people built with the support of the TY Danjuma Foundation by the FAWOYDI, in Bauchi

tions in the three north-eastern states have practically helped to improve the standard of living of people in those communities. According to her, “Education is very key to development. In some communities access to basic education is quite challenging. The terrain in some areas presents challenges that require a lot of determination to surmount. But with the help of our donors like the TY Danjuma

Foundation, we have been able to touch lives considerably in some of the communities”, Hajiya Garba said.

While enumerating some of its key achievements, Hajiya Garba emphasised that these include but are not limited to capacity building, provision of life skills among others.

Besides FAWOYDI, the TYDF has also supported different com-

munities in other parts of the north, specifically in Taraba State, where the Foundation supports NGOs that provide free medical services in selected deprived communities.

The Foundation supported the interventions which helped to render medical services to over 100,000 people. The treatment provided consisted of surgeries, gynaecological procedures, eye care and the treatment of river

Remembering Sele Sele Eradiri, the popular television producer and presenter died recently. Paddy Ezeala in this piece pays tribute to her agers of the Drill Ranch, Mr. Peter Jenkins and Ms. Liza Gadsby for upkeep. The animal was domesticated and eventually grew beyond what the ranch managers could handle. They personally requested that the animal be returned to its natural habitat in Lekki. It was Sele that I invited to cover the arrival of the antelope at the Lekki Nature Reserve. That day was a Sunday.

She waited patiently for the more than the six hours it took to break the wooden cage in which the animal had been brought and still had time to weave the story that same night for NTA Newsline.

Sele’s story on the arrival of the antelope elicited uncommon interest among Nigerians, and human traffic to the Lekki Nature Reserve increased tenfold in the coming weeks as people thronged the reserve to see things for themselves. It was this general interest that informed the outrage that greeted the killing of the animal a few months later by some road construction workers who mistook it for an ordinary “bush-meat.” Sele was on hand again to cover this tragedy and even presented it again in Newsline in a most compelling manner by incorporating footages of the animal’s arrival. National interest in the matter soared and many other media houses followed suit. The Police took the matter seriously and went

•Eradiri

ahead to prosecute the culprits. According to the then Divisional Police Officer of Ajah Police Station, “It is only somebody who doesn’t like himself or his job that would toy with such a matter that appeared on Newsline last night.”

The families of the culprits had come to the police station to plead for an out-of-

court settlement.

Sele was one of those who made the word “endangered species” commonplace in Nigeria’s lexicon. She contributed to environmental conservation in Nigeria more than even some people who regard themselves as environmentalists. Anything that had to do with the natural environment and the downtrodden and less privileged segment of our society attracted her attention. She also hated injustice of whatever shade.

She did not only love her job, she believed in national development, education and entertainment through the instrumentality of the television. I remember sometime ago during the attempt to revive the New Masquerade, the long-running weekly television drama series. Sele had worked late into the evening as many of her colleagues did and still do and took a walk from her office at the NTA headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, across the road to a restaurant located in a petrol station close to the television house. The restaurant was an evening meeting point of NTA staff and people of various other professions including my humble self.

When Sele walked in, an episode of

blindness.

Beneficiaries of the Adult Literacy Class funded by the Foundation through one of its TCF grantees, Deeper Peace and Unity Women MPCS were on hand to share their experiences. They testified to the various ways in which the Foundation’s interventions in Taraba State have helped to improve their lives in more ways than one. the drama series better known as Zebrudaya was showing on television. I started an argument that the series were no longer as entertaining as they used to be years earlier when we were children. Sele disagreed saying that we had simply grown older and no longer looked at things the way we did in the halcyon days of childhood. Then came a scene in the episode that parodied Nigeria’s healthcare delivery. Clarus, Chief Zebrudaya’s houseboy, had moved up to become a proprietor of a rural pharmacy store. A client or patient who had had the sole of his right foot pierced by a six-inch nail that got stuck came for treatment. Clarus bit his finger and shouted “Oh my God!” “E mean say you no go fit help me?” said the client. Clarus replied, “No be so. I forget my screwdriver for house.” Everybody burst out laughing.

“Have they not made all of you to laugh?” said Sele. She won the argument.

Sele’s uncommon humility and unassuming mien should remain qualities for all of us to learn from. She was very uncomfortable with any professional elevation that alienated her from fieldwork. The lives of some Nigerians should remain inspirational to all of us; they should regenerate in us the sensibility that our country didn’t lose it all and never will. One of such lives was that of Selegberha Eradiri.

Adieu my beloved friend, the consummate news hunter!

Ezeala, is Regional Communication and Campaigns Coordinator for Oxfam America, in Dakar, Senegal

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

55

‘My stepmother destroyed my body with boiled water after her failed bids to stab me with kitchen knife and —PAGE 57 broken bottle’

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T has been five years since your husband died. How would you describe the journey so far?

Well, it has not been rosy but because God has been on our side, we are more than conquerors. It is the economic situation of the country that we want to talk about. And you know this has affected all facets of life, but we thank God. Your late hubby clocked 50 this year, if he had been alive, how do you think he would have celebrated the milestone?

Ironically, my husband did not like partying. He is not really a loud person. I am sure he would have opted for a low-

‘My husband was a committed Christian’

key celebration and I would have been the one trying to put things together, maybe a surprise party. Even when we had our children naming ceremonies, he would sometimes leave the guests and say he had appointment to keep; I am the only one that will know that he was running away because of the crowd. But on my own I do celebrate birthdays for the children. I remember when I clocked 40, I knew that he does not like elaborate parties, so I chose not to celebrate it, because I don’t want anything to cause fight between us, he would want it low and me would want an elaborate one. He was expecting it, but I didn’t celebrate it.

But what we did this year was to mark the fifth year anniversary of his death with his 50th posthumous birthday. And because I just don’t want it to be celebrated in our usual way and I don’t want to make so much noise.

I tried to dedicate our house project on that day to make it symbolic.

Your late husband published Mystique Magazine and rested it. Now you are publishing Nkan Mbe. Why? Mystique then was English and this one is Yoruba. The time he started Mystique, he teamed up with some of his friends in Radio Nigeria, Ibadan then. But along the line, it turned out that he was doing the magazine alone. He would source for stories, produce and then still be sleeping at the printing press.

And I told him one day, I have never seen where a publisher would be the one sleeping at the press and others doing nothing.

Eventually we were using the money for television and radio to run the magazine and nothing was coming in. Talking about the distribution, you hear that we were unable to collect money from vendors. And I advised that we should stop since we were running at a loss.

This new one is Yoruba and why we did it was because some people have been taking that advantage for a long time and they are not even presenting it well. People will listen to our programmes and reproduce it into various forms. And I sat down and said five years after, what else can we do? And the staff brought the idea, I narrated the experience we had with Mystique, but if they know they would do it well, they have my support. Since we started we had favourable response from different parts of the country.

It has been five years you have been steering the affairs of Kolbim Communications, your husband’s company.

• Abimbola What has been your experience so far?

By and large, I give all glory to God. Honestly, it has been a very great task, day-byday it has been challenging probably because of the general economic situation in the country. The first challenge is in the area of advertising, we don’t have money to produce and also to advertise. The little money we have, we can use it to start advert, to really have enough to sell, and we need a lot of adverts.

Humanly speaking, by now we would have closed down, but we thank God. Are you saying your late husband’s shoe is too big for you to step into?

Not really. I know that what he was doing then was not by his own power too. That I said for us to have survived this far is God. I know multinationals too that have either closed down or downsized. For him, when he was alive it was God and because it is God, we cannot fail. It is not his shoes anymore, it is God’s shoes.

Five years after his demise, do you still miss him?

“

Why won’t I? Except I close my eyes in death too, maybe by then I won’t miss him again. Just this morning, I saw his Kolbim’s I.D card as I was searching for something, and I looked at his signature, and inside me I said he did not know he would die when he was doing the I.D card. But I want to give glory to God, especially in the area of coping with the family challenge. I did not allow my children to be tied to their father’s apron string when he was alive. In fact, when they were going to a particular school and the school wanted to be giving them preferential treatment because they are Kola Olawuyi’s children, I had to change them from that school. I don’t want my children to feel they are superior to other children. I want them to grow up like normal children. To the glory of God I don’t have problem with the children. I made them to realise that life is a theatre of war and they should rely solely on God. God has indeed been the husband of the widow.

Your late husband meant different things

Talking about being occult, I can say it boldly that he was a strong Christian. You cannot even see a single incision on his body. In our house we don’t have any secret room you cannot enter. I remember we did workers-in-training together in 1992.

He was a church worker before his death. When I was ordained, he would tell me they would soon make me a parish pastor and we always shared ideas about how the church should look.

“

Five years after the death of the famous broadcaster Kolawole Olawuyi, his widow Abimbola, in this encounter shares her experience with Adetutu Audu

to many people. Who is really the late Kola Olawuyi?

He was a journalist extraordinaire. He loved the job and did it with all passion.

Talking about being occult, I can say it boldly that he was a strong Christian. You cannot even see a single incision on his body. In our house we don’t have any secret room you cannot enter. I remember we did workersin-training together in 1992. He was a church worker before his death. When I was ordained, he would tell me they would soon make me a parish pastor and we always shared ideas about how the church should look. I also remember that at the Victoria Court Cemetery where he was buried, I told the undertakers to open the casket so that people can see that his body was intact.

But did you ever notice any strange things about him?

He was a carefree person; there is nothing strange about him. I used to tease him that he goes on air to say all manners of things but in reality he had nothing except God. It was the nature of the job and the boldness which he used to present the programme that endeared him to the people. When you know God, you will discover that fear is of the devil.

He was also described as a ladies’ man.

Did you at anytime feel threatened?

I have never been threatened. I knew him before he became popular. So if he is doing shakara, I would say some things like it is me you are doing that for. I hope you remember we grew up together? In fact, many were asking and expecting that strange women would show up with children after his death.

I know that his kind of job will attract him to ladies.

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Life

Aiyetoro: Paradise lost In the 80s, Aiyetoro in Ondo State was a town noted for its serenity, order and communal living. Taiwo Abiodun recently visited the town and reports. about us so we provide all these

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HE road (?) to Aiyetoro in Ilaje local government council Ondo State is by waterways. The means of transportation is only by boats.

With a population of about 29,000, it a town solely built on water. It was sand-filled and wooden planks used to erect houses. The inhabitants said they prefer to build their houses with planks after discovering that houses built with bricks and mud were sinking. Many of such have been destroyed by the water. For example, the three storey royal palace has been affected by water and is now tilted to one side, thus making residents to fear it may collapse anytime!

Their houses may look ancient but they live in a decent and well organised environment with at least 12 hours of power supplied by a generating plant for which they contribute to a common purse to maintain. They also make use of solar power that comes on after the generator is turned off.

The genesis According Otunba Dele Kudehinbun, 71, Principal Secretary of the town, Aiyetoro means the world is at peace.

According to him, “It is (the town) a creation of circumstances by the Apostles. In 1943 there was a religious riot in Ilaje land, these people - the Apostles (those who lived in Ilaje and later moved to Aiyetoro) were called by God to preach the gospel. The main thrust of their gospel was preaching against killing of twins and other human sacrifices, which were then popular in Ilaje.

They were challenged by the natives and this resulted into a war, hatred and imprisonment of the preachers because the natives thought it was meant to ridicule their own traditional religion.

Because of this, they [Apostles] sought for alternative where they could worship and practise their religion. So, in the dead night of January 12,1947 they moved from their various places in Ilaje to a spot called Aiyetoro. Though they were challenged, persecuted and even imprisoned until May 1949 when the then District Officer[D.O] called a conference at Erunna in Aiyetoro. A treaty was then signed between Ilaje native authority and it was given to Holy Apostles’ Church where Aiyetoro is today! The church predates Aiyetoro community.

The land owned by Aiyetoro belongs to Holy Apostle’s Church, and they gave their land to their church members.

Spirit of communalism According to the septuagenarian Kudehinbu, in 1948 the Apostles decided to pull their resources together into a common purse so as to provide for the individuals basic necessity of life such as housing, feeding and clothing. “Members were grouped into economic groups, they worked in common and whatever they realised from their work place would be sent to the central purse. Nobody was holding currency in his home.

The community provides all your needs. We had several economic ventures where people worked

PHOTOS: TAIWO ABIODUN

•Houses built on stilt in Aiyetoro

•Some of the town’s youths

free of charge without salary.

There was a central food store so you can go their and collect food.

There was a central cafeteria where one could go and eat free of charge because the nature of your job may not allow you to cook. People were there cooking both day and night.”

It was like living in the Biblical heaven. Things were so serene and orderly that “In 1957, The African Magazine Editor, Duck Worth referred to Aiyetoro as having the highest standard of living in the West Africa sub region (barely 10 years into its existence). In other words, Aiyetoro community has become a travelling place of communal excellence with members combining economic wealth posterity, moral purity and religious uprightness.”

This was the idyllic Aiyetoro before its collapse in 1968.

Communalism ends Kudehinbu, who retired as an Assistant Director from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) said he could remember vividly that it was in 1968 that the spirit of communalism started waning, “Then I was in my 20s, and there was world economic

•Community's cafetaria

recession that also affected this community. People came together and thought of the way forward.

The communalism was modified due to the global economic recession that affected fishing trawlers since we were in the fishing business. The church then allowed individuals to have properties of their own with a proviso that one–third of their income must come into the town’s central purse.’’

Asked if the people adhered to this injunction he said, they were left to allow their conscience to rule and judge them. In 1986, the idea of remitting of one- third income was stopped imposing of individual taxes started. That symbolised the end of communalism.

The town’s first bridge, made of planks was built in 1949, and because the town is built on water many people, especially strangers and those who don’t know how to swim have drowned. According to him, the late Ambassador Segun Olusola visited the community in 1958 when he heard about its practise of communalism. He added, “He came on an excursion unfortunately he fell into the water but we rescued him. It could have

been a disaster. Three weeks before his death he called me saying he would like to visit again in August. So, when I heard on the radio that he had passed on I wept.”

Despite the invasion of westernisation there are no thieves or police station in the town. Night life is quiet and moral codes are strict as Christian injunctions are adhered to. No one is allowed to swear traditional gods such as Aiyelala or Ogun. Residents hardly go to hospitals because they believe fervently in God’s miracles.

Neglect by successive governments According to Kudehinbu, Aiyetoro was the first to be connected to the national grid before Ondo and Ekiti (now states) in August 1953. Yet, it has never benefitted from any government projects. The generator that supplies power to the town was bought through communal efforts. Every house dug its own borehole for supply of drinking water. “We pay N1,200 every month as our contribution for light .There is no police station or police post as the government feels unconcerned

facilities so that we can live a normal lifestyle. We have our own hospital though we hardly go there. We believe in spiritual healing. Aside that, the crude and petroleum oil the federal government is drilling from our river has caused pollution and we cannot continue consuming the dirty water.’’

Joseph Ojogbon, another resident added “In what way will the police safeguard us here, when the federal and state governments are not concerned about our plight? We have taken our destiny in our hands and cannot wait for the government to come and help us , the most painful thing is that these politicians will come here during election period , take our votes and disappear until another election.”

Saheyi Temitope (aka Alhaji Tantala) a musician is a former militant. However, he believes that belongs to the past saying, “Don’t call me a militant. I’m an ex- militant. I am now a Peace Ambassador after the programme we went for in the United States of America.” He was one of the former niger Delta militants who benefitted from the federal government amnesty programme.

He, however, regrets that “We are dying gradually and will soon die off if care is not taken. The government doesn’t even know whether we are existing. We struggle on our own to develop this place by providing all necessary social amenities’’, he said displaying a certificate obtained from Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia in the United States. He is now a fuji musician.

Angry and jobless youths The youths of Aiyetoro are well-groomed and educated professionals across all fields.

Most of them had after their education travelled to Lagos, Ibadan and other far flung cities in search of jobs, however, after fruitfulness searches most of them returned home to engage in fishing and teaching in private nursery and primary schools owned by the community and are being paid peanuts.

For instance, Dadeowo Bolade James, 30, a 2009 Biochemistry Graduate from the University of Ilorin, said after a long and fruitless search for job he had to return home. He now teaches in a private primary school and earns N7,000 monthly.

Amos Ademuyiwa Clifford, 27, holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt.

According to him, “I am surviving by teaching in a nursery and primary school. I have been to Port Harcourt, Warri, Abuja, Lagos and other urban cities but got no job. I did an interview with the PHCN recently, yet no response till date and I cannot stay at home doing nothing. I have aged parents to cater for so I have to resort to teaching.”

The list is endless. Many of the youths who live in the town complain that they are all well educated but have no job. They are a growing army of angry and jobless youths who may explode anytime soon.

Life

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

I

F 18-year-old Olatunde Samuel Ajasa had a foreknowlegde of what was on the mind of his stepmother, Mrs Kemi Ajasa, on June 26, he would most probably avoid a quarrel with her. Unfortunately, he could not. The result is that his stepmother allegedly poured hot water on his body and turned him into a pitiable sight.

On the fateful day, Olatunde was said to be preparing for his NECO (National Examination Council) exam when Kemi’s daughter, Senami, entered his room at their No 7, Ajasa Street, Egan, Lagos State residence and scattered Olatunde’s books. Angered

by Senami’s action, Olatunde reprimanded her. But Kemi did not take kindly to Olatunde’s action and she engaged him in an altercation, which later degenerated into a physical attack on Olatunde.

It took the intervention of Ajasa (Kemi’s husband and Olatunde’s father) to free Olatunde from Kemi’s grips. But while Ajasa thought he had brokered a truce between Kemi and her stepson, Kemi left home and returned a few hours later to pour hot water on Olatunde while he lay on the bed in his room.

Kemi, an employee of the Lagos State Government attached to the Lagos State Inland Revenue Service (LIRS), Ikeja, was said to have vanished into thin air as soon as she carried out the dastardly act. Olatunde was immediately rushed to the Igando General Hospital, from where he was transferred to a private hospital in Akowonjo area of Lagos.

Speaking with our correspondent amid sobs and excruciating pains on his hospital bed penultimate Friday, Olatunde recalled the events that culminated in the ugly incident.

He said: “On Tuesday June 26, 2012, I was studying in preparation for my NECO examination when my stepsister, Senami, entered my room and scattered my books. I reprimanded her and she started crying. I took her to my father, who was in his room looking for a computer skills acquisition form he had obtained for me.

“When Senami would not stop crying, my father asked me to explain what happened and I told him that she entered my room and scattered my books. I also explained how I had reprimanded her. Her mother became angry and attacked me immediately.”

He explained that his father tried fruitlessly to separate them and resolve the matter, not knowing that Kemi was planning to revenge.

Olatunde said: “Idid not know that she was not done yet. A few minutes after my father separated us, she at- •Olatunde on hospital bed tacked me and bit me on my hands, legs and armpit. When I could no

By Kunle Akinrinade longer stand her violent attacks on me, I bit her too in order to free myself “I was first rushed to Igando General Hospital, from from her. where I was transferred to the Ikeja General Hospital.

“She reached for a kitchen knife and But my mother decided to bring me to this hospital threatened to stab me, but my father because I fainted several times a few hours after the collected the knife from her. Still bent incident.” on carrying out her mission, she ran Olatunde’s distraught mother, Mrs Taiwo Ajasa, said: outside and returned with a broken “It seems like a a dream to me that a woman who has bottle. She tried to stab me with the her own child would carry out such a callous act against jagged edge of the bottle, but my faa harmless boy. ther pleaded with her and collected “ I separated with his father a few years ago and the broken bottle from her. And when Olatunde is the only one living with his father out of she tried once more to attack me, I was my four children. He had been complaining about forced to leave the house to save my Kemi’s cruel attitude but I always told him to be careful own life and avoid further trouble with and avoid a quarrel with her. I never knew she could go her. to such a length.

“The matter dragged till about 10.30 “I strongly believe that she wanted to kill my son. pm when one of my uncles intervened Perhaps his presence in the house unsettles her. But by taking her to his residence for counGod has scattered her plans.” selling. My uncle assured us that she Taiwo, an Instructor on hairdressing and cosmetolwould have calmed down by the time ogy at the Lagos State Skills Acquisition and Vocational she returned home the following day.”

Centre under the Lagos State Women Affairs and PovAs it turned out, Olatunde’s uncle’s erty Alleviation (WAPA), also accused Olatunde’s faassumption was wrong as Kemi rether of complicity in the matter. turned home in the wee hours of the She said: “My former husband knows Kemi’s wherefollowing day and poured hot water on abouts and he is only pretending he is unaware of where Olatunde in his room. she is hiding. And that was what I told her family mem“She returned home at about 5.30 am, bers when they asked for amicable settlement of the saying she had an appointment,” matter.

Olatunde recalled. “A few minutes later, “I will not rest until she is apprehended and brought she boiled some water, came straight to justice for trying to kill my son. She can only run but into my room and poured it on me she cannot escape justice. I have forwarded a petition to while I was still sleeping. She ran out of the office of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs the house when I started shouting for Ajoke Orelope-Adefulire, and I know that justice will help. surely be done in this matter. As I speak, one of my

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‘My stepmother destroyed my body with boiled water after her failed bids to stab me with kitchen knife and broken bottle’

•Police arrest culprit •Husband says ‘it’s a domestic affair

•Olatunde before the incident

daughters, Mede, is about to post a piece she wrote on the incident on the internet in order to alert the public about the cruel woman.”

In a statement she posted on the internet, Mede recalled how her brother had contacted her in the middle of the fight, as well as the intervention of her uncle.

She stated: “I got a call from my brother at about 9 pm on the day of the incident. He told me my stepmom was trying to beat him. He explained that Senami came to his room to scatter his books and that her mother became angry when she learnt that he reprimanded her daughter. He told me that Kemi had tried to stab her with broken bottle and knife.”

“I called my father to find out if it was true that my stepmother was trying to hurt my brother, but my father said he had brought the situation under control. I was only able to sleep when I heard that one of my father’s younger brothers had succeeded in taking my stepmother to his residence to spend the night in order to prevent the matter from escalating.

“But I was shocked when news got to me the next day that Kemi had poured hot water on my brother in the wee hours of the day. My father later explained to me that when my stepmother returned home with my uncle at about 4.30 am in a bid to find a final solution to the matter, she was going to her room at intervals, claiming that she was preparing for work.

“Nobody knew that she was actually boiling some water which she later poured on my brother who was sleeping in his room, causing severe burns on his body. By the time my father and my uncle, who were seated in the living room, tried to rescue my brother as he screamed for help, he fainted.

“At the moment, my stepmother is at large and all the efforts made to locate her have not yielded any fruit.”

•Olatunde showing his back

Olatunde’s father, Mr. Ernest Ajasa, threatened to deal with our correspondent when he sought his comment on the matter.

He said: “Yes, I am Ernest Ajasa. I know you are a journalist and I already know what you want to ask me about. Let me tell you, the matter is a domestic one and it is already being resolved. So, don’t come and ruin my home.

“And I must warn you against writing or publishing any story about the incident in your paper.

If you try it, I will take action against your paper, because I know my rights under the law. And I must also warn you not to speak with any of my children.”

Ajasa then handed the phone to a man who claimed to be the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Igando Police Station. The “DPO” asked if our correspondent was the reporter who had earlier called on his mobile phone to confirm the matter, saying: “Okay, if you are not the one who called me on the telephone to confirm the story, I want to say that Mr Ajasa is right here in my office and I cannot say more than that.”

Confirming the incident on the telephone on Monday, however, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Lagos State Police Command, Ngosi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said that Kemi had been arrested and was in police custody.

“I can confirm to you that the woman involved was arrested at about 7pm today on July 2 and the case had been transfered to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) . She would be charged to Court at the completion of investigation.”

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Your HEALTH THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

What your tongue says about your health

Diet secrets to a healthy tongue

How to properly scrape your tongue

59

BUSINESS

‘Cooperation key to win war against fake products’

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

-- Page 59 61

Briefs Lagos Courts halts AGM in Abuja From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

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•Dangote

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RE you a lover of Dangote Indomie, Dangote Macaroni, Dangote Agrosack, Dansa Foods, Dangote Pasta and Dangote Flour? Then listen to this: Your favourites Dangote range of food products might soon be out of the market or come in a new pack produced by a different company.

Wonder why? A penny for your thought: This is as a result of the plan by Africa’s richest man and the world 76th richest man, according to Forbes Magazine, Aliko Dangote, owner of Dangote Flour Mills and producer of Dangote range of food products, to sell off his controlling stake in his flour milling business, to a South African consumer giant, Tiger Brands.

The Nigerian businessman is currently in talks with the South African company to sell off his 80 per cent stake in the publicly-listed Dangote Flour Mills PLC, West Africa’s largest manufacturer of pasta and flour, to the company.

The plan, which is at advanced stage, will no longer make Dangote the owner of the company.

Dangote’s 80 per cent stake is valued at N125million which is just a small fraction of his $11.2 billion fortune.

Various reasons have been adduced for the decision of the billionaire to divest his shares.

Unconfirmed reports, however, have it that the business mogul, who is highly connected, may have opted out of flour business going by the proposed tariff regime being put in place by the Federal Government in its quest to promote cassava flour intake for bread.

According to a reliable source who is a top member of the management of the company, the billionaire made the decision having got wind of the plan by the federal government to ban the importation of flour into the country.

The source said since Dangote imports his flour after which they are repackaged in Nigeria, the move by the federal government would

Dangote’s changing business strategy Plans by Nigeria’s billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group of Companies, whose business interest spans cement, foods, agro-allied, to mention just a few, to divest from the food business is a wise decision, analysts say. Bukola Afolabi reports. adversely affect the business of the billionaire and result into loss in returns. So as not to be caught unaware and to avoid losing lots of money, urgent decision had to be made.

According to the source, one of the decisions was to quickly hands off the company and concentrate his attention on his well established and thriving cement business.

It would be recalled that Dangote owns Obajana cement, Ibese cement plant, acquired Benue cement and is planning to expand to the sub-Saharan Africa. The bulk of his financial strength, according to the source, is realised from his cement companies. With this development, he would channel his energy towards realising his ambition.

“The truth is that talks are ongoing. These other subsidiaries were planned to be involved but exigencies of talks, business strategies and profit making could have influenced the decision. You know, federal government would soon ban the importation of flour which might affect our business. This could also be responsible for the reason Dangote decided to sell the company on time,” the source said.

Another source opined that the

current failure of Dangote Flour Mills as well as other food products to generate enough returns on investment prompted the decision.

“The reason for his (Dangote) action was informed by his perceived low rate of returns on investment. The rate of return on investment is higher, faster and much in cement compared with food and related investments. So he will have more time to concentrate on cement and power generation business,” the source added.

The new company, Tiger Brands, revealed that it decided to buy the 80% stake because of the trust it has in the company. However, before the company could gain full acquisition, certain issues have to be resolved.

One of the issues, according to the top member of the management, has to do with the high number of staff of Dangote Flour Mills.

“One of the key conditions given for Tiger Brands to come in is the issue of the bloated staff strength of Dangote in those companies. To show Dangote’s seriousness in whittling down his interest in food related activities, not less than 400 employees in these subsidiaries have been asked to go. The retrenchment exercise started in March and is still ongo-

ing,” the source said.

To show its readiness to expand into and conquer the Nigerian market, in 2010, Tiger Brands acquired a 49 per cent stake in UAC Foods, Nigeria’s largest manufacturer of convenience foods. In the same year, the company also acquired Deli Foods, one of Nigeria’s largest biscuit companies.

According to economic pundits, if Dangote agrees to sell, the deal could serve to further establish Tiger’s presence in Nigeria’s food and beverages industry. ”Perhaps flour is not just as lucrative for him anymore. He probably needs to let go in order to devote more time to more lucrative industries like cement and power,” said Adejoh Johnson, an independent capital market analyst.

In the view of another analyst, like most shrewd businessmen, Dangote believes in the dictum that says, “The first law of nature is the law of self-preservation, hence, he decided to take a bow when the ovation becomes loudest.”

But the question on many people’s lips remains: “Was this a wise decision as some pundits have claimed?”

Time will tell.

HE federal high court in Ikoyi Lagos has halted the fifth, Annual General Meeting of First Guarantee Pension Limited from taking place.

According to documents received by The Nation over the weekend, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) had on the 29th of June 2012 authorised First Guarantee Pension Limited to hold its fifth AGM on Friday 13th July 2012.

But on the 10th of July 2012, the federal high court in Lagos issued an interim order of injunction restraining the parties mentioned in the suit from “convening and or holding an annual general meeting whatsoever and or acting upon the purported directive of the party sought to be joined for the purpose of convening an annual general meeting of the first respondent (First Guarantee Pension Limited) pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed wherewith contemporaneously.”

Justice Okechukwu Okeke restrained the applicant Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim Imam and all shareholders of First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL) he purports to represent including and particularly Hon. Terngu Tsegba; First Guarantee Pension Limited and Corporate Affairs Commission from holding the AGM.

2015 MDG target not attainable From: Franca Ochigbo, Abuja ROM the Permanent Secretary Water Resources, Ambassador Goodknows Igali, has come a verdict: “the Millennium Development Goal 2015 cannot be attained.”

Igali disclosed this at the coordination meeting for the collaboration between the Federal and State Governments on Strategies for completion of ongoing and abandoned projects in water sector in Abuja over the weekend.

According to him, “Nigeria has been one of the countries that have been counted as off track in the Millennium Development Goal, the complaint from the international community is that it is obvious that Nigeria is not ready to attain the MDG goal in 2015. That the nation is off track does not mean that the nation is not doing enough. NEC now detected that there should be a step in the right direction.”

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THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Business News Customer service

Banks refund over N5b F

OLLOWING the creation of the Consumer Protection Department of the Central Bank of Nigeria, billions of naira has been refunded to bank customers based on several thousands of complaints regarding the services rendered by the banks.

The department which was created on April 2nd received approximately 3,645 complaints by April 30th and was able to address 3,571 of those complaints.

Total claims of N 8.59 billion were made against the deposit money banks within the specified period, of which N 5.03 billion and $ 201,375 was refunded to customers.

The CBN’s goal is to create customer help desks in all its branches nationwide.

The aim of the department is to ensure that consumers receive appropriate protection with the CBN acting as the consumer’s advocate,

Stories by Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

setting standards of customer service for the industry and ensuring that customers are treated fairly in all their dealings with the industry.

According to a senior official of the department, Mr. Ifeanyi Nwoha, the goal is to enhance consumer protection.

He said, “Hitherto, some consumer protection responsibilities were carried out by the Banking Supervision Department.

The Bankers’ Committee also created the SubCommittee on Ethics and Professionalism which was saddled with the responsibility of addressing disputes between consumers and providers of financial services. Additionally, the banks also received customer complaints which they were expected to resolve appropriately.

“It was observed, however, that these structures, aside their inability to properly

address the avalanche of complaints from the consumers did not focus on other important aspects of consumer protection, such as consumer education, consumer complaintindex and policy formulation.”

The CBN is soon to go digital with its Consumer Protection Unit.

Nwoha said, “A Consumer Complaint web-enabled portal for financial consumers of banks and other Financial Institutions to submit petitions/ complaints to the CBN online. “The system would also provide an interface for banks and other financial institutions to make periodic returns to the CBN for its record and possible intervention. For example the CBN (through CFPD) and CPC had just released the 2nd Edition of Guide to Basic Banking Transactions to educate the current and potential banking public. “

PHOTO SHOP

•From left: Vice President Namadi Sambo and other guests examining some of the products at the Rivers State stand during the NEPAD trade fair held in Abuja recently

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HE exceptional performance of Forever Living Products Nigeria/Benin Republic at the just concluded FLP African Rally in Sun-City, South Africa, has brought joy and fulfillment to the company’s leadership and distributors.

With a contingent of 1,600 distributors, representing 50 percent of all delegates from the continent, Nigeria produced the top four of the topmost-five African distributors to emerge first in overall continental sales as well as winning the African Sonya Beauty contest.

Speaking with journalists, the company’s managing director, Mr. Cornelius Tay, said the Nigerian performance at the rally was humbling.

The FLP boss further stressed that, “Nigeria recorded a number of firsts in this year’s African Rally.

Nigeria FLP distributors shine at South Africa Firstly, Nigeria had the largest number of attendees. Ours was a huge number; almost 50 percent of the entire Rally participants were Nigerians.

For every two people, there was a Nigerian. The country was well represented. Secondly, Nigeria was declared as the number one country in Africa on the basis of conti-

nental sales in the period 2011 / 2012. Nigeria received the two topmost cheques at the event. The number one cheque of US$335,000+ went to the Ekperigins, and the second topmost cheque of US$279,000+ went to Kikelomo Apeji.”

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days after the sad event.

In a solemn message, the airline said that: “This 40th day of the tragic accident of Sunday, June 3, the management and the over 540 staff of Dana Air remember specially all who lost their lives in the accident, and join their families, friends and all Nigerians in praying for the repose of their souls.”

While emphasising that the senior management team of Dana Air has been focused on providing assistance to the families, and also given full cooperation to the authorities in the ongoing investigations into the cause of the accident, the airline assured that: “Dana Air shares in the pains of the affected families and continues to work with the Lagos State Government and LASUTH to expedite the process of identification and release of bodies, so that the families can lay their loved ones to rest.”

Expatiating, it said: “In honour of our duty to the families, interim payments to the next-of-kin who have completed legal verification of their documents have commenced.

“We remain in contact with all the families and relatives through the Crisis Management Centres which we have established in Lagos and Abuja, and will continue to assist them in this process.”

It further assured that Dana Air is also working closely with LASEMA with regards to rehabilitation of the displaced Iju-Ishaga residents, just as it disclosed that relief materials were donated and steps have been taken to provide accommodation for the severely affected residents.

“All efforts will be made to ensure that losses caused by the accident will be indemnified. We recognise and appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government, the Lagos State Government, as well as all NGOs and individuals who have come forward to offer assistance and support to the families. May the good Lord bless and reward you,”it concluded.

Dana Air consoles families of air crash

PPARENTLY smarting from the ill-fated air crash involving Dana Air, which claimed the lives of 153 passengers onboard and six others on the ground, the airline’s management has sent a condolence message to families of the victims, nearly over 40

NEPAD records giant strides in Rivers

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XACTLY four years after the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Rivers State chapter was established, it has achieved some modest successes.

Making this disclosure recently was Dr. Tex Wariboko, Special Adviser to the Governor of Rivers State and State Coordinator on NEPAD. According to Wariboko, “From inception, NEPAD Rivers was able to key into the policy framework set out by its head office in Abuja to bring about the much needed change in the state’s policy as well as its academy through radical approach to issues pertaining to poverty alleviation; improvement in the quality of education, agricultural development, health, among others.”

Going down memory lane, he recalled that: “The first thing we did was to sensitise the Rivers populace by enlightening them about NEPAD and what it set out to achieve.

The next thing was working out plans on how to add value by helping government to bring about accelerated development.”

NEPAD Rivers, Wariboko noted, out has partnered private c o m p a n i e s , nongovernmental organisations, Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), among others, as part of efforts to achieve its set objectives.

While enumerating some of these successes, Wariboko recalled that among other things, the collaboration has led to sponsorship and support for over 20 Rivers State indigenes who acquired new skill sets in mechanized farming at the Republic of Ireland as well as computer literacy training to mention just a few.

In line with NEPAD Education Initiative, Rivers State, Wariboko stressed, is poised to begin implementation of partnership with relevant organisation to donate about 1,000,000 science, mathematics, English and other textbooks to primary, secondary and post secondary and libraries all over the state.

“In an effort to enhance our children’s access to books and improve their academic performance and Study habits, further buttressing President Goodluck Jonathan’s ‘Bring Back the Book Initiative’”, he said.

The major challenge Wariboko revealed is funding but NEPAD in not resting on its oars as it still intends to partner with State government, other government parastatals, corporate organisation, nongovernmental organisations, among others to ensure that all its future projects are successfully implemented.

GTBank emerges ‘2012 Best bank in Nigeria’

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•From left: Representative of Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Omolara Erogbogbo, Deputy Genera l Manage GTBank , Mr. Isa Omagu, Super Eagle Coach, Steven Keshi, and Mrs. Oyinade Ogunade-Adegite, Manager, during the Tournament Ambassadors Programme (TAP) 2012 in Lagos.

PHOTO: MUYIWA HASSAN

UARANTY Trust Bank plc has been recognised as the 2012 ‘Best Bank in Nigeria’

by Euromoney Magazine for the fourth consecutive year.

The award which was presented during the 2012 Euromoney Awards for Excellence Dinner in London last weekend, recognises financial institutions worldwide that have recorded significant feats within their operating environments and continuously display innovation and record

excellent financial performance year on year.

According to Mr. Clive Horwood, Euromoney Magazine’s Editor, GTBank’s receipt of the prestigious Bank of the Year Award for the fourth time in a row is an unprecedented feat which pays testimony to the bank’s position as a first class, profitable and focused institution.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Segun Agbaje, Group Managing Director/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc ascribed the award to the

bank’s well defined operating strategy, the passion and commitment of GTBank employees and adherence to values that include hard work, discipline, a passion for excellence and a service focused culture.

Agbaje further stated that the bank would continue to seek innovative ways of offering its stakeholders exceptional service. He also thanked the bank’s customers for their continuous patronage and tremendous support over the years.

Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

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OW would you assess the role of Standard Organisation of Nigeria since you assumed office as the Director General? Would you say the organisation has been living up to public expectation?

Before now, anywhere you turn to in Nigeria; the market was saturated with substandard products. Ranging from drugs, electronics, household items, fake products are everywhere. Phones and other accessories of low quality were brought into the country by some unscrupulous Nigerian businessmen in collaboration with foreign manufacturers of these products for higher gains.

Many of these products are imported from different parts of the world, including the Middle East. The porous nature of our borders equally did not help matters as many of these fake products find their way into the country through importers who have since devised means to evade the Nigerian Customs’ surveillance.

However agencies like Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) with the mandate to checkmate importation of substandard products have been making frantic efforts to carry out its obligations.

Thus, when I came on board, we looked at the level of measurement of substandard products and what we got was shocking and unacceptable. That was why we declared zero tolerance for substandard products. The intervention that we brought in the last 12 months has actually shown that we are making progress. We have made about 80 to 85 per cent progress and we are happy about that.

What has been the response of other government agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service?

We have a lot to do concerning leadership of those agencies. When I started, I didn’t really know much about these other agencies but the more we have known each other, the more we have come to work together. I believe our relationship has improved tremendously. I look forward to the next three months to get 100 per cent better working relationship with agencies like the Nigeria Customs. For us to succeed, we need collaboration with Customs. I can tell you that things are looking up. We are focusing on protecting the consumers.

Have you been able to apprehend some offenders?

We have caught some people but we have also realised that our mandate has a lot of limitations. For example, we don’t have the power to prosecute even though we have arrested people. Some cases are in court.

When they are finally prosecuted, the challenge is that the punishment is not deterrent enough. We have presented a Bill to the National Assembly and the Bill has gone beyond 2nd reading. We are looking at the possibility of public hearing very soon.

We have proposed that we should be

INTERVIEW

‘Cooperation key to win war against fake products’

Dr Joseph Odumodo, Director General of Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), who assumed office over a year ago, has recorded some giant strides in the fight against adulterated products entering into the nation’s market from outside the shores of this country. In this interview with Bukola Afolabi, he shares his experiences on the job and the challenges thus far.

•Odumodo

appointed a prosecuting agency. We are praying that National Assembly will look into it.

There are insinuations that SON is operating a petrol station…

I will like to correct the impression that we are operating a petrol station. I have never given instruction to any person to operate a filling station. We have not opened any filling station. What we have done is to bring into

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the fore that there is adulteration of petrol in Nigeria and there is need for government to do something about it. Very soon, we will have a full regulation of petroleum products which will give us idea of who is bringing the product and where the adulteration is taking place. Adulteration has led to people buying new generators and complaining that the generator is not working. It has also led to injuries. Dangote has recently complained that some of his new trucks engines were damaged by adulterated fuel. It is a real problem and we are doing our best in collaboration with other government agencies.

What efforts have you made to checkmate goods coming from China because many of these fake products come from there?

One of the handing over notes I received was that there is continuing cooperation agreement between the Nigerian government and the Chinese government. We have taken the matter and discussions are ongoing. One thing is that we have made it clear to the Chinese authority that we will not accept substandard products coming in from their country.

One of the ways we can stop this is by telling them that we would prefer that products that come into Nigeria must be products that are made and use by Chinese.

We don’t want products that are made for export only. Before the end of the year, we would have reached a certain level in that agreement. The agency is being re-engineered to ensure that with or without an agreement with the Chinese, we will be able to ensure that substandard products are reduced from coming into the country from their (China) shores.

There are countless numbers of illegal borders across the country. What are you doing about it?

Half of the products that enter Nigeria come in through the ports which imply that other half come in through the borders. These are illegal, known and unknown borders and no agency or government has been able to effectively police the borders. I heard that there are over 250 borders and less than 20 per cent of them are manned by men of the Nigeria Customs. So we cannot blame anybody. Even with those illegal borders, we have a programme that will help us to check the influx of fake products by making sure the markets are combed effectively and that consumers are educated to stay away from substandard products. What I ask from Nigerians is to collaborate with SON. SON is a government agency with a mandate. There are substandard products everywhere in the world. The difference between Nigeria and other countries is that Nigerians readily embrace these products.

We need to educate people to stay away from such products and even when we come in contact with them; we should take action by reporting to SON. We need collaboration with Nigerians so as to make Nigeria great.

‘Why Nigerians should invest in fire fighting’ Shalom Olugbenga Sobande, Chief Executive, Flameshield Fire Training, in this interview with Taiwo Abiodun, shares his perspective on prospects and challenges in the fire fighting sub-sector.

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•Sobande

HAT motivated you to establish Flameshield Fire Training?

I studied Microbiology from the Ogun State University, now Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, and did my National Youth Service at National Orthopedic Hospital, Dala in Kano. From there I came back to Lagos and worked in some companies. But one day, I saw people crying that a woman had her son trapped in a building which was burning and nobody could go inside to rescue the baby. I ran upstairs with a fire extinguisher and started spraying the chemical in the sitting room that had been inflamed. I dashed into the room where the baby was lying down crying and brought him out alive. Ever since, I vowed to do the best I can to assist humanity in this area. Later I went for training in fire fighting in Croydon, in the United Kingdom. The training was about six months. I have also attended further training to catch up with the latest methodologies in fire fighting. Also, a white man called Trevor Cole, encouraged me and gave me more training in Nigeria here besides regular updating I have done through reading on my own to enhance my

skills in fire fighting, I hence decided to set up shop in 2004, by establishing Flameshield Services.

What is your assessment of Nigeria’s fire fighting system?

Sincerely speaking, Nigeria is still using old equipments. We need to buckle up. I could remember when the Law Union and Rock building at Alagomeji, Yaba, went up in flames sometime ago. Unfortunately and very sad, the fire service could not go into the building because they did not have enough apparatus such as oxygen pack, which I quickly provided at the time. There is no way to rescue the building from ruins if they did not have oxygen pack, how could they have breath? The fire fighters eventually went into the building and quenched the fire. So this is why I consider it necessary for every member of the public to consider investing in fire fighting in the interest of the nation.

Do you think state governments are doing enough?

If you take a survey of states that have done well in fire fighting one can readily single out Lagos State. But we need private

organisations to come in too. The state government cannot do it alone. We need private organisations and individuals to step in like we have private schools, private hospitals and so on. Again family members should train their wards and children on how to nip fire in the bud before it goes haywire. Funny enough many companies don’t train their employees on the rudiments or simple way of putting out fire. It is a pity Nigerians take so many risks, and it costs us so much in lives and property, this is absurd, and disgusting.

Why do you think Nigerians shy away from safety, fire fighting business?

Yes, Nigerians prefer to import cars, and other consumable goods that can yield returns immediately. Safety and fire service business is very expensive and it does not yield immediate results. But from my personal experience, I can say, it is not how far but how well because Rome was not built in a day. It is a gradual process and it is part of one’s contribution to humanity –saving lives and property. I can readily cite myself as an example; I did not go into it for profit but based on my personal interest.

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Business

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

PROFILE

By Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf

Cadbury boss promises brand repositioning

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MIL MOSKOFIAN, who sits atop as the new helmsman at Cadbury Nigeria Plc, has left no one in doubt that he is ready to take the global brand to greater heights.

The Cadbury boss’ appointment was announced last month following the resignation of the former Managing Director, Mr. Alan Palmer, in May 31, 2012.

Moskofian, a Briton, has since hit the ground running promising among others to turnaround the leading beverage company and grow its equity.

Until his appointment as the Managing Director of Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Moskofian was the Regional Managing Director, Africa and Turkey, IFFCO – a leading manufacturer and marketer of fast moving Consumer Goods in the Middle East and Africa (based in UAE) between July 2010 – December 2011.

Educated at University of London, England, where he bagged a BSc in Nuclear Engineering in 1988, Moskofian became a member of the Chartered Institute of Accountants in 1990.

Besides, from 1990 to 2010, Moskofian worked with the British American Tobacco Limited, serving the company in various capacities in different countries as listed below.

He also had a stint as Finance Manager, UK Head and later assumed Senior Finance roles in Hungary and Russia from 1990 – 1998.

He was at various times, Finance Director, Malaysian Tobacco Company, a public listed company.

From 1999 – 2001, he served as Finance Director, British American Tobacco, Bangladesh, a leading public listed company.

In 2001 – 2004, he worked as Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Director/Finance Director, Korea (based in Seoul, South Korea).

Cadbury’s business goes back to the 1950s. It began as an effort to source cocoa beans while looking for opportunities to serve the local consumer markets with the famous Cadbury products. In the early 1960s Cadbury began packing imported bulk consumer products, but the company grew quickly into a full-fledged manufacturing outfit.

Cadbury Nigeria was incorporated in January 1965 and became a public company traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1976.

Cadbury Nigeria, is a

• Moskofian

member company of Cadbury Schweppes Plc, a major player in the global confectionery and beverages markets with 40,000 employees and business operations in 200 countries. Cadbury’s initial objective in the 1950s to source cocoa and prospect for a market in Nigeria led to the establishment of a manufacturing facility in Ikeja, north of Lagos, in 1965.

Kraft Foods acquired Cadbury Plc on February 2, 2010 making it part of the second largest food company in the world.

Kraft Foods proudly markets delicious biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals in approximately 170 countries.

Twelve of the company’s iconic brands — including Cadbury, Jacobs, Kraft, LU, Maxwell

House, Milka, Nabisco, Oreo, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Tang and Trident — generate revenue of more than $1 billion annually, and 40 have been loved for more than a century.

While Cadbury Nigeria and its brands are part of the Kraft Foods family, a portion of 25.01% is held by indigenous shareholders and publicly traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

•A cross-section of graduands of HI-FLY Computer Institute in a group photograph with the Chairman/Managing Director of the Institute during graduation ceremony at the school premises at Iyana- Ilogbo, Ogun State, recently.

Beyond Talent

By Adetayo Okusanya Email: adetayookusanya@hotmail.com

A commander of slaves or warriors?

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NE of the most inspiring movies that I have watched is the movie “300”, directed by Zack Snyder and released in 2007. It is a part fictional depiction of the historic Battle of Thermopylae, which was fought between an alliance of Greek city-states, led by King Leonidas of Sparta, and the Persian Empire of Xerxes I. Although Greece did not win the Battle of Thermopylae, the Greeks ultimately won the war against Persia. I was so impressed by the leadership qualities that Gerard Butler brought to life on the screen, as he played the character of King Leonidas, that I was inspired to write this article.

Outlined below are some of my favorite quotes which embody the three leadership lessons I learned from watching the movie, 300.

LESSON ONE: “We march for our lands… Our families… For freedom!”

– King Leonidas A Great Leader Inspires. King Leonidas gave his men something to believe in that was worth fighting and dying for. It was not about personal comfort, wealth or notoriety. It was about Sparta and what was good for Sparta. Leonidas had the option of living out the rest of his life as a King, in servitude to Xerxes I. All he had to do was send “Earth and Water” as a show of surrender. However, he believed, that it was better to die a free man than to compromise and live as a slave. “This is where we hold them! This is where we fight!

This is where they die!” were the words he spoke to his men in the day of battle. “Hold! Give them NOTHING but take from them EVERYTHING!” In the face of certain death, he remained resolute in his unwilling to mortgage the future of his people. “The world will know that free men stood against a tyrant. That few stood against many.” Indeed, the world today remembers King Leonidas and his role in one of history’s most famous last stands.

What do you stand for as a leader? Do you use brute force and intimidation to get others to follow your selfish agenda? Are you surrounded by people who follow you because they have to, and not because they want to? You know you are a great leader when your team is willing to stand by your side, even in the direst of circumstances.

LESSON TWO: “We fight as a single impenetrable unit…As a phalanx.

That is the source of our strength.” – King Leonidas A Great Leader Facilitates Collaboration and Cooperation. I cannot help but admire the high degree of teamwork that the Spartans displayed in battle. Teamwork was not merely a word in their mission statement; it was a way of life. “Each Spartan protects the man to his left from thigh to neck with a shield.” Spartan warriors were raised to believe that teamwork was essential to success. The strength of this belief, coupled with their fighting prowess, ultimately created a competitive advantage that was hard to emulate or defeat. King Leonidas believed in the role each individual played in strength of the collective, so much so that he refused Ephialtes’ request to join the Spartan warriors. Leonidas understood that the deformity of Ephialtes, and his inability to carry a shield, would put the rest of the men at risk on the battle field. “A Spartans true strength is the warrior next to him.”

Does your leadership style promote unhealthy competition among your employees and do you make recruiting decisions that ultimately weaken the collective strength of your team. Remember, a kingdom divided against its self cannot stand. You know you are a great leader when your followers see themselves as “ONE”, perceive each other as capable, and can count on the unwavering support of the man or woman next to them.

LESSON THREE: “The more you sweat in practice, the less you bleed on the field.” – King Leonidas A Great Leader Sets High Standards. King Leonidas and his Spartan soldiers were the most adept at war. Their weapons of war were far superior to those of many of their adversaries, and their war strategy “The Phalanx” was designed to give them the ultimate advantage. Spartans, from the age of six years, spent countless hours training to become warriors. There was no room for softness or weakness in Sparta and only the hard and strong could call themselves Spartans. Aristotle said “we are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence therefore is not an act but a habit.” Spartan warriors did what they were “trained” to do, what they were bred to do, and what they were born to do. This was why it was easy for Leonidas to say of Xerxes I, “You have many slaves but few warriors.”

Are your employees’ slaves or warriors? Do you invest sufficient resources hiring, training, motivating and retaining an experienced and skilled workforce. You know you are a great leader, when you create an enabling environment that attracts, develops and retains people who are the best in their field and who willingly submit to your leadership.

• Okusanya is CEO of ReadinessEdge

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WORLD NEWS THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

400,000 told to evacuate in Japan deluge

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BOUT 400,000 people were ordered or advised to leave their homes in southwest Japan yesterday as heavy rain pounded the area for a third day leaving 29 dead or missing, officials and media said.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of more landslides and floods on the main southern island of Kyushu as rainfall of up to 11 centimetres (4.3 inches) per hour was recorded Saturday.

Evacuation orders were issued to about 260,000 people in the north of the island where more rivers burst their banks, Kyushu’s local media reported.

They were told to go to designated shelters such as schools and other public facilities.

Nearly 140,000 other people were advised to leave their homes to avoid possible disaster, according to officials contacted by AFP in the four affected prefectures in Kyushu.

Television footage showed torrents of muddy, debris-strewn water and flooded houses following what officials described as “unprecedented” downpours from a seasonal rain front.

Along the Yamakuni river in Oita prefecture, water levels were seen reaching the roof of a riverside drive-in restaurant before subsiding later.

Islamists in Mali detain, whip 90 protesters

Afghan commander among 23 dead in wedding blast W A

suicide bomber blew himself up yesterday in a wedding hall in northern Afghanistan, killing at least 23 people including a prominent warlord-turned-politician and three Afghan security force officials, in an attack that deals a setback to efforts to unify the nation’s ethnic factions, Afghan officials said.

Ahmad Khan Samangani, an ethnic Uzbek and anti-Soviet guerrilla leader in the 1980s who later became a member of parliament, was welcoming guests to his daughter’s wedding when the explosion occurred in Aybak, the capital of Samangan province.

President Hamid Karzai said 23 people were killed and about 60, including govern-

ment officials, were wounded in the attack, which he condemned and said was “carried out by the enemies of Afghanistan.” He ordered a team from Kabul to fly to the northern province to investigate the bombing.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the blast. But in announcing their spring offensive on May 2, the Taliban said they would continue to target those who back the Karzai government and the U.S.-led international military coalition.

Karzai needs the minority groups — loosely known as the Northern Alliance — to back his efforts to reconcile with the Taliban. But minorities already worry that Karzai, a Pashtun, will make too many conces-

sions to their Taliban enemies to achieve a peace deal to end the war. Whatever support for peace talks that Karzai has won from minority groups is likely to erode if militants continue to pick off their leaders one by one.

It was the most recent in a month-long string of deadly attacks around the country.

On June 22, heavily armed Taliban fighters attacked a lakeside hotel north of Kabul and killed 18 people during a 12-hour standoff with security forces. Two days earlier, a suicide bomber killed 21 people, including three U.S. soldiers, at a checkpoint in a crowded market in the eastern city of Khost.

The violence threatens to

undermine international hopes of an orderly handover to Afghan forces by the end of 2014.

Separately, NATO said two of its service members were killed yesterday in eastern Afghanistan — one in an insurgent attack and the other as a result of a non-battle related injury. No other details were provided. So far this year, 235 NATO service members have died in Afghanistan.

In western Afghanistan, Abdul Salam Rahimi, the mayor of Shindand district in Herat province, was assassinated Friday evening by two gunmen on a motorbike, authorities said. A civilian, who was injured in the shooting, later died at a hospital.

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•Brown

northern Mali have briefly detained protesters and whipped them in an apparent attempt to intimidate the locals.

Resident Hama Cisse of Goundam town, some 100 kilometers (60 miles) west of Timbuktu, said yesterday that members of the radical Islamic sect Ansar Dine were going from door to door in a bid to arrest the leaders of a protest against them.

He says the protest erupted Friday after a young Islamist militant whipped a woman carrying a baby for not wearing what he considered to be an adequate veil. The baby fell and was injured.

Resident Ousmane Yattara said angry citizens then marched toward the radicals’ base and vandalized the premises.

A spokesman for the alQaida-linked group, Sanda Abou Mohamed, dismissed the protests as a smear campaign and said the baby had not been injured.

Zimbabwe man survives ‘face to face’ lion attack

Gordon Brown made UN education envoy ORMER prime minister Gordon Brown is to become a special global education envoy to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, it was announced yesterday.

The role will see Brown trying to get 61 million more children enrolled in eduation across the world by 2015 to meet a UN Millennium Development goal.

He will accompany Ban on a tour of Asia in August.

Brown, who has kept a low public profile since leaving office in 2010, said the new post was a “great privilege”.

“Ensuring that every child in the world has the opportunity to go to school and to learn is a long-standing passion of mine,” he said.

“Enrolling an additional 61 million children and ensuring a quality education for all by the end of 2015 will not be easy — but it is a goal which, working together, we can achieve.”

Brown will join statesmen including former US president Bill Clinton and former UN secretary general Kofi Annan as UN special envoys.

ITNESSES say radical Islamists in

•US President Barack Obama during a rain-soaked campaign event yesterday at Walkerton Tavern & Gardens in Glen Allen, Virginia. Obama is campaigning in Virginia ahead of the November presidential election.

AFP PHOTO

Cuba says cholera cases rise to 158

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HE Cuban government broke 11 days of silence yesterday on the country’s first cholera outbreak in 130 years, noting the number of cases has risen to 158, though no new deaths were reported.

The Health Ministry denied there had been a “spread” of cholera on the Communistruled island, blaming the incidents outside the affected town of Manzanillo on “isolated cases,” that would be “treated and studied promptly.”

“This outbreak is not spreading,” it said in a statement, the second on the outbreak since July 3.

The ministry said the number of confirmed cases of cholera, an intestinal ailment spread through contaminated food and water, had nearly tri-

pled from the 53 previously reported.

Three patients — aged 66, 70 and 95 and suffering from “a history of chronic disease” — have died from the outbreak, according to the ministry’s last report.

While the authorities had kept their silence on cholera, anti-Castro websites based in Miami and some international media published reports about the spread of the disease, saying there had been numerous deaths.

The pro-government blog Y o h a n d r y (www.yohandry.com) said Wednesday that the outbreak has been contained and denied there had been more deaths, claiming that “not a single case exists in Havana.”

Dissidents have criticized the lack of information.

“If anger (against the government) is dangerous, cholera without information transparency is worse,” dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez

tweeted.

Health officials have said they believe heavy rains and hot temperatures contributed to the outbreak.

Zimbabwean staterun newspaper reports a farmer is recovering after surviving a lion attack in the remote northwest of the country.

The Chronicle reported yesterday that a lioness pounced on farmer Joel Ngwenya near the Hwange nature preserve, goring his arms and upper body and leaving him unconscious.

Lions had been preying on livestock in the district.

“The lioness looked straight into my eyes, staring and roaring,” Ngwenya told the paper from a hospital.

It pinned him down with its claws and continued staring at him “face to face,” he said. The lioness briefly moved away toward a lion cub then turned back on him.

He regained consciousness, realizing “it just left me lying down and went away,” the paper further quoted him as saying.

Pakistani police arrest man for burying baby alive

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AKISTANI police arrested a man accused of burying his newborn daughter alive because she was physically deformed, officials said yesterday.

The shocking incident illustrates the sometimes extreme prejudices in Pakistan against children, especially girls that are born with any type of physical deformities.

They are often seen as shameful for the family, especially in the rural, poorer parts of the country where they are viewed as a drain on the family.

Mohammed Anwar, a police officer in the city of Khanewal in the eastern Punjab province, said the child was born Thursday at a hospital in the nearby town of Kacha Khoh.

After seeing his newborn daughter, the father told relatives that the baby was born dead and organized a funeral service, said Shamshad Khalid, the town’s police chief.

The child started crying during the service and the presiding cleric told the father to take the girl to the

hospital, Khalid said. Instead, the man, identified by police as Chand Khan, buried her. Residents alerted the authorities after seeing the father taking the baby to the graveyard, after which police raided the man’s house and arrested him on a murder charge.

Khan, who has four other children, did not tell his wife about his plans to get rid of the child, the police chief said, adding that the wife was still at the hospital when the baby was buried.

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World News

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S late as the beginning of this year, mainstream economists, large private financial houses and the international financial institutions all titillated with the same nonsense.

They chorused of a global economic recovery, piping that their ideas and actions had propelled the economy from stagnation to higher ground. Ignorant and wanting the distress to end, most people believed these envoys of the financial elite; they believed as children believe in leprechauns and the tooth fairy. It was as if the best and the brightest had proven themselves to be such. Not only had they saved the world from economic calamity, they had placed it on a path that would soon make people forget the hard times just experienced. Financial houses were once again flush with cash; they returned to claiming huge profits and paying executives princely bonuses. Ordinary people were told their canoes would rise just as surely as the yachts of the rich had risen. All was caviar, moonbeams and prosperity ahead.

It was all soothing and beautiful.

It was also untrue.

A few heterodox minds warned of something different.

Like Old Testament prophets, they were ignored, when not being fully ridiculed. They were as voices in the desert — wise but ineffectual.

They stood like preachers in abandoned cathedrals. Their sermons were condign but their audience was nothing but four walls and the unpopulated space between them.

Meanwhile, most of the world had trooped into the tabernacle of conventional wisdom to be mesmerized by economic sermons as false as they were delectable. People were told that they would earn and have more if government provided them less. They were persuaded that public austerity produced individual prosperity. Objectively, this sounds like nonsense. It is a rare occasion when less yields more. These instances are basically confined to literature and music where elegant sparseness may have an aesthetic quality that the copious can never duplicate.

However, in the realm of economics which is essentially a contest to produce and procure as much as one can, the idea that a lesser amount will produce greater abundance is profligate nonsense.

Again, it is the stuff of which leprechauns and tooth fairies are cast.

At a time when the world could ill afford their collective occupational dysfunction, unimaginative leaders assumed the stewardship of not only the most powerful nations but of the world’s largest corporations and public institutions.

In the main, those who sought and gained employment in these high offices were made of a substance inferior to the task at hand. While trumpeting their personal greatness, their performance was discordant with the times. It seems their ears and hearts were made of tin.

In the face of dire recession, national governments should have been duty bound to resort to deficit spending to rescue flaccid aggregate demand, thus keeping their weakened economies from deflating. This would have helped the masses without unduly injuring moneyed interests. The inherent fairness of this equation did not impress national leaders. These leaders had ceased being the representative of all their citizens.

They cashed in that chip in exchange for becoming highly paid praetorians exclusively charged with protecting the wealthy and their assets. Here’s a little secret: No one loves deflation more than the well-off and highly capital-

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

The global economy: Crumbling once more Building a wall from the remnants of one previously broken is to court futility

•Obama

By Brian Browne ized. Those who have money and those who are owed money profit when the economy collapses into itself. The politicians who nominally lead their national governments were told to convince the masses that their interests would be served by smaller, stingier government. Fiscal austerity was everywhere proclaimed. Most of us nodded in dumb agreement. The confidence game had worked once more. The fix was on and at a global scale. The rich would return to their profiteering ways. However, installing the rich back to their place on the pedestal enervated the global economy. For everywhere that austerity was proclaimed, it was followed by economic contraction. The world fell into a swoon.

Now the fruit of the tainted bargain is in hand and we are being forced to eat of it. The global economy inches closer to deflationary contraction. Financial crises bite at many nations. In many ways, the global economy is weaker now than on the eve of the 2008 recession. That recession was said to be a “once in a lifetime event.” If we don’t amend our economic ways, severe recession may attain such frequency that its recurrence will seem to be on the fortnight. Several times this year, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank already have reduced their forecasts for global economic growth. The Euro zone is undergoing the financial equivalent of World War II. Greece has bitten the dust. With its economy now comatose, that nation will not see economy renewal for a decade.

Spanish banks sit on a mountain of debt, the payment of which the national government will be forced to guarantee. Given the weakness of its economy, Madrid’s shoulders are too weak for this burden. The interest rate on Spanish sovereign bonds is over seven percent. This amount is too high to sustain. The ersatz financial bailout the European Union has fashioned will be of no aid. Like Greece before it, the pliant Spanish government follows the path of severe austerity.

Today, the Spanish people have turned into angry demonstrators.

They realize the steep diminution of government services and assistance will cost jobs, impoverish many and cause the nation to as-

•Merkel

•Jintao

sume a trajectory leading to utter depression. Should Spain fail, Portugal will drag closely behind it.

Iberia will decouple from Europe and fall into a sea of economic catastrophe as if the product of an epic tectonic convulsion. We are witnessing the financial equivalent of the destruction of Atlantis. This time, the place is known and the people are real. This time, we also will know the reason for the demise. It will not be a natural calamity. It will be an evitable human disaster of human selection.

The rest of the Euro zone has thus far been spared the ravages of depression now crushing Spain and Greece. The rest of the zone is merely in a recession. Across the English Channel, the United Kingdom fares no better. The nation is also in recession. Its Tory government attributes this to the euro crisis. The blame is largely misplaced.

The Cameron government invited recession back into the house by zealously pursuing significant fiscal austerity despite the weakness of the British private sector. So much for textbook economics! In the real world, you get what you pay for. You also bear the bitter consequence of not paying for what you need. While the economy suffers because of the minimalist fiscal policy, another banking scandal has broken. Major players apparently were manipulating the London Interbank Offering Rate (libor), an interest rate the banks set among themselves and to which many other transactional rates are pegged. The rate-fixing scheme was convoluted. Trying to discern how much innocent people lost as a result will be an expedition into the occult. Much of the manipulation and resultant loses were bank versus bank, the piranha seeing if it could out-bite the shark. Significant evidence points to the fact that many individual bankers manipulated the rate in ways that would pad their personal income and bonuses yet prove harmful to the institutions for which they worked. Apparently, these baby sharks have no compulsion in taking bit out of their parent. What the scandal reveals is that no one and nothing is safe in the world of modern predatory finance.

In the United States, economists debate whether America is in recession. That such a debate is tak-

ing place means the economy is close to the edge, if not yet over the cliff. This is the primary reason President Obama finds himself in a tightening electoral race against an otherwise milquetoast, uninspiring opponent. With the world’s largest economy and the rest of the developed world in the doldrums, hope was cast that China would spur the global recovery. The hope was misplaced.

China’s economy is export driven.

With its largest trading partners choking, China would also asphyxiate. Without expanding orders from aboard, the Chinese economy lost fuel. China’s mercantilist success has been built on Western consumerism. With Western consumer demand ebbing, China must build domestic demand or suffer as the West suffers.

To build domestic demand requires China end the artificial suppression of wages and provide more economic and political freedom to its populace. This means abandoning the mercantilist model that has catapulted China into the position of the world’s second largest economy. Nothing is more difficult for a statesman than knowing when a highly successful policy has run its course and must be amended. It is doubtful that China’s very bureaucratic leaders have the visionary aptitude necessary to navigate such a difficult adjustment until it becomes painfully apparent that the change is necessary and tardy.

With the worlds three largest economic units (America, China and the European Union) running below par, the global economy will be in a contractive mode for the near future, even if further policy missteps are avoided. If current errant policies are compounded by news mistakes, we will witness a repeat of the 2008 recession within the next eighteen months. Unless we radically change the financialist ideology now governing the world economy, serial recession will become the enduring trademark of first half of the 21st century.

As fate would have it, salvation often comes in unexpected ways and through unexpected devices.

While the global economy suffers the foolishness of man, our climate likewise has begun to revolt against our folly. Across the northern hemisphere, historically high temperatures and rainfall have re-

cently been recorded. Because of our industrial processes, environmental and climatic calamity beckons more closely than we thought.

The danger point that many believed was a century away may only be several years or a few decades in front of us. Dramatic change is needed to halt the impending collision.

Yet, without the output from our manufacturing processes, we will descend into an economic dark age, unless we can achieve a scientific and technological renaissance enabling us to maintain high levels of industrial output without exacerbating the damage caused to the environment.

What is required is an expenditure that even outstrips what nations collectively spend on war and its materiel. This level of resource allocation must last for a sustained period. Such a vast expenditure lies beyond the capacity of the private sector. Only governments can meet this challenge.

Moreover, only governments that realize austerity cannot answer this existential question need apply for the job. As environmental damage and climatic change become starker, austerity looks more antiquated. It would be the most condemnable folly for government to pinch and save money yet, in the process, endanger the inhabitability of much of the planet. Not only must austerity be jettisoned, the mindset and institutional structures that gave rise to it must also be packed off to the museum as relics of a rapidly fading era.

Governments must turn from seeing themselves as guardians of the rich in order to become the fulcrums of progress and posterity for all. If they do, they will be forced to alter how they legislate and how they spend money. This new perspective will reshape the very contours and aims of society.

Of course, this scenario is highly optimistic in one sense, soberly practical in another. Governing elites currently sit on the opposite side of the room from this generous perspective. It will take more damage and more calamities for the awakening to come to the establishment. This is sad.

Yet, things will eventually deteriorate to the point where even the purblind see that we cannot continue as we are. At that point, the choice will be distilled to one between survival and ideological preference. Ideology will take a back seat to the imperatives of living. Radical reform born of utter necessity may become the only thing that rescues human progress from the selfish designs of the powerful and wealthy.

Unfortunately, this possibility lies in the uncertain future. For the time being, we will be left to scramble and persevere though this period of austerity and elitist economics. This is a moment for Africa to critically question the counsel and directions it receives from the developed world. As we can clearly see, the leaders of those nations have scant clue about resolving their own problems. It is presumptuous that they have the answers to Africa’s. Africa must find its voice and its own way because these developed nations hold no greater wisdom for Africa than they have for themselves.

This change requires that Africa stop being a passive receptacle of mainstream economic thought.

For these ideas were never fashioned to benefit the continent. Africa must have the courage to create new economic ideals that are not servile to foreign designs but are genuine tools to further Africa’s long-term economic interests as defined by Africa itself.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

65

WORDSWORTH T

Eternal lessons of Oyo 3000 workers sack

EBERE WABARA

08055001948

ewabara@yahoo.com

‘Commission projects’? No!

T

HISDAY Back Page of July 6 underdeveloped the English language on two occasions: “The state has (had) a population of 3.9 million in 2006 spread over 31 local government areas....” “...which aims to eradicate (which aims at eradicating) potholes on all township roads in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket.”

THE GUARDIAN of July 3 disseminated dozens of advertorial and editorial errors: “Win one of 10 all expense paid tickets to the Olympics!”

(Full-page Advert by Cowbell) Go for an Olympic expression: Win one of 10 all-expensespaid tickets to the Olympics! The era of sanctity of advert copies is gone.

“Corp members protest posting to crisisprone states” No news: Corps members.

“The sources said that (sic) the Presidency believes (believed) that Mimiko has (had) the acumen....” “...so as to avert a repeat or reoccurrence of this kind of thing in future.” Still on Dana Air tragedy: recurrence— would it have been in the past? Let’s think as we write.

Still on THISDAY of July 6: “The Board and Management of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited congratulates (sic) you, (sic) for adding a new feather (a feather) to your cap....” (Full-page Advert in honour of the AGF and Justice Minister) The Board and Management are two entities in corporate structures hence the need for pluralism.

Most electronic and print colleagues of mine are fond of using the expression “commissioning of...project”. This is wrong! The only close (contextual) verbal application of ‘commission’ is ‘to officially ask somebody to write, make or create something or to do a task for you.’ Two examples: ‘She has been commissioned to write a new national anthem.

Publishers have commissioned a French translation of the book.’ So, instead of this manifest absurdity, let us use ‘inaugurate’/’launch’/’unveil’....

From Vanguard of June 29 comes this: “Defunct NITEL workers lay siege on ministry” For the sake of Uncle Sam Amuka, I will not lay siege to the Kirikiri Canal office of the medium which is working towards a better life for the people.

Overheard on July 13: “It is over a year ago since we met.” ‘Ago’ and ‘since’ cannot co-function. So: It was over a year ago that we met.

THE GUARDIAN of June 29 carried two infelicities: “…Nwodo spoke to journalists in Enugu on his role in the controversial dissolution of the state executive of the state chapter of the PDP, which has pit (pitted) him against the state government.”

“He recently visited Nigeria and had a chat with The Guardian…where he bares (bared) his mind….” “…we had to be praying we should not meet ourselves (one another) at the war front.” (THE NATION, June 29) “They both died in Abuja in a ghastly (fatal) motor accident.” ((THE PUNCH, June 29) Once a vehicular mishap results in death, it is fatal. But, if there is no loss of life, it is ghastly. There is a clear distinction between fatalistic finality and ghastliness.

“The minister at (on) the occasion remarked that his administration was determined to make a difference by opening new frontiers inspite (in spite) of….” (Nigerian Tribune, June 29) “I would have advised that the wishes of the people is (sic) the most paramount….” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, June 29) You know the issue here. “…that it will not be fair to the people and it is high time we take him by his words and relied on him.”

(THE GUARDIAN, June 29) It is high time we took (or time we take) Rutam House seriously on crumbling professional excellence.

“Less than 20 of them had just taken their seats when suddenly, (needless comma) there was a big bang and the steel pillars carrying the big tank situated between two classroom blocks….” (SATUR-

DAY TRIBUNE, July 7) ‘Big bang’ reminds me of ‘heavy downpour’ and ‘mass exodus’! Dear reader, flee from unnecessary embellishments (big, heavy and mass). Why not between classroom blocks?

“She speaks (is it a continuous process?) on her mission and what she has in stock for the rural woman in Africa.” (SATURDAY TRIBUNE, July 7) What do Nigerian newspapers have in store for readers?

“What to know about beddings” (Nigerian Compass, June 29) Uncountable: heyday, yesteryear, bedding, cutlery, infrastructure, harassment, stationery, et al. “…Osun CAN receives PDP decampees” (Vanguard, June 29)) British Standard English: Simply, defectors. ‘Decampees’ is a Nigerian creation.

“50 persons arrested over obaship crisis in Ogun community” (THE NATION, June 29) Next time, I will arrest this soar-away medium for (not over) lexical laxity.

“Complaint galore over boxing weigh-in scales” (DAILY Sun, June 29) This way: complaints galore.

The next two headline blunders are from THE NATION of September 24: “Peak warms up to consumers” Grammar is not a shopping affair: just worm up.

“CBN boss absorbs Spring Bank MD of fraud” Dear reader, who will absolve this medium of linguistic fraud?

“Between the strenght of the naira and inflation risk” (BUSINESSDAY, July 2)) The spelling and grammar icon of any computer detects this kind of juvenile error: strength, but straight, please! “…on the ground (grounds) of massive irregularities….” (THE GUARDIAN, July 7) “It is unfortunate that politics has degenerated into this mindless bubble and reducing (reduced) leaders to mere liars (a liar is a liar!) in the face of opportunism.” (Source: as above) “The result was that what was supposed to be a consensus agreement willingly entered into by…” Is ‘consensus agreement’ a new morphological combination? Next time, just deploy either.

HE recent lay-off of 3000 workers in the employment of the Oyo State government has brought out the vulnerability of our system to the vices that have held the Nigerian society by the jugular. Many people have not ceased to wonder why the Nigerian system could have within its fold such tendency for malfeasance, a situation that has, like the metastasis of cancer, eaten into the fabrics of our society.

Many of us travel abroad, to the United States of America, United Kingdom and other mature democracies and are excited and fascinated by the order and process in place in those places. To be candid, there is actually nowhere in the world where there are no evil doers. Indeed, as the holy writ says, man is innately evil and his tendency for evil is unparalleled. Thus, this writer does not concur with the racist epistemology which submits that Africans have a genetic pull towards disorder.

Nigerians and indeed our leaders, when they travel out and see the order elsewhere, salivate for it so much that they want it cloned in our land. But a combination of the temporality of human passion and the dread of entrenched decades of rot and fear of what the people will say often conspire to make the dream die even before takeoff. It is the main reason why Nigeria is at the doldrums as it is. There is a combined resignation to rot and lethargy towards the fumigation of the Nigerian society. Nigeria is a perfect replica of the Ghana of Ayi Kwei Armah’s The beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born. You can easily replicate the wriggling maggots and the putrid odor of that failed Ghanaian state and the people’s resignation in today’s Nigeria.

What is even worse is that any leader or anyone who tries to break this bar by attempting to disinfect the rot is held as not only atypical but a rebel, a runner against the mill, if you like.

It is this same scenario that is playing out in Oyo State at present. Thanks to the cyber world, details of the scenario are a tap away on one’s computer. They are as follows: Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, who is currently facing the law on account of allegations of being a prominent cast in a rot drama that played out in the state during his rule, had, apparently genuinely moved by the allegations of rot in the civil and public service of the state, empowered a consulting firm called Captain Consultin to do an audit of the state public service. As it had been briefed, the firm did the job to the best of its knowledge and, upon the interrogation of the credentials of workers in the state, brought out a list of alleged forgers of school certificates, birth certificates, alleged ghost workers and workers who had disciplinary cases against them like stealing and allied offences.

They were about 4000. Unfortunately for probity and good governance, the report came out at a time when election was afoot and Alao-Akala, bothered more about the quest to remain in office than instilling sanity in the system, kept the list under his table. Take that, as dramatists say, as Act One, Scene One. Act One Scene Two: AlaoAkala even made a peremptory attempt to instill this rare sanity by sacking a negligible few among these workers, according to reports available to this

• Ajimobi

By Ireti Awodele writer. He, however, buckled and kept the rest securely locked up inside his drawers.

Act One Scene Three: Apology to William Shakespeare, AlaoAkala exeunt and his successor, Abiola Ajimobi, a man thoroughly steamed in the accountability, probity and sanity of the corporate world, enters the scene.

Act Two Scene One: Ajimobi swears to the people of Oyo State that he had come to protect the integrity of the Oyo public service and to take it away from the drudgery and insanity of the past decades that had conspired to stagnate its movement. The whole civil service of the Western region which makes up the states of the current South West of Nigeria, took their leave from the Oyo civil service of the Western region. Thus, it is incumbent on this public service to show the way in probity and sanity.

Ajimobi thus empanelled a committee, headed by the State Head of Service, Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu, to thoroughly scan the names he inherited from AlaoAkala. In the process, many of the names were dropped by Ajimobi himself and the committee for ambivalent identification in the forgery triangle.

The governor had earlier told the committee, based on the time-worn dictum of law and exegeses of the holy writ, that it is better for a guilty person to go scot free than for an innocent man to be crucified.

Act Two Scene Three: After summoning the consulting firm to his office, Ajimobi wrung off it a letter of indemnity to guarantee that the state government would not suffer from whatever mistake he might have made. This produces a binary result. One, it makes the firm to know that it could not afford to be lopsided in its judgement and second, it saves the state fund, in case of litigation.

Act Three Scene One: Upon all these four major steps he had taken to ensure that the innocent is not unjustly punished and to ensure that there is a thorough safeguard for them, Mr. Probity Abiola Ajimobi ordered that the letters of disengagement should be served on all. If some hawks in the government had their way, the forgers of certificates and those who had been categorized as ghost workers would, by now, be cooling their feet in detention for the serious malfeasance

of forgery but the man at the helms of affairs kicked against it, saying the government had instilled enough deterrent in making a public example of the victims.

To be fair to the conscientious people of Oyo State and many of those who were sacked, they accepted their fates with equanimity. They are even grateful that the government did not seek to retrieve the multiple billions of Naira they had collected over the years fraudulently or turn them over to the law because, in the face of law, those who were disengaged were never employees of government ab-initio.

But some unconscionable characters in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, spearheaded by no less a person than – wait a minute – Chief Alao-Akala, who is currently facing charges of corruption by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has been instigating one Dotun Oyelade, whom I am told was his Josef Goebbels during his lack-lustre four years in office, to pillory this highly applauded governmental move.

The character has been standing logic, truth, commonsense and equity in the face by impugning this highly lauded implementation of decency in office. His reason for this is not only laughable but obtuse. One, he claims to be representing a Synergy Group in the PDP which, as at today, is a non-existent and unrecognized construct in the party. Second, I have been reliably told that, like the heavy followership casualty that the Oyato exponent has suffered since the disappearance of the drunken sailor largesse he flaunts at his erstwhile loyalists, this inscrutable fellow has, sadly, become one of Alao-Akala’s fairweather friends who have turned coat. Third, I am also told that this visceral attack on every good policy of the Ajimobi government that this character has pursued in the last one year, the end product is to seek to squeeze some acquaintance from the ACN government. Fourth, many rightthinking persons have been asking themselves, how can anyone who claims to retain a modicum of humanity in him defend systemic corruption this unabashedly?

The rhetorical question, laced with innuendoes, posed

by Governor Ajimobi at the inauguration of another review •Continued on page 67

66 CHANGE OF NAME OLAKANMI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Olakanmi Ola Onolapo Oluwabimpe Abosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebowale Oluwabimpe Abosede Onolapo. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

ABOH I,formerly known and addressed as Mary Okanwanyi Attah Aboh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mary Okanwanyi Abdul. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKWUKAEZE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Pauline Ukamaka Okwukaeze, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Pauline Amaka Okoro. All former documents remain valid. Centre For Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) Lagos and general public should please take note.

OGUEGBU I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Chima Priscella Oguegbu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezidimma Chima Priscella. All former documents remain valid. Centre For Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) Lagos and general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Jegede Abidemi Adedayo and Shokoya Abidemi Kofoworola is the same and one person all documents bearing the above names remain valid. General public should please take note.

CHUKWUNYERE

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AKPOJUMOBOR I,formerly known and addressed as MISS AKPOJUMOBOR AJIRIOGHENE SUCCESS , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OAHIMIN AJIRIOGHENE SUCCESS AQUILA. All former documents remain valid. Delta State University, First Bank Plc. and general public should please take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

ADEGBEOLA

IWUANYANWU

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AARON

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ENE

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General public should please take note.

AUDU

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Audu Adeola Sekunola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajakaye Adeola Sekunola. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OLOWO

I,formerly known and addressed as Evangelist Preye Grace Olowo, now wish to be known and addressed as Evangelist (Mrs.) Preye Grace Littlejohn. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, PENGASSAN and general public should please take note.

IDOWU I,formerly known and addressed as Idowu, Oluwabusayo Wuraola, now wish to be known and addressed as Ayoola, Oluwabusayo.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should please take note.

IBRAHEEM

EKPE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Deborah Ekpeyongawan Iyang Ekpe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Deborah Abraham-Anlak. All former documents remain valid. UNICAL Microfinance Bank and general public should please take note.

EZENNIA I,formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Ezennia Chisolu Amarachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Igboanugo Chisolu Amarachi. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

EMMANUEL

I,formerly known, called and addressed as Emmanuel Awuli Comfort, now wish to be known and addressed as Umugbe Awuli Comfort. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

BAJEH

I,formerly known, called and addressed as Prophetess Oliva Iye Bajeh, now wish to be known and addressed as Prophetess Mrs. Oliva Iye Omata. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SAM

I,formerly known, called and addressed as Miss Ukpono Okon Sam, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Ukpono Imoh Ibok. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

TOGHANROSE

I,formerly known, called and addressed as Etsede Toghanrose, now wish to be known and addressed as Aboyowa Weyinmi.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OKOROJIS

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. PERPETUAL CHINYERE OKOROJIS, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. PERPETUAL CHINYERE OKAFOR. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OBUYE

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. OBUYE MARIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADAGBON DANIEL MARIA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OHIA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. QUEEN N. UCHENNA OHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. QUEEN N. UCHENNA MADU. All former documents remain valid .General public please take note.

OLODI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. RACHAEL ELO-OGHENE OLODI , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. RACHAEL ELO-OGHENE MORRIS WAGWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

BALODUN

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. BALOGUN FOLUKE ADENIKE , now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. FEMIOJAMO FOLUKE ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

IHEWUOKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS. IHEWUOKWU PRISCAHELEN AMARACHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. IGBOECHE PRISCAHELEN AMARACHI . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, THANKGOD CHIMENEM AMADI and THANKGOD CHIMENEM NSITEM are one and same person, Now wish to be known and addressed as THANKGOD CHIMENEM AMADI . All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EGHAREVBA

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egharevba, Roseline Ehis, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinkuade, Roseline Ehis. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012 CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME HILENYI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Linda Iember Hilenyi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Linda Iember Useh. All former documents remain valid.

National Examinations Council (NECO) and the general public should take note.

ADELEYE I formerly known, called and addressed as MISS ADELEYE ADEDERO VERONICA, Now wish to be known called and addressed as MRS AYORINDE ADEDERO VERONICA. All former documents remain valid NYSC Headquarters, Abuja and the general public should take note.

DUROJAIYE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Durojaiye Oluwatoyin Abiodun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Adeokun Oluwatoyin Abiodun. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commision and general public should take note.

DUROJAIYE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Salu Ayisat Funmilola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ashiru Ayisat Funmilola. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

PETER

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Lawal Rafiu is the same and one person as , now wish to be known and addressed as Lawal Folarin Elegushi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ONI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Udoye Nkeiruka F., now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nkeiruka Okechukwu Onyemwnam F. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AHIABUIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Inisaziba Jonnie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Inisaziba Nyamotam Believe Nelson Wolisi. All former documents remain valid. NPA Management and general public should take note.

I, formerly known as PETER OPARAOCHA, now wish to be known and addresed as KENNETH ENEJE OPARAOCHA. All former documents remains valid. Sky Bank, General public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Omotayo Adenike Oni, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omotayo Adenike Esuola. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as Victor Paul Ahiabuike, now wish to be known and addressed as Victor Paul Obike. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADELEYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeleye Ruqoyah Funmilayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Tijani Ruqoyah Funmilayo. All former documents remain valid. NYSC ,Ekiti State University and general public should please take note.

SAMUEL

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Samuel Adekunle Mary Olayinka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Sowole Mary Olayinka. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ETTEFIA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Ettefia Esther Isong, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ogu Eshter Isong. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MUSA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Musa Gbadamosi Nimota, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Anyasodor Christiana. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

SAMUEL I,formerly known and addressed as Samuel Adeola Iretioluwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Banto Adeola Iretioluwa. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OSADARE I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Osadare Iyabo Esther, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ibitoye-Jacob Iyabo Esther.

All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

AKINLABI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Akinlabi Abiodun Oyerin, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ajibi Abiodun Oyerin. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

LATTEF

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Lattef Anifat Adenike, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Shittu Anifat Adenike. All former documents remain valid.

Nahma Construction Copmany and general public should please take note.

ADEOTI

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeoti Ganiat Agbeke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajagbe Ganiat Agbeke. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKUNLOLA

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Okunlola Temitope Suliat , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Abdul Kareem Temitope Suliat. All former documents remain valid. Ojokoro Mfb and general public should please take note.

AKINSETE I, formerly known and addressed as Benson Bayo Akinsete, now wish to be known and addressed as Ben Akanni Ajifowoke. All former documents remain valid.

University of Lagos and the general public should take note.

NKEIRUKA

JOHNNIE

UBANI

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Goodness Ukachi Ubani, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Goodness Idehai-Frederick. All former documents remain valid.National Orientation Agency, National Headquarters FCT, Abuja, University of A buja and general public should take note.

ADELEKE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeleke Rhoda Adeolu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Omotara Rhoda Adeolu. All former documents remain valid.General public should take note.

EGBETU I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egbetu Ebele Patricia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Okpata Ebele Patricia. All former documents remain valid.

INEC and general public should take note.

ONYEKWELU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyekwelu Adaobi Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ikediobi Adaobi Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

RAHEEM

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aminat Titilope Raheem, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aminat Titilope Owolabi. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

FATOPE

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Fatope Mercy Aina, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Babalola Mercy Aina. All former documents remain valid.

Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board and general public should take note.

FALARUNU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Falarunu Bolanle Bukola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Filaodun Bolanle Bukola. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Hospital Management Board and general public should take note.

ADEYEYE

I,formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeyeye Esther Bosede, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sina-Ayodele Esther. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti and general public should please take note.

IGENE

I,formerly known and addressed as Chidi Hannah Amina Igene, now wish to be known and addressed as Chidi Hannah Amina Kalu. All former documents remain valid.

Nigerian Immigration, NPA and general public should please take note.

ADVERT: Simply produce your marriage certificate or sworn affidavit for a change of name publication, with just (N4,500. NEW RATE effective from 20th March) The payment can be made through FIRST BANK of Nigeria Plc. Account number 2017220392 Account Name VINTAGE PRESS LIMITED Scan the details of your advert and teller to -gbengaodejide@yahoo.com or thenation_advert@yahoo.com For enquiry please contact: Gbenga on 08052720421, 08161675390, Email- gbengaodejide @yahoo.com or our offices nationwide.

Note this! Change of name is now published every Sundays, all materials should reach us two days before publication.

THE NATION ON SUNDAY JULY 15, 2012

Insight

67

For the world’s newest nation, a rocky start •Continued from Page 18 Khartoum, which reneged on a promise of a federal state. War between north and south battered the country until a peace agreement in 1972.

In 1983, John Garang, a charismatic southerner in the Sudanese national army, led a mutiny that reignited the conflict. With other commanders, Garang, a Dinka, built the rebel army into a force to take on Khartoum.

Garang imagined a “New Sudan” that would embrace democracy and give every ethnic and religious group equal sway. Unlike many of his fellow rebels, he opposed secession and wanted to remake the country as a unified whole.

Two decades of fighting followed until a peace deal was signed in 2005. Soon after, Garang died in a helicopter crash. His deputy, Salva Kiir, who had been keener on secession, took over.

Garang’s photo still hangs on the walls of offices and government buildings in Juba, but with secession, his vision of a multi-ethnic, unified Sudan died.

Kiir, now president, says he is committed to building an inclusive state in South Sudan.

But for people like Akot Maze, the 47-year-old former commissioner of Pibor county, it’s not the same.

Maze was in secondary school when the civil war restarted. Like thousands of other students, he was caught up in the revolutionary fervor. A stint in the nascent Sudan People’s Liberation Army transformed how he thought about identity and tribe.

“Eventually, every student from Bor, from Equatoria, from Malakal, from Khartoum, we just met in the bush,” he said. The aim was to make a nation in which people “don’t know what tribe they belong to, but know what country they belong to.”

Two years into the peace deal, Maze was appointed commissioner of Pibor county. He expected peace would bring development and link the region to the rest of the south.

But in the six years between the peace deal and independence last year, his hopes have faded.

Officials from South Sudan’s governmentin-waiting promised new projects, but rarely delivered. When Kiir visited Pibor in 2007, he promised two primary schools, a secondary school and a hospital, to be named after a prominent Murle commander, Maze said. None of it has been built. A plaque to mark the site of the hospital is crumbling, the name of the would-be building erased by the sun and rain.

Maze’s frustration led to a dispute with Jonglei state governor Kuol Manyang, one of the army’s most powerful commanders. The governor sacked Maze last year. Maze said he had accused the state of discrimination against the Murle, and suspected he was being punished for speaking up.

Manyang said the two did not have a good working relationship and that Maze had not been cooperating. “It’s not the first time for a person to be shuffled,” Manyang said.

Maze left his post in December, just days before the Nuer raiders reached Pibor.

A FAMILIAR PATTERN Several hours after state security minister Duop spoke to Pibor residents about the cattle raid, he sat down with Joshua Konyi, the commissioner who replaced Maze. The two old soldiers had fought side-by-side in a 1987 battle in which the SPLA captured Pibor from the pro-

•Continued from Page 26 on Free Movement across the West Africa sub-region.

Besides, the grazing route passes through Berom land which makes the issue complex because apart from the Fulani residing on Berom land, there are lots of itinerant Fulanis who transit through the land tracing the national grazing reserves.

A chat with the national secretary of Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Saleh Bayeri, indicates that some of the clashes between the two parties are with the itinerant Fulani who may be on transit from other parts of West Africa. He claims that the Berom always vented their anger on the resident Fulani who may innocent of the previous attacks. Bayeri also believes that all the attacks by Fulani on the Berom were reprisals for previous attacks by Berom - including the most recent attack which consumed Senator Gyang Datong and Hon. Gyang Fulani and over 100 Berom.

This is what Bayeri told the presidential committee in a meeting held in Abuja

• Salva Kiir Mayardi north, largely Murle militia that controlled the area for most of the war. Now they sat outside in the fading light, sipping tea from plastic cups.

“The first place where I shot a bullet was here, in Pibor,” said Duop, who put his age at around 14 at the time. Duop talked about his friendship with Konyi, a Murle, and how the camaraderie of the war years was evidence that divisions between South Sudan’s diverse people could be overcome.

But in other ways he seemed dismissive of the country’s smaller ethnic groups.

“I know why we fought the war. We fought to liberate these people,” he said. “We are not in a position to let them kill themselves because of ignorance and poverty.”

Murle leaders agree a lack of economic opportunity is the main reason for the violence, but say Duop and the government miss an important point: For all its talk about peace and security and development, the government seems unable to deliver the most basic services.

Instead, they say, authorities rely on shortsighted and unworkable disarmament campaigns managed by the army, a sprawling organization made up of former militias.

After the raids, Murle leaders requested a peace conference with the Lou-Nuer to try to avoid any more attacks. But before that happened, the government had begun collecting guns from locals, including policemen. To many, it was a familiar pattern.

“They have no long-term plan,” Maze said of the government’s reaction.

Without more progress, some Murle may start to turn against the ruling party, he said.

“We try to convince them that the government is a government of all, not a government of

Dinka or Nuer. But that feeling is there.”

The sense of alienation has left people like pastor Chachin worried about the future. By April, he was planning how he might send his children away, to escape the violence and poverty. Yei, a town in the south near the border with Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, sounded promising, he said.

Maze had begun considering ways he might rejoin the national army, and was less pessimistic. But he did not expect much from the government.

“Now to talk about opening roads to the area, to talk about opening a school, to talk about opening a clinic, hospital and all that - I think it is a dream,” he said. (REUTERS)

Eternal lessons of Oyo 3000 workers sack •Continued from Page 65 panel to look into claims of those who say they were unfairly sacked has also received the blind and irrational harangue of this ex-Alao-Akala lickspittle. Ajimobi had asked the people of Oyo State, and I quote: “But, I say once again, ours is a listening government. If this is the consensus of the good people of Oyo State that anyone who has stolen government money; anyone who falsified age; anyone who falsified certificates; anyone who is a ghost worker, we should leave them in the system, so be it. We will respect the wishes of our people but I must tell you, if we do this, this state will not move forward.” But this character was either too dumb to penetrate this literature or too enmeshed in the rot of the past to access the sincerity of the statement. Surely, his certificates should be scanned!

This writer, and like many people in Oyo State, has been inundated with calls for mercy by many victims of the purge. All the requests have been towards asking for mercy.

A particular man, whom we all know is 72 years old and who was sacked for doctoring

his age, was forthright enough to own up to this misdemeanor, saying that he and many others falsified their ages at the time because it was a Nigerian phenomenon to doctor ages.

Our qualified graduates roam the streets jobless because many civil servants who were not qualified ab-initio have refused to leave, doctoring their ages and credentials. But, must this continue? Must we continue to salivate for the order of America, the candor of UK and not imbibe their process? This is a question that we all must answer.

In saner climes not buffeted by the un-enduring shenanigans of politics, this act of probity by the Ajimobi government would be on the lips of praise-singers forever. Nigeria must elect to either stand on the path of probity wholesale and reap the dividends of probity or stand by fraud and corruption and reap its maggots. We cannot desire the order of America and the process of an organized society and be enmeshed in the chaos of fraud and forgery. The choice, apparently, is ours.

•Awodele, an Oyo State indigene, lives in Davis, California.

Plateau killings: Behind the rivers of blood on Thursday 25th March 2010: “The Fulanis are simple and rustic people who have no border or territorial ambition or social amenities like potable water, roads, electricity and other facilities of modern living, rather they are masters of their environment and fierce fighters who did everything to live simple and undeterred lifestyle. It will be difficult to control the Fulani herdsmen once a single one of them falls victim of any form of aggression by any group or individual, as their communication chain is almost fault-free, instant and far reaching and is only controlled by a single approved authority.”

The late Emir of Wase, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi Maikano, also told the committee when they visited him on the 19th of March 2010 this: “Fulanis in general have a peculiar attitude - the herdsmen among them so attach their lives to their cattle that if anyone violated their cattle, the Fulani will neither forget nor forgive” He said: “The Fulani’s life revolves

around his cattle. The Fulani herdsman is apolitical, spartan and cares not for social amenities of life. The Fulani has the highest population in West Africa and have a good network; an attack on one is tantamount to an attack on all.

The emir who is also a Fulani also said: “Whenever the Fulani suffer an attack, efforts must be made to pacify them immediately and efforts should be made not to allow them leave their abode because their departure could be very dangerous to their erstwhile host community” These comments by the two Fulani leaders give an insight into what is currently happening in Berom land.

The Beroms, for their part, believe that the Fulani are being used to achieve the Jihadist agenda of certain groups in Nigeria. According to Col. David Dungs (rtd), former Military Administrator of Delta State: “We have been living in peace with the

Fulani for over a century now without conflict. The excuse of grazing land is a cover up for the real goal of their sponsors. This is purely an expansionist policy aimed at chasing the Berom out of their land. In fact, the entire Jos is their target and Berom is the major tribe here.”

Chief Toma Jang Davou, a Berom elder says: “The battle to take over our state has been on before the independence of the country. The colonial masters tried it but failed; the jihadists also tried at a time. They are back again and they will fail. We will fight to defend our state.”

With both sides taking entrenched positions and interpreting the causes of the conflicting from different prisms it would require the wisdom of Solomon and uncommon diplomatic skills to restore peace and harmony to this bitterly-divided community.

68

WORSHIP THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

NEWS The essence of prophecies, by Ayodele

P

ROPHECIES are not meant to frighten, embarrass or armtwist government officials but to guard them, founder of Inri Spiritual Evangelical Church Oke Afa Lagos, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has declared.

Speaking during the launch of his 2012/2013 edition of Warnings to the Nations last week, Ayodele stated that prophecies are ‘’God’s ways of directing our paths in the journey of life.’’

The seer urged government officials not to disdain prophecies or

E

By Sunday Oguntola

handle them with kid’s gloves but play close attention to avert calamities in the nation. ‘’When they listen and do as God says, they will not only save themselves but also the nation from needless headaches,’’ he reiterated.

He predicted that the deadly Islamic terrorist group, Boko Haram, will soon be crushed.

He also stated that President Goodluck Jonathan will attempt to contest the 2015

presidential election, a development he said will pitch him against the masses.

Ayodele, in the 179book, predicted the creation of new states and famine across the nation.

On government agencies, he said the uniforms of the Nigeria Immigration Service and Customs will be changed.

He also stated that the Nigeria Prison Service will witness reforms that will lead to new salary package, building of new prisons and jail breaks.

The search for super dads

NGINEER Joseph Folayan made a fundamental error as a young man he keeps regretting. Shortly after getting married, he got a high-flying job that took him around the globe. He was practically living his dream, but at a great cost-his family life.

The former President of Nigeria Society of Engineer (NSE) recalled: ‘‘In my earlier years as a father, my priorities were wrong, I was out to make money and I neglected my fundamental role in training up my children. One thing I regret that I did not do was that I did not spend enough time with my children. I worked and worked and neglected my parental responsibility.’’

It took many years before he realised how wrong he had been. ‘‘My little son was doing a post graduate and part of the requirement was for him to write an essay and he gave me to proof read and while reading through, I saw that he wrote about how he was playing football in the NUGA games at the University of Ilorin and he

By Adeola Ogunlade

highlighted how his mum supported him to achieve his dreams and I shed tears.’’

Today, Folayan is a grown and changed man. He has become a super dad and is spearheading the crusade for fathers to spend quality time with their kids.

According to him, ‘‘I will advise young couples to spend quality time with your children. It is good for parents to spend quality time with their children and they will forever live to remember you have been there for them.’’

The father of four is founder of Club Abraham International, a faith-based non-governmental organisation through which he is building super dads.

He is eminently qualified.

Married for over 42 years to a black American, Folayan has seen so much to impact.

Fathers, he said, are fundamental to nation building. ‘‘I hope that those who have failed in their duties as fathers would have some soul-searching moments because when you have a conscience you should know how well you have fared in your fatherly

role.’’

On how to become an exemplary father, Folayan said: ‘‘A good father must be brave, courageous, hardworking and a provider for the need of the family. He should have a conscience in whatever he does. He should do things that would make his children proud of him.

He should relate with his children in a manner that will glorify God. A good father should be an example of righteousness and charity in his home and in the society. A father should be a steward that the children can vouch for any day and at anytime.’’

•Folayan

Women seek empowerment, better Nigeria

C

HRISTIAN women drawn from different parts of Nigeria gathered last week in Abuja to seek God’s face and pray for the many challenges facing the nation.

By Sunday Oguntola

It was at the maiden edition of Hannah’s cry, an interdenominational outreach to women hosted by Prophetess Nonnie Roberson.

•A section of participants at the outreach

Roberson said the outreach was to reposition women from all facets of life.

Women, she stated, can achieve greatness against all odds when they pray to God. Hannah’s Cry, according to her, ‘’is a clear divine vision of God to restore lost hope of any kind among women.”

She argued that when women are in order, their homes and the society will thrive.

Roberson added: “The vision is beyond women believing God for the fruit of the womb only, it’s a period where women pray through their life challenges, family challenges etc.’’

With testimonies recorded at the event, she said that the outreach will now be bi-annual.

The next edition holds in December.

INTERVIEW

‘We must fix the lessprivileged to have peace’ The General Overseer of Amazing Grace Pentecostal Church Lagos, Bishop (Mrs.) Chioma Dauji, spoke with Sunday Oguntola on how to tackle the insecurity challenge facing the nation through investment in humanitarian activities.

Excerpts:

H

OW do you feel when you see people suffering?

I don’t like it at all. It saddens and disturbs me. I feel compassion for them and wonder why sometimes.

Is that why you have many of them around you?

I would say definitely yes. For me, ministry is all about service and humanity, not structures and buildings. I started under the bridge in Ojuelegba. I remember the area boys used to puff Indian hemp on my face then. They were very abusive and insulting but I was not bothered since I knew what I wanted. Then, some started becoming converted. I then had a challenge with housing them. They had no jobs. I had to fix them all. Before then, I had been going to prison to minister to women. When Lagos State embarked on the prison decongestion exercise, I took in many ex-convicts.

Many of their relations rejected them. Many had no where to go. So, we had to take them in the church. Till date, I make donations every month to prisons in the state. I realised there was the need to separate the church from the ministry and we have done that.

How do you get funding?

It is just from the church right now. We don’t have anybody helping us. It will look like you are begging when you discuss with people. I have decided to remain like this and continue to pray to God for help. Not everyone is called into this kind of ministry.

We have Amazing Grace International Football Club made up of many lessprivileged young boys.

They are very good. Many of them have no one in Lagos. I established the club to engage them. By the grace of God, they are going places. We are investing

•Dauji

heavily in them through counselling and provision of infrastructure. We believe the world will soon hear of them. They are in the church because they don’t have any where to go.

Would you say the insecurity challenge we are having is due to inability to fix the lessprivileged like you are doing?

I wouldl say yes. You will find they are the ones mostly involved in crimes.

They are jobless; down and out. You know an idle hand is the devil’s workshop. So, the more of them we keep from the streets, the more secured we become. The government has to look critically into how to reach these people. They form the masses and can overrun everybody if we continue to ignore them. They have nothing to lose anyway since they are down and out. So, we must fight unemployment, joblessness and poverty among our people.

What is God saying about Nigeria now?

I believe God is interested in this country.

These things happening today are a lesson to all of us. Nigerians never take security seriously.

Democracy has made us relax. We are not securityconscious at all. It is a lesson for us to know that God rules in the affairs of men. It is a lesson to those in power that think they are untouchable and protected.

You see what is happening is touching everyone. Our leaders don’t think of others at all. They think only of themselves. Now, they know there is a power greater than what they think they have. They are the ones that have problems. Those of us who have nothing to hide are free. This security challenge is a wake up call for us to take care of the less privileged. If you think you are safe, then you are deceiving yourself. If you loot public funds, one day these people will come for you. So, we must fix them for us to have peace.

WHAT AND WHERE?

RCCG holds seminar

T

HE Excellent Men fellowship of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Zion Sanctuary Lagos Province 8 will hold a two-in-one

seminar next Saturday.

Lagos Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Pastor Ben Akabueze, will speak on the role of father in raising godly

children while a financial and risk management consultant, Mr. Tunji Iyiola, will speak on wealth creation and investment opportunities.

The seminar starts by 9.30am at the church’s auditorium, Ib, Idowu Ajao Road, Anthony Lagos.

Worship

THE NATION ON SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

Love Fever (contd.)

Pastor Taiwo Odubiyi

CHRISTIAN ROMANCE SERIES

T

HE man was of an average height and dark in complexion. He wasn’t particularly handsome but he had a face that was easy to like.

He wore a white shirt under his black suit. He would be in his thirties, Tosin thought.

“My what?” Tosin asked.

“Your husband, of course.” Joe still had the smile on his face as he looked straight into her eyes.

“Oh!” She didn’t know what else to say.

“Let me not keep you then.” He said as he moved to a side. “See you around.”

“Yes. Good night, Mr. Olayemi.”

As Tosin drove toward her sister’s house, the car window completely rolled down, the wind blew her hair around.

She thought of her encounter with Joe and how friendly he seemed. He joined the organisation only about two months ago, and as they were not in the same department, she hadn’t had much to do with him.

The brief meeting with the man seemed to have lifted her spirit a little but soon, she would be at home where her mood would change. Remembering Joe’s comment about her being in a hurry to get home to her husband brought a sad smile to her face. If only he knew the situation of things between her and her husband, Ladi. In fact, it was because she was thinking about her

problems that she hadn’t seen Joe until she bumped into him.

Her husband sometimes tried to make conversations with her but she wasn’t enjoying his company again as she used to.

She knew she was the one who was changing, her heart was changing toward her husband. He was still trying to make things work between them. She must admit his efforts, but she would prefer he loved her, her own way.

She slowed down to enter her sister’s street, and she could see the house down the road.

She parked her car near the main entrance of her sister’s house and went inside.

Some thirty minutes after, she was on the road again driving toward her house. The house, which was painted white and grey hid behind a high fence with a black iron gate.

When she reached the front of the entrance to her house, she honked the horn twice repeatedly, as she usually did, a sign she and her husband had given the security man to announce their arrival. Soon the gate was opened.

“Welcome, Madam.”

“How are you? How is work?” She asked the man in greeting as she drove into the compound of their bungalow house.

“Fine, Madam.”

The red Lexus was in the garage, which meant her husband was at home. She parked the car and got down.

As she locked the door, the front door opened, to reveal her husband and Tireni standing there.

She walked up to them.

“Hi,” she said dryly to Ladi, and bending, she gathered Tireni in her arms lovingly.

“How is my baby?”

“Fine.” Tireni replied.

When she straightened up, Ladi came closer to her and

dropped a kiss on her cheek.

“How was work today?”

“Not bad.” She said without wasting words.

Ladi pulled her to him, but she broke the embrace and walked into the warm apartment of five bedrooms. Ladi followed, shutting the door.

The interior décor, which was in green and cream, was luxurious and fine, with a marble flooring and rug. Flowers were placed at different points to decorate the living room, and various Bible picture frames lined the wall. The dining area was to the right of the room, complete with table and chairs.

Tosin sat down on the sofa and pulled off her shoes.

The room was tidy, she noticed. Then she called Tireni and was playing with her.

Ladi sat away from her and watched. He had thought of her all day, remembering her angry, sadness-filled eyes. He knew she was hurting. They were both hurting but she was the one at fault, surely. He knew he was right and he had valid points concerning all the things that seemed to be causing clashes between them.

As a man, he was the head of his home and must be in control. It was his wife who must change and submit to him.

But why was Tosin finding it difficult to submit and see things his way? There must be something they were doing wrong. They must be missing it somewhere, even though he couldn’t really place his finger on what it was.

Determined, he stood up.

He must find a way to break down this invincible wall that was between them.

To be continued.

For this novel and other books by the same author, Contact: 08023000773, 08058040949

NEWS Kure becomes international ambassador

T

HE Vision Coordinator of the Throne room Trust Ministries Kafanchan, Kaduna State, Apostle Nuhu Kure, has been consecrated as Global Spheres International Ambassador to Africa and as Convening Apostle for Africa.

Popular preachers, Peter Wagner, Pat Francis and

Chuck Pierce conducted the consecration at the Global Spheres Centre, Texas, USA. Global Spheres is the new name for Global Harvest formerly led by Peter and Doris Wagner.

Chuck Pierce is their successor.

Kure, one of the four clerics invited to pray for the

•Kure being prayed for during the consecration

Late President Musa Yar’Adua, said: “It is a new dawn of great opportunities for Africa and African apostles. ‘’The world is going global and those with the secrets of the Lord must unite to give it direction and meaning. This is the opportunity and platform.”

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Hunger for God said, is great gain (see 1Timothy 6:6).

Bishop Abraham Olaleye

REVIVAL HOUR

N

ELSON Bible Dictionary defines

hunger as “a strong need or intense desire for food”. The Hebrew word translated hunger is also translated as famine to indicate a widespread and serious shortage of food. As we desire food to keep our body and soul together, we also have the need for God and the things of the Spirit in our lives. Moses told the Israelites that man does not live only by natural bread but by the bread of life, which is the word of God (Deut. 8:3).

Hunger for God therefore is the appetite of God’s presence. It is a spiritual craving that only God can satisfy. The sons of Korah understood what it means to hunger for God when they cried, As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42: 1-2).

This righteous hunger is an experience we acquire and the things of this world are no longer satisfying or able to provide us spiritual fulfilment.

Our appetite for things gradually declines. David knew what it meant to be hungry for God, hence he wrote from the wilderness of Judah, “When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.

Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.

MY SOUL FOLLOWETH HARD AFTER THEE: thy right hand upholdeth me (Psalm 63: 6-9 KJV Emphasis mine).

In His famous teaching on the mountain, the Beatitudes, Jesus told His disciple, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). The men of this world continue to quench their thirst and satisfy their hunger but remain unsatisfied. They grab everything their eyes see and their heart lust after in so many unspeakable ways - they continue to gratify the desires of the flesh. They enjoy what we can call the best of life. If they derived any joy, it was a short-lived one. None of these things have given them real satisfaction. The wealth of Solomon, for instance, could not give him this satisfaction.

Hence he said, Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Jesus, knowing the unending desire of man, taught His disciples, to direct their hunger and thirst towards righteousness and the things of the Kingdom. By so doing, he assured, they would experience great satisfaction.

This righteous hunger is the key to permanent satisfaction in life.

Godliness and contentment, Apostle Paul

HUNGER FOR GOD’S WORD This was the prophecy the Lord gave to Amos, “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord GOD, “That I will send a famine on the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, But of hearing the words of the LORD” (Amos 8: 11).

What we are seeing today is a fulfilment of this prophecy. I discovered recently that the words of faith that we call motivational sermons today are no doubt ‘good words’. I think God’s protest is that the church has totally abandoned a balanced teaching and preaching of God’s word. God’s people are no doubt increasing in the possession of material things but very bankrupt in the things of the Spirit. The preachers that have succumbed to the pressures of their members as well as the members are guilty of this offence. If there is famine of the word despite the church’s claim to preaching God’s word, then it is evident it is not the word in God’s expectation that the preachers are preaching. Little wonder therefore that the church is no longer raising men and women of spiritual quality. Little wonder then that we have raised give-me-thisand-give-me-that believers.

The Church is definitely not hearing all that God wants her to hear and God is therefore unexcited.

We have successfully raised people with itchy ears, hearing only what appeals to their senses. If the word is about prosperity, success and breakthrough, it is good word. But if the word challenges our lifestyle, it is not good and is therefore resisted.

Apostle Paul saw this time ahead when he predicted to Timothy, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Paul told Timothy earlier to study enough to show himself approve to God so that he might rightly share the word of truth. God’s servants have the duty to preach the wholesome word. God told Isaiah to lift up his voice like a trumpet and make the iniquity of His people known to them (Isaiah 58:1). God is happy when His children hear the words of faith that changes their attitude to life and puts them in the position to possess what rightly belongs to them.

God will however be happier if the church hears the balanced word. If the preachers do not overstress the messages of prosperity, success and breakthrough to the unfortunate extent that little or nothing is being said about righteousness, holiness, evangelism and the second coming of Jesus, God will be greatly excited. We see therefore that revival is the only way to restore our love for the word that challenges us.

When revival comes, we receive with gladness every word in the scripture.

Deuteronomy 28 does not end in verse 14 but in the 68th

verse. The great book of Psalm begins with, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper” (Psalm 1: 1-3).

With his farewell speech, Moses told the children of Israel, “Set your hearts on all the words which I testify among you today, which you shall command your children to be careful to observe—all the words of this law. For it is not a futile thing for you, because it is your life, and by this word you shall prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 32: 46-47).

When God commissioned Joshua after Moses death, He told him, “Be careful to obey ALL the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do EVERYTHING written in it (Joshua 1: 7-8 NIV).

THE BEREAN QUEST “These were more fairminded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17: 11-12).

One of the challenges in the Church today is the inability of the people to read and study the word personally. This lazy attitude has derailed many who receive anything and everything they hear from the pulpit without deeming it fit to personally confirm their scriptural and doctrinal correctness. The believers in Berea were diligent in searching the scriptures to confirm that they had not been sweet talked into heresy. One of the reasons religious leaders of Bible days failed to believe that Jesus was the Saviour was their inability to search the scriptures. Jesus told them on an occassion that they did not have God’s word abiding in them and that was why they do not believe in Him. He told them, “you search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5: 38 - 39). Jesus later told his disciples” “If you abide in Me, and my words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you” (John 15: 7). The Psalmist says, “I rejoice at your word as one who finds great treasure” (Psalm 119: 162). On the contrary the book of Proverbs says “He who despises the word will be destroyed but he who fears the commandment will be rewarded.” (Proverbs 13:13). To be continue You can reach the author for prayer and counseling through adeewumi@yahoo.com OR Call 0806 285 6991

70

THE NATION SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012

SPORT EXTRA

COUNTDOWN

Blanka Vlasic pulls out of London Games

F

ORMER world champion high jumper Blanka Vlasic has pulled out of London 2012 because of injury.

The Beijing Olympics silver medallist had been struggling with a bacterial infection which had upset her preparations.

Vlasic underwent ankle and heel surgery in January before suffering from the infection.

"I will not be able to get into the top shape in time for Olympic Games," Vlasic confirmed on her own website.

The 28-year-old Croatian has the second highest jump of all time with 2.08m and was one of the favourites to claim gold in London.

However, Vlasic claims she does not want to compete in London if she is not 100% fit.

She said: "I'm not interested in jumping below my usual level, so It is the best thing to stay home and get the healing process to the end.

"I feel this is only a minor setback in my career and I'm looking forward to many more years of successful jumping. This is my chance for a new beginning."

Vlasic claimed gold at the 2007 and 2009 World Championships in Osaka and Berlin respectively and also picked up silver at last year's event in Daegu.

Blake vows to topple Bolt

Y

OHAN Blake is the new kid on the block, the pretender ready for a tenacious bid to usurp training partner Usain Bolt from his lofty pedestal as the world's greatest sprinter.

The Olympics in London are the perfect setting for an intra-Jamaican duel of epic proportions, with Bolt defending his 100 and 200m sprint titles from the 2008 Beijing Games.

Blake's run-off against Bolt in last year's World Championships in Daegu was a washout, the latter sensationally disqualified from the final after false starting, leaving Blake a clear run to the gold medal.

Winning the title at the age of 21 years 245 days made the now 22year-old the youngest ever winner of the world 100m.

This year, Blake and Bolt avoided each other until they could no longer, lining up for a battle royale at the Jamaican Olympic trials.

And Blake pulled off what many observers had long been predicting would happen: he trumped the towering Bolt in both the 100 and 200m to send an almighty tremor through the world of athletics just weeks before the start of the London Games.

The 22-year-old Blake, standing 5ft 11in (1.80m) and weighing 78kg, set two world leads of 9.75 and 19.80sec in the two events and promised that there is more to come. "It's not over. I still have the Olympics to go.

s t e g A B G O R D e m o c l e w c i o r he a n i h C in F

ORMER Chelsea striker Didier Drogba arrived in China yesterday, saying his move to Shanghai Shenhua was not motivated by money despite reportedly becoming the highestpaid player in the country.

"It would have been easier for me to stay in Europe, but I chose China," Drogba said. "Money is not the most important. I am here for a whole new experience."

Drogba said he would not be winding down toward retirement in China but eager to show his best.

"I am here to win matches and be the champion.

I am not here to retire," said the 34-year-old Ivorian International player, who played a key role in Chelsea's winning last season's European Champions League final.

Drogba joins his former Chelsea strike partner Nicolas Anelka at Shenhua amid an influx of bigmoney talent to the Chinese league.

While the powerful forward had offers from other clubs, he was won over when Shenhua club owner Zhu Jun visited his home country.

"I was moved by them," Drogba said of Shenhua's high-level officials. "They are very ambi-

tious, and that's a tremendous challenge."

Zhu is an online gambling magnate whose fortune has already facilitated the hiring of former Argentina coach Sergio Batista and Anelka.

The club has not revealed the details of Drogba's contract, although local media reported the club was willing to pay as much as $15 million per year.

Shangahi sits in 13th place in the 16-team Chinese Super League, 20 points behind leader Guangzhou Evergrande, which itself broke the Chinese transfer spending record to sign Argentine playmaker Dario Conca for $10 million from Fluminense.

Chinese football has long been dogged by mismanagement and corruption, with the level of performance trailing well behind that of neighbors South Korea and Japan. But rapidly escalating salaries are beginning to attract big-name players while authorities have ramped up measures to stamp out match fixing.

Beckenbauer picks Khedira for Bayern

B

AYERN Munich should move heaven and earth to sign Sami Khedira from Real Madrid in the opinion of club director and legend Franz Beckenbauer.

Khedira is, in the opinion of the former Germany defender, a man that the Bavarians need to move forward.

Indeed, Beckenbauer views that Real Madrid midfielder as "world class".

"He is a world class player, as he showed with Germany at the European Championship", said the influential Beckenbauer to TZ. "In Madrid he has developed into a true leader.

There are few players who

have this talent in today’s football", he added.

And in the opinion of Beckenbauer, Khedira is absolutely a man that Bayern Munich need turning out for them at the Allianz Arena.

"Bayern have players with great qualities but sometimes they play at 70 or 80 per cent – that is not enough.

"Khedira is one of the players with lots of character. He is someone Bayern need, but what these players give you is not so easy to see.

"Fans ask for all players to play like Lionel Messi, but there is only one Messi. Khedira is the type of player who sacrifices himself for the team."

•Dzeko

A

C Milan and Juventus are in direct competition to sign Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko.

The Belgian striker had a mixed season at the Etihad Stadium last year of course. He did score a few important goals, but spent a lot of time on the bench too.

The season ended well with Dzeko scoring on a dramatic final day to help Manchester City win the Premier League, but there has been uncertainty about his future for a while now.

With City likely to spend big again this summer and Carlos

Milan, Juve Battle For Dzeko Tevez committing his future to the club, it seems uncertain where Dzeko will fit in.

It is therefore no surprise to see both Juventus and AC Milan interested in securing his signature.

It is thought that the Premier League duo are both keen on recruiting a striker and Dzeko – who has a fantastic goalscoring record – could fit the bill.

Whether the player wants to move to Italy though remains to be seen. It is only 18 months since his move to England and he may prefer to fight for a place at Manchester City.

Mascherano tips Spain to retain World Cup

A

RGENTINA midfielder Javier Mascherano believes it will be difficult for his country to prevent Spain from retaining the World Cup in two years' time.

The former Liverpool man will be key if the Albiceleste are to shine in Brazil, but he has said that the familiarity of playing together for a number of years gives Spain a definite advantage.

He told Radio 9 de Argentina: "There isn't time to play in a similar way to Barcelona, this takes many years of work. We also can't pretend we are going to play like Spain because we are not going to achieve this.

"Spain without doubt are the best team in the world and it will be difficult to move them because they have a winning mentality."

The 28-year-old also spoke of his changing role at Barca, where he plays mainly as a centre-back rather than a holding midfielder, and his belief that his compatriot Marcelo Bielsa could eventually end up there as manager.

"Today in Barcelona I want to continue playing as a central defender, it is where I feel more comfortable and capable of performing," he said.

•Mascherano

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http://www.thenationonlineng.net

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2012 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 6, NO. 2184

P

OLITICAL appointments are usually very calculated affairs in which the most endowed and suitable don’t necessarily get the prize. Sometimes they are made to pay off IOUs, at other times to balance interests.

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, in making Patience Ebele Jonathan (PEJ) Nigeria’s premier First Lady cum Permanent Secretary, claims to have made this appointment on the strength of what is due the dame. According to him, she had risen to the level of director and many who were her juniors had become Permanent Secretaries.

Given the shock with which the appointment has been greeted, madam’s exploits in the Bayelsa State civil service must have been a carefully guarded secret.

Dickson in his defence has also said he was opposed to the spouses of public office holders – who had careers of their own - being discriminated against just because their husbands occupied certain positions. I cannot agree more.

We are all witnesses that Justice Fati Abubakar was First Lady while General Abdulsalami Abubakar was Head of State.

Justice Mary Odili was actively engaged in her career whilst her husband, Peter, was governor of Rivers State. No one in fairness could have argued that they sacrifice their jobs just because of the political station of their spouses. The only difference is none of them took a sabbatical to play the politics of First Ladyship like Dame Patience.

In choosing to be the one to correct PEJ’s career trajectory, Dickson has not done President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan (GEJ), the wife or himself any favours. These sorts of appointments are made with a view to harvesting maximum political and public relations advantage – not to hurt your standing with the public.

Unfortunately the governor is now coming across like a man who picked up an AK47, took clear aim at his foot, and pulled the trigger. All the elaborate explanations cannot shake the impression that this is payback time.

Even if he wanted to appreciate his godfather for making him governor, there are a thousand and one ways in which he could have done so.

He never took time to reflect on all the ramifications of his action. This much was obvious in the apologia earlier issued by the Bayelsa State government explaining the muchderided posting. The appointment of the nation’s First Lady who is based in Abuja as a Permanent Secretary in Yenagoa was just a “routine exercise.”

No, it is not, because of the personalities involved and the circumstances of the appointment. If it was made at the tail end of Jonathan’s tenure with the family returning to private life many will understand.

But pulling such a stunt at this time is bound to attract maximum scrutiny. Questions would be asked as to whether Mrs Jonathan ticked all the boxes necessary for promotion.

In the last 24 hours I have paused to ask myself whether there would have been such a

QUOTABLE “Jonathan cannot win in a free and fair election as it was felt that he did not win in 2011 election. I am one of those who believed that the PDP rigged the election in 2011, just like they rigged in 2003 and 2007.

The only time PDP won in a free and fair election was in 1999”.

—Former Vice Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Ango Abdulahi on election s conducted in Nigeria since 1999.

Festus Eriye efestus2003@yahoo.com 08052135878 (SMS only)

A patient dame gets her reward

•Seriake Dickson

•Patience Jonathan

fuss if this were Turai Yar’Adua or Maryam Babangida? I would say yes.

All over the world First Ladies and the public often have a love-hate relationship. Where they are reasonably popular and accepted, as was the case with Victoria Gowon, it was because they kept their nose out official business.

They are despised when they start meddling in the sacrosanct relationship between the elected and the electorate. It is this way even in advanced democracies like the United States where some of the First Ladies were already proven achievers in their own right before moving into the White House.

When Bill Clinton was running for president he often joked about his wife Hillary – a respected attorney and political activist – that if the American elected him they would also get one free.

Such was his respect for her intellect and abilities that once he became president, he saddled her with the huge task of crafting what he had intended to be his landmark healthcare legislation. Her failure in the assignment was down as much to ideological reasons, as to the fact that political opponents capitalised on public unease with the president’s unelected spouse

taking such a high profile role in the day-today activities of the administration.

Jimmy Carter’s wife, Rosalyn, was even worse. Her husband who respected her so much used to allow her sit in on cabinet meetings – something that played very badly over time with the public and the media.

PEJ fronts a long line of aggressive, overambitious and power-hungry Nigerian First Ladies who have failed to understand this dynamic. From Maryam Babangida to Mariam Abacha to Turai Yar’Adua, the public perception of their attempts at good works has always been that they were engaged in cynical power grabs – leveraging on the position held by their spouses.

If truly she were so career oriented she wouldn’t have been so gung-ho about the First Ladyship. She would have been like Justices Abubakar or Odili who were more occupied with their life’s work than with the vanities of transient political power.

No one is perfect. But Mrs Jonathan is particularly reviled not just because she crosses the line regularly, but also for her perceived insensitivity.

In August 2010, she caused considerable

outrage after publicly scolding Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, for his demolition of buildings in Okirika, her hometown. The furore that broke out forced her to beat a retreat for a couple of months – only to emerge with even greater enthusiasm for stomping around the states.

She would cause further anger after her entourage swept into a couple of cities and left the traffic tangled up for hours. In Warri, a couple of months back, many were left cursing after sitting in their automobiles for ages, just because madam came to open her pal’s beauty salon. The short-fused Lagos crowd was less than impressed when she triggered a similar ‘Go-slow’ crisis after she stormed into their city a while back.

When the appointment was first made some assumed it was a bad joke, and that she would swiftly turn it down. A statement by her spokesman soon made clear she had accepted and was planning on working from Abuja ‘for free.’

This may sound cynical but rather than come across as altruistic, her offer to work pro bono, seems more like a dodge to blunt criticism. Why work for free when it is your career entitlement to earn a salary as Permanent Secretary?

This episode speaks volumes about the judgment of all parties involved. Dickson ought to know his action will only be perceived as nepotism, and bootlicking.

Does he really believe that a lady who ticks off governors in public is going to be taking instructions from a Johnny-Just-Come (JJC) governor like himself – especially one whose climb was facilitated by her husband?

I expect Dickson and the Jonathans to cling on in the hope the dust will soon settle.

Unfortunately, every day the joke runs, this latest self-inflicted injury festers. It is not the work of political enemies – but a classic case of collateral damage caused by friendly fire.

WEEK NOTES Beyond being first

A

LOMA Mariam Mukhtar - a woman who has a history of firsts – deserves all the accolades she’s been receiving. She was the first female Northerner to become a lawyer; first woman to be appointed a justice of the Court of Appeal; and first female justice of the Court of Appeal to be elevated to the Supreme Court.

What is less known is her judicial philosophy and record. The man she succeeds, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, in his brief time in office exhibited a reformist streak – introducing a string of initiatives that surprised judiciary watchers.

She has said she will fight corruption in the judiciary. Everyone says that and they all rarely deliver. The world will be watching to see what Mukthar’s legacy will be beyond being Nigeria’s first female Chief Justice.

A

Shehu Sani protests

Plateau: Another look at security I

I

STILL cannot understand how any group of people can sit down and plan the premeditated slaughter of over 100 people in one swoop as happened in several Plateau State villages last weekend.

For the local Berom, this just the latest ugly chapter in a land grab by the Fulani.

They also say the killings are a direct consequence of the expansionist agenda of Jihadist groups operating in Nigeria.

The Fulani, on their side, say the slaughter is just reprisal attack for similar killings by the other side a few years back.

But then that bloodbath was a supposedly a reaction to murderous clashes with herdsmen in the past; and so the cycle of revenge goes on and on, without any respite in sight.

What is happening in the state only underscores the futility of reprisals and revenge killings. Assuming the victims of this latest tragedy take it upon themselves

to retaliate, they open the door for a quid pro quo from the other side in the not too distant future. When will it end?

Enough blood has been shed on the plateau. It now requires something more than the so-called Special Task Force (STF) to pacify the region. What is needed is some massive peace-keeping force that will keep both sides apart while a political solution acceptable to all is thrashed out.

That approach should also incorporate a Truth and Reconciliation Commission fashioned after the South African model to pave way for healing in the local communities.

In the interim, the STF will have to change the way it does business. It they are undermanned, the Federal Government needs to beef up their ranks given the land mass they have to police.

Interestingly, all reports of the attack on Barkin Ladi and other villages claim that gunmen shot on the grieving crowd

from the surrounding heights. It is amazing that it never occurred to the STF to secure all high ground surrounding these villages such that the advantage is taken away from the invaders.

To assist them in that assignment government should deploy surveillance helicopters to patrol the conflict zone regularly. If this had been done in times past, the STF would have had intelligence about the movement of large numbers of gunmen in the savannah landscape in the state.

Government helicopters should be deployed for this sort of operational use, and not become some prestigious perk for big shots to avoid traffic jams.

If it turns out we don’t have enough helicopters for this sort of job, then we must ask what our federal and state ‘Chief Security Officers’ spend their multi-billion naira security votes on each year.

N last week’s column, I criticised the activist, Shehu Sani’s, demand that President Goodluck Jonathan call him up for information on how to end the Boko Haram insurgency. He was unhappy with my criticism and sent in this protest: “As an editor and seasoned journalist you should devote time to do some research before putting a pen on paper. In this era of technology all you need to do is Google me and know that ‘Shehu Sani’s claim to fame’ is not just about facilitating a peace talk which you derogatorily referred to. If you want to know about me please ask other journalists like Kunle Ajibade, George Mbah, Nosa Igiebor and Ben Charles Obi with whom I shared prison cells during the military era. I want to ask you about this logic: I openly accused the security agencies of deliberately sabotaging efforts at peace, and you want me to go to the security agencies and tell them who can get us out of this problem? Does that sound sensible?

Again, you said I am in it for self-glorification: I will not say anything. I believe if you live in the North and feel the heat, you will better appreciate the risk I am taking.” - Shehu Sani.

PALLADIUM IS ON VACATION HE RETURNS IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

Published by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025, Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361.

Marketing: 4520939, Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Telephone: 07028105302 ISSN: 115-5302 E-mail: sunday@thenationonlineng.net Editor: FESTUS ERIYE